ELEGIES – Saturday 27 April, 7.30pm Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street
Hamish Henderson (1919-2002), was a soldier-poet and scholar-folk revivalist. Elegies is his first-hand account from the North African desert military campaign for which he won the Somerset Maugham Award.
His dedication of the book: “for our own and the others” sets the story within our own common bonds, fragility and humanity, in the setting of the ‘deadlands’ of Cyrenaica (modern-day Libya). The Elegies also reveal the shared helplessness of those loved ones at home waiting, praying – and dancing.
This production is led by a duo of dancers and choreographers Helen Gould and George Adams who together with dancers Nicola Thomson, Edwin Wen and Aimee Williamson embody and represent the characters from the ten elegies set both in the desert and the dance hall by using ceilidh, jive, swing and lindy hop – the popular social dance culture of the 1940s.
Through their movement directorship Gould and Adams weave into the dance, the reading of the Elegies for the Dead in Cyrenaica by spoken word artists Morag Anderson and Stephen Watt; and specially composed and newly arranged trad music and song by Cera Impala.
Wendy Timmons and Iliyana Nedkova,Elegies co-curators and producers from Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland said: “Elegies is a dance poem of serious reflection – a lament for all lives lost not only in WWII but in our world of conflicts, oppression and inequality.
“We were delighted by the positive reaction we received when it was first performed on Remembrance Day last year, and very proud of everyone who has worked with us on this revised adaptation as part of this year’s Pomegranates Festival.”
Elegies was originally commissioned for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023, then extended and revised for Pomegranates Festival 2024.
Trad Dance Session
There will be a post-performance lindy hop social dance session, led and accompanied by Pomegranates 2024 resident musicians from the Castle Rock Jazz Band, in the main atrium at the Scottish Storytellling Centre. All welcome. Tickets are Pay What You Can £5, £10 or £15 and available through the Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office here
The Real Mary King’s Close offers new immersive holiday to live like a 17th century local
Live like a local in 17th century Edinburgh with a stay that sees technology taken away, a visit from the Plague Doctor, and a bucket for a toilet
History lovers now have the chance to live like a 17th century Edinburgh local with a new week-long experience staying in the underground streets of The Real Mary King’s Close that are frozen in time.
You would have to be a ‘fool’ to stay on this immersive experience, as guests see their phones taken from them on arrival, as well as having to use a bucket as toilet, and avoid waste being thrown on them from other guests as they shout ‘Gardyloo!’
The new immersive experience from The Real Mary King’s Close is all about offering an authentic experience as visitors learn what it is like to be a former resident of the close. Edinburgh experienced the worst outbreak of the plague due to the crowded living conditions and over the week-long experience guests can expect visits from the Plague Doctor in their terrifying outfit designed to protect them, including a long cloak and beak-like mask.
As well as visits from the Plague Doctor, guests will live in cramped conditions sharing a bucket for a toilet, however there is no room service in this experience as guests will have to throw their waste out with a shout of ‘Gardyloo!’ so other guests know what is about to wash the streets.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “As one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor we are always looking for new ways for guests to immerse themselves in 17th century Edinburgh. What better way to learn what it was like to live on these streets nearly 400 years ago than to actually live on these streets?
“That is why we are set to offer a new week-long experience where guests can stay on the Close and learn what it was really like to live here day-to-day, from having no phones to using a bucket as a toilet, this is set to be an experience like no other, you’d be a fool to miss it!”
A charity shop which was left devastated after a fire broke out in the building above is calling for locals to ‘come and see them’ after struggling to regain local support since reopening at the end of last year.
A fire broke out in the building above the South Bridge PDSA charity shop last June, causing the shop to close for five months.
The shop located at 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN, officially re-opened again at the end of last November, but has since struggled to regain the local support it had before the fire.
PDSA Cluster Shop Manager, Fiona Lawrie, said: “Since the unavoidable closure of South Bridge, after re-opening we’re not as busy as we once were. We miss seeing all of the old familiar faces and would love to see them in store again!
“The shop is also in need of donations and would be very grateful if any locals had a ‘spring clean’ and sent some unwanted goods our way, in particular womenswear.
“Our charity shops play a huge role in helping to fund the veterinary care in our Pet Hospitals, and the local community is truly at the centre of it! We’re so grateful to everyone who dedicates their time to helping out in our shops, as well as everyone who donates goods, or shops with us.
“The store in South Bridge provides the lovely locals the chance to purchase high-quality, cut-price products while supporting a vital charity service. We’re hopeful the shop will once again become a staple spot for locals to enjoy.
“We are extremely grateful to all of the people who support PDSA because they believe in what we do. It’s the generous support from donating unwanted items, making a purchase, or volunteering in our charity shops, that goes back into helping keep people and pets together in their times of need through our Pet Hospitals.”
For anyone who wishes to browse, shop or donate, visit the store at: PDSA South Bridge shop, 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN.
This Easter, bring together loved ones at Le Petit Beefbar for the ultimate family celebration. Enjoy a delicious jazz Sunday roast followed by an egg-citing Easter egg hunt that will put a spring in the whole family’s step.
Split a selection of delicious sharing plates to start – from the 45-day cured croque sando, to the signature bao buns and tempura insane rock corn with sriracha mayo – before feasting on the classic slow roasted black Angus beef striploin served alongside a Yorkshire pudding, Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes, carrots, broccolini and roasted shallots covered in a rich, bone marrow gravy.
The roasted free-range chicken is served with Beefbar sauce and all the trimmings while vegetarians can enjoy the game-changing New Meat Redefined Meat bavette for their main course.
Toast to the bank holiday with the Cottontail Kick, a delicious chocolatey sensation made with the Easter festivities in mind. The special cocktail combines a classic espresso martini with an extra dash of chocolate, Bailey’s, and a tasty chocolate bunny on the side.
Children of all ages are invited to take part in a delightful egg hunt throughout the Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Hotel and Le Petit Beefbar in honour of Easter Sunday, with delicious chocolate to be claimed when the Le Petit Beefbar eggs are found around the hotel.
Police Scotland have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Friday, 17 February, 2023 at around 5:50pm at St Cuthbert’s graveyard near King Stables Road.
Officers believe the man in the image could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the man himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The man is described as white, aged between 35 – 40, approximately 5ft. 9 inches in height, with a stocky build and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark green or black woolly hat with a thick grey jacket with pockets on the front.
Anyone who recognises the man pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3194 of 17 February 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
Lothian list MSP Foysol Choudhury yesterday – the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade – reaffirmed his commitment to campaigning for Scotland to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism in its past.
Mr Choudhury attended a Remembrance Ceremony in Edinburgh’s St. Andrew Square Gardens, where the Melville Monument stands to Henry Dundas. A replacement plaque, which explains Dundas’ role in slavery and recognises those who suffered enslavement as a consequence, has recently been installed on the Monument after the original was taken in September 2023.
Also in attendance were the Councillor Robert Aldridge, the Rt.Hon. Lord Provost, Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Irene Mosota and Professor Sir Geoff Palmer.
Mr Choudhury says the Remembrance Ceremony and its link to the recent replacement of the plaque was a reminder of the importance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
MSP Choudhury said: “Today, we remember those who were the victims of slavery, including the more than half a million Africans whose enslavement was a consequence of Henry Dundas’ actions in deferring the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade.
“This day should be a reminder of the horrors of the past and a resolution to never let this past repeat.
“Sadly, we are clearly still facing people who are trying to silence history and who removed the original Melville Monument plaque which exposes Dundas’ actions and remembers victims of slavery.
“In removing the plaque, a site of education and remembrance was removed-we must be resolute in maintaining these education sites to address historical prejudices and educate the public on parts of Scottish history which have caused decades of hate, racism and discrimination.
“I am glad that the replacement plaque was in place for today’s poignant and important Remembrance Ceremony, as a mark that we must take strides forward in our fight to address Scotland’s historical role in slavery and colonialism and build trust from the communities who this past has affected.”
Mr Choudhury also noted his support for Councillor Cammy Day’s comments that “we will not allow the actions of a minority to derail the important ongoing work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism in our city”.
MSP Choudhury said he would continue to work on highlighting the importance of education to address historical injustices such as slavery and colonialism perpetrated by Scotland and the effects of this, such as racism, which still exists in modern-day Scotland.
Mr Choudhury concluded: “I hope that this important work continues to build a more equitable, just future for Edinburgh and Scotland which addresses past wrongs and their modern-day consequences.”
Sir Geoff Palmer, the Honorary President of Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), of which Mr Choudhury is the Chair, played a significant role in the installation and the replacement of the Plaque which is dedicated to the slaves who were enslaved by Henry Dundas’ gradual abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade.
Sir Geoff commented at the event: “Today you’re witnessing a wonderful act of democracy, a wonderful act of equality and fairness because our Government decided an individual had no right to remove a memorial plaque for people who suffered the most profitable evil the world has known.”
Sir Geoff concluded by quoting Robert Burns, saying that enslavers are “Hands that took but never gave. And we had today, hands that gave and did not take.”
Family-owned luxury jewellers, Laings, has opened a second TAG Heuer boutique in Scotland, situated in the prime luxury retail location of Multrees Walk in Edinburgh.
The new store, which opened on Friday 15 March, follows the successful launch of Scotland’s first mono-brand TAG boutique in September 2023 located on Buchanan Street.
The new Edinburgh store has created seven local jobs for the area, including a store manager and sales assistant roles.
The selected unit, which spans more than 130m², displays the brand’s latest pieces, including the iconic Carrera Collection.
The boutique features a wall-mounted, 3D Porsche sculpture showcasing the long-lasting partnership between the iconic brands. Created by local artist, Katy Sawrey (@katysawreyart) the sculpture incorporates her trademark vibrant interpretation of the Scottish landscape and unique style, complementing the brand’s bold offer and nodding to its racing heritage.
Stuart McDowell, managing director of Laings, said: “The opening of our Edinburgh mono-brand boutique is not only a testament to our strengthening partnership with TAG Heuer, but further demonstrates Laings investment into the trend of mono-brand boutiques, which offer a focused, more immersive experience that many of our clients look for.
“We are proud to introduce Edinburgh to a new, state-of-the-art retail destination, with our interactive display area alongside the excellent customer service and diverse offering clients have come to expect from the Laings and TAG Heuer names.”
Rob Diver, managing director of TAG Heuer UK and Ireland,said: “Following the success of our previous TAG Heuer boutique in partnership with Laings, it was only natural to expand into Scotland’s capital with them – we look forward to homing TAG Heuer in the prime location of Multrees Walk and seeing where this valued partnership will take us next.”
The opening of the Edinburgh boutique is part of Laings’ wider multi-million pound investment to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches.
Commenting on the new opening, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen, said: “Multrees Walk is home to many leading and exclusive lifestyle brands, and we are thrilled to welcome TAG Heuer to our portfolio.
“The new TAG boutique will provide a unique and special shopping experience, bringing exceptional watchmaking, technology and innovation to Multrees Walk.
“2024 is an exciting year, as we continue to grow the retail offering by welcoming a number of high-end luxury retailers on board.
“With an enviable location, Multrees Walk provides an exceptional shopping experience in the heart of Edinburgh housing many exclusive fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Michael Kors and we look forward to welcoming more throughout the year.”
EDINBURGH’S WALKING, WHEELING AND CYCLING TRENDS REVEALED
The biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in urban areas in the UK and Ireland
Half of Edinburgh residents want to see more spent on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the city, according to a new report.
The biannual Walking and Cycling Index, delivered in partnership between Sustrans and the City of Edinburgh Council, draws on independent survey feedback from a cross-section of more than 1,200 residents in the Capital, surveyed in 2023.
Today Sustrans joined the City of Edinburgh Council to officially launch the Index with a panel discussion on access to walking, wheeling cycling in the city.
Amongst the findings, the report shows that 50% would like to see more spent on cycling while 57% want investment in walking and wheeling and 68% support an increase in spend on public transport. Almost half of residents want to walk and wheel (45%) and cycle (49%) more too, along with a quarter who want to use public transport more, and improved infrastructure is key to this.
Regular walking and wheeling remains as high as 2021, with two-thirds of people travelling by foot or wheel five days a week. The annual number of cycling trips has increased to 30.7 million from 24.4 million in 2021, although the number of residents cycling at least once a week dropped slightly from 26% to 22%.
The majority of residents think their local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach – with more and easier to access shops and everyday services (say 79%) and parks and greenspaces close to home (according to 78%) amongst the incentives to walking and wheeling more.
Sixty-nine per cent agree they can already get to many places they need to visit without having to drive.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As ever, the Walking and Cycling Index makes an extremely interesting read, and it’s thanks to the many people from all parts of the city who took part in the survey last year.
“Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city, as demonstrated by the many people who already regularly walk, wheel and cycle here. However, what’s clear from the Index is that there’s still much to be done to encourage even more people make the shift to travel on foot, wheel, bike or, in some cases, public transport.
“Thankfully, we’re on the right track, with an ambitious programme of development underway which will transform the way people travel around the city, and the results of the Walking and Cycling Index reassure us that we have the backing of Edinburgh’s residents to invest in these kinds of changes.
“The majority of residents think local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach, and we will consult on this approach via our proposals to make Dalry greener, healthier and more vibrant.
“From our recent ban on pavement parking to the completion of the City Centre West to East Link, as well as longer term plans like the tram line between Granton and the BioQuarter and City Centre Transformation, we’re working to make Edinburgh a truly people-friendly city.”
Karen McGregor, Director, Sustrans Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the people of Edinburgh who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index. The results show that making walking, wheeling and cycling the most accessible and desirable form of transport is of great importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis.
“There is clear evidence that people in Scotland’s capital want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to more often. The recent ban on pavement parking in the city is a huge step forward, but the Index also shows that people living in Edinburgh want safe, accessible cycle paths and pedestrian crossings; and they want more investment in public transport.
“The latest Index results show that The City of Edinburgh Council has the backing of the public to build on the work it has already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”
Other findings in the Index include inequalities and varied perceptions of walking, wheeling and cycling amongst different groups. Twenty-eight per cent of men cycle at least once a week compared to 16% of women, while the proportion of white residents who walk or wheel at least five days a week (67%) is higher than people from ethnic minority groups (55%).
Participants in the survey shared their views on the kinds of improvements that would encourage them to walk, wheel and cycle more. Some of the changes that would encourage people to travel by foot or wheel are fewer cars parked on pavements (67%), nicer places on streets to stop and rest (71%) and wider pavements (68%).
Seventy-three per cent said more traffic free cycle paths away from roads and 65% highlighted segregated cycle paths on roads as improvements that would help them to cycle more, while 58% support building more cycle paths physically separated from traffic and pedestrians, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.
The report also emphasises the benefits already being delivered by people walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital. By taking up to 160,000 cars off the road every day, each year they help prevent 1,314 serious long-term health conditions, create £262.6 million in economic benefits and save 42,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m glad that a replacement plaque has been installed this morning. Since the original plaque was stolen last September, I’ve been clear that we will not allow the actions of a minority to derail the important ongoing work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism in our city.
“Following the refusal of the Melville Monument Committee to return the original plaque, we filed an official report with Police Scotland in October. This investigation is ongoing, and our legal team will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We’ll also be seeking to recover the costs of this replacement plaque from the Melville Monument Committee.
“We’re rightly proud of the steps we’ve taken to properly address the legacies of slavery and colonialism here in Edinburgh.
Chair of ESCLRIG, Irene Mosota said: “Today is a really significant milestone for our city, with the return of the plaque to the base of the Melville Monument. It’s only through properly acknowledging and exploring our collective past that we can address the challenges of the present and putting ourselves in a strong position to shape a positive future.
“This is a very exciting time for ESCLRIG as we now look towards implementing the recommendations of the independent review. Together, I’m confident that we can forge the foundations for a more tolerant, just, and equal Edinburgh that we can all be proud of.”
Edinburgh Council, together with Sir Geoff Palmer and heritage experts, agreed the wording for a new plaque which was installed on the monument in 2021, to expose Dundas’ role in slavery and to recognise those who suffered enslavement as a consequence. The new replacement plaque has the same wording.
Foysol Choudhury, Labour list MSP for Lothian, supported the retention of the plaque after a descendent of Dundas submitted a planning application to remove it last year.
Following the news that a replacement plaque was installed yesterday (18 March) Mr Choudhury commented: “I am glad a replacement plaque has now been installed on the Melville Monument.
“We cannot allow people to silence history – we must address Scotland’s past and build the trust of communities across Scotland who are affected by modern-day consequences, such as racism, of this past.
“The removal of the plaque was a step backwards in our fight to address Scotland’s historical role in slavery and colonialism and caused severe damage to trust from the communities who this past has affected.
“I’m glad that a replacement plaque has now been installed to address historical prejudices and educate the public on parts of Scottish history which have caused decades of hate, racism and discrimination.
“I hope that this important work continues to build a more equitable, just future for Edinburgh and Scotland which addresses past wrongs and their modern-day consequences.”
A new exhibition inspired by Scottish fishing communities and seascapes of the North East will go on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the TRACS programme during Edinburgh Tradfest from 3 May to 15 June 2024.
Artist Stephanïe Vandëm imaginatively combines oils and mixed media materials salvaged from harbours, beaches and shipyards to create large-scale works that evoke the linkages between the communities of the North East of Scotland and their fishing heritage.
Drawing from the rich traditions of Renaissance and Latin American art, FISHING will present 13 semi-sculptural works that explore the pressing environmental and identity concerns of our time.
Rubber gloves, ropes, nets, buoys, and crab shells are used to give tri dimensionality and texture to the works. Plastic sushi fish drained of their soy lifeforce cling to the surfaces making us ponder their infinite life expectancy and the material’s detriment to all sea and land-living creatures.
Screws, nails, and other metal bits left by the artist’s late husband populate the paintings’ surfaces recreating the colours and textures of a busy shipyard. Pinecones turned into lobster tails; twigs turned into crab’s eyes all used to create compositions that connect us emotionally to Time, Identity, Heritage, and the Environment.
Artist Stephanie Vandëm explains: “My work is firmly rooted in classical principles, merging time-tested oil painting techniques and semi-abstraction, to pressing contemporary themes and universal human struggles, resulting in monumental semi-sculptural paintings.
“The pieces resemble an archaeological find sedimented in cement, sand, metal and found objects. They create puzzles, connecting the personal, political, and spiritual elements of my own life and practice. Aberdeenshire’s motto, ‘from mountain to sea’ inspired me throughout this collection.”
Sculptural pieces in the exhibition include boxes encased in sand, cement and the ‘bones’ of a metal creel looking like they have been hauled from the sea depths, bearing witness to the many lives lost across generations and continents.
The tactile and playful nature of the work invites audiences to interact with it by moving the ropes and nets, to create new images and build stories within stories to explore beneath the surface layers leaving space for personal interpretations.
Steve Byrne, Director of TRACS said: “As someone who grew up on Scotland’s east coast, I was immediately struck by the familiarity and strong imagery of Stephanie’s work.
“It resonated with me and the sense of place I feel about that part of the world. I recognised the shapes and colours of the kind of work taking place in harbours up and down the coast that have been a key part of local communities for decades.
“In celebrating the contribution of fisher folk, the exhibition gives voice to those involved in a precarious industry that has so much heritage, tradition and craft to explore, which often mean a great deal to fisher folk and their families.
“The works also challenge us to think about our impact on the environment through the inclusion of shore finds, opening up conversations around sustainability.
“At TRACS we look forward to helping safeguard that living heritage and lore, the traditions and customs of fisher communities through our developing work with Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Scotland.”
The exhibition will also be complemented by information panels on traditional craftwork related to fishing communities, in partnership with the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther.
About the artist
Brazilian by birth and educated in Paris, London, New York, and Florence Stephanïe Vandëm worked extensively abroad before settling in the Northeast of Scotland. Her style lies between realism and abstraction, painting and sculpture with a strong sense of narrative derived from the artist’s Latin American roots.
The artist’s creative practice is a fusion of videography, soundscapes, installations, social media participation and mixed-media that creates engaging and powerful contemporary pieces.
With some awards under her belt, Stephanïe Vandëm works in her studio between the mountains and the sea in the idyllic Scottish countryside. The artist’s strong background in the world of portraiture also sees her work on many private commissions, including painting the formal portrait of the Bishop of Aberdeen.
Her pieces can be found in many national and international private collections such as the luxury Fife Arms Hotel, owned by international art dealer Iwan Wirth.
FISHING is part of TRACS’ (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) programme of events showcasing Scotland’s traditional arts and cultural heritage.
TRACS has been recently appointed as an advisor to UNESCO on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Scotland and this exhibition showcases ICH in practice through highlighting the unique ways of life, practices, and rich folklore of fishing communities on the east coast of Scotland.
