Tomorrow: St James Quarter launches Halloween activities

St James Quarter prepares to cast a bewitching spell on guests in the run up to Halloween, with fun-filled activities, live entertainment, and wickedly good offers from the Quarter’s eateries.

On Saturday, 28th October from 12pm to 4pm, local DJ, Mairi B Pots, will provide the perfect soundtrack to this year’s celebrations with a Halloween themed DJ set. The Quarter is set to be filled with spooky classics including Ghostbusters, Time Warp and Monster Mash.

For those looking to reveal their inner ghost or ghoul, there’ll also be Halloween face painting on this date, from 11am to 4pm on Level 4. From witches and wolves to friendly pumpkins, the Quarter’s talented artist will be on hand to transform the faces of guests.

The popular LEGO store will be bringing the Halloween fun, with activities for families to enjoy. There’s a spooktacular ghost hunt around the store with treats on offer until 31st October, and you can build your own LEGO Black Cat at set times on 28th and 29th October. In John Lewis, kids and families can challenge themselves to a spooky treasure hunt throughout the department store until 31st October.

And that’s not all! St James Quarter’s dining destinations will also be embracing the Halloween spirit with a range of exclusive offers available via the St James Quarter app. Bonnie & Wild is inviting families to partake in a fun-filled “dooking for apples” activity, where children can enjoy extra treats, while some of the Scottish Food Hall’s kitchens will be offering Halloween specials alongside their regular menus. Hotel Chocolat will tantalise taste buds with Halloween-themed chocolates, a chillingly delicious Cherry Scary Sundae and an exclusive competition via the St James Quarter App, offering the chance to win some tempting Halloween goodies.

For adults celebrating during the eerie festivities, The Alchemist is offering a special Halloween cocktail available from the 27th – 31st October as well as an exclusive 20% off food via the St James Quarter app. Meanwhile, Ka Pao is offering a complimentary cocktail or mocktail when diners book in advance using this link. Other dining destinations will offer exclusive Halloween deals including Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, The Real Greek and Maki & Ramen.

Download the St James Quarter App HERE to access the exclusive Halloween dining discounts and to stay updated on this Halloween event.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: This spooky season is the perfect opportunity for our guests to experience our impressive retail, hospitality and leisure offering as well as enjoying some Halloween themed entertainment and fun activities in the Quarter.

“This Saturday, the celebrations will be in full swing with Halloween inspired music filling the Galleria for all to enjoy and spooky themed face painting – you don’t want to miss out!”

Still time to see Edinburgh Women’s Aid ‘A Source of Strength’ exhibition

Edinburgh Women’s Aid, (EWA), which marks 50 years of supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse, unveils  ‘A Source of Strength’ exhibition in partnership with Stills: Centre for Photography in Cockburn Street and the University of Edinburgh, which runs until tomorrow (28 October).

The exhibition is part of the Economic Social Research Council, (ESRC), Festival of Social Science, building on research that finds the relationship between children and mothers can help improve the impact that domestic abuse has on children. 

It offers visitors the chance to view photographs created by children and mothers about their relationships together and the importance of them, and the role they play in protecting and supporting children to recover from domestic abuse.

Dr Fiona Morrison, Programme Director for Childhood Practice, University of Edinburgh, said:  “These beautiful photographs were taken by children and women, which celebrate the strength that children and mothers find in each other when living with and recovering together from domestic abuse.” 

Over the past two years the charity has provided support to 440 children and young people in Edinburgh who have experienced domestic abuse with everything from giving them a safe place to stay in a refuge, specialist housing support, legal advice and help securing employment.

Linda Rodgers, CEO at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “This exhibition is a great opportunity to honour and showcase the strength of the relationship between mothers and children experiencing domestic abuse.

“Thanks to everyone who helped bring it together including the families we have been working with, Stills Centre for Photography and the University of Edinburgh.”

The free exhibition at Stills: Centre for Photography is on from11-5pm at Cockburn Street until tomorrow – Saturday, 28th October.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to host drag spooktacular this Halloween

  • Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is hosting TWO unmissable Halloween events on Saturday 28th October   
  • From 12pm, guests can enjoy a drag villain brunch with appearances from iconic fairytale villains before being entranced by a spooky but fabulous Rocky Horror drag show, 9pm til late 

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is set to get Edinburgh trembling through TWO Halloween events on Saturday, 28th October. 

Starting from 12pm, Virgin Hotel’s all-day dining destination, Eve, will set the stage for a Halloween brunch like no other. Hosted by DJ Zac from Bolton and Mystica Glamoor, guests can sink their fangs into brunch favourites including mouthwatering crispy chicken burgers and fluffy pancakes all whilst enjoying a spellbinding drag performance from Mystica, who will be channelling looks of some of the most iconic fairytale villains. 

The spooktacular drag villain brunch is free to attend, with guests only required to book a table to enjoy the experience in the fabulous surroundings of Eve. 

And that’s just the beginning! Those who dare to stay out after the sun goes down can enjoy a spine-chilling drag rendition of the iconic Rocky Horror show from 9pm ’til late.

Hosted by Klarity Productions, theatre diva, Krystal Klear and DJ Jasper Noir will be welcoming star-studded guests onto the stage, including resident performer at Kabaret KweerDaddy Delight, who are ready to infuse this Halloween classic with an extra dose of glitz and glamour.  

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s expert team of mixologists will also be serving specially curated Halloween-themed cocktails all day for guests to enjoy. Those looking for some nibbles before The Rocky Horror drag show can tuck into some delicious small plates off the new Autumn menu in Eve, including Scottish farm buffalo mozzarella with pumpkin seeds as well as mouthwatering chicken thighs. 

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: We are bringing a Halloween extravaganza to Eve this year with two fabulous drag events.  

“Starting with the drag villain brunch through to an iconic Rocky Horror drag show, guests will be in for an experience like no other on offer in the city this Hallo-weekend.  

“With our expertly curated Halloween-themed cocktails through to our delicious bites, there won’t be a need to step foot outside Virgin Hotels Edinburgh all day. So, join us on Saturday 28th October for a Halloween party you won’t forget!” 

For more information and to reserve a table for the drag villain brunch please visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/eat-drink/eve/ 

To join Edinburgh’s very own Rocky Horror drag show from 9pm til late, tickets can be booked here

This Halloween spooktacular is just one of many events hosted at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow along on social media here:  

  • Instagram @eveedinburgh @virginhotelsedi 
  • Twitter @virginhotelsedi 

Dining with dignity: Social Bite announces new location for Pay It Forward meals service 

Social Bite announces new location for Pay It Forward meals service that allows people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh to ‘dine with dignity’

A VITAL service that has served thousands of free meals to homeless people in Edinburgh for more than seven years has unveiled a new location in the capital.

The Social Bite Pay It Forward programme, which was set up in 2016 and has since provided more than 11,000 meals allowing homeless people to ‘dine with dignity’, will operate from The Bon Vivant, in Thistle Street, from January 2024.

The move follows the closure of Vesta, on Queensferry Street, after the sale of the building it is based in.

The Bon Vivant will open its doors on the last Tuesday of every month between 2-4pm to people experiencing homelessness in the capital who will be provided with a two-course meal funded by Social Bite and diners at the restaurant who choose to ‘Pay it Forward’ by adding a donation to their bill.

The Bon Vivant Pay It Forward service is just one of Social Bite’s many programmes to support people experiencing homelessness across Scotland and the UK, which includes the provision of daily breakfasts and lunches to vulnerable people in each of its cafes in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and London.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, co-founder and Executive Director of Social Bite, said: “Since opening in 2016, Vesta has served more than 11,000 two-course meals to people experiencing homelessness in a setting where they can dine with dignity, a fact we are incredibly proud of.

“Whilst Vesta will be closing following the sale of the building, the vital work will continue, and even expand, as we take it to the new location of The Bon Vivant. A big thank you to everyone who has supported Vesta over the years as we look forward to this exciting new partnership.”

Antonia Jackson, Managing Director of The Bon Vivant Group, said: “We all recognise the important work carried out by Social Bite in Edinburgh and beyond, and The Bon Vivant Group is delighted to support the charity’s aims through this new partnership.”

Vesta will close on Sunday, October 22, and Social Bite is working with a range of restaurant partners to provide new employment opportunities for Vesta team members.

The new Pay It Forward service will kick off from January 2024 at The Bon Vivant on Thistle Street. If you are in a situation of homelessness, you can register interest in dining at The Bon Vivant in January by visiting the charity’s cafe on Rose Street, Edinburgh.

For more information about Social Bite and how to get involved, please visit social-bite.co.uk/.

TODAY: A Girl’s Own Guide to Surviving History

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

Would you know what to do if you were accused of being a witch in the 17th century? How would you cope if your castle came under siege in the Scottish Wars of Independence? Wouldn’t life be easier if it came with an instruction manual?

Thankfully, Gillian Paterson and Nicola Wright have found just such a book for their show at this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival, A Girl’s Own Guide to Surviving History.

Told in the style of a Boy’s Own adventure book, A Girl’s Own Guide to Surviving History is filled with hot tips about surviving life as a pirate, fighting the system, and being a master (or mistress) of disguise. Told using silly songs, and a ridiculous amount of props this show presents a light-hearted look at the serious subject of the challenges faced by women through the centuries.

Gillian Paterson originally from Arbroath has worked as a costumed historical storyteller at museums and events around the country. She has a knack for finding the funny side of history, taking irreverent approaches to subjects and bringing them to life through her passion for history and storytelling.

Nicola is equally passionate about history and delivers entertaining and engaging workshops to primary and secondary schools on subjects ranging from castle life and the cursed Stewarts to Jacobites and WW1.

Gillian Paterson said: “I love history and entertaining audiences with stories of derring-do, fighting the system and life across the ages.

“It’s a chance to tell all the best bits and I really hope that this new show about women’s history, particularly all those great feisty women that have been buried in the history books over the years, will be as fun to listen to, as it is to tell.”

The Girl’s Own Survival Guide to History with Gillian Paterson and Nicola Wright is on TODAY Sat 21 Oct at 4pm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR,

Tickets are available at www.sisf.org.uk

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs until Sunday 29 October. Tickets to each event in this year’s programme cost a maximum of £10, with family events costing just £5 per ticket. For those planning on attending multiple events, the Festival Pass (£20/£10)  offers discounted tickets to many live festival events, online and at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, as well as a discount at the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s bookshop and Haggis Box Café.

Full programme is available here  or visit sisf.org.uk for more details.
 @ScotStoryFest #RightToBeHuman

Extended Hours Announced for Final Weekend of Grayson Perry: Smash Hits at the National Galleries of Scotland

Last Chance to See Sir Grayson Perry’s Hit Exhibition

Grayson Perry: Smash Hits 

National Galleries of Scotland: National (Royal Scottish Academy) 

Open now, closing on Saturday 12 November 2023. 9am-5pm daily.  

Extended opening hours on Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November 2023: 9am-9pm  

Tickets available to book online 

National Galleries of Scotland has announced extended opening hours throughout the final weekend of its blockbuster exhibition, Grayson Perry: Smash Hits, at the National (Royal Scottish Academy) due to phenomenal demand.

To make sure everyone can see Grayson Perry: Smash Hits, the Royal Scottish Academy will be open from 9am until 9pm on the 10, 11 and 12 November, with tickets on sale now.  

Only a few more weeks remain to explore the remarkable 40-year career of contemporary cultural icon, Sir Grayson Perry. On show exclusively in Edinburgh, the exhibition has exceeded all expectations, welcoming over 10,000 people in the first two weeks alone.

Visitors can see over eighty works, including richly detailed tapestries, subversive pots and elaborate plates – some of which are on display for the first time. 

Grayson Perry: Smash Hits has been developed in close collaboration with the artist. Much like Perry, the exhibition doesn’t play by the rules, renouncing traditional chronological displays in favour of presenting Perry’s work as a journey.

Smash Hits leads audiences through the many themes embedded within his provocative art, including masculinity, sexuality, class, religion, politics and identity.

There’s also a chance to tour Smash Hits with the artist himself, through a free audio guide of 19 works, available via Smartify. Let the artwork come to life through Perry’s engaging and witty commentary, as he discusses the wide range of inspirations and stories locked within each object. 

The exhibition brings together Perry’s meticulously detailed prints and imaginary maps along with many of his tapestries. This includes the rarely shown Walthamstow Tapestry (2009) which, at a striking 15-metres in length, presents a birth-to-death journey through shopping and brand names.

There’s also an opportunity to encounter the intricate cast-iron ship, Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman (2011). A collection of new works, some completed this year, have been presented to the public for the first time, including the tapestry Sacred Tribal Artefact (2023), and a series of pots and plates exploring themes of national identity.

Perry’s latest pots, such as A Plague of Diaphobia (2022) and Ye Olde English Pot (2023), are presented in the form of medieval beer flagons. Decorated with traditional slipware techniques, they reference subjects ranging from the polarising effect of internet to heraldic iconography.  

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: It has been a privilege to see the excitement and enthusiasm shown towards Grayson Perry: Smash Hits since it opened in the summer.

“With thousands of visitors pouring through the doors every week, the demand for Sir Grayson Perry’s inspiring body of work is evident. The National Galleries of Scotland are delighted to announce our extended opening hours during the exhibition’s final run.

“We hope they can allow as many people as possible to see the largest exhibition of Sir Grayson Perry’s work before we must close the doors in November.” 

Visitors can take advantage of a bumper three days to say a fond farewell to what has been a truly smashing experience. Don’t miss the final chance to see Grayson Perry: Smash Hits at the National (Royal Scottish Academy).

Book tickets online now. 

Castle of Light: Scotland’s mythical past set to light up city skyline

The creative team behind Castle of Light has revealed a first look at this year’s ‘Magic and Mystery’ themed interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, as the countdown to the winter spectacular begins.

Edinburgh’s most iconic landmark will once again welcome locals and visitors alike to experience an immersive after-dark walking trail – with this year’s brand new show focused on tales of magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery from Scotland’s past.

With opening weekend just five weeks away, local children, Lucas and Isla Brown, were invited to the Castle to experience an exclusive glimpse at the enchanting light and sound displays.

Andy McGregor, creative director of Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery, working alongside NL Productions, War Productions Ltd and Double Take Projections, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), explains: “This year, we’ll be transporting visitors in time through a mix of large-scale projections and lighting installations to explore Scotland as a place of legend, storytelling and unrivalled mystery.

“Like the experimental alchemists of the 16th century, we use magical tools from our digital era to transport the audience, transform the castle and bring stone to life. Let immersive installations guide you through Scotland’s colourful past as a tapestry of all-new projections animate the castle walls.

“An enchanting experience for all ages, this year’s show brings together a mix of fantastic interactive elements including a digital wall of mirrors, a stunning wall of wands and the opportunity to meet Castle of Light’s much-loved lion mascot, Rex, all whilst savouring what has to be the finest view in town from the castle ramparts.”

On-site catering will be available throughout the event run conjuring up a delectable range of treats, with exclusive Castle of Light cocktails, including the Smoking One O’clock Gun, Edinburgh Gincantation and a Blood Moon Mocktail also available.

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which cares for Edinburgh Castle, said: “Crowned for having the best Christmas markets in Europe, Edinburgh already enjoys an exemplary reputation as the ultimate festive city break destination; and Castle of Light truly is a jewel in the city’s skyline.

“Now in its fourth year, Castle of Light has continued to bring even bigger and brighter state-of-the-art projections to the fore and 2023 is no different – we’re bringing the magic of Scotland’s past to life! And we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning visitors to the Castle.”

Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery will run for six weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 24 November 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024. Tickets are available to purchase now (adult tickets: £22), with concession rates, family tickets and Historic Scotland members’ discounts available.

A special ‘access night’ will also take place on Sunday 3 December designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia. The evening will feature a range of specific support including British Sign Language interpretation, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise, in partnership with Scottish Autism.

Stephen continued: “We believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to experience the excitement of Scotland’s heritage, and so we’ve teamed up with experts to make Castle of Light as accessible and enjoyable for all.

“Castle of Light is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and experience a magical night at the castle and we hope that by addressing specific access needs, we can welcome even more guests into Edinburgh Castle as it is illuminated with secrets of Scotland’s past.”

Police investigate series of attempted robberies around Royal Mile

UPDATE: A 32-year-old will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal following attempted robberies in Edinburgh.

The incidents happened on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, at St Mary’s Street, Market Street, Jeffrey Street and the High Street.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries.”

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to contact them following a series of attempted robberies in the city centre. Four crimes have been reported but officers believe a further two incidents, one in Market Street and one in the Royal Mile, were not reported to police.

The reported incidents occurred between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023,  at St Mary’s Street, Market Street, Jeffrey Street and the High Street. They all involved a man threatening members of the public and attempting to obtain money from them.

The man is described as white, around 5 ft. 8 – 5ft. 10 inches in height, with a medium build and brown, unkempt hair. He has dark facial hair with a beard and moustache.

He was wearing a dark jacket, grey-coloured jogging trousers and dark shoes. The man spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We believe other people were approached by this man near to the train station at Market Street and the Royal Mile at the junction with Jeffrey Street and I would ask them to contact us to report the circumstances.

“We are in the process of checking CCTV footage from the relevant areas but if anyone has any information about this man, please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3049 of 10 October 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Unfolded & Friends – Sustainable Pop Up Market in Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

 

Edinburgh-based leading sustainable clothing brand, Unfolded, is hosting the first ever Unfolded and Friends pop up event at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on Sunday (15th October).

The free event is open to all and runs from 11am-4pm at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Hall (entrance from The Royal Mile via Cowgatehead). Alongside Unfolded will be other fantastic sustainable Scottish brands including Seilich BotanicalsVoxblockNatural Sparkle and Scents of the Wild

In the past 18 months Unfolded has grown to a community of over 100k+ women across the UK, turned down three Dragons on Dragons Den and attracted wide acclaim for their affordable approach to sustainable fashion from media such as This Morning, Lorraine and Glamour magazine.  

The event gives shoppers the chance to preview, try and buy the brand new Unfolded collection, shop the brands first ever discounted sample sale, enjoy a free drink, meet the founders and discover a range of other fabulous Scottish sustainable focused brands.  

Hosted within Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s beautifully restored Greyfriars Hall, a Gothic church with vaulted ceilings, it’s the perfect spot to experience a piece of classic Edinburgh while perusing the very best sustainable products Scotland has to offer. 

Unfolded is a local business well on its way to achieving a big mission – to change the way people shop and make the fashion industry more sustainable.  

Did you know that 30% of new clothes made this year will never be sold – that’s estimated to be a staggering 26 billion items of new clothing that is destined to go straight to landfill? 

Unfolded is challenging the industry by creating clothes without the waste and using the savings to create positive impact in the world. They do this by: 

  • Designing clothes in collaboration with Unfolded shoppers to ensure the only clothes created are ones that people actually want to buy 
  • Production doesn’t start till orders start being placed, allowing us to match supply and demand 
  • Clothes are delivered direct from our factories to our customers within 4-6 weeks – removing logistics wastage 

Making clothes in this way actually delivers cost savings and these are used to: 

  • Offer sustainable yet affordable clothes 
  • Pay garment workers better wages  
  • Create long term change by funding children in India to learn to read and write (our clothes are manufactured in India). 

Since launch eighteen months ago, Unfolded has already supported over 5,000 children in education. 

Cally Russell, co-founder of Unfolded explains more: “Unfolded is all about community and creating positive change by working together.

” This is why we decided to host Unfolded and Friends and can’t wait to meet people in person at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on Sunday. Over the past 18 months our collaborative approach to sustainable fashion has started to change this industry and we look forward to more Edinburgh locals discovering there is another way to shop this weekend”. 

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is a strong supporter of small, Scottish businesses.

“Our very own Curiosity Shop, delivered in partnership with Virgin Startup, features local sustainable brands and is extremely popular with our guests and so we know there will be huge excitement for the Unfolded and Friends market. 

“We look forward to welcoming Unfolded into Greyfriars Hall to give guests and locals the chance to browse its incredible collection of sustainable products. In keeping with chic Virgin style, the pieces aren’t just fabulous but good for the planet too.” 

After London the popup market tour will be heading to Oxford Street in London and then Manchester before the end of the year.  

Find out more about the Unfolded and Friends Pop Up Event here:

https://thisisunfolded.com/blogs/unfold/unfolded-friends-event-edinburgh  

National Galleries of Scotland celebrates the evolution of photography and the impact of architecture in new exhibition

Making Space: Photographs of Architecture

Making Space: Photographs of Architecture

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

7 October 2023 – 3 March 2024

Free Entry

Making Space | Photographs of Architecture | National Galleries of Scotland

Mark Havens

Take a visual journey through the history of architecture and explore the connection between people, places and photography in the National Galleries of Scotland’s new exhibition, Making Space: Photographs of Architecture. 

Opening yesterday at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, the exhibition focuses on one of the most enduring themes in the story of photography: architecture. With over 40 photographs from the 1840s to the present day to see, Making Space is the fourth instalment in a popular series of free exhibitions which explores the richness of Scotland’s national photography collection.

Generously supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and awarded funds by Postcode Culture Trust, Making Space not only considers the integral role of architecture in the history of photography, but also how buildings impact everyday life. Architecture has the power to tackle inequality, address social issues including homelessness, poverty and displacement, and even create a more sustainable future; key themes considered throughout the exhibition.

Visually engaging and physically static, buildings were the perfect subjects for early photography, with the evolving built landscape continuing to inspire photography enthusiasts today.

From the dawn of its invention to new techniques of today, Making Space spans the breadth of photographic history. The exhibition invites visitors to peer through the camera lens and uncover a diverse range of photographic styles, formats and processes.

From Hill & Adamson’s early experiments on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill to spectacular contemporary photographs which capture the breathtaking scale of modern buildings.

Standout modern works include Andreas Gursky’s San Francisco which goes on display at the Portrait for the first time since its acquisition in 1999. Deliberately disorientating, Gursky uses digital manipulation to challenge perception, with humans often appearing insignificant and dominated by their built environment.

The exhibition also features three key loans from Tate, including work by renowned photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher, Candida Höfer and Hiroshi Sugimoto.

Chris Leslie

Making Space introduces several acquisitions made by National Galleries of Scotland in recent years, including six works from Scottish photographer Chris Leslie’s Disappearing Glasgow series and a further six from Canadian born Sylvia Grace Borda’s project exploring modernist architecture in East Kilbride. 

Untitled (Rosemary and Ocean) and Untitled (Sweetbriar and Atlantic) by Philadelphia based photographer Mark Havens round off the new acquisitions, with his colourful works gifted to National Galleries Scotland in 2019.

The social history of Scotland plays a central role within Making Space, with some of the earliest work providing a window into Scotland’s past, and more recent work tackling the issues of today.

Historic highlights include David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson’s photographs from the early 1840’s, depicting the construction of Edinburgh’s Sir Walter Scott Monument. These iconic images not only record the birth of one of the Scottish capital’s most recognisable manmade features, but also provide the first known photographic documentation of a building site.

Thomas Annan

Heading west to Glasgow, Thomas Annan’s The Old Closes and Streets of Glasgow series offers a 19th century view on what could also be considered a 21st century problem – the housing crisis.

In documenting the overpopulation in the east end of the city, Annan used photography to highlight inequality and push for change. This collection of photographs is now recognised as pivotal to documentary photography, offering visitors insight into an important moment in history.

Linking historic photographs to the present day are a wide variety of contemporary works from across Scotland. Picking up where Thomas Annan left off, albeit over a century later, Leslie’s Disappearing Glasgow series documents stories from the people on the frontline of the city’s extensive demolition and regeneration programme.

Following years of decline, Glasgow’s Red Road Flats were eventually demolished in 2013, with former residents watching from the sidelines. The building’s demise and subsequent social impact have been carefully recorded by Leslie.

At the other end of the spectrum, the work of Sylvia Grace Borda tackles the evolving nature of architecture and the ways in which it can be used to improve society. Designed in 1947 and widely considered one of the most complete Modernist towns in the UK, East Kilbride was constructed to relieve pressure from an overpopulated Glasgow.

A visual record of the town was created by Borda between 2005-2017, highlighting not only the modern architecture, but the green spaces, integrated public services and homes flooded with natural light, showing what architectural design can achieve when the needs of people are at its heart.

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland said: “This continued series of free exhibitions at the Portrait Gallery is a fantastic way to explore the history of photography though the richness and diversity of the national collection.

Making Space: Photographs of Architecture presents an opportunity to not only marvel in the evolution of photography, but also consider the impact our built environment has on society, health, and sustainability.

“We are proud to present several new acquisitions by contemporary photographers from Scotland and beyond, displayed for the first time alongside work by the trailblazers who inspired them.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Architecture impacts us in ways we don’t often realise – the built environment around us affects how we feel.

“Our players have raised over £5 million in funding for the National Galleries of Scotland. I’m delighted that this money means exhibitions like Making Space are free for everyone to enjoy and learn more about architecture and how it impacts people’s lives across Scotland.”

Making Space: Photographs of Architecture opened at the Portrait yesterday on Saturday 7 October.