Category: Inverleith

 Christmas at the Botanics 2024 set to sparkle with new installations

THE Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is preparing to immerse visitors in a glittering winter spectacle. Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Christmas at the Botanics trail.

Running from 21 November to 30 December, the outdoor trail will once again transform the Garden with an array of new and fantastical installations that have been custom-designed especially for the Botanics by a selection of international and UK-based artists.

The latest new installations confirmed for the trail include:

  • Candles will drift over visitors as theyflicker and cast their undulating light to create a warm and festive atmosphere. This installation will transport Potterheads to the world of witchcraft and wizardry as it evokes the magic of Hogwarts’ Great Hall. Designed by Pitaya, a French creative studio.
  • One Small Thing projects a combination of wildlife imagery and winter foliage with impactful environmental messaging onto a pathway for visitors to interact with as they walk past. This innovative installation will incorporate the Garden’s mission to protect the planet’s biodiversity by encouraging visitors to do one small thing and make space for nature. Created by Novak.
  • Firework Trees will shower shoots of light through tree branches, bringing them to life with vibrant bursts of colour that bounce from branch to branch. Created by Ithaca Studio.

All the new and returning installations along the one-mile illuminated trail are low in energy and have been selected to complement the Botanics’ environment. 

Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Simon Milne said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the new installations on the trail, which is promising to be innovative, imaginative and entertaining. 

“Visiting the Garden after dark is a special experience and Christmas at the Botanics offers the chance for visitors to see our botanical collection of plants from a very different perspective.

“The trail brings significant benefits to us.  We are a Scottish charity, and ticket sales from Christmas at the Botanics help to fund our international plant research, conservation work and education programmes.  So please come along to the trail, bring your friends and family, have some festive fun and help to support our vital work.”

Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.

For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Play with Printing at the Botanics

SATURDAY 24 AUGUST at 10am

Play with Printing is a 2-hour art workshop at the Botanics for children aged 8 and over.

Run by visual artist Lorna Gallagher and inspired by the work of Matisse, the session takes place on Saturday 24 Aug at 10.00am.

Book tickets: https://rbge.cc/PlayWithPrinting

Botanics’ Herbarium celebrates milestone achievement

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s (RBGE) project to digitise its renowned Herbarium collection has reached a significant milestone as it celebrates the digitisation of its one millionth specimen.

The digitisation project aims to bridge the gap between the collection and the public by making data visible on an accessible platform – taking an innovative approach to scientific data sharing.

In line with this commitment to empower learners and share their resources, the Garden invited the Expedition Botanics – Secondary Summer Club, a group of 15–18-year-olds with a budding passion for science, to get behind-the-scenes access to the digitisation process of the millionth specimen.

To celebrate the milestone the Herbarium, which holds an ever-growing collection of over three million specimens, RBGE has digitised a specimen of Stereocaulon vesuvianum. The specimen, which is a species of lichen*, was collected by Dr Rebecca Yahr, Lichenologist at the Garden, during an expedition up Ben Nevis to mark 250 years since the first recorded climb up the historic mountain.

The landmark expedition was part of RBGE’s contribution to the Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) project, a groundbreaking genome-sequencing programme aimed at unlocking DNA sequences of all the species in Great Britain and Ireland.

By examining plant and fungal lineages and their characteristics, the Garden works collaboratively with partner organisations, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Oxford and the University of Edinburgh, to reflect on plants’ ancestry – plantcestry – uncovering invaluable insight into how life on Earth has evolved and how we can support global biodiversity conservation efforts.

Rebecca Yahr said: “Scotland has an important role in international conservation, particularly for lichens. Celebrating the milestone with this important specimen is an exciting opportunity for us to highlight Scotland’s unique biodiversity and extend RBGE’s mission to research and understand lichens more generally.”

The Garden’s Herbarium is home to species from 157 countries – an impressive scientific collection which was historically hard to access. The digitised platform, which showcases the rich and diverse plant lineage, now sees requests come in from across the globe from students, scientists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Closer to the community, the Garden’s Secondary Summer School had the opportunity to engage with the living collection as well as apply their learnings to the natural world. One of the lucky youngsters, 15-year-old Bernice Nwagu, was selected to digitise the millionth specimen, highlighting the Garden’s commitment to investing in future generations and sparking their curiosity in career paths within the industry.

The vibrant working collection, which traces back 350 years, is being digitised into high-resolution images that can be viewed by anyone with an internet connection. It demonstrates not only Scotland’s biodiversity but details regions around the world where RBGE has worked in partnership with local experts for generations.

Democratising access to reference collections such as the Garden’s provides scientists around the globe with an enriched understanding of the environment in their quest to conserve our fragile habitats.

Leading the digitisation project, Professor Olwen Grace, Deputy Director of Science (Collection) and Curator of the Herbarium said: “Being able to share this information with scientific communities as well as the public allows us to develop a more robust understanding of biodiversity challenges and the solutions that can help us build resilience to shifting climates.

“As biodiversity scientists, it’s both the best and worst time for us to be working. It is far easier to share and translate our work on plant lineages to produce models that demonstrate direct impacts and help us tackle problems at national and global scales; however, the acceleration of climate change means that we are in a race against time.

“At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, we see it as our moral imperative to share this information, especially when we are facing a global biodiversity crisis.”

As part of the Garden’s commitment to building a positive future for biodiversity and providing access to the collection that represents half to two-thirds of the world’s flora, the digitisation process has followed the ‘FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship’. This has ensured the data has been standardised in terms of findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability of digital assets.

New research reveals nearly a quarter of Scottish children have NEVER had an eye test

SPECSAVERS has launched its first ever ‘eye screen’ van to put children’s eye health and eye tests at the top of parents’ agendas.

Popping up at The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, the van was not only equipped with ice lollies, but also visual screeners, to help identify any potential eyesight problems in children and alert their parents if they required a more thorough eye test. 

The activity comes as new research conducted by Specsavers among parents in Scotland with kids aged 4-16, revealed that almost a quarter (22%) of children of this age have never had an eye test, and a further 12% haven’t had one in two years or longer.

This is despite 15% of parents in Scotland saying their child had experienced problems at school which could be linked to vision. The most common issues raised includes struggling to see the whiteboard (43%), experiencing discomfort because they are straining to see (36%) or having to move to the front of the classroom to see (21%).

Little progress has been in the last 15 years as research carried out by Specsavers in 2009, showed just under a quarter (23%) of UK children aged between 3-12 had never had an eye test.[1]

The latest survey found the most common reasons parents across Scotland haven’t taken their child for an eye test is because they don’t know how frequently they need to go (33%) or they have no visible problems (17%). Other reasons include parents not being advised that their child needs an eye test (17%) or knowing at what age they should have one (17%).

Specsavers clinical services director Giles Edmonds said: ‘A lot of parents assume that because their child doesn’t display any signs of a vision problem, there’s no need to have their eyes tested.

‘However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Ensuring your child has regular eye examinations from an early age is incredibly important for several reasons. Given more than 80 per cent of our learning, cognitive and social abilities are facilitated through our sight, it’s extremely important to your child’s overall development.

‘Poor eyesight can cause learning and behavioural problems. Conditions such as squinting and amblyopia (lazy eye) can be treated more effectively if they are picked up earlier, which could make a huge difference to your child. An eye test doesn’t just check vision. It can also detect other underlying health conditions.’

The research also found that during school holidays, parents across Scotland have a back-to-school list of around 10 to 11 tasks, including everything from buying new school unforms (55%), shoe fittings (52%) and labelling personal items (45%). However, eye tests ranked lower (42%) alongside dental checks (42%).

Giles adds: “We understand how many things parents have to think about, especially during the summer holidays and before the new school year starts. 

“By showing up with our eye screen van, we hope we’ve put eye tests on parents’ radars as they play a significant role in setting children up for a happy and fulfilling school life.”

The research also found children in Scotland are reluctant to get their eyes tested. Nearly a half (48%) think it will hurt and nearly one in five just don’t want glasses (19%).

To combat this, Specsavers is looking at ways to make a visit to the opticians more fun with the launch of its friendly ‘Optomonsters’. Customers will start to notice the Optomonsters popping up in stores nationwide soon.

Cadenza concert in support of Kindred

Cadenza Spring Serenade in support of Kindred

Date: Saturday 11th May 2024

Time: 7.30 pm

Tickets: £12 (Children free) available on

Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cadenza-spring-serenade-tickets-862646728587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or on the door

Venue: Inverleith St Serf’s Parish Church, 280 Ferry Road, EH5 3NP

One of Edinburgh’s leading mixed voice choirs, Cadenza, celebrates sunny days, starry nights and air filled with birdsong, in works by Ravel, Elgar, Saint-Saens and more …

Cockapoo Fidra joins staff of Fettes College!

Fidra is set to help Edinburgh pupils reduce anxiety levels and will be on hand to help around the upcoming exam period

Therapy dogs in schools are working wonders across Scotland – not least at Fettes College.

The Edinburgh school recently introduced its first four-legged member of staff, who took up a new role at the beginning of the summer term to help improve student wellbeing and reduce anxiety levels.

Two-year-old Fidra is no stranger to Fettes College, having grown up with over 50 girls in the school’s College West Boarding House. She recently qualified as a therapy dog after being assessed by Therapet®, which is run by Canine Concern Scotland Trust.

Therapet® is a voluntary service that allows assessed and registered dogs and owners to provide pet therapy to places including hospitals, care homes, hospices, and schools. Studies have shown that therapy dogs help humans to release endorphins – the happy hormone – and so can reduce stress and anxiety levels.

As well as providing emotional support, therapy dogs also help schoolchildren build confidence with activities like reading and speaking in front of their classmates.

Mel Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, Canine Concern Scotland: “Our Therapets® have been supporting people around Scotland for 36 years, so the benefits of human and animal interaction are not new and can be positively lifechanging.

“Central to the visits is the wellbeing of each Therapet® and we have strict policies in place to ensure that our Therapets® do not become over-tired or stressed, particularly in busy school environments.

“Fidra has a unique knowledge and love of the school, and we’re looking forward to hearing how her visits progress and the benefit that the school community receives from these visits.”

Sue Bruce, Head of Wellbeing at Fettes College, said: “Research has shown the endless benefits of therapy animals in educational settings. Dogs are excellent listeners, which is a huge help when it comes to building up confidence in young people.”

Fidra will support students in both Fettes’ Prep and Senior school. As well as helping teach students about caring for animals, Fidra will be available for walks in Fettes’ grounds, and will also be on hand in the medical centre and in the classroom to provide support.

Fettes College student, Isla H, said: “Fidra is an enthusiastic and loveable dog, so I’m never scared to go up and play with her.

“She always looks like she has a little smile on her face, and she is so welcoming.”

Sue continued: “With her calming presence and affectionate nature, we’re sure Fidra will serve as a valuable resource in promoting emotional wellness among students and staff, provided her favourite treat – sausages – are in abundance.”

Man arrested and charged in connection with Edinburgh bus attack

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an investigation into an assault on board a bus at Inverleith Gardens, Edinburgh.

The incident took place around 4.20pm on Saturday, 9 December, 2023.

The man has been released on an undertaking and is expected to appear at court at a later date.

Constable Rachael McIntyre said: “I would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries into this incident.”

Police issue CCTV appeal following assault on board bus at Inverleith

Police Scotland have released images of a man they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault which took place on board a number 9 bus on Saturday, 9 December, 2023.

The incident on the took place whilst the bus was at Inverleith Gardens at around 4:20pm.

The man is described as white, slim build, brown hair and facial hair and aged between 25 to 30 years old. He was wearing a dark grey suit with a purple tie.

Constable Rachael McIntyre said: “We are keen to speak to this man, who may be able to assist us with our enquiries. I would encourage him or anyone who may recognise him to contact us as soon as possible”.

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2431 of 9 December, 2023.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Christmas at the Botanics – a trail of botanical brilliance and festive fun

 The world of plants takes centre stage at this year’s ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ opening this evening,  Thursday 16 November with new installations and a reimagined route around the Royal Botanic  Garden Edinburgh.  

The illuminated after-dark trail runs for 37 nights on selected evenings during November and  December, weaving through 72 acres of the Botanics. Visitors are invited to enjoy awe-inspiring  plant-inspired installations of up to 2,000 White Roses, a grove of colourful Pampas and a  spectacular Rainbow Hedge. 

A fantastic night out for friends and family, visitors will also enjoy firm festive favourites including  Christmas Cathedral, a tunnel of thousands of twinkling lights, and Santa who is on hand to greet  everyone along the way. 

This year, with the introduction of off-peak tickets, it is the most affordable, accessible and inclusive  trail yet. Profits from ticket sales support the Botanics’ plant research and conservation efforts in  Scotland and beyond. 

New installations for 2023: 

• Crocus Lawn: Like the familiar spring-time flowers, these one-metre-high crocuses are  bursting with light and colour. 

• Light A Wish: These suspended lights celebrate the moment when dandelion seeds disperse.

• Neon Flowers: Inspired by the world of natural light, giant glowing flowers sparkle against  the night sky. 

• Rainbow Hedge: The Botanics’ 165-metre beech hedge is awash with the colours of the  rainbow. 

• White Roses: 2,000 illuminated white roses will be displayed in spectacular style by the Rock  Garden and East Gate. 

• Inverleith House Show: A fun, animation projected onto the façade of Inverleith House is inspired by plants, from holly and ivy to mistletoe and vines, and from sage to thyme.  

Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience at the Royal Botanic Garden  Edinburgh, says: “Christmas at the Botanics is a fantastic way of introducing our visitors to the  Garden landscape after dark, a chance to experience what might be familiar from a whole new  perspective, and to enjoy a spectacular and fun trail. 

“I’m delighted that this year’s trail is inspired by all things botanical, acknowledging the amazing  conservation work undertaken by the Garden around the world and our vision to build a positive  future for plants, people and the planet.”

Christmas at the Botanics is one of eleven outdoor illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading  events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is  presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture  Creative.

Over 90% of the lights used for Christmas at the Botanics are LED and the trail designers  are skilled at working in environmentally sensitive ways in heritage and landscape settings.  

Tickets for this year’s show are available to buy now. Attendees are encouraged to book in advance  to avoid disappointment. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, visit  www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.  

For more details visit https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/ and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook  and Instagram.