Santa Claus will make his arrival at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this Sunday to get the festive events season underway, accompanied by a Scottish pipe band and dance group.
Families and friends are invited to join in the festive fun, meet Santa and create unforgettable Christmas memories at Santa’s Arrival, free-to-attend at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Sunday 24 November.
Children in attendance will have the chance to enjoy Santa’s as he arrives in his own special car, and get excited for the festivities. Adding to the excitement, children can get involved in face painting and glitter tattoos, and enjoy music from a DJ.
In addition to the fun, families can get a head start on their festive shopping with Dobbies’ one-day-only discount voucher available to collect at Santa’s Arrival and redeem that day. Families are encouraged to dress in their favourite festive attire with Christmas jumpers warmly welcomed.
Families can also enjoy Dobbies’ Kids Eat Free offer which runs through the day, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for free with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. This includes kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or a pick ‘n’ mix meal, plus a drink.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also be collaborating with IND!E Pop-Up to host SH Designs, a colourful stationery and gifts company that uses original artwork and pattern designs.
Customers can browse and buy these gorgeous products in-store from Monday 18 November, with the independent wrapping up the collaboration on Thursday 28 November, but set to return in December (Monday 9 – Sunday 15).
Jenna Bavidge, General Manager at Dobbies’ Edinburgh, said: “We’re so excited to welcome families to Santa’s Arrival this year. It’s such a special time, and we’ve worked hard to create an experience full of festive cheer to kick-start the celebrations.
“From Santa’s entrance to the live performances to entertain the crowd, there’s something for everyone in the community to enjoy at the Edinburgh store. We can’t wait to see the joy on the children’s faces as they see Santa arrive.”
People affected by an eating disorder can expect higher and more consistent standards of care following the roll-out of new national guidance for services.
The publication of a national specification will support both the NHS and local services to deliver person-centred, safe and effective care. The new guidance was developed by a working group of experts with academic and clinical practice experience, alongside people affected and their families.
The blueprint aims to ensure that everyone has access to a high-quality standard of service regardless of what stage they are in their recovery and is for care across all stages of treatment, from primary care to specialist inpatient care.
📣@ScotGov is supporting NHS and local services to improve Scotland's eating disorder services.
We've published new guidance to help services deliver consistent, high quality care and treatment, regardless of where people are in their recovery.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We want to create a more supportive, accessible, and effective care system for everyone affected by eating disorders.
“This new guidance is another step on the way to delivering the recommendations from the National Review of Eating Disorder Services and I am grateful to all those involved in putting it together.
“The full implementation of this specification has been a long-term goal but by working alongside clinicians, patients and their families, we aim to build a brighter, healthier future for everyone affected by eating disorders in Scotland.”
Chair of the National Eating Disorder Network Professor Cathy Richards said: “I’m delighted that the national specification has now been published and want to recognise the hard work of all who have been involved in its development. It is a privilege to work with such a committed group of stakeholders.
“I want to recognise the dedication of those delivering vital care and treatment amidst real and pressing challenges.
“I look forward to working with everyone involved to develop local, regional and national improvements to ensure the new national standards are delivered consistently to benefit all those affected by eating disorders.”
Co-Chair of the National Eating Disorder Specification Working Group, Lived Experienced Peer Researcher, Ellen Maloney said: “The launch of new national guidance is important to make sure that everyone in Scotland who experiences an eating disorder can access the right help at the right time.
“I hope these standards will make a real difference for people with eating disorders, providing the care and support they need.”
Police Scotland have released images of two males who may be able to assist with their enquiries following a robbery which occurred on Thursday 31 October 2024.
The incident occurred at around 2.40am at the Gorgie Road and Wardlaw Street junction in Edinburgh.
Officers believe the males could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for them or anyone who may recognise them or has information about this incident to get in touch.
The first male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 19-20 years old and approximately 5’8” in height.
He has short, thick dark hair and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark zip-up jumper with a Fred Perry logo on the left chest, socks but no shoes.
The second male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 18-19 years old and between approximately 5’11” and 6ft in height.
He has short brown hair styled up at the front.
He was seen to be wearing grey jogging bottoms, yellow and purple Nike Dunk style trainers and a black hooded jumper.
A Police Scotland representative said: “We urge the males pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible”.
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1439 of 31 October 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Plans for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland for a new environmentally friendly coastal town in Edinburgh have been given the go ahead by the Capital’s planning authority.
Today’s decision gives the go ahead for 847 ‘net zero ready’ homes to be built in partnership with Cruden Homes on the city’s largest brownfield site.
These warm, energy efficient homes will be a mixture of social rent, mid-market rent and homes for sale catering for families and those who require wheelchair accessibility. The new development will create attractive local living for residents by providing capacity for a new primary school and a low carbon heat network.
There will also be commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space.
This exciting first phase of regeneration in Granton Waterfront will be delivered from 2025 to 2032.
As part of the Council’s strategy to address the city’s housing emergency 45% of the homes will be affordable.
The Council’s regeneration plans are already well underway at Granton Waterfront with some early projects taking shape.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:“This is welcome news for Edinburgh as we can now continue our exciting plans to transform the north of the city into a thriving environmentally friendly new neighbourhood which people will want to call home, work in and visit.
“I’m really excited to see this milestone achieved, as we are one step closer to delivering a first phase of regeneration in Granton Waterfront.
“When putting the planning application together we consulted local people every step of the way including those living in established communities nearby as well as other interested groups. Today’s decision will allow us to bring together those we listened to in these communities with new residents.
“After declaring a housing emergency last year it is vital that much of the housing provided will be affordable. Using the latest advances in technology the homes will also be energy efficient keeping bills down for our tenants as well as helping the city to transition to net zero and meet our other climate goals.
“This £1.3bn project is the largest regeneration scheme of its kind in Scotland. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bring communities together, with affordable energy efficient housing to live well locally with access to shops, cultural, leisure and education and health facilities and job opportunities all nearby.
“We’ll also make sure Granton Waterfront has excellent active travel and public transport links to rest of the city and beyond as well as to the many established communities already in the area.
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “This development represents a significant leap toward meeting Scotland’s growing demand for high-quality, energy-efficient housing of all tenures, and the planning outcome marks a major milestone for the project.
“In partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, our work at Granton Waterfront will deliver a diverse range of sustainable new homes designed to meet the community’s evolving needs. By pioneering innovative net-zero solutions, Granton Waterfront is set to become a model for future housing developments across Scotland.
“At Cruden, we’re proud of our long history of building more than just homes; we’re fostering vibrant communities built to endure and flourish, setting a new standard for housing that truly serves both people and the environment.”
POLICE are appealing for information after an assault and robbery on Gilmerton Road on Monday (18 November, 2024).
Around 10.30pm, police and ambulance were called to a report of a 24-year-old man and a 20-year-old man injured after a man entered their Mercedes B-class vehicle on Gilmerton Road and assaulted them.
The injured men got out of the vehicle leaving the suspect within. The vehicle was last seen driving south on Gilmerton Road.
They were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and treated for their injuries. The 24-year-old man was released after treatment.
Detective Sergeant James Palmer said: “Enquiries are ongoing in and around the Gilmerton Road area to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and trace the stolen car.
“I would urge anyone who was in this area between 10pm and 10.30pm on Monday night who witnessed anything relevant to this enquiry or has dashcam footage that may assist to contact us.
“I would also ask anyone who has seen or has any information on the whereabouts of the Mercedes Benz with the registration number YK59 UTX to get in touch. The car may have damage to the front.”
Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference number 3801 of 18 November, 2024. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Award-winning bar & restaurant, The Botanist, is giving everyone the chance to snap up a Christmas gift on the house this week, in the form of a festive tipple from its brand-new Christmas specials menu … but they’ll have to be quick!
Holding a city-wide race to find the boozy prizes, The Botanist’s elves will hide 10 tinsel-filled Christmas baubles in secret locations near the venue in every town and city it has a site on Friday 22nd November.
Eagle-eyed customers should head to their local Botanist’s Facebook page from 12 o’clock for hints on when and where the prizes can be found.
The lucky winners will find a gift tag attached to the bauble to be exchanged at a Botanist venue for the bar’s showstopping new sharing drink – a Christmas tree holding six Blooming Bauble cocktails for groups of friends to get merry over.
A seasonal fruity cocktail of Beefeater pink gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice and lemon with cranberries and rosemary, served in a Christmas bauble, it’s perfect for party season.
Other festive drinks on the new menu include the S’mores Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark bourbon, orange curaçao, cold brew coffee, orange bitters, and creamy foam over ice with a chocolate & Biscoff rim, topped with toasted marshmallows, and the Festive Sparkler of prosecco with seasonal spices.
Encouraging everyone to share the joy with loved ones this season, The Botanist’s highly Instagrammable Christmas, launching on 20th November includes turkey burgers topped with pigs in blankets, chocolate orange mince pie cookie dough for two and festive cocktail specials.
And that’s not all, the halls are being decked with beautiful decorations and The Botanist’s house bands are ready to let the good times roll until the early hours too, playing live every Friday and Saturday night as guests drinks and dine throughout the festive season.
Head to your local Botanist’s Facebook page for more information on the Bauble Hunt.
Winners of Annual Scottish Chefs Nespresso Professional Student Coffee Challenge revealed
Scottish Chefs, Scotland’s official National Organisation for all chefs in Scotland and member of The World Association of Chefs Societies, has once again teamed up with Nespresso Professional for the student coffee challenge to help find the next generation of culinary stars.
The winning team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus each received an invite to Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch where they met Andy Cuthbert, World Chefs newly elected President, and were presented with a Nespresso M100 coffee machine for their college.
This year, Scottish Chefs will also release a special anniversary cookbook as it celebrates its 30th year, where the winning recipes will also be included.
Teams were made up of three students, all in full time catering and hospitality college courses, and were given two hours to produce an afternoon tea selection alongside Nespresso coffee.
The judging panel of Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, Kevin MacGillivray Chief Executive of Scottish Chefs & International World Chefs Accredited Judge, Derek Johnston, the first winner of BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals and Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland were looking for a well-presented table and a front-of-house server demonstrating effective communication and interaction skills with guests.
For the chefs, they sought a display of both modern and traditional cooking methods that showcased a variety of skills, as well as adherence to hygienic working practices.
The winning menu from Jenny MacLeod, Eileen Ingle and Emilia Lawandowska was made up of Leek, Mushroom & Gruyere Tart, Coffee Chicken Pie, Apple & Coffee Meringue Tart and Coffee & Chocolate Choux au Caquelon.
The judges commented on how each element of their afternoon tea was well cooked and was full of flavour which highlighted the coffee and various technical skills which ultimately made the team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus victorious.
Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland, said: “It was a privilege to once again support this competition, and help support the next generation of culinary superstars.
“It was inspiring to see the skills and imagination on display to create incredible menus to complement our coffee. When food is this delicious, being able to offer the best coffee is something we feel extremely passionate about.
“Congratulations to the winners from Edinburgh College, the standard was so high, so they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, said: “It was very encouraging to see the interest from colleges throughout Scotland that participated. The support that the young chefs and servers received from their respective college lecturers was fantastic.
And then from the students came the imagination, the innovation and the team work to help produce brilliant Afternoon Teas. Scottish Chefs now hope now that this competition can go from strength to strength and help build up an array of talented youngsters.
Well done to Edinburgh Milton College campus who also were very worthy winners last year, there must be something in the Edinburgh air! We all look forward to next year.”
The Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch took place at Murrayfield recognising 30 years of promoting excellence in all areas of the hospitality industry in Scotland. Mairi Gougeon MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands joined as guest speaker.
Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, has today shared a first glimpse of its new and exciting haul of badges launching next summer. 72 new badges will be available for girls aged 4 – 18 to complete– including a revamped and modern version of the 2018 discontinued ‘Hostess’ badge.
Last year, Girlguiding underwent a huge brand transformation and by adding even more interest badges, the organisation continues its commitment to evolve as the lives and needs of girls change.
The development of new and the evolution of old badges was a response to girls’ requests to add more given the popularity of the first wave of badges released in 2018, with a phenomenal 1,336,656 completed across all four Girlguiding sections since then1.
The old favourite Brownie ‘Hostess’ badge has been given a fresh twist and transformed into the new ‘Celebrations’ badge.
The former badge, first popularised in the 1960s, could once be awarded for playing ‘hostess’ by inviting a friend round and making them a cup of tea, before activities to earn the badge were expanded in 2009 to include party planning so that girls could learn event planning skills.
With the new ‘Celebrations’ badge, Brownies will not only learn valuable event planning skills, they will also explore how people from around the world celebrate special occasions before planning their own.
Girlguiding is consulting with members, and to date has heard from over 20,000 girls, volunteers, and parents about what they wanted to see added to the range of interest badges. Until 30 November 2024, anyone, including members of the public, can still submit their ideas which will be used to finalise the designs and activities that make up the badges.
Alongside the new ‘Celebration’ badge for Brownies (age 7-10), a ‘Bee rescuer’ badge will also be launched for Rainbows (age 4-7) challenging girls to get to know this special insect with activities from investigating bugs and bees, to making a bee rescue kit.
A ‘Thrift’ badge will be added for Guides (age 10-14), encouraging girls to channel their inner eco-warrior and learn how to customise, repurpose, and recycle. Both badges were inspired by girls’ passion for living sustainably and learning to help the natural world. 84% of girls told Girlguiding that it’s important to them to do something about climate change1.
Also launching will be a ‘Nostalgia’ badge for Rangers (aged 14-18). This new badge will not only see girls reflect on their past, but it will also provide an opportunity to talk to someone older than them and hear stories from someone at a different stage of life.
Girlguiding hope this badge will help to tackle intergenerational loneliness with over half (59%) of girls and young women aged 7-21 reported feelings of loneliness in Girlguiding’s latest Girls’ Attitudes Survey and 3 in 4 of them think that younger and older people spending time together is a good way to tackle loneliness2.
Rangers will also benefit from learning valuable relationship building skills and gain a greater understanding of different perspectives.
Sofia, 6, a Rainbow who is passionate about the environment said:“I’ve loved learning about beekeeping at my local beekeepers’ association and am really happy that Girlguiding is making a badge so more girls can get involved in rescuing and protecting bees.
“We need to help protect bees because our environment needs them!”
Sally Kettle, Deputy Chief Guide at Girlguiding said: “I’m so excited about the new interest badges and it’s been inspiring to see the flood of ideas coming from the girls, and leaders too! I have to admit it really got my own creative juices going and I submitted an idea for a sporty badge.
“It’s so important that it’s the girls themselves that have put their ideas forward, because it really reflects their changing interests and shows us what skills they value and perhaps need a little bit of help to obtain.
“It’s such an exciting time in Girlguiding and I really can’t wait to see the new range launch next year. I have no doubt social media feeds will be buzzing with stories of girls earning their new badges!”
Among the most frequently completed interest badges in the programme from the first release in 2018 have been ‘Drawing’ for Rainbows, ‘Aviation’ for Brownies, ‘Mixology’ for Guides, and ‘Self-care’ for Rangers.
The popularity of all kinds of badges highlights the diversity of interests and aspirations among Girlguiding members.
Girlguiding’s programme provides young girls and women with the opportunity to learn invaluable skills in the welcoming fun and supportive environment Girlguiding provides. All girls in Girlguiding are encouraged, and empowered to know they can do anything and become future leaders and change-makers in their communities.
For more information about how to get involved with Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.
Scotland’s Migration Service, which provides information and advice for people, employers and investors, has been expanded to offer support to a wider range of individuals.
The service will support newcomers to settle in Scotland, help more people and employers to navigate the immigration system, and attract more working-age people to Scotland – helping address skills shortages and curb population decline.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart launched the expanded service on a visit to iGii, a technology business in Stirling that benefitted from advice from the first phase of Scotland’s Migration Service on hiring skilled workers from abroad.
Ms Stewart said: “Population decline is one of the biggest challenges for Scotland’s future, with all population growth projected to come from migration. Expanding Scotland’s Migration Service will help ensure that communities, public services and businesses can access the people and workforces they need to thrive into the future.
“Supporting migration also has significant potential to boost our economy. For example, attracting 1,000 higher rate taxpayers each year for five years could add £98 million to the Scottish Budget.
“Since launching its first phase earlier this year, Scotland’s Migration Service has provided free advice appointments to more than 150 individuals, employers and investors, and service website pages have been viewed by more than 14 thousand users.”
iGii CEO Jean-Christophe Granier said: “Access to world-class talent is essential for a scaling business like ours, which relies on highly skilled experts in technical scientific fields, often sourced from Scotland’s university network.
“We’re growing quickly, so anything that eases our path to hiring quality talent locally and internationally is helpful.
“We expect the new service to make hiring the talent we need to continue to grow easier and more transparent for both employers and employees.”
To deliver Scotland’s Migration Service, the Scottish Government has partnered with the immigration law firm Seraphus and with Citizens Advice Scotland.
Christopher Desira, Director at Seraphus said:“As a partner of Scotland’s Migration Service, we’ve seen firsthand how the partial launch has already provided essential support to employers and investors, simplifying the recruitment of international workers”.
“With the full launch, the expanded resources and webinars will enable even more effective access to crucial information, strengthening Scotland’s ability to attract and retain skilled professionals.”
Citizens Advice Scotland CEO Derek Mitchell said: “Since April, our advisers have supported almost 3,300 clients with immigration advice, a 20% increase on the same time last year. By working with Scotland’s Migration Service, we can provide better support for our network and make a meaningful impact to people’s lives.
“Whether you’re an overseas student navigating an extended stay or have recently moved to Scotland, our network of advisers are ready to help people thrive and settle into their new home.”
· CINEWORLD EDINBURGH MARKS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY THIS NOVEMBER, ALONGSIDE CELEBRATIONS OF NEW BLOCKBUSTER WICKED
· A DAY OF CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD AT FOUNTAIN PARK CINEMA ON SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
· MOVIEGOERS CAN ALSO WATCH A RANGE OF CLASSIC BLOCKBUSTERS FOR £5* A TICKET
Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will host an exciting day of celebrations on Saturday 23rd November at Fountain Park Cinema in Edinburgh to mark the cinema’s milestone 25th birthday. It comes as highly-anticipated blockbuster, Wicked, arrives in cinemas that same weekend and Cineworld will go all out to celebrate.
Fans can catch the dazzling spectacle, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and adapted from the hit musical, in IMAX, 4DX and ScreenX at Cineworld Edinburgh. Cinema-goers will have the chance to win Wickedmerchandise throughout the day including sweatshirts, notebooks, tumblers and t-shirts so they too can dance through life!
For those who book to see Wickedin 4DX or ScreenX during opening week, they’ll receive one free regular ICEE to match the iconic Wicked colours: Elphaba’s Emerald Green (Sour Apple) or Glinda’s Perfect Pink (Strawberry). While stocks last, guests will be able to purchase Cineworld-exclusive Wickedpopcorn buckets, cups and toppers as well as a Witch-hat drink container to enjoy their treats in style – the items are sure to be popular!
As Cineworld Edinburgh prepares for the arrival of Wicked, they’ll be looking back at past blockbusters and an incredible 25 year’s worth of highlights including:
Launching Cineworld’s first IMAX screen in 2011
Supporting EIFF as a major partner for 18 years
Hosting the Toy Story 3 premiere in 2012 with Sir Sean Connery in attendance
Launching our popular 4DX screen in 2017
Hosting the T2 World Premier in 2017 and completing our multi-million pound refurbishment in 2019 which included Scotland’s first Screen X!
Cineworld Edinburgh will also be celebrating the milestone birthday with a selection of popular films from 1999 available to book for the following week such as The Mummy, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, James Bond: The World Is Not Enough and Sixth Sense – all available for £5* per ticket.
Jamie Wiles, General Manager at Cineworld Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a competitive market place, and are really happy to be able to celebrate with our valued partners, customers and employees.
“The past 25 years have been a hugely successful time for us; During this time, we have operated as Virgin Cinemas, UGC Cinemas and Cineworld Cinemas with our loyal customer base watching us grow and invest in the customer experience.
“We’re delighted to have become a part of the local community and have had the pleasure of striving to be the best place to watch a movie for our Edinburgh customers.”
Terms & Conditions
*95p online booking fee applies.
Wicked ICEE Promotion Terms & Conditions available HERE.
