The Prague Symphony Orchestra brings an electrifying celebration of Nature to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall

Sunday Classics: Prague Symphony Orchestra with Ester Pavlů

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

3:00pm, Sunday 10 November 2019

‘A symphony must be like the world,’ said Gustav Mahler. ‘It must contain everything!’

None of the composer’s magnificent music better embodies Mahler’s famous maxim than his epic Third Symphony. This is music on a grand, cosmic scale, with an electrifying power to match, and brings together a spectacular stage-full of musicians: an enormous orchestra, choir, children’s choir and mezzo-soprano soloist. Continue reading The Prague Symphony Orchestra brings an electrifying celebration of Nature to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall

Ali honoured for putting Edinburgh’s literary culture on the world stage

ONE of Scotland’s leading champions of literature and literary tourism was honoured by Edinburgh Napier University yesterday.

Ali Bowden, Director of the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of reading, writing and literary heritage.

University of Stirling graduate Ali enjoyed a ten-year career in publishing with Polygon Books and Edinburgh University Press before becoming Director of the Trust in 2006.

She has played a key role in establishing and developing Edinburgh as a UNESCO City of Literature and founding city in a global network of creative cities.

Passionate about promoting Edinburgh as a literary city, Ali has created projects ranging from community-based writers’ residencies and international exchanges to Scotland’s first citywide reading campaign, the award-winning Great Scott! installation in Waverley railway station honouring Sir Walter Scott, and the Stars & Stories trail of illuminated quotations celebrating 500 years of Edinburgh’s publishing heritage.

In 2011, the City of Literature Trust joined forces with Edinburgh Napier to launch the annual Robert Louis Stevenson Day, the first of many collaborative projects with the University.

The hard work continues, with Ali’s current focus being the creation of a Literature House at John Knox House, as part of a wider development of the Literary Quarter on the Royal Mile. Scheduled to open in 2022, the Literature House is an ambitious project that will be a point of transformation for Edinburgh as a UNESCO City of Literature in terms of profile, access and engagement.

Today, she joined hundreds of students at the School of Arts & Creative Industries graduation ceremony in the Usher Hall to receive her Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters.

Ali, 46, said: “I am delighted and truly honoured to receive recognition of this kind. My work over the years has never been easy but has always been interesting, diverse and stimulating.

“Edinburgh is an outstanding UNESCO City of Literature and it’s a joy to play a part in supporting the reading and writing communities here, and connecting our literary city with like-minded cities around the world.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Edinburgh is a city which is rich in literary heritage, from Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson to the Rebus novels of Ian Rankin, and as the birthplace of JK Rowling’s Boy Wizard, Harry Potter.

“Ali Bowden has spearheaded the drive to make reading part of our lives while promoting the city’s literary connections on the global stage, and it is a pleasure to have her join our celebrations today.”

Edinburgh Castle Shines a Light on Access Requirements

Heritage for All at Castle of Light Inclusive Evening

 Heritage for All at Castle of Light Inclusive Evening

Castle of Light is hosting a special access night to ensure as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour at Edinburgh Castle this winter. Continue reading Edinburgh Castle Shines a Light on Access Requirements

City firm offers 100 free tickets to first Super6 rugby match

A LEAD sponsor for a club in Scotland’s new top-tier domestic rugby division is helping pack the stands by offering 100 free tickets to the inaugural game. 

Boroughmuir Bears’ shirt sponsor Commsworld is offering the tickets to the first 100 people to book tickets using the code COMMSWORLD through the Citizen Ticket platform.

The club is playing the first match of the FOSROC Super6 League season on Friday 8 November on home turf at the Meggetland Sports Complex against Stirling County, with kick off at 7:30pm.

Ricky Nicol, Chief Executive at Commsworld, said: “We’ve been proud supporters of Boroughmuir for the past four years – it’s a no brainer to celebrate the club’s progression into semi-professional standing with free tickets for their fans.

“This season is even more momentous as the club marks its 100th anniversary this year. It’s a proper well-deserved celebration, so I hope that we can help the club generate a special atmosphere.”

Commsworld announced last year it would continue to sponsor Boroughmuir for the next five years, investing in every team from the youngest through to the senior teams and providing funding for training kits and referee fees.

The Boroughmuir Bears is one of six teams selected as part of the semi-professional division which aims to bridge the gap between Pro14 sides and Scotland’s amateur clubs. The Super6 League is the first division of its kind and is set to become the new top tier of domestic rugby.

Tickets are available at https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/event/boroughmuir-bears-v-stirling-county-super-6/

Commsworld is one of Scotland’s most reputable providers of digital connectivity, offering a market disruptive service to rival legacy network providers. Founded in 1994, the firm is headquartered in Edinburgh and has bases in London, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Edinburgh College supports development of English language teaching in Turkey

Last month Edinburgh College, working in partnership with the British Council in Turkey, hosted 22 English language teachers for a two-week mentor training course aimed at developing the teaching practice of participants and preparing them to take on leading roles in the development of English language teaching in Turkey upon their return to the country.  Continue reading Edinburgh College supports development of English language teaching in Turkey

Edinburgh set to come alive for annual Poppy Day

Scotland’s capital city is gearing up to host what has become one of the firm fixtures in its calendar. Organised by Poppyscotland, the seventh annual Edinburgh Poppy Day will feature more than five fun-packed hours of live music and entertainment. Continue reading Edinburgh set to come alive for annual Poppy Day