Month: February 2023

Lights Out for Lantern Led Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close

Calling all brave and curious explorers, this February The Real Mary King’s Close is shining a light (or lack of) onto Edinburgh’s history, illuminating the lives of former residents and unravelling truths about their deaths with Lantern Led Tours.

The new Lantern Led Tours are available for a limited time only during Half Term, where guests will descend into complete darkness with the only light source being the flicker of their lanterns, as they explore Edinburgh’s history.

Hidden beneath the Capital’s iconic Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s best underground experience is ready to send those daring to on a time-traveling adventure. The one hour guided tour will transport customers to another era, with eerie interactions from two insidious characters that used to strike terror into people’s hearts at their very sight.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “The Real Mary King’s Close is a place filled with excitement and mystery, where strange revelations of Edinburgh’s ominous past come to life. 

“We are so excited to launch our Lantern Led Tours and elevate the experience to a whole new level. This is a great activity to do with family and friends over the February holidays, so come along and find out who is the bravest of the bunch.”

The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.

The tours will be running Friday 10th to Sunday 12th February and Friday 17th to Sunday 19th February from 7pm-9pm every 15 minutes. Prices are £25 per adult / £19 per child (5 to 15yo – no under 5 allowed). 

For more information and bookings please visit: 

https://bookings.realmarykingsclose.com/book/lantern-led-tours/123

Funeral charity issues callout for kind-hearted volunteers to help recently bereaved people in the Lothians

As most Scots feel the full force of the cold weather and cost of living crisis, one charity is making a pledge to support even more bereaved Scots facing funeral poverty in 2023 – but they need the help of the public to achieve their goal.

Caledonia Funeral Aid was set up to provide free practical and emotional support to bereaved Scots or those thinking about end-of-life planning, with a particular focus on those worried about how they are going to afford to pay for a funeral.

With many people having to choose between heating and eating, a bereavement could cause extra financial worry on top of the pain of a loss and that is why Caledonia Funeral Aid was set up.

Co-founder John Halliday explains: “A lot of people we support haven’t had to arrange a funeral before – thankfully. However, they are grieving, and they don’t know where to start or what to do. 

“The distress is only made worse if finances are an issue. When the average cost of a basic funeral is nearly £4k, the amount of people who are struggling is more than you would think.

“Caledonia Funeral Aid operate a helpline, which provides free, impartial advice on organising a funeral, paying for a funeral and how to cope. 

We are keen to spread the word that help is available, you don’t have to face this alone, support is there. That is why we have issued a callout for volunteers.

The recruits will receive full training and will staff events and workshops, as well as man the advice line.

It may sound like a difficult role, but it is truly a rewarding one, as you are helping someone as they navigate one of the most difficult periods of their life. People who we speak with are always so grateful to have us guiding them through.”

One such person is Donna, whose friend Adam died earlier this year: “I approached several funeral directors who turned me away when they heard money was an issue. I was so worried as I wanted to honour Adam’s wishes.

“Luckily, I called Caledonia Funeral Aid, and they advised me of more affordable options and financial assistance that was available. As a result, I managed to organise a dignified and caring funeral for my dear friend.”

In terms of the type of person they are looking for, John explains more: “We are looking for sympathetic and organised people who are passionate about helping others. As we work Scotland-wide, location is flexible, but we are focusing on Edinburgh in terms of delivering events and workshops.”

Anyone who is interested is encouraged to give our team a call on 03000 113 301

On Yer Bike! Book onto the new Ageing Well Bike Course

For those older adults looking to get back in the saddle again, Ageing Well, will be starting a new 11-week cycling course, where participants can develop those dormant skills in a relaxed and social atmosphere with like-minded companions.

Ryan Dignan, Edinburgh Leisure’s Community Development Officer for Older Adults explained: “Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile and enjoy the outdoors and countryside on the amazing network of dedicated cycle paths in the Edinburgh area.

“Perhaps you’d like to join grandchildren on family rides or just to meet some new people?  And don’t worry if you haven’t been on a bike for ages or don’t currently own one, we even provide bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, so all you need to bring is yourself! The courses are led by experienced, fully trained volunteers who are passionate about cycling and supporting those who would like to get back in the saddle.”

The initial level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material is an 11-week course, which will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, in a dedicated area at Saughton. This part of the course will begin on Monday, 27th February at 10am-12noon. 

Level 2 lasts 8-weeks and gives participants the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s extensive cycle path network, from the leisure centres at Ainslie Park and Meggetland.

For more information and to book a place on the cycle course, contact a member of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team on: Tel: 0131 458 2260 or email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

The Ageing Well project promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults (typically 50+) in Edinburgh. The project is a partnership with NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure and Pilmeny Development Project and is part of the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the expectation of good health in later life.

Trees planted in Princes Street Gardens

Over 50 trees have been planted in Princes Street Gardens following donations from FLY Festival and the Edinburgh Million Tree City Project.

Organisers of FLY Open Air – which was last held in West Princes Street Gardens in 2021 – donated £5,000 towards trees for the community and this has been match-funded by the Million Tree City Project.

In 2021, Edinburgh officially launched its ambitious target to become a Million Tree City by 2030 as part of its commitment to be net zero by the end of the decade.

The Edinburgh Million Tree Forum is made up of representatives from relevant Council services, the Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, the Woodland Trust and partners who are all working together on an updated vision for trees in Edinburgh and to find ways of planting more trees, more quickly.

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker, joined Sam Joss, FLY Festival Director, to plant the final of 51 trees donated to the Gardens.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “We’re very proud that Edinburgh is already one of the UK’s greenest cities, with more trees than people and more green space and green flag parks than any other place in Scotland for people to enjoy. But we want to do even better, especially as we strive towards our hugely ambitious target of making the city net zero by 2030.

“I’m delighted to join Sam to plant the last of these donated trees. After years of successful events in our gardens it’s a fantastic way for the festival to give back to the community. These trees will be enjoyed for generations to come. It’s impossible to overstate the benefits trees bring to the urban landscape. They help clean our air, reduce the risk of flooding, keep us cool in the summer and warmer in winter while giving the wildlife in our city a home.

“We became the first local authority to sign the tree charter and in doing so we pledged to keep nurturing, planting, celebrating, cherishing and increasing Edinburgh’s trees and through our Million Tree City initiative. It is really important that we look after Edinburgh’s wonderful tree legacy for future generations.”

Sam Joss, Fly Festival Director, said: “We are very proud to call Princes Street Gardens our home so I am thrilled to be able to make this donation with funds raised through our music festival; FLY Open Air.

“We have a fantastic relationship with the council and hope to continue to work in partnership to bring improvements to green spaces in the city and show what a positive impact events can have.”

Drumbrae Library Family Fun Day

On Saturday 18th Feb we are gonna be EVEN MORE Family Fun than usual!

We will have BOOKBUG, with a visit from the Bug of the Book themselves, a SLIME WORKSHOP, you can make your own BADGE, there will be LIVE MUSIC, a CRAFT event, INFO POINTS from several local organizations, plus TEA & BISCUITS!!!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/warm-and-welcoming…

Brush up on your beauty skills and meet the experts, as Love Beauty returns to St James Quarter

Makeup brushes at the ready! St James Quarter is bringing back its iconic Love Beauty event this weekend (Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February). 

The one-of-a-kind event is the perfect opportunity for beauty aficionados to come together and celebrate their love for all things glam, with a range of inspiring makeup, skincare, and fragrance workshops, as well as consultations from world-renowned brands. 

Guests are invited to visit St James Quarter’s Love Beauty Lounge over the weekend, located on Level 1 beside NEXT.

In this haven for beauty lovers, experts from some of the most loved brands in the Quarter including VIEVE, Charlotte Tilbury, Carolina Herrera, Clarins, Sunnamusk and Neom will be offering demonstrations, mini masterclasses and complimentary treatments as well as spilling the industry’s best kept beauty secrets.

Stylish Scottish eyewear brand Iolla will also partner with beauty experts to reveal top makeup tips and tricks for wearers of glasses. While enjoying refreshments and music from our resident DJ, guests can explore an interactive Beauty Bar play table with products to spritz, swatch, test and try from Dior, Body Shop, Neom and Kiehl’s among others. 

In the Love Beauty Studio, on Level 1 in the Quarter’s SOOK space, guests can enjoy one-to-one consultations and mini treatments from skincare favourite, Kiehl’s, and get a Dyson hair styling experience with the brand’s experts, while learning about Dyson’s coveted styling tools. No need to book in advance, just pop along to enjoy a complimentary treatment and some well-deserved pamper time. 

John Lewis will also be celebrating all things beauty, with a jam-packed schedule of workshops at its Beauty Society on Level 2, as well as mini makeovers, product demonstrations and gift with purchase offers from many brands including Elemis, Hermes, Bobbi Brown and Estee Lauder. 

Once feeling their best, guests will be invited to step into the official Love Beauty photo and video booth to snap a selfie, reveal what beauty means to them and divulge their own top beauty secrets. Situated on Level 2, outside John Lewis, the booth features a special beauty filter to make each pose and pout insta-worthy.  

Think you know all there is about beauty? St James Quarter is challenging beauty fanatics to take part in a beauty-themed treasure hunt across the Quarter this weekend.

Guests will be tasked with completing a beauty passport, filled with questions on some of St James Quarter’s most iconic brands, including Neom, Victoria’s Secret and John Lewis, all to be in with a chance of winning an exclusive St James Quarter Beauty hamper, full to the brim with 2023’s beauty must haves.

The beauty passports can be collected from the Love Beauty Lounge from 10am each day and must be returned to the Lounge by 5pm on Sunday 19th February.  

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to host some of the world’s most exciting and innovative beauty brands within St James Quarter and this weekend gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate all things beauty.  

“From skincare and make-up to haircare and fragrance, Love Beauty brings all the very best of our brands together to help our guests learn something new, stock up on their favourite brands and enjoy complimentary consultations and treatments. 

“We’re sure every guest will leave St James Quarter looking and feeling their best, with their look too good not to capture in our pop-up Love Beauty photo and video booth!” 

The Love Beauty Lounge and Love Beauty Studio will be open from 10am – 5pm on Saturday and 11am – 4pm on Sunday, with activities taking place throughout The Quarter across the whole weekend.

Keep up to date with the latest info via our Instagram page by following @StJamesQuarter or you can visit https://stjamesquarter.com/event/love-beauty 

26,240 families in Scotland saved on costs with Tax-Free Childcare

More than 26,000 families in Scotland saved on childcare costs in December thanks to Tax-Free Childcare and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging those yet to sign up not to miss out. 

The latest figures revealed by HMRC show an increase of 6,390 families in Scotland using the scheme compared to December 2021. 

Tax-Free Childcare is a financial support for working families with children up to the age of 11, or 16 if their child has a disability. The government top up can be used to pay for any approved childcare including holiday clubs, breakfast and after school clubs, child minders and nurseries.  

A total of £41.5 million in government top-up payments were made to working families across the UK in December 2022 with each family saving up to £2,000 a year per child or £4,000 if their child is disabled. 

Families who have not yet signed up should check their eligibility and apply online today.

Opening a Tax-Free Childcare account is quick and easy and can be done at any time of the year.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We want to help families get the most out of their finances and Tax-Free Childcare can help pay towards their childcare costs. Search ‘Tax-Free Childcare’ on GOV.UK to get started.” 

For every £8 paid into the Tax-Free Childcare account, families automatically receive an additional £2. Families can save up to £500 every three months (£2,000 a year) for each child or £1,000 (£4,000 a year) if their child is disabled. 

More than one million families in the UK are entitled to some form of government childcare support and the government is encouraging those eligible not to miss out on their entitlements.  Families can find out more about Tax-Free Childcare via the Childcare Choices website. 

The government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support, including help with childcare costs. 

Extended funding to help more Council tenants with energy costs

The City of Edinburgh Council is extending funding to its Energy Advice Service for Council tenants, helping even more households to cut down on costs and carbon emissions.

Funded by the Council and delivered by leading environmental charity Changeworks, the service aims to give tenants expert energy advice to help them save money on their bills. An additional £158,000 funding will increase the capacity of the service so that it can help to support even more tenants through the current energy crisis and beyond.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “At a time when energy costs are soaring, the help provided by the Energy Advice Service is vital.

“Over 4,400 of our tenants have saved £1.5m between them since the project began so I’m really pleased to extend this support even further. The move will provide tenants with the opportunity to speak to someone about their bills, reduce carbon emissions and hopefully save money.

“Since the start of the cost-of-living crisis we have been encouraging tenants to get in touch with us if they are struggling financially. It’s so important to make sure people are getting all the benefits and advice they are entitled to and we have a wealth of support and information online.”

The Energy Advice Service has been available to City of Edinburgh Council tenants since 2018 and allows tenants to phone or email to speak with an expert advisor at Changeworks, who gives them free and impartial energy advice and support with issues such as energy debt.

It has been making a real difference to tenants accessing the free service. Between October and December last year, after speaking with an advisor 75% of people using the service said they felt confident dealing with their energy issues, compared to just 23% before using the service.

Tenants using the service also had positive feedback about their experience using the service, with one tenant commenting: “The advisor took a lot of weight and stress away at that time, made me feel more relaxed, [it] helped me with my health.”

Another tenant went on to explain that the advice wasn’t just supporting them, but also their family: “With all the knowledge the advisor has given me, I have been able to pass that onto my family and friends, so she’s helped more than just me.”

Lisa Bygate, Affordable Warmth Service Team Manager at Changeworks said: “In the current environment we’re seeing a greater need for more in-depth support with complex energy related issues, such as fuel debt.

“We’re also seeing demand for the Energy Advice Service increase. This additional funding is going to allow us to help more people and give them more support in more complex cases.”

City of Edinburgh Council tenants can access the service by calling 0800 870 8800 or visiting www.changeworks.org.uk/referral.

To find out more about the service and other ways City of Edinburgh Council is supporting residents with energy costs, visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/housing-support-advice/home-energy