Prepare to be enchanted as Monteviot House & Gardens unveils its inaugural winter light trail event, Monteviot Lights, illuminating the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders on nine dates between November 30th to December 10th, 2023.
This captivating spectacle promises to be a magical experience for families and visitors of all ages.
Monteviot Lights is not just another light show; it’s a unique opportunity to witness the first lighting and audio spectacle in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Unlike traditional light installations, Monteviot Lights embraces the natural backdrop of Monteviot Gardens, accentuating the beauty of nature itself. Visitors are in for a treat, with an unforgettable evening of wonder and enchantment.
This captivating outdoor illuminated journey unfolds within Monteviot House’s spectacular gardens as dusk settles over the historic grounds. Starting at Harestanes Visitor Centre, you’ll walk a 1.5km route through beautifully lit gardens and woods. Creative lighting brings nature to life, complemented by breathtaking soundscapes.
Pass through the magic doorway to encounter a symphony of twinkling lights, casting a spellbinding glow. Each step reveals a new spectacle, inviting you to immerse yourself in the ethereal ambience.
Follow the illuminated pathway winding through the grounds, leading to a captivating winter fairytale.Visitors are invited to take their time and to enjoy locally sourced food and drink also available at the event.
Monteviot Lights
Near Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Scotland.
Picture Phil Wilkinson
The light trail seamlessly incorporates the garden’s natural surroundings and key features, creating immersive experiences, produced by NL Productions, who have over 50 years’ experience of delivering large-scale events, including The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry; Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle; and Edinburgh Zoo’s Halloween Spooktakular and Christmas Nights.
The event aims to attract 7,500 visitors in its inaugural year while focusing on long-term growth and sustainability, aiming to preserve the natural environment that the event beautifully illuminates.
The family behind the event has been instrumental in its creation and eagerly invites visitors to share in the experience. Michael, 13th Marquis of Lothian, expresses excitement about hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.
He said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail; it is thrilling for me to see the gardens my family and I have spent many years creating come to life with the beautiful lighting trail that is planned.
“As a family we have had a vision for this event, and it is such an exciting time to see it all come to life. It will not only be a wonderful event for us at Monteviot but we hope for everyone across the Borders. We look forward to welcoming you to Monteviot Lights.”
Phil O’Halloran, NL Productions Event Producer, shares his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the magical experience of creative lighting and soundscapes, created in collaboration with Serena Foyle, amidst Monteviot Gardens’ natural beauty.
He commented, “We are very excited to be producing Monteviot Lights and can’t wait for everyone to experience the beauty of the trail in these stunning natural spaces. It is thrilling that this will be the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.
“Monteviot Gardens is a wonderful location with paths meandering through historic woodland, past ponds, and amongst awe-inspiring gardens. Families will have the chance to experience an evening of pure magic as creative lighting and soundscapes bring the winter landscape to life.”
Event Details:
Dates: November 30th – December 3rd and December 6th – 10th, 2023
Time: 16.30 – 19.30
Tickets: Sold in 15-minute timeslots
Location: Monteviot House & Gardens, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
Parking: As you arrive at Harestanes Visitor Centre, enjoy food and drink along with toilet facilities. Support small local businesses like Buy Design Gallery, Out-There Artisan, Rub-A-Dug-Dug, Harestanes Glass Studio, and Mary’s Dairy, all based at Harestanes Visitor Centre.
Join us at Monteviot Lights for a winter wonderland like no other. For more information, ticket bookings, and updates, visit our website:
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, will make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, with an incredible line up of fun and affordable festive events in its Edinburgh store to make the holiday season extra special for families. Tickets for all events are on sale now.
No Dobbies’ Christmas is complete without the famous Santa’s Grotto. Families in Edinburgh can enjoy an immersive experience where they’ll be guided by an elf through a Christmas tree forest, spotting magical characters along the way, before making a special item to take home. After that, they’ll spend time with Santa and get a special gift. Attendees can also choose to get a photo with Santa, so they’ll always have that special memory.
Santa’s Quiet Grotto will also be available on 8 December. This experience is designed to assist children with additional needs with customised sound and visual features to minimise anxiety.
Families with dogs will be thrilled to know that Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will be offering a Santa Paws Grotto experience. Dog lovers can bring their furry pals for doggie gifts and photo opportunities with Santa.
The always-popular Santa’s Breakfast is also taking place and is ideal for those under 10. Breakfast options will be available for both adults and children, including vegetarian selections. Kids can dive into exciting craft activities, enjoy festive games and receive a gift from Santa.
Dobbies’ Festive Afternoon Tea is the perfect opportunity for family and friends in Edinburgh to spend time together enjoying seasonal magic. There will be three tiers of tasty festive treats from finger sandwiches with honey roast ham to sweet treats like scones served with Cornish clotted cream, as well as unlimited tea and coffee. Attendees can also upgrade to enjoy more delicious savoury snacks like the prawn marie rose vol au vents, festive hot drinks, and even Prosecco for an additional treat.
It’s jingle bells all the way at Santa’s Arrival where lucky families will have the opportunity to see Santa at an informal opening night of the Grotto on 23 November. Santa will walk around the store, spending time with kids, taking selfies, and spreading holiday cheer.
Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night on 30 November is the perfect time for families to enjoy festive shopping while supporting Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust. They can pick from lots of great gifts, beautiful decorations, and seasonal staples.
The Little Seedlings Christmas Party will also be taking place, exclusively for Little Seedlings Club members aged 4-10. Members will receive a VIP invite to attend, and can anticipate Christmas games, dancing, and delicious food, alongside a special visit from Santa, bearing a special gift.
Sarah Murray, who has developed this year’s events programme, said: “We are filled with excitement about the upcoming Christmas events in our Edinburgh store. Seeing families and friends come together, sharing laughter, and creating special memories is at the heart of what we do at Dobbies.
“Our team has poured their passion into crafting an array of festive experiences that will truly bring the magic of Christmas to life. We can’t wait to see the happiness these events bring our customers and their loved ones.”
Customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies’ Christmas events to avoid disappointment.
Santa’s Grotto runs from 23 November, £11.99 per child
Santa Paws runs from 2December, £6.99 per dog
Santa’s Breakfast takes place from 25 November onwards, £13.99 per child and from £9 per adult
Festive Afternoon Tea starts on 1 November and runs through December, prices from £13.50 for adults and £8.50 for children.
Santa’s Arrival takes place on 23 November from 4.30pm to 7pm
Christmas Shopping Night runs on 30 November, from 5pm to 9pm
The Little Seedlings Christmas Party takes place on 3December
To learn more about the events and bookings, please visit dobbies.com/events
Responding after the Save Our Pools debate at the Scottish Parliament, Foysol Choudhury MSP said:“At the Save Our Pools debate recently, the Scottish Government attacked partly-Labour led West Lothian Council for being forced into closing swimming pools because of inadequate Scottish Government funding.
“Many other Councils across Scotland are having to make difficult decisions about closures because they are cash-strapped, including partly-SNP led Aberdeen Council.
“Yet, the Minister did not seem to want to admit that and failed to answer my question when I asked her about closures elsewhere in Scotland, choosing instead to attack Labour for decisions that, actually, councillors all across Scotland, including SNP councillors, are having to make.
“It’s time the Scottish Government take this issue seriously and start providing more funding to councils within Scotland, instead of deflecting questions to compare Scotland to England or to attack the opposition.
“When I previously asked to meet with the Minister to discuss this important matter of swimming pool closures she said she had no time, yet, I have now come to learn that she has time to meet with her SNP colleague Fiona Hyslop MSP to discuss this issue.
“The Scottish Government should urgently begin to work with colleagues across the Chamber for the sake of our shared constituents, to ensure they have access to the vital health, safety and social resources which are our swimming pools.
“Will this SNP administration stop being insular and work with all elected officials for the sake of our communities?”
Deidre Brock MP and Ben Macpherson MSP are hosting a Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 29 September. The event will run from 10.30 am – 12 noon in the Anchor Room West at the Heart of Newhaven Community Centre.
All are welcome to come along and join them for a cup of coffee or tea, to help raise funds for a vital cause. Newhaven Connections Cafe will also be offering some delicious cakes, traybakes and other treats.
If you’d like and are able to contribute, you can make a donation via the event page, with all proceeds going directly to Macmillan Cancer Support through JustGiving – there will also be a donation box there on the day. Every penny will go towards helping people affected by cancer live their lives as fully as possible.
Deidre Brock MP said: “Many of us have personal experience with the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, either first-hand or through our family and friends.
“I know the support offered by Macmillan has been an invaluable lifeline for lots of folk in the constituency during difficult times. So come along for a blether and a cuppa, and let’s raise some money for a fantastic charity.”
Ben Macpherson MSP said: “Along with my colleague, Deidre Brock MP, we are grateful to Macmillan for what they do to support people in the constituency, and across the country.
“Cancer can affect anyone at any time and the support that Macmillan provides can be life changing. Please do come along on Friday 29 September at 10.30am to the Heart of Newhaven to have a cuppa and a chat, and if you can, consider donating to this invaluable organisation.”
July House Price Index from Chartered Surveyors, Walker Fraser Steele:
Scottish House Prices in July edge down from record highs
Transactions continue to languish
Demand for higher-value properties decreasing
A small majority of local authorities see annual price falls
Glasgow reports record high prices
Average Scottish House price in July £223,035, down 0.4% on June, 0.3% up annually
Table 1. Average House Prices in Scotland for the period July 2022 – July 2023
Scott Jack, Regional Development Director at Walker Fraser Steele, comments:
“With the end of interest rates rises perhaps in sight, we may yet see better news in the coming months for house price growth. But for now, the picture in July is less rosy as the housing market contracted due to the persistent challenges from rising interest rates, cost of living increases, and affordability pressures.
“All of these are conspiring to take the wind out of prospective buyers’ sails – not least new buyers who are particularly impacted by affordability challenges. However, with the announcement of the first sub-5% fixed rate mortgage in mid-September, we hope to see transactions increase and confidence to return to the market towards the end of the year.
“The pattern of slight monthly rises that we saw in prior months came to a stop when the average property price decreased by £900, or -0.4%. The average home price in Scotland is currently little over £223,000, which is still the third-highest month on record.
“Lack of supply of the right type of property will always support prices in the long-run, particularly given the news of builders slowing down or stopping developments. Not all sectors and geographies are affected equally by the headwinds either. There were almost equal numbers of local authorities reporting higher or lower prices in July 2023, with 15 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland seeing their average prices rise above the levels of twelve months earlier and 17 authorities reporting price falls.”
Commentary: Bob Pannell, Acadata Senior Housing Analyst
July’s housing market
Scotland’s housing market retreated a little in July in the face of ongoing headwinds from higher interest rates, cost-of-living and affordability pressures. The average property price edged down by £900, or -0.4%, bringing to an end the pattern of small monthly increases seen in previous months. Scotland’s average house price now stands a little above £223,000, still the third-highest month on record.
Figure 1. Scotland’s average house price for the period from March 2020 to July 2023
Figure 1 shows how average house prices in Scotland have changed since the start of the Covid pandemic in March 2020. Prices have risen by £40,000 from £183,000 to £223,000 as at July 2023. The increase of 21.9% over the period compares to one of 18.8% in the CPIH Index – so in real terms (after allowing for consumer price inflation) the average house price in Scotland since the start of the pandemic has risen by around 3%.
House price inflation, measured year-on-year, remains in positive territory but only just – up 0.3% compared with July 2022. This represents a sea-change from just over a year ago, when Scotland briefly witnessed double-digit percentage increase in house prices. It also marks the weakest performance since early 2019, that is before the Covid epidemic.
Much of the adjustment to the more challenging conditions facing the housing market is coming through as lower levels of activity, with sales so far this year about 10% lower than the corresponding months of 2022. Whilst a significant correction, this is only about half that seen in England & Wales.
This pattern of subdued market prices and turnover may continue for some while. Nevertheless, with continuing strong earnings growth and financial markets beginning to look forward to official interest rates peaking, there are grounds for optimism that Scotland’s housing market will see a soft landing and subsequent recovery.
Local Authority Analysis
Table 2. Average House Prices in Scotland, by local authority area, comparing July 2022, June 2023 and July 2023
Table 2 shows average house prices, calculated on a seasonal- and mix-adjusted basis, by Local Authority Area for July 2023, June 2023 and July 2022, together with the corresponding percentage price changes over the last month and year. The ranking figures are based on average house prices. Line items are shaded in blue in cases where average house prices in the Local Authority area or Scotland as a whole have experienced record highs.
Annual change
The average house price in Scotland in July 2023 has increased by £762 – or 0.3% – over the last twelve months. This represents the weakest annual rate of growth since early 2019, before the Covid epidemic.
Although there were almost equal numbers of local authorities reporting higher or lower prices In July 2023, with 15 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland seeing their average prices rise above the levels of twelve months earlier and 17 authorities reporting price falls, this was in fact the first net negative balance since 2016.
East Renfrewshire was the area on the mainland with the highest annual increase in average house prices in July 2023 – up 7.7% – followed by Midlothian (5.9%) and East Lothian (4.8%). Meanwhile, Stirling had the largest fall in prices over the previous twelve months, at -6.4%.
Despite the more subdued nature of the housing market recently, several local authorities – East Renfrewshire, Midlothian, North and South Lanarkshire and West Lothian – have reported year-onyear price rises every month over the past year (albeit negligible increases in July in the case of North Lanarkshire and West Lothian).
At the other end of the spectrum, Aberdeen was the only local authority in July to have consistently experienced annual house price falls every month over the past year. However, a total of 10 authorities have seen annual price falls for the last three months or more in a row.
Monthly change
In July 2023, Scotland’s average house price declined by some £900, or -0.4% – the worst outcome since February 2023, but broadly comparable with the modest declines seen over the first quarter as a whole.
In July 2023, 10 of the 32 Local Authority areas in Scotland experienced rising prices in the month, 20 saw price falls and price movements in two – Fife and Stirling – were negligible. The net balance fell from +2 in June to -10 in July.
The distribution of local authorities with price increases in July was reasonably even, with 5 in the top half when ranked by price and 5 in the lower half.
The largest increase in average prices in the month was in Argyll and Bute, up by 5.2%. In second and third places are Clackmannanshire (3.8%) and Na h-Eileanan Siar (3.0%).
Peak Prices
In Table 2 above, those areas which have reached a new record in their average house prices are highlighted in light blue. In July 2023, there were 3 such authorities, down from five in June. Interestingly, the highest local authority area with a record average price this month is Glasgow, ranked in 15th place by value and featuring for the second month in a row.
Transactions analysis
Figure 2 below shows the monthly transaction count for purchases during the period from January 2021 to date, based on Registers of Scotland (RoS) figures for the Date of Entry (except for July 2023, which is based on RoS Application Dates).
As the focus here is on recent market trends, we will not look closely at how the Covid epidemic, and measures taken in response, affected Scotland’s property market (a topic covered in previous news releases). Suffice to say that 2021 – the brown line – was not a typical year, with the early months characterised by a peak in sales and subsequent slump associated with a LBTT tax-holiday being discontinued from the end of Q1.
Sales returned slowly to relatively high levels as the mantra for “the race for space” and “working from home” took hold. Taken as a whole, 2021 proved to be something of a high-water mark for the market, with the year recording the highest number of sales averaging about 9,500 transactions per month.
Although 2022 – the pink line – started well with an average 8,400 sales per month to the end of August, Liz Truss came into power on 6 September 2022, with her mini-budget raising the interest rate to 2.25%, on 22 September 2022. Ms Truss departed as Prime Minister on 25 October 2022. The bank rate was further increased on 3 November and 15 December 2022, ending the year at 3.5%. The graph shows the decline in monthly transactions over the period from October to December 2022.
Figure 2. The number of sales per month recorded by RoS based on entry date from 2021 – 2023
Finally, the black line charts 2023. This year started with the lowest volume of January sales of the last nine years, at 5,871 transactions. Although sales have picked up since then, total sales for the first seven months of the year – at nearly 52,000 – are about 10% lower than 2022 and (other than the Covid year 2020) the lowest since 2013. The Bank rate is one of the prime reasons for the slowing in sales, having reached 5.25% at the time of writing – its highest level of the last 15 years.
Scotland transactions of £750k or higher
Table 3. The number of transactions by month in Scotland greater than or equal to £750k, January 2015 – July 2023
Table 3 shows the number of transactions per month in Scotland which are equal to or greater than £750k. The threshold of £750k has been selected as it is the breakpoint at which the highest rate of LBTT becomes payable.
There were 66 such transactions recorded by RoS relating to July 2023. Currently, this is the thirdhighest July total recorded to date, and although we can expect RoS will process further high-value properties for the month, it looks set to remain comfortably below corresponding levels in 2021 and 2022.
Looking at the number of high-value properties sold in the first seven months of each year in Table 3, 2022 is ranked first with 642 high-value sales, followed by 2021 – when sales were boosted prior to the ending of the Covid related LBTT tax-holiday in April of that year – with 591. 2023 is ranked in third place.
However, there is a clear trend, in that the totals in each of the first seven months of 2023 are lower than a year earlier. In aggregate, these declines are larger than the downturn in the market as a whole, indicating that last year’s enthusiasm for the purchase of high-value homes has dissipated at least for the time being.
Edinburgh accounts for 246 of the 504 high-value sales (49%) that have been recorded to date by RoS in 2023. This compares to 50% in 2022 and is consistent with the gently declining importance of Edinburgh sales based on this metric, from its peak of nearer 60% a few years back. Glasgow and East Lothian continue to vie for second place, with cumulative sales of 32 and 30 high-value homes respectively so far this year. Several other local authorities – Fife, East Renfrewshire, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling – account for a further 20+ sales apiece, but these six local authorities combined account for just over 30% of this top-end market.
Heat Map
The heat map below shows the rate of house price growth for the 12 months ending July 2023. As reported above, 15 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland have seen a rise in their average property values over the last year.
How Scotland Compares
Figure 3. Scotland house prices, compared with England and Wales, North East and North West for the period January 2005-July 2023
Figure 4. A comparison of the annual change in house prices in Scotland, England and Wales, North East and North West for the period January 2020–July 2023
Scotland’s Eight Cities
Figure 5. Average house prices for Scotland’s eight cities from May 2022–July 2023
Figure 6. Average house prices for Scotland’s eight cities July 2023
In an era marked by evolving community dynamics and changing societal needs, village and community halls across The Lothians have developed into central hubs for an ever-growing variety of activities.
In addition to the traditional group meetings, toddler groups and pantomimes, these spaces now foster the growth of small enterprises, facilitate community engagement, and house community businesses, such as post offices, cafes, and libraries.
However, the threat to their continued success lies in the balance as the addition of activities and changes in purpose bring new risks that may invalidate their insurance coverage.
Ansvar, the expert insurers for the charity and not-for-profit sectors, are urging centre committees to verify the adequacy of their existing protective coverage to guarantee the protection of these venues for future use.
There are approximately 3,000 centres[1] across Scotland that host thousands of events and celebrations every year. With some of these halls and centres being built before World War I or to commemorate it, many have been vital community spaces for over 100 years.
The varying usage agreements and quality of provisions and building materials differ considerably across the country. As such, they can face various risks, from accidental damage and fire hazards to potential liability claims.
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, emphasises the importance: “Village and community halls are no longer limited to being mere event venues; they have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of everyday life.
“From hosting yoga classes and farmers’ markets to providing space for personal trainers, art workshops and post offices, these halls have become the lifeblood of community interaction. This evolution has created vibrant ecosystems where entrepreneurs can thrive, neighbours can connect, and shared resources can flourish.
“Indeed, by acting as vaccination centres during the Covid-19 pandemic and, due to the current cost of living crisis, as places families can go to receive emergency food provision, their importance to a community has been reaffirmed. The transformation of village and community halls into multi-purpose hubs is a heartwarming reflection of communities adapting to changing times. However, this also calls for a reassessment of the protective measures in place.”
Due to recent inflationary pressures and the rapid increase in the cost of materials, a significant number of village halls and community centres will now be underinsured.
Adam Tier added: “Being underinsured can have devastating consequences in the event of a large loss or significant damage to these buildings, where policyholders are forced to find the shortfall to reinstate the property.
“These delays in getting back up and running, or in severe cases back open at all, can leave a big hole in the local community. Therefore, it is imperative that a buildings valuation is regularly updated and contents and other items are frequently inventoried.
“We understand the immense value community halls hold and want to ensure they are protected. Without adequate coverage, these community spaces and the clubs and local businesses they support can face significant financial strain or even closure.
“Working with a specialist insurer will ensure that the essence of what makes these community spaces thrive is preserved. They will understand the unique challenges community-driven initiatives face and provide tailored coverage to address those needs, ensuring peace of mind for community organisers and members.”
Queens Manor care home, in Edinburgh was full of animal mischief when eight week old Labrador puppy Derek came to visit recently.
Residents at Queens Manor were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friend roaming around their garden & the home.
Shannon Cullen Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their visitor today.
“We are such an animal friendly home and we knew that having the Derek in to say hello would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult being away from their own family pets.
“We have found that having animals in the home gives residents something to look forward to, encourages them to engage in activities and sparks conversation which can lead to unlocking memories and emotions.
“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”
Resident Audrey Rankin (above) was very excited by the Derek: “I have always loved dogs & have so much time for them – if I could, I would have Derek live in my room permanently!”
Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides Dementia Care, residential care and respite care.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has called on governments to accelerate financial support for countries most affected by climate-induced loss and damage, in a keynote speech during Climate Week NYC.
In the speech, the First Minister set out the details of how Scotland’s loss and damage finance – pledged at COP26 and COP27 – is being mobilised.
A total of £5 million has been awarded to the Climate Justice Resilience Fund who support vulnerable communities in the Global South who have experienced loss caused by climate change, with a specific focus on women and young people.
In addition, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) will receive a further £300,000 to support communities in Malawi impacted by Storm Freddy.
Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund will also receive an additional £1 million to support communities affected by disasters, disease or conflict, in recognition that climate change is increasingly driving humanitarian emergencies abroad.
The First Minister said: “Not a single community on Earth will be left untouched by the effects of climate change, but that suffering is not and will not be divided equally.We must ensure the communities facing the worst hardship, with the least resources, are not left behind.
“At COP26, Scotland became the first country in the global north to pledge financial support to address that Loss and Damage.
“At COP27 we again led the way, committing another £5 million for the neglected area of non-economic loss and damage. We have made good on those promises but the need for urgent responses to climate shocks is only increasing.
“That is why I am also announcing a further £1 million programme to address loss and damage to be delivered through Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund.
“Scotland might be a small country but I hope these actions will inspire others to join us in not only making pledges, but in urgently mobilising the finances that are needed on the ground today.”
EDINBURGH is gearing up to celebrate Organ and Tissue Donation Week 2023 which runs from September 18-24.
This annual campaign is all about raising awareness for the ongoing need for organ donation, encouraging people to make a decision about whether they wish to opt in or out of donation, and making sure these wishes are discussed with family members.
Here in the Capital, in line with the UK wide campaign, we are hoping to light up the City Chambers in pink to show our support. Our colleagues at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), will also be lighting up their building on Morrison Street.
Yesterday (September 17) the ‘Transplant Tour’ began in Edinburgh. This is a charity cycle travelling down the UK to raise funds and awareness for the charity Give a Kidney. It will stop at Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham, and finish in Oxford. We have provided an official letter of support from the Lord Provost to the organisers and are supporting them and the charity with promotion.
On Friday (September 22), some Race for Recipients participants will set off from Murrayfield in Edinburgh and finish at the Kelpies in Falkirk.
The race is taking place across the country, with individuals and teams racking up the kilometres through walking, wheeling, running, swimming, and other ways, to raise awareness of the importance of making a donation decision and to recognise those whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation.
Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron will be at Murrayfield to meet them and wish them well as they depart. Currently there are over 800 participants registered for the Race across Scotland.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:“As we celebrate Organ and Tissue Donation Week 2023, we must be mindful of the fact that more than 7,000 people in the UK are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant.
“Only around one per cent of people die in a way that makes organ donation possible, which means every donation opportunity is precious. There are thousands of people who could be given a new lease of life by a donor, however in order to help as many people as possible we all need to play our part by registering our decisions to be a donor or opt out.
“These are conversations that need to be had amongst families, friends, colleagues, and communities as we go forward. We know that families are more likely to support donation when they already know it was what their loved one wanted.
“I’m encouraged by the fact that over half of people in Scotland have now registered their organ and tissue donation decision however there is still a lot of work to be done. Whatever your choice may be, the important thing is to make it and discuss it. I would urge anyone who is 16 or over and yet to join me and many others who have recorded their decision by visiting the official website.
“Another great way to get involved is the Race for Recipients challenge. Our Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron will be meeting some of the participants on Friday (September 22) as they head off cycling towards the Kelpies in Falkirk. Find out more and join online at their website.
“I’m proud of everything that we’re doing to mark this important week here in Edinburgh. From lighting up buildings around the city, to supporting our colleagues in government and the NHS, to lending a hand to fundraisers I’m sure this will be a week to remember.”
New Blue Label variant capturing the elusive taste of umami, in first-of-a-kind collaboration with renowned Chef Kei Kobayashi, can only be purchased at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Whisky fans can purchase the limited edition bottling from today, with bespoke cocktails and immersive tasting experiences available in the coming weeks.
Edinburgh’s West End will be illuminated with a stunning new projection as part of a complete takeover of the venue.
Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand1, today unveils Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami – a pioneering expression inspired by the enigmatic flavour also known as the fifth taste, which will be available exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street from today, before launching worldwide on October 16.
Taking inspiration from Japanese Zen Calligraphy, the projection onto Johnnie Walker Princes Street celebrates the ancient art form with silhouetted artists’ intricate brush strokes combined with elements from the beautifully crafted Umami Blue Label packaging on the side of Princes Street’s biggest canvas.
Arriving at Edinburgh’s eight floor whisky experience before anywhere else in the world, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is a limited-edition release crafted by Master Blender Emma Walker and renowned Japanese Chef Kei Kobayashi of Paris’ three Michelin Star restaurant Kei.
The pair joined forces to create a Scotch that encapsulates the inscrutable taste of umami, a Japanese word used to describe what is a hard-to-define flavour, possessing mysterious qualities.
The result – a beautifully balanced Scotch of sweet and savoury flavours, with notes of blood oranges and red berries with sweet wood spice, a touch of smoked meat, a hint of salt and pepper with a long, sweet fruit finish. Selected casks from inland and coastal distilleries are hand-picked at the height of their maturation for their unique umami profile – only one in 25,000 casks succeeds in bringing this elusive character to life.
In addition to being the first in the world to get their hands on this incredible new whisky, Johnnie Walker Princes Street guests will also have the chance to enjoy a limited-edition Umami cocktail on the 1820 Bar roof terrace and take part in an immersive 60-minute tasting experience, with details set to be released on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s social media profiles in the coming weeks.
Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Emma Walker, says: “When Chef Kei and I set out to capture the essence of umami, we wanted to push the boundaries of what Scotch could be and bring a truly innovative offering to the world of whisky and flavour.
“For Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami, only one in 25,000 casks in our unparalleled reserves of more than 10 million maturing casks made the cut in our painstaking search for that elusive flavour profile – each expression of whisky was hand-picked to create an umami profile, just like ingredients for a recipe, allowing us to bring the unique character of this innovative whisky to life.”
Chef Kei Kobayashi adds:“Umami possesses a mysterious quality that ignites our senses, revealing sumptuous taste, complexity, and depth.
“Encapsulating that alluring flavour through Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami allows you to immerse your palate in an exquisite Scotch Whisky of subtle richness.”
Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, says: “Johnnie Walker is renowned for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky, and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami does just that.
“This collaboration is an expression of taste that’s rarely seen in the world of whisky, and one that is set to inspire a new generation of whisky lovers. It’s exciting that we are the world’s first location to stock this exclusive dram at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. We can’t wait for you to taste it.”
Available exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh from September 18, 2023, and available to buy globally from October 16, 2023.
Follow Johnnie Walker Princes Street for more information:
