EXPERIENCEit, the new initiative designed to support the growing market for experiential events in Scotland and across the UK, will showcase its debut event in Edinburgh next month.
Organised by EVENTIT, this unique event will take place on Thursday 8 February 2024 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).
EXPERIENCEit celebrates the rise in the desire for experiential events in the UK events industry.
This is a key trend in the industry, with 74% of experiential event attendees saying that they are left with a more positive opinion of the organisation and its offerings afterwards (Event Marketing Institute).
Judith Wilson, Events Director of EVENTIT said: “We’ve launched EXPERIENCEit to bring events professionals together to be inspired, share ideas and insights, and drive our sector forward. We will take people on a journey of incredible sights, great tastes, new smells, fantastic sounds, and numerous opportunities to touch and test.
“The desire for experiential events is continuing to rise and from the plans we’ve seen so far from EXPERIENCEit exhibitors it’s easy to see why. With just two weeks to go until we’re all at the EICC, any last-minute sign-ups don’t have long left as spaces are limited!”
Experiential events often generate significant social media buzz, with attendees more likely to share their experiences on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, amplifying the reach and impact of the event for the brand.
Exhibitors have been encouraged to create immersive and experiential activities, offering delegates a glimpse into the future of event experiences and include Vue Cinemas, Social Jungle, Topgolf Glasgow, Iventis, Kimpton Hotels and Newsquest.
The event will bring together professionals from diverse industries to offer a platform to share, learn and collaborate on the future of experiential events.
EXPERIENCEit will be held on Tuesday 8 February 2024 from 8.30am – 4pm at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Edinburgh with tickets costing £75 plus VAT. For more information and to secure your place visit eventit.org.uk
Eden Mill’s first-ever city centre Edinburgh venue opens next Saturday 3rd February 2024 as ‘The Eden Mill Experience’; located in the heart of the Scottish capital, the city’s newest drinks venue offers two unique journeys through the spirits & flavours of Eden Mill
Independent distiller Eden Mill announces a date for the grand opening of The Eden Mill Experience, the capital’s latest drinks experience and Eden Mill’s first brand-owned venue in central Edinburgh.
Opening Saturday 3rd February 2024, drinks lovers will have the chance to explore the stories behind Eden Mill’s whisky and gin expressions through a range of delicious cocktails, one of which guests will learn to mix themselves.
The Eden Mill Experience joins a flourishing area of the capital’s drinks scene; bursting with culture, innovative bars and restaurants. Positioned as an experience and journey into the Eden Mill brand, the location is the ideal venue for drinks fans to begin their perfect day or night out in the beautiful Scottish capital.
SHARE THE LOVE GIN | (From £30)
Love Gin (40% ABV) is Eden Mill’s delectably fruity, lightly sweet and subtly floral pink gin. Joining the Eden Mill portfolio in 2015, the spirit was originally created as a limited-edition for Valentine’s Day, but the taste of fresh rhubarb spice, sweet strawberries & vanilla combined with green apple, citrus and a hint of rose water, was adored and earned Love Gin a permanent position in the Eden Mill portfolio.
During the Share The Love Gin session, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it so delicious. With three uniquely delicious cocktails and some sweet treats, this immersive session will tell the story of Eden Mill’s best-selling Love Gin.
THE GUARD BRIDGE MASTERCLASS | (From £35)
The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (46% ABV) is a new addition to Eden Mill’s range, crafted using an eclectic mix of single malts sourced from the Highland and Lowland regions of Scotland; the blend also contains Eden Mill Single Malt whisky which is highly scarce in quantity. The expression soothes the palate with the taste of creamy vanilla and barley sugar, finished with sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread.
During The Guard Bridge Masterclass, whisky fans will learn the journey and discover the story behind this new blended malt Scotch whisky while delving into its deliciously sweet tasting notes. Designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, attendees will try three as part of the experience to demonstrate the whisky’s versatility, with one cocktail “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”.
Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “We are thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. It’s a really proud moment for us to launch a venue in a city with such a vibrant drinks scene. To have our very own Eden Mill experience in Edinburgh is an honour and an exciting milestone for the brand.
“While our new distillery is being built, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase the versatility our expressions have, through inventive and delicious cocktails. The experiences are really special, interactive and immersive and we can’t wait to see the reaction from Scotland’s wonderful capital.”
LAYING FOUNDATIONS
Eden Mill is currently building a contemporary Scotch Whisky and gin distillery which is due to become operational in 2024. Set to be one of Scotland’s iconic distilleries, it will also be a major St Andrews landmark and a key Scottish tourism attraction.
The brand has been recording progress with work on the exterior of the distillery now complete; a time-lapse video capturing the first stage of the journey is available on the Eden Mill website.
The Eden Mill Experience will open on Saturday 3rd February 2024 and is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Offering immersive whisky & gin experiences, bookings are available now via the Eden Mill website.
Musselburgh Racecourse’s first ever £100,000 jumps race will be the centre piece of the £430,000 bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials next weekend which will attract some of the country’s best trainers and horses.
Long established as the premier trials for horses preparing for a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree’s Grand National festive, the East Lothian course is in excellent condition for welcoming aspiring champions on 3 and 4 February.
Recently retired Frodon (King George VI Chase), Mighty Thunder (Scottish Grand National) and Greaneteen (Celebration Chase and Tingle Creek) are just three fine examples of Grade 1 champions who featured at previous Scottish Cheltenham Trials festivals.
Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “Jumps fans will struggle to find a better prospect next weekend than the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials, which is one of the most ambitious programmes ever staged at Musselburgh.
“The £100,000 Edinburgh National (Saturday) is our richest ever jumps race and at over 4 miles it fits nicely in to the stayers’ programme for trainers eyeing up the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National.”
The same seven fixture card also features the £25,000 bet365 Frodon Novices’ Handicap Chase and the £30,000 bet365 Scottish County Hurdle, with ITV covering the first three races live and going better on Sunday with the first five contests broadcast.
On the second day of the festival Musselburgh debuts a new race, the £80,000 bet365 Scottish Champion Handicap Chase, which is aimed at the top two-and-a-half mile handicap chasers.
Farnsworth added: “We are excited to see the entries for this new race and also on the Sunday we have one of our most popular fixtures, the £40,000 bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle, which is Musselburgh’s only Class 1 race and is a proper test for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
“This weekend is by far the most valuable fixture yet staged at Musselburgh so we are expecting it will catch the attention of trainers the length and breadth of the country and we anticipate quantity and quality in the entries.”
Gate open on both days at 11.30am and provisional times for the first races are 1.40pm on Saturday and 1.20pm Sunday with the last race on both days at 4.35pm.
A consortium of four Scottish renewable and maritime companies have been awarded a UK Government Department for Transport grant of over £535,000 to develop an innovative UK-first approach that will use clean, green hydrogen energy to reduce carbon emissions from vessels when berthed in port.
Supported by Forth Ports, the highly innovative trial will see the large tugs operating out of The Port of Leith powered by green hydrogen when tied up. The green hydrogen will be produced from treated wastewater from a nearby water treatment works, without compromising local water supplies.
The year-long trial, run by partners Forth Ports, Waterwhelm, Logan Energy and PlusZero, will deliver a state-of-the-art demonstrator system for green hydrogen shore power which marine vessels can use when they are berthed, removing the need for the diesel-powered systems which are currently in use on some quaysides.
The project draws together leading Scottish innovation and technology with sustainability expertise from the water, energy and transport sectors, and will be the first of its kind to be demonstrated at a UK port – leading the way for a circular economy approach to port decarbonisation across the country.
The project will act as a precursor to the deployment of green hydrogen in shore power supply to large ships and vessels, addressing an important challenge in decarbonising the maritime industry, particularly in remote locations or areas where a connection to the main electricity grid is not available.
Alasdair Smith, Commercial Director of Targe Towing, part of the Forth Ports group, said:“This is an exciting project for Forth Ports and Targe Towing as we work towards our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across Forth Ports group operations by 2032, and becoming net zero by 2042.
“Our tug fleet currently uses diesel-powered generators to provide electricity when tied up in port. This new green hydrogen system shows how tugs or other vessels can be completely emission-free whilst berthed.
“The project will also serve to widen our knowledge and experience of working with hydrogen, which provides a foundation for future endeavours towards a net zero future. We look forward to starting this project with our partners in the Spring.”
Using specialist water treatment technology provided by Waterwhelm, fresh re-use water will be made from wastewater from the treatment works site in Seafield, Edinburgh, which will then be used to produce hydrogen at Leith Port.
Waterwhelm’s leading technology enables water re-use and desalination processes to operate at significantly lower pressure, providing lower maintenance benefits as well as a world-beating reduction in electricity consumption and carbon emissions.
Dr Richard Wood, Research and Developer Manager and Engineer from Waterwhelm said:“Following a successful feasibility study, we are delighted to be partnering with Forth Ports, Logan Energy and PlusZero to deliver a combined state-of-the-art demonstrator system at the Port of Leith for the production, storage and utilisation of green hydrogen to supply green shore power.
“Waterwhelm’s system will utilise waste heat and wastewater to produce re-use water for electrolysis – a new, innovative approach which is much needed to support the drive towards decarbonisation whilst reducing the upcoming demand on local water networks.”
Green hydrogen specialist partners Logan Energy and PlusZero will apply their expertise to bring the clean power solution to the port – a significant collaboration that highlights major strides in Scottish hydrogen innovation.
Using a process known as electrolysis, East Lothian-based Logan Energy’s electrolyser technology will split the re-use water into oxygen and hydrogen.
The hydrogen will then be used as a clean fuel for PlusZero’s combustion engine which will generate green electricity to provide shore power for the tug boats when they are in port, replacing the need for polluting diesel generators.
Bill Ireland, Chief Executive Officer of Logan Energy said:“Hydrogen-based solutions can play a pivotal role in decarbonisation and achieving net-zero targets both in the UK and globally. We’re honoured to be part of this consortium that can develop one such application where our innovative solutions can benefit UK industry.
“Logan Energy’s fully integrated system approach will take green energy and Waterwhelm’s clean water supply and produce, compress, and store hydrogen for the purpose of powering PlusZero’s equipment, without producing any emissions. This will be a key demonstration within the marine sector that can be easily replicated elsewhere.”
David Amos, Managing Director at PlusZero said:“There is a huge amount of momentum behind hydrogen as an accelerator to the global energy transition.
“PlusZero’s ready-to-go clean power solution replaces the need for polluting diesel generators across multiple sectors of the economy – construction, events and production, and the industrial sectors.
“We are delighted to be demonstrating the true promise of this technology alongside our partners and Forth Ports, a company which is already leading the way in making Scotland’s renewables future a reality.”
The project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. CMDC4 is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.
The UK Government Department for Transport Maritime Minister Lord Davies said:“Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides relies on cutting edge technology to propel it to the next level.
“The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK.
“Transformative solutions can help shape the future landscape of the maritime industry and support jobs in coastal communities.”
How you can donate responsibly to help the people of Gaza
Make your donation safely
Donating through established and well-coordinated emergency response appeal mechanisms is the most effective way to support people during a humanitarian crisis. You can do this through the British Red Cross.
If you wish to help Gazans at this time, the UK government recommends that you donate to this organisation, or through other trusted aid organisations.
If you wish to donate to other charities, you should make a few checks before giving:
search the charity register to check the charity’s name and registration number. Most charities with an income of £5,000 or more must be registered, which means they are regulated by The Charity Commission
make sure the charity is genuine before giving them any financial information
if in doubt, ask the charity or organisation for more information
Donating essential supplies
One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods.
We cannot provide advice to you or your organisation on shipments (for example, transport, logistics, tax, customs).
Donating as a UK company
If your UK company wishes to donate, we recommend that you should also donate through established emergency response appeal mechanisms or other trusted aid organisations.
If your private sector organisation wish to explore donating goods in-kind, we encourage you to:
explore opportunities through any existing partnerships with the UN, the British Red Cross or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that they already have in place, or
contact established charities registered with the:
City councillors have considered a report outlining proposals for balancing the city’s budget.
In order to plan for this reduction and a proposed national Council Tax freeze, while continuing to deliver the Council’s priorities, a number of savings and spending proposals have been published as part of a Revenue Budget Framework and Medium Term Financial Plan.
Proposals include:
A revised employer pension contribution rate of 17.6% which could save the council £16.5 million without impacting the value of employee pensions
Continuing to provide annual support to the Council’s transport ALEOs worth £12.95 million in recognition of changing patterns of commuter usage
Additional actual investment of £11.4 million towards the delivery of health and social care services
Accelerating Council service payments to Edinburgh Leisure in 2024/25 of up to £3.2 million to provide additional financial support in 2024/25, including sums that would allow payment of the Real Living Wage, pending development of sustainable longer-term plans to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability
Net savings of £1.7 million on the council’s energy spend, supporting sustainability goals
Recommendations to avoid reductions to school budgets in the 2024/25 academic session, further to a cross-party Motion passed at Tuesday’s Education, Children and Families Committee meeting
An ongoing change programme to underpin the transformation required by the Council if it is to close future budget gaps.
At their meeting on Thursday (25 January), the Finance and Resources Committee also heard how the city faces a like-for-like cash-terms reduction in core grant funding of £10 million in 2024/25.
A further meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee will take place on 6 February, before decisions are made at a special budget-setting meeting of the full council on 22 February.
Cammy Day, Council Leader, said:“In four weeks’ time we will need to set the city’s budget for the year ahead so I’m pleased to see these proposals suggest a positive way forward.
“My priority as we agree savings and investments will be to ensure we continue to protect the core services on which so many people depend. We need to stay true to our ambitions, to focus on our financial plan and ending poverty, becoming net zero and creating a good, inclusive place to live and work.
“What’s clear however is that we can’t achieve this alone. As a Council, we can shape and influence change through our policies and plans, but this needs to be a team effort, a pulling together of resources and plans across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
“So, while we develop sustainable financial plans to help us achieve savings, we also need to maximise the opportunities we have to raise more local income – including introducing a Visitor Levy as quickly as legislation will allow.
“It’s also imperative that we find a better way of working with the Scottish Government which, yet again, seems set on making Edinburgh the most underfunded Council in Scotland.
“An estimated £10m reduction in the city’s funding is hugely disproportionate and I am urging the Scottish Government to reconsider. It is not to late listen to local government and put this right.
“Over the next few weeks through COSLA and directly with Ministers I will continue to fight for fairer funding for our Capital City.”
Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, added: “This report, presented at Committee on 25 January, highlights the increasingly difficult decisions we’re taking ahead of the budget in February. The scale of our financial challenge is clear to see.
“Local authorities have suffered a decade of continuous real term income cuts from central government and Edinburgh is no exception.
“This is despite the unique pressures which come with being Scotland’s capital city – our projected population growth, the climate crisis, escalating poverty under the cost-of-living crisis, unprecedented service running costs and our housing and homelessness emergency.
“The suggestions being put forward by officers to balance the budget are hugely important and I’m immensely grateful for their work on this, particularly in proposing funding for Edinburgh Leisure and for finding potential alternatives to education cuts.”
While Labour leads the city, the party ranks second in terms of number of councillors in Edinburgh and runs the city in a controversial partnership with the Conservatives and Lib Dems.
Last year the City of Edinburgh council passed not a Labour, but a Liberal-Democrat budget.
Hi lovely followers! We’re looking for women aged 60 and above to join our Young at Heart group who meet every Friday 1-3pm. Picture this: Bingo thrills, endless laughter, and heart-warming tea sessions—all in one fantastic group!
Our ladies indulge in friendly Bingo battles, games of Dominos and savour cups of tea, having a good old natter and a laugh at the same time. Whether you’re interested yourself, or have an amazing lady in your life who might benefit from some relaxed socialising and games, get in touch!
You can pop into the centre or give us a message and we can get you or someone you know set up.
We can provide taxi transport for those less able to get to the centre independently. Please share and spread the message so we can make sure no one gets left behind.
A public consultation will help inform the Strategic Business Case for a tram route from Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond, if approved by councillors next week.
This would run through the city centre via Roseburn then on to North and South Bridge, Clerk Street and Minto Street to Cameron Toll, before following the A7 to the BioQuarter. Further consideration is being given to potential future routes into neighbouring local authorities.
If members agree to proceed, a 12-week consultation in spring 2024 would show participants the recommended route across the four sections (Granton – City Centre; through the City Centre; City Centre – BioQuarter; and BioQuarter and beyond) and explain why it has been chosen. It will include details of alternative options that have been explored and the reasons why these have been discounted.
Engagement builds on a consultation on the City Mobility Plan (CMP) in 2020/21, which found that 62% of respondents would like to see tram network expanded, and 89% desired general improvements to public transport. Exploring the expansion of the tram network is outlined in the CMP and supports aims to both reduce car kms travelled by 30% and become a net zero city by 2030.
Future plans would build on the success of Trams to Newhaven, which was completed on time in June 2023, and has contributed to the award-winning Edinburgh Trams service carrying more than 9 million passengers in the last year.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:“Like cities around the world we’re challenged by poor air quality, congestion and carbon emissions relating to transport.
“This, paired with a rapidly increasing population – projected to grow at three times the rate of Scotland’s – demonstrates the pressing need to rethink the way we move people and goods around the Capital.
“By improving public transport, we want to provide safe, efficient and affordable travel in Edinburgh, and expanding the tram network is key to this. It’s clear that the public support it too, with almost two-thirds of respondents to our CMP consultation in favour of more tram routes. Of course, we know how disruptive a project of this scale can be to residents and businesses, but the success of the recently completed line to Newhaven is proof that we’re well prepared.
“Our recommended route for Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond links key areas of growth and development to the city and will more than double the capacity of our tram network. Not only would this support local regeneration and the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, but it would help create new jobs, boost economic growth and link to educational and cultural venues along the route.
“We’re already engaging with Transport Scotland to explore financial options, and it’s encouraging that mass rapid transit in the area has been highlighted as an investment priority by the Scottish Government. We’ll continue to work closely with them and other stakeholders as we look to progress this major project.
“Alongside the existing line between the Airport and Newhaven, a Granton to BioQuarter tram service would also improve transport links to four priority investment zones identified in the City Plan 2030 – Waterfront, West Edinburgh, City Centre, and South-East Edinburgh – connecting major development sites, employment centres, retail hubs and educational facilities.”
If approved, the public consultation will run in spring 2024 and feedback received, along with a draft Strategic Business Case, would be reported to committee in autumn.
ASSAULT AND ROBBERY FOLLOWING FRACAS IN SOUTHHOUSE
POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men were assaulted and a car was stolen in Southhouse.
Around 8.35pm on Friday, 26 January 2024, emergency services attended Southhouse Square, following reports of a disturbance involving several men.
One man, aged 25, was found seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. A second man, aged 24, was also injured in the altercation and sought medical treatment
Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are checking for relevant CCTV footage for any additional information on those involved.
Enquiries have established a black BMW car, with the registration YF13 OWK, was also stolen. Officers are asking people with dash cams or recording equipment in the area at the time to check their footage as there may be images which could assist the investigation.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Southhouse Square area last night.
“The motive for these attacks is unknown and it is imperative we trace those responsible. Our enquiries have revealed that a group of up to five men were involved in a disturbance, which has resulted in two men being seriously injured.
“I would ask anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3666 of 26 January 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with the assurance that you can give your information anonymously.
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