Day: June 18, 2024

Summer flowers, sandwiches and scones at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

RHS judge selects plants for tropical planting experience

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting gardening fans along to its Edinburgh store to celebrate the start of summer with its ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ experience.

According to new research from Censuswide for Dobbies, 45% of Brits enjoy gardening because it gets them outdoors. This in-store experience at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store encourages people to take inspiration from holidays in tropical climates bringing sunny vibes to their garden planting.

Customers can now book the 90-minute event for Tuesday 16 or Saturday 20 July, at 3pm, which will combine the joy of hands-on creativity with the indulgence of a delicious Dobbies’ Afternoon Tea.

Attendees in Edinburgh will get to participate in an interactive workshop led by one of Dobbies’ horti experts with a Q&A and demo on the filler, thriller, and spiller planting technique, using a selection of tropical plants selected by RHS Chelsea Flower Show Chair of Assessors and Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop.

With this knowledge, customers will then get the chance to create their own tropical planter (worth £30) to take home, using a pot specially selected to showcase the seasonal display.

Attendees will also get the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a Traditional or Luxury Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh store.

Guests can delve into three tiers of sweet and savoury treats, complemented by unlimited tea and coffee refills, with an option to upgrade the hot drink.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea offers an assortment of freshly made finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with watercress, and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Customers will also get to tuck into Dobbies’ famous scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and a delicious selection of sweet treats, including a rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse.

Guests also have the option to upgrade their booking with the Luxury Afternoon Tea offering for just £4 extra per person. This has all the loved items of an afternoon tea with an added touch of indulgence.

Delve into a selection of savoury favourites, including cheese and tomato quiche and a selection of elevated finger sandwiches, with smoked salmon, lemon mayonnaise and dill, cheddar cheese and green tomato chutney, and ham, rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ at our Edinburgh store. It’s the perfect opportunity to ignite your passion for gardening and unwind with a delicious array of savoury and sweet delights.

“This session is all about bringing the vibrancy of your favourite getaway location to your garden as we celebrate the start of summer. Whether it’s the lush greenery of a tropical paradise or the colourful flowers of a European escape, we’ll guide you through creating your own planter with our recommended plants.”

Tickets for Dobbies’ ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ experience in its Edinburgh store are priced at £40 per person (with the planter valued at £30). Pre-booking is essential, visit www.dobbies.com/events.

Police appeal following Gracemount shop robbery

POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at a shop in Gracemount. The incident happened around 9pm last night (Monday 17 June) on Gracemount Drive.

No-one was injured, however a two figure sum of cash was stolen.

The suspect is described as being a man of slim build in his early 20’s. He was wearing a dark blue hooded jacket, tracksuit bottoms, and had a green and white scarf covering his face.

The man was seen running in the direction of Balmwell Avenue.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact us.

“We also ask anyone driving in the area at the time with dashcam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3667 of 17 June. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Community Picnic at Pilrig Park

SATURDAY 22 JUNE from 12 – 2pm

We’re excited to share further details of plans for our community picnic event this Saturday.

We’re looking forward to learning about nature and conservation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), providing some fun activities for kids, offering a chance to refresh your wardrobe at the clothes swap, and hearing your views about the park and how we can make improvements.

All activities are free of charge, so just bring your family, friends, food and something to sit on.

Oh, and let’s not forget to keep hoping for a wee bit of sunshine!

Marco’s hits the bullseye with new interactive darts

Plus, Marco’s announces new sponsorship deal with Disability Darts Scotland champion

It’s official – the game of darts is soaring in popularity! Dubbed the ‘Luke Littler effect’, a whole new generation has been inspired by the teenage champion to grab the arrows and aim for a bullseye. And now Edinburgh is getting in on the action thanks to a brand new interactive area unveiled this week at Marco’s Pool Hall and Pizza Bar. 

Forget images of pensioners and pork scratchings – the game of darts has been brought right up to date for Gen Z bar sports fans thanks to Marco’s new high-tech darts area which features state-of-the-art computer vision technology.

Their dartboard reacts to players’ performances with animations, plus players can check their stats and take group selfies – elevating the game to a whole new level of entertainment. From beginners to pro’s, Marco’s offers a unique social gaming experience for darts players of all skill levels. 

And to inspire even more people to try their hand at a game of arrows, Marco’s has just announced they will be sponsoring the Scottish darts protégé, Robert Sutherland Junior.

Hailing from West Lothian, Robert is the current Disability Darts Scotland (DDS) champion. He proudly captained the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) Scotland B Team in Gibraltar in 2023, where his team was placed third in the world.

He clinched the World Disability Darts Association (WDDA) runner-up place at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Matchplay Championships 2023 and also captained the DDS Scotland Team at the 2024 European Championships. 

Reacting to the news of his sponsorship deal, Robert said; “I’m thrilled to have the support of Marco’s. It comes at an exciting time in my career and I’m fully focused on taking darts as far as possible.

“I hope I can show other people that darts is a challenging, fun and inclusive sport that anyone can try their hand at.”

Speaking ahead of the unveiling of the new interactive darts area at Marco’s, owner Paul Demarco said; “It’s fantastic to see a younger generation discover darts for the first time and I’m confident that anyone who tries our interactive dartboard will be hooked!

“The beauty of the game is that anyone can have a go. No doubt Robert Sutherland Junior will inspire many more to take up the sport and we’re proud to support him on his journey to international success.”

The new interactive darts area at Marco’s is the latest addition to the popular Edinburgh entertainment venue which features 18 9ft professional American pool tables, a cocktail and pizza bar, and a private hire karaoke room.

A special introductory darts offer is available for a limited time only – £5 per person per hour, with a minimum of four people per booking.

To experience the thrill of interactive darts for yourself, book here.

Scottish Ensemble announce 2024-25 season

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians who champion music for strings, announces its 2024-25 season of events.

Exploring the power and breadth of musical experience, Scottish Ensemble’s 2024-25 season will take audiences on a bold adventure with new ideas and collaborations and the return of the ever-popular Concerts by Candlelight and Concerts for a Summer’s Night tours. 

Collaborating with creative minds to blur the boundaries between genres and artforms is a hallmark of Scottish Ensemble. In The Law of Gravity (February 2025 – Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow) Scottish Ensemble collaborate with master puppeteer Mark Down and his team at Blind Summit to explore what puppetry can reveal about music.

Performances of Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night and Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 3, will breathe life into the puppet, fleetingly revealing the composer’s intentions, ambitions and ideas. Blind Summit are a cohort of puppet makers and puppeteers, who have contributed to the creation of some of the most extraordinary spectacles of recent years: from the giant storybook characters in the opening ceremony of London’s 2012 Olympic Games to critically acclaimed productions of War Horse and Pinocchio. 

Following a memorable performance during Celtic Connections 2024, Donald Grant and Scottish Ensemble once again join forces to revel in the joy of making music together (April 2025 – Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Findhorn). Featuring traditional and contemporary string music that bridges genres and tells of life in the Highlands, through Donald’s new work Thuit an Oidhche Oirnn (The Night Overtook Us). 

The 2024-25 season begins with Resound (September 2024 – Arran, Kirkcudbright, Perth, Mull, Seil, Glasgow), an intimate guided listening experience that journeys through five centuries of mind-expanding music.

Curated by Scottish Ensemble’s violist Andrew Berridge the works performed will explore how music can transport and inspire, lifting spirits and strengthening connections.

Music has the power to improve wellbeing and Resound complements Scottish Ensemble’s Music for Wellbeing programme. 2024-25 will see the continuation of a long-term partnership with Maggie’s,, whose centres support people who are affected by cancer, and further partnerships with schools across Scotland to support young people’s mental health. 

Scottish Ensemble has a proven track record of commissioning works from a new generation of composers – and during this year’s Concerts by Candlelight tour (December 2024 – Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dunblane) performs the world premiere of a new work by Hannah Kendall.

Hannah’s music has been performed across the world, and she share’s Scottish Ensemble’s collaborative spirit, often working with visual artists, choreographers, and poets. This piece marks the second composition supported by Scottish Ensemble’s Calder Commissioning Fund, created through a transformative donation, made in memory of Scottish Ensemble’s late founder John Calder.  

Scottish Ensemble’s work with a new generation of musicians also continues with its Young Artists programme, in partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. As well as supporting talented young string players through a week-long residency in January, selected Young Artists are offered the opportunity to join one of the ensemble’s Scottish tours as a performer in 2025. 

Singer and composer Héloïse Werner features as both soloist and composer in Concerts for a Summer’s Night (June 2025 – Perthshire, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee). Words and music will take flight in a vibrant end to the season in light-filled venues across Scotland. 

In addition, Scottish Ensemble head to London to perform at the opening weekend of the Southbank Centre’s 2024-25 classical season, with a dynamic programme, that includes Philip Glass’ meditative Symphony No. 3  and explores new musical paths and connections.  

in Sync, the acclaimed collaboration with MishMash Productions, also heads south with performances at the Southbank Centre and Nottingham. Further events in Scotland include a special project with Sonica at the Burrell Collection and a concert as part of RCS’s Fridays at One lunchtime series.                         

For full details visit https://scottishensemble.co.uk/whats-on/ 

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Wooden Spoon supports surf therapy charity with over £30,000 donation

Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, is proud to announce its support for The Wave Project and its innovative surf therapy programmes with a donation of over £30,000.

This significant grant will enable the pioneering initiative to continue its vital work across Dorset, Isle of Wight, Cornwall and Scotland, harnessing the transformative power of surfing to help young people suffering from mental health challenges build confidence, reduce anxiety and improve their overall well-being.

Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, is proud to announce its support for The Wave Project and its innovative surf therapy programmes with a donation of over £30,000.

This significant grant will enable the pioneering initiative to continue its vital work across Dorset, Isle of Wight, Cornwall and Scotland, harnessing the transformative power of surfing to help young people suffering from mental health challenges build confidence, reduce anxiety and improve their overall well-being.

The Wave Project has a proven track record of profoundly impacting the lives of young people through its NHS-recognised interventions. By providing a fun and supportive environment, the charity empowers participants to develop resilience, cultivate social skills and experience a sense of accomplishment. 

The Wooden Spoon’s funding has been instrumental in supporting this life-changing initiative across the UK, ensuring that  young people can access to this unique resource.

“We are thrilled to support The Wave Project and its expansion,” said Barry Monahan at Wooden Spoon.

“Mental health challenges among young people are a growing concern, and we believe that surf therapy offers a creative and effective way to address these issues. By supporting The Wave Project, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of many young individuals in communities up and down the country.”

Ramon Van de Velde, Chief Executive Officer of The Wave Project said: “We are incredibly grateful for the Wooden Spoon’s generous support and belief in the transformative power of surf therapy.

“Time and again, we witness our interventions’ profound impact on children and young people – replacing anxiety with accomplishment, insecurity with confidence and new-found resilience.

“This funding will enable us to provide even more children and young people with the opportunity to participate in our programmes across the UK.”

EVOC annnounces strategic review

CHIEF EXECUTIVE BRIDIE ASHROWAN TO STEP DOWN

EVOC has announced a strategic review that puts a renewed commitment to supporting the community and voluntary sector in Edinburgh at its heart.

The ongoing cost of living crisis is hitting groups and organisations hard and this is a chance to refocus on creating a strong sector for a strong city.

An engagement programme will take place in the coming months, involving the sector in shaping a new EVOC strategy, and to ensure stakeholders are fully briefed on the changes. 

After 3 years, Bridie Ashrowan has decided to step down as Chief Executive of EVOC to concentrate on research interests around nature-based learning and biodiversity recovery.

In the meantime, two interims have been appointed to lead EVOC through this period of change – David Peace (Interim Chief Executive) and Claire Ritchie (Strategic Advisor to the Board).

Bridie’s tenure at EVOC has brought many successes. She has been a strong advocate for investment in the community and voluntary sector, to support organisations through the ongoing cost crisis, and to strengthen sector capabilities to lead change.

Against a background of decreased funding and increased running costs, EVOC is focused on reducing costs and delivering a balanced budget for the year ahead. This will include an analysis of the current organisational structure.  

EVOC Convenor, Diarmaid Lawlor said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Bridie for her commitment, passion and advocacy for the voluntary sector during her tenure at EVOC and we wish her well in her next ventures. 

“Our focus continues to be the wellbeing of the many community and voluntary organisations who play such a vital role in the city. We are working with partners and funders to make sure that remains our top priority throughout this strategic review.”  

David Peace added: “As Interim Chief Executive, I will be working with staff, Claire and the Board to refocus our efforts and ensure we continue to support voluntary and community groups in delivering core programmes and activities in the city. 

“As a sector leader we remain focused on building a strong, sustainable and resilient future for our sector. I welcome engagement with the sector, partners and funders to help shape the way ahead collectively.”

Sea Shanty star Nathan Evans gets fans warmed up for the Royal Highland Hoolie…on a tram! 

Nathan is one of eight live folk and country music acts performing across Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June at The Royal Highland Centre

PASSENGERS on an Edinburgh tram were treated to a very special journey yesterday as TikTok sensation, Nathan Evans, gave an impromptu gig.   

A special guest at the Royal Highland Hoolie at the Royal Highland Show, Nathan Evans of Wellerman (Sea Shanty) fame had everyone’s toes tapping as they travelled from Princes Street to Ingliston, the home of the Royal Highland Show. (June 20 – 23) 

The line-up for this year’s Royal Highland Hoolie will see some of Scotland and Ireland’s liveliest musicians take to the stage, with eight folk and country acts set to entertain crowds across two nights in June, the same weekend as the Royal Highland Show.  

Sharing a stage with Nathan on Friday (21st June) will be headline act, Tide Lines, who have just released their latest single, Homeward Bound and six-piece band, Trail West, who have recently returned from a European tour and who continue to rise in popularity from their modest roots as a four-piece West Coast Ceilidh Band The Peatbog Faeries, recognised as one of Scotland’s best known contemporary folk music bands will complete Friday’s line-up.  

On the Saturday (22nd June) night, award-winning Irish country music singer and songwriter, Derek Ryan, returns to headline the Highland Hoolie. He will be joined by Scottish singer Lisa McHugh, Highland accordionist and vocalist, Calum MacPhail and “Cotton Eye Joe” chart toppers, Rednex, who will make an exclusive appearance.  

Welcoming families, this year the Royal Highland Hoolie will have a special family zone for those with children aged between five and twelve.  With picnic tables and space for little ones to play, families can enjoy the music safely and away from the crowds. 

The Royal Highland Hoolie is run in partnership with promoters Farmers Bash. 

Nathan Evans said: “I’m so looking forward to playing at the Royal Highland Hoolie this weekend.

“It was brilliant fun to give a warm up gig on the tram which will be taking people to and from the Hoolie. It promises to be a great event!“ 

Derek Ryan said: “I am delighted to be headlining again at the Royal Highland Hoolie this year.

We love coming back to Scotland and have been regular visitors to the concert and festival circuits here for the last 12 years now. My Scottish fans never fail to deliver the enthusiasm, the excitement and the warm welcome we always receive here.  

“The Royal Highland Hoolie is definitely the festival we look forward to every summer. Last year’s crowd and the incredible atmosphere is something I will never forget. I’m really looking forward to headlining once again and the line-up this year looks like it’s shaping up to be the best year yet.  

“See you all on the 22nd June. Hold on to your hats!” 

Mark Currie, Director of Venue for the Royal Highland Centre said:  “The Royal Highland Hoolie brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre.

“With the Royal Highland Show one of Europe’s most prestigious agricultural shows, we are absolutely honoured to have some of the best names across folk and country music join us as to contribute towards what we hope to be a fantastic weekend for the agricultural and wider community.”

Farmers Bash promoter Nigel Campbell, added: “The Royal Highland Hoolie offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the musicians involved or looking to enjoy an evening of live music with friends.

“We’re excited to have some fantastic names join our line-up this year and encourage those hoping to come along to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.” 

Various ticket types are available, including two combined Royal Highland Show and Royal Highland Hoolie tickets which allow for people to enjoy both events at a discounted rate with a limited number of Hoolie only tickets. 

Ticket prices start at £35.00 and are available to buy from the Royal Highland Show website www.royalhighlandshow.org  

 

Edinburgh Direct Aid International unveils inspiring Mural

Edinburgh Direct Aid International proudly announces the  completion of a powerful and evocative mural at its warehouse at West Harbour Road in Granton, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the spirit of humanitarian aid.

This  significant artwork was made possible through a generous grant from the Diversity and Inclusion  Fund 2023/2024 awarded by the Edinburgh Council which seeks to support the work of ethnically  diverse artists.  

The mural, a vibrant testament to the charity’s mission of providing aid to refugees in Lebanon,  Ukraine, Gaza, and other war-affected regions, was designed and directed by internationally-awarded Mexican muralist Draya Madú.

Draya, whose works have garnered global recognition for  their depth and social impact, was joined by Mexican beginner artist Eva Paredes, and a  dedicated team of volunteers, all of whom brought this vision to life through a campaign of  research, surveys and consultations.  

“The mural is not just a piece of art; it represents a light of hope and a reminder of our shared and  caring humanity as well as a call to action to keep helping those in need,” said Draya Madu. 

“Working with Edinburgh Direct Aid and seeing the community come together in support of  refugees worldwide has been a unique inspiring experience.” 

The mural project reflects Edinburgh Direct Aid’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the  power of collective action. It showcases a blend of cultural motifs and symbolism, creating a  visual narrative that connects the local Edinburgh community with global refugee populations. 

One of the most striking elements of the mural is the depiction of a child being given wings by a  charity volunteer,

“Why the wings on the child? you may ask” says Ian McHaffie, representative  from Edinburgh Direct Aid. “Because humanitarian aid spreads out from the boxes in our warehouse to help people rise above their immediate circumstances, to fly up from their troubles, and see a new vision and new hope for their future.” 

The Diversity and Inclusion Fund from the Edinburgh Council has been instrumental in bringing  this project to fruition. By supporting initiatives that celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, the  Council has enabled the creation of a lasting symbol of solidarity and compassion in the heart of  Edinburgh. 

Join Edinburgh Direct Aid for the unveiling ceremony. The event will take place on June 30th at 1.30 pm, at the local charity warehouse.

Representatives from the Edinburgh Council will  be in attendance to honour the collaboration and community effort that made this project  possible. 

Assembly Festival release over 6000 £6.50 tickets for locals in EH, FK, and KY postcodes

Assembly Festival is inviting locals living amongst the world’s largest performing arts festival to celebrate it to the fullest with the announcement of thousands of £6.50 tickets for residents at this year’s Fringe.

Residents of Edinburgh and the Lothians, Falkirk and Fife with an EH, FK, or KY postcode will have access to over 230 of the best shows at Assembly Festival 2024, with over 6000 £6.50 tickets made available for the very first days of the Fringe – Wednesday 31 July – Sunday 04 August inclusive.

Assembly Festival returns this year with a jam-packed programme of world-class entertainment full of jaw-dropping acrobatics, outrageous comedy, show-stopping theatre, energetic children’s shows, live music, and much, much more.

One of Assembly’s top selling shows of 2023, Afrique en Cirque, returns to wow Fringe audiences once more with their daring acrobatics sharing the beauty and artistry of African culture. This 2023 sell-out show is a dazzling circus spectacular and promises a show-stopping night out for the whole family.

There’s plenty more Circus in this year’s programme, with the internationally renowned Recirquel Cirque Danse returning off the back of My Land and IMA with a brand-new show, Recirquel: Paradisum, exploring the myth of regenesis following the silence of a perished world.

Award-winning Australian circus cabaret Rouge is back at Assembly with a non-stop celebration of the astonishing, subversive and the outrageously sexy. Assembly also joins forces with House of Oz and presents the critically acclaimed Gravity & Other Myths’ brand-new show, Ten Thousand Hours, an ode to the countless hours needed to achieve great things, told through spectacular gravity-defying acrobatics.

Festival legend Camille O’Sullivan returns for her 20th Fringe with Camille O’Sullivan: Loveletter, an intimate and heartfelt show celebrating friends and legends of music including Shane McGowan, David Bowie, Sinead O’Connor, and more. Jason Byrne joins Assembly once more with Jason Byrne: NO SHOW and Adam Hills is back at the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time since 2015 with brand-new material in Adam Hills: Shoes Half Full.

TikTok superstar and Queer celeb Dylan Mulvaney brings her debut Fringe show Dylan Mulvaney: F*g Hag and a bucket-load of Trans and Queer joy to Assembly George Square Studios. Fresh off the back of winning the Pinder Prize, Aussie comic Bronwyn Kuss joins Assembly with her award-winning debut comedy show Bronwyn Kuss:Sounds Good,promising an evening of dry wit and tales of misadventure. Takashi Wakasugi brings a fresh new perspective to Japanese and Western cultures, in debut comedy show Takashi Wakasugi: Welcome to Japan.

Assembly welcomes an incredible lineup of international artists bringing Children’s Shows to this year’s festival. Her Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet of Eti-Oni, Nigeria, and her puppet Milk the Cow host a historic vaudeville theatre piece incorporating ventriloquism, comedy, music and storytelling in Ventriloquist Queen: A True African Queen. Returning favourites, and winners of Japan’s Children and Performing Arts Expo 2019, Cartooon!!rejoin Assembly with unparalleled contemporary Japanese clowning.

There’s plenty of local Scottish talent too, including ART Award winner Gracie and the Start of the End of the World (again) from Zoë Bullock and Louise Oliver. National treasure Susie McCabe returns with a brand-new show Susie McCabe: Merchant of Menace. Futuristic Folktales at Assembly @ Dance Basebrings a dance for hope scrutinising reproductive injustices by re-imagining the tale of the first womb told through contemporary movement, storytelling, and Scottish Highland dance, alongside music from Malin Lewis. Edinburgh locals Captivate Theatre are back with their five-star, energetic and emotional production of Sunshine on Leith, and Pretty Knickers Productions debut their brand-new musical Mary, Queen of Rock!

Discounted tickets for all these shows and more will be available to purchase from assemblyfestival.com between 18-25 June at 23.59. Tickets included in the offer are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

To claim your £6.50 tickets, log in to your assemblyfestival.com account, add the Local Resident tickets to your basket then use the discount code LOCALS24 at the checkout and pay with a card that is registered to an address in an EH, FK, or KY postcode.

This offer is limited to a maximum of two tickets per performance, six per transaction, and is only valid for participating shows between 31 July – 04 August inclusive. Full terms and conditions are available on the Assembly Festival website.