Day: August 17, 2025

80th Anniversary of the end of the war against Japan

Commemorating those who fought and died in the campaigns in the Far East

YESTERDAY (Saturday 16 August 2025) The Royal Scots Regimental Association led a memorial service at The Royal Scots Memorial Garden at Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Japan which marked the end of the Second World War (VJ Day, 15 August 1945).

Those on parade included descendants of those who fought in the Far East between 1941 and 1945, former Royal Scots and their families as well as representatives of other services and arms that were involved in the various campaigns.  

Having formed up in front of Lauriston Castle, they marched the short distance to the Royal Scots Memorial Garden behind the Royal Scots Association Pipe Band and their Association Standards.  

A short service was conducted by Reverend Dr Iain May, Chaplain to The Royal Scots Regimental Association.  The wreath laying was led by Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.

The Royal Scots, recruited predominantly from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Peeblesshire, were involved from the first day to the last of this bitterly fought campaign.  

Their 2nd Battalion fought in defence of Hong Kong from 8 December 1941 and 144 of those who survived were among the 828 prisoners who perished when their ship, the Lisbon Maru, was torpedoed in October 1942; the remainder, if they survived, endured four years of captivity.  

The Regiment’s 1st Battalion fought through the later campaign in Burma, including the Battles of Kohima and Aradura which marked the turning point in the war against Japan and led to the final victory on VJ Day, 15 August 1945.

Malcolm Warrack, son of Lt Col Morren Warrack who fought at Kohima with the regiment, said: “A group of Royal Scots Veterans felt very strongly about the lack of some form of local memorial specifically for their fellow soldiers who did not come back from the Burma Campaign and Kohima in particular.

“George Rogers, Ian Henderson and Morren Warrack co-ordinated the preparation and creation of this Memorial Garden; they spoke often about the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East so it is particularly fitting that 80 years after VJ Day we remember them.”

Gerry Borg, son of Lisbon Maru survivor John Borg, said: “We can never fully appreciate the suffering and pain endured by the brave men who were Prisoners of War in Japan.

“From a very young age we were taught that the word ‘starving’ was forbidden in our house. Dad would remind us that we never had, and hopefully never would, experience true starvation.

“On the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, it is right that we remember the sacrifice made on our behalf. We must preserve the history of the events and, honour those involved.”

Brigadier Lowder added: “Having had the privilege as a young officer to meet some of the survivors of the 1st and 2nd Battalions and hear first hand their accounts of their experiences in the Far East, Hong Kong and in captivity, this 80th Anniversary of the end of the war against Japan was particularly poignant.

“The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) will never forget their service and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Scottish Opera’s production of Puccini’s production of heartbreaking masterpiece LA BOHÈME tours 

Renowned director/designer team Renaud Doucet and André Barbe return to Scottish Opera this autumn with their acclaimed production of Giacomo Puccini’s ravishing classic, La bohème.

Opening on 11 October at Theatre Royal Glasgow, the production tours to Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh and features an innovative dual-time concept that moves between the flea markets of 1920s Paris and the modern-day French capital.

It takes inspiration from the Jazz Age of Josephine Baker, the American dancer, singer, actress, spy and civil rights activist.

This Barbe & Doucet show is full of their trademark colour, character and style, and tells the story of four struggling bohemians, reimagined as part of the ‘Lost Generation’, the collection of writers and artists drawn to Paris after World War I, whose lives are changed when they meet a seamstress called Mimì.

A blossoming romance becomes short-lived when they discover that Mimì is ill. Struggling to survive in the lavish yet unforgiving city, these charismatic characters are met with the harsh realities of poverty and fortune.

The design emphasises the contrast between the colourful carnival atmosphere and the starving artists’ lives, creating a production that balances sentimentality with the bustling energy of Paris across different eras.

Scottish Opera Music Director, Stuart Stratford, who is celebrating ten years with the Company, conducts Hye-Youn Lee (pictured) (La traviata 2024)as Mimì, a role she originated in the 2017 production of La bohème.

Also in the cast are Mario Chang as Rodolfo in his Scottish Opera debut, Roland Wood (The Strauss Collection 2025) as Marcello, Rhian Lois (The Merry Widow 2025) as Musetta, Callum Thorpe (Oedipus Rex 2024) as Colline, Emerging Artist Edward Jowle (Trial by Jury & A Matter of Misconduct! 2025) as Schaunard and Jamie MacDougall (Trial by Jury & A Matter of Misconduct! 2025) as Alcindoro / Benoît.

Barbe & Doucet, who last worked with Scottish Opera on the 2024 production of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale said: ‘The story of La bohème is one we can all relate to.

“It seemed important to us to explore the theme of illness since, as a society, we are all under the weather at the moment and in need of healing. The flea market setting represents a little bit of what we are up against today – we seem to live life too fast, and, through antiques, people get a sense of going back to a less hectic time.

“This opera is not about nostalgia ­­­­­­–La bohème is not a museum piece – the story is timeless. Along with meeting new artists, we look forward very much to revisiting the production with Hye-Youn Lee with whom we had so much pleasure collaborating on the original staging.”

With tickets starting from just £23 – £26.50, and 40% of all seats priced under £50, Scottish Opera ensures world-class opera remains accessible to everyone across Scotland.

In addition, £15 tickets are available for under-26s and students at every performance. Over 800 free tickets have been provided to schools since 2022, often introducing pupils to live opera for the first time, and over 1,600 free tickets have been distributed to New Scots communities across Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.

Free tickets are also available for schools, colleges, and community groups, with travel subsidies where needed.

To bring even more opera to Scottish audiences, La bohème is presented alongside the double bill of Maurice Ravel’s L’heure espagnole and William Walton’s The Bear. These concert stagings of two caustic comedies of infidelity are performed on the La bohème set and conducted by French opera expert Alexandra Cravero (Thérèse 2022). The director is Jacopo Spirei, and designs are by Kenneth MacLeod. 

Opening on 18 October in Glasgow before touring to Edinburgh, these shows feature a cast that includes current and former Emerging Artists.

Specially created Access performances of La bohème run alongside the mainstage productions in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

With Dementia Friendly values at their core, Afternoon Access performances are for those who enjoy a more relaxed opera experience. Tickets are priced at just £12.50 (free for carers), and these performances are open to all, including those who may be living with dementia or Long COVID, more comfortable at a shorter show, struggling to get to evening performances, or would simply benefit from the more relaxed atmosphere.

Those who wish to discover more about how La bohème was created can attendPre-show Talks in all four cities on the tour, which delve into the detail of the opera. Tickets are free but should be booked in advance.

Audience members with a visual impairment can enjoy the full opera experience at Audio-described performances, which have a live commentary describing the action on stage without compromising the music.

At these performances, there are also free Touch Tours of the set, and a live audio introduction before the start of the performance.

La bohème is supported by The Scottish Opera Syndicate.

www.scottishopera.org.uk

You can follow Scottish Opera on BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook, Tik-Tok and You Tube @ScottishOpera

Creative team

Conductor                                           Stuart Stratford & Toby Hession
Stage Direction, Sets & Costumes     Barbe & Doucet

Lighting Designer                                Guy Simard

Cast

Mimì                                                    Hye-Youn Lee
Rodolfo                                               Mario Chang
Marcello                                              Roland Wood
Musetta                                               Rhian Lois
Colline                                                 Callum Thorpe
Schaunard                                          Edward Jowle
Alcindoro / Benoît                               Jamie MacDougall
                                     

Performance Diary

Theatre Royal Glasgow  

11 • 15 • 21 • 23 • 25 October 7.15pm  

19 October 3pm  

Relaxed Access performance 24 October 3pm

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen  

30 October 7.15pm  

1 November 3pm 

Eden Court, Inverness  

6 November, 7.15pm

8 November, 5pm  

Festival Theatre Edinburgh  

14 • 18 • 20 • 22 November 7.15pm  

16 November 3pm  

Relaxed Access performance 21 November 3pm

Pre-show talks  

23 October, 1 November, 8 November, 20 November  

Audio description / Touch Tours  

19 October, 1 November, 8 November, 16 November

Petplan partners with Fern Britton and Cats Protection to promote cat rehoming across the UK

Petplan, the UK’s No.1 pet insurer, is proud to collaborate with Fern Britton and Cats Protection to shine a spotlight on the number of cats in need of a forever home, as the numbers of cats in rescue centres across the UK increases.

Following the success of the TV series; Fern Britton: Inside the Vets, where Fern saw first-hand how much of a pet loving nation we are as she goes behind the scenes at The Grove veterinary practice, this initiative highlights the essential work done by rehoming centres to rescue and rehome cats across the country.

Cats Protection currently has around 2,000 cats in their centres. They take in cats for various reasons, including strays, unwanted litters, and changes in owners’ circumstances.

Each year around 3,000 cats are given up to Cats Protection due to behavioural issues. 66% (2,000) will have had difficulties settling into their home often because they aren’t getting along with the existing cat in the household. And 10% (300) are due to urinating or spraying in the home.

During a visit to the Cats Protection North West London Cat Centre, Fern witnessed the dedication of employees and volunteers working tirelessly to improve the lives of cats in rescue centres.

With thousands of cats awaiting new homes, the partnership encourages the public to consider adopting a cat and providing them with a loving forever home as well as offering advice to help reduce cats being given up and keep cats and their owners happy.

All cats rehomed from Cats Protection receive 4 weeks free Petplan insurance to help cover the cost of any vet bills that arise as they settle into their new surroundings.

Fern Britton is delighted to be working on the campaign and said: “As a proud cat mum, I’m thrilled to work alongside Petplan and Cats Protection to bring attention to the wonderful work being done in rescue centres across the UK.

“Every cat deserves a chance at a happy life, and by raising awareness, we hope to inspire more people to open their hearts and homes to these incredible animals.”

Mike Elliott, Cat Welfare & Operations Director for Cats Protection emphasised the importance of this initiative, and said: “We are delighted to have the support of Petplan and Fern Britton in our mission to find loving homes for the cats in our care.

“With so many cats in need, it is crucial to raise awareness and encourage adoption. Preventing cats coming into our care can be aided by following a gradual integration program at the cat’s pace, neutering cats when they are four months old, and ensuring pet cats are microchipped with the contact details kept up to date.”

Jo Maclennan, Director of Trading at Petplan, said: “Petplan is proud to have been working in partnership with Cats Protection for over 20 years and are committed to supporting animal welfare and helping pets get access to the care and love they deserve.

“We provide 4 weeks free insurance for every cat rehomed by Cats Protection to help cover the cost of any vet bills that arise as they settle into their new surroundings.

“We hope together with Fern Britton we can help Cats Protection rehome even more pets this summer”

ELREC: Stone Weaving Workshop

TUESDAY 19th AUGUST 5.30PM at LEITH LINKS ORCHARD – FREE

Learn the beautiful art of stone weaving with yarns and natural elements – for free! 🌿

We’ll meet at Leith Links for inspiration and to collect natural materials for your artwork, then walk to the Leith Community Centre to relax, get creative, and enjoy tea.

Each participant will receive a stone to weave, with optional natural elements—perfect as a gift or home décor. All materials are provided 🌸

Date: 19 Aug 2025 (Tuesday)

Time: 17:30-20:00

Meeting Point: Leith Links Orchard, Edinburgh, EH6 7HB

Language: English (Cantonese/Mandarin Interpretation available)

Registration: https://forms.gle/DKN3jRe7Lw5ohCbYA

學習以紗線與天然素材進行石頭編織！🌿 我們將在Leith Links園圃集合，汲取靈感並收集創作所需的自然材料，接著步行前往Leith社區中心，在那裡放鬆心情、發揮創意，並享用茶點。每位參加者將以石頭作為梭織板進行編織，搭配天然素材——無論是作為禮物還是家居裝飾都非常合適。活動及所有材料費用全免 🌸

日期: 8月19日 (二)

時間: 下午5時半至晚上8時

集合地點: Leith Links 園圃, 愛丁堡, EH6 7HB

語言: 英文 (輔以即場廣東話/普通話/國語傳譯)

請於我們的Google表格報名: https://forms.gle/DKN3jRe7Lw5ohCbYA

#weaving

#nature

#art

How May I Help You?

TOGETHER WE REPAIR: EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

I met a nice couple after our Citizen Group’s performances at the Book Festival on Monday. Time was really tight at the end of the evening – we must have been among the last to leave the Edinburgh Futures Institute – and I’m sorry we didn’t have longer to discuss the event, but thanks for being so kind about it!

As I explained the other night, we had to pare our contributions right back to three minute slots due to time constraints. I think my original draft was over six minutes, but with careful editing (i.e. removing large chunks of swearie words!) I got it down to the required length.

So as promised, here is my Stories and Scran contribution How May I Help You? I am really chuffed that you enjoyed the piece so much and I do hope you’ll enjoy reading it again.

Stories and Scran is a real community event and I know my fellow Citizen writers get just as much pleasure from participating at the event as I do – there’s always a very warm and welcoming atmosphere and audiences are invariably supportive. It’s that enthusiasm that makes Stories and Scran so special.

It was nice to meet you, and who knows – maybe we’ll do it all over again next year!

HOW MANY I HELP YOU?

I was sitting in a queue of morning rush hour traffic when I was startled by a loud blast on a horn.  I thought the traffic had moved again while I had been daydreaming, but no: the driver alongside me was pointing down to the back of my car.

Confused, I wound down my window. “Your back tyre is flat”, he called across.

Fortunately there is a big AutoCare Centre just along the road and I was able to trundle along there. The tyre was completely flat now and the wheel made a horrible squealing noise as it rumbled along.

I parked and approached the Reception Desk. John was in charge. I know this because he wore a big badge with his name on it – and he also answered the phone many times while I waited to be seen.

“Good morning AutoCare Centre, John speaking, how may I help you? Ah yes, Mr Wilson. The Zafira, wasn’t it? Let me check …”

I don’t know what John checked. He didn’t move, or even look at a screen. He stood, eyes closed, in a trance-like state for ages … maybe he was psychic?

“Mr Wilson? Sorry about that, sir. Yes, the lads are on it now. Can you give us a call back around lunchtime? … I do realise that, sir, but we have been very busy this morning … yes, I’ll call you back with an update. Of course … Yes, you have a nice day now …

Maybe I imagined it, but I’m sure he muttered: “Phone you back? Aye,right!”

Barely had John put the phone down than it was ringing again. “Good morning, Autocare Centre, John speaking how may … ah hello, Mrs Hill I was just going to call you. Great minds think alike, eh?

“Some bad news, I’m afraid – we are still waiting for parts … yes, six weeks IS a long time but we have to get the parts sent over from France you see … I do understand, Mrs Hill, but between Covid and Brexit … yes, yes, I can only apologise. You know what the French are like … I will chase them up again the second I put the phone down. I’ll call you right back … ‘

He put the phone down, gave a mighty sigh and raised his eyes. “Be with you in a second, sir,” he told me. “Help yourself to a complimentary tea or coff …”

The phone rang again. “Good morning Autocare Centre, John … och it’s just you, Benny!. How you doin’, my man? Are yous busy down there – we’re rushed off our feet here …’

I did fancy a coffee but a lengthy queue was building up behind me and I didn’t want to lose my place.

After quite a while, one customer had had enough. “This is bloody ridiculous!” he said in a very loud voice.

I heard it, the whole queue heard it, the tyre fitters in the workshop heard it – but John was oblivious. His conversation went on and on …

Finally, he glanced up … “Sorry, Benny, I’ll have to love you and leave you … we’re stowed oot the door here!”

I WAS NEXT!

“Sorry about your wait, sir, we’ve been UNBELIEVABLY busy this morning. Now, what can I do for you? What appears to be the problem?

Now, I would have thought that the problem would have been fairly obvious to John, but I pointed to my shredded tyre.

“Ah yes, we’ll take a look at that for you. The lads are busy just now but have a seat and we’ll get it up on a ramp as soon as we can. Help yourself to a coff …

The telephone rang again.

“Good morning, AutoCare Centre, J …Nearly afternoon? What a quick morning it’s been! Ah yes, Mrs Hill!  Ye’ll no’ believe this – I was just going to call you …

A dram good idea turns whisky waste into packaging

MycoPack is one of 11 projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero

University researchers will help turn whisky production leftovers into compostable packaging in a newly funded collaboration.

The project, MycoPack, is a collaboration between Arbikie Distillery, Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee. MycoPack combines innovation with sustainable design, turning waste into valuable packaging and supporting a circular economy.

It is one of 11 collaborative projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a collaboration between Scotland’s universities to support Scotland’s drive to net zero.

Arbikie Distillery have partnered with Dr Dongyang Sun, Edinburgh Napier University and Dr. Wenbin Zhou, University of Dundee, to use mycelium, the root structure of fungi, and distillery by-products like spent grain to create durable, lightweight packaging. The material created is impact-resistant, fire-retardant, and fully compostable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Over the next 10 months the project team will focus on proof of concept, testing the material and the design.

Kirsty Black, Distillery Manager said: “At Arbikie, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier and Dundee Universities on MycoPack represents an exciting step forward – combining innovation and purpose to create packaging made from mycelium that’s not only environmentally responsible but deeply aligned with our values.

“Together, we hope to pioneer solutions that respect the planet and inspire change across the industry.”

Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero – a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scotland’s universities – this project is one of 11 new research collaborations aimed at accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero. 

Each project involves cross-sector collaborations to address sustainability challenges in energy, finance, food, the built environment, natural systems, and transport.

Professor Nick Forsyth, Vice-Principal (Research) at the University of Aberdeen and Chair of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund panel said: “This is the second round of our seed fund, we have now supported 19 innovative and collaborative projects with a total of around £300k of funding.

“Each project involves at least two of our member universities and one external partner, including community groups, government bodies, and the private sector.

“This collaborative and integrated approach is crucial to us meeting Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets. We cannot achieve these targets in isolation, we must work together to innovative, inform and adapt.”

Other funded projects include a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh working with Community Energy Scotland, Orkney Housing Association, THAW Orkney (Tackling Household Affordable Warmth) and Teeside University to tackle fuel poverty in rural Scotland.

Typically, energy flexibility involves people having access to advanced technology, but this project explores if it can benefit those in fuel poverty. The idea is to create local energy communities and trading systems, letting residents buy cheaper local electricity.

HI-SCOT, a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University, Robert Gordon University and Historic Environment Scotland, will focus on integrating photovoltaic (PV) technology into Scotland’s historic buildings, addressing challenges with aesthetics, regulations, and public acceptance.

The initiative will explore how PV systems can blend with historic architecture. Research will explore mimicking traditional materials and using coatings to minimise visual impact, creating guidelines for Scotland’s historic architecture.

To find out more about each of the eleven projects, please visit the Scotland Beyond Net Zero website: www.scotland-beyond-net-zero.ac.uk.

Besties week two winners announced

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the week two’s The Besties, in the following categories:

The Genre Chaos Award – Sam Kruger and S E Grummett: Creepy Boys SLUGS at Summerhall

The Emerging Talent Award – Ayo Adenekan: Black Mediocrity at Monkey Barrell

The Heart Award – Sami Abu Wardeh: Palestine Peace de Resistence at Pleasance Dome

The Collaboration Award – Opera Queensland and Circa: Orpheus and Eurydice at Edinburgh International Festival

The Nature Award – Karine Polwart: Windblown at The Queen’s Hall

The Kids Award – The Listies: Make Some Noise at Assembly George Square Studios

The award ceremony took place on Saturday 16th August at the Festival Theatre, hosted by Michelle Brasier, whose show It’s a Shame we Won’t be Friends Next Year is at Gilded Balloon this Fringe with performances from rapidly rising singer-songwriter Pippa Blundell who played in Friday night’s Wide Days’ Made in Scotland Gigs.

The Besties awards, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a recent graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, use recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally.

Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals.

There will be one further award ceremony on Saturday 23rd August.

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre gets set to celebrate 30th Birthday

ALL WELCOME AT DRYLAW’s BIG BIRTHDAY BASH!

We are gearing up for our big party day in only 4 weeks!

We have so much planned for the day and can’t wait to have you all there 🎉

Lunch provided by Scran Academy, Bookbug session, Moving Music drumming circle, National Galleries of Scotland art session, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) Dr Bike and bike activities (make your own bike-powered smoothie!), Tinderbox Collective are here with their Escape Drylaw game for you to try, Tummies Not Trash will be here with a food stall.

Not to mention fun activities in the garden, face painting and henna tattoos, a bake sale, puppet shows, apple pressing, our famous tombola, and amazing raffle with locally donated prizes… And yes, there is a bouncy castle!!!

Don’t miss out on all the fun on Saturday 13th September! 🤩

Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025

Lights, Pints, Action! Edinburgh’s Pubs Go for Gold at the Hospitality Industry’s Very Own Oscars

Edinburgh’s favourite pubs are ready to raise a glass as the finalists for this year’s Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are revealed and the best go head-to-head for the ultimate industry honours.

Run by leading hospitality magazine DRAM, these awards are Scotland’s longest-running celebration of pubs, bars, and the people who make them great. Celebrating their 30th year, they’ve become the biggest night on the licensed trade calendar, where the country’s hospitality heroes get the recognition they deserve.

This year’s winners will be crowned at a glittering, Oscar-themed gala on Tuesday 26th August in Glasgow, in a night of red carpets, champagne, and high spirits! From cosy locals to cutting-edge cocktail spots, the competition is fierce, and all eyes are on who will take home the industry’s most prestigious titles. 

Local finalists include the Athletic Arms, The Belfry and the Mother Superior which are up for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, The Cocktail Geeks, Hey Palu and Lady Libertine who are fighting it out to become Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year and the Boston Bar, Malones, O’Connnor’s and Seamus’s who are all hoping to be crowned Jameson Best Irish Bar!

However, with nearly 25 award categories, there are plenty more local legends, rising stars, and incredible venues all hoping for their moment in the spotlight – and guests can expect a few surprises on the night too!

Publisher, Susan Young, said, “We’re delighted to congratulate all our finalists from across Scotland. Thousands of customers have cast their votes to make sure their favourite pubs, bars, restaurants, and bar staff get the recognition they deserve!

“In the midst of the many challenges facing hospitality, these businesses have gone above and beyond to keep their customers happy and that hard work has not gone unnoticed. Our mystery shoppers and judges have been full of praise for the outstanding quality of entries and the exceptional service they experienced on their visits.”

Over 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather for one glittering night to see who takes home the industry’s highest honours. Here’s the full roll call of categories and contenders vying for glory:

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

Athletic Arms – Edinburgh

The Belfry – Edinburgh

Mother Superior – Edinburgh

The Pot Still – Glasgow

Black Ivy & Montpeliers Rising Entrepreneur of the Year

Ceceley Chambers, The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh

Edward Fox, Encore Bars – Edinburgh

Allan Low, The Fox & Willow – Ayr

Lauren McIntosh, The Cocktail Joint – Elgin

Connie and James Taberner, Fintry Bay – Millport

Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year

The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh

Hey Palu – Edinburgh

Jacks Bar, Dakota Hotel – Glasgow

Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow

Lady Libertine – Edinburgh

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Anchorage – Dunure

Bag o’Nails – Glasgow

The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin

Weston Tavern – Kilmaurs

Campari Bar Apprentice 2025

Aimee Ashworth, La Jupe – Helensburgh

Lewis Crone, Margo – Glasgow

Cameron Evans, Lynnhurst Hotel – Johnstone

Anya Garrow, Gleneagles – Auchterarder

Callum McCarthy, Encore – Edinburgh

Stuart Robertson, Badger & Co – Edinburgh

Wesley Smith, Di Maggios – East Kilbride

Finn Truter, Brewhemia – Edinburgh

Louise Turner, Rabble – Edinburgh

De Kuyper Award For Cocktail Excellence In Neighbourhood Venues

The Corner House – Kilwinning

Draffens – Dundee

McLarens On The Corner – Edinburgh

The Torfin – Edinburgh

Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award

Ross Barr, Scotch at the Balmoral – Edinburgh

Chris Chambers, Cask & Vine – Edinburgh

Lucy Connor, Tipsy Midgie – Edinburgh

Jane Ross, Mother Superior – Edinburgh

Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year

Bucks Bar Group

Cru Hospitality

Eden Group

Rocks Leisure Group

Fireball Best Late Night Venue

Berlinkys – Glasgow

The Corset Club – Glasgow

Freddy’s – Edinburgh

Slouch – Glasgow

Vic’s – Prestwick

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

Apex Hotels

Cru Hospitality

Lisini Pub Co.

Manorview

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Michael Eaton, Café Royal – Edinburgh

Lorraine Ferguson, Billy Bridges – Ayr

Pete Harvey, Aboukir – Carnoustie

Fiona Joyce, Solway Lodge – Gretna

Stewart Kilpatrick, Hope & Vincent – Glasgow

Gavin Ruthven, The Dome – Edinburgh

Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year

Bar 1819, Apex Waterloo Place – Edinburgh

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

Nor’ Loft – Edinburgh

Red Sky Bar – Glasgow

Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering

Brewhemia – Edinburgh

The Criterion – St Andrews

The Keys Bar – St Andrews

Scotch & Rye – Inverness

Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh

DRAM Best Beer Garden

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

The Fox & Willow – Ayr

Hugos Bar & Pavilion – Dalgety Bay

Weavers – Paisley

Jameson Best Irish Bar

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Kitty O’Shea’s – Glasgow

Malones – Edinburgh

O’Connor’s – Edinburgh

Seamus’s – Edinburgh

Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year

The Birds and The Bees – Stirling

The Crown & Anchor – Findhorn

The Bridge Inn – Ratho

Stravaigin – Glasgow

DRAM Community Pub of the Year

Aboukir – Carnoustie

The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh

Montagues – Kirkcaldy

The Newton Bar – Millport

The Pawn Lounge – Alexandria

New Bar of the Year 2025

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Berlinkys – Glasgow

Cask & Vine – Edinburgh

The Marlborough – Glasgow

Sebbs – Glasgow

Schweppes Mixologist of the Year

Branford Edgar, Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow

Jake Harris, Old Pal – Edinburgh

Poppy Kerr, Bartenders Lounge – Aberdeen

Chris Mullen, Mar Hall – Bishopton

Toby Peters, The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh

Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year

Houston’s Sports Bar – Johnstone

Hope & Vincent – Glasgow

Lochy’s – Barrhead

The Tap Yard – Glasgow

Staropramen Award For Outstanding Quality

Brewhemia – Edinburgh

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Louie Brown’s – Dalgety Bay

The Phoenix – Dundee

Siberia – Aberdeen

Pub of the Year

The Anglers – Annan

Athletic Arms – Edinburgh

Four Marys – Linlithgow

MacSorley’s – Glasgow

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ 

https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/