We’re always here for a cosy cuppa and a chat! Come along and visit! Our opening hours are:
Monday: 10am – 8pm
Tuesday: 10am – 8pm
Wednesday: 10am – 8pm
Thursday: 10am – 5pm
Friday: 10am – 5pm
Saturday:10am – 5pm
Citizen Writing Group participants will feature on BBC’s Big Scottish Book Club this weekend.
Group members discuss Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hide
The show airs on Sunday 4th December at 10pm on the BBC Scotland Channel and BBC iPlayer.
Watch it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001g05b
The Citizen Writing Group meets online every week under the guidance of Communities writer in residence Eleanor Thom and, with life after lockdown returning to something like normal, have recently met in-person at two lively sessions at Musselburgh’s Fisherrow Centre and Granton Hub at Madelvic House.
Three writers – Nandini, Janet and I – were recorded during August’s Edinburgh International Book Festival at Edinburgh College of Art, where the Citizen Writers Group performed a selection of writing at the popular Stories and Scran event. The group’s work was also showcased in One Day Ticket, an ensemble piece performed by actors.
#BigScottishBookClub
@BBCScotland
@BBCiPlayer
@MrDamianBarr
@Damian_Barr
@edbookfest
The cost-of-living crisis might be taking its toll on your mental and physical health but never has it being more important to look after your wellbeing.
Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives has launched its seasonal promotion, 12 Days of Fitness, with the aim of encouraging people to stay active in December.
Available to buy online or in venue, the 12 Days of Fitness promotion, which is also available on climbing too, offers 12 consecutive days of membership for only £12 any time in December.
As the promotion includes unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms, swimming pools (excluding the Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre), over 750+ fitness classes per week, and climbing, this represents excellent value for money. And new this year, members will receive a free pass to gift to a friend or family – it’s the promotion that just keeps giving.
The pass isn’t restricted to one pass per person either – if you wish to buy a second pass after your first pass expires, it’ll mean you’re doubly on the way to reaching those fitness goals ahead of New Year. And the promotion is timely as experts continually agree that maintaining some level of physical activity during December is important to boost immunity, manage stress and mental health.
Edinburgh Leisure’s facilities are second to none and offer choice and great value, across various city locations. Their gyms feature some of the latest fitness equipment and you will be assured a warm welcome, with helpful staff ready to help you reach your fitness goals. They also have numerous swimming pools across the city, from historic baths to the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool and Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho.
So, gift yourself a wellness present and get one step ahead of those New Year fitness plans – that first trip back to the gym in January will be far easier.
For further information about Edinburgh Leisure venues and services and the 12 Days of Fitness Promotion visit:
Improvements make it easier for families to get money they are entitled to
People who receive Scottish Child Payment and qualify for Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age payments will be paid them automatically from this week, without the need to apply for them separately.
Social Security Scotland will notify clients by SMS when they are checking eligibility for the Best Start Grants and, if they are eligible, will write to advise them of the payment.
The move to automatic awards will mean less paperwork for tens of thousands of families and ensure that families automatically receive the support to which they’re entitled.
It builds on work already completed to make applying for our five family payments as simple as possible.
It includes the ability to apply for all children in a household on a single form.
Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson said: “Our extension to the Scottish Child Payment and its increase to £25 per child per week has been widely welcomed and will make a significant difference to families across the country. The increase represents a rise of 150% in just eight months.
“The increase and extension was described as a watershed moment in tackling child poverty by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and already people have applied in their tens of thousands.
“Tackling child poverty is a key mission for the Scottish Government and automating payments, where we have the information we need to do so, will mean parents and carers automatically getting the financial support they are eligible for paid directly to them.
“We are committed to making sure that receiving our five family payments is as straightforward as possible, using our limited social security powers and resources to help”.
CEO of One Parent Families Scotland, Satwat Rehman said “We are delighted that Social Security Scotland have made changes so that parents who have applied for and receive Scottish Child Payment will no longer have to fill out separate forms to receive other family benefits.
“Many of the single parents we support are not aware of the financial support available to them and would therefore be at risk of losing out. We hope the change to automatic payments will lead to an increase in the number of families accessing benefits they are entitled to and will ease the financial and mental strain of the cost-of-living crisis.”
Police are appealing for information in connection with a serious assault which took place in the Sighthill area on Saturday (26 November, 2022).
Officers received a report that a 23-year-old woman was assaulted on the Calder Road flyover of the City of Edinburgh bypass at around 8pm.
Detective Inspector Barry McDaid said: “Despite the late hour this area was busy with traffic and is well-lit. It is likely someone will have seen this incident or may have captured it on a dashcam.
“I urge people to contact us with any information they believe may assist our investigation by calling 101, quoting reference number 3265 of Saturday, 26 November 2022. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has collaborated with world leading tartan manufacturer, Lochcarron of Scotland, to create luxury fashion and homeware accessories as part of its latest retail range, ‘Coorie’.
The exclusive tartan collection, which launched yesterday, features a stylish lambswool scarf, cosy fine wool scarf, and luxurious 100% Bowhill lambswool throw. Designed and woven at one of the oldest weaving mills in the country, the quality garments use soft heathery tones inspired by Scottish nature to bring the true sense of Coorie comfort to life, with colours which complement any season.
With a shared passion for preserving Scotland’s rich heritage, the partnership is a celebration of timeless design, blending style and innovation with traditional techniques. Created by some of the most experienced craftspeople in the industry, the Coorie collection showcases the best of the country’s textiles, using natural fibres to create premium, durable products.
The tartan Coorie collection is also linked to a wider Coorie retail offering, made up of a range of lifestyle products, including ceramics by Clod & Pebble, chocolates by Quirky Gift Library and candles by The Coorie Company. Made to encapsulate a deep sense of comfort, warmth and happiness, the range offers an elusive feeling of cosiness as the colder months creep in.
Natasha Troitino, head of retail at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re excited to have joined forces with Lochcarron of Scotland, whose team are renowned for their attention to detail and craftsmanship, to help us bring our vision to life in creating the ultimate timeless tartan collection.
“The Coorie range is designed to provide the optimal cosy haven – indoors or when out and about. With all items beautifully crafted across different areas of the country, we’re able to support both local businesses and manufacturers and spotlight true Scottish talent.
“And with Christmas just around the corner, the collection offers a wonderful selection of items, from stylish home additions to seasonal must-have accessories, perfect for gifting to your loved ones.”
The full Coorie collection is available to shop now, online at www.stor.scot or at selected Historic Environment Scotland sites .
Celebrate the festive season at The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh, where the brasserie will be serving an array of joyful treats, including a limited-edition festive cocktail menu created in collaboration with Monkey 47, delicious a la carte dishes, Afternoon Tea and lavish set menus designed for larger parties.
Featuring six celebratory cocktails, The on the Square Edinburgh’s drinks offering for the Christmas season includes the Popping Cracker Royale (£13.75), a concoction of Monkey 47 gin, passion fruit and spiced mango syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco, garnished with candy floss and popping candy.
Nuts About Chocolate (£12.25) is an indulgent blend of Absolut Elyx Vodka, Baileys, Macadamia Liqueur, Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce, double cream and chocolate bitters with a marshmallow cream rim with chocolate flakes, while The Ivy’s Very Special Mulled Wine (£9.95) is the ultimate winter warmer, featuring Martell VS Cognac, winter spice syrup and red wine, infused with cinnamon and orange.
Diners can enjoy a seasonal twist on The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh’s iconic Shepherd’s Pie (£18.95) with confit goose and turkey, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce, while starters include a Venison Tartare (£11.95) – seared and hand-cut venison loin with pickled beetroot, hazelnut mayonnaise and granary toast.
To finish, guests will be able to delight in a limited-edition Santa’s On His Way (£9.95) dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Featuring a red velvet sponge, cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate, this exclusive, playful dish is sure to be a firm Instagram favourite this Christmas.
Agata Lubera, General Manager of The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh says “We are delighted to be adding these festive additions to our menu and look forward to welcoming guests into the brasserie at this most wonderful time of the year.”
To book visit theivyedinburgh.com.
For a gift with a difference, The Ivy Collection gift voucher is the perfect way to treat food-and-wine loving friends and family this Christmas.
From afternoon tea to an intimate dinner for two or simply a bottle of something delicious, The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh ’s inimitable service and vibrant surroundings create a touch of magic every time.
Starting from £25.00, visit https://gifts.ivycollection.com to order.
The Scottish Parliament should introduce proxy voting for those unable to vote due to illness, bereavement or on parental leave.
That’s the view of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee which has published a report calling for the introduction of a proxy voting pilot scheme with a view to it being established permanently in the Parliament.
The scheme would allow MSPs unable to vote for agreed reasons to nominate a proxy MSP who would cast their vote according to their wishes.
In a report published earlier this year, on Future Parliamentary procedures and practices, the Committee made clear that a hybrid parliament should be here to stay, including a recommendation to introduce proxy voting for those unable to vote in person.
Speaking on the report’s publication, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP, said: “Our Committee is unanimous in their support for the introduction of a proxy voting scheme.
“We think Scotland’s democracy and its people are best served by ensuring that MSPs can still cast their votes even if they are unable to participate in parliamentary business due to the very human reasons of bereavement, illness or parental leave.
“We believe this is a positive, progressive step for the Parliament as we look to continue to evolve and to make the Parliament as accessible and inclusive as possible.”
Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP added: “As a Parliament it is vital that we continue to look at ways to modernise and to increase participation in democratic processes.
“The introduction of a proxy voting scheme will ensure that MSPs can represent their constituents whether on parental leave, suffering serious illness or bereavement.
“We will continue to review current working practices as we look to innovate and improve Parliamentary processes, and to shape a Parliament fit for the future.”
Key points of the proxy voting being proposed:
If your child is between 2 – 5 years old & has missed their flu vaccination appointment, you can head to one of the drop-in clinics or call the team on 0131 659 2920 to book.
The painless nasal spray vaccine helps prevent your child getting and spreading the flu.
Looking for the ideal gardening gift for a loved one this Christmas? Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting a free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store to show customers the top gardening gifts and winter plants to choose for loved ones this festive season.
The interactive Grow How session will be held on Saturday 3 December in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and is suitable for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Dobbies’ horticultural experts will share with customers what outdoor plants are great for gifting this winter and provide tips on how to care for them. Beautiful seasonal outdoor plants like Skimmia rubella, Viburnum tinus, winter flowering Heathers and Bay trees all make wonderful gifts.
Christmas gifting inspiration continues for the second part of the session where team members will suggest gifts that you can include in a gardening hamper. Seeds and growing kits, an array of bulbs and tools like a hand trowel, hand fork, wooden labels and string are all top of Dobbies’ list. A gardening hamper is not complete without a pair of gloves and trusted secateurs – a popular tool for those looking to keep on top of garden maintenance. Dobbies’ experts will be on hand to answer any questions and demonstrate how the great value tools can be used.
Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “The festivities are in full swing at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and we’re excited to bring you a Christmas-packed Grow How session around gifting.
“It’s a time to give back to our friends and loved ones, and what better way to do so, than to gift them a beautiful plant or create a personalised gardening hamper with great value they need to get started. Sustainable gardening is a big part of our Grow How sessions and we’ll be telling you about our brilliant range of products that are great for the garden and kind to the environment.
“Our monthly Grow How sessions are really popular with our customers in Edinburgh and we’re eager to help our customers get into the festive spirit and get creative with gifting this year.”
For more details on Dobbies’ Edinburgh Grow How sessions in December, visit:
