Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

A New Smile for Edinburgh: 103 Dental and Implant Practice takes on the UK dental crisis

Edinburgh’s streets are alive with history and heart, but behind the scenes, our city—like much of the UK—has been quietly facing a challenge: a worsening shortage of NHS dentists.

For too many residents, finding affordable dental care has become a struggle. That’s where *103 Dental and Implant Practice comes in*. As Edinburgh’s newest clinic, opening in early 2025 at 103 East London Street, we’re here with a mission to ease the strain and bring quality care back to our community.

The UK’s dental crisis has made headlines for a reason. Across the nation, nine in ten NHS dental practices aren’t taking new adult patients, and in some areas, people have turned to drastic measures like DIY tooth fixes.

Here in Edinburgh, the story’s similar—three-quarters of local NHS dentists are closed to new adult registrations, with waits stretching up to two years. Years of underfunding and a shrinking workforce have left gaps that hit hard, especially for families and those on tight budgets.

At 103 Dental and Implant Practice, we’re stepping up to meet this need. Led by Dr. Adam Wright, a dedicated dentist with a knack for putting patients at ease, and Practice Manager Lucas, whose experience keeps everything running smoothly, we’ve built a clinic that’s all about accessibility and care. We offer both NHS and private options, so whether it’s a routine check-up for the kids or a cosmetic touch-up like teeth whitening, we’ve got you covered in a modern, welcoming space.

Scotland’s dental landscape is stretched thin, from rural towns to bustling cities like ours. While efforts like the new Moffat surgery—adding 2,000 NHS slots—show progress, demand still outpaces supply. In Edinburgh, long waits and closed lists have pushed some to travel far for care or skip it entirely. We’re here to change that, starting right in the city’s heart. Our doors are open to help lighten the load, one appointment at a time.

We believe dental care is about more than just teeth—it’s about health, confidence, and feeling good. When access slips, it’s the community that feels it most. That’s why we’re not just treating patients; we’re connecting with them. Nervous about the dentist? Our team’s here to listen and make it easy. From the moment you step in, you’ll find a friendly approach that puts you first.

As the Capital’s freshest face in dentistry, we’re proud to tackle a UK-wide problem right here at home. The challenges—recruiting dentists, fixing the NHS system—won’t vanish overnight, but we’re in it for the long haul. So, if you’ve been hunting for a dentist, swing by 103 Dental and Implant Practice. Let’s turn the tide on this shortage together, one smile at a time.

*Drop in at 103 East London Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4BF, or call 0131 608 3219  to book your spot today.*

Endometriosis Action Month: Endometriosis Explained

Urgent Government action needed to improve education for young people and healthcare practitioners

Launch of Endometriosis Action Month (March 2025)

Only 50% of young adults in the UK know what endometriosis is, and many health practitioners including GPs and A&E doctors don’t recognise the symptoms, resulting in missed opportunities to stop suffering and the disease progressing, as well as wasting NHS resources. 

This is despite it being one of the most common gynaecological conditions, affecting 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause in the UK – although the impact may be felt for life.

The shocking lack of awareness and education is leaving those with the condition facing an average of almost 9 years for a diagnosis, leading to loss of education and work productivity, often impacting both physical and mental health.

Endometriosis UK is kicking off Action Month (1-31 March 2025) – Endometriosis Explained, by calling on Governments across the UK to commit to ensuring menstrual wellbeing education is implemented in all schools as well as improving education for all healthcare practitioners, including GPs, pharmacists, nurses and A&E doctors. Without this education, those with the disease will continue to face challenges in accessing the right care at the right time. 

Emma Cox, CEO for Endometriosis UK says: “The simple fact is that not enough people know what endometriosis is.  Such a common and often debilitating disease deserves the same level of recognition as conditions like diabetes and asthma.  

“A recent poll for Endometriosis UK has found that only 50% of 16 – 24-year-olds know what the condition is and 47% of people surveyed last year reported seeing a GP 10 or more times before being diagnosed.  

“Not getting a diagnosis can have a significantly negative effect on every aspect of someone’s life – including education, employment, and physical as well as mental health.  Governments must ensure that all young people and healthcare practitioners receive the appropriate level of education and recognise the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, so those with symptoms can seek help, and are supported to access care when they do.

“We hope Governments across the UK will build on their commitments to support women’s health, including ensuring menstrual health education is being properly delivered across all schools, as well as improvements in mandatory training for all health professionals, as a matter of priority.

“Without this, the next generation of those with endometriosis will continue to be let down.”

Endometriosis UK – the UK’s leading charity offering support for those with endometriosis is calling on all UK Governments to: 

  • ensure that menstrual health education is being delivered as a compulsory part of the curriculum in all schools, and that teachers have the training and resources they need to deliver it confidently and age appropriately. Too many young people are leaving school not knowing what is and isn’t normal for an average period, nor the signs of a menstrual health condition such as endometriosis. This is leading to young people missing school and education and impacting on the start of their careers.
  • ensure that every healthcare practitioner receives effective education on menstrual health conditions including endometriosis, so that every healthcare practitioner recognises the signs and symptoms of endometriosis and follows the NICE Guideline on Endometriosis that sets a baseline of how endometriosis should be diagnosed, managed and treated. 

Endometriosis UK wants to see a future where women and those assigned female at birth can better recognise the signs of endometriosis and feel empowered to seek help. And when they seek that help, healthcare practitioners are better equipped to put them on the right pathway for treatment and support in accordance with the NICE guidelines.

A survey for Endometriosis UK last year found that 78% of respondents who later went on to receive a diagnosis had experienced one or more doctor telling them they were making a ‘fuss about nothing’ or similar comments. 

Not everyone with the disease will experience severe symptoms, but for those who do, it is hard enough living with endometriosis, juggling the symptoms during daily life, let alone having to battle for understanding and support.

The continued lack of awareness around the condition is really a national scandal and now is the time to make the change and better educate the public and healthcare practitioners about endometriosis.

Plans to protect Edinburgh from climate effects

EDINBURGH PLANS TO GET CLIMATE-READY

Detailed plans have been produced outlining 66 steps the council and partners must take to get ‘climate ready’.

Our Climate Ready Edinburgh Implementation Plan, published on Friday (28 February), will be considered by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 11 March.

Over the next two years, it is proposed that all actions in the plan are implemented to help Edinburgh adapt to the impacts of climate change.

This could include working with partners to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion and protecting the World Heritage Site, to planting trees and exploring transport systems to make the city resilient against weather extremes.

It is hoped this work will help to protect homes from flooding and overheating, safeguard our buildings and support new climate skills and jobs, while increasing the resilience of our ancient city against the future risks of climate change.

Some of the proposed steps to implement our Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024-2030 include:

  • Identifying trigger points and action needed to prepare for weather extremes 
  • Making Edinburgh a Million Tree City by planting 25,000 new trees a year 
  • Prioritising street tree planting in areas prone to flooding and overheating
  • Increasing the tree canopy from 17% to 20% of the whole city by 2045
  • Establishing a Wilding Wee Spaces Schools programme
  • Undertaking a flood study to determine the long-term management of existing defences along the coast
  • Completing a surface water flood management project with Scottish Water in Craigleith by 2026
  • Delivery of new small-scale adaptation and energy retrofit pilot projects in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site by 2026
  • Monitoring issues of damp in Council housing, addressing most at risk properties
  • Working with providers to increase the resilience of Edinburgh’s transport systems.

Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “With architecture spanning 1,000 years and two World Heritage Sites, more trees than any other Capital city and a vast coastline, there is no question that Edinburgh’s natural and built environment is unique. Our Climate Ready plan has been designed to protect and enhance the place we are lucky enough to call home.

“Recent events have been a stark reminder of how disruptive weather can be to our city and to property. As such, we need to focus our efforts on adapting and preparing for such risks. 

“Where we face issues of flooding and dampness, it disproportionately affects disadvantaged households. Where buildings suffer from poor energy efficiency, this brings up the cost of bills.

“It is to this end that climate change goes hand in hand with poverty as the biggest challenge we face, and we cannot tackle one without the other.

“With our businesses at risk as much as our homes, there is also a clear economic case for getting our capital ‘climate ready’. This report makes it clear that this work will require significant investment, but the costs of failing to prepare are higher.

“That is what has driven us to pledge an additional £2.9m to address our climate and nature emergencies in the budget we set last week. It is also why we have invested £500,000 into protecting our coastline with the successful introduction of new groynes at Portobello Beach.

“If approved next month by Committee, this detailed 66-step plan will further guide us and partners to become a ‘climate ready’ capital. Climate change is a major threat to our health and that of our ancient, coastal city and it is crucial that we work with partners to protect it.”

Gordon Reid, Scottish Water and chair of the Edinburgh Adapts Partnership that developed the plan, said: “We are already seeing the impacts of a changing climate in Edinburgh, with more frequent severe storms causing flooding, damage to buildings and disruption to travel.

“If we don’t take action then we will see greater impacts to the people, buildings, economy and the services we all rely on in the city. Many of these impacts disproportionately effect disadvantaged households and we need to ensure that we act to deliver adaptation for everyone in society as part of the just transition to a climate changed future.

“In addition, we need to act to address the nature emergency and many of the actions in the plan will address adaption and nature, delivering multiple benefits for the city.”

Yann Grandgirard, Head of Climate Change at Edinburgh World Heritage and member of the Edinburgh Adaptation and Nature Partnership, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest threats to the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, affecting its integrity, and undermining our efforts to preserve it and share its cultural values with current and future generations.

“Climate change impacts are diverse and not limited to physical damages to our historic buildings, streets and green spaces. They also affect our experience of this special part of the city – a vibrant place where people live, work, study and visit.

“The finalisation of the Edinburgh Climate Ready implementation plan is an important step in providing the necessary framework to protect and enhance both the World Heritage Site and the city through sensitive adaptation actions. It will act as a critical tool to prioritise climate actions, attract much needed funding and support partnerships across the city.”

Prime Minister to host leaders summit on Ukraine

The Prime Minister will intensify his efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine by convening international leaders at a summit in London today

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will intensify his efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine by convening international leaders at a summit in London today. 

The Prime Minister has this weekend reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine and is determined to find a way forward that brings an end to Russia’s illegal war and guarantees Ukraine a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security. 

The summit rounds off a week of intense diplomacy for the Prime Minister, which has seen him raise UK defence spending and travel to Washington D.C. for productive talks with President Trump in support of UK and European security. The Prime Minister spoke again with both President Trump and President Zelenskyy on Friday evening following the events of yesterday at the Presidents’ meeting in Washington D.C. 

The Prime Minister will welcome Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Downing Street this morning, before being joined at the summit in central London by the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania. The Turkish Foreign Minister, NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Commission and European Council will also attend. 

The Prime Minister has been clear that there can be no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine, a determination he reiterated when he warmly welcomed President Zelenskyy to Downing Street on Saturday evening ahead of the summit. 

Discussions at the summit will focus on: 

  • Strengthening Ukraine’s position now – including ongoing military support and increased economic pressure on Russia. 
  • The need for a strong lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace in Ukraine and ensures that Ukraine is able to deter and defend against future Russian attack. 
  • Next steps on planning for strong security guarantees. 

Following the announcement earlier this week that the UK will spend 2.5% of its GDP on defence by 2027, the Prime Minister will be clear on the need for Europe to play its part on defence and step up for the good of collective security. 

The UK has already been clear it is willing to support Ukraine’s future security with troops on the ground. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point.

“Today I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training and aid to Ukraine, putting it in the strongest possible position. 

“In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our preparations for the European element of security guarantees, alongside continued discussions with the United States.   

“We have an opportunity to come together to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and security.   

“Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future.”

UK reinforces support for Ukraine with £2.26 billion loan

  • The £2.26 billion loan will bolster Ukrainian military capability, and will be paid back using profits generated on sanctioned Russian sovereign assets.
  • Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko signed the formal loan agreement yesterday (Saturday 1 March), with the first tranche of funding expected to reach Ukraine later next week.
  • The loan demonstrates the UK’s commitment to Ukrainian defence. A strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security – the first duty of any government and central to the Plan for Change.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko have signed the UK-Ukraine Bilateral agreement.

This agreement will deliver £2.26 billion in funding to Ukraine, which will be paid back using the extraordinary profits generated on sanctioned Russian sovereign assets held in the EU.

This is the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme, through which G7 countries will collectively provide $50 billion to support Ukraine.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “A safe and secure Ukraine is a safe and secure United Kingdom. This funding will bolster Ukraine’s armed forces and will put Ukraine in the strongest possible position at a critical juncture in the war.

“It comes as we have increased our defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, which will deliver the stability required to keep us safe and underpin economic growth.”

The loan will be fully earmarked for military procurement to bolster Ukraine’s defences, with the first tranche of funding expected to be disbursed to Ukraine next week.

Russia’s obligation under international law to pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine is clear and this G7 agreement, backed by the profits generated on sanctioned Russian sovereign assets, is an important step to ensuring this happens.

The funding will be delivered in three equal annual payments of £752m.

The announcement of the loan agreement is on top of the £3 billion a year commitment by the UK to provide military aid for Ukraine. The Prime Minister has been clear that a strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security.

This loan follows the announcement by the Prime Minister committing the Government to increase UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an ambition to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next parliament as economic and fiscal conditions allow.

This represents the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, safeguarding our collective security and funding the capabilities, technology and industrial capacity needed to keep the UK and our allies safe for generations to come.

As set out in the Plan for Change, national security is the first duty of the government, and investment in defence will protect UK citizens from threats at home while also creating a secure and stable environment for economic growth.

Arriving near you! Adventure Cinema returns for special Summer screenings under the stars

  • The UK’s largest outdoor cinema, Adventure Cinema announces its most spectacular season to date with incredible films at new magical locations
  • Screening new favourites, from Wicked Sing-A-Long to Moana 2, along with cult classics like Bridget Jones’ Diary, Pretty Woman, The Greatest Showman, concert screenings and much more
  • Tickets are now on sale, with over 300 screenings at over 60 venues nationwide 

Returning on Friday 23rd May, with its most spectacular season ever, Adventure Cinema, in partnership with Ring, will visit more than 60 enchanting destinations nationwide, with stunning new venues for 2025, including London’s iconic Kew Gardens, Northumberland’s Alnwick Castle (Hogwarts in the first Harry Potter movie), Wiltshire’s Stourhead House, Kent’s Leeds Castle, Stevenage’s Knebworth House, Wales’ Cardiff Castle and many many more.

Whether under the stars at breathtaking National Trust sites, medieval castles or a beautiful country estate, Adventure Cinema provides a cinema experience like no other in the great British outdoors. 

From heart-warming family favourites to sing-a-long classics, adventure-packed blockbusters, and live concert screenings, there’s something for everyone.

Screening favourite feel good Sing-A-Longs like Mamma Mia!, Grease and The Greatest Showman, along with 2024’s most coveted film Wicked, Adventure Cinema will make everyone want to sing and dance beneath the summer sky. Further highlights include Moana 2, The Lion King, Queen Spectacular, Star Wars, Bridget Jones’ Diary and many more. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.adventurecinema.co.uk 

For those who love belting out show tunes, special Sing-A-Long screenings of Wicked, The Greatest Showman and Grease are sure to bring audiences together for an unforgettable feel-good night.

At a select number of locations, fans of musicals can expect an elevated experience to witness a Queen Spectacular of Bohemian Rhapsody with a classic Queen concert in tow, and an ABBA-solutely fabulous double bill of Mamma Mia! Plus an ABBA Disco.

For those who love a feel-good film, or who are looking to entertain the whole family, there will be screenings of Disney favourites Moana 2 and The Lion King, along with Harry Potter, Shrek, The Gruffalo and more.

Perfect for evenings with friends, everyone can enjoy taking a trip down memory lane to laugh, cry – and cry with laughter, with screenings of the most iconic rom-coms of all time, including Bridget Jones, Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing. 

With more stunning venues than ever before, brand new destinations for 2025 include London’s iconic Kew Gardens, Alnwick Castle, Stourhead House, Westonbirt National Arboretum, Leeds Castle, Lincoln Castle, Cardiff Castle, Harewood House, Wollaton Hall, Knebworth House and Bolesworth Castle. With national parks, castles, stately homes and countless heritage sites, the 2025 Adventure Cinema tour is set to be the most memorable yet.

Whether packing a picnic to share with pals or to enjoy a big family outing, Adventure Cinema’s destinations also offer a variety of on-site food and drink options, so guests can relax and sit back with delicious snacks to enjoy during the show. 

Adventure Cinema are thrilled to welcome back Ring as headline partner for 2025. Known for creating innovative ways to help people stay connected to what matters most, Ring will offer attendees exciting prizes throughout this season’s events.

Tickets for Adventure Cinema start from £9.50 + Booking fee and are available from Thursday 27th February: www.adventurecinema.co.uk

Movies being shown on the tour include: 

Wicked Sing-A-Long, Dirty Dancing, The Lion King, Queen Spectacular, Grease Sing-A-Long, Moana 2, Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration, The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, The Gruffalo’s Child & Zog, The Gruffalo & Stick Man, Sing, Pretty Woman, Star Wars: A New Hope, Harry Potter, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Shrek, Twin Town, Notting Hill, Pride and Prejudice, The Princess Bride, The Goonies

ECCAN: Recycle Right!

Did you know small changes to how you recycle can make a big difference to tackling climate change?

Here are 3 tips to get it right:

1. Rinse out containers before recycling – clean items are easier to process.

2. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.

3. Throw your recycling into the bin loose as plastic bags can’t be recycled.

Together, small efforts like these can make a huge impact.

What’s one thing you do to recycle better?

#EdinburghIsChanging |

#YourActionsMatter |

#BeTheChange |

#ClimateReady |

#ECCAN

Bayne’s The Family Bakers marks 70 years with opening of 70th new shop

Scotland’s much-loved bakers unveils newest location at Inveralmond Retail Park, Perth

Bayne’s The Family Bakers proudly celebrates its 70th shop opening this week at Perth’s Inveralmond Retail Park.

This significant milestone coincides with this much-loved Scottish bakery’s 70th anniversary and ongoing expansion, marking seven decades of growth, innovation, and deep-rooted community connections since Bayne’s was founded in 1954.

From a single bakery in Lochore, Fife, Bayne’s has flourished into a beloved Scottish institution, renowned for its quality baking and strong local connections. Today, the company operates 70 shops across Scotland, with plans for continued expansion and further investment in the coming year.

Over the past 70 years, Bayne’s has evolved from a traditional home bakery into a leading player in the bakery food to go market. Driven by changing consumer preferences, the business has embraced convenience focused offerings, premium coffee, and home delivery services, positioning itself at the forefront of Scotland’s modern retail landscape.

Reflecting on the company’s growth, Bayne’s Joint Managing Director, John Bayne said: “A decade ago, we had 490 colleagues supporting 52 shops. Today, we’ve nearly doubled our workforce to 960, ensuring we continue to bring fresh, quality baking to communities across Scotland.

“Looking ahead, we plan to open three to four new shops annually over the next decade while continuing to invest in product innovation and digital transformation to meet evolving customer needs.”

Bayne’s has grown strategically, expanding beyond Fife in 1975 to Perthshire with a shop in Kinross then steadily increasing its presence throughout Scotland. In the late 1990s to early 2000s Bayne’s saw further growth into Perth, Dundee, and Monifieth, followed by the opening of its first retail park ‘food to go’ shop in Stirling in 2006.

Bayne’s entered the Edinburgh market in 2012 and expanded into Glasgow in 2018. In 2021, the company launched its first drive-thru in Hillington. Most recently, in 2023, Bayne’s completed a freezer extension at its bakery, further enhancing production capacity to meet growing demand.

John Bayne added: “At Bayne’s, our customers are at the heart of everything we do.

“Whether it’s through our popular coffee card reward program, which offers a free coffee for every eight purchased, or our ‘Moments of Joy’ initiative, which empowers staff to provide complimentary treats for special occasions, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences.”

Stanley Bayne, Chairman of Bayne’s, added: “Seventy shops in our 70th year – it’s a milestone that fills me with immense pride.

“My father, John, would be incredibly proud to see how far we’ve come; from opening our first shop in 1954 to opening our 70th shop today. Our success is a tribute to the generations of colleagues and bakers who have kept our ovens warm and our customers smiling.

“This new Perth shop is a symbol of our enduring commitment to Scottish baking traditions and the communities we serve.”

Bayne’s the Family Bakers is committed to product innovation and enhancing its bakery and drinks range to meet evolving consumer tastes. The company is also investing in digital transformation, improving online ordering and home delivery services to meet growing demand for convenience.

To learn more about Bayne’s The Family Bakers please visit: baynes.co.uk.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh celebrates International Women’s Month

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh Celebrates ‘International Women’s Month’ With Global Superstar Shakira Featuring FEARLESS Retail Collection, Limited-Time Menu of Her Favorite Dishes and 4 Women-Led Performances

In celebration of Hard Rock International’s annual “International Women’s Month” in March and International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Hard Rock and global superstar & humanitarian, Shakira, announce a year-long partnership that aims to empower women around the world to tell their stories, be their authentic selves and unite through the power of music.

The company, including Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh, will raise funds through its charitable arm, Heals Foundation®, throughout International Women’s Month.

“I’m excited to partner with Hard Rock, an organization with an incredible history of uplifting women through the power of music, to empower my sisters this International Women’s Day and beyond,” said Shakira.

“Together we can use our voices to break barriers and make the world a more inclusive space where every woman feels confident being themselves.”

Hard Rock and Shakira collaborated on menu items including food, a delicious “Hips Don’t Lie” cocktail and unique clothing designed to celebrate women.

Hard Rock will also host 1,000 women-led performances in March, including 4 performances at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh from Bethany Nicholson on 7th March, Rue Cooper on 14th March, Jasmin Jet – previous winner of ‘Scottish Young Musicians Best Vocalist’ 2022’- on 21st March and Megan Toni performing on 28th March.

Fans can book their table now at https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/ 

“From concerts to her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran album release party and being part of the Unity™ by Hard Rock loyalty program commercial, Hard Rock and Shakira’s shared values of honoring women through music has connected us over the course of her groundbreaking career,” said Elena Alvarez, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International.

“This year, we encourage women to raise their voices, share their stories and lift each other up.”

Shakira Limited Time Menu

Shakira has collaborated with Hard Rock to serve her favorite dishes at Edinburgh and on menus worldwide for a limited time. The menu includes:

  • Hips Don’t Lie Margarita: A fruity silver tequila-based cocktail with elderflower liqueur, muddled strawberries and cucumbers.
  • Chicken Fattoush Salad: Grilled chicken breast with fattoush vegetables, mixed greens, flatbread croutons and a unique blend of Caesar dressing and red wine vinaigrette, paying homage to Shakira’s Lebanese heritage.
  • Colombian Smash Burger: A smash burger with American cheese, shaved lettuce, tomato, Legendary Sauce and potato crisps.
  • Dulce De Leche Hot Fudge Brownie: A rich chocolate brownie topped with thick and creamy caramel sauce.

Rock Shop® Merch

Hard Rock’s official International Women’s Month t-shirt, hoodie and pin are now available for purchase at our Rock Shop® and online at shop.hardrock.com.

A portion of proceeds from all efforts will benefit Pies Descalzos Foundation—Shakira’s non-profit organization enhancing the education and social development of girls in Colombia’s most vulnerable communities.

In addition, the Hard Rock Heals Foundation is proud to donate $250,000 to Pies Descalzos Foundation in addition to guest contributions to this program.

“We are grateful to Hard Rock for its generous donation, which will support our mission of providing access to education for Colombia’s young girls, giving them a brighter future,” said Patricia Sierra, Executive Director at Pies Descalzos Foundation.

For all Hard Rock’s International Women’s Month activations, visit:

www.hardrock.com/women.

Book your table at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh today at:

https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/

Avant Homes granted planning for £68m, 256 home development in Cairneyhill

Avant Homes Scotland will deliver 256 new homes in Cairneyhill after being granted planning permission for a £68m residential development.

Called Keelyside View and located off Sunnyside Road, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom homes

It will feature 13 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy efficient house styles and include terraced, semi-detached and detached homes as well as townhouses.

Of the 256 homes, a quarter have been designated to affordable housing. Prices for the properties are to be released at a later date.

Work at Keelyside View is scheduled to commence in July 2025 with the first residents expected to move into their new homes by autumn 2026.  

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Jim Wilkinson, said: “As a business, our aim is to provide quality new homes for everyone in locations where people want to live.

“Our Keelyside View development is an excellent example of this and will deliver a range of practically designed energy-efficient homes at various price points for buyers.

“Living in Cairneyhill offers residents the best of urban and rural living, being close to the coast and within easy commuting distance of Edinburgh.

“We now look forward to beginning work at Keelyside View to delivering a thriving new community and homes for those looking to move in or to Cairneyhill.”

For more information on Avant Homes, visit www.avanthomes.co.uk.