Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Record number of guests explore Edinburgh’s underground streets 

Top Edinburgh attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close, reports best ever year after welcoming over a quarter of a million guests

The Real Mary King’s Close reports a record-breaking year for 2023 after welcoming over a quarter of a million guests underground to explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh. Located beneath the Capital’s iconic Royal Mile, the Close saw over 257,000 visitors, smashing their previous record year in 2019 by over 10,000 people. 

The Real Mary King’s Close has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but as one of the UK’s most highly rated experiences on TripAdvisor; inviting visitors to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and become immersed in the city’s secrets and untold stories.

Even with the increase in number of visitors, the attraction is at an all-time high with a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, holding prestigious spots such as the 4thbest thing to do in Edinburgh and 10th best visitor attraction in the UK.

The celebrated attraction continues to provide both tourists and locals in Edinburgh with a fascinating glimpse into the city’s dark past; such as the extreme living conditions endured during the plague and the harsh effects of social hierarchy during the 17th century. 

Since reopening in May 2021 post-pandemic, the Close has welcomed over half a million guests, as people from all over the world come to learn about Edinburgh’s rich history. In 2023 alone, the attraction welcomed visitors from 162 different countries including France, China, USA, Peru, Swaziland and Kazakhstan. 

The year was topped off with the completion of an exciting renovation project. Following a £200,000 investment, the Close transformed its listed Burgh Courtroom, located in Edinburgh’s City Chambers, into an impressive new retail experience on the Royal Mile, elevating the space and the experience. 

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are thrilled to have had such a successful year in 2023 and welcome so many people from all over the world, it is a true testament to everyone here in the team. 

“We first opened our doors 20 years ago in 2003 to reveal the true stories of Mary King’s Close and its former residents. Since then, we have grown from strength to strength, positioning ourselves as a leading attraction in Scotland’s historical tourism sector. 

“Summer is always a particularly popular time for us, however 2023 saw a fantastic level of growth all year, with significant increase in numbers during the low seasons as well. No matter the time of year there’s plenty to discover here at the Close.”

“At the Close we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. As we do this, we also look forward to the future and we can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring!”

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit: 

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com

New Health Secretary meets frontline staff

Thousands of patients treated through virtual A&E service

New Health Secretary Neil Gray visited Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow to meet staff working to ensure patients get access to the right treatment as quickly as possible.

In his first visit as Health Secretary, Mr Gray met frontline staff in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Flow Navigation Centre (FNC) – a virtual A&E service which directs people to the most appropriate care and helps patient flow throughout hospital wards.

Figures published by NHS GGC show that of the 20,000 calls put through the virtual service last year, only 16% actually required referral to a physical A&E. The remainder were given appointments at minor injuries units, referred to other services or given advice that meant they did not need to attend hospital. Mr Gray also visited the hospital’s Major Trauma unit, one of four such units throughout Scotland.

Mr Gray said: “I was pleased to meet staff working in the Flow Navigation Centre and see first-hand how work is progressing with the hospital’s virtual A&E. The service plays a crucial role in directing people to the most appropriate care and is just one of the ways the NHS is modernising to meet the needs of the people of Scotland.

“By preventing unnecessary physical A&E attendances, patients can be better dealt with by other parts of the health service. This incredible work from the team at Glasgow is helping to reduce pressure on the front door of the emergency department, while ensuring people get the right treatment at the right time.

“I am clear that we need to see reform and innovation right across the health service and NHS GGC’s FNC is a perfect example of how we can improve productivity and also improve patient outcomes. Optimisation of Flow Navigation Centres is a key part of our Urgent and Unscheduled Care Programme which aims to improve patient flow and reduce A&E delays.”

Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “The virtual A&E is one of a number of virtual pathways which are helping our patients get seen and treated faster.

“While pressure on our hospital sites remains at an all-time high, enabling thousands of patients to be treated away from physical A&E departments has made a significant impact on the front-door at our hospitals and will continue to play a crucial role in the way we deliver healthcare going forward.

“We’d urge any patient who thinks they need to come to A&E to consider using this service, among other urgent care provisions such as pharmacies, GPs, and the NHS Inform website.”

Gie it Laldy at Granton Library!

It’s no secret that we like a wee warble in Granton Library, whether it’s Bookbug, Library Link or just a pom pom pom behind the desk.

We decided to make a thing of it, and we have some songbooks to bring out, so why not join us and make a terrible noise in good company?

Everyone is welcome (and it may also suit people who have dementia with their carers; let us know if there’s anything we can do to open this up for you).

There will be absolutely no attempts to be good. At the moment it’s just a one-off but who knows?

La la la….

Antisemitic hate crimes hit new high

SCOTTISH FIGURE DOUBLES IN TWELVE MONTHS

Today Community Security Trust (CST) publishes the Antisemitic Incidents Report 2023, which shows that last year CST recorded 4,103 anti-Jewish hate incidents across the UK, by far the largest-ever total recorded in this country.

This is an increase of 147% from the 1,662 incidents recorded in 2022 and is 81% higher than the previous record total of 2,261 incidents in 2021.

68 antisemetic incidents were reported in Scotland in 2023 – DOUBLE the count for 2022.

CST says it is almost entirely due to the massive surge of antisemitism following the 7 October Hamas terror attack on Israel.

For an extended breakdown, visit cst.org.uk/blog

Antisemitic_Incidents_Report_2023Download

Consultation continues to protect Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

THE climate emergency, creating a sustainable visitor experience and the conservation and maintenance of buildings and public spaces. These are some of the actions included in the proposed new management plan for the capital’s Old and New Towns’ World Heritage Site.

The plan, shaped by a programme of public and stakeholder engagement, was approved by councillors on the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Committee last month.

A further consultation has begun for eight weeks to give the public the opportunity to comment on the proposed plan before final partners’ approval by summer 2024.

The Site is managed by the City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage. All three partners work together to ensure that their actions protect the authenticity and integrity of the World Heritage Site while at the same time making sure it can operate as a thriving city centre.

The proposed management plan, which will sit alongside a two year action plan to ensure improvements continue to be made in the Site going forward, is a forward-looking strategic document which sets out the framework for the preservation and enhancement of the Site’s cultural heritage.

World Heritage Sites must have robust management systems in place to make sure their Outstanding Universal Value (what makes them of worldwide importance) is preserved and enhanced. This latest version of the management plan highlights five key themes taken from the public engagement to focus on.   

These are awareness, appreciation and activity around WHS status; climate emergency; conservation and maintenance of buildings and public spaces; control, guidance, and contribution of new developments to city centre and sustainable visitor management. 

Cllr James Dalgleish, Convener of the Planning Committee, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Our World Heritage Site is of crucial importance to the future vision and development of the city.

“It has many iconic buildings and the Council works hard with partners to make sure any new development is appropriate and fitting with the rest of the site. In doing this work a wide range of issues are covered including the needs of residents, tourism, culture and climate change.

“The plan highlights actions under five themes to ensure that the Site continues to be a thriving built environment balancing heritage and the people living in it with any proposed development and changes to it.

“The more people who get involved with the proposed management plan, the better the protection we can provide for our incredible World Heritage Site. Residents’ views will help us to ensure that it continues to be well managed and of universal importance.

“I’d encourage everyone to take a look at the new draft plan and let us know what you think as Edinburgh’s World Heritage site belongs to everyone.”

Christina Sinclair, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Edinburgh is a stunningly beautiful place that is dear to millions of people from all walks of life.

“Its World Heritage Status recognises its outstanding significance beyond international and generational boundaries, as well as being at the heart of our identity, wellbeing, economy, environmental goals and a powerful agent for challenging our past for a better future.

“The World Heritage Site Management Plan is vital to its conservation, as it is the agreed way by which Outstanding Universal Value needs to be looked after.

“As the independent, expert charity dedicated to the active conservation of the World Heritage Site, Edinburgh World Heritage fully supports the draft World Heritage Site Management Plan.

“As part of our long-standing and impactful model, we are committed to working closely with our partners Historic Environment Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council to realise the vision and actions of this important plan.

“Edinburgh’s conservation has always been due to the amazing work of its people, and it is so important your views are heard.”

Dr James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “World Heritage Sites are global treasures that need to be protected for future generations, and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh is such a treasure.

“These parts of Edinburgh have retained their historic urban form remarkably, even as the city has modernised and technology has advanced. The Old Town is an ancient capital with medieval closes and wynds, and New Town is the best-preserved example of eighteenth-century town planning in the United Kingdom.

“The management plan consultation presents an opportunity for people to have their say on how these unique sites are protected, whether they are Edinburgh residents or visitors who care about the towns’ future. The new 10-year management plan builds on the strengths of the existing plan, and it has been prepared alongside a two-year action plan that sets out immediate priorities.

“We are proud to have worked alongside City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage to develop this management plan, which aims to be inclusive and broad while addressing concerns such as the climate emergency, and hope that anyone with a stake in Edinburgh’s future takes part in the consultation.”

Help tackling council tax debt

Pilot scheme will see councils and advice services work more closely together

Extra help for people struggling with council tax debt will be on offer in three local authority areas under a pilot scheme. 

The Scottish Government is providing Citizens Advice Scotland with £200,000 funding to better understand the reasons why some people end up in council tax arrears and to work collaboratively with local councils to help reduce and prevent council tax debt in future. 

Citizen’s Advice Bureaux in Renfrewshire, Clackmannanshire and the Scottish Borders will test different ways of working including: 

  • Providing targeted support to individuals facing council tax debt
  • Simplifying the referral processes between councils and advice services
  • Organising mutual training sessions for council and Citizens Advice staff

Housing Minister Paul McLennan visited Roxburgh and Berwickshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau to launch the project.  

Mr McLennan said: “We know many people are struggling in the cost of living crisis and that is why we are targeting resources at those most in need.

“Council tax debt is a significant issue, and one that particularly affects the most vulnerable. The three Bureaux involved in these pilots have established relationships with their local authorities. This funding will help build on those connections to help individuals tackle problem debt and also provide valuable learning on how public sector debt can best be managed. 

“Advice services are critical to Scotland’s communities, supporting people to understand their rights and entitlements, maximising incomes and helping to reduce poverty. This year we will invest more than £12.5 million in a range of advice services providing free income maximisation, welfare and debt advice.” 

Myles Fitt, Financial Health Strategic Lead at Citizens Advice Scotland said: “Council tax debt is the single biggest debt issue that clients bring to the CAB Service each year. The cost-of-living crisis is only worsening this problem, so we welcome the opportunity this funding provides to make a difference to peoples’ lives and financial well-being.

“Through working in partnership with councils, the three bureaux involved in this pilot will bring their deep insight into the factors and barriers that lie behind council tax debt to develop joint solutions that will help those in arrears now and in the future.”

Drylaw Park Drop-In Event

THURSDAY 22nd FEBRUARY from 4 – 7pm

at DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

I am pleased to be getting in touch to inform you about an exciting opportunity regarding planned improvements to Drylaw Park and to invite you to attend a community drop-in event on Thursday 22nd February at the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre 4pm – 7pm. 

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre – DNC – The place to be! (drylawnc.org.uk)

Drylaw Park forms part of the Climate Ready Craigleith project which sits under the cities overarching Climate Ready Edinburgh strategy.   There is an open consultation on the council’s citizen space regarding the Draft Climate Ready Edinburgh plan if you’d like to take a look for more information and complete the survey:

Draft Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan – City of Edinburgh Council – Citizen Space

We are working with the City of Edinburgh council to develop concept designs for enhancements across Drylaw Park. These include improvements to park connectivity, accessibility and safety, infrastructure to address surface water issues, nature enhancements and improvements to play provision.

At this early design stage, we are looking to gather local knowledge to help inform its development and shape the improvements for the community who use it most.  

We would like to invite you to join us on the 22nd of February anytime between 4pm and 7pm to find out more, share your views and help us to understand how the park is currently used and to tell us about opportunities which will help to inform the concept design.

Online Survey: If you are unable to attend in person, please find a link to our short survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/MYP4G94GYd?origin=lprLink

Alternatively, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the details below if you have any questions or wish to find out more.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Drop-In event on the 22nd of February.

Lynn Stocks

Behaviour Change Lead, Transportation

Highways and Active Travel

AtkinsRéalis

0131 221 5770, 

Canning Exchange, 10 Canning Street

Edinburgh, EH3 8EG

Police appeal following attempted dog robbery in Balerno

KNIFE ATTACK ON DOG WALKER

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men tried to steal a dog from a man before assaulting him in Balerno.

The 43-year-old was walking in a field near to National Cycle Route 75 and Lanark Road West between 5.15pm and 5.30pm on Tuesday, 13 February, 2024. One of the men tried to take the dog and the other assaulted the owner with a knife.

He was later taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Officers are keen to trace the two men. The first is described as: white, around 50, stocky build, 5’ 6”, ginger greying beard, wearing a black thermal beanie hat, black puffer jacket and with a local accent.

The second is described as: white, slim build, 5’ 10”, 20-to-30-years old, clean shaven, wearing a hat, a black jacket with green writing, pale blue denim jeans, tan coloured boots.

They made off towards Ravelrig Road and were lost to sight.

Detective Inspector Martin Smith, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This appears to be an attempt to rob the man of his dog, and it is vital that we establish the full circumstances of what happened and trace the men responsible.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday who saw or heard anything suspicious. Similarly, anyone with private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam of the area is urged to review the footage and bring anything significant to our attention.

“Officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.”

Anyone with any information can call 101, quoting incident 2591 of Tuesday, 13 February, 2024.

City centre hotel offers foodie fantasy with exclusive deal

A PREMIER four-star city centre hotel and restaurant is giving back to residents with a chance to rediscover the magic of the city with an exciting exclusive ‘Drinks and Dining’ offer in February.

In partnership with Forever Edinburgh Resident Rewards, Ten Hill Place Hotel is providing the perfect opportunity to relax and recuperate with £50 of food and drink for just £25 per person, saving 50%.

Located on the prime location of Nicholson Street in the buzzing Southside district, the exclusive offer allows guests to experience its relaxed and contemporary restaurant and enjoy locally sourced seasonal dishes paired with carefully selected drinks including its exclusive in-house 1505 gin and 1505 Ale for less.

Mark McKenzie, General Manager of Surgeons Quarter said: “We wanted to help Edinburgh locals beat the winter blues by offering an exclusive offer to city residents.

“The offer is a fantastic opportunity for people to escape in their own city and enjoy a top-class meal for half the price.

“The response so far has been fantastic, and it has been great to have a buzz in the hotel and campus – making for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat.”

Forever Edinburgh works with members, partners, and stakeholders to maintain the profile of Edinburgh as a world-class destination to visit, invest, live, work and study though championing Scotland’s capital city locally, nationally and internationally.

Eleanor Lee, Digital Marketing Lead at Forever Edinburgh said: “Resident Rewards Edinburgh, now in its third year, is an exclusive initiative for Edinburgh residents, offering substantial savings and a chance to try new experiences in the city we all call home.

“The enthusiastic participation of local businesses including the return of partners like Surgeons Quarter underscores the programme’s success and since July 2023, the Resident Rewards landing page has attracted over 57,000 visitors.

Edinburgh is bucking the trend when it comes to footfall to our city centre and was recently declared the top performing city in the UK, and I have no doubt that this is in part thanks to the incredible range of attractions on offer and initiatives like this.”

Bookings can be made by emailing j.hudson@surgeonsquarter.com using the code EHReward50.

Ten Hill Place is run by Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RSCEd) with profits supporting the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgical standards worldwide.

The offer is valid from Monday 1st February to 29th February 2024 from 1pm-9.30pm, to learn more about the offer, visit: https://edinburgh.org/residentrewards/

More information about Ten Hill Place hotel can be found at: 

https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/accommodation/

Retail crime a “crisis that demands action’

  • BRC survey shows a 50% increase in levels of retail violence and abuse, to 1,300 incidents a day
  • Cost of theft doubled to £1.8 billion in 2022/23 with over 45,000 incidents a day
  • 60% of respondents say police response is “poor” or “very poor”

Violence and abuse against retail workers soared last year, with the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) crime survey revealing that the number of incidents rose to 1,300 per day in 2022/23 from almost 870 per day the year before.

This rise comes despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2bn on measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and body worn cameras, up from £722m the previous year. The cost of theft to retailers went up to £1.8bn from £953m the previous year, meaning the total cost of crime to retailers stood at £3.3bn – double the previous year.

The BRC’s annual crime survey highlights the scale of violence and abuse faced by people working in retail. Incidents, which include racial abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, and threats with weapons, are now on a par with the levels seen during the pandemic, when staff bore the brunt of some people’s frustration with Covid safety measures.

While the total number of incidents climbed, dissatisfaction with the police increased, with 60% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.

Retailers are calling on the Government to introduce a standalone offence of assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker. This would send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, making retail workers feel safer in the workplace.

It would also mean the police have data that allows them to understand the scale of the issue, and to allocate sufficient resources to deal with it.

This would ensure that retail workers have the same protection under the law as they do in Scotland, where a similar offence was introduced in 2021.



Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Despite retailers investing huge sums in crime prevention, violence and abuse against retail workers is climbing.

“With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues. Teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare.

“And while the violence can be over in a moment, the victims carry these experiences with them for a lifetime. And we all know the impact does not stop there – it affects their colleagues, friends, and the family our colleagues go home to. This is a crisis that demands action now.

“Criminals are being given a free pass to steal goods and to abuse and assault retail colleagues. No one should have to go to work fearing for their safety.

“The Protection of Workers Act in Scotland already provides additional protection to retail workers, so why should our hardworking colleagues south of the border be offered less protection?

“It is vital that government takes action – introducing a new standalone offence for assaulting or abusing a retail worker.”



Katy Bourne OBE, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner and APCC Lead for Business Crime, said: “The levels of retail crime described in this report reveal an unprecedented level of selfish lawlessness.

“Every day, retail staff are facing the consequences of shoplifters’ brazen behaviour and that’s why I have supported the call for a specific offence of assault on a shopworker.

“Our courts need to work more efficiently, and shoplifters need to be deterred from re-offending. That’s why I’m calling for my fellow Police & Crime Commissioners to focus their police forces on tackling shoplifting by making it a priority in their local Police & Crime Plans.”