Edinburgh pizza restaurant Fired Dough is serving up a delicious new treat for customers with its first lunch menu.
The Lothian Road eatery opened its doors four months ago, promising to bring the ‘rich flavours of Naples’ to the city.
The traditional menu features a variety of classic hand-made woodfired pizzas using Neapolitan-style dough, which has been left to prove for up to 48 hours.
Now customers can enjoy a slice of the action at lunchtime with the new menu launching on Monday (January 20).
As well as the usual variety of antipasti and 10” pizzas, among the highlights of the menu are panuozzo sandwiches. These are pizza breads folded over with fillings such as prosciutto, buratta and rocket; pulled chicken, fior de latte mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes; or roasted vegetables with tomato pesto, rocket salad and fior di latte mozzarella.
Lunches are available in the 40-seater restaurant as well as takeaways from noon-5pm, seven days a week, with two courses costing £11.95 and three courses £13.95.
The new menu has been crafted “with passion and precision using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients”, according to owner and head chef Vinu Murugan, who is hoping to appeal to the busy office scene in that area of the city as well as the passing tourist trade.
“I’m really pleased to be able to expand our culinary offerings to the people of Edinburgh.
“We took our time to design what we think will be a great lunchtime menu and I’m sure our customers are going to love it!”
Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched ‘Stay Well,’ a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests “feel good, travel better, and stay well”while travelling.
From Swell Sound Therapy for better sleep to personalised Technogym workouts (tailored to available equipment), Urban Trails, and indulgent self-care treats, wellness is effortlessly woven into every stay.
As part of the Forgot It, We’ve Got It programme foam rollers, blue light glasses, Recovery Wave Boots, grounding mats, and LED therapy masks will be available for guests to borrow too.
Available from January 2nd at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh
Ever worry about sticking to your fitness routine on holiday? Or struggle to unwind after a day of exploring? Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh have the solution.
Introducing Stay Well, a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests feel balanced, rejuvenated, and completely at ease while travelling, launching on 2nd January 2025. From tailored fitness options to luxurious self-care treats, Stay Well seamlessly integrates wellness into every stay.
At the heart of Stay Well is complimentary access to Swell Sound Therapy, offering calming soundscapes in every room to help guests relax, de-stress, and enjoy better sleep. This service is available to all guests, with no additional charge.
For fitness enthusiasts, Kimpton’s exclusive partnership with Technogym provides access to personalised workouts via an easy-to-use app, tailored specifically for each traveller. The app creates bespoke workouts based on the available equipment or even the surroundings, ensuring a seamless fitness experience wherever you are.
Guests can continue using the app even after leaving the hotel. Whether you prefer a session in the gym, yoga in your room, or mindful movement outdoors, your wellness routine is covered. The only part of the experience that is paid for is the special room service menu.
Exploring Glasgow or making the most your time in the Scottish capital? The Stay Well experience extends beyond the hotel with curated Kimpton Urban Trails, designed for walking, running, or cycling through iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Guests can even take advantage of the complimentary Kimpton bikes, perfect for a leisurely ride or a heart-pumping adventure around town.
Forgotten your wellness essentials? Don’t worry—Kimpton’s ‘Forgot It, We’ve Got It’ programme has you covered. Whether it’s a toothbrush, hair straighteners, or other travel must-haves, Kimpton will ensure you have what you need to feel at ease. Building on this, the programme now includes a range of wellness equipment you can borrow straight from reception. From foam rollers to Theraguns, Recovery Wave Boots, grounding mats, LED face masks, and beyond, these additions make it easy to maintain your wellness routine while traveling.
And for the ultimate in self-care, the Stay Well Room Service Menu brings indulgent treats right to your door. Visitors can enjoy organic Ishga bath salts, Maskology warming eye masks, and restorative patches by celebrity acupuncturist and wellness expert Ross J. Barr—known for treating Meghan Markle.
“These patches are designed to support a range of needs, including enhancing breathing (Breathe), promoting relaxation (Calm) and sleep (Sleep), soothing discomfort and aiding pain relief (Healing), and alleviating aches and pains associated with menstruation (Period).
“We’ve listened closely to our guests, and it’s clear they want wellness to be a natural part of their travel experience—not an afterthought,” saysFinlay Anderson, Area Spa Director UK – InterContinental Hotels Group.
“Stay Well is about meeting that need with thoughtful touches, from fitness options that fit seamlessly into their routines to luxurious self-care treats that help them truly unwind. It’s all designed to help our guests feel their best—whether they’re here for work, leisure, or a bit of both”.
Guests can already enjoy award-winning facilities such as Kimpton Blythswood Square’s Spa, home to Scotland’s first snow shower. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s most elegant square, the spa features four curated journeys which use contrasting thermal therapies to soothe the mind, body, and soul.
Whether visitors are yearning for stillness, seeking clarity, craving an energy boost or aching for relaxation, the Spa at Kimpton Blythswood Square is the perfect place to relax, detox, invigorate and recover.
For those visiting Kimpton Charlotte Square, the spa and leisure club is the ultimate destination for fitness and wellness. A pioneer for new cutting-edge technology, the spa features the UK’s first Sound Therapy Room and Suite – a haven for relaxation within Edinburgh’s bustling City Centre.
A perfect place for guests to elevate their wellness experience, the Spa at Kimpton Charlotte Square also offers a Leisure Club membership for those looking to work up a sweat in luxury surroundings followed by a dip in a mood-lit 12m pool. Leisure Club members also have access to the thermal area, featuring a sauna and steam rooms, and experience showers.
The Stay Well experience is available from 2nd January at Kimpton Hotels UK-wide including Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa, Glasgow, Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Kimpton Fitzroy London, and Kimpton Clocktower Manchester.
Tickets are on sale for Scotland’s National event to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe:
Scotland’s Salute – A Tribute to VE-Day 80th Anniversary Concert
Organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, this exciting May event follows on from last June’s hugely successful Scotland Salutes: D-Day 80 concert.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Usher Hall Website on:
Guests from 159 countries sampled Edinburgh’s unique dark history experience in 2024
The Real Mary King’s Close has announced a record-breaking year for 2024 after welcoming over 282,000 guests underground to explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh.
Located beneath the capital’s iconic Royal Mile, the Close welcomed 282,525 visitors from 159 countries, smashing the previous record set in 2023 by nearly 25,000, July was the attraction’s best month in its history, welcoming 32,517 guests.
The Real Mary King’s Close, has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but was recently revealed as the UK’s favourite tourist attraction and 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in 2024’s Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best.
The Royal Mile must-visit is operated by Continuum Attractions, which manages a successful portfolio of attraction brands across the UK, including the Coronation Street Experience, Emmerdale Village Tour and The Loch Ness Centre.
Even with the increased visitor numbers, The Real Mary King’s Close’s reviews are at an all-time high, with 4,870 posted online across Google and TripAdvisor last year – with 94 per cent of those above 4-stars. Guests from as far afield as Fiji, Tanzania, Pitcairn Island and Botswana were drawn to Edinburgh.
Over the year, the new interactive and immersive experience, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation, saw guests uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine. Following his favourite method of examining his patients’ health, analysing their urine for its colour, smell and… TASTE, guests examined 2,465 patients’ samples in 2024.
The attraction invites visitors to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and become immersed in the city’s secrets and untold stories. It stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches the following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.
4,487 guests wanting to leave with a reminder of their visit and channel the history of Edinburgh’s last plague doctor, George Rae, left the experience with a Plague Doctor Rubber Duck, ‘The Plague Ducktor’.
This unique collectible features a leather-look cloak, hat, and a beaked mask, reminiscent of the 17th-century plague doctors who believed the mask would protect them from “miasmas.”
This year saw a number of firsts for The Real Mary King’s Close, in April taking part in Edinburgh Science Festival for the first time with a brand-new Medical History Tour – due to its popularity it extended its stay and will be back in February and March 2025.
This December, visitors were invited to enjoy a brand-new immersive experience and travel back in time to the 19th-century, uncovering how fascinating Victorian traditions shaped the way we celebrate Christmas today with a brand-new underground Victorian Christmas experience.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are thrilled to have had such a successful year and welcome a record number of people from all over the world. It is a true testament to the team who help make the experience as unique and engaging as it is.
“We first opened our doors over 20 years ago, since then, we have grown from strength to strength, positioning ourselves as a top attraction in Scotland’s historical tourism sector, and a leading attraction in Europe.
“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 2025 will bring!”
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit:
The City Art Centre, dedicated to championing historic and contemporary Scottish visual arts and crafts, has announced an exciting range of exhibitions for 2025.
Additional details on each exhibition, along with a diverse public events programme, will be revealed later in the year.
Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000 17 May – 12 October 2025 The post-war era was a period of seismic shifts – political and social, scientific and cultural. Emerging from the events of the Second World War, communities lived with the legacies of conflict while looking ahead to the future. Contemporary artists responded to these changing times, addressing both traditional and modern themes in their work as they pushed the boundaries of creativity. By the end of the century, the artistic landscape was entirely transformed.
Scheduled to complement John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, this survey exhibition examines the wider context of post-war Scottish art. Charting the years between the late 1940s and late 1990s, it showcases evolving approaches to figurative and landscape subjects, the growth of abstraction and pop art, and the development of new media. Out of Chaos presents a range of artworks from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection, featuring key pieces by William Johnstone, Joan Eardley, Eduardo Paolozzi, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Elizabeth Blackadder and Maud Sulter.
John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture 31 May – 28 September 2025 John Bellany was one of the most significant Scottish painters of the modern era. A Life in Self-Portraiture brings together over 80 autobiographical drawings, paintings, prints and sketchbooks, spanning from the early 1960s until the artist’s death in 2013.
John Bellany was one of the most prolific self-portraitists in history, obsessively documenting his own image throughout his lifetime. This exhibition captures the wide range of works created across different mediums, from carefully observed student studies, to his epic pictorial narratives where he disguised himself in different roles and fantastical characters. The exhibition contains works on loan from public and private collections across the country, including the artist’s estate, many of which have never been seen publicly before.
An accompanying publication includes a foreword by Helen Bellany, plus an essay and interview from exhibition curators’ Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat. Moffat’s account charts his long-term friendship and collaboration with Bellany, from their time at art school up until the latter’s death.
John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture captures the span of an extraordinary life and career, told through the lens of the artist’s own eyes and the words of the people who knew him best.
Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture 13 September 2025 – May 2026 Portraiture is an age-old artform with a seemingly simple purpose: to record the likeness of a human subject. Yet the enduring appeal of portraiture lies in its complexity. Behind every portrait is a series of stories – interwoven narratives about the sitter, the artist, and the circumstances that brought them together.
Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture examines this genre in depth, with a selection of highlights from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection. Featuring examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography, the exhibition spans almost 400 years of artistic production, from historic portraits by George Jamesone to contemporary works by Sekai Machache. Unmasked shares new research findings from the collection and reveals several recent acquisitions, on display for the first time.
Carla van de Puttelaar Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present 8 November 2025 – 8 March 2026 Carla van de Puttelaar (b. 1967) is an internationally acclaimed Dutch photographer and art historian based in the Netherlands. She has always had a keen interest in portraiture and over the last two years she has been photographing women working in the Scottish legal profession.
Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present will feature around 80 of these portraits, celebrating women in the law, from individuals at the outset of their careers to those pioneers who have paved the way for the next generation, such as the Right Honourable Lady Dorrian, who is the first female Lord Justice Clerk. Displayed alongside these photographs will be a small group of oil paintings from public and private collections, dated from the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when the law was an entirely male dominated occupation, by leading portraitists of the era including David Scougall, Allan Ramsay, and Henry Raeburn.
This exhibition explores Scottish portraiture in the legal profession, drawing parallels and contrasts between past and present.
Carla van de Puttelaar; Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present is being sponsored by Burness Paull.
Michael Fullerton 22 November 2025 – 22 February 2026 This major exhibition by Glasgow-born artist Michael Fullerton will feature a new body of paintings, as well as a survey of screen-prints and works selected from the City Art Centre Collections.
Mona Yoo 2025 Artist in Residence
Edinburgh-based artist Mona Yoo has been invited to develop a long-term project throughout 2025. A period of research and on-site investigation into the history and architecture of the City Art Centre building will result in a series of interruptions and interventions, and culminate in an exhibition outcome in early 2026.
Councillor Val Walker, Edinburgh’s Convener of Culture and Communities said:“The City Art Centre is set for an extraordinary year ahead as we begin to reveal highlights from the 2025 programme.
“Since its opening in 1980, the Centre has always been more than just a gallery—it was created as a space for artists, craftspeople, and art lovers to gather. Now, 45 years on, the City Art Centre remains one of the most accessible and welcoming venues for art enthusiasts in the capital and is proud to house Edinburgh’s art collection, one of the finest in the country.
“2025 brings many exciting exhibitions, starting in the Spring with ‘Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000’ and ‘John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture‘. This two-floor exhibition, featuring over 80 works, showcases Bellany’s impressive body of work, many pieces of which are being shown publicly for the first time, courtesy of public and private collections, including the artist’s estate.
“I’m also thrilled to welcome Mona Yoo as our new artist in residence. I’m sure Mona’s creativity and vision will bring some new energy and inspiration to our venue – and I’m excited to see the resulting exhibition early next year.
“Later in the year, we’ll delve deeper into the world of portraiture with ‘Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture’ and ‘Carla van de Puttelaar’s Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present’. We’ll also host a major exhibition featuring new works by Michael Fullerton.
“With a mix of charged and free exhibitions throughout the year, 2025 promises to be an excellent opportunity for visitors to reconnect with beloved and favourite artists, and perhaps discover some exciting new ones.”
Somewhere by Nico is calling for all detectives as it brings back its sell-out Murder on the Midnight Express cocktail experience, inspired by the classic game of suspense
Running for a limited time only, the menu will be available at Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh at Charlotte Lane from 8th January – to 2nd February 2025
0% alcohol options are also available, providing new ways to enjoy the experience without compromise
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in for a limited time only. From 8th January — 2nd February, this thrilling cocktail experience invites guests to step into a world of mystery, inspired by the classic game of suspense.
As the train pulls back into Somewhere by Nico, guests will be immersed into the exhilarating journey to solve the mystery of who shot Gustave Laroche. For £45 per person, the five-course cocktail menu takes participants on a flavourful and intriguing ride, with each sip revealing a new clue.
For those seeking an extra twist, an optional bonus cocktail provides an additional hint to elevate the detective experience.
Perfect for a new year outing with friends or family, Murder on the Midnight Express is an experience like no other – combining captivating storytelling, exceptional cocktails, and an immersive mystery to solve. With 0% alcohol options available, there’s something for everyone at Somewhere by Nico – without compromising on taste.
This limited-time menu will be available at both Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh (39a Charlotte Lane) and Somewhere by Nico Glasgow (358 Byres Road).
Limited-Time Offer Guests are encouraged to book early to secure their seat in January with a limited-time offer at just £30pp (saving £15pp).
Whether for a friend, loved one, or a treat for yourself, Murder on the Midnight Express is the perfect gift that provides an unforgettable experience to share.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of Six by Nico, commented:“We’re thrilled to bring back Murder on the Midnight Express to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time. This unique cocktail journey blends mystery, adventure, and creative storytelling to offer our guests an experience that goes beyond just drinks.
“We can’t wait to welcome guests as they put their detective skills to the test and solve the mystery of Gustave Laroche’s murder. With a carefully crafted five-course cocktail journey, plus 0% alcohol options, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information about Somewhere by Nico and to secure your booking, please visit here
National Galleries of Scotland has announced an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2025.
From striking installations in Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Yearsto time travelling into The World of King James VI and I, taking to the skies with Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer, a celebration of 250 years of JMW Turner with Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest and more.
There will be a sensational array of art to enjoy in the Scottish capital next year. Ticketed exhibitions can be booked online now What’s on | National Galleries of Scotland
From 26 July until 2 November 2025, immerse yourself in a major large-scale exhibition by Andy Goldsworthy. Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years will take over the upper and lower galleries in the Royal Scottish Academy building for the summer. Based in Scotland, Goldsworthy (born 1956) is internationally famous for his extraordinary work with natural materials.
The exhibition will span five decades of creation with over 200 works including photographs, sculptures, and expansive new installations. Goldsworthy will also create several major new works onsite at the Royal Scottish Academy building especially for Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years. This spectacular summer exhibition is sure to be one of the most talked-about of the year – and it is showing only in Edinburgh.
Next spring at the Portrait, travel back in time and be immersed in The World of King James VI and I. Son of Mary, Queen of Scots, successor to Elizabeth I and the first monarch to rule over Scotland, England and Ireland, get to know King James (1566 – 1625) and step into the world in which he lived, ruled and changed forever.
Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition. Drawing on themes with contemporary relevance, including national identity, queer history, belief and spirituality, The World of King James VI and Iwill be an enriching journey through the complex life of a King who changed the shape of the United Kingdom.
Over 100 objects will be on display, including ornate paintings, dazzling jewels, lavish designs and important loans from galleries across the UK, celebrating craft and visual art from the 16th and 17th centuries. From 26 April – 14 September 2025 come and be fully immersed in the sights, sounds (and even smells) of the period, connecting the people of the past with the people of today. Tickets are on sale now.
In 2025 the National Galleries of Scotland will commemorate the 250th birthday of beloved British artist JMW Turner (1775 – 1851) with a once in a lifetime, free exhibition. For the first time, visitors will be able to marvel at over 30 Turner watercolours from Dublin.
Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest at the Royal Scottish Academy building will be one-off special take on the keenly awaited and much-loved annual tradition. Spanning the breadth of Turner’s career, visitors can roam through sweeping seascapes, dramatic landscapes and spectacular cities, many displayed in their original frames.
As part of this special partnership, the Turner works from the Scottish national collection will go on display at the National Gallery of Ireland allowing visitors in both Scotland and Ireland to connect with works from the Henry Vaughan Bequest they don’t often get to see.
There will be another two new and exciting projects making their way to the Moderns in 2025. From next summer you can explore your collection at Modern One with a series of new free displays showcasing magnificent and diverse works of 20th and 21st century art belonging to the people of Scotland.
This includes an opportunity to see compelling works from ARTIST ROOMS, the national touring collection cared for jointly by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Discover the bold and varied self-portraits of Robert Mapplethorpe, immerse yourself in Louise Bourgeois’s evocative practice, and be captivated by the works of Helen Chadwick in a new ARTIST ROOMS display.
Chadwick’s Self Portrait (1991) from Scotland’s national collection will feature alongside the major sculptural installation, Piss Flowers (1991-2), which will be lent by Tate having recently been donated as part of the D.Daskalopoulos Collection Gift.
Explore this powerful new presentation of the nation’s superb contemporary and modern collection from 12 July 2025. A further exhibition taking place at Modern Two will be announced in early 2025.
The centenary of revered Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925 – 2006) will also be marked in a new free display of his work at Modern Two from 8 March to 26 May 2025. A visionary in his craft, Ian Hamilton Finlay harnessed the power of collaboration throughout his career, drawing on the expertise of fellow makers and creators to bring his artistic visions to life.
Hailed as a poet, sculptor, printmaker, gardener and provocateur, his practice covered a wide range of media, reflected in this display through over 30 sculptures, installations and prints as well as extensive archival materials, all from Scotland’s national collection.
Moving into the autumn at the Portrait, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer.
A trailblazer in his field, Buckham (1879 – 1956) soared above the realms of what was thought to be possible in 20th century photography and aviation.
From 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026, meet the man behind some of the most iconic aerial photographs, marvel at the death-defying lengths he took to capture the perfect image and explore how his innovative techniques paved the way for modern technologies such as Photoshop and AI.
Explore the imaginative Your Art World exhibition at the National, showcasing the inspirational works of young artists from all over Scotland aged 3 – 18-year-olds. The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly creative.
Discover installations from school and community groups who have worked alongside the National Galleries of Scotland. Or even view the creations of the young people in your own life.
With the opportunity to upload artwork online via the website, anyone aged 3-18 can see their own digital submissions on screen in the gallery. Immerse yourself in the imagination of these young artists from 10 May to 2 November 2025.
Anne Lyden, Director-General at the National Galleries of Scotlandsaid: “We’re really excited to announce our 2025 public programme, which is packed full of fantastic exhibitions.
“Breathtaking installations at the Royal Scottish Academy, soaring above the clouds at the Portrait gallery, and modern and contemporary highlights from your national collection at the Moderns.
“Whether you want to be inspired, find a moment of calm or share a joyful experience with friends – there’s so much to discover at the National Galleries of Scotland.”
Exhibition dates:
Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest:1- 31 January 2025 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building
Ian Hamilton Finlay: 8 March – 26 May 2025 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two
The World of King James VI & I: 26 April – 14 September 2025 | Tickets £4-£9 | National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Your Art World: 10 May – 2 November 2025 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland: National
ARTIST ROOMS: Opening 12 July 2025 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland: Modern One
Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years: 26 July – 2 November 2025 |Tickets £5-£19 | National Galleries Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building
Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer: 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026 | FREE | National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
This festive season, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is extending its exclusive offer for EH postcode residents due to overwhelming response!
From December 23rd through January 31st (excluding December 25th and 31st), guests with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food, non-alcoholic drinks, and select retail items.
Whether you’re refuelling during the Boxing Day sales, catching up with friends after the New Year, or brightening up a chilly January afternoon, this exclusive discount is available daily from opening until 5pm.
To redeem the offer, visitors need to simply mention the discount and present proof of EH residency, such as a driving license or utility bill.
Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for tonight (30th Dec) and tomorrow (Hogmanay, 31st December) are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.
The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on the 31st December, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.
We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here at the Home of Hogmanay.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher, said: “I know that, like me, many people will be very disappointed. This decision was not taken lightly, however with the ongoing adverse weather condition, public safety must be our number one priority.
“You’ll see from the programme that there are lots of exciting indoor events taking place. For those coming along to them – I know you’re in for a treat and will have a great time. Please make sure you stay up-to-date with the weather and transport on social media.”
Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticketholders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.
All indoor events are taking place as planned throughout the festival, including tonight’s performance of Swamplesque at Assembly Hall, the sold-out Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms, and on the 31st December, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral.
We also continue to look forward to the packed First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programme of events on New Year’s Day – a series of free and ticketed indoor music gigs across the city centre, Leith and Portobello.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is delivered by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council.