Police appeal for info following Princes Street road accident

POLICE are appealing for information following a crash involving a car and a pedestrian in Edinburgh.

The crash happened around 5.35pm on Friday, 21 June, 2024 on Princes Street.

The pedestrian, an 83-year-old man, was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Constable Chris Beddows said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash to contact us.

“We also ask motorists with dashcam footage of the area at the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 2965 of 21 June, 2024.

Wellerman singer reveals ‘pinch-me’ moment as song is included in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Audiences can see it for themselves with 50% off Preview Night tickets on sale now

Scottish musician Nathan Evans has revealed his pride after discovering his hit ‘Wellerman’ will be part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this summer.

The 29-year-old shot to fame when the sea shanty went viral across TikTok in 2020 which led to a record deal and a Number 1 single in several countries.

Now it has been revealed that the famous track will form part of the Tattoo performance, with His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band taking it on, alongside some traditional navy tunes and sea shanties.

Nathan said: “What an incredible honour to have my song featured as part of the Tattoo.

“Growing up in Scotland, I think the Tattoo is something you’re always aware of and feel that sense of pride about so to have my song included is a real pinch-me moment.

“Since I released Wellerman, things have obviously changed dramatically for me but this is the icing on the cake and I can’t wait to see the song come to life as part of the amazing performances this summer.”

This year’s Tattoo performances will run from 2-24 August, with guests from around the world coming to experience the Journeys Show.

For fans eager to see the special performance of Wellerman alongside other world-class acts from across the globe, special preview night tickets are on sale from TODAY Monday 24 June, with up to 50% off standard ticket prices.

Journeys will celebrate the journey of connection through music, dance, culture, and military traditions.

The Show will be the third under the Tattoo’s bold brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, and will follow the successes of the last two years shows, Voices and Stories, under creative Director Michael Braithwaite Journeys merges the traditional military elements that the Tattoo is known and loved for, with modern touches through creative projection, technology, costume design and music inspirations.

Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, says “While the Tattoo has a proud history of the very finest world-class military and civilian performances; innovation and Scottish culture have also been a core tradition of the show since its first days.

Nathan’s much-deserved success and passion for Scottish music represent everything we hold dear at the Tattoo. He has taken a 19th century sea shanty and brought it to the modern era to great acclaim. We are thrilled to be presenting Wellerman, as a feature with the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, our lead service, and a highlight of the journey our audience will embark upon this year.”

The Castle Esplanade will be filled with over 800 international performers from far and wide to showcase their epic journey, through vibrant dance, music, visual artistry and so much more.

Expressing their unique cultures, this Show will host talents from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and homegrown acts from around the UK. Through an artistic odyssey, expect a wide variety of enthralling action featuring world-leading talent.

With the Royal Navy as lead service, the Show will pay homage to the seafarers that brave the ocean to travel across continents bringing people and cultures together

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 2-24 August 2024, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, offering a bar service at the event.

Tickets for 2025’s Show celebrating the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will go on sale in August during Journeys.

British Summer Sports Afternoon Tea at The Caledonian Edinburgh

Celebrate the spirit of British summer sports with The Caledonian Edinburgh’s latest afternoon tea, featuring a variety of innovative sandwiches such as Squash, Chilli & Coconut Quiche; Hoisin Duck Crème Fraîche Wrap; and Steelhead Smoked Trout & Pear Chutney.

The pastry chefs have hit it out of the park with selections including the baseball Yogurt & Mango Compote Macaron; football Mint Buttercream & Lime Ganache Battenberg; and tennis Coconut Paste & White Chocolate Crunch Pepite – for sport fans and pastry lovers alike.

Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Its reputation for style and excellence has attracted generations of locals, internationals, and notable personalities for over one hundred years.

Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, The Lounge represents the historic heart of the Caley – the perfect setting for an unforgettable afternoon tea. 

The British Summer Sports afternoon tea is available in The Lounge, The Caledonian Edinburgh daily from 12:30 – 4pm. Gluten free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available. The menu can be viewed here.

Bookings can be made by emailing dining@edinburghcaledonian.com or calling the reservations team directly at 0131 222 8832.

Sky’s the limit with the capital’s latest rooftop cocktail bar

Following on from the success of their pop-up bar two years’ ago, Skyline Sips is returning to level 5, St James Quarter, Edinburgh on Tuesday 25th June 2024.

The rooftop bar is set to offer a range of drinks, including some exciting and exclusive Chambord cocktails and promises breath-taking vistas towards Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill. 

Skyline Sips will also be offering customers hot food and snacks, in partnership with the neighbouring Everyman Cinema.

Situated between Everyman Cinema and Roomzzz Aparthotels, Skyline Sips will be open every day until 8th September 2024.

Michael Donovan, Managing Director, Sips said: “This is our second time up on the roof at St James Quarter. We were here back in 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. We’re delighted to be back and look forward to a busy summer. 

“The feedback we received in 2022 was very positive and we can’t wait to be part of Edinburgh’s bar scene once again. Whether it’s after-work drinks, groups of friends getting together or a romantic date night, we hope that Skyline Sips will become a firm favourite this summer.”

Established in 2016, Sips is an Edinburgh based pop-up bar company that has operated bars at festivals and events including the Royal Highland Show, Fly Festival, Musselburgh Racecourse and the Edinburgh International Festival.

Drag Race royalty Kitty Scott-Claus brings the house down at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Drag Race royalty Kitty Scott-Claus brought the house down at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh, tonight with a fabulously fierce performance at the five-star visitor attraction to celebrate Pride Edinburgh which kicks off this weekend (22nd June).

The talented queen took to the stage in an all singing, all dancing extravaganza for visitors to the Pride Edinburgh pre-show hosted in the Label Studio, one of the World’s Leading Spirit Experience’s first-class event spaces.

Head to Johnnie Walker Princes Street this Pride weekend to enjoy the best view of Edinburgh Castle in the city, cocktails, mocktails and so much more: 

https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/

Deacon Brodies reopens with a fresh new look!

Deacon Brodies Tavern, on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, officially reopened this Spring following an extensive 4-week refurbishment, giving the iconic pub an exciting new look. The pub has been given a facelift while keeping its traditional look and feel inside. 

Deacon Brodies Tavern is renowned for that truly authentic Scottish pub experience. Built in 1806 on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, the pub is named after one of the city’s most famous sons, Deacon William Brodie – one of the inspirations behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde. 

Guests can tuck into all the pub classics, Balmoral Chicken, Nicholson’s Fish and Chips and Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, as well as a delectable range of hand-crafted seasonal Pies to delight discerning guests. 

Along with the new food menu, guests will also be greeted with an extensive drinks menu, boasting a wide selection of craft beers, ciders and new to the menu – cocktails. 

Speaking about the refurbishment, Deacon Brodies Tavern General Manager, Taufiq Abdu, said: ‘’Deacon Brodie’s Tavern is an iconic Scottish pub, loved by guests from all over the world who visit us to experience our traditional Tavern atmosphere.

“The restoration works undertaken, including painstakingly restoring our original decorative wooden ceiling ensure that our guests can continue to enjoy a wee dram or two with us for years to come…’’ 

Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, fifteen new jobs have been created for the local area, with the team now ready to pour pints and serve delicious food to guests. 

For more information about Deacon Brodies Tavern please visit:

https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/deaconbrodiestavernr oyalmileedinburgh#/

Police appeal following Gracemount shop robbery

POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at a shop in Gracemount. The incident happened around 9pm last night (Monday 17 June) on Gracemount Drive.

No-one was injured, however a two figure sum of cash was stolen.

The suspect is described as being a man of slim build in his early 20’s. He was wearing a dark blue hooded jacket, tracksuit bottoms, and had a green and white scarf covering his face.

The man was seen running in the direction of Balmwell Avenue.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact us.

“We also ask anyone driving in the area at the time with dashcam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3667 of 17 June. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Edinburgh sees record number of people travelling by bike

More than 2,000 daily bike trips on Leith Walk in May, following completion of cycle lanes between Leith and Picardy Place

New traffic data collated by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, has revealed how the growing network of cycle routes in Edinburgh is encouraging record numbers of people to travel by bike.

Through May 2024, a daily average of 1,812 bikes were recorded travelling on the cycleway on Leith Walk, with a peak of 2,107 journeys on 30th May.[1]

Demonstrating the significant year-on-year growth in cycling on Leith Walk, a total of 219,070 bike journeys were recorded along the route between January 2024 and the end of May 2024 – almost double the number recorded over the same time period in 2022 (117,969). Data shows that cycling volumes are at their highest during commuting times, indicating many people are using the route for everyday journeys.

Data was captured by an automatic counter located on the cycle path at Picardy Place, one of Cycling Scotland’s nationwide network of counters, funded by Transport Scotland to help measure cycling levels across Scotland.

In addition, a survey organised by Cycling Scotland to monitor traffic over a 48-hour period between 15th and 16th May, recorded that bikes accounted for 9.1% of all journeys on Leith Walk: a level of modal share rarely seen in Scotland.

A person cycling on Melville Street separated cycle lane, part of the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) route in Edinburgh

On the other side of the city centre, Melville Street also recorded a high cycling modal share of 6.4%. The number of cycling journeys in Edinburgh is up 12% compared to May 2023, and up 19% compared to May 2022.

The sustained growth in bike journeys seen on Leith Walk comes after the completion of fully separated two-way cycle lanes along the 2km route, as part of the Trams to Newhaven project, connecting communities in Leith and Edinburgh’s city centre. The route was developed by City of Edinburgh Council, with funding from the Scottish Government.

The route has also recently connected to the newly opened 4km City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), which runs from Roseburn to Picardy Place via Haymarket Train Station, and is already seeing increases in cycling.

The results in Edinburgh follow on from an autumn 2023 traffic survey in Glasgow, which similarly revealed record levels of cycling along the newly completed South City Way.

Elspeth at Leith Walk

Leith resident Elspeth, who uses the Leith Walk and CCWEL routes to cycle to work in Edinburgh Park several times a week, said: “I use the Leith Walk cycle lanes regularly – for travelling to work but also for lots of other shorter journeys, like popping into town or visiting friends.

“The separated cycle lanes have made my bike journeys so much more relaxed, and thanks to CCWEL, it’s now almost completely on separated cycle lanes. It means I can go whatever pace suits me without feeling rushed with traffic on my tail.”

“I love how it gives me independence and allows me to get about town. I find getting around by bike is great for my physical and mental health, and I love the passing waves and nods from other people on bikes in the morning!”

People cycling on Leith Walk

Rowan Simpson, Monitoring and Development Officer at Cycling Scotland, said: “It’s really encouraging to see more than 2,000 people are cycling on Leith Walk each day – yet more evidence that where Scotland builds networks of connected cycling routes, separated from vehicle traffic, more people travel by bike.

“We know that road safety is the single biggest barrier to more people cycling, and the early success of Leith Walk and City Centre West to East Link underlines the critical role of safe, convenient, separated cycle routes, if more people are to choose cycling for short and medium journeys.”

“The new cycle routes make it possible to cycle to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket stations more safely, supporting multi-modal journeys by bike and public transport and helping more people to choose sustainable transport.

“With transport the largest source of carbon emissions in Scotland, we need to help more people to cycle, walk and wheel safely. Investing in dedicated, separated cycling lanes, limiting polluting traffic growth and helping everyone to access bikes, training and bike storage are all key actions to reduce our climate impact and improve health.”

Person cycling southbound on Leith Walk

Transport and Environment Convener of City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Scott Arthursaid: “These are really exciting counts that showcase the significant growth in cycling on Leith Walk following completion of the Trams to Newhaven project and the connection with the recently opened City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL).

“The Leith Connections project will be continuing the segregated cycle infrastructure and public space improvements, from the Foot of the Walk northwards, first to Commercial Street and ultimately to Ocean Terminal in the north, Hawthornvale path in the west and Seafield in the east.

“This improved connectivity, and better active travel and public transport links support our wider ambitions to achieve net zero by 2030 and active travel across Edinburgh.

“Once the Leith Connections project is complete, this improved route will not only provide a safer environment for people walking, wheeling and cycling but will transform the area to create a more pleasant, welcoming space to spend time.”

Person cycling northbound on Leith Walk

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans, added: “Edinburgh residents want to safely and easily get around without needing to rely on a car. This new data shows the demand that can be unlocked by delivering safe walking, wheeling and cycling links like the City Centre West to East Link.

“People in Edinburgh know that every time they decide to travel under their own steam, they are helping their health, our planet and improving the quality of the air we all breathe – and delivering more of these opportunities has support across the city.

“It’s so important to build on the success of projects like CCWEL and deliver even more high-quality, active connections which give everyone fairer, better choices to reach the places they need to.”

Further data on cycle rates in Scotland can be found on the Cycling Open Data Portal.

Mappin & Webb opens it’s largest Scottish showroom on Multrees Walk

Mappin & Webb, renowned for their exquisite watches and jewellery, is pleased to announce the opening of their new showroom in the heart of the luxury retail quarter on Multrees Walk.

The double-storey showroom offers a truly luxurious experience for customers looking for the perfect timepiece or piece of jewellery.

On the ground floor, customers will find dedicated brand areas for Cartier, the renowned luxury Maison has a dedicated space to present its most iconic timepieces, where clients will be invited to explore collections including Tank, Santos de Cartier, and Ballon Bleu de Cartier. In addition to the latest iterations of Panthère de Cartier, Tank Normale, and Baignoire.

There are branded areas featuring TUDOR watches which showcases the brand’s iconic collections, including the Black Bay, Pelagos, and Royal. A Breitling branded area which is renowned for its casual, inclusive, and sustainable approach to luxury.

Plus, a Girard-Perregaux area, known for its impeccable craftsmanship and features the Watches of Switzerland centenary exclusive Laureato timepiece. Each brand area showcases the latest collections and offers a personalised shopping experience for customers looking for the perfect watch.

On the first floor of the showroom, customers can browse a stunning selection of jewellery and receive expert advice on choosing the perfect piece for any occasion, including jewellery offerings from Pasquale Bruni, and Mappin and Webb’s limited edition diamond jewellery. It also offers a dedicated area for the Watches of Switzerland pre-owned timepieces, and a dedicated after sales area.

In addition to the impressive selection of watches and jewellery, clients can also relax in the elegant surroundings of the bar/hospitality area. Whether they are shopping for a special occasion or simply treating themselves, customers can enjoy a drink whilst browsing the showroom’s offerings.

Craig Bolton, President of The Watches of Switzerland Group UK & Europe said; “We are delighted to be opening a double-storey Mappin & Webb showroom in the heart of the luxury retail quarter on Multrees Walk.

“This is our largest Mappin and Webb showroom in Scotland, with two-floors of the finest Swiss timepieces and luxury jewellery collections available to our clients. There is a large Cartier area on the ground floor with further watch brand areas from TUDOR, Breitling, Girard-Perregaux and a new Watches of Switzerland Pre-Owned area on the first floor.

“We are also delighted to be the first retailer in Edinburgh to offer our clients the latest collections for luxury jeweller Pasquale Bruni, alongside the Mappin & Webb own brand jewellery on the first floor. We look forward to welcoming new and existing clients to this fantastic new showroom.”

Commenting on the new store, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen said: “The arrival of Mappin & Webb is extremely exciting, and we are delighted that the retailer has chosen Multrees Walk Edinburgh for their latest and largest boutique in Scotland.

“With designated watch and jewellery areas, a private hospitality and VIP area, pre-owned watch gallery plus a large after-sales area, the new store will enrich the Multrees Walk luxury shopping experience even further.”

Volunteer opportunity with Vintage Vibes

Do you love playing the piano and a good sing along? Our over 60s singing group, Vocal Vibes is looking for a fabulous volunteer to join them on piano.

The group brings together isolated older people to build confidence and connections through the shared love of singing!

As a volunteer you will accompany the song leader in the sessions and performances and collaborate with the group to select songs from throughout the decades. Fab piano and musical skills are needed and experience working with singing groups would be great but not essential.

This is an in-person volunteering role. Vocal Vibes meet on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 11am -1pm in an accessible city centre venue close to several transport links.

If you think you can help, please get in touch at hello@vintagevibes.org.uk or visit vintagevibes.org.uk/help-us/get-involved/.