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 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
The countdown to the New Year has begun as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay prepares for four days of events to ring in 2025, running from 29 December to 1 January.
With only two weeks to go until New Year’s Day itself, this year’s First Footin’ programme boasts a packed line-up of free and ticketed gigs to kick off the New Year in iconic venues across the city.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund, January 1st 2025 sees the First Footin’ programme go even further than before, with artists playing live sets in Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches as well as historic landmarks St. Giles’ Cathedral and Greyfriars Kirk, and contemporary venues Greyfriars Hall and Eve at Virgin Hotel, Fruitmarket Warehouse and bars throughout the city centre, including Cold Town House.
This year’s programme includes an incredible line-up of Scottish artists including Valtos, DJ Hayley Zalassi, Zoe Graham, Dara Dubh, who gathered today at First Footin’ venue Cold Town House to mark two weeks to go until the gigs. First Footin’ also features Karine Polwart, NATI, Spyres, Mama Terra, Bee Asha, Broken Chanter, Eyve, Lewis McLaughlin, Grayling, Afterlands, and more.
On being part of First Footin’, Glasgow anti-punk band Dead Pony said; “We’re super excited to play this year’s First Footin’. We can think of no better way to start the New Year than to crank our amps up and blast some tunes at – possibly – weary revellers.
“Everyone’s hangover is about to get blown to smithereens by the Dead Pony Doof Wagon. Strap in!”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay co-Director Al Thomson said: ‘We are so pleased to present another spectacular First Footin’ event on New Year’s Day.
“This year’s programme is bigger than ever and packed full of incredible artists from across Scotland and beyond. Audiences can explore the expanded event footprint, discovering their favourite new artists in spectacular venues, and start 2025 in the company of friends old and new. With so much to see, make sure you plan your day well to catch your favourite acts’
Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Karine Polwart will host a stunning performance to mark the turning-of-the-year with ‘Come Away In’, a commissioned project welcoming special guest musicians Lori Watson and Corrina Hewat, along with 200 community choir singers, celebrating crossing the threshold of the New Year in the embrace of massed voices and song. Alongside Choir Director Stephen Deazley, Karine Polwart and the community singers will fill the stunning St Giles Cathedral with music on the 1st January.
The tranquil surroundings of Greyfriars Kirk will once again transform into a vibrant hub of Scottish music, featuring Skye natives Valtos, who have taken the Trad and Electronic music worlds by storm, artist and composer Kate Young, Edinburgh born indie artists Lewis McLaughlin and internet sensation NATI (solo).
A showcase of the very best in contemporary Scottish music at Virgin Hotel, presents artists nominated for the SAY Award 2024, featuring Dead Pony, Spyres, Broken Chanter and Edinburgh rap and spoken word artist Bee Asha.
Pictured: Dara Dubh
Scottish musical duo Norman&Corrie will welcome audiences to the St. Andrew Square Speigeltent, challenging traditional notions of folk and jazz with new pieces translated from ancestral melodies. Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson, winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023, and Glasgow artist Harry Gorski-Brown performing fiddle, pipes and vocals, are special guests.
For classical music-lovers, Fruitmarket Gallery presents a diverse programme of music for viola and cello performed by acclaimed Canadian cellist Christian Elliott and Fiona Winning, Principal Violist of the Royal Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras.
New venue Leith Arches presents some of Scotland hottest new acts including Mama Terra; Glaswegian Pianist, Composer & Producer Marco Cafolla & Saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski, Mama Terra are hotly tipped by JazzFM, Loch Lomond folk-pop singer-songwriter Liv Dawn, Edinburgh rock band Low Tide, and grunge-fuelled rock from Dutch Wine.
Portobello Town Hall is home to a free afternoon of ceilidh dancing with Bella McNab’s Dance Band, with Brazilian and Cuban big-band flair from community street band Shunpike Social Club.
Pictured: Zoe Graham
In the evening, BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band) bring their spectacular club night Vitamin C out to Portobello Town Hall on New Year’s Day featuring alt-rock legends The Vaselines, infectious indie-dance from Sacred Paws and Django Django’s Dave Maclean for an epic DJ set.
Meanwhile, Leith Arches hosts a celebration of House and Old Skool, with an all-female line-up led by DJ Hayley Zalassi, and special guests SWATT TEAM and Disco T*TS, Leith Arches is guaranteed to keep you dancing into 2025.
In the evening, the music continues with the First Footin Sessions with Cold Town Beer, live events throughout the Grassmarket and New Town bars, featuring a feast of music from foot-stomping trad from Eamonn Coyne & Friends, to a special set from SAY Award nominees Afterlands’ in Cold Town House.
First Footin’ is just one of the offerings available from the four-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme. Local residents and visitors from across the globe will come together to bid farewell to the final few days of 2024 and welcome in the New Year with an unmissable programme of live music and exceptional entertainment, including the world-class Midnight Moment fireworks and a celebration like no other at Edinburgh’s Street Party.
The celebrations kick off on the 29th December with the spectacular Torchlight Procession and the 30th sees a host of events including Idlewild headlining the Night Afore Concert at Assembly Rooms, and Hot Dub Time Machine warming up New Year’s partygoers with the Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens.
On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels and its all-night ceilidh makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 55,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party featuring Hot Dub Time Machine, BBC Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free, Peatbog Faeries, Valtos and much more.
The iconic Concert in the Gardens Hogmanay show this year will welcome Texas for a 35th anniversary greatest hits show joined by special guest Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie and Carla Easton. There’s plenty for the whole family across the four-day festivities with the Bairns Revels, Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh at Assembly Roxy, Sprogmanay at Portobello Town Hall and more.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 4-day celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Gordon’s Trattoria, a cherished Italian gem situated on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, has been acquired by Merchant Leisure.
Gordon Scott, who opened the restaurant in 1982, recently announced his retirement and has sold the venue for an undisclosed fee to his close friend Jim Tullis, owner of Merchant Leisure.
Merchant Leisure have announced they wish to keep the restaurant as it is for the time being, and continue ‘serving up authentic Italian cuisine made with passion and the finest ingredients.’ Locals and tourists alike have long enjoyed the restaurant’s authentic cuisine and prominent location, offering customers ‘the heart of Italy in the heart of Edinburgh’.
Classic Italian dishes populate the menu including ‘Tagliatelle Reale’ – plump King Prawns paired with delicate asparagus and cherry tomatoes, simmered in olive oil, garlic, white wine and parsley. A range of pizzas such as the ‘Primavera’ – topped with parma ham and a balsamic glaze drizzle – are joined by much-loved sharing options like ‘Focaccia’ and a selection of chicken-based dishes such as ‘Pollo Dianne’ – cooked in mushrooms, onions, French mustard and a brandy cream sauce.
Merchant Leisure owns bars & restaurants across the city including The Newsroom, The Piper’s Rest, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse and The Railbridge. Their speakeasy venue Jackson the Tailor, located at the top of Leith Street and inspired by the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, was recently shortlisted for a prestigious design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.
Commenting on the takeover, Arthur Mustard, Managing Director at Merchant Leisure Ltd, said: “We are very excited to announce our ownership of Gordon’s Trattoria.
“It’s such an honour to take over an Edinburgh establishment with such rich history and loyal customers. Our plan is to keep the venue as it is for now, serving authentic Italian food in the heart of Edinburgh.
“We look forward to welcoming new customers, as well as meeting the locals who make this restaurant so special.”
Gordon’s Trattoria is the sixth venue to be listed under the Merchant Leisure umbrella and will continue serving authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
After becoming one of the most ‘popular’ big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
Based on the award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz and now nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, Wicked tells the untold story of the wonderful land of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship forged between green witch Elphaba and the popular Glinda.
Starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda, fans will now be able to join in as the lyrics appear onscreen to their favourite tunes such as Popular and Defying Gravity, along with follow Ozians.
To add to this musical spectacle, ahead of this special sing-along version of Wicked, stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have recorded a special vocal warm-up video, to get fans all set to join in with all of their favourite tunes.
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Wicked has simply enchanted audiences since in launched in November, so we’re thrilled to be able to provide this spell-binding new way for fans to enjoy one of the biggest releases of the year.
“With tickets now on sale, we’re thrilled to invite Ozians and film fans alike to join in with every musical note and magical moment, all from the luxury of our comfortable leather seating and incredible surround sound.
“Of course, those looking to simply enjoy Wicked for the first time or once again, without singing along, we are still screening standard showings of the film for you to enjoy.”
Four Seasons in Faith, a captivating new exhibition that highlights the rich and diverse faith communities within the city has opened at the Museum of Edinburgh.
The exhibition has been shaped by Museums & Galleries Edinburgh’s ‘Keep the Faith’ project, which worked in collaboration with the Edinburgh Interfaith Association and faith groups from across Edinburgh to curate a collection that reflects how communities would like to see their celebrations of faith represented within the museum collection.
The exhibition showcases a wide array of objects donated and loaned by members of some of Edinburgh’s major world faith communities, offering visitors a unique insight into how people embody their faith in the city today.
With the help of a group of community curators from different religious backgrounds, the exhibition tells the stories of these communities and explores how faith is celebrated throughout the year in Edinburgh.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
a Buddhist prayer wheel from the Edinburgh Tibetan Buddhist Temple
a pair of Shabbat candlesticks and a Kippah and Talitt belonging to a Jewish American immigrant now chair of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association
a Muslim prayer mat brought from Pakistan to Edinburgh in the 1970s.
The exhibition also includes items that highlight the role of faith in the broader Edinburgh community, such as hand-drawn artwork created by members of a parents and toddlers group run by the Baha’i community and St James the Less Episcopal Church, as well as a knitted hat issued by the Mission to Seafarers in Leith, a charity supporting seafarers’ mental health worldwide.
In addition to these more traditional items, the exhibition gives voice to lesser-known religious practices in the city. Visitors will discover objects used by the Heathens of Lothian in their rituals, as well as an exploration of how these practices influence Edinburgh’s vibrant festival calendar, including events like Beltane and Samhain.
As part of its ongoing work with community curators, the Museum of Edinburgh will also be creating a short film documenting the diverse faith practices in the city today. This film will feature oral history interviews and inter-faith conversations recorded at various places of worship across Edinburgh, providing a vital addition to the Museum’s social history collections. The film will be showcased at the exhibition’s closing event and will be made available on the Museum’s online channels.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker said: “Four Seasons in Faith is an important reflection of Edinburgh’s rich, diverse, and evolving cultural landscape, celebrating the faiths that shape the city’s identity and the people who practice them.
“Visitors to the museum can learn all about the traditions, celebrations, and stories that shape Edinburgh’s spiritual landscape throughout the changing seasons.
“The exhibition is also accompanied by a programme of events led by our community curators and their community contacts which will be a vital addition to our social history collections and will give context to the existing faith collections and the new material we have collected throughout this project.”
SCOTTISH BUSINESS OWNER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THE TRAGIC STATE OF POVERTY IN SCOTLAND: “CHILDREN ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL SPEND CHRISTMAS DAY WITHOUT A HOT MEAL, GIFT OR SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME – WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BREAK THIS CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS”
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the ‘devastating’ level of poverty in Scotland this festive season. To tackle this, the company has once again launched its £5 Christmas appeal in a bid to raise thousands for people who are vulnerable and homeless this winter, in partnership with Social Bite.
The annual initiative, which allows generous Scots to buy a person, family, or child who is homeless or vulnerable a hot Christmas meal or gift for just £5, comes amidst news that more children in Scotland will be homeless and hungry this Christmas than ever before.
Over the last decade, the itison £5 Christmas Appeal campaign has raised more than £3 million, with 700,000 donations made, meaning hundreds of people each year are able to enjoy a hot meal or a gift on Christmas Day at one of Social Bite’s coffee shops. Every year, the number of people accepting these meals increases, with more and more people visiting Social Bite on Christmas Day to enjoy good company, warmth, and a hearty meal.
Social Bite and itison have surveyed the drastically declining rate of security for vulnerable people across Scotland since last year and work closely with people who receive support from Social Bite’s services to hear their stories.
Two regular attendees of the festive meals are father and son Jim and Billy. The pair have attended the Social Bite Christmas meals, in partnership with itison, for over five years. The meals mean so much to them that in past years, Jim and Billy have walked from as far as Rutherglen in to Glasgow to have their festive celebrations with the charity.
Billy said:“Every year that we’ve been has been brilliant. There’s no public transport on Christmas Day, so for a few years we walked in until my dad got a bit older.
“They welcome you in, you get a nice meal. It’s turkey, potatoes, you get your dessert. It’s good portions. Not too big, but it’s not too wee. And the gifts you get are unbelievable.”
Jim added: “Last year we got a charger for our phone, a pair of slippers, sweeties. Hats, scarves, gloves, a thermal to keep you warm when you’re outside. For a lot of people who are otherwise by themselves, who don’t get anything, they’re over the moon.”
Over the years they’ve got to know some familiar faces. But it’s the ones who don’t return – reflecting the instability and dangers of homelessness – that stick most with Jim and Billy.
Jim commented:“The thing that’s quite sad is you see a lot of people and then you don’t see them, because of their situations. You get to know people, and then you’re told ‘they’re no longer here.’
“It’s the young ones. One minute you see them, and the next year they’re not here.”
It was revealed earlier this year that the increase in homelessness in Scotland poses a ‘serious risk’ to life as a lack of accommodation is leaving people without somewhere safe to call home, forcing them to endure freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions.
Oli Norman, owner of itison, said:“It’s 2024, and people are still going hungry, still without a decent home, still living on the streets, and still at serious risk because there is not enough accommodation for people who need it. The cost of living is still increasing, pushing more people into devastating poverty.
“There is simply not enough support for people who are, or are at risk of becoming, vulnerable and homeless. Families and children across the country will be spending Christmas Day without a hot meal, gift or safe place to call home – more must be done.
“We hope that once again our £5 voucher can bring some comfort to people who need it this festive season. We are urging people to please go online and buy a voucher for the same price as a coffee or a meal deal – we need your help to break this cycle of homelessness. Let’s act now.”
Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn MBE said: “Social Bite is experiencing unprecedented rise in demand from people who are homeless across the country due to the national housing emergency and the increasing cost of living.
“The itison £5 Christmas appeal is a simple way for people to get involved and help bring some joy to people and families who are homeless and need it most this winter.
“For many people across the country, Christmas Day can be extremely challenging, but with the itison £5 voucher, you can give someone the chance to have a hot meal and enjoy some good company on what should be the most joyful day of the year.
“This year, you also can make a child’s day with a Christmas gift for £5. Thank you to the amazing Scottish public for your continued support this Christmas.”
In addition to the itison £5 Christmas Appeal, donations and gifts can be made to Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness online or at one of the Trees of Kindness located throughout the UK.
THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE SECURES THREE MAJOR AWARD WINS
The Scotch Whisky Experience, an internationally renowned whisky tourism destination by Edinburgh Castle, has achieved an exceptional series of wins at three major award ceremonies: The Scottish Thistle Awards, The Scottish Whisky Awards and The World Drinks Awards.
The national Scottish Thistle Awards named The Scotch Whisky Experience Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction. The organisers, VisitScotland, describe the award as recognising “attractions which provide world class service with an authentic, memorable Scottish experience” and commended The Scotch Whisky Experience for “helping the world fall in love with Scotland and Scotch Whisky.”
This distinction places The Scotch Whisky Experience among past honourees such as the Burrell Collection, underscoring its contribution to Scotland’s global cultural appeal.
The Scottish Whisky Awards also recognised The Scotch Whisky Experience as Tourism Destination of the Year. Completing the hat trick, on 5 December The Scotch Whisky Experience won the major category of Visitor Attraction of the year at the World Drinks Awards’ Icons of Whisky 2025.
Chief Executive Susan Morrison, said, “Each award reinforces our mission to provide an unforgettable experience for every visitor, connecting them with Scotland’s rich whisky heritage.
“I am especially grateful to the visitors, partners and our dedicated and passionate team for making all these achievements possible”.
In addition to the organisation’s recognition, Marketing Director Julie Trevisan-Hunter was named one of the Top 100 Women in Tourism, an accolade recognising leadership and influence in Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Adding to the trophy cabinet, Annika Schneider, PA to the CEO, was named Rising Star at the regional Scottish Thistle Awards.
Chief Executive Susan Morrison also received The Scottish Whisky Awards’ Jim Swan Award, which honours lifetime contributions to the whisky industry.
James Robertson, Chair of the Scottish Whisky Awards, explained: “Susan represents a vital part of the success of Scotch whisky and that is our tourism economy. She leads a team which inspires newcomers to whisky and teaches ways to appreciate and learn about Scotch.”
Susan Morrison reflected on the evolution of whisky tourism over her career: “During my career I have seen the Scotch whisky and Scottish tourism industries come ever closer together, celebrating the best aspects of Scotland and, in my view, the best people.
“To have been part of this journey has been a true honour. The absolute icing on the cake is seeing so many people – both visitors and team members – who established their love of Scotch with us at The Scotch Whisky Experience.
“We look forward to helping visitors from around the world fall in love with Scotch whisky in 2025.”
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash in Edinburgh city centre.
Around 1.50pm yesterday (Sunday, 8 December, 2024), police received a report of a crash involving a 63-year-old male pedestrian and a double decker bus on George Street.
Emergency services attended and the pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital for treatment to serious injuries. There were no reports of any other injuries.
The road was closed to allow enquiries to be carried out and re-opened around 9pm.
Sergeant Jamie Humpage said: “Our enquires are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn’t already spoken to officers to get in touch.
“I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have dash cam or private CCTV which could assist to contact us.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1703 of Sunday, 8 December, 2024.
After wowing audiences across Australia and smashing box office records at Edinburgh Fringe 2024, everyone’s favourite ogre-inspired burlesque and drag parody is coming to Edinburgh to celebrate Christmas! Swamplesque is the award-winning, critically acclaimed, burlesque parody show from Far Far Away! This ‘outrageously fun’ (The Advertiser, Adelaide) show offers its audience a smorgasbord of performance styles.
Tickets from £21.00
Time 21:00
Age 16+ (Restriction) – Nudity, Strobe Lighting, Scenes of Sexual Nature
JASON BYRNE: NO SHOW (06 Dec – 07 Dec)
There’s no show like a Jason Byrne NO SHOW. NO SHOW is a show with no comedy safety net. By the end of NO SHOW you’ll have experienced a once in a lifetime show or NO SHOW. Jason, along with the audience, will begin NO SHOW with no show whatsoever. Witness Jason use his infamous audience interactions with a sprinkle of props, both on and off the stage, to create NO SHOW! Your ‘full-on, double-up, gasping-for-oxygen hilarious’ (Chortle.co.uk) NO SHOW will never be repeated.
Tickets from £25.50
Time 19:00
Age 14+ (Guideline) – Strong language/swearing, Babies are not allowed in the venue – Children under 2 years
Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon in The Company of Books (15 Dec)
Book lovers can join Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for a special festive inconversation event on Sunday 15 December at Assembly Hall, for In the Company of Books. The two will be joined by special guests Alan Cumming and Paula Hawkins to explore the joys of reading, and a few glasses of mulled wine.
Tickets from £24.00
Time 16:00
THE BUBBLE SHOW (21 Dec – 22 Dec)
This is no ordinary bubble show; it’s an original, interactive adventure, where the fusion of magic, storytelling, and science converge in a breathtaking display of bubble artistry. And leading the charge is none other than the legendary Highland Joker, actor, storyteller and Guinness World Record Holder, renowned as one of the foremost bubble artists in the world!
Whether you’re a wide-eyed child or a child at heart, prepare to be captivated by the spellbinding wonder of bubbles! So come one, come all, and let your imagination soar as we dive headfirst into the spectacular world of bubbles!
Don’t miss our upcoming performance of J.S. Bach’s famous Magnificat!
Free-entry! No need to book to hear this beautiful choral music!
This liturgical performance will be interspersed with short readings for Advent. 
