GRAHAM has enhanced Edinburgh’s skyline with some festivity as the contractor progresses with the transformation of the historic Grade-A listed Jenners building on Princes Street.
Draped in colourful lights, the crane has become a striking feature of the city’s celebrations, towering over the city’s magical Christmas Market in the Princes Street Gardens.
For more information about the ongoing transformation of the Jenners Building, please visit:
Edinburgh’s iconic Christmas tree on the Mound was officially lit last night (Monday 18 November) in a special ceremony led by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge.
He was joined by representatives from Edinburgh Candlemakers, the Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, marking the start of the city’s festive celebrations.
The event saw Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Counsellor Dr. Øystein Lund and Honorary Consul General Professor Julian Jones from the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, come together to switch on the lights of the stunning 18-metre-tall tree. This cherished annual tradition celebrates the strong ties between Scotland and Norway, honouring the Scottish people’s unwavering support for Norway during World War II.
Gifted by Vestland (formerly Hordaland), the tree stands as a symbol of Norway’s gratitude for Scotland’s assistance during its darkest days. The tradition of gifting the tree began in 1947, and although it has been sourced from Scotland since 2008, it remains a meaningful token of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
Edinburgh’s Christmas officially opened on Friday 15 November, and following last night’s Mound light night a number of community light switch on events will be taking place across the city.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:“Edinburgh’s famous Christmas tree is a fixture on the Mound every winter and the switch on of the lights not only signals the start for the festive season it is an important reminder of our close ties with Norway and of the strength and universal values of friendship, solidarity and compassion.
“I hope Edinburgh residents and visitors alike will enjoy the opportunity to view this beautiful Christmas Tree in the heart of our city. My heartfelt thanks go to the people of Vestland for their continued generosity and friendship over so many years, as well as to our partners Field and Lawn for their support and Bernard Hunter for their kind donation of crane services.
“As Edinburgh’s Christmas gets underway, the tree’s sparkling lights bring a festive glow to the city centre and with more community light switch-on events planned across the city, Edinburgh is embracing the Christmas spirit, uniting residents and visitors alike in a celebration of joy, hope, and goodwill.”
Honorary Consul General of the Norwegian Consulate General in Edinburgh, Prof. Julian Jones said:“The Christmas Tree symbolises all that is best about what Norway and Scotland, and what Vestland and Edinburgh, have in common.
“Every year Vestland gives a Christmas tree as a gift to Edinburgh, as a ‘thank you’ for the help received from Scotland during the Second World War.
“Norway and Scotland are neighbours, and we have a common history going all the way back to the Viking times.
“There are strong ties between Edinburgh and Vestland, and our culture and our heritage bring us together in our Christmas festivities, with a splendid concert in St Giles cathedral following the lighting of the Tree, with Scottish and Norwegian musicians.
“The Christmas Tree celebrates all that we have done together in past, and all that we will do together in the future.”
The Rose Street Brewery, just a short stroll from Edinburgh Castle, officially reopened this Autumn following an extensive 3-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. Changes include additional seating for guests including the installation of new booths for those that want a cozy and relaxed feel, an additional TV with high seating options for guests that want to watch the upcoming Autumn Tests at Murrayfield Stadium and some much needed awnings and heaters outside to keep guests dry and warm on those Dreich Scottish days.
Rose Street Brewery is renowned for brewing the famous beer, Auld Reekie, in the old Brewhouse upstairs (now the kitchen) from 1983-1994, with Rose Street itself being referred to as a drinking Oasis ever since.
The Rose Street Brewery is proud to be a part of these historical roots and continues to uphold this reputation today, welcoming guests from near and far to come and enjoy a drink in this historical landmark
Guests can tuck into all the pub classics, a chicken and ham pie, classic fish and chips and prime steak burgers, as well as a delectable range of Sunday roasts 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, General Manager Derek Meechan at Rose Street Brewery said: “Rose Street Brewery is an historic part of Rose Street, and it is fantastic that we are having a major refresh of the premises before a very busy time of the year.
“The works that are being completed will make it more efficient and also more appealing to our guests than it is now, which is a major achievement. Myself and my team can’t wait to open, and welcome back our guests into the new and improved Rose Street Brewery.”
Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, a number of 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 Rose Street Brewery please visit Nicholson’s Pub in Edinburgh | Rose Street Brewery (nicholsonspubs.co.uk)
Family favourites in East Princes Street Gardens including the Traditional Christmas Markets,LNER Big Wheel, Around the World Starflyer, and the Festive Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens open today!
George Street’s popular covered Ice Rink opens Friday 22 November
Santa’s Stories and Christmas Tree Maze transform St. Andrew Square from Saturday 23 November
The brand-new Polar Ice Bar opens on George Street Monday 25 November and promises to be the coolest venue in town
Assembly Hall brings an exciting programme of shows from Thursday 5 December
The wait is over… Edinburgh’s Christmas opens today, featuring a jam-packed programme of festive family fun!
Get ready for bright lights, Christmas tunes and mulled wine as the festive season kicks off! Located in Edinburgh’s historic city centre, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers a winter wonderland experience like no other.
Edinburgh’s Christmas transforms the city into a festive haven for all the family, with Traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular liveoutdoor events, delicious food and drink, plus so much more.
Opening today (Saturday 16 November), Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens brings the capital’s famous Christmas festivities to the heart of the city. Running until Saturday 4 January 2025, the market is filled to the brim with the finest local and international producers to find that perfect Christmas gift. East Princes Street Gardens also boasts the famous 80m Star Flyer, LNER Big Wheel and more daring fairground rides.
Just along the street, West Princes Street Gardens’ Festive Funfair is also opening today (12noon), complete with thrilling rides, fairground games, food & beverage, light installations and ticketed illumination events every evening. Families are welcome to join the fun until Saturday 4 January 2025.
Time to lace up your skates! Edinburgh’s premier outdoor Ice Rink opens on George Street from Friday 22 November 2024 and runs through until Saturday 4 January 2025. With a covered rink, it’s the perfect festive activity, rain or shine.
Santa Claus and his elves are ready to welcome families at St. Andrew Square where they can find Santa’s Stories, a letter writing station and a post box with a direct line to Santa’s workshop. Santa’s Stories begins Saturday 23 November in the Piccolo Spiegeltent, with each visit ensuring kids get the opportunity to meet Santa himself before the big day, and take home their own present.
Also in St. Andrew Square, the all-new Christmas Tree Maze opens on Saturday 23 November, until 24 December. This immersive holiday experience, with tickets from £5, offers one of the UK’s largestilluminatedChristmas Tree walks.
Brand new this year, the Polar Ice Bar on George Street is crafted from crystal clear ice made from recycled rainwater, opens on Monday 25 November. The Polar Ice bar promises to be the coolest spot in town to enjoy a festive drink! Warm-up afterwards in George Street’s Coorie Inn, a brand-new Edinburgh’s Christmas attraction hosting a programme of live music, events, and festive workshops.
Our favourite ogre is back with a holiday edition of the Fringe smash-hit show, ‘Swamplesque’ – a burlesque and drag parody show. The festive ‘fantasy meets fabulous’ performance takes over Assembly Hall from Thursday 5 December until Saturday 4 January (ages 16+).
One of the foremost bubble artists in the world is coming to Assembly Hall on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December with The Bubble Show! Whether you’re a wide-eyed child or a child at heart, prepare to be captivated by the spellbinding wonder of bubbles!
There’s no show like a Jason Byrne NO SHOW! NO SHOW is a show with no comedy safety net. Witness Jason use his infamous audience interactions with a sprinkle of props, both on and off stage, to create NO SHOW. Limited shows on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December, you don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime show or NO SHOW (ages 14+).
Book lovers can join Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for a special festive in-conversation event on Sunday 15 December at Assembly Hall, for In the Company of Books. The two will be joined by special guests to explore the joys of reading, and a few glasses of mulled wine (ages 12+).
Celebrating its 20th anniversary the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk on Sunday 8 December, invites Santa’s elves to run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit, while raising funds for When You Wish Upon A Star.
Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmassaid: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is finally here, and with a seven-week programme packed full of family favourites, this year promises to be one of the biggest and best ever.
“Whether sipping on cool cocktails in our brand new Ice Bar, enjoying a festive treat at the Coorie Inn or showing off your skating skills on the Ice Rink, there’s something for everyone at Edinburgh’s Christmas.”
Police Scotland has released images of four people officers believe may be able to assist in connection with their investigation into threatening behaviour and damage to a bank.
The incident happened on Princes Street around 1.30am on Thursday, 12 September 2024.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and officers believe the three men and one woman pictured may be able to help with their investigation.
The first man is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build with black hair worn in a top knot. He may have a moustache and/or goatee beard. He was wearing a headtorch, a two-tone blue waterproof jacket, a yellow t-shirt, grey trousers, navy trainers and carrying a plain black rucksack. He had a black mountain bike with white forks and a solid black chainring guard.
The second man is described as white, also around 6ft and of slim build. He was wearing a surgical face mask, black baseball cap, black hooded top, brown trousers and navy shoes. He had a dark coloured mountain bike with a distinctive green section at the bottom of the front forks.
The third man is described as white, of heavy build, around 6ft, with short dark hair and a short dark beard. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a large symbol on the front, red jacket with black panels on the inside arms and flanks, bottle green jogging bottoms and dark shoes. He had a black electric pedal bike.
The woman is described as white, around 5ft 5ins, of slight build with short dark hair. She was wearing a navy jumper and beige trousers. She had a distinctive white women’s bike with white front and rear mud guards.
Police Constable Callum Johnston said: “I would urge these people or anyone who knows who they are to get in contact with us.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0211 of Thursday 12 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
The winners of the only national awards to celebrate the vital work of councillors across Scotland were revealed last night at the 2024 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards.
Winners were announced at a ceremony at Edinburgh’s City Chambers, showcasing the best of local government.
Top prize of the evening, Leader of the Year, went to Cllr Emma Macdonald, Leader of Shetland Islands Council.
Cllr Annette Christie of Glasgow City Council was this year’s Innovator of the Year and Cllr Katie Pragnell from East Renfrewshire Council walked away with Young Councillor of the Year. Another East Renfrewshire councillor, Cllr Betty Cunningham was crowned Lifetime Legend and the coveted Community Champion award went to Glasgow City Council’s Cllr Elaine McSporran.
The five categories reflect the varied contributions made by a wide range of councillors, and winners were chosen from more than 100 nominations. All too often the work of councillors can go unrecognised and the purpose of the Cllr Awards is to champion what councillors do for their local communities.
Winners were chosen by a judging panel comprised of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These important Awards – a staple in the local government calendar – are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Councillors across Scotland do incredible work day in and day out to support their communities, make local areas better places to live, and ensure the voices of residents are heard across council decision making.
“At LGIU, we are determined to celebrate these remarkable achievements, which genuinely improve residents’ lives and the well-being of our communities. I want to congratulate all of our very worthy Cllr Awards winners this evening.
“Their dedication and service represent the very best of local government.”
Kelly Watson, Head of Public Sector Relationships, CCLA said: “Local councillors are at the heart of communities and nights like this are an opportunity to showcase the contributions and real world impact made by those unsung heroes striving for a better world. The work undertaken by councillors positively impacts people’s lives in countless ways.
“As councils are facing unprecedented challenging times, these Awards remind us of how important and vital the work of local councillors and councils is.”
Police Scotland has released images of a man officers believe may be able to assist with their investigation into an assault in Edinburgh city centre.
The incident took place on George Street around 1.20am on Sunday, 29 September, 2024.
The man is described as of average build, around 5ft 10ins, in his mid-20’s with medium length dark hair and a moustache. He was wearing a black hooded jacket, blue jeans and dark trainers with a brown over-the-shoulder bag.
Detective Sergeant Rob Finch, of Gayfield CID, said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact the police.
“If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0294 of 29 September 2024. Alternatively, make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Do you have some research you wish to do concerning the history of Edinburgh? Do you need funds to help you accomplish this goal? Why not apply for a grant from the Old Edinburgh Club?
We have an introductory meeting at The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL commencing at 7:30 on the 19th of this month (November) which you can attend by applying to membership@oldedinburghclub.org.uk.
Hundreds of people gathered as a single gunshot fired from Edinburgh Castle today to mark a 2-minute silence at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who have fallen in conflicts through the years.
The signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, marked the end of the First World War and each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in battle.
Preceding the gun fire, at a service within the Garden of Remembrance on Princes Street, Bugler Iona Macfarlane, a medical student at the University of Edinburgh, performed the Last Post.
At the Edinburgh service, wreaths were then laid by the Right Honourable Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.
Additional wreaths were laid by the CEO of Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, Colonel (Retd) Jim Wilson, Veterans Scotland, Maj (Retd) Alasdair Henry Hutton OBE TD OstJ, Edinburgh and Lothian & Borders Area President, Legion Scotland, and Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, the National Chaplain of Legion Scotland.
Piper Lorne McIntyre from George Heriot’s School then completed the day’s service under glorious sunshine in the capital city.
Dr Claire Armstrong, CEO of Legion Scotland, said: “As a country, and as an organisation, we will never forget the sacrifices that have been made for so many, for the sake of so few.
“These sacrifices are made on a daily occurrence by our Armed Forces community, and they are made on our behalf. I wish to thank our Armed Forces community for their continued dedication to our values and our freedoms. “
Thousands of volunteers took to streets, shopping centres and supermarkets for the final weekend of fundraising for the 2024 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Affectionately known across the country as Poppy Saturday, the day saw an army of volunteer collectors, including veterans themselves and hundreds of young cadets, from Glasgow to Girvan, Edinburgh to Elgin, all make another outstanding effort to raise vital funds to support the Armed Forces community.
Tomorrow the nation will fall silent in sombre reflection and pause for two minutes on Remembrance Sunday, safe in the knowledge that Poppy Saturday across Scotland has once again been a roaring success, with shoppers enthusiastically donating.
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “We cannot thank each and every volunteer and indeed donator enough for their continued support to the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
“The response we have had, not just on Poppy Saturday but throughout the past three weeks, across the length and breadth of our country has been nothing short of phenomenal.
“On behalf of Poppyscotland and the Armed Forces community that we support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave so generously. Without such support, quite frankly the Scottish Poppy Appeal simply could not happen.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with millions of poppies being distributed around the country.
The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.
