Category: city centre

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay thanks Scotland’s NHS and key workers

  • Edinburgh’s Hogmanay presents a fantastic Torchlight Moment pyro show as part of this year’s online celebrations
  • The dazzling Torchlight Moment is a stand-alone tribute to thank all of Scotland’s NHS and key workers who have worked so tirelessly and selflessly in 2020
  • The Torchlight Moment will be followed by Fare Well, the UK’s largest ever swarm drone show , narrated by an array of Scottish voices including David Tennant

After an unprecedented year, in which Covid-19 has impacted every part of society in Scotland, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay kicks off the celebrations with a heartfelt thank you from Scotland’s capital city to NHS staff and key workers throughout the country.

Opening this year’s series of virtual celebrations, the stunning multi-coloured flare display was ignited on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.  Historically the launchpad for thousands of fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight on Hogmanay, this year pyrotechnics came to life in a flaming tribute to NHS staff and key workers for their continued efforts throughout 2020 in keeping everyone safe and well. 

Each letter depicts a different rainbow colour, taking inspiration from the rainbows Scotland the rest of the UK placed in windows and homes across the country during the past year to show support for NHS and key workers.  

Over 193 custom-made  flares were used to create the moment, which was facilitated by Titanium Fireworks, who have historically delivered Edinburgh’s Hogmanay firework midnight moment.

Forming part of a week-long programme of remarkable online celebrations, the Torchlight Moment will be followed by a three-part film, titled Fare Well, to be released in the three days leading up to Hogmanay. 

Fare Well brings together the words of Scots Makar Jackie Kay, the music of NiteWorks from the Isle of Skye, the voices of acclaimed Scottish talent including David Tennant and the pioneering drone technology and filming of Celestial to create the UK’s largest swarm drone display.

Taking inspiration from Scotland’s land and air, the new work takes viewers on a breath-taking visual journey with the help of 150 individual drones from the Scottish Highlands to the capital city, Edinburgh – a journey that closes the year on 2020 and looks forward to a more hopeful year of 2021.

We swing aroon and turn tae the day.

We give thanks fir solidarity;
Drap parcels tae food banks.
Clap oor haunds frae balconies

fir the gift o’ nurses.

Jackie Kay, Fare Well, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2020

Charlie Wood & Ed Bartlam, Directors of Underbelly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, commented: “At the end of a year no one could have imagined, it was important that we started our week of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations with a heartfelt thank you to those across the UK who have worked so tirelessly to keep us safe during 2020.

“The NHS and our key workers have provided an immeasurable level of help and support and this Torchlight Moment sings Scotland’s gratitude with flaming torches in front one of our greatest national monuments, Edinburgh Castle.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Councillor Adam McVey, said: “Edinburgh is the home of Hogmanay and this year’s digital celebrations will continue, albeit very differently.

“This is a fantastic and innovative way to pay tribute to all of our front-line workers – both in Scotland and across the globe – that have done so much to support us and keep us safe throughout this year.

“To our NHS staff and key workers – for those in the labs working on vaccines, those in food preparation and delivery, for our refuse collectors, postal workers, supermarket workers, police and so many more – we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and hope that 2021 brings with it positive change as we battle to suppress and eradicate this virus.

Depute Leader, Councillor Cammy Day said: “We all clapped for carers and put up rainbows in our windows over the summer and now we light rainbow torches to show our enormous gratitude at the end of this year of tremendous strain on all of our communities.

“It’s wonderful to see this excellent online programme coming to life so that the undisputed Home of Hogmanay can still reach so many people around the world. It will serve as a virtual invitation for everyone to look forward to visiting us again when we’re all able to travel and live more freely in the future.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is the world-renowned home of Hogmanay and every year thousands of people, right across the globe, look forward to the spectacular of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to welcome in the New Year. 

“Although we’re not able to come together physically to bring in the bells this year, we can enjoy a fully digital programme that continues the tradition of celebrating Hogmanay with poetry, music and performance.  I encourage everyone to take part in this year’s series of virtual events and celebrate Hogmanay safely at home.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “The Torchlight Moment is the perfect way to kick off Edinburgh’s week-long programme of online Hogmanay celebrations while also recognising the incredibly work of our NHS and frontline workers in keeping us safe and well this year.

“By taking this year’s celebrations online, audiences around the world will still be able to enjoy the magic of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay while staying safe at home.”

Fare Well will be show on www.edinburghshogmanay.com at 7pm each night from 29-31 December 2020.

New Filmhouse: Planning Application submitted

Following an extensive and successful public consultation process which ran for 4 months following its launch in March 2020, Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) has submitted the full Planning Application for the proposed New Filmhouse in Festival Square to the city council’s planning department.

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Four charged following march in central Edinburgh

Four men have been arrested and charged following an illegal march in Edinburgh from outside the Scottish Parliament to Charlotte Square yesterday (Saturday, 12 December, 2020).

The men, aged 37, 31, 53 and 31, are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector Murray Starkey said: “Today people marched in contravention of legislation. We would urge people to find alternative ways to protest, such as online and on social media.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, only using enforcement as a last resort.

“Our response today has been measured and appropriate.”

A hole new experience coming your way in 2021!

BROSS BAGELS ANNOUNCE OPENING AT ST JAMES QUARTER

Bross Bagels empire are delighted to announce that they have signed their largest and most ambitious project to date at St James Quarter in Edinburgh, covering 1, 200 square feet on level one of the brand-new development opening next year.

Launching in spring 2021, Bross Bagels will be one of the first to open within the initial retail, and dining phase in the brand new 1.7 million square foot city centre development which will face out to Picardy Place and become part of Edinburgh’s most exciting food scene.

The brand new iconic ‘Bross Deli’ will feature an open kitchen which will be the main attraction, with old school style deli booths and floor to ceiling windows throughout. They will cater for their renowned loyal bagel fans worldwide opening from 8am – 10pm, serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch through to late night meals and drinks for all the family, with a special menu designed just for their mini bagel fans.

‘O ering’ a complete foodie experience like no other, the new Bross is set to become a dining destination for the city of Edinburgh.

Bross Bagels produce all their own bagels in-house to their very own specific Montreal style recipe with NYC deli inspired fillings. They are currently building a custom made Bross bakery where it all began for them in Portobello three years ago. Situated opposite their flagship store, the property previously a bank, is being converted into their very own bakery which is due to open in early 2021.

Owner of Bross Bagels, Larah Bross said: “Our aim is to make the new Bross an essential and exhilarating foodie experience that no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without.

“Like Swartz is to Montreal and Katz to NYC; we want to deliver something above and beyond expectation with our house cured salt beef and pastrami, a range of vegan meats that even people who are annoyed by vegans will get excited about, and of course our infamous bagels from our own bagel bakery 20 mins down the road in Portobello.

“If you’re already a fan of our bagels then you will adore this upgrading to full on foodie theatre as we deliver authentic Jewish Deli delights from our open kitchen. If you’ve yet to have your hole with us (or – if you’re new to the BROSS experience), prepare to be blown away – this is more than just a bagel shop!

“We will cater from breakfast to brunch to business lunch right through to late night meals, including beers, wine and our new house speciality the Bloody Bross.”

Iconic Edinburgh jewellers invests in the future of the Scottish high street with showroom restoration

Iconic jewellers Hamilton & Inches has unveiled inspiring plans for an extensive design-led regeneration of its Grade A listed George Street home as it invests in the long-term future of the business.

With modifications across all areas, the Edinburgh-based jewellers – which has held a Royal Warrant for over 120 years – will work to carefully renovate the 19th century building, transforming its showroom, workshops and service department to create an even more memorable experience for Hamilton & Inches customers.

Home to an expert team of silversmiths and jewellers, the restoration project will see each floor of the five-story Georgian building refurbished to meet growing demand. At an uncertain time for Scotland’s high streets, this investment signals the business’s confidence in and support for Edinburgh’s retail economy.

Renovations are now underway and the showroom, situated at 87 George Street, will close from 28 December to 26 January while the restoration work continues. Customers can continue to shop all collections, including those exclusive to Hamilton & Inches, through the online showroom at HamiltonandInches.com and by appointment at its dedicated offices or by video conference.

Victoria Houghton, Hamilton & Inches CEO, said: “Hamilton & Inches has stood the test of time, with 154 years of passion, artistry and dedication to craftsmanship. Now, as a dynamic, independent business we are investing in our future, ensuring we preserve our heritage while also showcasing our broad, contemporary offering, from handcrafted pieces made in our onsite workshop, to leading global brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe.

“This investment marks an exciting new chapter for Hamilton & Inches. The showroom restoration will allow us to continue to provide unrivalled service in a spectacular setting, while upgraded workshop facilities will ensure the traditional skills of our craftsmen continue to flourish for the next 150 years, and beyond.”

The reimagined showroom, created by award winning design practice Waldo Works, will feature uninterrupted display areas curated to suit Hamilton & Inches’ contemporary collections, with an expanded Rolex and Patek Philippe presence; private consultation rooms; and an upgraded service department which will include a new state-of-the-art watch workshop.

Working in collaboration with leading conservation practice Simpson & Brown Architects, founder of Waldo Works, Tom Bartlett, said: “We were thrilled to be asked to work on the restoration of the Hamilton & Inches showroom and have delved deep into the history of the space and brand.

“Waldo Works are contemporary designers and with this in mind we set about refining and re-defining the existing interior to meet a forward looking and modern approach to shopping. However, we have rooted this design in the materials of tradition.”

The pillared showroom, which dates back to 1835, retains many of the building’s original features, including an Adam fireplace, making it an important testament to 19th century Scotland. Hamilton & Inches has worked closely with Historic Environment Scotland on the proposals to ensure these Grade A listed features remain central to the aesthetic of the new space.

Teaming up with reputable organisations in the area, key partners in the restoration project also include Edinburgh contractors SJS, bespoke joinery and furniture specialists Laurence McIntosh and Chartered quantity surveyors McLeod & Aitken.

Artist’s impression: Waldo Works

West Approach Road hit and run: man charged

Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that a 44-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a hit and run on the West Approach Road.

The incident happened around 4.40pm on Friday, 6th November, 2020, when a car struck a six-year-old pedestrian. The boy was taken to hospital for treatment of facial injuries.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Sharing the Christmas sparkle across the Capital

Christmas 2020 will see more festive lights than ever across the Capital following a one-off funding boost that aims to spread some cheer at the end of a challenging year.

Thanks to savings identified in the Culture budget due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on festivals and events there will now be Christmas lights in every ward of the city, with the new provision being used to dress living trees. 

The traditional Christmas centrepiece is already illuminated following the switch-on of the 2020 Christmas Rainbow on the Mound to accompany the traditional Norwegian tree on Friday (27 November). The 18m wide rainbow pays tribute to frontline workers who have given so much during the pandemic. The programme of citywide installation has begun.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson, said: “This has been a very tough year for all of us and as we now look ahead to a very different Christmas, it’s important to show that Edinburgh’s festive and community spirit is alive and well despite the challenges we’re facing.

“Along with our usual provision of Christmas lights and trees around the city we’re also making sure that we spread the Christmas sparkle where we can to parts of Edinburgh that have not previously had festive lighting provision and to make sure that is the case for several years. I’m delighted to confirm that from 2020 there will be lights in every ward of the city.

“With this one-off spend we’ll be ensuring all 17 wards have festive lights for around five years – the life span of the new lighting.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan, said: “To keep everyone safe we unfortunately weren’t able to have our usual community light switch-on ceremonies this year, but I hope this extra splash of festive sparkle across the city will boost spirits and can be enjoyed by residents safely.

“Our thanks to the team who had to work so quickly and explored ways to add lights to previously unlit areas. The task of plotting the best spots is not as easy as it sounds and I want to congratulate the team for researching the city and making sure we could find living trees that are suitable for lights. They had to be on Council land, big enough to accommodate lights without harming branches, in a visible spot or in area of high footfall and near a suitable power supply.

“The installation of the festive lights has started across our communities and I hope citizens enjoy the extra Christmas cheer they’ll bring to local neighbourhoods.”

New Christmas lights for 2020:

Rainbow on The Mound
Nativity Scene (East Princes Street Gardens)
Granton
Gracemount
Longstone
Currie
Balerno
Liberton
Sighthill
Oxgangs
Kirk Brae
Craigentinny
Portobello High School
Leith Walk
Duddingston
Meadowbank
Canongate
Leith – Bernard St Bridge
Meggetland Bridge

Edinburgh’s Christmas lights up the capital to thank key workers

  • Edinburgh’s Christmas lights are switched on with a specially lit 18 metre Christmas Rainbow on the Mound to accompany the Tree gifted by Norway.
  • The Christmas Rainbow symbolises both Edinburgh’s celebration of Christmas and gratitude for front line workers
  • Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Norway’s Honorary Consul General switched the lights on following an online meeting between the Lord Provost and Vestland County Convenor, Jon Askeland.

Edinburgh looks very different this Christmas to any other year in recent memory. However, despite the lack of any live activity, City of Edinburgh Council and its Edinburgh’s Christmas producer, Underbelly, wanted to mark Light Night, the traditional switch-on, which is usually seen by thousands of locals every year, with something different to mark 2020 – the Christmas Rainbow.

The illuminated rainbow, which sits at over 18 metres wide on the Mound and adjacent to the Christmas Tree gifted to Edinburgh by Vestland in Norway, gives thanks to Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s front-line workers who have given so much during the recent pandemic and so provides a one-off festive celebration for Edinburgh.

The Christmas Tree and the Christmas Rainbow were switched on by The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross and the Honorary Consul General for Norway, David Windmill on Friday the 27th November, which succeeded an online meeting between the Lord Provost and the Vestland County Convener Jon Askeland.

Charlie Wood, co-director of Underbelly for Edinburgh’s Christmas, said: “There is no denying that Christmas this year will be a tough time for most. Many have lost loved ones and lots of us will be unable to spend the holidays with friends and family due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

“This was one of the reasons that we wanted to continue the tradition of the Edinburgh’s Christmas light switch on, in a safe and physically distanced way, and, most especially, why we wanted to mark what has been such a negative year with the Christmas Rainbow and the Christmas Tree, as symbols of colour, of light, of celebration, of positivity and of gratitude.”

Frank Ross, Lord Provost said: “Our annual Light Night signals the start for the festive season for me, but this year, like most things, we are doing it differently. 

“Whilst we can’t come together as a city for Light Night, I hope this year’s Christmas rainbow helps us enter the festive spirit, spread some happiness whilst celebrating and paying tribute to those in in our communities, NHS, key workers, volunteers and businesses who have gone above and beyond in this most challenging of years.

“With our partners Underbelly, we are committed to do all we can to bring Christmas spirit to the Capital and keep some of our traditions.  Our priority throughout remains people’s safety and making sure everything we deliver is Covid-secure.

“The Christmas lights will be switched on throughout the city in the coming days and we hope this helps to create a festive atmosphere and I sincerely wish that we can all have the happiest Christmas we can.”

David Windmill, Honorary Consul General for Norway said: “In a year when there has been so much change and difficulty for us all it was important for Norway to maintain its tradition of gifting the Christmas tree to the City of Edinburgh.

“This beautiful tree in the centre of the city reflects the gratitude of the people of Vestland on the west coast of Norway for help and support in the past and also the hope that this time next year we shall be celebrating the joyous and traditional Christmas in Edinburgh that we all know so well.”

The Ivy on the Square transforms into a Narnia-inspired winter wonderland

This Christmas, The Ivy on the Square celebrates with a magical, Narnia-inspired installation for guests and passers-by to enjoy; as well as a limited-edition, non-alcoholic cocktail menu.

Transporting guests through the whimsical world of Narnia, complete with playful and fanciful Christmas decorations, guests will step inside the wardrobe before being greeted with an array of delicious, bespoke cocktails available from Thursday, 26 November.

Mixed up by the restaurant’s bar team, creations will feature an array of non-alcoholic concoctions including Some Candy Talking (£6.25), an alcohol-free riff on our famous Candy Floss Fizz with Rose syrup, cranberry, ginger, lychee and lemon juices finished with Scavi & Ray non-alcoholic Spumante and Candy Floss, the Virgin Bellini (£5.00), a delicious version of the classic peach fizz incorporating white peach pureìe and Fever-Tree White Grape & Apricot Soda, and the Elderflower Garden (£5.95) a Seedlip Garden, Æcorn Dry non-alcoholic Aperitif, elderflower cordial and Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic, garnished with cucumber ribbon and edible flowers.

For those looking to indulge in something a little sweeter, the brasserie will also be serving up a bespoke The Greatest Snowman dessert, to keep guests in the Christmas Spirit. 

Chris Greenan, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square says: “Christmas has always been a special time of year for us here at The Ivy on the Square and we’re delighted to be able to welcome residents and visitors to join us in the festivities.

“Our Narnia themed winter escape is the perfect way to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.”

The Ivy on The Square is situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, offering approachable sophistication and luxury with an underlying feeling of glamour and theatre for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Kintore House goes Native!

Leading UK aparthotel brand Native will be taking over management of Edinburgh’s Kintore House on Queen Street, opening on the 1st December. 

Originally constructed in the 1790s, the building is a significant part of the original fabric of Edinburgh’s New Town, an area of outstanding neo-classical and Georgian architecture and a UNESCO world heritage site.

With 82 apartments comprising studios, one-bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh will build upon Native’s unique ethos of providing the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.

Native Edinburgh follows the successful launch of boutique aparthotels in Glasgow at the Anchorline Building off George Square in 2018 and Manchester at Ducie Street Warehouse – awarded best hotel of the North by the Sunday Times – in 2019. 

Native will also showcase their unique community-inspired ‘neighbourhood heroes’ – partnering with independent local businesses to offer guests a truly Scottish stay at Native Edinburgh.

Native CEO and founder Guy Nixon said: “After opening in Glasgow in 2018, it was a natural step to head to the wonderful city of Edinburgh, building on our commitment to bring the Native concept to wider regions of the UK.

“Following the successful launch of Native Manchester last year – which proudly won The Sunday Times Best Hotel of the North 2019 – we are excited to be operating in Scotland’s two greatest cities. 

“Even with the challenges of this year’s global Coronavirus pandemic, leisure demand for aparthotels has been buoyant in the months coming out of lockdown and we’re well placed to capture post-COVID demand. We’re looking forward to welcoming all guests back when the time is right, and everyone can expect a safe environment with the strictest safely and cleaning practices in place”.

Native Edinburgh joins Native Glasgow and Native Manchester alongside eleven sites in London including Native Bankside. Future sites under development include Leeds, York, Bristol, Oxford and London’s Soho. 

In response to Covid-19, Native operate a detailed Stay Safe commitment across all of their properties. 

Prices for a Studio at Native Edinburgh will start from £89 per night.

For more information and to book, please visit: www.nativeplaces.com.