Category: city centre

RESISTANCE: North Edinburgh Fights Back

NORTH EDINBURGH ACTIVISTS GO TO TOWN

NORTH Edinburgh community activists are taking their message to town this afternoon with two events taking place at art galleries in the city centre.

The events have been built around artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen’s RESISTANCE photo exhibition, which runs at the Modern 2 gallery on Belford Road until 4th January.

First up, community stalwarts Anna Hutchison and Willie Black will reflect on campaigns past and present in a panel discussion in the National Gallery at 12.45.

With so many years of campaigning experience Anna and Willie have a host of stories to share and, having known the pair for the best part of thirty years, I’ll be there to try to keep the event running to time!

The free event is sold out, but you can still register to watch online.

Later in the afternoon, two North Edinburgh groups have been working together on an ambitious project that encapsulates North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.

The result of the collaboration is the Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh exhibition, which opens at The Portrait Gallery on Queen Street from 2pm today (details below).

It promises to be very good and it’s free – don’t miss it!

The details of today’s events:

RESISTANCE|NORTH EDINBURGH PANEL DISCUSSION

Free – Booking essential SOLD OUT

Book tickets

PICTURE: Craig McLean, Outside Drylaw Police station, community campaign GRASP protesting against Police harassment and violence, 2001

The Resistance exhibition chronicles 100 years of protest across Britain from 1903–2003. Using the exhibition as a starting point, activists Willie Black and Anna Hutchison alongside chair Dave Pickering, editor of the North Edinburgh News and Information Worker at Granton Information Centre, discuss North Edinburgh community activism, campaigns and actions, and their relationship and solidarity with local, national and international protests and change.

All tickets for the live event have been snapped up, but you can watch the discussion online in a streamed version of the live event.

Ticketholders will be sent a joining link before the event to either watch live or view the recording later. 

SOLIDARITY WINS: CREATIVE RESISTANCE in NORTH EDINBURGH

Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh Exhibition Launch

2pm – 4pm

National Galleries of Scotland, The Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, EH2 1J

Celebration with food, song and creative activities in the Contemporary Space of the Portrait Gallery. Art works, archive films and research material gathered by Art for Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Arts & Culture Group.

Join us for an afternoon of creativity, community and conversation celebrating North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.

As part of the Resistance exhibition, the National Galleries of Scotland’s Community Development programme has been working with North Edinburgh groups to create responsive work inspired by the area’s long history of community resistance.

Workshops have included song writing, poetry, photo-montage and exploring photographer Craig MacLean’s back catalogue of North Edinburgh activism, all of which will result in an riso-graph exhibition at the Portrait gallery in November.

As well as this North Edinburgh Arts worked with Local Cinema to programme films as part of their ‘Local Resistance’ programme.

Each screening event included a creative element, one of which included the Resistance choir performing their collaboratively penned song ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘, along with some well known songs on power of solidarity and friendship.

Thanks to song writing facilitator and choir leader Penny Stone and Tinderbox Jed Milroy and artists Sam Rutherford, Jj Fadaka and Megan Rudden, and all those involved so far!

The programme is a partnership with North Edinburgh Arts Art 4 Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group.

IMAGE (above): Collaborative piece by Art 4 Grown Ups members, framed by Muirhouse anti-racism campaign image, 1991.

If anyone is free 2 – 4pm today, it’s the launch of ‘Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh‘ exhibition at the Portrait Gallery, which has been a collaboration between North Edinburgh Arts’ Art 4 Grown Ups project and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group (writes HOLLY YEOMAN).

Together they have reflected and responded to North Edinburgh activism and campaigns over the years. There is a community lunch catered by Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts and we will be singing our anthem ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘ at around 3pm-ish(!)

The exhibition will run till April, and we welcome community groups who might want to visit. If interested please email hyeoman@nationalgalleries.org

Holly Yeoman

The Botanist is Gifting Gig Tickets, Bar Tabs, Unlimited Kebabs, Champagne and even a Getaway

Move over Mariah, The Botanist has rewritten the soundtrack to Christmas with its own take on 12 Days of Christmas!

Think glasses clinking, ladies dancing, kebabs swinging, bands playing and cocktails shaking – it’s the ultimate Christmas packed with the gifts you actually want.

But the fun doesn’t stop at the music – to celebrate the season of giving, The Botanist is launching a huge social media giveaway in a countdown to Christmas, with prizes themed to each of the 12 days.  

Guests can expect everything from gig tickets and champagne to big bar tabs, date nights, a year’s worth of hanging kebabs (yes, really) and even a mini break up for grabs. The giveaways will start from Wednesday 19th November and happen every few days in the lead up to Christmas, with all 12 prizes being won by Christmas Eve.

Those feeling lucky should keep an eye on The Botanist’s Instagram page, where the remixed 12 Days of Christmas song and video will launch, each day to find out what’s up for grabs and how they can enter. 

And of course, it wouldn’t be winter at The Botanist without their Famous Hanging Kebabs and there’s a new festive addition to the line-up, the Christmas Dinner Hanging Kebab, stacked with roast turkey, pork and sage stuffing and pigs in blankets in a cranberry glaze, served with all the trimmings including maple roasted carrots, braised red cabbage, garlic & herb roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and finished with a jug of rich gravy to pour over. 

We all know Christmas is the time to treat ourselves, and The Botanist’s festive take on its signature sharing cookie dough is the ultimate indulgence. Those with a sweet tooth can savour a giant chocolate orange cookie dough served with honeycomb pieces, mini mince pies, ice cream coconut snowmen and Cointreau chocolate orange sauce (plus two spoons to dig in!) 

Behind the bar, the team has been busy working on this year’s limited-edition Christmas cocktails. Let nostalgia take over with the “It’s Mine” Old Fashioned – Maker’s Mark Bourbon infused with orange and stirred down with indulgent chocolate – it’s a boozy tribute to a festive favourite.

The Partridge in a Pear Tree, a nod to The Botanist’s 12 Days of Christmas campaign, featuring Absolut Vanilia Vodka shaken with pear, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice and topped with prosecco, is set to be your new favourite festive tipple! 

With imaginative and festive twists on The Botanist’s well-loved signature dishes, all created in house from scratch, this is the food and drink to celebrate over as party season gets underway! 

And that’s not all, the halls are being decked with larger-than-life Christmas trees, giant Christmas presents and golden pears for a photo backdrop worthy of a Christmas card!

The Botanist’s homegrown live musicians are ready to keep the festive cheer wild, playing live throughout the November and December as guests drinks and dine.  

The Botanist’s Christmas menu is available now. To find your nearest restaurant and book your table visit https://thebotanist.uk.com. 

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public, drawing crowds from across the country for an action-packed  launch filled with elemental wonder.

Fusing Scotland’s fierce spirit with its frozen beauty, Edinburgh and Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie, Adelle Ferrie and Merryn Gunderson took centre stage on the esplanade to ignite this year’s walking trail, triggering a dramatic eruption of light across the Castle walls.

Marking the start of a seven-week run for the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice will now transform the iconic fortress into an immersive world where ancient stories blaze to life after-dark, on select evenings until 4 January.

Matt Currie said: “It’s genuinely a massive honour to be here tonight and to play a small part in officially switching on the lights for Castle of Light. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and seeing it lit up with these spectacular projections and stories is truly special.”

Adelle Ferrie said: “Being up here on the esplanade tonight, seeing the buzz and excitement, really brings home how much this event means to Edinburgh. For us as players, getting to be part of such a great event that connects with the wider community is fantastic.

“It’s an amazing way to shine a light on what makes Edinburgh so unique. We’re incredibly proud to play our part in launching something that adds so much magic to the city’s winter calendar.”

Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light continues to be a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, drawing families, friends and visitors eager to see the Castle in a breathtaking new light.

Returning for its sixth spectacular season, guests are invited to wander through an awe-inspiring tapestry of storytelling projections, with dazzling installations and atmospheric sound displays shaped by the enchanting forces of fire and ice.

From a dragon sweeping across the night sky to the Ice Queen gliding through the Great Hall, audiences will be captivated by mythical creatures, powerful storytelling and cutting-edge visual artistry.

One of this year’s most innovative moments is the dramatic reimagining of the ancient epic poem, Y Gododdin. Rather than using animation, the creative team collaborated with renowned Edinburgh-based artist Maria Rud, who painted her interpretation of the tale live in real time.

With every brushstroke projected onto the rock face, Maria’s hands — and even her hair — become part of the artwork, making the creation as mesmerising as the story itself. The result is a raw, expressive performance that brings the ancient warriors of Y Gododdin vividly to life while providing a striking contrast to the high-tech digital installations seen throughout the Castle elsewhere on the trail, making it an early standout of the 2025 show.

Alastair Young, producer of Castle of Light, said: “This year’s story celebrates Scotland’s resilience, forged in fire, shaped by ice, and to see audiences respond with such awe and excitement has been hugely rewarding.

“Whether people joined us for the very first time or returned for another adventure, the reaction so far has been phenomenal.”

While taking in the spectacular light and sound displays, guests savoured winter drinks, indulged in treats from the street food vendors and toasted marshmallows by the fire pit, adding to the atmosphere of the crisp November weekend.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland, added: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has arrived with extraordinary energy this year.

“Watching the Castle come alive as thousands of visitors explored its fiery origins and icy transformations has been incredible. The opening weekend set the tone for what promises to be our most atmospheric and enchanting trail yet.”

The event runs on select evenings from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with ticketed entry slots every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

The last entry is between 7.30pm and 7.45pm, with the event closing at 9pm.

A special reduced-capacity ‘quiet night’ will also take place on Sunday 7 December, offering a calmer experience with softer lighting, lower sound levels and no smoke effects.

To celebrate St Andrew’s Day, a special £10 ticket offer will be available for entry on Sunday 30 November, with pre-booking encouraged as tickets are selling fast.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.com. Advance booking required.

Mercat Tours celebrates 40th anniversary year with the premiere of The Spirit of the Mile 

Mercat Tours, local, independent family tourism business thanked its team and community of industry partners, plus generations of storyteller alumni, as it wraps up its 40th anniversary year. 

Co-hosted by Managing Director Kat Brogan, Director Michael Brogan and company founder Des Brogan, last weeks’ event celebrated four decades of storytelling from the award-winning walking tour company.  

Mercat’s enduring impact is how visitors connect with Edinburgh through the deeply human craft of storytelling, grounded in the values that have steered the business to success from the start.  The event was attended by over 100 invited guests, warmly welcomed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

The premiere of The Spirit of the Mile was the highlight of the evening. Written and narrated by professional dramatist and former Mercat storyteller Karen McKenzie, the Ode pays homage to the voices that echo through Edinburgh’s remarkable history, the famous and the forgotten.

The work is both a love letter to the city’s rich past and a tribute to the Master Storytellers who have thoughtfully curated and shared stories with passion, truth and deep connection. 

Kat, current MD, described the Ode as “a beautiful gift from a beautiful friend.” 

“Our 40th anniversary is a milestone for Mercat Tours and for our wider community – our team, locals, friends and partners. Our Ode captures the love we have for the city and how seriously we take the task as custodians – ensuring stories pass from the past to future,” she continued.

Karen McKenzie said: “Writing The Spirit of the Mile was a lovely chance to thank Mercat for sparking my love of storytelling and to applaud the guides that bring Edinburgh’s past to life every day.

“I wrote this piece as a thank you, inspired by the history of the city, the stories of the closes and the passion of the Mercat team. Being part of their 40-year story has been a genuine joy and a reminder of just how powerful a well-told tale can be.”

Featuring live music and local food and drink, the evening offered a heartfelt thank you to the many people and organisations that have supported Mercat throughout its 40-year journey.

The gathering brought together their team with representatives from the travel trade, cultural organisations, heritage attractions, and the Scottish tourism community, including longstanding collaborators such as VisitScotland, the Grassmarket Community Project, ASVA, Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh Castle (HES), Living Wage Scotland, and ETAG.

Guests were also invited to contribute to the Mercat Memory Tree, sharing moments that showcase the impact of Mercat’s work, the strength of industry relationships, and the promise to put their people first that has guided Mercat’s purpose since its founding in 1985. 

Jill Walker of VisitScotland encapsulated her reflections simply and powerfully: “Mercat = it matters!!”

“Mercat has always been about values first, not value.  Deep, meaningful connections are what set the Mercat team apart and keep us thriving, true to our promises in the Mercat Deal. Any good story leaves you wanting to know what comes next and we look forward to writing our next chapter together.”

Watch the Spirit of the Mile

Light the nights with a free festive concert this weekend hosted by radio DJ and panto legend Grant Stott

Light Night at Edinburgh’s Christmas

Sunday 23 November, 2pm – 6pm

Ross Bandstand, East Princes Street Gardens 

Free, unticketed 

Winter Festivals

Insta | FB | Tiktok @edinburghchristmas  

#edinburghchristmas 

The fantastic Ross Bandstand’s festive community programme at Edinburgh’s Christmas opens with its Light Night Concert this Sunday – 23rd November.

The Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself, Depute Lord Provost and Edinburgh’s own radio DJ, television presenter, stage and television star, Grant Stott. 

Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens. 

From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.

This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing! 

The line-up features: 

Leith Phoenix Community Choir

Angela Watson School of Dance

Little Voices Big Stars Choir

BollyFeat Dancers

Singerie choir

Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra

Magician Kevin Quantum

SoundSational 

(subject to change on the day)

Iconic Edinburgh record shop Avalanche Records moves to bigger space following record year

Independent Edinburgh record shop, Avalanche Records, has invested over £100k in partnership with Waverley Market owners Moorgarth, in a move to a larger premise in the centre, following a record-breaking year.

The new space, located in Waverley Market tucked above Edinburgh Waverley station and just steps from Princes Street and the Royal Mile, was previously a storage area meaning a new shop has been created from scratch.

The new shop, dedicated to vinyl, CDs, posters and t-shirts, is considerably bigger compared to Avalanche Records’ previous location.

The move to the new space this month comes as Avalanche Records reports a record-breaking year since first opening its doors to music lovers four decades ago. A number of high-profile gigs in Edinburgh in 2025, including Oasis, AC/DC and Chappell Roan, have helped attract music fans to the store. 

Avalanche Records recorded its best ever month in August surpassing the previous record in December 2024 and 60% up on August 2024.

Everything in the new space has been purpose built to deliver the best shopping experience for customers. The space dedicated to stocking vinyl, CDs and posters will each grow by 50%, with t-shirt space seeing a 25% increase, meaning there will be even more stock for music lovers to choose from.

From those looking to discover Scottish artists old and new, to those wanting the latest vinyl from their favourite global superstars, Avalanche Records has it covered. The new shop front will also showcase two large window displays featuring the very best of  what Avalanche Records has to offer.

41 years after first opening its doors, Avalanche Records sticks to its original principles of promoting the artists they like while also listening to what their customers want.

Avalanche Records stuck with vinyl when vinyl popularity took a big dip but is now reaping the rewards of its revival, while not dismissing CDs, as well as catering for the huge demand for music merchandise with a wide range of t-shirts, posters, prints, cards, patches and badges.

The latest move from Avalanche Records follows a number of recent investments in Waverley Market, including the launch of gift and gadget shop Menkind on the upper level, and the soon to be open bowling and games bar with food and drink, King Pins. Further tenants will be announced in the New Year, with limited units remaining.

Avalanche Records has also been an ongoing supporter of Waverley Market, most recently hosting an exhibition in the Market’s “secret staircase” in collaboration with international artist Butcher Billy, with a number of striking Taylor Swift graphics on display which attracted over ten thousand visitors.

Kevin Buckle, Avalanche Records owner, said: “This move marks a huge moment for us and Waverley Market, as we move into the biggest space the centre has available. Our continued growth shows there is still very much a love for physical music, as music lovers look to find new talent as well as listen to their favourite stars.

“We can’t wait for everyone to see the new space and, moving forward, we intend to work even more closely with our fellow tenants such as Rainbow Bubble Tea and The Cheery Churro who are particularly popular with our younger customers.

“The extra floor space means we can now stock more merchandise, for example we can now carry a full selection of the much sought after punk teddy bears lovingly made by the Fife artist Marie Allan and a popular present for those Christmas shopping.”  

Neil G Mackie, Waverley Market Centre Manager, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see not only the relocation and upsizing of Avalanche Records within Waverley Market, but also the confidence and commitment of this key tenant in the centre.

“Avalanche Records is a phenomenal retail offer, founded on knowledge and experience, which is unique not only to Waverley Market but more importantly to the wider Edinburgh retail landscape”.

Avalanche Records can be found in Waverley Market and is open 7 days a week 10am – 6pm (11am – 5pm on Sundays).

For more information, visit: https://avalancherecords.co.uk/

Christmas tree lights up The Mound

Edinburgh’s iconic Christmas tree on the Mound was officially lit on Tuesday (18 November) in a special ceremony led by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge.

He was joined by representatives from Edinburgh Candlemakers, County Mayor of Vestland Jon Askeland, 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 and County Mayor Jon Askeland 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 1986, 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 Saturday 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: “The Christmas tree on the Mound is a cherished Edinburgh tradition, marking the start of the festive season and symbolising the enduring friendship between Scotland and Norway.

“The annual gift from Vestland is a heartfelt reminder of the solidarity shared since World War II, reflecting the universal values of friendship, compassion and unity. Sincere thanks to the people of Vestland for their continued generosity, 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 celebrations begin, the tree’s sparkling lights bring a festive glow to the city centre. With more community switch-on events planned across the city, residents and visitors are invited to share the joy, hope and goodwill that define this special time of year.”

County Mayor of Vestland, Norway Jon Askeland said: “Every year since 1986, Vestland County has gifted a Christmas tree to Edinburgh Christmas Market as a token of our close friendship.

“It is also seen as a gratitude for the support Scotland gave Norway during the Second World War when Scotland became a safe haven for Norwegian forces, sailors and civilians during the years of occupation.

“This Christmas tree remind us of what we share: resilience, generosity, and a love for community. It stands as a beacon of light and hope – values that unite us in challenging times and joyful ones alike.”

Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle tomorrow at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice

Edinburgh Castle is set to shine tomorrow (Friday 21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice for its opening evening.

24 year old Scotland international player Currie, now a rising star for Edinburgh Rugby, and 28 year old Scotland national player Ferrie, who made her Scotland debut in this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations, will kick off an evening of magic, myth and mesmerizing light as Castle of Light returns to illuminate the city’s skyline.

Now in its sixth year, the dazzling after-dark experience will run on select evenings from Friday 21 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, promising dramatic projections, immersive soundscapes and fantastical installations, all set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks.

Drawing inspiration from the primal forces of fire and ice, visitors will encounter mythical creatures from a dragon soaring over the ramparts to the Ice Queen herself in the Great Hall, as the Castle’s stories — shaped by volcanic fire and icy resilience — come alive like never before.

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light seamlessly blends cutting-edge creativity with centuries of history, making it a must-see highlight in Edinburgh’s festive calendar.

Limited tickets remain for the opening weekend and peak festive nights throughout the event run.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot

Edinburgh locals get 25% off at Hard Rock Cafe this November

With Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets returning, there’s no better time to spend a day in the city, and Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is giving locals a reason to make the most of it.

Set on George Street, Hard Rock Cafe is known for its buzzing atmosphere, with walls adorned with authentic rock history items and serving classic American cuisine. This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail.

It’s a great excuse to stop in for a burger or a refreshing drink before wandering through the markets or gliding across George Street ice rink. 

  • Guests must ask for the offer and provide proof of EH residency when requested (driving license, utility bill etc) or book the offer via OpenTable Experiences (and provide proof of EH residency)
  • Food and non-alcoholic drinks only, not valid on alcohol
  • Select Retail only (no co-branded or charity)
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount, offer or event ticket
  • Valid from opening to 5pm
  • Valid now until end of November

How to book: https://cafe.hardrock.com/