Be the first to shop the new summer range from Laura Thomas Co. at Edinburgh pop-up shop and workshop
Summer has finally arrived and however you choose to spend these longer, brighter days – whether you’ll be enjoying gentle strolls along the beach, dining al fresco with friends and family, or simply soaking up the sun rays – you can capture it all at an exclusive candle making workshop.
For one day only, Laura Thomas Co. is hosting a pop-up workshop in the heart of Edinburgh where fragrance fans can blend a selection of summer scents to create their own bespoke candle.
Guiding attendees through the basics of olfactory compositions will be Laura Thomas herself, founder of the award-winning lifestyle brand. Drawing on her years of experience pairing scents to create candles that stir the senses, Laura will reveal the secret to balancing top, heart and base notes.
Taking place at Moleta Munro on Saturday 17th May, all attendees at this hands-on workshop will take away their own uniquely perfumed candle, created using natural scents, 100% pure soy wax, a textile grade cotton wick, and presented in a reusable glass jar. The 8.5oz candle will burn for 35 hours, so attendees can enjoy their scent of the summer long after the sun sets.
Attendees will also get an exclusive first look at the brand-new summer range from Laura Thomas Co. which includes a stylish summer beach towel, a bright and colourful clutch bag for those summer evenings, a pretty basket for picnics on the beach, and a citronella travel candle to keep bugs at bay.
Plus, there will be treats served throughout the workshop, including tea, coffee and snacks during the morning sessions, and fizz, mocktails and nibbles in the afternoon.
Speaking ahead of the workshop, Laura commented: “The start of summer is such a special time. The prospect of slowing down and enjoying endless days in the sun instantly lifts the soul, and I’m excited to help capture those feelings.
“I’ll be assisting all our candle makers in creating aromas that evoke memories of summertime in years gone by, and spark excitement for the sun-filled days that lie ahead. I can’t wait to see what deeply personal combinations they all come up with.”
A place at the Laura Thomas Co. pop-up candle making workshop costs £35.
Places are strictly limited and must be booked online in advance.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 17th May
Time: Sessions start at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Where: Moleta Munro, 43-46 London Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6LX
A Scottish hog roast business famed for the freshly roasted pig visible from its three Edinburgh shop windows is celebrating a quarter century of roasting.
The prominent Oink shops celebrate just one product – the 14 hour slow-roasted pork, which available in three sizes of rolls, or in a box, with optional haggis stuffing, crackling, apple sauce or chilli sauce.
Founded by two Borders’ farming families off the back of the 1999 pig price crash, the brand, which has been copied around the world from China to Argentina, is targeting 2025 as being its record year, with an aim to surpass 250,000 rolls sold.
Adam Marshall, who co-founded Oink with Sandy Pate and farms land near Reston in Berwickshire, said: “When we started out, we weren’t trying to build an empire — we were just two farmers trying to stay afloat during a tough time for the pig industry.
“We built our own ovens, turned up at farmers markets, and hoped people would give it a try. To still be here 25 years later, serving hundreds of thousands of rolls a year, is something we’re really proud of.
“We’ve stuck to what we know, kept it simple, and done it our way. The fact people still queue up for it means a lot to us.”
The collaboration started when Adam Marshall and Sandy Pate founded Reiver Country Farm Foods and began selling produce from their farms and neighbours locally.
Then, inspired by what was believed to be the only hog roaster at the time, a business in York, the entrepreneurial pair brought a homemade roasting oven and started venturing up to Castle Terrace to take part in the first established Edinburgh Farmers Market.
Their piping hot pulled pork rolls proved an instant crowd-pleaser, attracting a growing band of hungry regulars, which paired with the demand from tourists, especially those from Asia and mainland Europe, then inspired the move to bricks and mortar in the Scottish capital.
Oink owners Adam Marshall (Pink shirt) and Sandy Pate
Sandy Pate, who farms around 12 miles away from Adam in Longformacus, said: “We were just two mates with a passion for great meat and a desire to show city folk what Borders farming could deliver.
“We never imagined that a weekend stall would become something that would draw such loyal customers from near and around the world.
“At the end of the day, it’s about making people happy with something that tastes brilliant – and diversifying our farming businesses to ensure a viable and prosperous future for our families.”
The pair opened the doors to their first dedicated shop, Oink, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town in 2008. Nestled on the cobbled Victoria Street, the shop quickly became a firm favourite among tourists, students, and workers alike.
A second opened on the Royal Mile in 2014, followed by a Hanover Street shop in 2018.
Oink has grown into a treasured part of the city’s food scene, dishing out thousands of hand-pulled rolls each week and building a fiercely loyal following. Its famous fans include Radio 1 DJ Greg James, comedian and foodie Ed Gamble, the Australian Rugby Team and Phil Rosenthal – who featured the Victoria Street shop on hit Netflix show “Somebody Feed Phil”.
Though the original Reiver farm shop in Reston has closed its doors, it laid the foundations for everything that came after. Their commitment to quality and flavour has also powered a thriving outside catering business. The Oink mobile service caters weddings, corporate events, and private parties across Scotland, with pork roast options all prepped in their specialist unit.
Looking back, the founders, who both turn 65 this year and have no plans to slow down or retire, are proud that the business continues to be family-run and fiercely independent, with Adam and Sandy supported by their partners and families and a team of 30 employees.
Oink owners Adam Marshall (Pink shirt) and Sandy Pate
Adam added: “Edinburgh’s food scene has changed a lot over the years — there’s more chains, more trends, and a lot of investment.
“We’ve just stuck to what we know: good pork, cooked slow, served simply.”
Full line up and Show creative unveiled for The Heroes Who Made Us
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gives audiences an exclusive look behind the drawbridge of its landmark 75th Anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us, set to take place at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in August 2025.
This year’s milestone event promises to celebrate the past, while imagining the future of the Tattoo. Taking audiences back to where it all began in 1950, with the British Army taking on the prestigious role of the Lead Service, the Show will present music, dance and precision performance that make up the last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond.
Over 800 performers, from around the globe, will take to the world-famous Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the 75th year – including some fan favourites. Joining the iconic Massed Pipes and Drums, Military Musicians and Tattoo Dancers will be Band of the Polish Border Guard, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Honour Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra, and United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
Music is a key part of the Tattoo story, and this August, the Show will recognise the music that has shaped the Tattoo, and the wider world, over the years.
The Show will include poignant songs such as the “74th Slow March” played in honour of the brave souls of the 74th (Highland) Regiment who were steadfast during the sinking of the ‘Birkenhead’ in 1852.
In celebration of 75 years of the Tattoo, the Tattoo Performers will collaborate on a special performance Now That’s What I CallTattoo 75, a section of the Show where audiences will be hard fought to keep their feet still as the performers take on a series of favourite hits from the last seven decades.
Each act is set to bring a flavour of the heroism from their country, regiment or tradition, celebrating those who have contributed to their stories. For Creative Director Alan Lane The Heroes Who Made Us marks his first Show in the new role.
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “I am deeply honoured to direct my first Tattoo, especially as we approach such a monumental milestone.
“It’s a show I’ve admired as a fan for decades and the team and I have been working on this anniversary year show for over a year now. I cannot wait to unveil it to the audience and start to tell it stories.
“’The Heroes Who Made Us,’ honours both the Tattoo’s history and the everyday heroes who knit out society together with their volunteering, their courage or the inspiration their lives lived provide to the rest of us.
“We’re introducing a storyteller to this year’s show. Terence Rae is a brilliant actor and placing him at the heart of this year’s show will add a layer of theatricality that I am excited for our audience to experience. Terence is a long-time collaborator of mine and I jump at any chance to work with him.
“The creative and production team here is second to none and our constant aim is to blend tradition with innovation, creating a show that respects our legacy while offering fresh and exciting performances. Aways aware of our heritage but driving forward to the future, that’s the aiming mark.”
Alongside the incredible musical performances, audiences can expect a new role within the Show as a Storyteller will take to the Esplanade.
The role, taken on by Scottish actor Terence Rae, will support the storytelling and truly be immersed in the Show. Terence will also spotlight the local heroes who are working to make a difference to the community they serve, a special nod to the charitable ethos of the Tattoo that it has held since 1950.
Terence Rae said:“It is an immense honour to be the Storyteller for the 75th Anniversary Show of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – The Heroes Who Made Us. I’m excited to play my part in a show which celebrates all those who have shaped the Tattoo’s history over the past 75 years.
“I am deeply grateful to be part of this iconic spectacle, and to work with the outstanding creative and production teams that are here. Preparations have begun, and the excitement for the August Show is building every day. It will be a privilege to step onto the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with my fellow castmates and play our small part in the mighty Edinburgh Tattoo.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “As we prepare to celebrate our 75th Anniversary Show, it is with great pride and excitement that we unveil ‘The Heroes Who Made Us.‘
“This milestone event is a testament to the enduring legacy and global significance of the Tattoo, and it is a privilege to honour the heroes who have played a pivotal role in shaping our history and communities.
“Under the visionary leadership of our newly appointed Creative Director Alan, we are committed to delivering a show that marries tradition with innovation, creating an unforgettable experience for our audiences. We look forward to sharing this special celebration with the world and continuing to inspire and connect people through the power of performance and storytelling.”
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.
The full list confirmed acts is: The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Catterick, British Army Band Tidworth, British Army Band Colchester, The Band of the Prince of Wales, Countess of Wessex Strings, Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes And Drums Of The Royal Corps Of Signals, Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Crossed Swords Pipes & Drums, Paris Port Dover Pipes & Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools Choir, Ukrainian Children’s Choir, Sing in the City Choir , Top Secret Drum Corps, US Old Guard Fifes and Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra and The Representative Band of The Polish Border Guard.
New accommodation concept set to transform city-centre travel with stylish, affordable capsule stays
Work has begun on an exciting new seven-story capsule hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, developed by TARKA Hotels in collaboration with award-winning architect Studio LBA.
Situated just off the lively St. Andrew Square – directly adjacent to Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street – TARKA draws inspiration from Japan’s popular capsule hotel concept. This project reimagines the model for a UK audience, prioritising comfortable yet compact capsules with a contemporary feel. It provides an innovative alternative to traditional hotel accommodations, focusing on customer experience and immersing the residents in a unique hotel environment.
The project involves retrofitting a vacant mixed-use building that previously held various uses, including a job centre, office space, and retail.
This initiative represents a bold step forward in transforming the numerous underused underused buildings in Scotland’s major cities into purposeful spaces for visitors. Incorporating a range of vibrant and active uses for vacant spaces and supporting the ongoing regeneration of Scotland’s city centres.
The new hotel will feature 242 beds over seven stories, including a stunning rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar with breathtaking views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. With construction already underway, completion is expected in Summer 2026.
Lynsay Bell, Managing Director of Studio LBA, commented: “TARKA’s vision is to redefine hospitality with an innovative Japanese capsule offering, positioned in the heart of Edinburgh.
“This design-led project seeks to repurpose a redundant building, transforming it into an authentic and cutting-edge destination that not only invigorates the urban landscape but also creates employment opportunities. Creating a draw for both locals and tourists alike.
“In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building’s new rooftop addition. The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture.
“This intricate, yet elegant, feature serves as a bridge between the new and the old. Paying subtle homage to the building’s original character while introducing a fresh, modern identity.
“Nestled within the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site, the New Town Conservation Area, and the New Town Gardens Designed Landscape, the project’s location offers breathtaking views from the historic Calton Hill to the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
“Providing guests with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where they can relax and indulge in an authentic Japanese dining experience amidst the charm of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.”
James Scott, founder of TARKA Hotels, said:“TARKA was born from our experiences staying in capsule hotels during visits to Japan – trips that sparked a real passion to bring this modern, affordable accommodation concept to the UK.
“We aim to redefine the traditional hostel by offering quiet, private pods that strike the perfect balance between the cost-efficiency of hostels and the comfort and design of modern hotels. TARKA is built with urban travellers, tourists, and business guests in mind—prioritising affordability, central locations, and sleek, smart design.”
The project is led by Architect and Principal Designer, Studio LBA, in collaboration with Project Management and Quantity Surveying from Axiom Project Services Ltd, Interior Designer Studio S+CO, Civil and Structural Engineer Narro, Planning Consultants Derek Scott Planning, M&E Engineer Parrish Consultancy, Fire Engineer OFR Consultants, and Acoustic Engineer RMP.
With a mini heatwave set to bring sunshine to the city this weekend, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some summer-style drinks and until 11th of May,
Hard Rock Café Edinburgh is turning up the heat, bringing the fiesta to the capital in true rock ‘n’ roll style with a limited-edition menu bursting with bold flavours and vibrant mega cocktails.
The go-to spot this weekend for laid-back drinks and great food.
On the drinks list:
Three Mega Margaritas, each served in a 36oz glass, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to oneself):
Baja California Blackberry: a juicy blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, triple sec, and blackberry syrup, finished with strawberries and a sugar rim.
Mexico City Mango: sweet with a spicy kick thanks to sambal chili, mango purée and Love-All Spice rim.
Cancún Orange Cadillac: a bold mix with Cointreau, orange juice and a Grand Marnier float.
All priced at £17.25.
On the menu:
Legendary Fajitas: flavour-packed grilled chicken and steak with charred corn, feta, pickled onions, guacamole, and house-made cilantro lime crema, served with warm tortillas.
Chips & Queso: loaded with seasoned ground beef and green onions, perfect for sharing. Optional upgrades: pico de gallo (£2.95) or guacamole (£4.95).
For more information and to view the menu, visit here.
Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945 – 2000 17 May 2025 – 12 October 2025 Free Admission
Duncan, John; Tristan and Isolde; City of Edinburgh Council; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/tristan-and-isolde-93241
Opening this month, the City Art Centre presents Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945 – 2000, a compelling new exhibition that charts the story of Scottish art in the tumultuous years following the Second World War.
Featuring over 60 works—paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and photographs—the exhibition draws exclusively from the City Art Centre’s acclaimed collection of Scottish art.
The exhibition brings together work from some of the most significant artists of the period, including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, John Bellany, Elizabeth Blackadder, John Byrne, Calum Colvin, Victoria Crowe, Alan Davie, Pat Douthwaite, Joan Eardley, Ian Hamilton Finlay, William Gillies, Morris Grassie, Peter Howson, William Johnstone, Bet Low, Will Maclean, Alexander Moffat, James Munro, Eduardo Paolozzi, Tom Pow, Barbara Rae, Anne Redpath, Jon Schueler, and Maud Sulter.
The post-war era was a period of seismic shifts – political and social, scientific and cultural. Emerging from the events of the Second World War, communities lived with the legacies of conflict while looking ahead to the future.
Contemporary artists responded to these rapidly changing times, addressing both traditional and modern themes in their work as they pushed the boundaries of creativity. By the end of the century, the artistic landscape was entirely transformed.
Timed to complement the forthcoming exhibition John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, Out of Chaos offers broader context to Bellany’s career by surveying the major movements and developments in post-war Scottish art. Visitors will explore a wide range of approaches, from figurative and landscape art to abstraction, pop art, and the rise of new media.
Among the highlights are a wind-swept Catterline landscape by Joan Eardley, a bronze cast of the haunting sculpture Horse’s Head by Eduardo Paolozzi, a large-scale environmental triptych by Elizabeth Ogilvie, and the avant-garde Fallen Angels, a rare surviving painting by Tom Pow.
The exhibition also introduces several recent acquisitions, such as Alan Robb’s striking Surrealist-inspired oil painting Cool House, James Munro’s sleek 1980s sculpture Pick Up Trio, and Morris Grassie’s preparatory sketches for The Sou’Westers, Arbroath. Notably, a drawing by Milein Cosman capturing the first-ever Edinburgh International Festival in 1947 will be on display for the first time at the City Art Centre.
Curator Dr Helen Scott said: “Between 1945 and 2000 far-reaching changes took place across politics, society, culture and science, and contemporary artists were compelled to react to these developments – from the tensions of the Cold War to the rise of mass consumerism and popular culture.
“Artists working through these years analysed and questioned everything, repeatedly challenging conventions and reshaping the artistic landscape. Looking back now, the pace of change was incredible.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing this exhibition with our visitors – both those who lived through this dynamic period and younger generations as well.
“There is a wide array of artistic forms and styles on display here, so really there’s something for everyone.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher, City of Edinburgh Council said: “Out of Chaos offers a powerful reflection on how Scottish artists responded to a rapidly changing world. These works capture the resilience, imagination, and innovation that shaped the nation’s cultural identity in the post-war era.
“The City Art Centre continues to champion our cultural heritage, and Out of Chaos is a powerful reminder of how art helps us understand and navigate times of change.”
The exhibition opens on Saturday 17 May 2025, and continues until 12 October 2025. Admission is free.
Whitbread submits a planning application for a new 195-bedroom hotel on Festival Square in the heart of Edinburgh city centre
Whitbread PLC, the owner of the Premier Inn hotel chain, has submitted plans to transform Capital House into a 195-bedroom Premier Inn, with a commitment to investing more than £21 million in the conversion of the existing building into a hotel.
After acquiring the 65,350 sq ft gross office block off Lothian Road last year, Whitbread has been preparing a planning application to change the use of the building to a hotel, which was submitted to Edinburgh City Council on 2nd May.
The plans involve the conversion of the existing building and rear extension of the 1980s office into a latest format Premier Inn hotel with a ground floor restaurant and bar.
The Capital House Premier Inn is expected to generate an additional £8.1 million per year in visitor expenditure through the external spending of more than 56,000 guests which are predicted to stay at the hotel every year. Half of this external expenditure is anticipated to be spent supporting city centre businesses.
The proposals signal the latest commitment from Whitbread to invest in Edinburgh as the business continues to see strong long-term potential for its bedrooms across the capital city.
Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Scotland at Whitbread, said: ““The visitor economy in Edinburgh is thriving but there remains an unmet demand for additional budget hotel rooms in the city. Capital House represents an excellent opportunity for us to deliver new Premier Inn bedrooms at affordable prices for our customers in a fantastic city centre location.
“The location is ideal for both business and leisure customers. It is sustainable and highly accessible with direct bus, tram and rail networks within a short walk, it’s a stone’s throw from the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) and Exchange District and is close to tourist destinations like Edinburgh Castle, Usher Hall and other theatres.
“We’re thrilled to submit proposals to transform this underused office building and bring life back into this corner of Festival Square. We are investing £21 million into delivering the new hotel which will generate over £8 million of additional guest spend into the Edinburgh economy each year and create more than 30 new hospitality jobs. We look forward to working with Edinburgh City Council to progress the application towards determination.”
Whitbread currently welcomes close to a million visitors to its established network of 14 Premier Inn hotels within the City of Edinburgh Council area. The business calculates its guests staying at these hotels generate more than £32 million in visitor expenditure to the Edinburgh economy every year.
More widely, across the UK & Ireland Whitbread currently offers its customers a choice of more than 85,500 Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn bedrooms and the company sees the long-term potential for 125,000 bedrooms in these two core markets.
This summer, the Museum of Edinburgh presents two inspiring exhibitions celebrating the powerful relationship between wellbeing, nature, and place, each told through unique creative lenses:
Nature Through Nurture: Wellbeing and the Natural World in Children’s Books
Thu 1 May to Sun 7 Sep 2025
Developed in partnership between the Museum of Childhood and Scotland’s Early Literature for Children Initiative (SELCIE) at the University of Edinburgh, Nature Through Nurture delves into the enduring presence of the natural world in children’s literature over the past 150 years.
Flowers, trees, animals, insects and birds feature heavily in children’s books, set in both the real world and imaginary worlds. Children’s books from the last 150 years will be on display with beautiful illustrations, poetry and information about how to find green spaces throughout Edinburgh.
The positive influences of nature on mental health and wellbeing will be examined alongside a programme of public events for children and families.
Dr Sarah Dunnigan, Senior Lecturer, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures at the University of Edinburgh and co-founder of SELCIE said:“The partnership between SELCIE and the Museum of Childhood for the Nurture through Nature exhibition beautifully highlights how children’s books can connect young readers to the natural world.
“This collaboration brings together literature, history, and nature in a way that we hope will inspire visitors to explore Edinburgh’s green spaces and reflect on the links between nature and well-being.
“The project has also made accessible many previously uncatalogued books from the Museum of Childhood collection, with several being displayed publicly for the first time. This collection is of great significance, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.
Wellbeing in the City: Feel-Good Places in and Around Edinburgh
Thu 10 Apr to Sun 31 Aug 2025
Created by participants of photography and creative writing courses run by Access to Industry, this exhibition offers personal and heartfelt reflections on the places in Edinburgh that inspire calm, joy, and connection.
Each member of the photography course has chosen a place in and around Edinburgh that makes them feel good. The group visited every place nominated to take photos and have selected their favourites to present in the exhibition.
The creative writing group have produced short pieces of writing about places or activities in Edinburgh that make them feel well.
Helen Murray, Encompass Caseworker from Access to Industry said: “Access to Industry are delighted to have been able to work with Museums and Galleries Edinburgh on the joint project, Wellbeing in the City – feel good places in and around Edinburgh.
“We support clients with complex barriers to employment, many of whom have suffered trauma, isolation and marginalisation. This project has been run with our wellbeing through photography group, PAGE, and our Creative Writing group.
“It has enabled participants to enjoy improved wellbeing on trips they have chosen and reflect on what makes them feel well. We are now extremely pleased to be able to share these places and that sense of wellness with local residents and visitors from far and wide.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “These exhibitions beautifully highlight how nature and place shape our sense of wellbeing from childhood through adulthood.
“By showcasing stories, creativity, and lived experience, this summer the Museum of Edinburgh invites us all to reconnect with the natural world and discover the restorative spaces that exist all around us.”
Foysol Choudhury MSP Celebrates Scotland’s Most Promising Culturally Innovative Music Start-Up
On Friday, April 25, Mamba Sounds, a creative-tech company based in Edinburgh, celebrated the launch of its groundbreaking music streaming platform and company at the RBS building in St Andrews Square, Edinburgh.
The event marked a significant milestone for the company, which has already achieved remarkable success in the music industry, spearheading collaboration with top African talent.
With over 2 billion cumulative streams driven through its playlisting network, Mamba Sounds has proven the commercial viability and global reach of its platform model. Artists promoted via Mamba Sounds, including artists such as ‘BoyBreed’, ‘Kokoë’, and ‘Eugy’, have reached audiences in more than 190 countries, including key streaming markets such as the UK, US, Nigeria, France, and Brazil.
They are driven by their work in building infrastructure for the future of African and global music and supporting artists through tech-enabled tools, curation, and fair growth strategies.
To date, the collective has generated over 10 million streams, secured 335+ major playlist placements, and reached 9.66 million+ listeners. Campaigns have delivered 115 chart placements, 14.6K+ Shazams, and over 1.48 million video views across key platforms.
The company has curated and supported the careers of over 300 artists across genres and geographies through its platforms like Afrolister and internal campaigns. Notably, 70% of the talent supported identifies as Black or multicultural, reflecting Mamba Sounds’ core mission to amplify underrepresented voices in music.
Mamba Sounds is backed by Innovate UK’s Creative Catalyst Grant and the RBS Entrepreneur Accelerator, positioning it as one of Scotland’s most promising creative startups. At the launch event, the company unveiled two scalable tools designed to empower artists with development resources, music distribution insights, and analytics to grow their careers independently.
Looking ahead, Mamba Sounds has been invited to showcase its work at the Scottish Parliament on 19 June, 2025, further highlighting its cultural relevance and policy-aligned innovation, sponsored by Foysol Choudhury MSP.
This recognition underscores the company’s impact not only within the music industry but also in shaping conversations around creative entrepreneurship and representation. Founder Leo Fakhrul is also set to speak at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at the African Union in Addis Ababa on May 13, further spotlighting Scottish creative innovation on the global stage.
The launch event was a celebration of Mamba Sounds’ achievements and its commitment to driving change in the music industry. With its innovative platform, global influence, and dedication to supporting diverse talent, Mamba Sounds is set to redefine the landscape of artist development and music distribution.
This is the type of work that should be supported and championed. Congratulations to the whole team, especially Leo Fakhrul and Ziyad Alrasbi for their leadership and dedication to their craft.
Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said:“I am proud to offer my support to this dedicated group of young entrepreneurs, who truly are paving the way for this new wave of Scottish innovation and creative-tech companies to thrive with inclusivity at the forefront of their mission.”
Creative Scotland and British Transport Police will move into the Waverley Court Partnership Hub.
They will join SEPA, Visit Scotland, Skills Development Scotland and Balfour Beatty, which are already based at the Council headquarters on East Market Street. Scottish Water is also due to move into the building later this year.
The decision by the Council’s Finance and Resources Committee to lease the space will grow the number of organisations based in Waverley Court to eight and annually raise £1.7m in total.
British Transport Police will move into the courtyard by the end of 2025, occupying about 40 desks, while Creative Scotland will move into the ground floor this autumn, occupying 60 desks.
The council will continue to retain at least 60% of the desk space within Waverley Court and discussions will continue to take place with other interested public sector partners.
Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Creative Scotland and the British Transport Police into Waverley Court, which is quickly becoming a true Partnership Hub, with organisations from all sides of the public sector joining forces to make greater use of the space and share expertise.
“By welcoming these organisations in, we are generating significant income for the Council and making sure our Headquarters are operated in the most sustainable, efficient, and collaborative way.”
