Category: city centre

Edinburgh food trucks come together to fight hunger and loneliness

Three local Edinburgh food trucks served up something special for customers last weekend – teaming up with Scotland’s number one cheddar brand, Galloway Cheddar, to raise money for FareShare and help tackle food poverty and social isolation across the country. 

Food trucks across Scotland are hitting the road to serve limited-edition cheesy creations for one-day-only fundraising events as part of the nationwide Galloway Gathering Project.

The campaign launched on Friday 25 July as Wanderers Kneaded Pizza, Wanderers Kneaded Street Food and Lazeezdished up a bespoke menu made with Galloway Cheddar at Innis & Gunn’s On The Mound site – proving that comfort food really can be a force for good. 

The fundraising day was part of the ‘Galloway Gathering Project’, a nationwide campaign that brings together Scottish cheese brand Galloway and FareShare – the UK’s leading food redistribution charity. Customers were encouraged to donate to FareShare via QR codes at the trucks. 

Mark Morris, Managing Director at Wanderers Kneaded said: “Since starting Wanderers Kneaded in 2018, it’s been amazing to see the way the people of Edinburgh gather around food and socialise.

“By doing something as simple as using Galloway Cheddar on our pizzas and burgers for the day, we’re able to turn that shared love of food into something meaningful – helping raise funds and awareness for those facing hunger and isolation in our communities.”

Following previous years of success, this year’s ‘Galloway Gathering Project’, will see the equivalent of 90,000 meals donated* to those in need. 

Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Marketing Director at Lactalis UK & Ireland, said: “The food truck days have become a highlight of the Galloway Gathering Project, with local vendors across Scotland serving up delicious cheesy dishes to support FareShare.

“It’s a simple but powerful way to bring people together and raise awareness of food poverty and loneliness in Scotland’s communities.”

Kirsty Ford, Head of Fundraising at FareShare said: “We are so grateful to everyone at Galloway Cheddar for supporting this campaign. The donations made to FareShare from this initiative will help us get good-to-eat food, which might otherwise go to waste, to people who need it.

“Every day, food from FareShare is redistributed to a network of charities including homelessness shelters, after school clubs, refuges, and older people’s lunch clubs.

“By donating to FareShare via the food trucks, supporters help power the redistribution of surplus food, supporting essential services that strengthen communities and improve lives. Thank you.”  

As part of the campaign, 800kg of Galloway Cheddar is being donated to FareShare’s partner organisations, and Scottish National Chef and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean is hosting two cooking events in Dundee, preparing comforting Mac n’ Cheese dishes to be distributed to local charities. 

To donate to The Galloway Gathering Project, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/gallowaygatheringproject2025 

To find out more information on The Galloway Gathering Project, please visit

https://www.gallowaycheddar.co.uk/

Spokes public meeting: Cargobikes in Edinburgh – with MOTHERLOAD film

TUESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER from 7.15 – 9pm

Cargobikes are seen more and more in Edinburgh, and the potential is massive, as in many European cities and elsewhere around the world.

Our public meeting on 2 September will feature the 90-minute documentary film MOTHERLOAD – a mother’s experience of how cargo bikes can be an antidote to the increasing isolation, disconnection, and planetary impact of life in C21.

The meeting will then hear from local organisations in the forefront of cargobike development in Edinburgh, including…

A great opportunity to hear what is happening in Edinburgh and around the world, and to put forward your ideas and suggestions in the QA.

Arrangements

  • Where Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
  • Date Tuesday 2 September
  • Time  Starts 7.15, Ends 9.30.  Doors open 6.30 for coffee, stalls and chat, including a special stall to join Spokes or renew your membership. NOTE: the meeting begins (and doors open) 15 minutes earlier than our usual 7.30/6.45 times
  • Questions Questions can be emailed (at least a day in advance) to spokes@spokes.org.uk. However, questions in person from audience members are likely to have greatest priority
  • Online We hope to live broadcast on our youtube channel – and publish the recording later. NOTE: for licensing reasons, the livestream and recording will not include the film
  • Social media If posting about the meeting, use hashtag #SpokesMtg

Background & Links

Trio of anime films head to Vue Edinburgh Omni as Demon Slayer tickets drop next week 

Anime fans are in for a treat this summer as a trio of visually stunning films head to the big screen ahead of tickets going on sale for the most anticipated anime movie of the year, Demon Slayer – The Movie: Infinity Castle. 

Landing on 12 September, the eagerly awaited sequel sees demon slayer trio Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke return to face their most harrowing trials yet, in a film that blends heart-pounding action, emotional intensity, and breathtaking animation.  

For fans that can’t wait until September for their anime fix, Vue Edinburgh Omni is showing two titles from visionary director Mamoru Hosoda: Summer Wars and Wolf Children. Both films have been newly remastered in 4K, offering both longtime fans and new viewers the chance to witness these classics as never seen before.  

Arriving on 3 August, Summer Wars tells the story of a shy math genius who unwittingly unleashes a rogue AI threatening the world’s digital infrastructure.

As he races to fix the chaos, he’s drawn into the turbulent but loving world of his friend’s extended family. Hosoda’s dazzling animation, pulse pounding virtual sequences, and timely message about connection and technology make this re-release a must see on the big screen. 

Returning on 17 August is the emotional tale of love, loss, and growing up, Wolf Children. It follows the journey of a young woman raising two children who are half–human, half–wolf. Spanning over a decade, the story captures the challenges of motherhood, identity, and acceptance.

The remastered edition enhances every frame of Hosoda’s heartfelt masterpiece, bringing new depth to its themes and visuals. 

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing will hit screens on 31 August. In this bold new chapter of the Hatsune Miku phenomenon, fans are introduced to a version of the iconic virtual idol who has lost her ability to sing.

Set in a world where music shapes reality, Miku must rediscover her voice through friendship, creativity, and emotional resilience. Blending vibrant musical performances with a moving narrative, this is an unforgettable cinematic experience for both longtime Miku fans and newcomers alike. 

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “The anime fandom continues to grow here in the UK, and we’re proud to be part of that community.

Studios put their heart into every frame – from the breathtaking animation to the thoughtful scripts, musical scores, and emotional depth – and we recognise that watching anime isn’t just about the visuals on screen; it’s about the atmosphere, the sound, and the feeling of being completely immersed in a story.

“That’s why we’re so excited to be screening these films as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen.” 

Tickets are available to book now at www.myvue.com 

Celebrating 75 Years: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A tribute to heroism, culture, history and the people who have helped shape the Tattoo over the last 75 years

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is back for its landmark 75th edition, honouring the heroes who have shaped its remarkable legacy. This year’s Show, The Heroes Who Made Us, blends military precision, cultural heritage, and artistic brilliance to celebrate the selflessness and dedication of those who have contributed to the Tattoo over the past seven decades.

Ahead of opening night on 1 August, the Cast performed their final dress rehearsal on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in front of an eager preview audience. This special anniversary performance pays tribute to the Tattoo’s rich history while embracing its thrilling future.

The British Army takes the Lead Service role this year, joined by a diverse international cast and anchored by the world-class Tattoo performers. With over 900 performers from across the globe, audiences will be treated to an extraordinary journey through time and tradition, featuring talent from the Poland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States of America.

Blending pageantry with theatrical flair, the 2025 Tattoo reaffirms its position as a unique highlight of the world-renowned Edinburgh festivals. Celebrating values of connection, community, and shared heritage, this year’s performance reflects the enduring spirit that has defined the Tattoo for 75 years – while looking forward to its exciting future.

First across the drawbridge, as is tradition every year, The Massed Pipes and Drums once again fill the hallowed stage of the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Comprised of military and civilian pipe bands from across the globe, they set the tone for a performance unlike any other in the world.

In a year dedicated to honouring heroes, The Orchestra of Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, have travelled to Edinburgh, leaving Ukraine for the first time since 2018, due to the challenges of Covid and war to perform an unforgettable set for Tattoo audiences.

Making their Tattoo debut, the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will bring a slice of American history to Edinburgh with their iconic uniforms and stirring music. Also from America, the United States Air Force Honor Guard returns to showcase their unmatched precision and dedication. Adding further international flair, the Representative Band of the Polish Border Guard will grace the Esplanade for the first time in 15 years.

With a 270 strong choir due to take the stage every night, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS) Choir, Sing in the City and Ukrainian Community Choirs will join forces to uplift spirits with their powerful harmonies.

A perennial fan favourite, Switzerland’s renowned Top Secret Drum Corps, will once again captivate audiences with their dazzling fusion of Basel drumming and visual spectacle.

Adding something extra special this year, narration returns in the form of evocative storytelling performed by actor Terence Rae. Audiences will be taken on a journey through the rich history of this iconic event, tracing its roots all the way back to its beginnings in 1950.

This 75th Tattoo celebrates cherished traditions while embracing modern elements of light and showmanship, promising an unforgettable experience that will leave audiences in awe.

Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We don’t talk about heroes enough in this country. Whether this is military service or volunteers within our society, it is these people that help make life tick along that little bit more smoothly and that deserves to be honoured and celebrated.

“We are in such a unique position that we get to do performances as grand as the Tattoo and that’s why this year, we’re embracing our position at the top of the Castle (quite literally) during the Edinburgh festivals. The Heroes Who Made Us, is a testimony to the artistic nature of the Tattoo and will come with all the bells and whistles that people know us for.   

“We cannot wait to welcome back audiences to witness a Show that really lives up to the momentous occasion.”

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo added: “When Alan and I began to conceptualise the theme for 2025 we quickly arrived to something around salute to service and a tribute to our history. 

“From that, ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’ was formed.   We wanted to honour the heroes who made the Tattoo what it is today, those who serve this wonderful country and those who serve their communities. 

“As we do every year, the Show features inspiring acts from around the world. This year we are especially privileged to welcome The Naval Orchestra of Ukraine, the first time they will have left their country since 2018.

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our 75th, honouring our past while imagining our future.  Early in 2026 we take the Show to Brisbane and Auckland – Tattoo 75 on tour bringing The Heroes Who Made Us halfway around the world.”

The full line up for 2025 includes: 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.

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.

Festival venue takes bold step towards greener Fringe

Sustainable souvenir scheme tackles single-use cup waste

FRINGE-GOERS picking up a drink at one of the capital’s busiest venues are being asked to make a small change with a big impact – as part of a bold new drive to reduce waste and support charitable causes.

In a new initiative Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has introduced a £2 reusable cup policy, replacing throwaway plastic with souvenir-style cups that support good causes.

Customers pay a one-time £2 charge for a reusable cup, which is theirs to keep. When returning for another drink, they’ll receive a fresh, clean replacement cup at no extra cost.

Surgeons Quarter has a longstanding reputation for leading with innovation through environmental initiatives and investing heavily in the wellbeing of its staff.

Ten Hill Place Hotel, part of the Surgeons Quarter portfolio, was first awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2008 and has proudly retained this accolade for 17 consecutive years.

One of the hotel’s many sustainable efforts has been the removal of single-use plastic bottles from guest bedrooms. It’s a change which has saved over 100,000 bottles to date. In their place, guests are gifted Scottish wildflower seed packets to take home, encouraging biodiversity in their own gardens and extending memories of their stay at the hotel.

Other green initiatives have included a £20,000 investment for installation of EV charging stations at the hotel, as well as a £60,000 investment in new staff members uniforms made from

recycled plastic bottles with each uniform preventing 45 bottles from reaching landfills or oceans.

But sustainability is only part of the picture. Surgeons Quarter also goes above and beyond for its team.

Recognised by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF), it ensures all staff, regardless of age, are paid above the LWF Living Wage. In addition, all employees contribute at least 12% of their salary toward their pension, with 7.5% of that contributed by the employer, more than double the required minimum.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter said: “We’re always looking at how we can help improve the planet, improve the guest experience and also improve the working environment for our team.

“That’s why we continually invest in initiatives prioritising long-term sustainability and staff wellbeing. We believe these aspects go hand in hand.”

The reusable cup policy reflects this commitment. Surgeons Quarter invested over £20,000 in the upfront cost of the cups, making the £2 charge fair and necessary, so it can continue running operations that pay staff fairly, reduce environmental impact and maintain the support for its local charity partners.

Scott added: “This step is a part of a wider commitment to doing what’s right, even when it costs more. That’s why we’re asking the public to support the reusable cup chaange as it helps us improve standards across the board.”

Some of the reusable and dishwasher safe cups feature the striking silhouette of the iconic Playfair Hall, while others are branded with the logos of theSpaceUK, which hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the Festival Fringe, and Surgeons Quarter itself.

The variety of designs provides visitors with eye-catching tangible reminders of their Festival experience as well as supporting the drive to reduce single-use waste.

Scott said: “After testing the concept in 2024, we’ve streamlined the system and are excited to launch the full initiative.

“We’re trying to shift the mindset. Rather than something disposable, we want people to see these as souvenirs that do good.

“We know some will be resistant to change but when it’s a minimal cost for an item that supports local and global causes, we hope people will get on board.’’

A portion of proceeds from cup sales will support three key causes: carbon offsetting initiatives through Ecologi; a special Supper Soirée hosted by Surgeons Quarter in support of Cyrenians, the homelessness charity tackling isolation and homelessness; and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s global efforts to improve patient outcomes around the world.

Under the new guidelines, festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own clean reusable cups for wine, spirits, bottled beer and soft drinks only — provided the cup is visibly clean.

However, if the cup is not SQ-branded, it is your responsibility to ensure it is hygienic, as staff are unable to wash or handle personal cups. Single-use plastic cups, including supermarket-style cups, will not be accepted.

Scott added: “This isn’t about jumping on a trend. It’s a long-term commitment to reducing our footprint and boosting our social impact.

“A single-use plastic cup has an impact of 0.07kg CO2e, and a reusable equivalent has an impact of 0.0084kg CO2e per use. Every cup that isn’t thrown away is a small win for the environment and every cup that helps someone in need makes that win even sweeter.”

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus.

These include facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, and weddings, as well as its own four-star hotel, Ten Hill Place, Café 1505, and SQ Travel.

To find out more about Surgeons Quarter, visit: 

https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/festival-fringe-2025/

Living Streets objects to two-way cycling on Rose Street

We object to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO/24/27 bit.ly/3IFOQQ6) allowing two-way cycling on Rose Street.

The idea of promoting two-way cycling on the street was raised in a report to the Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) on 30 January 2025, as a means to facilitate cycling across the city while the CCWEL route through George Street is not yet in place.  We made our objection to this proposal at that time.

The Council’s own report recognised that “integrating cyclists into a space primarily designed for pedestrians presents challenges. The narrow width of Rose Street, combined with the high footfall at certain times, could lead to safety concerns between cycling and walking/wheeling. With no dedicated cycling infrastructure, conflict could be created between users.”

It is not appropriate in our view to encourage Rose Street – the closest thing Edinburgh currently has to a pedestrianised street – as a major cycle route.

The proposal does not respect the Council’s agreed travel hierarchy which places walking and wheeling first. The TRO is especially inappropriate given that the TEC recently decided that two way cycle access should be maintained on George Street itself during any redevelopment works. 

You can object to the order by 1st August – details here: http://bit.ly/3IFOQQ6.

Portrait Gallery showcase for Edinburgh College of Art designers

Over 40 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh for a showcase of creative talent.

Now in its 11th year, Tea Green Events has become a major platform for independent Scottish designers, drawing thousands of visitors to its markets across the country.

Following the success of Tea Green Events’ markets at National Galleries Scotland: National last year, this is the market’s debut event at the Queen Street venue, taking place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025 (10am-5pm).

This year’s markets will also come to V&A Dundee, Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife, Aberdeen Art Gallery and both Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen in 2014.

Joanne said, “The Portrait is a truly spectacular space and the perfect backdrop to show off the cream of Scotland’s creative talent, including many designers and makers who live and work in and around the capital. 

“Due to the large number of tourists visiting Edinburgh at this time, the market will also put Scotland’s design talent on a global stage, where we can showcase the very best of Scottish craftsmanship. 

“With everything from jewellery and prints to knitwear and ceramics, these beautiful hand-crafted pieces of work are made by some truly talented individuals who I know are looking forward to this amazing opportunity”.

Amongst the designers and makers preparing to set out their stalls are a number of Edinburgh College of Art graduates, including illustrator and paper artist, Laura Sayers.

Laura commented, “Turning up at a market can sometimes be quite alienating for folk like me who spend a lot of their work life alone, but the community of makers and the customers that come along are always so warm and welcoming.

“It’s been encouraging for me to see my own work looking and feeling at home alongside some of my favourite small businesses who are all making such high-quality, handmade products.

“As a result, I feel spurred on to make more wholehearted work to mirror the high standards of the other artisans, and the markets give me direction and something to aim for, particularly in the slow summer months. 

“There’s also something special about that human interaction and living online means that you’re often craving a space for these conversations. I always come away feeling refreshed and excited for what’s next.

“Edinburgh was a beautiful city to study in, and my time at the College of Art really shaped and laid foundations for the work I make today. I’m always more than happy to return to soak up some more inspiration, and the Portrait Gallery has been one of my personal favourite spots for a long time.

“Making it a base for my artwork for a couple of days is a real pleasure.” 

National Galleries of Scotland’s Director of Audience, Isabella Miller, said, “We can’t wait to welcome the makers back to the National Galleries of Scotland following the amazing success of the Tea Green market at the National gallery last summer and winter.

“This time around we’re hosting the market in the stunning surroundings of the Portrait gallery in the centre of Edinburgh.  Visitors can explore the market under the bedazzling stars in the world-famous Great Hall.

“The decadent and ornate backdrop of the Portrait is the perfect setting for visitors to feel fully enveloped in the spirit of the market. Beautiful hand-crafted designs, in a beautiful hand-crafted building, what’s not to love!

“The Portrait is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, so where better to also showcase the talents of the incredible market creatives and support Scottish businesses. We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people can browse the stalls then explore the art, or pop into the café to relax and enjoy some delicious food.

“There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the Portrait.”

Dr Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art, added, “It’s always wonderful to follow our graduates’ creative journeys as they grow and flourish into confident and established designer-makers.

“Communities and markets like Tea Green are ever-important platforms for our alumni in realising their ambitions, connecting with fellow creatives, and showcasing the breadth, diversity, and quality of work emerging from Scottish art colleges.

“At ECA, we strive to create opportunities for our students locally, nationally, and internationally; however, it is always particularly rewarding when graduates decide to remain in and around Edinburgh, and to further champion and grow Scotland’s vibrant creative landscape and economy.”

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit:

 https://www.teagreen.co.uk/

Heroes on the Hill: Tattoo welcomes global heroes to Edinburgh

Against the iconic backdrop of Calton Hill, performers from across the globe, strike heroic poses, capturing the essence of this year’s theme: The Heroes Who Made Us.

The 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 performance that make up the last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond.

Featured in the photography are The Massed Band of the British Army, The Orchestra of the Naval Forces of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, The Representative of the Polish Border Guard, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team and United States Old Guard Fife and Drums.

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.

Dean Banks launches 1925 at Pompadour

Chef Dean Banks launches revamped restaurant at the iconic Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

In response to changing consumer demands, Chef Dean Banks has relaunched his signature restaurant in the historic Caledonian Hotel on Princes Street, launching 1925 at Pompadour which opened its doors on Wednesday (23 July).

The new offering will provide diners with a delicious a la carte menu in the heart of the city that showcases the best of local produce, across land and sea. 1925 at Pompadour opens following a change in consumer desires away from multi-course tasting menus to a more accessible dining option that has flavour and creativity at its heart.

Located in the West End, diners can enjoy the new menu at 1925 at Pompadour while taking in stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and learning all about the local suppliers Chef Dean Banks works with to create his renowned dishes.

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

To celebrate the launch of 1925 at Pompadour, diners will receive 50% off food until Wednesday 30 July, providing an opportunity to sample the new dishes and explore the revamped restaurant.

Featuring fresh, local, produce, seafood lovers can sample Dean’s signature lobster thermidor, Orkney hand dived scallops with vadouvan carrot, or champagne baked market fish. Diners can also enjoy corn fed chicken with king oyster mushrooms, pomme mousseline and a madeira sauce, or smoked ricotta and egg yolk raviolo, served with leeks and lemon butter.

With starters from £15 and mains starting at £26, and a three-course lunch for just £39.50, 1925 at Pompadour aims to provide a premium food offering at an accessible price point in the heart of the city.

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

Commenting on the launch, Chef Dean Banks said: “Consumers are moving away from multi-course tasting menus, instead preferring restaurants where they can enjoy premium dishes at an accessible price point.

“When considering the future of Dean Banks at the Pompadour, it was important to reflect these changing consumer demands while ensuring the high quality offering we pride ourselves on remains.

“1925 at Pompadour perfectly brings this together, all under the iconic setting of Edinburgh Castle, and we look forward to welcoming diners to experience this next chapter in our restaurant’s history.”

The Pompadour restaurant first opened its doors at the Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh, in 1925, with the new restaurant named as an homage to the venue’s rich history.

For more information on 1925 at Pompadour, or to book your table, visit:

www.restaurant1925.com.

Opening Saturday: Celebrate Fifty Years of Andy Goldsworthy at the National Galleries of Scotland

Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years

National Galleries Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building

26 July – 2 November 2025

Tickets £5-£19 | Friends go free

Andy Goldsworthy | Fifty Years | National Galleries of Scotland

This Saturday, the largest ever indoor exhibition by Andy Goldsworthy will open to the public, taking over the National Galleries of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh. 

Featuring over 200 works, the show will include major installations made in response to the iconic Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) building, as well as drawings, photographs, films, sketchbooks and archival items dating back to the mid-1970s and spanning fifty years.

Sure to be one of the most talked-about art events of the year and only to be seen in Edinburgh,. Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years opens on Saturday 26 July 2025, and is brought to you by National Galleries Scotland.

Tickets are on sale now.

Born in England in 1956, and based in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, for the past four decades, Goldsworthy is internationally recognised for his work with natural materials such as clay, stones, reeds, branches, leaves, snow and ice.

Over fifty years, he has created a unique and highly influential body of work that speaks of our relationship with the land. In Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years the land is brought indoors, into Scotland’s capital city.

Working as a teenager on farms near Leeds in Yorkshire, where he grew up, Goldsworthy developed a passion for working with the land: harrowing the fields, bailing hay, picking out and piling stones, feeding cows and sheep.

This is where he acquired many of the skills he uses in his practice today: cutting, digging, gathering, stacking, building. Goldsworthy then studied art at Bradford and Preston, while based in Morecombe Bay.

It was there that he began making ephemeral works in the sand, recording what he made in photographs and film.  

Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years has been conceived by the artist as a single immersive artwork in response to the space, materials and character of the RSA building. Occupying all of the upper rooms and most of the lower floor, the exhibition is at once beautiful and ambitious in scale. 

The interrelationship of humans and the working land is a recurrent theme in Goldsworthy’s art and in the exhibition. He often presents the land as a hard, hostile and brutal place. Fences and barriers feature prominently, in the form of rusted barbed wire stretched across a room, and a massive, cracked clay wall.

As in nature, beauty and danger co-exist.

In dialogue with the oak floor, the vast 20-metre-long Oak Passage fills the largest room, with hundreds of oak branches forming a narrow path through its centre. Made from the leftovers of windfallen trees, the passage acts as a reminder that the gallery floor was once a tree, and that a building is part of nature – just as we are. 

Another highlight is the floor of one large room which is entirely covered with stones left over from gravedigging – collected from over 100 graveyards in Dumfriesshire. 

With this new work, Goldsworthy explores the metaphorical correlation between the body and the earth. When a body is buried, the body takes the place of the stones, and the stones take the place of the body. 

At the other end of the sculpture court, in contrast, a room will contain 10,000 reeds suspended from a halo on the ceiling. They will appear to rain down from the sky and float above the gallery floor at the same time.

Red Flags was originally created for the main square in the Rockefeller Center in New York and installed there for a month in September 2020.

The fifty large canvas flags, individually stained with red earth collected from each of the fifty US states, refer equally to difference and similarity, a work, in the words of artist, ‘that talks of connection and not division.’

The colour red features in many of Goldsworthy’s works in the exhibition, referencing blood and the iron content which makes blood red – another connection between our bodies and the land.

Themes of access to the land and the right to roam have informed Goldsworthy’s work. Another new sculpture, which stretches up the impressive entrance stair at the RSA, is made of sheep fleeces marked with the colour codes of different farmers.

While Andy Goldsworthy is one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary art, his work is seldom seen in exhibitions. He has completed outdoor commissions all around the world, from the Arctic Circle to Tasmania, but the inclusion of his work in museum shows is rare. 

Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years is by far the largest and most ambitious indoor exhibition of his work ever attempted. Conceived by the artist specifically for the RSA building in Edinburgh, never seen before and never to be seen again, this exhibition is set to cement Goldsworthy’s position as one of the leading artists of our time.

Andy Goldsworthy, says: “The show has come at a particular time for me. I don’t think I’ve ever had an exhibition that has paralleled the work that I’m making in the landscape here in Scotland.

“That’s because the RSA is not far from where I live, so I have been able to make work in Dumfriesshire alongside visits to the RSA, which has become connected to what I am doing outside. I couldn’t have done this exhibition anywhere else.

“Actually, describing it as an exhibition seems wrong – it is a work in its own right.”

Anne Lyden, Director-General at the National Galleries of Scotland, says: “Andy Goldsworthy is a unique artist, he has such vision, and his work is extraordinarily beautiful.

“Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years is incredibly special, bringing the land indoors, and only at the National Galleries of Scotland. I’m so excited for everyone in Edinburgh to have the opportunity to visit this wonderful exhibition this summer.” 

Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years is a National Galleries Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building, opening on 26 July 2025. 

Tickets are on sale now!