LOCAL CARE HOME APPRECIATES THE WORKS OF JMW TURNER
Residents of Strachan House care home in Blackhall, were mesmerised by the wonderful works of Joseph Mallord William Turner as they attended the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at The National Galleries of Scotland.
In the last month The National Galleries of Scotland commemorated the 250th birthday of the outstanding British artist JMW Turner. Residents of Strachan House Care Home were able to appreciate 30 of Turners watercolours that have come over from Dublin.
Interestingly, these works are only to be exhibited to the public in the month of January each year, this is due to the preservation of the collection.
General Manager, Frances Fisher, said: “Lots of our residents appreciate art and were thrilled to see the collection.
“We have had a wonderful day hearing the history of JMW Turner and admiring his works. I’m thrilled that so many of our residents got to witness the wonderful watercolours on Display at The National Galleries in Edinburgh.”
Katherine, a resident said: “I had a wonderful day admiring Turner’s watercolours. I am very fond of his works, it was so lovely to get to see them and visit the Gallery again.”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential, Dementia and nursing care, for short and long-term stays.
On Saturday 15 February, Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder, will be sharing all she has learnt about the power of creativity at her talk The Benefit of Books at the Fruitmarket Gallery’s annualArtists’ Bookmarket.
The talk is free to attend, tickets can be booked HERE.
Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder said: “I’m excited to attend the Artists’ Bookmarket – it’s the social highlight of my year – a fantastic event to see inspiring work, familiar faces and new innovations is the artist’ book world- reconnecting with my tribe!
“After twenty-seven years of using the book as a creative medium, this talk distils what why and how books are so great.
“I’m passionate about sharing the art of bookbinding with others and hope to inspire them to create something, in whatever form, that brings relaxation and mindfulness.”
Based between Edinburgh and the Hebridean Isle of Iona, Rachel has explored and taught this ancient craft of bookbinding all over the world, and her talk will explore the physical, mental, practical and emotional impact practising the artform can have. Whether as a meditative process or a means of self-expression she will share how bookbinding nurtures well-being and personal growth and can be a key tool in pursuit of mindfulness.
Rachel’s approach to bookbinding puts a modern spin on the artform, and at the workshops she hosts across the world – from Shetland to Venice – she encourages participants to take inspiration and materials from their unique surroundings and incorporate them in their work.
Whether that’s driftwood for the cover, or maps for the pages, nothing is off the table when it comes to making it a part of your bound story.
Rachel’s fine craftmanship has made her a sought-after figure in the world of bookbinding, artistry, and wellness and she has featured in publications including Condé Nast Traveller, the Financial Times, Selvedge and The Simple Things.
In 2024 she published a book of photos of her daily swims, taken on Iona during lockdown. Today’s Changing Room featured in The Scotsman among others. All the proceeds go to the mental health charity BlueTonic.
As teacher, author and traveller, books, words and the power of imagination have always been central to Rachel’s life and the day she was taught how to make her first book; she knew she’d be a bookbinder for the rest of her life. Hear a bit about her story and how and she believes that everyone has a book inside them.
What: Rachel Hazell: ‘The Benefit of Books’ at Artists’ Bookmarket 2025
Today, 05 February,the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society receives the keys to the new home for the Fringe.
The former Southbridge Community Resource Centre on Infirmary Street will be a permanent home for the Fringe and Fringe Society, enhancing year-round artist services delivery, maximising accessibility for all, and reducing the Fringe Society’s carbon footprint.
The new home will secure the long-term sustainability of the Fringe Society and their services and operations, as well as provide the opportunity for a publicly accessible space for artists and the Fringe community (including long-term Infirmary Street resident youth group Canongate Youth), and much needed space in the city dedicated to supporting the performing arts.
This new home has been made possible through generous capital funding from the UK Government and additional funds through grants from the Foyle Foundation and SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund.
In the 2023 UK Spring Budget, the Chancellor announced £7 million of capital funding for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to develop its new home. The Fringe Society are incredibly grateful to them for recognising the opportunity that this exciting project offers and that it will be transformational for the year-round support services for artists from across the UK and overseas.
In addition to developing the new home, this funding will aid the Fringe Society in delivering the Keep it Fringe fund and investment in digital architecture which is essential to its services to artists, media, arts industry and audiences.
The Fringe Society are also delighted to today announce a major legacy gift of £1 million from the Foyle Foundation to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, and £250,000 from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund – a £5m pot set up to support community groups and organisations with their low carbon ambitions.
The project will focus on the renovation and restoration of a Grade B listed former schoolhouse (1885) in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Plans include preserving the building’s rich history while modernising it to maximise accessibility and sustainability.
This includes the installation of a lift and a Changing Places toilet; energy efficiency upgrades such as heritage-appropriate windows, improved insulation, and the replacement of gas heating with air source heating pumps which will significantly improve the building’s environmental sustainability.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “This is an exciting moment which has taken nearly two years of planning and discussion to get to this point.
“The conversion of South Bridge Resource Centre into a year-round Fringe home will allow local cultural and community organisations and Fringe artists the opportunity to utilise this space as well as being a new space for the Fringe Society team.
“It will allow a permanent home for our August community hub, known as Fringe Central, which artists, arts industry, media and international delegates access each summer for events, networking and industry gatherings.
“This is a significant moment for the Fringe in ensuring a permanent home for the festival. Our grateful thanks the UK Government, the Foyle Foundation and SP Energy Networks for recognising our vision and supporting us in bringing it to life.’
Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is one of the UK’s finest cultural festivals, attracting audiences and performers from all over the world every August.
“But the Fringe is not just for August. This new permanent home means that the Fringe Society can have a secure and meaningful presence in the city all year round, to support artists and provide the local community with access to arts spaces.”
David Hall, CEO of The Foyle Foundation, said: “The Foyle Foundation was seeking a Scottish project of strategic importance and long-term transformational benefit to support.
“The new Fringe home answers perfectly and is our legacy project for Scotland. It provides a permanent base, stability and excellent new facilities for the Fringe Society, as well as a year-round additional resource for Scottish performers and artists. The Foundation is delighted to partner with the Fringe to enable this project to happen.”
Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re proud to support the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as they take their first steps in this exciting new venture.
“With our help, the team are creating a space where the local community can experience all of the cultural benefits of the city’s arts festival, year-round – using low carbon technology to reduce the site’s emissions by as much as 80%.
“Our Transmission Net Zero Fund was launched to support community groups and organisations across central and southern Scotland who are making bold strides towards their own net zero ambitions.
“It’s brilliant to see Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society reach this milestone and we’re excited to watch the project come to life.”
The fundraising for this project is a continuous effort and updates will be provided as the project progresses.
It’s the Year of the Snake and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter has its exciting line up of celebrations taking place this weekend.
Today, Saturday 1st February, St James Quarter will play host to a range of Lunar New Year-themed activities including a traditional Lion Dance procession, which will make its way through the Galleria in an eye-catching and colourful display.
Performed by the talented team at Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Edinburgh, the Lion Dance is commonly performed during Lunar New Year to bring good luck and guests will be able to enjoy two performances throughout the day at 12pm and 1pm.
St James Quarter will also be taking part in the traditional act of gift giving that is associated with Lunar New Year.
Between 12pm – 4pm on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February, lucky shoppers will have the chance to get their hands on a limited number of red envelopes including gift cards – symbolising good wishes and luck for the year ahead.
These will be handed out by the Guest Services team on Level 1 and can be redeemed at retailers within The Quarter.
Brands including New Balance and Coach, will be showcasing Chinese New Year inspired limited-edition items.
If you’re looking to celebrate by indulging in traditional Asian cuisine, Thai Express Kitchen will be red envelop give-aways of complimentary appetisers and discount vouchers until the 5th February, while Gordon Ramsay Street Burger will feature the Lunar Burger served with Koffmann’s fries for £18 until the end of January.
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh is the multicultural hub for Scotland, and Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to experience the different cultures and traditions that we have here in the city.
“We hope that as many of our guests as possible will get involved in the Lunar New Year celebrations at St James Quarter on Saturday and we look forward to welcoming guests to The Quarter to celebrate the Year of the Snake with us”.
To celebrate its proud partnership with Scottish Rugby, Scottish Gas is providing several pubs across Edinburgh and its surrounding areas with half price electricity, during the Guinness Men’s Six Nations tournament.
Scottish Gas will be rewarding seven of its business customer pubs including The Old Chain Pier in Newhaven and The Magnum on Albany Street in the city centre, with half-price electricity between 12pm and 6pm during Scotland’s three home fixtures at Murrayfield Stadium on:
Saturday 1st February: Scotland vs Italy
Sunday 9th February: Scotland vs Ireland
Saturday 8th March: Scotland vs Wales
The offer is part of Scottish Gas’ long term commitment to helping the rugby community in Scotland to cut energy bills and reduce its carbon footprint.
Over 130 rugby clubs across the country are poised to benefit from the partnership through a £2million Club & Community Net Zero Fund to help give clubs a lift with energy bills and reduce energy consumption by over 50 per cent.
Scottish Gas will also be offering rugby fans the chance of winning tickets to the Scotland vs Wales game on Saturday 8th March.
Matt Wood, director at Scottish Gas Business Energy, said: “We are committed to supporting our business customers, especially pubs and those in the hospitality industry, to better manage their energy consumption and identify ways to save money on their bills.
“As the Six Nations fever takes a hold of fans across the country, what better way to celebrate the sport by providing half-price electricity as they cheer for Scotland throughout the Six Nations.”
The pubs have been specially selected by Scottish Gas due to their proximity to the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium and ability to provide the energy supplier with real-time insights about their energy consumption.
Mercat Tours has launched its 40th-anniversary celebrations with a transformative programme designed to inspire the next generation of local storytellers and tourism professionals. “A Day in Edinburgh”, the inaugural event in a packed year-long calendar of birthday events, took place on Wednesday [29 January], with Mercat Tours and seven partners welcoming 90 second-year pupils from Holy Rood High School.
The event was attended by the Minister for Business Richard Lochhead MSP, who joined the pupils to explore Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the career opportunities within its thriving tourism sector.
The initiative highlighted the collaborative efforts of eight award-winning partners, including Mercat Tours, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura, Rabbie’s Small Group Tours, Dovecot Studios, and Holyrood Distillery.
Launched in 2016 as the brainchild of Managing Director Kat Brogan, “A Day in Edinburgh” has grown into a powerful initiative, providing over 685 pupils and 120 staff with memorable, confidence-building experiences.
Working alongside leading tourism institutions, the programme connects young people to Edinburgh’s stories, while giving pupils the opportunity to meet passionate industry professionals, who share insights into their careers, demonstrating how tourism can offer a dynamic, fulfilling career path.
Survey results show 95% of students leave the programme with a stronger connection to their city and a greater appreciation for its vibrant history and cultural offerings.
Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours, said:“As we celebrate 40 years of giving Edinburgh’s history ‘a damn good telling,’ it’s fitting to kick-off our anniversary year by investing in the future.
“‘A Day in Edinburgh’ is more than an educational day out—it’s about igniting pride, ambition, and curiosity in young people while showcasing the vibrant, rewarding and diverse careers available in tourism. This initiative embodies what Mercat Tours stands for: connecting people to their past while inspiring their future.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “We know that careers in tourism are fulfilling and integral to communities across Scotland. Which is why I find this programme, which seeks to inspire future generations to consider a career in this vibrant sector, admirable and valuable.
“Of course, we want there to be even more jobs for tomorrow’s generation. That’s why the Scottish Government is committed to helping the tourism sector to grow, allocating an additional £2 million to VisitScotland in our draft Scottish Budget to continue attracting visitors which supports the economy.”
Joan Daly, Head Teacher at Holy Rood High School, said: “This initiative provides an opportunity for our pupils to enjoy the rich cultural experiences our city has to offer with no cost barriers to consider.
“This provides a real sense of equity for accessing school excursions, making them accessible for all.”
James Campbell, Acting Depute, Holy Rood High School,added: “Not only will it provide an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful cultural sites our city has, but we feel it will go some way in raising their aspirations and developing the skills and confidence to become engaged in society as the new young workforce of the future.”
One participating pupil from Holy Rood High School expressed a newfound aspiration to “be an architect who restructures old buildings like the Georgian House or write about animals for the zoo.”
Another noted the valuable skills they learned: “You have to be friendly, good at socialising, patient, and energetic – a people person, know languages and be polite.”
“A Day in Edinburgh” sets the stage for Mercat Tours’ broader anniversary programme which will feature a packed series of initiatives, events, and a few surprises throughout 2025, with a warm invitation to all to join the celebrations.
The local family business has designed a programme to honour its legacy while thanking the local community, Edinburgh’s tourism industry and its visitors from around the globe for their support over the last four decades. Further details will be revealed soon.
As the UK’s first and only Certified B Corporation™ visitor attraction and a Living Hours Employer, Mercat Tours exemplifies the ethos that “good business does good.”
Passionate advocates that history should be accessible to everyone, visitors and locals alike, programmes like A Day in Edinburgh, demonstrate Mercat’s investment in its community, ensuring Edinburgh’s stories endure while inspiring young people to help shape the city’s future to benefit all, equally.
To find out more about Mercat Tours planned 40th celebrations and “A Day in Edinburgh” programme visit: www.mercattours.com
Nelson Monument, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, is set to temporarily close for the final phase of essential refurbishment works and the reinstallation of its historic Timeball and mast.
The refurbishment will include inspection and restoration to the monument’s external walls and windows, the installation of some new internal lighting, as well as the reinstallation of the Timeball mechanism to full working order.
Museum items have been safely secured in preparation for the closure. Visitors will be unable to access the monument from Monday 27 January 2025, with the scheduled reopening expected in July 2025.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We are excited to embark on this next stage of the important refurbishment of the Nelson Monument, ensuring that both the iconic structure and its fascinating history continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
“The restoration and reinstallation of the Timeball and the enhancements to the monument will provide visitors with an even richer experience, connecting them to the legacy of Charles Piazzi Smyth and the monumental role this site has played in both Edinburgh’s heritage and the history of navigation.”
The Nelson Monument, designed by architect Robert Burn in the shape of an upturned telescope, has stood proudly on Calton Hill for over 200 years.
The monument’s Timeball, added in 1853 by Charles Piazzi Smyth, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, was once crucial for ships navigating the Firth of Forth and Port of Leith, helping them to adjust their clocks for accurate navigation.
The Timeball was raised daily before 1pm and lowered at precisely 1pm, with the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle providing an audible signal.
As well as the Timeball, the Nelson Monument offers one of the finest panoramic views of Edinburgh, with views stretching across the city to the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and Fife.
Visitors can also explore the current exhibition inside the monument, which highlights the life and achievements of Charles Piazzi Smyth, a pioneering figure in astronomy, photography, and Egyptology. His innovative work at Calton Hill contributed significantly to global astronomical practices.
It also forms part of the wonderful visitor experience available at Calton Hill which is home to several neoclassical structures, including the National Monument, the City Observatory and the Dugald Stewart Monument.
The Monument will re-open in July 2025. This year marks 220 years since Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar in 1805.
This February half term, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past with three captivating experiences. From the chilling tales of true crime to groundbreaking medical advancements, there’s something for history buffs and curious families alike.
Beneath the iconic Royal Mile lies a hidden world teeming with history, and the True Crimetour offers a glimpse into the city’s darker side. This adults-only experience delves into the Old Town’s grim tales of crime and punishment.
Visitors will explore the reign of James VI, the witch trials, and the shocking realities of addiction, eviction, and lawlessness in centuries past. Led by a dedicated “True Crimes” guide, the tour even reveals a fascinating connection between Mary King’s Close and the character who inspired The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Meanwhile, the Medical History tour takes guests on a journey through 17th-century medicine. Visitors can enjoy learning about the city’s last plague outbreak, the unusual diagnostic methods of local apothecaries like Dr Arnott, and Edinburgh’s legacy as a hub for medical innovation.
Guests will hear the inspiring stories of trailblazers like the Edinburgh Seven, who fought for women’s right to practice medicine, and Dr James Barry, the military surgeon who performed the British Empire’s first successful caesarean section.
For those seeking a hands-on adventure, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation offers families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in historical medicine. After a guided tour of the Close, participants will use all their senses, including taste, to diagnose ailments using 17th-century techniques. Guests will also create their own herbal remedy using authentic recipes.
Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re excited to welcome visitors this February to experience the real stories of our former residents and their remarkable contributions to history. Whether you’re uncovering the city’s criminal past, delving into medical breakthroughs, or stepping into the role of a 17th-century doctor, there’s something for everyone to discover.”
Recently crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction and ranked 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in the 2024 TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best, The Real Mary King’s Close continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh invites fans to their VIP Big Game Event on Sunday, 9th February 2025, to mark this year’s Super Bowl in style.
Held in the VIP Back Room, the event will feature two Big Game screens, with festivities kicking off at 9:00 PM and running late into the night (alcohol served until 3:00 AM).
Tickets include a carefully curated game-day experience:
Four beers
One Big Game Eat and one side
Half-time Jumbo Soft Pretzel with beer cheese and mustard sauce
A Hard Rock Cafe goody bag
The Big Game menu offers classic favourites such as Classic Nachos, Signature Wings, and Loaded Tater Tots, paired with sides like Twister Mac & Cheese and Cheese & Smoked Bacon Fries.
This special event provides the ultimate setting for sports enthusiasts to enjoy the Super Bowl in a vibrant atmosphere with great food, drinks, and entertainment.
Tickets are available to book on Opentable for both general admission and the VIP event.
