On 15th April 2016, 23 people launched a project to help protect others. We obtained the loan of a vehicle, designed a logo on the back of a napkin and used a lot of donated money from the volunteers to start the project.
We sat underneath a bridge at King Stables Road and offered a drop-in service on a converted bus, on occasions being able to walk or attend calls using our own cars.
This was done all with the aim of helping others and reducing the pressure on the emergency services.Fast forward six years, we now have a fleet of 5 vehicles, a team of 140 registered volunteers, an agreed amount of regular funding, have delivered copious amounts of training, wear a standardised 4 piece uniform and employ 1 paid member of staff.
Most importantly, we have safeguarded thousands of people from harm, eased the workload of the Scottish Ambulance Service and Edinburgh Police Division, reduced the number of people attending at A&E and have on at least 2 occasions, contributed to saving peoples lives.
The demand on our service has increased dramatically, now dealing with double figured jobs almost every night we’re operational.
We thrive in being able to relieve the workload of the Police and Ambulance Service, by providing the services we do and although he would argue otherwise, the success is primarily down to the hard work and perseverance of our charities director Neil, who was fought tirelessly to keep us going through challenging times. All of the team are extremely grateful for his contribution.
As we celebrate our 6 year anniversary weekends, we would like to say a wholehearted thank you to everyone that’s made our success and development possible, in both the past and present times.
A milestone for Edinburgh’s City Centre ‘Transformation’ has been reached as final designs for the Meadows to George Street (MGS) scheme are published.
The Meadows to George Street (MGS) project will overhaul conditions for walking, wheeling and cycling on some of Edinburgh’s busiest and most iconic streets, as well as enhancing public spaces.
Changes made along the route via Teviot Place, Forrest Road, George IV Bridge, the Mound and Hanover Street will be made in a way which respects and enriches the World Heritage Site.
Plans include segregated cycleways, wider pavements and pedestrian priority areas and have drawn on feedback received through various stages of public and stakeholder engagement since 2018.
The council aims to begin construction in early 2024 and once complete, MGS will integrate with the forthcoming George Street and First New Town (GNT) scheme at Hanover Street, which is scheduled for a construction start later in 2024.
Amongst these, the two-way cycle track at Hanover Street is changing to one-way cycle lanes on either side of the road to better tie in with the proposed George Street junction under GNT.
A bus gate is also being introduced on Market Street to reduce through-traffic in the area, while footways along the route have been widened further and a new safe cycle crossing over Princes Street tram tracks has been added.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The transformation of Edinburgh’s city centre will lead to a truly connected, people-friendly place to live, work and spend time in.
“The Meadows to George Street project is one of the first steps to achieving this, as well as supporting our net zero goals by promoting sustainable travel, so it’s really exciting to see the final designs.
“We’ve worked hard over recent years to develop proposals which balance the needs of all those who use the street while prioritising safe and accessible travel by foot, wheel or bike. These plans provide a snapshot of how the route will look and operate in the near future, as part of our broader ambitions for the city.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “Our plans for Meadows to George Street are key to creating a Capital fit for the future, where healthy, active and sustainable travel is supported, and public spaces are opened up for socialising and relaxation.
“This is one of many projects to transform the way we use our city centre and I look forward to seeing it progress in the coming years.”
The MGS project is principally funded through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme, via Transport Scotland. This links in with other major Places for Everyone projects in Edinburgh, including the GNT project and City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) which is already under construction.
Simon Strain, Head of Programme, Places for Everyone, at Sustrans said: “Sustrans have been working closely with The City of Edinburgh Council over the last few years to ensure designs for the MGS project meet the wants and needs of the people of Edinburgh. It’s great to see the final designs for the MGS project now shared.
“Once complete, the MGS project will make walking, wheeling, and cycling across Edinburgh city centre a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, connecting the Old Town to the New like never before.”
By transforming walking, wheeling and cycling through the busy heart of Edinburgh, MGS will make it easier and more attractive for people to choose travel by foot or bike as part of their everyday journeys. Improvements to the streetscape will create a safe, vibrant place for people to live in and for all to enjoy.
MGS will be central to the broader transformation of the city centre, which will reshape Edinburgh by significantly improving public spaces and prioritising movement on foot, by bike and by public transport.
It will connect to several other major schemes already underway or in development, such as CCWEL, Meadows to Union Canal and, with cleaner air and a more a more pleasant and attractive city centre to spend time in, the Low Emission Zone.
The council plans to begin the statutory processes required to carry out the proposed changes to the road layout in May.
The final designs for George Street are due later this year.
Find out more about the Meadows to George Street project and view the final designs online.
– The Top Secret Drum Corps set for return to Castle Esplanade this summer following a week of classified activity for the big announcement –
Swiss drumming sensation, The Top Secret Drum Corps, has been revealed as the first confirmed international act to take to the Castle Esplanade when The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – one of the world’s best known military spectaculars – makes its highly anticipated return this summer.
The iconic drummers will wow fans with their dynamic precision drumming showcase, which has received global recognition since first performing in the Show back in 2003.
The Top Secret Drum Corps was founded in 1991 by seven young drummers who wanted to preserve Basel’s rich drumming heritage and began mixing the traditional style of drumming with other drum types and striking visual effects.
This year’s Tattoo theme is ‘Voices’ and the Show will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5-27.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, said:“We can’t wait to make our triumphant return this year and I’m thrilled that The Top Secret Drum Corps will be front and centre when we do so.
“They are one of the most dazzling drumming acts in the world and their sensational performance will light up what’s sure to be another incredible spectacular throughout August.
“Whether you’re excited to return to the esplanade or keen to experience the Tattoo for the first time, I’d urge people across the country to get their tickets and get set to be wowed by the show.
“It was great to see the buzz on the streets of Edinburgh today as we got ready for the big reveal. Excitement is undoubtedly building ahead of summer, so I’d encourage all Tattoo fans to keep their eyes and ears peeled as there is so much more to come, and we’ll be revealing all about this year’s production very soon.”
Top Secret’s drummers play in an upbeat and playful style, with sections of their routine featuring drumstick juggling, exploding flagpoles and a drummer’s duel to wow audiences.
The year’s Tattoo performance will celebrate people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, writing, music and dance – languages common to all.
Military acts will continue to play a central role in this year’s performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service in 2022.
As well as the talents of The Top Secret Drum Corps, audiences this year will also enjoy the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo pipers and drummers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments.
The Tattoo dancers and Tattoo fiddlers also join the line-up, with international acts and further details about Voices announced in the coming months.
**Pics free to use**
Pictured: Forth Presenters Arlene, Boogie and Micky Gavin, Nick Peel (SJQ), Ed Webb (SJQ), Graham Bryce, Chief Operating Officer for Bauer Media Audio UK
St James Quarter is set to welcome Forth 1 & 2 into the new office and studio spaces on level four and five of the development, where Everyman Cinema also recently opened.
Forth 1 & 2, which are part of the Bauer Media UK Group, will also become a media partner for St James Quarter, while working in the office and studio spaces within the development.
As a result of the move, both Forth 1 and Forth 2, will broadcast live from St James Quarter from Spring 2022. The entertainment network is the No.1 UK Publisher, as well as the No.1 Digital Commercial Audio broadcaster. The media group also includes brands such as Grazia, Empire and Q, reaching 25 million consumers.
The new office and studio suites will sit alongside Everyman Cinema as well as Roomzzz Aparthotel, which is due to open later this year, adding variety to the truly mixed-use, city centre destination.
St James Quarter is set to welcome Forth 1 & 2 into the new office and studio spaces on level four and five of the development, where Everyman Cinema also recently opened.
Forth 1 & 2, which are part of the Bauer Media UK Group, will also become a media partner for St James Quarter, while working in the office and studio spaces within the development.
As a result of the move, both Forth 1 and Forth 2, will broadcast live from St James Quarter from Spring 2022. The entertainment network is the No.1 UK Publisher, as well as the No.1 Digital Commercial Audio broadcaster. The media group also includes brands such as Grazia, Empire and Q, reaching 25 million consumers.
The new office and studio suites will sit alongside Everyman Cinema as well as Roomzzz Aparthotel, which is due to open later this year, adding variety to the truly mixed-use, city centre destination.
Ed Webb, Director of Development Management at Nuveen Real Estate, said: “Part of our ambition for St James Quarter was to create a new art, culture and fashion hub that merges seamlessly with the city’s cultural offering and events calendar.
“By welcoming Bauer Media UK Group’s Radio Forth stations as our media partner, and having shows broadcast straight from St James Quarter, the development is integrating further into the cultural heart of the city.”
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We’re honoured to be welcoming Forth 1 and 2 to St James Quarter.
“Forth 1’s ‘Boogie in the Morning’ show is iconic in Edinburgh so to have it broadcast from The Quarter every day is a big deal for us. This move is testament to our commitment to provide world-class facilities that will continuously offer unique and new experiences for our guests.”
Graham Bryce, Chief Operating Officer for Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “Forth has been the leading commercial radio station for Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife for 47 years.
“In keeping with the multi-media digital environment we now operate within, we wanted to seek out a new contemporary office space and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure we can build on our market-leading position long into the future.
“We continually invest in our facilities, so I’m absolutely delighted to have found Forth 1 and 2’s new home in Scotland’s most iconic development – St. James Quarter.
“Our award-winning teams, led by Boogie in the Morning on Forth 1, are really excited to be able to broadcast live from this amazing development. We can’t wait to get moved in and to get started.”
Boogie from Forth 1’s Boogie In The Morning said:“It was going to take somewhere really special to beat our long-standing home at Forth House and our spectacular new studios and offices at St James Quarter do just that.
“We can’t wait to get settled in and begin broadcasting.”
Arlene Stuart, co-presenter on Boogie In The Morning, said: “There is no better place to broadcast than right in the heart of our beautiful city and the views of our capital and the surrounding areas from our new studios are incredible.
“I can’t wait to bring our shows from there every morning.”
Micky Gavin, Drivetime presenter on Forth 2 said: “I’m really excited about moving into St James Quarter and our shiny new studios! What a brilliant location for me to playing the Greatest Hits every single weekday.”
A game-changing mixed-use development being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate, St James Quarter completes the distinctive offer of Edinburgh with over 80 new brands, an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, W Edinburgh, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.
Complementing an unrivalled shopping offer, St James Quarter will be a premier food and drink destination. It will provide a truly diverse offer – from fast, fresh food, to family and restaurant dining, including Bonnie & Wild as the anchor for the development’s new concept food hall alongside Five Guys, and The Alchemist.
The offer will be available over a number of locations throughout St James Quarter, each with its own unique look and feel.
… paying tribute to the capital’s big screen history
To celebrate the official opening of the Everyman Edinburgh at St James Quarter, four giant picture frames have popped up around the city centre – each in a location that featured on the big screen in famous movies including, Sunshine on Leith, Avengers: Infinity War, One Day and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
The Everyman Edinburgh frames can be found on the Royal Mile, Calton Hill, The Shore and George IV Bridge, for passers-by to capture their own selfies and redeem two free tickets to Everyman Cinema, #nofilter needed.
To enter, step into the frame, share your pic and tag @StJamesQuarter and @EverymanCinema on Instagram or Facebook along with the hashtag #FramedbyEveryman.
The first 500 people to show their posted content to the box office at Everyman Cinema on level 5 at St James Quarter will receive two free tickets to a movie screening of their choice.
The frames will be in place until Saturday 2nd April.
Everyman is redefining cinema. Bringing an innovative lifestyle approach to their venues, where you swap your soft drink for a nice glass of red wine and slice of freshly made pizza served to your seat.
There are currently 36 Everyman cinemas across the UK. Created to deliver a warm and friendly atmosphere, with an excellent food and drink selection and fantastic customer service.
About St James Quarter
St James Quarter is Edinburgh’s largest development in a generation.
A new 1.7 million sq ft masterplan in urban placemaking. Comprising 850,000 sq ft of retail space, St James Quarter will complement the luxury shopping offer of neighbouring retailer Harvey Nichols, which anchors the premium shopping street of Multrees Walk.
Completing the city centre’s retail circuit, it will also be home to John Lewis, Everyman Cinema, an enticing mix of new restaurants, cafés and bars; Scotland’s first W Hotel – W Edinburgh – which includes 244 stylish guestrooms, a destination bar, outdoor terrace, signature restaurant, chef’s table, and an AWAY® Spa; luxury aparthotel brand Roomzzz, comprising 75-rooms; New Eidyn residences that will provide 152 premium apartments with exceptional amenities, by developers Native Land, nine new public squares and 1,600 car parking spaces.
Police Scotland has released images of a man they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to a serious assault that occurred at South St Andrew Street, Edinburgh around 12.50am on Friday, 27 August, 2021.
The man pictured is described as white, aged 18-25, of slim build with medium length light brown hair. He is wearing a distinctive black tracksuit top with three white vertical stripes down the centre and a large gold emblem on the back with jeans and grey trainers.
Detective Sergeant James Berry said: “I would urge the male, or anyone who has information relating to the male, depicted in the images to make contact with the police.
“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference 0187 of 27 August, 2021. Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
InterContinental Edinburgh The George is celebrating Women’s History Month by launching a new partnership with female-owned bookstore, Rare Birds Book Shop, to encourage guests to explore Scotland’s female literary greats.
The partnership will pay homage to the hotel’s impressive literary ties and its most-famous former guest, writer Susan Ferrier, with a new experience: ‘Scotland’s Inspiring Females Package’. The package offers guests, who book a stay from 8th March 2022 (IWD), the chance to add an accompanying book bundle from trailblazing Scottish female authors, hand-selected by Rare Birds Books.
Included in the ‘Scotland’s Inspiring Females Package’ is Jackie Kay, Scotland’s former Makar, with her debut novel Trumpet, a fictionalised chronicle of the life and death of transgender jazz artist Billy Tipton; quintessentially Edinburgh author, Muriel Spark and her story of a glamorous outspoken teacher, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie; as well as Susan Ferrier’s Marriage.
Susan Ferrier, who resided at the hotel when it was a collection of luxury Georgian townhouses in the 18th century, is widely referred to as Scotland’s answer to Jane Austin.
Her debut book, Marriage, was published in 1818 and tells the story of an English heiress, who elopes with a handsome Scot to live in a castle in the Highlands. Characters in the novel were based on real acquaintances she met during her time at The George, such as iconic Scottish poet Robert Burns and author Sir Walter Scott.
Books will be beautifully packaged and ready for guests in their room on arrival alongside a charming booklet with insider information on each book and its author. The package includes room, bed and breakfast and prices start from £289.
Rare Birds Book Shop, located in the heart of Stockbridge, is on a mission to champion women’s writing, by helping enthusiasts to discover great books by great women. Founded in 2017 it has built a vibrant community of booklovers around the world through its book club.
Rachel Wood, founder and owner of Rare Birds Book Shop, said: “There’s nothing we love more than helping readers discover writing by women, and what better way to help visitors discover Edinburgh’s rich literary history than by shining the spotlight on three brilliant Scottish writers, whose work has captured the imagination of readers around the world.”
Kieran Quinn, Hotel General Manager at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, said: “We are so proud of our historical ties to some of Scotland’s greatest literary experts, so it felt only right that this Women’s History Month, we launched a new offering for guests to delve back into the work of those women who once stayed and were inspired by where we now call home and learn more about more modern Scottish female authors too.”
The Ivy on the Square has launched a delectable new menu embracing the flavours of spring.
With a sense of freshness and renewal, guests will be taken on a journey of rediscovery with a selection of delights featuring ingredients that the new season brings to our tables.
Launched on the official first day of spring, diners can enjoy a series of seasonal favourites that spotlight the best of British ingredients.
The new menu will feature a number of artisanal British suppliers, with dishes including Garden Pea & Nettle Soup (£6.95), Grilled Asparagus with Szechuan mayonnaise, capers, flaked almonds, quail’s egg and watercress (£8.50), The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie with slow-braised lamb and beef, red wine sauce, and Isle of Mull Cheddar potato mash (£14.50), and a renewed selection of steaks, all truly capturing the essence of the changing seasons.
A spokesperson for Isle of Mull Cheese, said:‘We are delighted that The Ivy on the Square has chosen to include our farmhouse cheese on their menu, showcasing our island produce.
‘The sharp and deep flavours of our cheese will make this dish extra special. Our cheese has long running heritage, so it is great to see it being used by contemporary restaurants who appreciate the work that has gone into making it.’
Those with a sweet tooth will be able to enjoy a new Black Bee Honey and White Chocolate Cheesecake (£9.25), featuring UK-based Black Bee Honey and accompanied by mango sorbet, honeycomb and edible flowers.
Alongside new dishes, guests will be able to enjoy a delicious and refreshing selection of spring cocktails, including a Raspberry Mojito (£9.75), incorporating Havana Club Rum, lime, sugar, fresh mint and Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, and a Smoked Islay Rob Roy (£9.75), featuring a sumptuous blend of Chivas 12yr old Blended Scotch, Noilly Prat, Belsazar, Red Vermouth, Angostura Bitters and a Laphroaig mist.
The Ivy on the Square will also be offering a limited-edition dessert this Easter. The Easter Nest (£9.95) is a sumptuous dark and white chocolate mousse, accompanied by Kataifi pastry, chocolate sponge and lemon balm, available on Easter weekend only from Friday, 15 to Monday, 18 April.
Agata Lubera, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square, comments: “With reimagined favourites alongside a selection of new dishes, our new menu celebrates the best ingredients the spring season has to offer.
“A visit to The Ivy is the perfect reawakening of the senses after a long winter.”
Police Scotland has released images of a male and female they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to a serious assault which occurred around 11.20pm on Sunday, 12 December, 2021, on Market Street, directly underneath North Bridge.
The male in the images is described as being white, in his mid-30s, around 5ft 9in tall and of medium build with short dark hair. He is wearing a grey/blue padded jacket and a two tone blue hooded jumper, blue jeans and was carrying a plastic orange carrier bag and a cream baseball cap.
The female in the images is described as white, in her mid-30s, around 5ft 5in and of small build. She was wearing a knee length black padded jacket with the hood up and had small-framed glasses.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, from Edinburgh CID, said: “I would urge the male and female, or anyone who has information relating to the male and female, depicted in these images to make contact with the police.
“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3829 of 12 December, 2021. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
St James Quarter has extended its line-up once again as it welcomes luxury fashion brand Coach to level three.
Taking a 3,140 sq ft space on level three, the global design house of modern luxury leather goods, apparel and lifestyle accessories will sit amongst other designer brands including The Kooples, BOSS, Reiss, Aesop, Russell & Bromley, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and H Beauty and Tapestry-owned Kate Spade.
The space will feature a wide assortment of Coach merchandise for women and men including bags, small leather goods, footwear, watches, travel accessories, scarves and jewellery. Warm and inviting, the store environment reflects the sophisticated yet playful refinement of New York – the city Coach has always called home.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said:“Spring has officially sprung and to celebrate, we’re welcoming Coach to the St James Quarter family.
“This addition continues to show how we are bringing together a diverse range of retail, leisure and food & beverage brands that provide a little something for everyone to enjoy.
“The next few months are extremely exciting for us as we gear up for even more openings – watch this space!”
This letting follows St James Quarter announcing its signing of BOSS at the start of the year. The game-changing mixed-use development completes the distinctive offer of Edinburgh with over 80 new brands, an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, W Edinburgh, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, and an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.
, we would like to say a wholehearted thank you to everyone that’s made our success and development possible, in both the past and present times
.
