Category: city centre

Pupils’ cards bring festive cheer to Princes Street

A set of 12 ‘Season’s Greetings’ cards designed by Edinburgh school pupils will brighten up Princes Street, with winning designs displayed on JCDecaux digital screens from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December.

Three of the young winning artists; Eshaal Ahmed (Drummond High School), Elsie Smith (Bruntsfield Primary School) and Lilia Walas (Braidburn School), joined the City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day on Thursday to unveil their designs at a bus shelter on Princes Street.

In addition, winning card designs by Eshaal Ahmed (Drummond High School), Elsie Smith (Bruntsfield Primary School), Lily Stokes (Parsons Green Primary School), Suri Pirani Carrasco (Drummond High School) and Mark Downie (Pilrig Park School) have been selected to feature on the official festive greetings cards for the City of Edinburgh Council.

The Season’s Greetings competition is an annual event, with 2024 marking the eighth year that JCDecaux UK has offered lucky Edinburgh pupils the chance to have their designs shown on digital Out-of-Home screens on Princes Street.

Council leader Cammy Day said: “The standard of artwork in this year’s competition made it really difficult to narrow down the entries to just 12 to feature on digital screens on Princes Street.

“I want to thank the teaching staff at schools across the city who have encouraged their pupils to get involved in the competition, and congratulate the youngsters who have had their creative artworks recognised.”

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge added: “Every year I am blown away not only by the number of entries we receive to the Seasons Greetings’ competition but by the standard of creativity from children and young people across the city.

“It’s amazing for pupils and their families to see their artwork on display on Princes Street, and I know that the designs will delight shoppers this weekend.”

Mike MacLennan, New Business Development & Partnership Manager at JCDecaux UK, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this wonderful artwork competition once again, working with The City of Edinburgh Council to showcase the talent and creativity of young artists in Edinburgh.

“This annual display on digital bus shelter screens brings festive cheer to people out and about on Princes Street.”

The winning designs will be displayed on all JCDecaux digital screens on Princes Street from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December.

Festive window display pays tribute to Edinburgh charity hero

  • Local Edinburgh legend is honoured in a festive food window display on North Bridge
  • Shikha Ahuja a member of Milan Senior Welfare Organisation has been nominated by the charity for her dedication to supporting and sharing joy with Edinburgh’s elderly South Asian community
  • Supported by Pret, Shikha is being commemorated in a window display – inclusive of her story coupled with a QR code where people can donate to The Pret Foundation to make a difference to those affected by hunger, poverty, and homelessness
  • Additional windows in Liverpool, London, Birmingham and Manchester showcase the nation’s most joyous moments of 2024 – Pret is encouraging the public to visit their nearest shop and #ShareTheJoy

In a heartwarming celebration of community spirit and festive joy, Edinburgh’s very own local legend, Shikha Ahuja, is being honoured in a vibrant Christmas window display at Pret A Manger on North Bridge.

Shikha Ahuja, 54, a dedicated member of the Milan Senior Welfare Organisation, has been nominated by the charity for her enthusiastic and unwavering commitment over five years. Shikha brings joy, connection, and a dash of Bollywood magic to the elderly amongst Edinburgh’s South Asian community.

She is always looking for ways to enhance the lives of others, from organising cooking clubs and yoga sessions, through to leading a digital literacy programme for senior citizens, to help them become better connected and combat loneliness. 

As a tribute, Shikha is being commemorated in a window display that perfectly captures the festive season – complete with a garland featuring food from Pret’s Christmas menu.

Shikha says: “I’m truly humbled to be featured in this beautiful display. For me, it’s about more than just providing a service.

“It’s about spreading warmth and helping older people feel more loved and less alone, whether by reconnecting them with family on Zoom or creating spaces to socialise through community arts and crafts.

“I feel blessed by everyone I help and grow a little each day.

“To be celebrated in this festive display, surrounded by the spirit of generosity and community, is so uplifting. A huge thank you to the team at Milan Senior Welfare Organisation, The Pret Foundation and everyone who works towards making Edinburgh a more connected community.”

The Edinburgh display is part of a national celebration of joy, with additional windows in Liverpool, London, Birmingham and Manchester showcasing the most joyous moments of 2024,  Top 10 list below. Pret is encouraging everyone to visit their local shop, admire the displays and share in the festive spirit by using the hashtag #ShareTheJoy on social media.

Katherine Bagshaw, UK Food and Coffee Director, said: “At Pret, we believe that Christmas is about bringing people together, celebrating, and sharing the joy. We’re thrilled to be able to tell inspiring stories of remarkable individuals who make a real difference in their community.

“Shikha’s nomination is testament to her dedication in helping others – thanks to The Pret Foundation, we’re able to provide food, resources, and support to those affected by hunger and homelessness, not just at Christmas but year-round.”

TOP 10 – 2024 MOMENTS OF JOY

  1. England men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024 (Really? – Ed.)
  2. David Attenborough celebrates 70 years of service as a conservationist and broadcaster
  3. Jude Bellingham’s overhead goal for England against Slovakia at Euro 2024
  4. The announcement of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special
  5. Keely Hodgkinson’s 800 meters gold at the Olympics for Team GB
  6. 16-year-old Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship
  7. Andy Murray’s emotional retirement match at Wimbledon
  8. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour
  9. Announcement of Oasis reforming
  10. The Coronation Street 65th anniversary special

Castle of Light illuminates Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary with spectacular opening night

Locals and visitors from across the country helped kickstart the celebrations in the capital as Castle of Light, the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, officially opened to the public.

This year, Castle of Light is helping to mark the city’s epic 900th anniversary with a showstopping celebration suitable for all ages. Getting the party started, pupils from the local Royal Mile Primary School joined Rex the lion on the esplanade to officially ‘switch on’ this year’s event for its seven-week run.

Electrifying Edinburgh’s iconic skyline for a fifth fantastic year, Castle of Light pulled out all the stops with an immersive after-dark trail, transforming the historic castle grounds with all-new light and sound displays celebrating 900 years of history and setting the festive season ablaze.

From mythical creatures to long-lost tales, visitors reveled in the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of Scotland’s most famous figures before dancing through the ages in Crown Square.

This year, the creators are also taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the lesser-known stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women, inspired by Edinburgh author, Sara Sheridan’s book ‘Where are the Women?’.

Illuminating the Lava Wall with stories of the tenacious women that history forgot, guests came face to face with figures spanning the 12th to the 21st century, including Scottish science pioneer Mary Sommerville, explorer, naturalist and photographer Isabella Bird, and Sophia Jex-Blake, one the ‘Edinburgh Seven’, with Sara joining the team on opening night to see her writing come to life on the Castle walls.

Emma Bowie, regional visitor & community manager at Edinburgh Castle, said: “Castle of Light has truly become a jewel in Edinburgh’s bustling winter schedule, and this year’s celebration is particularly special as we mark the city’s 900th anniversary.

“This year’s event is all about bringing people together to revel in the capital’s incredible history as it comes to life on the castle walls. From uncovering the inspiring stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women to soaking in the vibrant energy in Crown Square, Castle of Light showcases the incredible depth of Scotland’s past while creating unforgettable memories for the present. It’s a spectacular way to celebrate this milestone year with family and friends this festive season.”

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light will run for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates until Saturday 4 January 2025. A special access night will also take place on Sunday 8 December.

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required. Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.

Have your say on ‘ambitious vision’ for Edinburgh’s city centre

Residents, businesses and other interested groups in the Capital are being asked to comment on a strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider ‘Waverley Valley’ to be more vibrant and welcoming.

The new vision will guide the long-term regeneration of this part of the city centre, providing a mix of shops and services for residents and visitors, attracting investment and jobs and supporting businesses within an exceptional historic and climate resilient environment. 

A 12-week consultation on the Council’s draft Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy began this week. It aligns with Edinburgh’s Net Zero 2030 ambitions, City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) and City Plan 2030.

The Princes Street and Waverley Valley draft strategy is part of our bold plans to transform the city centre. The ECCT was approved in 2019 and includes the George Street and First New Town, Meadows to George Street projects. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/citycentretransformation

As well as Princes Street the Waverley Valley area covers East and West Princes Street Gardens, Waverley Station, Waverley Market and East Market Street. 

 The draft strategy aims to:

  • Create a more accessible city centre

The masterplan for comment recommends guiding the area from the West End of Princes Street along to Waverley Station to become more accessible, with improvements such as additional ramp access to Princes Street Gardens, a footbridge over the Waverley Valley, more public spaces to enjoy, an improved crossing and pedestrian improvements to Castle Street, the Mound Precinct, and Waverley Bridge.

  • Protected green spaces

The strategy looks to integrate climate resilience and biodiversity measures to protect the existing Waverley Valley and Gardens from climate change and to plant more trees and flowers – also promoting sustainable transport options and the retrofitting of historic buildings in line with Edinburgh’s net zero aims.

  • Revitalise Princes Street

Working with developers, the strategy suggests improvements to Princes Street with temporary pop-up premises, building wraps and artwork and encourages mixed-uses for the prominent high street. Improvements to historic buildings, including the Ross Bandstand, are also suggested to create better opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the area.

  • Make improvements to Waverley Station

Shape the future of Waverley Station and the area around it. Its key position between the Old and New Towns makes the station a vital connection between the Old and New Towns. Network Rail’s Waverley Masterplan recognises the need to restore and modernise the station.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Planning Convener, said: “We have published a draft ambitious vision for the Capital’s iconic Princes Street and surrounding area which sits within our internationally renowned World Heritage Site.

“I’d encourage everyone living in or interested in our beautiful Capital city to comment on it by answering the questions we’re asking around accessibility and public space in area, the future of the Gardens and the area in and around Waverley Station.

“As we put together the draft vision we listened to views about all of these important sites for Edinburgh. And as we move forward developing it, we need to make sure we balance our city’s rich heritage with the urgent need for sustainable and accessible spaces, and with new development. This will allow us all to continue to appreciate the charm of our city centre as well as the facilities it provides.

“The area is well used by Edinburgh residents, businesses and visitors from across the world and we plan to breathe new life into it, protecting and invest in it, to make sure that this will be the case for many years to come.”

Re-igniting magical memories with nostalgia at Six by Nico

  • Running for six weeks, this latest menu provides nostalgic feelings to transport you back to a simpler time. 
  • The menu will run in both of the capital’s Six by Nico locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street from 16 December 2024 to 26 January 2025 – with bookings starting at £44 per person

Six by Nico, the dynamic dining experience in Edinburgh known for its six-week tasting menu rotation, has unveiled its latest six-course concept, transporting guests back to the good old days with déjà vu food that serves a taste of forgotten flavours with every bite.

Taking inspiration from CEO and Founder Nico Simeone’s childhood favourites and his families festive traditions, the latest concept menu is full of creative twists on old school classic flavours that will never fade.

The latest menu will run at Six by Nico’s city centre locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street, for six weeks from 16th December 2024 to 26th January 2025, using timeless tastes to help guests forget about being an adult for a while.

The menu includes the following dishes:

Snacks – Space Raiders

Crushed Baby Potato, Pickled Onion, Garlic Emulsion & Fermented Melon Hot Sauce

Course 1 – Blockbuster

Aged Comte, Hazelnut & Serrano Ham “Taco” 

Course 2 – Super Mario

Roasted Maitake, Smoked Celeriac, Cep Gnocchi, Lovage, Truffle & Sherry Cappuccino

Course 3 – “Let’s go camping!” 

Smoked Pork Sausage, Aged Belly, Red Pepper Romesco, Nasturtium & Almond 

Course 4 – Fish Fingers 

Barbecue Coley, Miso Carrot & Lobster Emulsion served with Crispy Fish Finger, Shellfish Bisque & Salted Kumquat

Course 5 – Guess Who? 

A classic game inspires our dish, but can you Guess Who?

Course 6 – “SNOWBALL FIIIGHT!!”

Coconut Parfait, Lime Gel, 55% Chocolate, Yoghurt “Snow”

Vegetarian

Snacks – Space Raiders

Crushed Baby Potato, Pickled Onion, Garlic Emulsion & Fermented Melon Hot Sauce

Course 1 – Blockbuster

Aged Comte, Hazelnut & Quince “Taco”

Course 2 – Super Mario

Roasted Maitake, Smoked Celeriac, Cep Gnocchi, Lovage, Truffle & Sherry Cappuccino

Course 3 – “Let’s go camping!”

Smoked Potato, Red Pepper Romesco, Nasturtium &  Almond

Course 4 – Fish Fingers

Barbecue Hispi Cabbage, Miso Carrot & Vadouvan served with Smoked Onion Foam & Carrot Cromesquis

Course 5 – Guess Who?

A classic game inspires our dish, but can you Guess Who?

Course 6 – “SNOWBALL FIIIGHT!!”

Coconut Parfait, Lime Gel, 55% Chocolate, Yoghurt “Snow”

For £44, guests will be able to experience the old school flavours of Nostalgia, with a matching wine pairing from £30 per person or cocktail pairing from £40 per person. Start the experience with the snack selection for only £10 per person.   

Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of the Six Company, commented: “Our final menu of 2024 and the first of 2025 pays homage to nostalgia, inviting guests on a journey through flavours that evoke personal memories.

“Inspired by reflections on my childhood, it draws on moments from an era spent watching films, playing games, or enjoying time outdoors with friends.

“While New Year often focuses on resolutions, this menu celebrates traditions and revisits the timeless magic of Christmas through familiar and comforting tastes.”

Castle of Light and Christmas at The Botanics: CANCELLED TONIGHT

Important information ❗

📆Saturday 23 November

We are sorry to advise that due to adverse weather and with the health and safety of all visitors and staff in mind, Castle of Light has been cancelled tonight, Saturday 23 November.

Your tickets can be used at your original booked timeslot on any of our remaining event dates, which can be found on our website. You do not need to get in touch, just show your tickets when you arrive for your timeslot and our castle team will be able to help.

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused but we hope to welcome you to the event at a later date✨

Due to extreme weather #ChristmasAtTheBotanics is closed today, Saturday 23 November. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.  

Today’s ticket holders will be contacted shortly by Ticketekand informed of the re-booking process.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

@TheBotanics

Operation Winter City

Officers will be deployed over the weekend to support #WinterCity.

Whilst we want to welcome everyone and ensure a good time is had by all, your safety is our primary concern.

Please be aware of the YELLOW WEATHER WARNING issued by the Met Office which will see heavy rain and snow fall across most parts of Scotland throughout Saturday 23rd November.

Please only travel if it is safe to do so and consider postponing your visit to another date. There’s still plenty of time as #WinterCity will run until Saturday 4th January 2025. 🎄

#KeepingPeopleSafe

#WeatherAware

GRAHAM’s Christmas Crane

GRAHAM has enhanced Edinburgh’s skyline with some festivity as the contractor progresses with the transformation of the historic Grade-A listed Jenners building on Princes Street.

Draped in colourful lights, the crane has become a striking feature of the city’s celebrations, towering over the city’s magical Christmas Market in the Princes Street Gardens.

For more information about the ongoing transformation of the Jenners Building, please visit: 

https://www.graham.co.uk/about-us/news/construction-work-begins-jenners

Capital’s Christmas tree lit up

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

He was joined by representatives from Edinburgh Candlemakers, the Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, marking the start of the city’s festive celebrations.

The event saw Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Counsellor Dr. Øystein Lund and Honorary Consul General Professor Julian Jones from the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, come together to switch on the lights of the stunning 18-metre-tall tree. This cherished annual tradition celebrates the strong ties between Scotland and Norway, honouring the Scottish people’s unwavering support for Norway during World War II.

Gifted by Vestland (formerly Hordaland), the tree stands as a symbol of Norway’s gratitude for Scotland’s assistance during its darkest days. The tradition of gifting the tree began in 1947, and although it has been sourced from Scotland since 2008, it remains a meaningful token of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

Edinburgh’s Christmas officially opened on Friday 15 November, and following last night’s Mound light night a number of community light switch on events will be taking place across the city.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “Edinburgh’s famous Christmas tree is a fixture on the Mound every winter and the switch on of the lights not only signals the start for the festive season it is an important reminder of our close ties with Norway and of the strength and universal values of friendship, solidarity and compassion.

“I hope Edinburgh residents and visitors alike will enjoy the opportunity to view this beautiful Christmas Tree in the heart of our city. My heartfelt thanks go to the people of Vestland for their continued generosity and friendship over so many years, as well as to our partners Field and Lawn for their support and Bernard Hunter for their kind donation of crane services.

“As Edinburgh’s Christmas gets underway, the tree’s sparkling lights bring a festive glow to the city centre and with more community light switch-on events planned across the city, Edinburgh is embracing the Christmas spirit, uniting residents and visitors alike in a celebration of joy, hope, and goodwill.”

Honorary Consul General of the Norwegian Consulate General in Edinburgh, Prof. Julian Jones said: “The Christmas Tree symbolises all that is best about what Norway and Scotland, and what Vestland and Edinburgh, have in common.

“Every year Vestland gives a Christmas tree as a gift to Edinburgh, as a ‘thank you’ for the help received from Scotland during the Second World War.

“Norway and Scotland are neighbours, and we have a common history going all the way back to the Viking times.

“There are strong ties between Edinburgh and Vestland, and our culture and our heritage bring us together in our Christmas festivities, with a splendid concert in St Giles cathedral following the lighting of the Tree, with Scottish and Norwegian musicians.

“The Christmas Tree celebrates all that we have done together in past, and all that we will do together in the future.”

Rose Street Brewery is back open and better than ever!

The Rose Street Brewery, just a short stroll from Edinburgh Castle, officially reopened this Autumn following an extensive 3-week refurbishment, giving the iconic pub an exciting new look. 

The pub has been given a facelift while keeping its traditional look and feel inside. Changes include additional seating for guests including the installation of new booths for those that want a cozy and relaxed feel, an additional TV with high seating options for guests that want to watch the upcoming Autumn Tests at Murrayfield Stadium and some much needed awnings and heaters outside to keep guests dry and warm on those Dreich Scottish days. 

Rose Street Brewery is renowned for brewing the famous beer, Auld Reekie, in the old Brewhouse upstairs (now the kitchen) from 1983-1994, with Rose Street itself being referred to as a drinking Oasis ever since.

The Rose Street Brewery is proud to be a part of these historical roots and continues to uphold this reputation today, welcoming guests from near and far to come and enjoy a drink in this historical landmark 

Guests can tuck into all the pub classics, a chicken and ham pie, classic fish and chips and prime steak burgers, as well as a delectable range of Sunday roasts to delight discerning guests. 

Along with the new food menu, guests will also be greeted with an extensive drinks’ menu, boasting a wide selection of craft beers, ciders and new to the menu – cocktails. 

Speaking about the refurbishment, General Manager Derek Meechan at Rose Street Brewery said: “Rose Street Brewery is an historic part of Rose Street, and it is fantastic that we are having a major refresh of the premises before a very busy time of the year.

“The works that are being completed will make it more efficient and also more appealing to our guests than it is now, which is a major achievement. Myself and my team can’t wait to open, and welcome back our guests into the new and improved Rose Street Brewery.” 

Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, a number of new jobs have been created for the local area, with the team now ready to pour pints and serve delicious food to guests. 

For more information about Rose Street Brewery please visit Nicholson’s Pub in Edinburgh | Rose Street Brewery (nicholsonspubs.co.uk)