Category: city centre

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George and Edinburgh College of Art unveil winning artwork in tribute to Susan Ferrier

InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel has unveiled a commissioned artwork in celebration of one of the city’s great literary figures, Susan Ferrier, on the bicentenary of her novel The Inheritance.

The initiative, in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), the University of Edinburgh has culminated in a beautiful piece that will be permanently displayed in the new Ferrier Suite at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel.““

Following a competitive selection process involving numerous talented students from ECA, Ella Williams’ standout piece entitled ‘Studies from Ferrier’s The Inheritance’ was chosen as the winning entry. The piece stood out for its creativity, depth and heartfelt homage to Susan Ferrier’s ‘The Inheritance’ and its contribution to Scottish literature, 200 years after being first published.

The work by Ella Williams, a third-year Fine Art student, features a collection of smaller narrative paintings that portray key elements and scenes from the novel, focusing on Ferrier’s critique of marriage in the novel.

Her work laid bare the realities of the marriage market or the alternative of being an unwed women in 1824, the year of its publication. 

The paintings also reference Ferrier’s connection to Edinburgh, specifically the InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel townhouse itself, where she once lived. The collected images seek to imply a narrative while remaining ambiguous to inspire curiosity amongst its audience about Ferrier’s work.

Williams’ intention was to illustrate the novel’s protagonist, Getrude St. Clair, and her journey largely through symbolism, representing the strong female character navigating the constraints of the period setting. Leaning into aspects of romantic imagery, Williams was intrigued by Ferrier’s use of the romance genre as a subversive means to comment on the position of women in society.

Williams explained: “Several of the paintings illustrate key settings within the novel, while others represent Gertrude’s journey of self-discovery in pursuit of a suitor that is her equal, symbolised by the clasping of hands and elements of romantic imagery such as roses.”

The figurative paintings are framed to exclude the faces of each subject, avoiding too literal an interpretation of the characters and allowing the viewers imagination to take precedence, deciding if Ferrier or Gertrude in the subject.

Williams continued: “I sought to nod to Ferrier’s residency in the building portraying elements of the hotel that would be recognisable to guests such as Ferrier looking out the window of the suite and a tea set that matches those available to guests.

“I’m delighted to have won this art project and can’t wait to see my piece displayed within the hotel and being enjoyed by visitors to the city.”

Jonathan Dawson, General Manager at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, said: “We are thrilled to showcase Ella Williams’ stunning piece within the hotel.

“Her work not only honours Susan Ferrier’s literary achievements but adds another piece to our already rich cultural heritage. This partnership with Edinburgh College of Art has been incredibly rewarding, and we looking forward to seeing how Ella’s work will inspire our guests.”

Susan Mowatt, Head of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, said: “Ella Williams’ artwork is a testament to the talent and creativity nurtured at our institution. We are proud to support initiatives that connect our students with the community and celebrate our city’s historical figures.”

As well as becoming part of the hotel’s heritage, Williams also received a purchase price of £3,500 for her artwork, an overnight stay in the Ferrier Suite and dinner in the hotel’s restaurant Le Petit Beefbar.

Artistic runners up from ECA include Chengyi Xu Xu and Amy Sema who each won an overnight stay and dinner in Le Petit Beefbar.

‘Studies from Ferrier’s The Inheritance’ will be displayed in InterContinental Edinburgh The George’s Club InterContinental lounge over the summer, before being put on permanent display in the hotel’s Ferrier Suite in celebration of the author’s unique connection to the hotel.

More than six thousand LEZ fines in first month of enforcement

The city council has released the first Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) figures since the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force in Edinburgh.

A LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health.

In Edinburgh, a two-year grace period was in place, meaning no penalty charges were issued during this time, with enforcement beginning on 1 June 2024.

The figures released yesterday showed 6,030 PCN fines have been issued for the month of June 2024. This is broken down as: 5,756 level 1 penalties (first contravention) and 274 level 2 penalties (second contravention). There were no penalties issued for further levels.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur said: “Whilst our objective is to ultimately see zero non-compliant vehicles enter our LEZ, I’m conscious that this is a process which will take time to fully materialise.

“I was encouraged to see the relatively low level of second contraventions in the figures alongside none for further levels. This shows clearly that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their transport habits accordingly.

“We’ve already seen that public attitudes towards LEZs are improving across Scotland, with a national poll earlier this year indicating that 60% of respondents were in favour of the zones, with just 21% opposed. This is clear evidence that people are seeing the many benefits of LEZs, and how they link in with our wider aims to make our city cleaner, greener and healthier for everyone.

“I’d also reiterate that any revenue that we generate from the LEZ will be reinvested into the running of the zone, with any surplus funds supporting the LEZ’s wider goals. 

“These ambitious goals include achieving net zero, accommodating sustainable growth, cutting congestion, and improving air quality, amongst other commitments to create a safer and more people-friendly city. Edinburgh is a city with big ideas for the future and the LEZ forms a key part of these.”

The revenue generated from LEZ fines won’t be used to repair Edinburgh’s broken roads and pavements, however.

All revenue generated from PCNs contribute towards running the LEZ. Any surplus revenue may only be used to support LEZ objectives, which are primarily to reduce harmful emissions from transport and encourage sustainable travel.

The LEZ also forms part of the city’s wider ambitions under our 2030 Climate Strategy and other initiatives such as the City Mobility Plan and the 2050 Edinburgh City Vision.

It is anticipated that the LEZ will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen dioxide from vehicles. This will improve public health. 

A map of the LEZ is available on the Council’s website.

Walking Like a Tortoise: Granton exhibition at Central Library

Walking like a Tortoise, a mixed media, walking art exhibition

Edinburgh Central Library, 7 – 9 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG. Foyer and Display Case on Main Stairs

1 August – 30 September

(10am – 8pm Monday to Wednesday; 10am – 5pm Thursday to Saturday)

‘Walking like a Tortoise’ is a range of art work based on a series of walks around Granton on the northern edge of Scotland’s capital city.

Using maps of the area from 1870 to the present day, Tamsin Grainger skirted the urban and coastal landscapes of Granton, looking into hidden corners, seeing from unlikely angles and meeting those who live and work there.

Through photography, words, video, textiles and found materials, she asks how the act of slow walking can develop a sense of belonging somewhere, and how mindful noticing of the area on foot, promotes appreciation of and connection to what is home.

Tamsin’s been walking around Granton for 14 years now, alone and with other members of the community, and has become interested in the alterations that people and the climate have wrought.

Although places transform all the time, the built-up environment and natural spaces of Granton have recently been changing at an exceptionally rapid pace and still are: the harbour is now a no-go area; streets and stations have been given new names and functions; and views have disappeared.

Slowly wandering the boundary and making artwork has stimulated a deeper understanding of local history and heritage, but how much of this will soon have vanished? Is Granton disappearing and being replaced by the Edinburgh Waterfront?

By visiting the exhibition, you are invited to consider: ‘What are the invisible boundaries which define us?’ ‘What happens if the exact edges of our living space change? Is it important to you that things stay the same or do you welcome transformation?’ ‘Do you feel part of the decision-making processes which precipitate such changes?’ and, ‘Is there a link between a sense of who you are and feeling that you belong somewhere?’

Tamsin Grainger is a walking artist who has lived in Granton for 15 years and has extensive experience in the Community Arts in Edinburgh.

She was Dance Artist in Residence for the City of Edinburgh, and is currently the Granton Waterfront Heritage Programme Development Worker.

This exhibition was first shown at the Granton:hub in 2023.

Action begins at Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Edinburgh 

YESTERDAY saw the start of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Edinburgh. Under blue skies the GB team took on the individual sprint in a race involving over 45 competitors and finishing in Princes St Gardens

Linlithgow’s Grace Molloy competed in the women’s race – results here.

Often thought of as a countryside sport, the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (www.woc2024.org), is being staged in the intricate urban terrain Edinburgh has to offer, with the capital’s iconic landmarks providing the perfect backdrop for the elite courses.

They run from 12th to 16th July 2024. 

The event is yet another opportunity for the public to watch elite sport in the capital – but this time for free.

Fans will be able to watch the world’s best orienteering athletes tackle challenging routes which weave through the city’s historical and cultural attractions while enjoying a fun day out with the family.

There are free family activities are on offer throughout the week, including orienteering mazes, fun races and all the action on live screens.

The orienteering maze and big screen featured in Princes Street Gardens yesterday (Friday 12 July), followed by fun races for kids and adults alike at The Meadows, as well as another orienteering maze, from today (Saturday 13 July) until Monday 15 July.

The five-day orienteering festival also features amateur races for all ages and levels, with competitors as young as 10 and some in their 80s. The ‘WOC Tour’ will allow competitors, from those relatively new to the sport up to experienced recreational athletes, to experience the best of urban orienteering.

The first elite races were the Individual Sprint taking place in Leith on the morning of Friday 12th July, with finals in the afternoon finishing in Princes Street Gardens.

The action continues on Sunday 14th July at Heriot Watt University with the Team Sprint Relay. On Tuesday 16th July the Knockout Sprint qualifications take place at Wester Hailes with the finals finishing on St John Street in Central Edinburgh.

Find out more about WOC 2024 and the WOC Tour.

WOC 2024 will be broadcast on Eurovision Sport (www.eurovisionsport.com), the European Broadcasting Union (IBU)’s new free streaming platform and on the IOF YouTube channel.

Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop opens in Castle Street tomorrow

Ben & Jerry’s is excited to announce the launch of its NEW SCOOP SHOP, OPENING THIS WEEKEND on Castle Street. 

From 12pm on Saturday 13th July, the doors will open to Scotland’s very first stand-alone Scoop Shop, as the values-led company spreads the joy of Ben & Jerry’s across the UK, as part of its growing portfolio of franchise stores. 

To celebrate the new store, the first 100 customers can get their hands on a free scoop in a sugar cone or cup. 

On Saturday 13th July 2024, ice cream lovers are invited to the grand opening from 12pm to enjoy a scoop of their favourite Ben & Jerry’s flavour at the brand NEW Scoop Shop on Castle Street. At less than a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station, it’s the perfect first-stop-shop for any new arrivals heading to the area.

Chris Braeger, Head of Franchising UK at Ben & Jerry’s commented: “We’re so excited to be spreading the joy of Ben & Jerry’s across the UK by bringing our scoops and swirls to our fans in Edinburgh with the opening of our first standalone store in Scotland!

“I truly believe we have the best fans in the world and I can’t wait to celebrate with them over a scoop of ice cream. The new store marks one of many set to open this year, so fans should keep their eyes peeled in case their city is next!”  

To celebrate the new store, the first 100 customers can get their hands on a free scoop in a sugar cone or cup. But visitors must be quick, as they aren’t expected to last long! 

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Alongside fan favourites and signature scoops, such as Chocolate Brownie Fudge and iconic Cookie Dough, visitors will be able to try Scoop Shop exclusives, including:

  • Vanilla – a simple but deliciously creamy classic!
  • Double Caramel Brownie – Caramel ice cream with salted caramel swirl and chocolate brownies (utterly irresistible)
  • Cherry Garcia – Cherry flavoured ice cream with cherries and dark chocolatey chunks, a real fan favourite!

Like all Ben & Jerry’s ice creams, the Scoop Shop flavours are lovingly made with Fairtrade chunks and swirls, and can be enjoyed in a cone or cup. Other signature desserts will also be available, including loaded hot fudge sundaes and extra waffle or brownie toppings for your scoop – all customisable with your choice of ice cream and sauces. 

Key details:

  • Where: 4 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DW
  • When: Open from Saturday 13th July
  • Opening times: 10am – 11pm

Worried about missing out? If you’re not near Edinburgh, then keep your eyes peeled, as Ben & Jerry’s is set to open more Scoop Shops across the UK over the next year… 

To find your nearest Scoop Shop, visit: www.benjerry.co.uk/ice-cream-near-me  

Council announces Old Town road closures July to September

Festival street access in Old Town

With the summer festivals season fast approaching, we’re making temporary changes to the way some of our streets in the Old Town operate between 15 July and 30 September 2024.

We know that residents, businesses and visitors face challenges in the Old Town during the busy summer festival period.

To make the streets easier and safer to walk around, we are putting in place temporary arrangements between 15 July and 30 September 2024.

You can find more information on roadworks and travel disruptions by following Edintravel on

There will also be short-term restrictions for other events. Information on those restrictions will be published on street and at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel as and when they are available.

If you have any questions about these closures, please email us. This mailbox will be monitored regularly during working hours and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Whilst we’re rightly proud to be welcoming performers and visitors from all over the world for our summer festivals, we need to make sure this influx is managed safely and properly.

“We’ve made temporary successful changes to streets in the Old Town during this period for a number of years and I’m sure this summer will be no different.

“I’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their understanding as we get ready to showcase Edinburgh as the world’s cultural capital once again.”

Blue Badge holders

Blue Badge holders can park at all Pay and Display, Shared Use, yellow lines (without loading prohibition) free of charge and without time limit. Blue Badge holders can also get a free residents’ parking permit if they do not already have one.

Home deliveries

If you are planning any shopping or other deliveries to your home, you should organise for them to arrive when the streets are open. Outside these times, and in some closed streets, delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from you. We would be grateful if you could make sure that your delivery drivers/companies are aware of the changes. Goods delivered by bike or on foot will not be affected.

Loading and servicing for businesses

You will need to make sure that your business waste collections are completed before the affected streets close. You may have to place your waste collection in an alternative location.

We have contacted trade waste companies to make them aware of these changes.

The changes also mean that loading and servicing must take place during the period the streets are open, generally overnight between 7pm and 10.30am.

Outside of these times, and in some closed streets, suppliers and delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from your location to make deliveries.

Please make sure that your supplier or delivery drivers are aware of the changes and the potential impacts on their delivery schedules.

Places of worship

If you need closer access for worship or ceremonies during vehicle-free hours, email us in advance to let us know what you need. Our team will work hard to try to help wherever possible.

Special arrangements

We realise there may be a few specific, one-off reasons where you may need to arrange for vehicle access – for example if you are moving into a new property and need access for a removals vehicle. In these instances, please email us in advance.

We recognise that these changes may impact on your daily activities and we are extremely grateful for your patience and support with making Edinburgh a welcoming city.

If you have any questions about these closures, please email us at:

oldtownstreets@edinburgh.gov.uk  

This mailbox will be monitored regularly during working hours, and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Best of the Best: Top award for Edinburgh tourist attraction

Top Edinburgh attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close has been revealed as the UK’s favourite tourist attraction and 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in this year’s Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best for 2024, highlighting the top attractions to visit in the UK and internationally.

The highest level of Tripadvisor’s awards, the Best of the Best winners are among the top 1% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor, with the popular Edinburgh attraction beating competition from some of the nation’s most iconic locations, such as Tower Bridge, The British Museum and Tower of London, to the top spot in the rankings, as well as Edinburgh attractions including Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Castle.

Inviting guests to venture beneath the capital’s iconic Royal Mile and discover the hidden close, which was once bustling with life, the popular tour takes visitors on a journey to uncover the city’s long-forgotten 17th-century streets and soak up the rich history of Auld Reekie.

With a variety of specially curated limited-edition tours running throughout the year, the attraction, operated by Continuum Attractions, remains a fan-favourite for locals and tourists alike, welcoming more than 250,000 visitors each year.

Commenting on the landmark achievement, Juliana Delaney, CEO of Continuum Attractions, said: “Our attraction is truly unique.

“Being able to bring the centuries-old stories of Edinburgh’s dark past to life in such an engaging and fun way is testament to our brilliant team of storytellers who capture the imagination of our guests.

“When we took on the Close some 20 years ago the predictions were for 60,000 visitors per year. Through the careful development of the site and expert storytelling we have built a reputation that has reached far and wide.

“Being named as the UK’s number one tourist destination is a real privilege but the most important thing is knowing that our guests enjoy their time with us and will want to return. Our partnership with City of Edinburgh Council has delivered them a world-class heritage attraction.”

The Real Mary King’s Close has been part of Edinburgh’s rich cultural scene for 21 years after Continuum Attractions teamed with the city council to reveal the Close’s rich history.

The Real Mary King’s Close has received more than 21,000 reviews on Tripadvisor which has helped it to land in top spot.

One recent reviewer said: “This tour is highly recommended by me! If you love history this will be an awesome way to immerse yourself in what life was like in the 1600s in Old Town.”

A second said: “A very interesting and unique visit to the Edinburgh of past times. You get to visit the old homes of people who lived there and learn their stories. Our guide Emilia was very nice and made the whole tour feel like time travel. Would totally recommend!”

Find out more about The Real Mary King’s Close and book tickets here.

St James Quarter Sessions back and bigger for 2024

St James Quarter Sessions will return this August for a second outing. Edinburgh’s free music festival will offer a diverse range of musical performances from over 80 incredible emerging artists.

St James Quarter Sessions, Edinburgh city centre’s much talked about free music festival, will be back for a second year and promises to be bigger with the addition of new venues and stages.

From Friday 16th August to Sunday 25th August, guests can get that festival feeling in the heart of the Capital – with not an inch of mud in sight!

This year’s St James Quarter Sessions will launch on August 2nd with a series of pop-up busking performances in partnership with SNACK Magazine. Running throughout August, musicians can apply for a paid performance slot with applications set to open on Friday 5th July.

After launching in 2023, St James Quarter Sessions will again take place during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, supporting some of Scotland’s unique up-and-coming musicians as well as bringing in more established performers from across the UK.

2024 also sees the addition of a rooftop stage with jaw-dropping views across Edinburgh to the castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. The free music festival will fill all floors with more than 80 acts performing across the Galleria and 5 venues within the Quarter from pop-up live acoustic sets and DJs to full band performances with a diverse mix of artists from indie rock and alt-pop to jazz fusion and hip hop.

St James Quarter has also teamed up with Forth 1’s Boogie in the Morning to find the best of local talent who will win the chance to perform on one of the stages during the festival AND a day in the W Edinburgh recording studio.

With this unique addition to the Fringe Festival offerings, guests should expect the unexpected throughout the 10 days of Sessions, with a whole host of performances from impressive music talent.

Fans can anticipate the line-up to be filled with their favourite DJs, musicians, and rising artists. The Quarter’s stores, dining, and entertainment venues will also be joining in with the festival spirit including performances in Bonnie & Wild, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, The Botanist, The Alchemist and Duck & Waffle.

Free tickets will be available on the St James Quarter app later this month, along with the full line-up announcement for St James Quarter Sessions 2024.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, said: “2024 has been a tumultuous year for the music industry, specifically festivals, many of which have sadly been cancelled due to rising costs and consumers being more cash conscious.

“The success of the first St James Quarter Sessions allowed guests to experience emerging live music talent in the city centre for free, whilst also being able to take advantage of an exciting array of food and drink offerings and amenities.

“The month-long festival all under our glass canopy in the comfort of the Galleria allowed visitors to experience memorable, intimate performances with incredible talent with our retail and leisure partners commercially benefitting from the rise in footfall too.

“The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a calendar highlight for many of our guests, and we cannot wait to be at the heart of the buzz, welcoming our guests to the second edition of St James Quarter Sessions.”

Guests can sign up for free tickets by downloading the St James Quarter App, which allows them to stay updated with events happening throughout the Quarter for Sessions and beyond.

For more information, please email: stjamesquarter@johndoehub.com  

Vue venues to celebrate school summer holidays with fantastic family favourites

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holidays in Scotland at Vue in Edinburgh – offering ample opportunity to spend quality time with the family now that the school year has finished.

Almost nine years since its enormously emotional debut warmed hearts and mini minds across the world, Inside Out 2 is now out on the big screen, inviting us back to the wonderful world of Riley’s mind and Emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. Now, as Riley reaches her teenage years, our gang meets a whole new cast of unfamiliar emotions which set them off on another marvellous adventure across the teenager’s mind.

Joining Joy and friends, this summer welcomes Gru and the Minion crew back with Despicable Me 4, which sees our former villain turned family man face off against new nemesis Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina. Expect more Minion mayhem, criminal capers and plenty of laughs when Despicable Me 4arrives at Vue on 12 July

Some recent family favourites are returning to the big screen this summer as part of Vue’s new Mighty Morning screenings which sees Garfield, IF, Kung Fu Panda 4 and Little Monsters back this summer holiday from just £2.49 when tickets are booked online.

As part of Vue’s recently announced family offering, Vue’s Big Shorts will be bringing some favourite children’s characters from television shows and web series back to the big screen, including The Gruffalo’s Child & Zog and the Flying Doctors.

These short and sweets screenings offer a relaxed big screen environment with dimmed lights and reduced sound, tailor-made for younger film fans aged one to four.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean Terminal, said: “We’ve got a great selection of new films and big screen entertainment on show, offering a perfect way to enjoy quality family time while school is out for the summer. 

‘Even better, our Vue Mighty Mornings at 10am, will continue to show the latest kids’ films from just £2.49 a ticket if purchased online and £3.49 in venue. Parents and children can come along, immerse themselves in great stories and switch off.’

Tickets are available, along with more information on Big Shorts and Mighty Mornings, at www.myvue.com/family