POLICE are appealing for information following disorder after the football match between Hibernian and Motherwell at the weekend.
On Saturday, 5 October 2024, incidents of violence and disorder were directed towards officers in the St Andrew Square area after the conclusion of the game.
Four officers suffered minor injuries as a result and four men aged 16, 17, 18 and 22 were charged in connection with incidents of violence and disorder. They were released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.
Two other people were also arrested and later released without charge.
Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence of any kind and are working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“A proportionate policing plan was in place and officers being targeted with violence while carrying out their duties is wholly unacceptable.
“Officers acted swiftly in challenging circumstances to deal with what amounted to totally unacceptable behaviour.
“A dedicated team of officers are carrying out enquiries to identify those involved and appropriate action will be taken.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1311 of 5 October 2024.
Six people have been arrested following incidents of violence and disorder in the St Andrew’s Square area after the Hibs v Motherwell match last night (Saturday 5 October).
An investigation is under way to identify further individuals involved.
UPDATE:
Four males, aged 16, 17, 18 and 22, have been charged in connection with incidents of violence and disorder in St Andrew Square, Edinburgh after Hibs v Motherwell yesterday.
Two others were released without charge.
The males have been released to appear in court at a later date.
Police Scotland have released images of a male they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at around 5pm on Princes Street.
Officers believe the male in the images could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the male himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The male (pictured) is described as a white male, aged between 30-40 years old, slim build, brown facial hair and spoke with a Glasgow accent.
The male was wearing a white hooded top, black trousers and a black beanie hat.
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2725 of 14 May 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
First event details and tickets released for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2024 festivities
Family favourites return including Big Wheel, Santa Stories, George Street Ice Skating, Around the World Starflyer and the Family Festive Funfair
Traditional Christmas Markets return to East Princes Street Gardens
All-New Christmas Tree Maze set to transform St Andrew Square Gardens into a festive wonderland
Free family and community entertainment at Ross Bandstand throughout November & December, including Light Night Concert and 20th anniversary Santa Run
Local charities to benefit from Edinburgh Winter Festivals – Social Bite, When You Wish Upon A Star, One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland
Local resident discount returns to spread Christmas cheer across the city
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas today unwrapped the first attractions from a bumper programme of events in the capital, bringing the gift of joy and sparkle to the city’s many residents and visitors this winter.
Running from Friday 15 November 2024 to Saturday 4 January 2025, Edinburgh’s city centre will be aglow with festive wonder, as this year’s hugely varied programme of festive favourites and fresh winter wonderlands really does have something for everyone.
From the opening weekend (Fri 15 Nov), East Princes Street Gardens launches proceedings, as the Traditional Christmas Market returns, where a multitude of market stall holders offer locally made crafts from twinkly wooden cabins. Whether visitors fancy strawberries and marshmallows dipped in chocolate, mulled wine or big bratwurst sausages, the food and drink stalls placed throughout the market cater for all tastes.
For those with a head for heights, a trip on the Edinburgh’s Christmas Big Wheel or the 80M Around the World Star Flyer offer incredible views of the city. Of course, for those who prefer to be a ground level, other rides are available and a trip on the Helter-Skelter is always a favourite.
Edinburgh’s Christmas welcomes families to West Princes Street Gardens from Saturday 16 November with the Festive Family Funfair returning with favourite rides for children young and old.
The Winter Warmer Zone with its festive food and drink stalls bringing the temperature up with some delicious hot chocolate and treats. Winter Windows Walk presents beautiful artwork from school children from across the city, part of an illumined walk beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
A programme of festive fun at the Ross Bandstand throughout winter offers families even more, bringing colour and joy through the Light Night Concert (Sun 17 Nov), St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh (Sat 30 Nov), Nativity Carol Concert (Sun 1 Dec), and this year When You Wish Upon A Star celebrates 20 years of the Santa Run (Sun 8 Dec), with another spectacular fundraising event, giving kids of all ages a chance to join in the festive fun. Full programme to be announced in the coming weeks.
The following weekend sees the New Town transformed into a winter wonderland, in partnership with Essential Edinburgh. At the West End of George Street, the spectacular outdoor Ice-Rink returns, welcoming skaters to glide around the 120m rink, with spectators enjoying the action from a viewing gallery.
Moving up the street, visitors will discover a feast of festive treats, delicious food and drink, and an all-new warming area presenting live entertainment throughout winter, along with Festive Workshops, where audiences can learn new skills from Christmas Decorations & Wreath Making to Ice Carving & Mixology.
New for St Andrew Square, Edinburgh’s Christmas presents Scotland’s largest Christmas Tree Maze, inviting participants to lose themselves amongst 450 illuminated Christmas Trees, discovering festive surprises along the way.
Santa returns to the beautiful Piccolo Spiegeltent, where once again children can book a slot to hear some Christmas tales, meet the man himself and his elves in Santa’s Stories. Children can also write that all important letter to the big man and drop it straight into the Santa Post-box.
Each year Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals set out to makes lives better across the city. In 2024 the residents discount will return, offering locals over 100,000 tickets at a 20% discount for the ice-rink, Santa Stories and fairground rides, helping locals to enjoy that little bit more this Christmas.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is working with local community groups to give away thousands of tickets for fairground rides, ice-skating and Santa Stories. Donations and money raised across Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals will this year be split across local charities Social Bite, When You Wish Upon A Star, One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland.
Charity donations can be made on-line when purchasing tickets and also at fundraising points around Edinburgh’s Christmas.
Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website. For further information and to buy tickets (from noon Friday 4 October), please go to www.edinburghwinterfestivals.com
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said:“Edinburgh at Christmas is a magical experience, and it’s exciting to be announcing such a varied programme of events and attractions for 2024. We will see the return of many favourites like the Traditional Christmas Market, Santa Stories and Big Wheel, as well as a brand-new Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square!
“We want Edinburgh’s Christmas to be a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone, and this packed programme has something for families and Christmas enthusiasts of all ages.
“We are especially proud of the opportunities it affords to raise funds for local charities. The free tickets donated to charities and community groups will help spread Christmas joy across the capital. We’re also looking forward to supporting other events in communities across the city”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive and Director of Essential Edinburghsaid: “Christmas is a special time of year for everyone, it is also a really important trading period for our city centre retailers and hospitality businesses.
“We are delighted to partner with Unique Assembly to support this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas activities encouraging our residents and visitors to come into the city centre to enjoy themselves.
“With the now well-established Ice Rink on the West End of George Street joined by the new Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square Garden, we have festive fun for all ages all the way from the West End to the St James Quarter.”
Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “We are thrilled to unwrap the first exciting attractions for this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas, with a seven-week programme packed full of family favourites, plus new events and attractions to be announced.
“This year’s event promises to be one of the biggest and best ever, and we look forward to welcoming everyone when we open doors in only six short weeks!’
For the first time ever in Scotland, experience one of the finest and most significant collections of drawings and watercolours direct from Chatsworth in Derbyshire.
Exclusive to the National Galleries of Scotland, Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House will take over the lower galleries of the Royal Scottish Academy building this winter, bringing the magic and beauty of Chatsworth’s outstanding collection of drawings to the heart of Edinburgh.
From 9 November 2024, visitors will enjoy a unique opportunity to view almost 50 beautiful and rarely seen drawings by some of the most famous names in European art including Albrecht Dürer, Hans Holbein the Younger, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn and Anthony van Dyck.
Not one to miss, this will be the only chance to see Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House anywhere in the world, with all but two of the artworks on display in Scotland for the first time ever.
The exhibition will include a striking double portrait painting of Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, recently returned to Chatsworth after being stolen while on loan in 1979. Lost for over 40 years, this intricate artwork by Flemish artist Erasmus Quellinus II was remarkably tracked down by the Belgian art historian, Bert Schepers, who identified it at a European auction.
The double portrait was reinstated at Chatsworth earlier this year and will make its Scottish debut as part of Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House.
Explore the intricacy of some of the most important Flemish, Dutch, Early Netherlandish, and German drawings and watercolours from the Devonshire Collections, in a dazzling display spanning from 1500 to 1700.
Travel along the idyllic banks of the River Amstel and spot the windmills in Rembrandt’s View on the Amsteldijk at Meerhuizen, Looking Towards the Little Windmill (1648-50). Join the thrill of the chase and engage in epic moments of battle with Anthony van Dyck in works such as A Wolf and Fox Hunt (1616-17) and Horatius Cocles Defending the Tiber Bridge (1618-21).
Witness iconic biblical scenes as realised by Peter Paul Rubens in Five Groups of Figures for a Last Supper (Christ Announcing his Betrayal) (1601), Adam and Eve (1520)by Jan Gossart and the ethereal The Virgin and Child with the Infant St John (1516-18)by Albrecht Dürer, the earliest drawing on display.
Home to the Devonshire family for almost five centuries, Chatsworth is renowned for its Grade I listed house, romantic sprawling grounds and one of the most significant private art collections in Europe.
From holding Mary, Queen of Scots captive in the 16th century, to playing the fictional home of Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy, Chatsworth has been an important backdrop to some of the most significant moments throughout history and popular culture. The core of this collection was assembled by the 2nd Duke of Devonshire in the early eighteenth century.
Tico Seifert, Senior Curator of Northern European Art at the National Galleries of Scotland said: “This exciting partnership with Chatsworth presents a rare opportunity to bring a world-renowned collection of drawings to Edinburgh for the first time.
“Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House spans two hundred years of exceptional artworks by many of the best-known names in the art world, and it invites an intimate look at some of the most beautiful drawings they ever created.
“It’s a privilege that the National Galleries of Scotland becomes the first and only venue to display these timeless works of art in this specially crafted exhibition and we cannot wait to share it with our visitors.”
Alice Martin, Head of the Devonshire Collections said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the National Galleries of Scotland on this exhibition.
“We are always looking at ways to increase access to the Devonshire Collections, especially for those unable to visit Chatsworth, and share works with new audiences. We hope that people will take the opportunity to visit the Royal Scottish Academy and enjoy this wonderful collection of drawings and watercolours.”
Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House, a National Galleries of Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, is yours to discover fromfrom Saturday 9 November 2024.
Brazilian entertainment, spin-to-win prizes, and a year’s worth of premium steak up for grabs
Edinburgh residents and visitors alike can get ready to experience the flavours of Brazil right in the heart of the capital as Rio Brazilian Steakhouse launches an exciting pop-up in partnership with Edinburgh Trams.
On Friday 4 October, the St Andrews Square tram stop will transform into the ultimate party destination, as Rio takes over the platform.
The team will be offering spin-to-win prizes including free dinners for two, complimentary cocktails, and 50% off for diners who visit on the same day, ensuring the party doesn’t stop on the platform.
Commuters and tram goers can also enjoy live performances from samba dancers and vibrant Brazilian music, transporting them straight to the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
The fun continues as the restaurant is running an exciting city-wide competition for a chance to win the ultimate prize – the Rio Black Card. This exclusive card offers one lucky winner free dining at Rio Brazilian Steakhouse for a year.
To enter, participants are asked to snap a photo of the Rio-branded tram making its way through the city, share the image on social media using the hashtag #TramToRio and tag both @rioedinburgh and @edinburghtrams to be entered into the prize draw. The winner will be announced on 31st October.
The popular steak restaurant located in the city’s iconic Assembly Rooms opened in the capital earlier this year, serving unlimited cuts of exquisite meats and a salad bar of authentic Brazilian food in a traditional Rodizio style.
Rodrigo Grassi Duarte, Co-founder and Managing Director of Rio Brazilian Steakhouse said:“Since opening our doors in February, the city of Edinburgh has given us such a warm and enthusiastic welcome, and we wanted to find a way to give back to this incredible community.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Edinburgh Trams for this special pop-up event to bring the vibrant spirit of Brazil to the heart of the city with entertainment and the chance to win amazing prizes.
“This event is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to Edinburgh for embracing us and making Rio Brazilian Steakhouse a part of their dining experience.”
Gucci is expanding its presence in the UK with the opening of its first standalone boutique outside of London, in Edinburgh.
Situated in the Scottish capital’s luxury shopping destination Multrees Walk, the space spans over 367 square meters and carries a wide selection of product comprising of both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, accessories, shoes and jewellery.
The store’s interior design places Gucci’s collections at the forefront, featuring an optical marble flooring inspired by designs in historic buildings, complemented by Gucci Rosso Ancora red, acid green and yellow carpeting, which define various areas within the store.
Clean lines and understated tones are complemented by an intuitive appreciation for Made in Italy values – quality, authenticity, and a distinct sense of style – which resonate with the meticulous choices of materials and furnishings, in harmony with Sabato De Sarno’s contemporary aesthetic.
With a wide assortment of leather accessories available, the space showcases a curated selection of signature handbag lines, including the Jackie 1961, the Horsebit 1955 and the Bamboo 1947 offered in various precious leather variations.
As part of Gucci’s commitment to implement and enhance eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient technologies in the House’s stores worldwide, the new boutique is designed using LEED guidelines and principles; monitor and promote energy efficiency.
Multrees Walk has also welcomed a number of global brands this year including TAG Heuer, Michael Kors and Mappin & Webb, with Omega due to open later this year elevating the luxury retail offering in the capital.
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today announced that global smash-hit and time-travelling DJ sensation Hot Dub Time Machine returns to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for the first time in a decade to headline this year’s Night Afore Disco Party beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, marking the Australian DJ’s only UK appearance in 2024.
The Edinburgh Fringe sensation will bring his famous ‘dance through the decades’ audio-visual party to West Princes Street Gardens on Monday 30 December, joined by very special guests The Cuban Brothers and Edinburgh funk trio High Fade – sign up for pre-sale access via www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Since launching in 2011, Hot Dub Time Machine has become a global phenomenon with sell-out shows and festival appearances everywhere from T in the Park to Coachella. The self-proclaimed ‘best. party. ever’ and world’s first time-travelling DJ returns to Edinburgh with a show packed full of non-stop bangers from 1962 to 2024, making it the perfect party night out.
DJ Tom Lowndes, Hot Dub Time Machine said: “Edinburgh! I’m coming back for Hogmanay! I’ve always wanted to play on the bandstand, and to do it around Hogmanay, ON MY BIRTHDAY, is a dream come true. And this time, it’s 100% BANGERS! Can’t wait to see you guys!”
Hot Dub Time Machine will be joined on the Night Afore by legendary music and comedy act The Cuban Brothers, who have played alongside the likes of Prince, Fatboy Slim and more. Having marked their 25th anniversary in 2023, the trio are renowned worldwide for their party-starting skills, funk-fuelled music and hilarious skits and stories.
The Cuban Brothers said: “Yes international friends and beautiful Edina residents alike, it is very exciting to be performing back in the capital city for Hogmanay for the first time in a decade.
“The festive energy and good vibes are off the scale in Auld Reekie and we are bringing the full Cubano A-Team DJ Kengo San, Domenico and Big Miguelito for a show of Caledonian/Latin fun and action like never witnessed before … literally can’t wait….let’s go!!
Plus, Edinburgh’s own High Fade will kickstart the party with their inimitable brand of razor-sharp funk and disco, with their debut album set to be released 20 November, having honed their energetic live shows on a UK-wide tour.
High Fade said: “From busking on the Mound to playing the Night Afore Party in our home city means the world to us, we can’t wait to play with some of our favourites and put on the show Edinburgh deserves.”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is Hot Dub Time Machine’s only UK appearance for 2024, as DJ Tom Lowndes returns to the festival after a previous sold-out appearance at the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party in 2014.
City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said:“Hot Dub Time Machine is always the best party in town and what better way to get ready for a brand new year by dancing your way through all the hits of years gone by.
“The Night Afore Disco Party in Princes Street Gardens has been a fantastic addition to the Edinburgh Hogmanay line up in recent years, and with the addition of The Cuban Brothers and High Fade – it will certainly be one to remember. This promises to be a spectacular night of genre melting music and I’d advise getting in early for tickets to avoid disappointment.
“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a special time for the city and I’m really proud that we’re able to offer such an exciting and eclectic programme for our residents and visitors. Attracting top artists like these is testament to the pull that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay commands and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone working behind the scenes to make these celebrations possible.”
Tickets for the Night Afore Disco Party with Hot Dub Time Machine are on-sale from www.edinburghshogmanay.com from 10am, Friday 4 October priced from £30.00 plus booking fees.
Revellers who register at edinburghshogmanay.com will get early access to tickets from a pre-sale which opens at 10am, Wednesday 2 October.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay cheer will spread across Scotland’s capital for expanded celebrations catering to all ages this year, running from 29 December to New Year’s Day, following a huge win for the event at Visit Scotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards this week. 2023’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th anniversary celebrations picked up ‘Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival’ at the country’s national tourism awards, ahead of what is set to be another exceptional year at the Home of Hogmanay.
Following the Night Afore, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party on 31 December will welcome 5,000 more attendees this year, with 45,000 revellers set to ring in the New Year in the city centre, enjoying a carnival atmosphere featuring funfair rides, street theatre and delicious food and drink.
Texas and special guest Callum Beattie will entertain music fans at Concert in the Gardens as the world counts down to the event’s Midnight Moment, featuring a firework display set to be seen around the world with the magnificent Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop.
Plus, on New Year’s Day itself, the return of the First Footin’ culture trail and Sprogmanay will see the very first music gigs of 2025 in a packed programme of free music and events, set to expand to new venues outwith the city centre for the first time.
Concert in the Gardens and Street Party tickets are on sale now, with more details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay full programme set to be released in the next few weeks.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Facebook, X and Instagram.
Edinburgh Diwali returns to the Capital for it’s tenth celebration of the Indian festival of lights on Sunday 3rd November 2024. Festivities will include a colourful and multicultural parade through Edinburgh city centre, as well as performances and fireworks display in Princes Street Gardens to celebrate the spiritual victory of good over evil.
Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights and is now celebrated internationally by 1.5 billion people to ward off the darkness and welcome the light. Originally hailing from India, Diwali is marked across globe with large public events in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States of America.
Edinburgh Diwali, a registered Scottish charity, started in 2015 as an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Indian diaspora from the city, and has gone on to become Scotland’s largest public Diwali event.
In 2020, Edinburgh Diwali was recognised as one of seven ‘best places to celebrate Diwali around the world’ by The Telegraph for it’s digital celebration which lit up Edinburgh’s City Chambers with Happy Diwali messages.
The Indian celebration is one of Edinburgh’s most popular community led events, attracting around 10,000 spectators to the parade and performances in Princes Street Gardens.
Last year’s festivities included performances from Dance Ihayami, Bollyfeat, Classsical Confluence and Dance@Studio21 with a presentation of Indian, Scottish, and fusion dance; plus music from the Stockbridge and Glencorse Pipe Bands as part of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and a headline performance from Kaykay & Co, the London based British Asian fusion band led by Kaykay Chouhan.
This year’s Diwali celebration promises to be equally spectacular, with the full programme to be revealed closer to the event.
Edinburgh Diwali 2024 will take place 13:00 – 19:00 on Sunday 3rd November. The event is open to all with free entry, encouraging everyone to participate in this family-friendly festive celebration of light.
For further information about Edinburgh Diwali, visit:
Campaigners call on brand to ditch cruelly obtained reptile skins
PETA supporters holding signs reading, “Gucci: Ban Wild-Animal Skins,” crashed the grand opening of Gucci’s new Multrees Walk store yesterday to urge the luxury retailer to stop using the skins of tormented snakes and other wildlife in its collections.
Video footage of the disruption is available here.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1837058263302480044
“Every wild animal-skin accessory, from wallets and bags to belts and watch straps, comes from a terrified animal who was beaten, tortured, and skinned – sometimes while still conscious,” says PETA Vice President Mimi Bekhechi, who is from Edinburgh.
“PETA is calling on Gucci to do right by animals by shedding reptile and other ‘exotic’ skins.”
A recent PETA exposé of python farms in Thailand that supply Gucci’s owner, Kering, revealed workers pinning struggling pythons down by the neck, bashing them on the head with a hammer, punching metal hooks through their heads, and inflating their bodies with water – even as the animals continued to move.
A growing number of fashion brands have dropped wild-animal skins – including Burberry, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Victoria Beckham and Vivienne Westwood – and many more are meeting the demand for sustainable animal-friendly products by offering vegan leather options made from a wide range of innovative materials such as mushrooms, apples, corn, and cacti.
PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to wear” – opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk or follow the group on Facebook, X, TikTok, or Instagram.
