city centre – Page 52 – The NEN

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: Road and street closures start today

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay takes place from 29 December to 1 January.

To allow events to take place, the city council will have temporary restrictions across the city centre. The closures will start today (Wednesday 27 December) and end on Tuesday 2 January.

The restrictions will affect:

parking
waiting
loading
unloading
pedestrian access.

Please note that these planned closures and restrictions may be subject to change.

Road closures

From 8am on Wednesday 27 December to 5pm on Tuesday 2 January

Castle Street from Princes Street to Rose Street will be closed.

From 7pm on Saturday 30 December to 10am on Monday 1 January

Frederick Street from Princes Street to Rose Street
Princes Street from South Charlotte Street to The Mound and Hanover Street to South Saint David Street
Waverley Bridge

From 5pm on Sunday 31 December to 6am on Monday 1 January

Bank Street
Castle Street from Rose Street to George Street
George IV Bridge – the northbound side of the road from Chambers Street to Royal Mile
Hanover Street from Princes Street to George Street
Meuse Lane
Mound
Mound Place
North Bank Street
Princes Street from the Mound to Hanover Street and South Saint David Street to North Bridge
Ramsay Gardens
Ramsay Lane
Register Place
South Saint Andrew Street
South Saint David Street
Saint Giles Street from North Bank Street to the safety barrier
West Register Street Lane
West Register Street

From 7pm on Sunday 31 December to 3am on Monday 1 January

Hope Street Lane
Lothian Road southbound from Princes Street to Castle Terrace and northbound from the West Approach Road to Princes Street
Shandwick Place from Stafford Street to Princes Street
South Charlotte Street

From 7pm on Sunday 31 December to 6am on Monday 1 January

Cockburn Street
Frederick Street from Rose Street to junction of Hill Street and Thistle Street
George Street from Frederick Street to Hanover Street
Market Street – 30 metres east along from Waverley Bridge
North Castle Street from George Street to junction of Young Street and Hill Street
Rose Street
Rose Street North Lane
Rose Street South Lane

Streets closed to pedestrians

From 7pm on Sunday 31 December to 10am on Monday 1 January

Castle Street from Princes Street to George Street
Frederick Street from Princes Street to George Street
Hanover Street from Princes Street to George Street
Market Street from Waverley Bridge to the Mound
Mound
Mound Place
North Bank Street
Princes Street from South Charlotte Street to North Bridge
Ramsay Gardens
Ramsay Lane
Mound precinct – pedestrian area beside the National Galleries.

First Footin’ line-up confirmed

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY ANNOUNCES FULL FIRST FOOTIN’ LINE-UP

OVER 30 ARTISTS WILL TAKE TO CITY VENUES ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has revealed the full line-up for First Footin’, a free programme of live music gigs throughout the capital on New Year’s Day with over 30 artists taking to 15 venues across the city throughout the Old and New Town.

The cultural music trail features artists including Lau, Bemz, Hot Chip, Kathryn Joseph, Fergus McCreadie, Becky Sikasa, Cloth and many more.

First Footin’ invites audiences to explore Edinburgh, discovering an eclectic range of music from rap to classical, electronic to jazz, indie to folk and a foot stomping ceilidh band, embracing Hogmanay traditions and welcoming in the New Year with free gigs in St. Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Hall and Eve at Virgin Hotel, Assembly Rooms, Cold Town House, Fruitmarket Gallery and more.

With performances taking place from 2pm on 1 January, locals can check out some of Scotland’s most beloved artists as well as some of the biggest rising stars from across the country.

Live music taking place in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town includes: Black Bull: Tom Oakes & Friends, Cold Town House: Alas De Liona, Cammy Barnes, Fiza, Man of Moon, Fruitmarket Warehouse: Sean Shibe & Mira Benjamin, Greyfriars Kirk: Fergus McCreadie Trio, Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer, St Giles Cathedral: Lau and special guest Kathryn Joseph, Greyfriars Hall at Virgin Hotel : DJ Rawzi, Hayley Zalassi, Hot Chip, Eve at Virgin Hotel: Her Picture, Viv Latifa, Keir Gibson, Grace & the Flat Boys.

Whilst in the New Town, performances will take place across: Assembly Rooms – Music Hall: Scottish Album of the Year Award Showcase: No Windows, Becky Sikasa, Bemz, Cloth, Assembly Rooms – Ballroom: The Hannah Fisher Ceilidh Band, Auld Hundred: Cera Impala & Guests, Boozy Cow: Cyrano & Guests, Copper Blossom: Picture the Scene, Element: William Douglas & Friends, The Huxley: Nicole Cassandra Smit, Philip Joseph Rae, Anna Leyden, Scottish Café: Hydroponics, Spiegeltent at St Andrew Square: Silent Film with a live Score with Graeme Stephen Trio

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, created and produced by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, has collaborated with award-winning musician and composer Aidan O’Rourke of Lau to curate the First Footin’ programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund and supported by Essential Edinburgh and Cold Town Beer.

A full First Footin’ timetable and event map allowing audiences to plan their New Year’s Day experience is available from www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Vue Edinburgh Omni unveils luxury recliners following recent refurb

Film lovers in Edinburgh are now able to experience the latest upgrades in big screen entertainment as Vue Edinburgh Omni completes its major refurbishment project, installing luxury recliner seating in all 12 screens onsite.

Set within the Edinburgh Omni Shopping Centre in the heart of the Scottish capital, the eagerly awaited transformation includes 976 luxury leather recliner seats – all of which come complete with a fold away table and cup holder.

Customers can escape to luxury while enjoying the latest blockbuster releases this December, including Wonka and Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom in 4k quality and Digital Dolby surround site.

To mark the launch of Wonka, the cinema chain has also launched a limited-edition Bubblegum Tango Ice Blast flavour, as well as installing an exclusive Wonka themed backdrop – perfect for capturing a sweet selfie with family and friends during a visit to Vue Edinburgh Omni.

The recent completion of Edinburgh Omni means both Vue sites, including Vue Edinburgh Ocean, are now fully installed with luxury recliner seatings – providing premium comfort for film fans to get lost in the big screen entertainment.

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We are thrilled to unveil our brand new luxury recliner seating across all 12 screens on site – the transformation will allow film fans to enjoy a fantastic trip to the big screen in the best seats possible.

“Our customers can expect to enjoy the very best in big screen entertainment including the latest blockbusters, classic titles and the best in live music, sport and theatre, all from the comfort of our signature recliner seating.”

Tickets are available now, with every film, every day available from £7.99 when booked online. More information and tickets are available at:

https://www.myvue.com

Budding young artists celebrated at Edinburgh’s Christmas

The artworks of twenty-four young budding artists were celebrated at Edinburgh’s Christmas this week as children from fifteen local schools received recognition for their festive Winter Window designs.

The Winter Windows are on display at Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival of Kindness in St Andrew Square and along the top walkway of West Princes Street Gardens.

Pupils from schools across Edinburgh and Midlothian were invited to submit their festive frescos and wintery works of art through their schools, from which twenty-four were selected to be displayed at Edinburgh’s Christmas and featured on the event’s social channels.

Designs featured a myriad of Christmas accoutrements, including elves and angels, Christmas trees and snowmen, as well as city landscapes of Edinburgh Castle, and one particularly jolly owl!

The winning artists and their family were invited to a prizegiving on Wednesday 13 December where they received a certificate of congratulations from Carol Tuzun of City of Edinburgh Council, and were invited for an afternoon of fun at Edinburgh’s Christmas including unlimited rides at the Festive Family Funfair.

The full list of winning artists (arranged by school) are:

Fola Olaniyi	Nursery	Canal View Primary School
Fareedah Alagbe	Nursery	Canal View Primary School
Louisa Lu	S3	Castlebrae Community Campus
Christina Zaloni-Noulas	P5	Dean Park Primary School
Aria Enwood	P3	Granton Primary School
Noemi Obara	P3	Granton Primary School
Ruby Bremner	P4	Granton Primary School
Leena Bahemia	P4	Liberton Primary School
Zuzanna Kasperczuk	P6	Liberton Primary School
Olivia Fuentes Granadero	P1	Parsons Green Primary School
Alasdair Robertson	P2	Preston Street Primary School
Aiden Dunleavey	P5	Royal High Primary School
Natalia Rafa	P5	St David’s RC Primary School
Zofia Berdys	P5	St David’s RC Primary School
Diddy Aravantinou	P6	St John’s Primary School
Michael Williams	P6	St John’s Primary School
Cassie Griffith	P3	St Mark’s Primary School
Finlay McDonald	P3	St Mary’s RC Primary School
Annabelle Greene	P3	St Mary’s RC Primary School
Ruan Byrne	P4	St Ninian’s RC Primary School
Hannah Capes	P4	St Ninian’s RC Primary School
Emily Fortune	P5	Wardie Primary School
Esme Martin	P5	Wardie Primary School
Braxton Williams	S1	Wester Hailes High School

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “A huge congratulations to all Winter Windows winners. It’s wonderful to see young budding artists recognised for their festive displays which will bring joy to so many over the next few weeks!”

The Winter Windows will be displayed at Edinburgh’s Christmas until Saturday 6 January 2024 and can be viewed at St Andrew Square and along the top walkway of West Princes Street Gardens.

For further information and tickets to Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions please visit www.edinburgh-christmas.com.

Vandalism in St Andrew Square: Police release CCTV images

Officers in Edinburgh have released images of a man they would like to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident that involved vandalism within St Andrew Square.

The incident happened at about 4.50pm last Saturday (9 December, 2023).

The man in the images is described as white and aged between 20 – 30 years old with short brown hair. He was wearing a flat cap, knee-length coat, blue jeans and carrying a backpack.

Anyone who can help in identifying and tracing the man should report this to Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2618 of 9 December, 2023.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

30 Drummers Drumming!

ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO ANNOUNCES FIRST ACT FOR 2024

Not content with the traditional festive 12 drummers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is upping the stakes with 30 drummers set to perform as part of Majesticks Drum Corps next year
The announcement follows an incredible 2023 Show run, with a host of performers dazzling the capital throughout last August

Swiss drumming group, Majesticks Drum Corps, has been announced as the first act set to wow crowds when The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns to the Castle Esplanade in 2024.

The dynamic drumline will bring its precision drill routine to the capital and serve as a showcase of the extraordinary skills of around 30 drummers, entertaining audiences with incredible timing, showmanship, and a touch of humour.

Formed in 2011, the Swiss drumming sensation has wowed crowds across the world, including in France, Germany and Malta but will make its Tattoo debut at next year’s Journeys performance.

Majesticks aim to offer visually attractive and innovative presentations in their performances, using a mix of special effects and original staging which ensures a spectacular and memorable performance for Tattoo fans.

Next year’s routine is expected to be a vibrant offering which treads the line between modernity and tradition. The music and all aspects of the display are composed by members of the group, who will be using a selection of snare drums, bass drums and cymbals.

The first act announcement follows a triumphant Show run throughout August for the Tattoo and almost a quarter of a million guests set to enjoy a celebration of the art of journeys at next year’s performance.

Tickets are already on sale, in time to make the perfect Christmas gift that offers a unique experience that will provide memories for years to come.

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The bar’s set incredibly high when it comes to acts for the Tattoo so it’s imperative that we work with those that are of the highest standard.

“That’s something that can certainly be said for the Majesticks Drum Corps, who I can’t wait to see as part of Journeys next year.

“Known for their incredible precision drill, they’re sure to set the Esplanade alight, delighting audiences with unbelievable displays of skill and smooth transitions as the group swap drumsticks and change drums in a mesmerising display.

“I’d encourage people to snap up their tickets quickly and keep an eye out for the next acts to be announced as I can assure you, you don’t want to miss out.”

This year, the Show saw 56 Tattoo dancers and 240 Pipers and Drummers take to the Castle Esplanade to tell their story, with 168 dance shoes worn – three pairs per dancer – and 340 drumsticks banged against 170 drums.

Ludovic Frochaux, Artistic Director of Majesticks Drum Corps, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing our electric and dynamic performance to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2024 and look forward to performing for audiences on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

“Audiences should pay close attention to the way our performers display precision in their marching and drumming skills and keep their ears open to appreciate all that our performance has to offer.”

The 2024 Show, Journeys, will transport audiences on an international cultural journey, bringing together the voices and stories that connect the worldwide cultures of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. With the Royal Navy taking on the role of lead service, the Show will be a journey through time, celebrating the tides of change.

Journeys will continue to share the tales of performers and acts from around the globe, developing the theme through visual storytelling and taking audiences on a journey of imagination, wonder and amazement.

To purchase tickets for next summer’s Show, please visit edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.

Bank Boardroom set for Homeless Christmas Dinner

Royal Bank of Scotland is joining forces with Social Bite to host a Christmas dinner for people who’ve experienced homelessness. The bank will be opening the boardroom at St Andrew’s Square in Edinburgh and welcoming those Social Bite and the bank have supported this year.

It is part of the bank’s long-term support for the work Social Bite is doing to end homelessness. Since 2016, Royal Bank has supported Social Bite through donations, gifts-in-kind, and strategic help totalling over £1million.

Royal Bank employees have raised more than £100,000 through sponsored sleepouts, abseils and Christmas appeals.

Taking place on 19 December 2023, those attending include residents and staff from Social Bite’s Village in Edinburgh, run in partnership with Cyrenians to provide a supported community which helps people affected by homelessness to lead an independent life. Social Bite plans to open two new Villages in South Lanarkshire and Dundee over the next two years.

This Christmas, the bank is also supporting Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness which will provide meals, gifts and essentials for people who are homeless at Christmas and throughout the winter, alongside homes and jobs.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “We are so grateful for Royal Bank’s support.

“They have played a key part in a number of transformational projects helping people break the cycle of homelessness, and it is really special that they have created this Christmas experience for the residents of the Village.”

Judith Cruickshank, Chair of the Royal Bank of Scotland Board, said: “Building on our long-term support for Social Bite we are helping to make Christmas a little more enjoyable for some of the most vulnerable.”

Laings further cements TAG Heuer relationship with announcement of new showroom to open in Edinburgh

Family-owned luxury jewellers, Laings, has announced plans to open a second TAG Heuer boutique in Scotland, which will be situated in the prime luxury retail location of Multrees Walk in Edinburgh.

The new store, opening in Spring 2024, follows the successful launch of Scotland’s first mono-brand TAG boutique, which opened on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street in September.

The new store further solidifies Laings continued commitment to a bricks and mortar presence and its strive to create the very best, personal customer experiences.

The new showroom, which will span more than 100 m², will create several new jobs for the local area, across various roles including managerial positions and client advisors.

Stuart McDowell, managing director of Laings said: “The proposed opening of a second store marks the latest milestone in the exciting evolution of our relationship with TAG Heuer and demonstrates the luxury brand’s commitment to fully establishing its presence in Scotland.

“With a wealth of collections on display, we are looking forward to welcoming clients into our Edinburgh showroom next year. Whether it be their first venture into luxury Swiss watches or extending a growing passion for TAG Heuer, our clients will be offered a truly exceptional immersive experience.”

Rob Diver, managing director of TAG Heuer UK and Ireland said: “Following the opening of our first boutique in Glasgow this year with Laings, we look forward to further strengthening our new and valued partnership with the esteemed jeweller, and extending the TAG Heuer offering to clients in the Scottish capital, where we are confident TAG Heuer will receive an equally warm reception among the clients.”

The showroom will include an interactive display area showcasing cutting-edge technology, as well as a luxurious lounge, allowing clients to shop in comfort as well as style – along with the usual level of privacy and confidentiality, which has become synonymous with Laings.

The opening of the Edinburgh boutique is part of Laings’ wider multi-million pound investment to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches.

For more information about Laings, visit www.LaingsUK.com.

Major artwork Unknown Man secured for the people of Scotland

Ken Currie’s Unknown Man, a portrait of the preeminent forensic anthropologist, Professor Dame Sue Black, has been acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland.

This arresting portrait has been on long loan to the gallery since 2021 but has now been secured for the nation permanently. This acquisition ensures the continued enjoyment of this poignant work, currently available to view for free at the Portrait gallery.

Unknown Man depicts one of the most distinguished, internationally famous contemporary Scots, Professor Black. Currie’s large-scale painting shows her in surgical robes standing behind the covered remains of a body. 

The idea for the portrait grew when Currie and Professor Black met during a BBC Radio 4 discussion on the relationship between art and anatomy.

Currie later visited the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee, where Professor Black was Director. The artist was so moved by the work he encountered there that he asked her to sit for a portrait.

The title Unknown Man was given by Currie and relates to the essential aim of a forensic anthropologist – to identify remains and restore the identity of the deceased – while also referencing the covered body depicted in the painting.

Currie bestows Professor Black with the qualities of impassivity and sternness in his portrait. She stands, stock still and full-face, arms spread equally, holding the trolley before her. Professor Black wears dull blue scrubs and before her, under the dark green shroud, is stretched the most minimal or rudimentary indication of the corpse – which could be said to be the attribute of her profession.

Artist Ken Currie (born 1960) is renowned for his unsettling portrayal of the human figure, often large-scale, dramatic canvasses of startling originality.

His work prompts powerful responses as he deals with difficult, profound themes through figurative paintings which are carefully considered and painstakingly executed.

Currie’s subjects often emerge from darkness, suggesting fearful dramas which are all the more disturbing because so much is suggested but not explicitly articulated.

Currie also has another much-loved work in the national collection, Three Oncologists. This 2002 painting depicts three professors who were leading innovators in cancer research at the University of Dundee and its affiliated teaching hospital, Ninewells.

It shows the three, emerging from the darkness as modern-day heroes, battling on our behalf on the front line between life and death. Currie regards Unknown Man as being connected to Three Oncologists, and a progression from this work.

With both works currently on display in The Modern Portrait exhibition, visitors have a special opportunity to experience both in the same space. Unknown Man gives rise to strong feelings and emotions. Professor Black had a visibly emotional reaction when she saw the painting for the first time in 2021.

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland said: “We are delighted to have acquired this powerful and moving work which has already generated a lot of interest and comment from our visitors.

“The Portrait gallery provides the perfect setting for this outstanding painting which now has a permanent home alongside other images of pioneers in the fields of science, sport and the arts.”

Professor Sue Black, said: “It was such a wonderful experience to work with Ken and I am so grateful that the portrait has been so well received even if it is a bit scary!

“I feel honoured that this has been acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland and secured for the nation permanently. It all feels more than a little surreal.”

Ken Currie, said: “I am delighted that Unknown Man has been acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland and will continue to hang in the Portrait gallery where it will hopefully inspire a new generation of young women to follow in the illustrious footsteps of Sue Black.”

Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund, said: “I’m so pleased that Art Fund has been able to support the National Galleries of Scotland to acquire this important painting.

“I am sure that it will continue to delight and inspire visitors to the Portrait gallery for many years to come.”