city centre – Page 59 – The NEN

Artwork by over 500 talented Scottish young artists is now being showcased in Scotland’s National gallery

Your Art World

FREE

National Galleries of Scotland: National

24 June 2023 – 14 April 2024

Visitors to the National can now explore the spectacular Your Art World exhibition, showcasing the artwork of creative 3–18-year-olds from Scotland. The nationwide call out has inspired over 500 incredible young artists from across the country to get involved.

The Your Art World project aims to engage with young people and encourage them to think and act more creatively. Having uploaded their creations digitally to National Galleries of Scotland’s website, the artwork is now proudly displayed on screens at the National.

The young people could be as imaginative as they liked and use any type of materials for their creations, resulting in a superb collection of artworks. The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly imaginative with no limitations.

Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.

Four community and school groups, from the Scottish Highlands to the Borders, also worked alongside the National Galleries of Scotland to create physical installations. Groups involved included Dounby Community School and Nursery, secondary schools from across the Scottish Borders and Granton Primary.

A group of children and their families from PAMIS, an organisation in Scotland working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities for a better life, are also featured.

The result is a creation of extraordinary displays ranging from environmentally inspired projects made with rubbish collected from the shores of Orkney to stunning paintings, drawings, and 3D sculptures, along with sensory led artwork by the PAMIS group.

Families and young people inspired by the creativity will also be able to get involved in making their own creations in the galleries this Summer. With a specially created ‘make and share’ area allowing them to produce and upload their own work to the website. There is also the added bonus of having their artwork added to the digital showcase on the screens.

Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Galleries of Scotland, said: “I feel so excited and proud to be showcasing the artwork of the talented young artists of Scotland.

“The response has been truly inspiring and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity. The Your Art World project is incredibly important to us at National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work.

“Art has its place in every school, home and young person’s life, whether that be encouraging people to think creatively, use it as an expressive outlet or simply for some fun, this project and exhibition celebrates that art really is for everyone.”

Dounby Community School Head Teacher, Islean Gibson, said: “Being part of such an amazing gallery exhibition has given everyone here at Dounby School such a sense of pride and motivation.

“Sharing our thoughts and ideas as part of a national project has really inspired our whole school community. The power of creation will have a lasting legacy.

“It makes me swell with pride every day seeing just how impactful creativity can be for a wee school and its community. I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone take that step into Your Art World and see where it takes you!”

The exhibition is part of a wider Your Art World project which aims to engage and encourage young people in the world of art. With online resources available for teachers and families to support children in art-based activities, the project encourages everyone to get involved no matter ability or knowledge. By providing tools and guidance, Your Art World demystifies the creative process and makes art accessible to everyone.

The exhibition is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have raised more than £5 million awarded by Postcode Culture Trust to support National Galleries of Scotland.

All submissions can be viewed via the online gallery and will also be displayed digitally at the National until 14 April 2024.

A Sip Through Time

The Real Mary Kings Close and Pickering’s Gin celebrate Gin Month

This July, The Real Mary King’s Close is celebrating Gin Month by offering a specially curated gin tour, ‘A Sip Through Time’, in partnership with Edinburgh distillers, Pickering’s Gin.

Perfect for the discerning gin lover, the historic attraction hidden beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile invites you on an exclusive experience infused with fascinating insights about how the spirit was produced, smuggled and consumed in Edinburgh throughout the centuries.

The one-hour interactive history tour will conclude with a crafted gin tasting session led by local experts, giving the perfect excuse to raise a glass and sample some luxuriously smooth gin.

With over ten years of industry knowledge, Pickering’s Gin will help to immerse guests in the rich history of Edinburgh’s gin trade, taking them on a journey to discover the origins of the spirit’s introduction to Scotland and how the gin craze took off in Edinburgh the late eighteenth century.

During ‘A Sip Through Time’, visitors will also uncover the identity of the infamous ‘Merchant Prince’ and journey back in time to explore the streets and spaces which now lie underneath the vibrant Old Town of Edinburgh.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Over the last few hundred years, the popularity of gin in the city of Edinburgh has continued to grow and become deep-rooted into the culture of this vibrant city.

“We are delighted to partner with local distillers Pickering’s Gin to share the fascinating history of the Edinburgh gin trade with a new generation of gin drinkers, all whilst enjoying a responsible tipple or two.

“At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are enthusiastic about telling stories and developing one-of-a-kind experiences that immerse our visitors into special moments in time. We are so excited to welcome guests on our special tour, ‘A Sip Through Time’ and urge those interested in all things juniper to get booking soon as places are limited.”

Rachel Thomson, Head of Marketing at Summerhall Distillery, said: “As a local Edinburgh distiller, we are thrilled to be joining The Real Mary King’s close to share our knowledge and take visitors on a journey through time to discover Edinburgh’s bustling gin trade.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming guests to the tour and letting them sample some of our finest creations, all distilled here in Edinburgh”

Starting today (Friday 7 July), gin tours will be running every weekend throughout the month.

Tours run at 5.30pm and 7.30pm (7th, 8th July). Tours run at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.15pm (14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th July).

Tickets are £45pp. Pre-booking is strongly recommended as places are very limited. Over 18’s only.

For more information and bookings please visit:

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/a-sip-through-time/

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society announces street events activity for Fringe 2023

The popular street events programme is back for 2023 across three key city centre sites

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce details of the Fringe 2023 street events programme, a popular element of the festival experience. In 2022 56% of Fringe audiences watched street events performances, with iconic street scenes shared around the world across social media.

On the Royal Mile, family-friendly performers will take to the spaces of the High Street from 11:00 every day. Professional street performers from home and abroad will delight with a mix of theatre, comedy and circus skills.

In busker pitches dotted around the area, magic, music and sideshows will engage with audiences, with over 500 buskers performing over the festival. Living statues will deliver a range of surprises to those wandering by, with young children enthralled by the vibrant costumes while often confused by the seemingly impossible positions and shapes they take!

In a tradition dating back decades, each day at 10 am a street events draw will define the performances which will take place that day. A list of those performing will then be published on edfringe.com and shared across Fringe social media channels.

Working towards making the Fringe more accessible, the Fringe Society are again working with the team at Deaf Action, and BSL interpreted street performances will take place on various days throughout the Fringe, at the stage in West Parliament Square.

On the Mound Precinct this year the Fringe Society are delighted to welcome Belhaven Brewery to the festival as a new sponsor. The Belhaven team will be running a bar within this popular space, for audiences to enjoy their award-winning beers while watching nearby performers.

A large circle pitch will be central to this space, for daily street performance across a huge range of artforms. The popular Taster Stage for Fringe acts will also return this year, with an opportunity for local community groups to perform over three days of the festival.

St James Quarter will once again be joining the street events programme this year following a successful debut in 2022. Supported by Essential Edinburgh, they will be showcasing Fringe artists by programming 33 busker performances during the festival.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: “The street events programme is a must-see for residents and visitors alike, when these iconic streets of Edinburgh are host to street artists and buskers from all over the world; whether they’ve been performing for decades or a first timer, the Fringe street events showcases a range of talents, skills and styles guaranteed to lift your day!

“Bring the family, enjoy the sights and sounds, Fill Yer Boots, and don’t forget to tip performers!”

The return of the street events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate), and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “As one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural assets, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting this year’s street events programme as it gets set to transform Edinburgh’s historic streets into a vibrant playground of creative energy and diverse imagination once again.

“The street events provide a wonderful opportunity for both visitors and locals to sample a slice of something new, whilst enabling performers to showcase their incredible talent. They are a key part of Scotland’s portfolio of events and further strengthen the country’s position as a world-leading events destination”.

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The street events programme is one of the most anticipated parts of the Festival Fringe and I am delighted to see it return for 2023.

“For a month the bustling streets of the capital are transformed by buskers and artists from around the world including family friendly performers who each bring a unique and exciting performance to all who pass by.

“The programme has something for everyone so make sure to take advantage of the array of talent on offer during the festival period”.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, St James Quarter said: “We are delighted to once again partner with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society by hosting a curated selection of buskers to support our ‘St James Quarter Live’ music programme in August.

“We know our guests love to be entertained whilst they are in the Quarter and look forward to welcoming some of Edinburgh’s best unplugged music talent to the Galleria. The Fringe is Just Around the Quarter.”

The street events will be delivered by Unique Events, who are managing the programme on behalf of the Fringe Society, for the third year.

Sounds of Scotland, America and The Caribbean to wow Tattoo crowds

Audiences at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo next month will be treated to the spectacular sounds of traditional and contemporary music from across the globe, and now they can do so for half-price thanks to new tickets on sale soon.

Organisers have revealed The United States Air Force Band will wow the crowds with a freestyle musical performance depicting America’s great songbook while The Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra feature contemporary Caribbean music from artists like Freetown Collective, DJ Private Ryan, Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous.

Lead Service the Royal Air Force Massed Military Bands, HM Royal Marines and The King’s Colour Squadron this year present popular gaming tracks from Battlefield 2, Final Fantasy VII and Dragon Age: Inquisition. The music of Scotland also features heavily with traditional tunes from the Massed Pipes & Drums.

As preparations for the spectacular return of the Tattoo continue, with just one month to go, organisers have pledged to ensure the celebrated cultural attraction can be enjoyed by all. Half -price tickets for their Preview Night go on sale from 10am Tuesday 4 July, for the performance beginning at 9:30 pm on Thursday 3 August.

Preview Night tickets offer both local and international audiences the very first chance to witness the seminal spectacle, as talented performers from across the world gather on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

The half-price Preview Night tickets have been a regular Show feature in recent years, and whilst enjoying discounted entry to the Show, Preview Night audiences can still expect to see the full line-up of international acts performing throughout August.

Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, says: “Storytelling is at the heart of this year’s Tattoo. We’re presenting an enticing array of tales, myths and legends through music, dance, sound, and light. Stories features a huge range of musical styles, genres and artists and I’m looking forward to audiences catching the magic in August.

“As an international cultural celebration, the Tattoo is a show we want everyone to experience and enjoy. Our half-price Preview Night tickets are a great way for people to be part of the excitement and are always snapped up quickly.”

Stories is a celebration of storytelling, giving a stage to performers and acts to share those stories that mean the most to them, communicated through innovative music, dance, and performance. Stories draws inspiration from the sagas, myths, and legends that people across the globe have shared with each other for centuries.

Over 800 performers from across the globe will take part in this year’s Tattoo, bringing with them extraordinary music, dance, and performance talents. There will be vivid and exciting acts from Trinidad & Tobago, The United States, Switzerland, and Norway, along with homegrown talent from the UK.

Military musicians continue to play a central role in the performance, with the RAF as the lead Service this year. Audiences can expect to hear the skirl of the Massed Pipes and Drums that echo around the Esplanade as part of Stories, supported by Tattoo Performers and musicians from UK Military Regiments.

In addition to this, the Tattoo are also launching their new membership scheme, during the week of 3 July, featuring a two-tiered approach, with Friend of the Tattoo, and Patron of the Tattoo costing – with benefits including pre-sale access to 2024 tickets and exclusive Tattoo Behind the Scenes Tours.

Preview performance tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone at 0131 225 1188 from 10am on Tuesday 4July. Prices start from £20. The Show runs from 4-26 August 2023, with Innis & Gunn once again offering a bar service at the event. Drinks pre-order is available now from edintattoodrinks.co.uk.

Coronation disruption in city centre: public urged to plan ahead

Temporary road closures will be in place this week across Edinburgh’s city centre as the city prepares to host a major ceremonial event to mark the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

On Wednesday (5 July) the King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) at a national service of thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile.

The Council is working with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to safely accommodate the large crowds of people expected to line the city’s streets in celebration of this historic occasion.

Residents and visitors are being urged to plan ahead and avoid any non-essential travel in and around the Old Town on Wednesday afternoon. People should check the Council website, which is being updated with details of road closures and other public transport information.

People can also follow the relevant transport agencies, Scottish Government and Royal Household for up-to-date event information.

Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: “The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the Capital.

“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for disruption across the city, but particularly in the Old Town. We’re working with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on the events.

“For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance.”

POLICE have announced that temporary airspace restrictions will be in place from 7am Monday 3 July until 4pm Friday 7 July in Edinburgh city centre ‘for security and your safety’.

Restrictions include drones.

You must check if it is legal to fly in your area.

For more information, visit: https://ow.ly/KP0750OXgiE

For general advice on airspace restrictions, visit: https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/airspace-and-restrictions/

For the most up-to-date information, visit:

the city council’s dedicated webpages

www.gov.scot and

www.royal.uk.

The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.

See also Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.

#RoyalWeek

Whoopy Do! King and Queen are coming to Edinburgh

Viewing opportunities for the public at city centre events

Public viewing areas will be available along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh as part of events to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on Wednesday 5 July.

Events will begin around lunchtime and will include:

a People’s Procession, involving around 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life, walking on foot from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, accompanied by a military escort and cadet force bands
the Honours of Scotland escorted from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland (the Royal Company of Archers) and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force with a military band and pipes and drums
military pipe and drums, bands, and members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment processing along the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral
a Royal Procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral, attended by The King and Queen and The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay
a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral and presentation of the Honours of Scotland to The King. The Stone of Destiny will also form part of the ceremony
a 21 Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
a flypast by the Red Arrows (in the direction of Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse)

There will be pavement space along the Royal Mile for people who wish to watch events in person. Those intending to come are advised to arrive early and prepare for changeable weather conditions.

Traffic restrictions and temporary road closures will be in place around the Royal Mile on the day of the events.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Next week Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen with a series of events to mark their Coronation. Highlights include a People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, and a Gun Salute in Edinburgh.

“Many different people, charities and organisations from across the country will be involved. I will attend the Service at St Giles’ Cathedral and I look forward to representing the people of Scotland at this historic event.

“Any members of the public who wish to get involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage, or view events in person along the Royal Mile. Space will be limited so those planning to come should arrive early and be prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”

King and Queen visit to Edinburgh July 2023: events – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Timings:

1315 People’s Procession departs Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

1330 People’s Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1340 The Honours of Scotland leave Edinburgh Castle Esplanade under military escort

1340 Military pipe and drums bands and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment move from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square

1350 The Honours of Scotland arrive at West Parliament Square by vehicle

1405 Royal Procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse

1410 Royal Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1415 National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication begins

1515 Service ends

1520 The King and Queen exit St Giles’ to Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle

1527 Royal party arrive at Palace of Holyroodhouse

1540 RAF flypast down the Royal Mile

POLICE SCOTLAND: ENGAGEMENT WITH PROTEST GROUPS

Engagement with protest groups is ongoing as part of preparations for a Coronation event being held in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July.

The event will take place during Royal Week where His Majesty King Charles III will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral, following processions on the Royal Mile.

Police Scotland has been working with a number of key planning partners including the Scottish Government, Palace of Holyroodhouse, transport agencies and City of Edinburgh Council.

Police Scotland’s supporting role is to help the organiser deliver their event safely and securely and with dignity. One part of that is considering potential protests and a proactive engagement approach.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, police lead for the event, said: “Our priority is public safety and a policing plan is in place to maintain people’s safety, ensure the safe delivery of this significant event, enable peaceful protest and minimise disruption.

“Decisions about how to police protests require us to balance complex and often competing rights and issues.

“We have a legal duty to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest. Our human rights based approach and legislation that applies in Scotland is unique amongst UK policing.

“Campaigning and demonstration is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt the event that risks public safety is not legitimate protest.

“Officers on the ground have to make dynamic assessments to quickly consider whether someone’s behaviour breaches the threshold of criminality. There are a range of factors and circumstances that affect this decision making, including considering the risk that behaviour has on the safety of those at the event, as well as any triggers that may lead to wider disruption.

“Every situation is unique. Safety is our priority, balanced against people’s rights.”

There will be road closures in Edinburgh and people should plan ahead by checking with City of Edinburgh Council and Traffic Scotland on their website and social media channels. Air restrictions for drones will also be in place.

Protest groups can contact Police Scotland by emailing OSDPLO@scotland.police.uk

More information about the event can be found on the Scottish Government’s website: Scotland marks Coronation of The King and Queen – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The Public Order Act 2023, which has recently been referred to in England and Wales, does not apply to Scotland.

Hello, Bob!

An inspirational sculpture created by school children in Orkney goes on display at the National Galleries of Scotland: National

Your Art World

FREE

National Galleries of Scotland: National

24 June 2023 – 14 April 2024

A sculpture created by school children in Orkney will arrive at its new home in the National at the National Galleries of Scotland this month. Named Bob, the inspirational artwork has been travelling across Scotland touring to schools and communities to highlight the importance of art for young people.

Bob has become a school mascot, spreading the children’s important message to protect our world from pollution.

Created by Dounby Community School the sculpture will join the Your Art World exhibition, which opens today (24 June).

The exhibition aims to engage with young people and encourage them to think creatively, supporting future generations of artists.

Digital screens will also display the artwork from over 270 incredible 3-18 year olds who uploaded their creations to the website. The young people could be as imaginative as they liked and use any type of materials for their creations, resulting in a superb and broad range of artwork.

The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly imaginative with no limitations.

Families and young people inspired by the creativity will also be able to get involved in making their own creations in the galleries this Summer.

With a specially created ‘make and share’ area allowing them to produce and upload their own work to the website. There is also the added bonus of having their artwork added to the digital showcase on the screens.

Four core groups have created spectacular physical installations for the exhibition, which will be displayed alongside the collection of digital art works.

Dounby Community school’s installation will feature, as well as creations from young people in their final year at Galashiels secondary school and Granton Primary.

A group of children and their families from PAMIS, an organisation in Scotland working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities for a better life, are also featured.

Touring to schools and communities, Bob has challenged children across the country to make and share their own creations.

Giving them the opportunity of having their own works displayed on digital screens as part of the final exhibition at the National. Bob visited Inverness, Skye, Aberdeen, West Lothian, Dundee, Fife, Stirling, Glasgow and Galashiels along the way.

Even taking a trip to Holyrood to join Orkney MSP Liam McArthur (top), where the school pupils were commended in the Scottish Parliament for their hard work.

The creation was inspired by Dounby Community School’s chosen theme of ‘protect’, with the children making a life size character named Trashy.

Made of rubbish found on the beach, the sculpture is a meaningful representation of their desire to protect the world from climate change. As a friend for Trashy they created Bob as their mascot.

Bob will soon re-join Trashy at the Your Art World exhibition, as part of the wider installation created by the 152 pupils from Dounby Community School.

Dounby Community School Head Teacher, Islean Gibson, said: “Being part of such an amazing gallery exhibition has given everyone here at Dounby School such a sense of pride and motivation.

“Sharing our thoughts and ideas as part of a national project has really inspired our whole school community. The power of creation will have a lasting legacy.

Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘I feel so excited and proud to be showcasing the art work of the talented young artists of Scotland.

“The response to challenges has been truly inspiring and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity. The Your Art World project is incredibly important to us at National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work.

This exhibition is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have raised more than £5 million awarded by Postcode Culture Trust to support National Galleries of Scotland.

All submissions can be viewed via the online gallery and will also be displayed digitally at the National until spring 2024.

Edinburgh to show support for Armed Forces Day

West Princes Street Gardens will welcome a parade of serving personnel, veterans and their supporters today as special events are held to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Celebrations in Edinburgh will start from 10.30am on Saturday 24 June as the annual parade of up of 300 – 500 serving personnel and veterans takes place along George Street and round to Castle Street. Then they will reassemble in West Princes Street Gardens where they will be welcomed by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and there will be live music until 3pm.

Highlights will include: The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Amy Hawthorn, Stuart Mclean, Maria Townsley and Angus Munro. The event will be hosted by BFBS Broadcaster Mark McKenzie.

On Monday (19 June), the Armed Forces Day flag was presented to the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron and Council Leader Cammy Day and raised above the City Chambers to honour Armed Forces personnel past, present and future.

‘Raise the Flag Day’ is when hundreds of civic and government buildings throughout the United Kingdom will fly the Armed Forces Day flag until just after the weekend.

The Armed Forces Day events in Edinburgh are open to all to show their support for the Armed Forces and veterans.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “This city has a long and proud tradition of supporting the Armed Forces and our veterans. Holding a day of celebration in their honour is just one of the ways the people of Edinburgh can show their support.

“This is the city’s way of saying thank you and allows us to show our gratitude and appreciation for the enormous sacrifices being made every day on our behalf by so many courageous men and women.”

Brian Ward at Legion Scotland, said: “Legion Scotland is proud to play a part in the Edinburgh Armed Forces Day parade to honour Armed Forces personnel and show our gratitude and support for our veterans.

“We stand together to pay tribute to so many brave members of our Armed Forces who made enormous sacrifices to help protect our freedom.”

Similar events will take place across the UK, enabling people to come out and show their support, and giving a much-valued morale boost for Armed Forces personnel and their families.

Edinburgh to celebrate Armed Forces Day with city centre parade

Military bands, veterans, and senior Armed Forces personnel will join a parade through Edinburgh’s city centre on Saturday to show support for our Armed Forces and their families.

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge will take part in the event to celebrate Armed Forces Day, organised by Legion Scotland in partnership with the city council.

The parade will commence on George Street close to St Andrews Square, led by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and Legion Scotland standard bearers, starting at 10:30 am. The route will follow George Street until reaching the saluting dias which will be outside the Assembly rooms. From there, it will make a left turn onto Castle Street and conclude.

Afterwards, the parade will move towards Princes Street Gardens West, where the Lord Provost and Air Officer Scotland Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson CB OBE ADC DL will deliver speeches.

The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland will begin the programme of entertainment, followed by Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Maria Townsley, Stuart McLean, and Angus Munro.

Formerly known as “Veterans Day”, this annual event is observed across the UK as an opportunity to pay homage to the Armed Forces community.

Dr. Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, emphasised the significance of the occasion, stating that it is a time for unity and appreciation for all those who have served, both past and present, and their families.

It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces every day, highlighting their dedication and commitment.

Dr. Armstrong said “We hope this event will be a good opportunity for veterans and serving personnel to reunite acquaintances and comradeship and will also be a fitting tribute to everyone who serves in our Armed Forces and will also recognise the continued sacrifices that our servicemen and women make today.”

She encouraged residents of Edinburgh and beyond to attend the event, show their support, and enjoy a memorable day out.

ATTENTION! Veterans can celebrate Armed Forces Day with 50% off in Morrisons Cafes

Morrisons has announced that it is offering those in the armed forces and veterans 50% off in cafés nationwide for Armed Forces Day.

On Saturday June 24^th, anyone who comes into a Morrisons café dressed in their armed forces uniform or with a valid form of ID or a medal/badge can receive 50% off all hot meals, hot drinks and cakes.

Available for one day only, this heroic deal is to thank the thousands of military personnel who have gone above and beyond for their country.

Military personnel can enjoy hot menu favourites including a Roast Beef or Half Roast Chicken Dinner for just £3.74, Fish and Chips for £3.49 or Bangers and Mash for just £2.49.

To make the deal even sweeter, those in the forces and veterans can choose from a selection of cakes such as Victoria sponge or Chocolate Fudge cake for just £1.44.

Chris Strong, Morrisons Café Buying Manager, says: “We’re honoured to be offering those currently serving in the armed forces and veterans 50% off all hot meals, hot drinks and cakes in our cafés as a thank you for all that they have done and continue to do for us all.”

Customers who scan their Morrisons More card at the till will also receive 600 points when spending £6 or more in a Morrisons café.

Morrisons Armed Forces Day deal will be available in all Morrisons cafés on Saturday June 24th and can’t be used with any other offer or promotion.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize returns to the National Galleries of Scotland

Opening 17 June 2023

Free

National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

Capturing and sharing emotional, dramatic, or everyday moments in life is the magic of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2022.

A truly global affair, the prize celebrates the very best in contemporary photography, drawing on over 4000 entries from 62 countries. Featuring work by celebrated professionals and enthusiastic amateurs alike, the images selected for the exhibition each tell their own story.

Organised by the National Portrait Gallery (London) and now in its sixteenth year of Taylor Wessing sponsorship, the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize makes a welcome return to the National Galleries of Scotland this June for the first time in seven years.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 comes to Edinburgh in style Our wonderful model was Oskar Kirk Hansen AKA Mystika Glamoor. Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

With 51 portraits from 36 artists exhibited in the Portrait’s Robert Mapplethorpe Photography Gallery, this prestigious annual competition provides a vital platform for contemporary photographers; bringing the world as we know it, or perhaps don’t know it, to a multitude of audiences.

The Portrait is the only touring venue for the prize this year, offering Edinburgh locals and international visitors alike the only opportunity to see these remarkable works on display outside London.

This free exhibition, which has been generously supported thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, will also form a key part of the Edinburgh Art Festival; the UK’s largest festival dedicated to the visual arts.

This year’s prize-winning photographs examine a range of subjects – from queerness, transness and the concept of chosen family to socially distanced glimpses into daily lockdown life and identity and existence in former Soviet states.

The variety of themes explored throughout the exhibition is matched by the high-quality, contemporary portraiture that reflects the shifting world of today. Strength in diversity, pride in identity, wonder in the everyday, this exhibition highlights a shared human connection through the broad scope of humanity itself.

Visitors can expect a personal audience with well-known cultural figures, including renowned footballer and activist Marcus Rashford and popular star of Stranger Things Finn Wolfhard, along with discovering captivating moments in the more familiar of life’s pursuits. From the aspirational to the relatable, the finalists capture our rapidly changing world through their own individual lens.

The winner of the 2022 prize is Clémentine Schneidermann for the series Laundry Day.

The socially distanced portraits of the series were taken during times of quarantine, self-isolation, and national lockdowns. In the words of the artist, they ‘document micro events which deal with the passage of time through the small moments of our daily lives’.

Schneidermann’s portraits are close, but not too close, evoking the memory of socially distanced living, striving to seek pleasure in the mundane and monotonous and capturing small glimmers of light where possible; wholly relatable after enduring the collective experience of a global pandemic.

Interim Co-Director Collection & Research, National Galleries of Scotland, Anne Lyden said: “This is the first time since 2016 that the Portrait has hosted the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize.

“It forms a central part of our summer exhibition programme, showcasing world class photography and documenting impactful moments and individuals. The prize provides a crucial platform to celebrate, question, and highlight cultural identity in many forms.

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s finalists, we are delighted to bring their work to the people of Scotland.”

Shane Gleghorn, Managing Partner at Taylor Wessing said: “Works and artists featured in the 2022 Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize were exceptional. We are delighted to see the prize returning to the National Galleries of Scotland, enabling this impressive collection of photographs to be viewed by the people of Scotland and its visitors.

“The prize has enabled artists across the world to use their talent and creativity to raise awareness in respect of a number of key issues and that makes for a powerful exhibition.”

Director of the National Portrait Gallery, London, Dr Nicholas Cullinan said: “The entries to 2022’s Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize demonstrate the outstanding level at which photographers around the world are approaching the art of portraiture.

“The selected submissions are a remarkable collection of images that reflect the competition’s international reach and demonstrate an extraordinary variety of themes and styles within the parameters of photographic portraiture.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting the National Galleries of Scotland as they celebrate the finest examples of contemporary photography.

“Players across Britain have raised over £1.1 billion for thousands of charities and local good causes, and are one of the biggest supporters of arts, culture, and heritage initiatives. We hope visitors make new discoveries and find this experience inspiring.”

The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 opened to the public on Saturday 17 June until Sunday 10 September at the Portrait.