Sonder, a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience through technology and design, has expanded its managed serviced apartment operation at Sonder Royal Garden Apartments in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.
Located opposite the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, the next-generation hospitality company has increased its previous 30 serviced apartments at the property to 41 units.
With the addition of these 11 new apartments, there are now 18 two-bedroom apartments, 15 one-bedroom apartments and 8 studios in total.
The apartments are thoughtfully designed, and come with simple contactless check-in and 24/7 on-the-ground support available via the Sonder app. They also offer access to the splendid Queen Street Gardens. These private gardens are located next to the building and are only open to neighbouring residents.
The property offers accommodation with in-unit kitchen and laundry facilities, ideal for extended stays, whether for business or leisure.
Sonder distinguishes itself in the hospitality industry through modern design and by infusing technology into its guest experience.
This tech-enabled experience puts guests in full control of their stay. They can access everything they need – from booking, to interacting with guest services, to check-out – via their own mobile device from anywhere and at any time, using the Sonder app.
The high quality of accommodation being offered has seen Royal Garden Apartments rated in the top 20 by TripAdvisor for Edinburgh.
Launched in 2014, Sonder operates in over 40 cities globally, including those located across North America, as well as London, Dublin, Rome and Dubai among others in EMEA.
Giulio Leporatti, Area General Manager for UK & Ireland at Sonder commented: “We’re excited to expand our Royal Garden Apartments property in Edinburgh, increasing our presence in the heart of this wonderful city.
“The rise of hybrid and remote working, as well as travellers combining business and leisure into a single trip, means that a new cohort of travellers are demanding flexible accommodation which provides space to work and relax.
“Our Royal Garden Apartments meet this need perfectly, while also appealing to families. Millennial and Gen Z guests in particular appreciate our ‘Instagrammable’ design and frictionless app-enabled service.”
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash in Nicolson Street involving a pedestrian and a bus.
The incident happened around 8pm last night (Wednesday, 11 January, 2023).
Emergency services attended and the pedestrian, a 51-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his conditions is described as critical. No one else was injured.
The road was closed for crash investigation work to be carried out and re-opened around 4am this morning (Thursday, 12 January, 2023).
Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened and we are asking anyone who can assist to get in touch.
“If you were in the area at the time and saw what happened or were driving and have dash-cam footage that could help with our enquiries then please make contact.”
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3101 of Wednesday, 11 December, 2023.
TURNER IN JANUARY 1 January – 31 January 2023, open daily 10am – 5pm Royal Scottish Academy The Mound, Edinburgh. EH2 2EL 0131 624 6200 | nationalgalleries.org Admission free
Opening on New Year’s Day 2023, the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) is pleased to welcome back visitors to their yearly tradition:Turner in January.
Scotland’s famous collection of Joseph Mallord William Turner watercolours was left to the nation by the great art collector Henry Vaughan in 1900. Since then, following Vaughan’s strict guidelines, they have only ever been displayed during the month of January, when natural light levels are at their lowest. Because of this, these watercolours still possess a freshness and an intensity of colour, almost 200 years since they were originally created.
Turner in January, the annual exhibition of these watercolours in Edinburgh, is a keenly awaited tradition for many people in Scotland. The 38 watercolours include dramatic landscapes from the Himalayas, the Swiss Alps, and the Isle of Skye, grand visions of Venice, and captivating seascapes. They will take you on a journey through Britain, Europe and beyond, and guide you through the life and career of this iconic artist.
Turner was the most famous British artist of the 19th century. In a career spanning over 50 years, he experimented constantly with technique and colour and created landscapes that still astonish today.
Turner developed new ways of painting in watercolour and revolutionised ideas of what could be achieved in the medium. Through a combination of exceptional talent and incredible hard work, Turner was able to capture in paint the sublime beauty of the natural world.
Taking over two large, spacious rooms within the Royal Scottish Academy, Turner in January contains all 38 watercolours from Henry Vaughan’s gift to the nation, plus the exciting addition of the mesmerising Bell Rock Lighthouse (1819).
In 2023, NGS is delighted that this much-loved annual exhibition is made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Charlotte Topsfield, Senior Curator of European & Scottish Art at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘As we enter the New Year, Turner’s watercolours bring light to the dark days of January.
“The brilliantly preserved Vaughan Turners, and their accompanying tradition, hold a special place in the hearts of our visitors. We look forward to welcoming you back’.
Enjoy a trail of FREE entertainment in Edinburgh venues on New Year’s Day, embracing Hogmanay traditions of friendship, food & drink, and live music.
Explore the city, discovering (and rediscovering) some of Edinburgh’s incredible venues, landmark attractions and independent pubs alongside a feast of Scottish artists including Callum Beattie, Swim School and many more!
Christmas cards designed by Edinburgh school pupils will brighten up Princes Street this festive season by being displayed on all digital bus shelter screens.
Pupils from across the city entered the competition to design the cards for the Education and Children’s Services of the City of Edinburgh Council and the Lord Provost.
In total 11 designs will be shown on the screens, with three of them – chosen by Education Convener Councillor Joan Griffiths, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Executive Director Amanda Hatton as their official Christmas cards – unveiled at a special event.
The winning designs were created by Lucas Virdee (Victoria Primary School), Aastha Arya (Tynecastle High School) and Flora Goater (Echline Primary School).
The Christmas card competition is an annual event but hasn’t taken place since 2019 due to the pandemic. This is now the sixth year that JCDecaux UK has offered lucky pupils the chance to have their designs shown on digital screens in Princes Street.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m sure all the pupils and their families will be really excited to see their designs on public display and everyone who took part in the contest deserves special mention.
“Our young people are showing real creativity and artistic talent with these cards and the Winter Windows display in Princes Street Gardens.
“It’s great to see the cards promoted on the digital bus shelters as it will definitely bring festive cheer to shoppers!”
Cllr Griffiths said: “This is my first year for choosing winners and it was really difficult due to the high quality of entries. I really want to thank JCDecaux for continuing to support this festive project after an enforced gap of two years as there’s no doubt the young people love taking part.
“Huge congratulations to Luca, Aastha and Flora whose designs will also feature on our Christmas cards.
Carolyn Howieson, Partnership Manager at JCDecaux UK, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, bringing these beautiful Season Greetings designs by local children to digital screens in Princes Street, showcasing the talented young artists in the city.”
The designs will be displayed on all the bus shelters in Princes Street.
Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in the city centre. The incident happened around 4.15pm on Saturday, 3 December, on Mound Place.
A 44-year-old man was on his KTM motorbike travelling on Mound Place towards Princes Street stopped in traffic next to a stationary Lothian Bus when he was knocked off by a man.
The suspect tried to take the motorbike but an unknown member of the public came to the aid of the motorcyclist. The suspect then made off with three other males who had come from the direction of the galleries on the Mound.
The motorcyclist was not injured. Officers are keen to trace the suspects, the member of the public who helped at the scene, and anyone either on the bus or passing by who may have seen what happened.
The first suspect, who attempted to steal the motorbike, is described as aged around 16 to 20, around 5ft 9ins and of slim build. He was wearing a black and grey Nike hoodie, dark grey joggers, black Nike trainers and a black balaclava.
The second suspect is also described as aged 16 to 20, around 5ft 7ins, and of slim build. He was wearing similar clothes to the first suspect with white trainers and a balaclava.
The third suspect is described as around 10-years-old, around 5ft and of slim build with blonde, mousey brown hair. He was wearing a light grey track suit.
The fourth suspect is described as 16 to 20-years-old, around 5ft 9ins and stockier than the others. He was wearing a red and blue puffer style jacket, light grey joggers and no socks.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Fortunately no one was injured but this was a dangerous and foolhardy act in busy traffic in an area at a time of day when a lot of people were around.
“We are keen to trace the member of the public who helped the motorcyclist as they are likely to have vital information that could assist with our investigation.
“We are asking anyone in the area at the time which was busy with people shopping, travelling and going to the Christmas market to get in touch if they saw what happened or saw the suspects before or after the incident.
“Likewise, anyone who was on the stationary bus who can help is also asked to contact us.”
Anyone who can help should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2424 of Saturday, 3 December, 2022, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
– St Andrew’s Day celebrated with launch of partnership between iconic Scottish brands Johnnie Walker Princes Street x Harris Tweed Hebrides
– First whisky finished in special casks in one of the world’s smallest warehouse in city centre cellar goes on exclusive sale at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house,Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Marking the first ‘Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective’ – a series that brings together the world’s leading Scotch whisky with Scotland’s best creative forces to create unique and collectable whiskies – the Johnnie Walker x Harris Tweed collaboration features a beautifully designed bottle of the Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Princes Street Blend, accompanied by a bespoke Harris Tweed carry bag.
The whisky represents a world first, having been matured over the past year in hand-selected American oak casks in the Whisky Makers Cellar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. The cellar, holding just 26casks, is unique amongst bonded warehouse in Scotland, tucked beneath one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets.
30th November 2022, Edinburgh – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…30/112022
Issued on behalf of Diageo.
Copyright: Mike Wilkinson.
Credit: Mike Wilkinson.
07768 393673
mike@mike-wilkinson.com
www.mike-wilkinson.com
Launching the new whisky, Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Scotland Brand Homes at Diageosaid: “Our collaboration with Harris Tweed has been an exciting way to celebrate the first experimental bottling finished here in our cellar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
“The partnership brings together two iconic Scottish brands, and the resulting collection embodies our shared heritage and passion for blending – whether that’s liquid, or thread. We’re sure it’ll provide festive gift inspiration for whisky and style lovers alike.”
George Harper, Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist who created the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective bottling, added: “This particular blend was experimental in many ways, and it was exciting to use a completely different type of ‘warehouse’ for the final year of maturation.
“The unique finishing process has further enhanced the flavours of the liquid and we are really pleased with the end result, and I am sure consumers will love it too.”
Mark Hogarth, Creative Director, Harris Tweed Hebrides: “We have been hugely excited about this project with Johnnie Walker and feel a lot of synergy between our two brands.
“While Johnnie Walker carefully blends liquids to create flavour, so do we at Harris Tweed, expertly weaving different shades of wool to produce colour and pattern.
“This particular plaid brings Edinburgh and Harris together, all wrapped up in luxury, craftsmanship and time; elements that are also reflected in the exquisite liquid that George and his team have created.”
The unusual maturation conditions of the cellar, which is warmer than traditional warehouses, enhanced the impact of the wood, pulling in all the oaky flavours, leading to a rich and creamy oak nose, a palate of honeysuckle and red berry flavours and a long and fruity finish with warming wood smoke.
30th November 2022, Edinburgh – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Photo shows George Harper, Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist who created the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective bottling (L),
Mark Hogarth, Creative Director, Harris Tweed Hebrides (R) and Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender (centre).
Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…30/112022
Issued on behalf of Diageo.
Copyright: Mike Wilkinson.
Credit: Mike Wilkinson.
07768 393673
mike@mike-wilkinson.com
www.mike-wilkinson.com
In designing the bespoke plaid for the collaboration, the Harris Tweed Hebrides team drew inspiration from their home in the Outer Hebrides, and the home of Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh to create a vibrant blend of the two Scottish locations.
The bag has been created in partnership with BeYonder, a charity specialising in ethical manufacturing. As part of the project, BeYonder engaged textile students from Glasgow City College to help manufacture the bags.
Those who’d like a chance to try the whisky before they buy should book themselves on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Whisky Makers Cellar experience or 1820 bar for a chance to enjoy it in a highball, cocktail, or dram.
The Johnnie Walker x Harris Tweed Hebrides collection will be available to purchase from 1st December exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh.
Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Princes Street Blend + Harris Tweed carry bag (£169)
– Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a must-visit this season, featuring taste and tour experiences, festive cocktails and more –
As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, thoughts are turning to festive celebrations and getaways. Edinburgh has everything to offer for the season, renowned for its Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations, and for those celebrating in Scotland’s capital this year, there’s no better place to start than Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Lighting up the heart of Edinburgh’s West End with a new festive projection, guests can find something for everyone across Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s eight floors. Including immersive tours, rooftop bars and a state-of-the-art retail store, the venue has welcomed over 345,000 guests since opening and recently achieved VisitScotland’s coveted ‘Five Star Attraction’ accreditation.
Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Tours & experiences: Enjoy the immersive 90-minute Journey of Flavour tour (£28), where personal flavour preferences are mapped with drinks tailored to each individual’s palate, with non-alcoholic options available. Or consider some of the wider whisky experiences such as the Whisky Maker’s Cellar or the Johnnie Walker History Adventure. A brand new ‘Drams & Brews’ whisky and coffee pairing experience will also be available throughout the season, featuring locally sourced cold brew coffee matched with exciting whiskies from across Scotland.
Festive Projection: All through December Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s building façade will be transformed via a stunning animated festive projection. Once the sun sets, guests and passersby can marvel at the scene featuring giant presents, an advent calendar, whisky highballs and plenty more besides.
Food & drink: Visit the 1820 Bar, offering everything from crafted cocktails with a festive twist to your favourite dram matched with locally-sourced dishes – best enjoyed with epic views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s busiest street. Or, explore over 150 special bottles and one of a kind cask editions in the Explorers’ Bothy Bar – perfect for those looking to expand their palette and try new flavours.
Christmas shopping: As the largest Johnnie Walker retail store in the world, Johnnie Walker Princes Street stocks an unrivalled collection of both blended and single malt whiskies to suit all taste and budgets, as well as all the glassware and kit required to create the perfect serve at home. The ultimate destination to shop for dram lovers, the selection varies from personalised engraved bottles, to gift sets and exclusive blends.
Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “Edinburgh’s reputation as a magical place during the festive season is well deserved, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with our guests new and returning.
“There’s so much to do across our eight floors. The Journey of Flavour Tour is perfect for everything from cosy winter dates to office parties, and the festive food and drink available in the 1820 Bar is not to be missed.
“The views from our roof terrace are stunning all year round, but if we get some snow this year it’ll be tough to beat as a festive picture backdrop with the views we enjoy of our neighbours at Edinburgh Castle!”
To book your Johnnie Walker experience, and for more information, visit
Social Bite lights up major cities encouraging kindness this Christmas
Charity aims to provide 300,000 gifts, meals, and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people this Christmas
Stars including Martin Kemp, Emma and Matt Willis lend their support to the campaign
Donate a ‘Christmas of Kindness’ online to provide a meal, gift, pack of essential items, and emergency accommodation for a homeless person for just £28
Christmas trees with gift donation points installed in five cities, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, to emphasise that ‘in a world where you can be anything, be kind.’
The cost of living crisis is affecting us all, but the impact is even more devastating for people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas. Backed by stars Martin Kemp, Emma and Matt Willis, Social Bite has launched its Festival of Kindness and is urging people in Edinburgh to spread some much-needed festive goodwill and kindness during these difficult times.
Recent research has highlighted that:
More than 1 in 5 people are living in poverty in the UK, according to Joseph Rowntree Foundation.[1]
There was nearly 150 per cent increase in homeless deaths in the capital since 20172
An estimated 1.3 million more people will be plunged into absolute poverty by 2023, including 500,000 children.[2]
6.8 million adults had smaller meals than usual or skipped meals because they couldn’t afford or get access to food.[3]
Which is why the charity is asking people in Edinburgh to donate a ‘Christmas of Kindness’ for £28, which includes a meal, gift, pack of essential items, and emergency accommodation with support for people who are homeless.
Through the campaign, Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential winter items to those experiencing homelessness during this festive period.
Working alongside local partners, Social Bite has installed 28ft tall Christmas trees in five cities in the UK – London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, with people living nearby encouraged to buy an extra gift and bring it to the Tree of Kindness, these gifts will be distributed to people who are homeless in time for Christmas.
Christmas Trees have also been installed in four other cities in the UK – London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, and the five Festival of Kindness locations are:
St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
Charing Cross Station, London
Vinicombe Street, Glasgow
Outside M&S at the Bon Accord centre, Aberdeen
City Square, Dundee.
The charity has created a Wishlist of the items and gifts that homeless and vulnerable people need the most especially at this time of year – from a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle, to a torch, earphones, and toys for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.
Emma Willis said: “The work Social Bite does is amazing, so Matt and I are both really proud to support the Festival of Kindness campaign.
“The help the campaign provides for people experiencing homelessness across the country is transformative for so many and more important than ever during the current rises in the cost of living.
“I’d encourage anyone who can, to donate a ‘Christmas of Kindness’ online, or get along to their nearest Tree of Kindness to donate a gift and show whatever support they can to this brilliant cause.”
Social Bite co-founder and Executive Director, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “Your kindness is needed now more than ever. The economic challenges and inflation facing the country this year means that homeless people face a very bleak winter.
“Millions of people will be forced to choose between heating and eating and this Christmas, and tens of thousands of people all over the UK will spend the festive period on the streets – cold, hungry and lonely, without a family to go to.
“Tens of thousands of children will also find themselves in temporary emergency accommodation or without food on the table over the festive period.
“That’s why we are asking people living in Edinburgh to support our Festival of Kindness campaign by inviting them to be kind and buy or donate a little extra to help those who need it most – even the smallest of gifts will make a huge difference.”
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Social Bite will be opening its coffee shops in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen to provide a warm Christmas dinner and some loving company for those who need it, as well as providing meals and gifts through a network of over 170 local charity partners across the UK.
Josh added: “Our staff always give up their Christmas day every year to ensure that homeless and vulnerable people have delicious food to eat and some festive company.
“This year we will also be distributing food packs and hot meals to tens of thousands of people in food poverty through our network of charity partners all over the UK.”
All gifts will be distributed by Social Bite’s dedicated team of ‘elves’ to those who need it most, just in time for Christmas.
Denzil Skinner, Chair of Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District, who are supporting Festival of Kindness in St Andrew Square Edinburgh said:“We would like to encourage all our locals to pop into the city centre, select a gift from the wish-list at one of our fantastic retailers and leave it at the tree of kindness in St Andrew Square Garden.
“This small act of kindness will make such a difference to some of our most vulnerable citizens. A little kindness goes a long way.”
In 2021, thanks to the generous support of the public, the Festival of Kindness campaign resulted in 276,545 Christmas meals, food packs, gifts, and essential items for people affected by homelessness and food poverty.
All gifts donated at the trees should be new and unwrapped, and there is a helpful ‘how-to’ guide on the charity’s website. Donated items will be placed in weather-proof Perspex boxes and collected each evening for transportation to the local distribution centre nearby.
