Category: city centre

Johnnie Walker Princes Street unveils festive food & drink and Hogmanay plans

Edinburgh’s ultimate whisky destination has something for everyone this season

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the eight-floor visitor attraction in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, has today unveiled its festive plans including a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks, and an unrivalled collection of whiskies and whisky experiences for those looking to purchase gifts and celebrate with loved ones.

Food & Drink

The menus across both stunning rooftop bars have been given a festive makeover, with dishes including Glenkinchie infused hot smoked salmon with crab and seaweed aioli, or Lowlands baby beets and Lanark blue cheese salad, candied walnuts, plum & chicory lettuce with hay smoked roe deer loin, sure to delight 1820 Bar Diners.

A festive set menu featuring Christmas pudding and Johnnie Walker crème caramel is also available in the 1820 Bar, and a set menu for special occasions can be booked in the exclusive Blue Label dining area which includes fillet of highlands beef with haggis cannelloni and honey & thyme roasted root veg. 

From a drinks perspective, the 1820 Bar adds “orange and caraway” and “cranberry and chestnut” to its offering which explores the world of flavour.

Those wiling away the festive hours in the Explorers’ Bothy can enjoy the likes of Vietnamese dressed oyster and crispy shallots, salt baked beetroot and orange tartare cones, beef cheek and truffle doughnuts or a vegetarian charcutier selection with handmade oatcakes, artisan biscuits & sourdough bread.

Hogmanay

Hogmanay revellers on the lookout for great music, incredible food and an unbeatable view of both Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline need look no further than Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s rooftop 1820 Bar’s Hogmanay event.

Everyone ringing in the new year at this exclusive evening will be treated to live entertainment from incredible jazz vocalist, Georgia Cécile, welcome drinks, an aperitif, selection of canapes, festive nibbles and a glass of champagne or a dram for when the clock strikes midnight. Booking information will be released soon, follow Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s social channels for updates.

Festive Experiences

Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a range of immersive experiences perfect for celebrating this festive season. The flagship Journey of Flavour tour can accommodate up to 22 guests, making it ideal for celebrating with friends, family, or work colleagues.

The full sensory tour is a 90-minute exploration of taste which includes three personalised whisky drinks. Guests set off from the welcome lobby which will be decorated with a magnificent Christmas tree, and explore festive touches around the building, including spectacular wreaths and garlands.

For the whisky connoisseur, look no further than Casks of Discovery in the venue’s underground Whisky Makers’ Cellar. Here, guests explore the art of blending and taste whiskies live blended to Johnnie Walker Master Makers’ recipes. They’ll also have the chance to savour exclusive single malt, single grain and experimental whiskies drawn straight from the cask.

Festive Shopping

For those looking to take home a gift for someone special, the ground floor retail space boasts an unparalleled collection of both blended and single malt whiskies to suit all tastes and budgets.

Moreover, the store has a number of exclusive items which cannot be purchased anywhere else, including the fill your own Johnnie Walker Princes Street blend, now in its winter edition, which is an experience in itself.

The whisky is sure to please with notes of butterscotch, tablet and creamy toffee, and there is a bespoke laser engraving and gift-wrapping service available to add that extra special touch. The Johnnie Walker Black Label Princes Street edition is another exclusive, with customisable gift tags available for all bottles.

The store also carries a wide selection of Johnnie Walker merchandise including re-usable water bottles, clothing, glassware and more. Stocking fillers like crackers, socks, hats, notebooks and whisky stones are all on offer, as are advent calendars.

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “We’re delighted to reveal our festive menu and plans for the season. The team has done a wonderful job developing the food, drink and experiences we’ve got planned, making Johnnie Walker Princes Street a must visit destination in December. 

“We’ve enjoyed an incredible first couple of months since we opened our doors. The city of Edinburgh has welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve enjoyed every minute we’ve spent hosting our local, national and international guests. We look forward to celebrating with you all this festive season.”

To book and for more information visit www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com.

For more information on Johnnie Walker please visit: www.johnniewalker.com

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Festive Price List:

Food & Beverage:

1820 Bar festive set menu: £37.50pp

Blue Label Room private dining menu: £130pp

Experiences:

Hogmanay: £165pp

Journey of Flavour Tour: from £25pp

Casks of Discovery:  from £95pp

Retail:

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Bottle Your Own Winter Edition: £80

Johnnie Walker Black Label Princes Street Edition: £35

Johnnie Walker Black Label Icons 2.0 Edition: £31

Johnnie Walker Crackers: £15

Advent Calendars: £50

Social Bite launches Festival of Kindness

  • Social Bite lights up major cities encouraging kindness this Christmas
  • Charity aims to provide 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas
  • Christmas trees with donation points installed in five cities, Edinburgh London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, to emphasise that ‘in a world where you can be anything, be kind.’

Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness has launched in five cities across the UK today, expanding on last year’s campaign, in a bid to spread some much-needed festive goodwill and kindness.

The charity is asking people in Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee to donate meals, gifts, essential items and accommodation to those who need it most this Christmas.

Through the campaign, Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals and essential items of the winter months to those experiencing homelessness this festive period.

Working alongside local partners, Social Bite has installed five 28ft tall Christmas trees across the country and is asking people to buy one extra gift, drop it under the tree and contribute to a movement of kindness.

Festival of Kindness locations include:

·       St Andrew’s 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 gift wish list of the things homeless and vulnerable people need the most – from a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, to good quality socks and toys for children  living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.

Passers-by can drop their gifts at the trees and take in the Christmas lights, meet Santa in Edinburgh and hear more about Social Bite’s ambitions from volunteers. All gifts will then be distributed by Social Bite’s dedicated team to those who need it most, just in time for Christmas.

Social Bite co-founder and Executive Director, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “This Christmas, many of us will be able to reunite with family and friends to celebrate after so many restrictions.

“But for homeless people and families, the pandemic has made their situation particularly desperate. Thousands of people all over the UK will spend Christmas on the streets – cold, hungry and lonely, without a family to go to. Thousands of children will find themselves in temporary emergency accommodation or without food on the table over the festive period. 

 “That’s why we are building on the success of last year’s campaign to expand our reach even further, going from two to five locations and taking Festival of Kindness to London for the very first time.

 “Our Festival of Kindness campaign aims to spread some festive cheer. In a world, where you can be anything, we’re urging people 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.”

Monetary donations can also be made online via the Social Bite website which will then go towards the provision of food, gifts and essential items.

Donations will also help fund accommodation and support for those sleeping rough in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and London.

Social Bite has a track record of successful fundraising campaigns, having previously hosted ‘Sleep Out’ events in all major Scottish cities, then helped to launch The World’s Big Sleep Out for a global campaign attended by Hollywood A-listers including Dame Helen Mirren and Will Smith in 2019.

Last year’s Festival of Kindness held in Edinburgh and Glasgow raised over £1.5m.

All gifts should be new and unwrapped, with a helpful ‘how-to’ guide on their website.

To find out more or donate, please visit https://festive.social-bite.co.uk/

New concert hall for Edinburgh city centre

Council Leader and Planning Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council welcome the approval of the plans for the Dunard Centre

The planning application, submitted by IMPACT Scotland, was approved yesterday by the city council’s Development Management Sub-Committee.

Council leader Adam McVey, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted for this exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital.

“This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years and I know so many people in the city are looking forward to enjoying a first class cultural experience with an expanding number of amazing venues.

“The new concert hall is the cultural flagship of our City Region Deal and being in a central location with fantastic public transport connections, it will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the newly opened Edinburgh St James Quarter helping to keep our city centre a vibrant and thriving destination.”

Planning Convener Councillor Neil Gardiner said: I’m delighted committee today approved the new concert hall planning application and I welcome this major investment in Scotland’s Capital City.

“This state of the art purpose-designed facility now matches our international standing as the world’s premier festival city.

“The architecture of this new concert hall works well with historic Dundas House: the original plan of the New Town was to have cultural buildings at either end of George Street, which will now be fulfilled at St Andrews Square.

“Impact, who will operate the venue, has also committed to reach out to communities and schools across the city to make music accessible which is also welcome.”

Harrods to open first stand-alone beauty emporium in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter

Harrods to open first stand-alone beauty emporium in Scotland on 30th November

The luxury department store expands its beauty business outside of England for the first time with the launch of H beauty Edinburgh

Harrods is proud to announce the opening of its newest H beauty store at St James Quarter on the 30th November, bringing world-leading experts in beauty, skincare, haircare and wellness to Edinburgh all under one roof.

The opening will mark the first ever H beauty to open in Scotland, demonstrating Harrods’ ambitious commitment to bring its expert beauty curation and luxury shopping experience to new communities across the UK.

Each H beauty store is developed with its local beauty community in mind, and this new 20,000 sq.ft. space will bring together a diverse portfolio of the most premium and innovative brands – from Dior and Chanel to Augustinus Bader and Sunday Riley.

The flagship opening will also introduce several new brands to Edinburgh including Charlotte Tilbury, Clé de Peau Beauté, Kylie Skin & Cosmetics, and Westman Atelier, as well as act as the first physical location in Scotland for brands such as Keys Soulcare, and Kora Organics. 

H beauty will also support local talent through its ‘Born & Bred’ offering, housing up and coming Scottish brands such as Jamie Genevieve’s sensational makeup brand Vieve, as well as Moo & Yoo, Kingdom Scotland and Lola’s Lashes. 

An extensive offering of cutting-edge brands will be paired with must-have products, expert-driven services, and immersive retail experiences that H beauty is renowned for, such as interactive Play tables and the iconic Champagne Bar.

Annalise Fard, Director of Beauty at Harrods, commented: “As our first ever store in Scotland, the latest H beauty opening in Edinburgh is a hugely exciting milestone for Harrods.

“After the fantastic response that we’ve had to our previous two H beauty store openings, this launch at St James Quarter marks another significant addition to our leading beauty retail shopping destinations.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Harrods’ incredible and innovative beauty offering to Edinburgh, giving beauty lovers throughout the local community the opportunity to play, discover and enjoy, and we can’t wait to welcome you all through our doors on the 30th November.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We are beyond excited that H beauty is opening its doors and officially joining the St James Quarter family. To be welcoming an incredible brand like Harrods is another example of St James Quarter providing brand new, game-changing experiences for our customers. 

“We want to give our visitors something new to see and do every time they come back to The Quarter, so we can’t wait to see H beauty, a first for Scotland, come to life.”

The latest H beauty launch at St James Quarter follows two successful store openings, the first at Lakeside retail centre in Essex and the second at centre:mk in Milton Keynes. Harrods will continue with its strategic and ambitious plans to deliver its unrivalled H beauty shopping destinations to a wider audience across the UK with two further H beauty stores, due to open in Bristol and Newcastle over the next year.

@HarrodsBeauty 

#Hbeauty

https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/h-beauty/edinburgh

Underbelly: Council report gives Winter Festivals ‘seal of approval’

City of Edinburgh Council Winter Festivals Public Consultation report finds almost 90% of respondents are in favour of Underbelly’s Winter Festival events

 A new report conducted by the City of Edinburgh Council has revealed that 87% of surveyed respondents are in favour of Edinburgh’s Christmas with a further 86% in favour of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, highlighting the resounding approval of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival.

The Winter Festivals Public Consultation Report surveyed 8,612 people between February – May of this year. Other highlights included:

  • Over 90% of those surveyed had attended Edinburgh’s Christmas in the past and over half of tickets for this year’s Hogmanay celebrations – Party at the Bells – have been purchased by those living in EH postcodes, proving the Winter Festivals are a firm favourite with locals.
  • 73% of businesses surveyed in the city said that the Winter Festivals contributed to an increase in their turnover and footfall.
  • 92% of locals agreed that the Winter Festivals are welcoming to tourists and other visitors.
  • The report also showcased the popularity of the dedicated 20% discount for those with an EH postcode, with 78% of respondents welcoming an Edinburgh resident’s discount.

Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have incorporated feedback from previous events in this year’s programme, all of which echoes the findings in the survey.

Answering 39% of respondents wish for the celebrations to be spread throughout the City Centre, the organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas have extended the celebrations to the West End of the city this year with events in West Princes Street Gardens and the ice rink on George Street, driving footfall to the wider city centre areas.

27% of those that were surveyed were concerned about the environmental impact of the Winter Festivals, which is being addressed by Festivals Edinburgh Carbon Reduction Road Map, including a 50% reduction in use of diesel generators, to be replaced by cleaner fuel generators or mains power by 2025.

Concessions for disabled and elderly people, as well as discount for young people were also requested and are already offered as part of the Winter Festival programme.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The views of local Edinburgh residents and businesses are always at the forefront of our planning for Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals so to have nearly 90% approval for our programming is hugely encouraging.

“In advance of seeing this report and in the planning of this year’s events, we think we’ve taken many of the recommendations on board and based on the response to date, the events are being hugely enjoyed by Edinburgh residents.

“That said, reports like this are extremely valuable and we shall wait to see how the Council decides to move ahead next year before deciding whether to throw our hat back in the ring.”

Edinburghs-Winter-Festivals-Consultation-ResultsDownload

Council: Survey reveals overwhelming support for continuation of winter celebrations in the Capital, but with a revised format

Residents and organisations across Edinburgh have backed the continuation of the city’s Christmas and Hogmanay events, according to the results of an independent survey conducted for the city council.

More than 8,600 people and 35 organisations responded to the survey on the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, with 87% expressing support for a Christmas celebration and 86% for Hogmanay.

The 12-week consultation, carried out in Spring this year by independent market research company Progressive on behalf of the Council, sought feedback from the Capital’s residents, communities and businesses on the events from 2022 onwards, after the current contact ends. Several targeted focus groups were also conducted with parents, young people and special interest groups. 

Respondents were asked about their experiences of winter celebrations in the Capital, as well as what activities they would like to see included in future.  

Overall, results showed a wish to continue to provide high quality Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations which will be valued by residents and visitors and to also provide events that will continue to enhance Edinburgh’s reputation, and to make changes to past formats and avoid overcrowding and improve access.

Responses and the findings in the report have provided a framework and general principles for the delivery of future editions of the Winter Festivals.  

There is a clear desire for the city to celebrate this time of year, albeit with a revised format, and as a result, it is being proposed that new models for their delivery are piloted in 2022/23.

These proposals, along with the results of the consultation, will be discussed by the Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee next week.

It is proposed that a procurement exercise will be undertaken to identify a producer to deliver Edinburgh’s Christmas for a one year pilot, using the clear feedback from the consultation to ensure that it meets the needs of residents and businesses and is of appropriate scale.

For Hogmanay and wider winter activity, it is proposed to appoint an individual or organisation to a Winter Festivals Director role.

They would have responsibility for developing and delivering a Winter Festival programme based on the theme of Light and incorporating the desired elements of fireworks, lighting installations and live music from the consultation.  Partnership with local artists, communities, performers and creatives would be essential in the development of this programme.

Council Leader Cllr Adam McVey said: “Firstly, I want to thank all those who took the time to take part in the consultation – we had an excellent response and the views of people in Edinburgh will shape the future of these events.

“Our Winter Festivals have grown in size and popularity over the years and have created some amazing experiences and images that has shown Edinburgh at its best.

However, if we’re to make the fun and enjoyment of winter sustainable, we must listen and respond to the views of our residents and other stakeholders. Through this major consultation, we’ve got a better idea of how they regard the celebrations, both positive and negative.

“The results are very encouraging but, as expected, respondents highlighted a range of issues that we will factor into our planning for future years.

“Some of these issues were already known to us, particularly in relation to pressure on the city centre, and this year’s lay-out reflects this as we look to respond to concerns and aspirations of residents and business.  But we know from the positive experiences of the summer festivals that we can and must do more to spread the benefits across our communities.”

Council Depute Leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “The festive period is an extremely special time for our Capital City and, as well as contributing to the wellbeing of our residents, our Winter Festivals deliver real economic impact, benefitting tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors in particular.

“It is fantastic to see that there is a clear desire to keep the winter celebrations with many respondents commenting on how they are now part of Edinburgh’s tradition, and how much they were missed in 2020. However, it was also hugely important to hear what concerns there are and what people would like to see more of.

“Thanks to the feedback gathered earlier this year we’ll now be able to take people’s comments and ideas into account as we plan for next year, and beyond.”

Key findings included:

  • Food and beverages (82%), musical performances (77%) and activities for children (76%) were the top preferred activities for Christmas.
  • Fireworks (79%), lighting installations (77%) and live music performances (75%) were the top three preferred activities for Hogmanay.
  • Alcoholic drinks (56%) and funfair rides (47%) were the least wanted activities for Christmas celebrations.
  • Street party and mass gathering (49%) was the least wanted activity.
  • Respondents also called for future winter celebrations to have local involvement of artists and performers and Scottish/local culture.
  • In response to making Christmas and Hogmanay more accessible to people with disabilities, physical access issues such as wheelchair accessibility and restrictions on the number of people attending dominated.

Find out more about the consultation responses online.

Police looking for Good Samaritan

Police are appealing for a man to come forward after he came to the aid of 50-year-old woman in the city centre.​

The woman was found in a distressed state in Cockburn Street in the early hours of Saturday, 20 November, 2021 when the man came to her assistance.​

Detective Sergeant Louise Forsyth of CID said : “We are carrying out enquiries into circumstances of why this woman was in a distressed state.

“We are keen to trace the man who kindly came to her aid in the hope he can provide further information.​

“He is described as 20-30 years old, wearing a dark jacket, a light blue t-shirt and dark trousers. He provided the woman with his jacket for warmth and waited with her until her husband arrived.​

“If you were this man, please get in touch with Police Scotland on 101, quoting 0664 of 20 November, 2021.”

Edinburgh’s Christmas now open

Edinburgh’s Christmas is open! Festival goers at East Princes Street Gardens and Santa Land in its new home of West Princes Street Gardens made the most of opening weekend, with 92,446 people getting into the Christmas spirit in a fun, safe environment.

And one of the most spectacular new ice rinks in the UK is all set to open TODAY.

Visitors will be able to put their skates on for the first time since 2018 and make the most of the ice rink, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh.

Those that were looking to stay cosy over the weekend, winter warmers such as mulled wine and hot chocolate were on the menu as visitors made the most of the food and drink offerings that you skate up to within the rink.

Edinburgh Christmas 2021, Santa Land, West Princes Street Gardens

Children from across Scotland made their way through the Christmas Tree maze in a bid to find Santa’s Elves Workshop to get their Christmas wishes in early!

Christmas cheer was also in full force across East and West Princes Street where an array of festive craft, food & drink stalls and the Christmas Markets, Santa Land, featuring the magical Santa’s Grotto and family friendly attractions, including the Christmas Tree Maze, were bustling from morning till night.

Edinburgh’s Christmas will run until 4th January.

Tickets for Ice Skating, Santa’s Grotto, The Forth 1 Big Wheel and Christmas Tree Maze are available to purchase through Edinburgh’s Christmas website. 

Those with an EH postcode receive 20% off their tickets. 

Geometric snowflakes will also illuminate The Mound alongside Edinburgh’s Christmas tree from today.

Edinburgh Christmas 2021, Santa Land, East Princes Street Gardens

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is back! Our opening weekend was a huge success and it’s been great to see everyone spreading the Christmas cheer – at long last!

“We’re so excited to unveil our spectacular new ice rink on George Street, it’s set to become an icon for the city and for Scotland of how to celebrate winter.”

Castle of Light set to illuminate Edinburgh

Interactive event launches tonight

Edinburgh Castle will welcome visitors after dark to experience the wonder of Castle of Light as the immersive experience officially opens to the public this evening (19 November).

Guests were treated to a sneak peek of what’s in store at this year’s event at a preview evening last night, where Paul Marshall from Portobello had the honour of switching on Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures for the first time.

Promising to uncover incredible tales, old and new, Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures brings Scotland’s lesser-known stories to life with the use of stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling.

Following a national hunt for Castle of Light’s own ‘wee treasure’, 21-year-old Paul Marshall was selected as the deserving winner chosen to switch on this year’s event after tallying up an astonishing 199 individual nominations in his name.

Paul, who has one of the rarest brain diseases in the world which has left him partially sighted and with learning difficulties, was nominated by locals, family and friends as a ‘wee treasure’ due to his winning personality and devotion to helping others.

One anonymous nomination, submitted to Edinburgh Castle as part of the Wee Treasure search, noted: “Paul brings a smile to the whole community, he’s the bright light in everyone’s day. When he was a year old, his mum was told that he would never walk or talk due to his rare brain disease.

‘Despite this, he has beaten all the odds and spreads love and happiness wherever he goes. No job is too small for him to help with. He didn’t miss a night during clap for carers and always has the biggest smile on his face. He truly is a wee treasure.”

During lockdown, Paul became a familiar presence in the community as he cheered on the UK’s key workers on a Thursday evening from his front door.

He became such a cheerful and welcoming part of the Edinburgh landscape during this difficult time that the bus drivers in the city gave him his own Lothian Buses jacket on his birthday to thank him for his support.

He also received hundreds of cards from people in the community to help him celebrate his 21st.

Castle of Light’s creative director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Double Take Projections, NL Productions and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s event, said: “As Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures is all about putting a spotlight on the lesser-known stories from Scotland’s past, we wanted to find other unique stories about the special people who make up our country today. And we knew there would be some gems right on our doorstep.

“We were overwhelmed by nominations for Paul, who is clearly a shining star in the community. We can’t think of a more deserving person to help us light up the city with Castle of Light – just as Paul has done in his own local area with his unwavering support and joyful spirit.”

Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures brings light, legend, mystery and magic to the capital for eight weeks through the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022 (on select dates, Thursday – Sunday).

A selection of street food vendors, including Hector and Harriet, specialising in artisan blend barista coffee and unique home baked goods, the Prime Street Food wagon boasting restaurant quality bites and The Haggis Box, serving up traditional Scottish scran, will also be onsite to ensure visitors can spend the full evening exploring Edinburgh Castle’s grounds.

Caterers Benugo will also be found serving food and drink outside the castle’s Redcoat Café, alongside an Edinburgh Gin cocktail bar serving mixed drinks, with bottles of Edinburgh Castle Gin available to purchase. Various other retail pop-ups will be open exclusively to Castle of Light visitors, with over 18s welcome to visit the Whisky and Finest Foods shop for free samples, including a taste of the delicious Magnum Scotch whisky cream liqueur.

Tickets are also available for an ‘Access’ night taking place on Thursday 25 November, designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia.

To ensure that as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour, the evening will feature a range of specific support, including British Sign Language interpretation and audio described tours, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit CastleofLight.scot. 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society event brings back the Roaring Twenties

The world’s most entertaining whisky club invites you to 28 Queen Street for a night of glitz and glamour

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is transforming its Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street into a Gatsby-themed party for one night only. From 7 pm on Friday, 26 November 2021 the venue will be transported back to the ‘Roaring Twenties’, as SMWS members and non-members are invited to the party of the century.  

With champagne on arrival, live music, cocktails, canapes, and the Society’s ever-changing selection of single cask whiskies, 28 Queen Street will be engulfed with guests dressed to impress.

Tickets are available now for members and non-members for just £65. Get yours here: https://smws.com/queen-street-does-gatsby/

Sarah Prior, Queen Street Venue Manager, said: “We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces at 28 Queen Street for our Gatsby event. The world is getting back to (almost) normal, and what better time to celebrate as we enter the glorious festive season.

“With what has been a challenging year for everyone, we are delighted to welcome our members and new faces back to Society events. With Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time to come and see what the Society is all about.”

For the SMWS monthly Outturn this November, a new cask collection is taking to the stage every week: https://smws.com/latest-outturn

Belonging to the world’s most entertaining whisky club gives you access to exclusive Members’ Rooms, partner bar discounts, colourful tasting events, whisky education, and a monthly members’ magazine Unfiltered.

There’s so much more than whisky to appreciate when you join the Society for just £65: https://smws.com/whisky-club-membership

It’s Christmaaas … at The Quarter

St James Quarter hosts first Christmas switch on supporting local charity partners

St James Quarter celebrated the launch of its first Christmas season at The Quarter’s official switch on last night. The magical moment was followed by an exclusive performance from Edinburgh Rock Choir.

An enchanting array of festive stars have taken centre stage of The Quarter with over 40 glowing sculptures on display giving an explosion of gold sparkle throughout the galleria for Christmas shoppers to admire.

The event, which took place on Register Square, saw representatives from St James Quarter’s charity partners Deaf Action and Cash 4 Kids hit the big red button to declare Christmas at the Quarter officially here.

Edinburgh Rock Choir rang in the special occasion with their own rendition of ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ and ‘Hold Back The River’.

Deaf Action Choir performed ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ and ‘Thank You For The Music’ and both charities together helped raise vital funds throughout the night.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Christmas has officially arrived at The Quarter. Having our charity partners here to help us kick off the festivities was the perfect way to welcome the festive season.

“Not only was it a fantastic evening but we also managed to raise money for some great causes. For some, Christmas can be a difficult time of year so we’re pleased to be able to do our bit and help where we can.

“We hope everyone had a great night and we’re looking forward to welcoming all our customers over the festive period.”

To make the most of the festive period St James Quarter has extended its opening hours on various days throughout December.

For more information please visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/plan/