Category: city centre

Castle of Light offers special £10 tickets for spectacular closing night

As Castle of Light: Fire and Ice prepares to draw its sixth dazzling season to a close, visitors are being invited to experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).

Illuminating the capital’s skyline throughout the festive season, Castle of Light has once again captivated audiences with extraordinary installations, immersive storytelling and breathtaking projections, this year inspired by the elemental forces of fire and ice.

With only a handful of dates remaining in its seven-week run, there are limited opportunities to journey through Scotland’s most iconic fortress as its transformed into a mesmerising world of light, sound and wonder.

To celebrate the closing night on Sunday 4 January 2026, all tickets will be available for just £10, offering a final chance for visitors to escape the everyday and experience the magic of Castle of Light before the festive season fades.

Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Castle of Light has become a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, blending cutting-edge creativity with centuries of Scottish heritage.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at HES, said: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has been a huge hit with visitors, with people travelling from far and wide to experience the iconic site lit up after-dark.

“We’re delighted to offer these £10 tickets and encourage anyone who hasn’t experienced the event yet to come along and celebrate the final night of this year’s spectacular event.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot

A goal so good it’s a work of art!

It’s a winner! A spectacular new photograph is now on show at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to celebrate Scotland’s men reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026.  

Back in November, Hampden Park erupted as Scott McTominay smashed in a phenomenal overhead kick in a crucial qualifier clash against Denmark. A 4-2 victory secured Scotland’s place in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Fans said the goal belonged in an art gallery – and now it is!  

Ross MacDonald’s iconic photograph is free to see at the Portrait gallery on Queen Street in Edinburgh until 5 January 2026. 

A moment of football magic, free for everyone to enjoy!. 

Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology

Laser projection device in dark lab

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.

Every screen at the venue, which is located within the Edinburgh Omni Centre, is equipped with the cutting-edge upgrade, bringing sharper images, deeper contrast, and a more vibrant cinematic experience than ever before.

Vue’s investment in Laser by Barco technology forms part of its ongoing commitment to delivering the ultimate big screen experience and is the next generation in projection technology.

Unlike standard projection, Laser by Barco provides consistent picture quality from edge to edge, resulting in a more immersive and premium big-screen experience.

Film fans in and around Edinburgh can enjoy the sharpest image in each of Vue Edinburgh Omni’s 12 screens, with some hotly anticipated releases set to take place before the end of the year, including Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Laser by Barco technology to our venue. The difference in picture quality is incredible, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience it.

“The upgrade is part of our continued investment in ensuring we offer the best big screen experience and customers can immerse themselves in the film.”

Tickets for Vue Edinburgh Omni can be booked online at:

 https://www.myvue.com/cinema/edinburgh-omni-centre/whats-on

Edinburgh’s Christmas adds themed skating sessions

Glide along the ice beneath sparkling lights, surrounded by Edinburgh’s stunning Georgian architecture, on the city’s largest outdoor ice rink. From confident skaters to first timers, everyone is welcome to join the fun!  

New special themed sessions have been introduced and run throughout the season, including Toddler Sessions for wee ones finding their feet, Relaxed Sessions for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, and Late Skates with guest DJs on Fridays for adults looking to glide into the weekend. 

Themed sessions:

Mon 15 – Thu 18 December: All sessions. Students 2-4-1 bookable at Box Office

Fri 19 Dec, 3-4pm: K-Pop Demon Hunters

Mon 22 Dec, 6-7pm: Swifties on Ice

Tue 23 Dec, 6-7pm: Pop Princesses

Mon 29 Dec, 4-8pm: Hottest Hits of 2025

Tue 30 Dec, 4-8pm: Birl on Ice – The Best of Scottish Trad

Wed 31 Dec, 1-3pm: Tots Tunes

Wed 31 Dec, 3-5pm: Hogmanay Through the Years

Fri 2 Jan, 6-8pm: 90s Boybands vs Girlbands

Sat 3 Jan, 6-8pm: 90s Trance 

See here for more information on the sessions and to book.

Seven Skating Ministers! National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day today (14 December), the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings from Scotland’s collection, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Teaming up with Edinburgh’s Christmas, seven skating ministers took to the ice rink on George Street to imitate the world-famous painting.

Painted around 1795, the artwork is actually named Reverend Robert Walker (1755 – 1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch, but has become fondly referred to as the Skating Minister. Since it was purchased on behalf of the people of Scotland in 1949, millions of visitors have flocked to National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh to see the iconic painting on display for free. 

Visit the Skating Minister at the National this Christmas to re-create the stance in front of the man himself or feel inspired to take to the ice at Edinburgh’s Christmas ice rink on George Street. 

Photography competition to kick off 30th birthday celebrations for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Residents and visitors are invited to enter a photography competition, launched to celebrate Edinburgh’s 30 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The competition is being run by the partners who look after the site: Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH), Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take price of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, where they were recognised as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world. With its division into Old and New Town, Edinburgh is a remarkable example of urban growth, showcasing two distinct but equally significant styles of city planning.

Photography enthusiasts will have until October 2026 to submit their work showcasing Edinburgh in all its glory across the seasons. The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, using any camera or device.

The entries will be judged by Tom Duffin, a professional photographer who specialises in showcasing Edinburgh’s heritage; Neil Hanna, a multi-award-winning photographer with over 35 years of experience; and Jane Bradley, celebrated Arts and Culture Correspondent at the Scotsman.

Terry Levinthal, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Edinburgh is a city of matchless qualities.  It is a city of contrasts; of distant prospects and intimate details; a city of old and new; a place to be admired and be lived in.  

“These very picturesque qualities make it the perfect subject for photography.  To mark 30 years since inscription, we hope that everyone will be inspired to share their favourite views, details, buildings and places with us, so that we can share them with others.”

James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at HES, said: “When a place is inscribed on the World Heritage List, that is by no means the end of the story.

“Edinburgh is a living, breathing place, and we are excited to support this competition and give local photographers the chance to capture Edinburgh’s unique beauty and win a membership to visit historic sites across the country.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “I’d encourage everyone with an interest in photography to help us celebrate this significant milestone for the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site by entering the competition for a chance to be part of this exciting calendar.  I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.

“It’s a huge accolade to hold World Heritage Status and it’s extra challenging for a living, breathing city. We look after the Site with our partners and it’s important to us to make sure our residents from across the city feel a sense of ownership and belonging to the Site.

“The competition and resulting calendar is a great opportunity for people to reflect on what the Site means for them through their art as well as what they find special or feel proud of in this internationally renowned part of the Capital.”

The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:

  1. Medieval Old Town
  2. Neo-classical New Town
  3. Gardens and open spaces
  4. Urban planning/street layout
  5. Topography and skyline
  6. Public and commercial monuments
  7. Conservation
  8. Layering of heritage
  9. Architectural detail
  10. Graveyards
  11. Juxtaposition
  12. The Living City

To learn more about the competition and prepare to take the perfect shot, visit this document.

ENLIGHTENMENT: Immersive Experience to Transform Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall

Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds

Enlightenment by EONARIUM is coming to Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall  on 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds.

In a dynamic immersive journey, visitors will be enveloped in stunning visuals and captivating soundscapes inspired by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The waitlist is now live on Fever, the leading tech platform for discovering live entertainment, for those eager to experience this one-of-a-kind event.

Presented by the Zurich-based artist collective PROJEKTIL, in collaboration with Fever, Enlightenment promises to be visually and spiritually uplifting.

The show will transform the iconic McEwan Hall at the University of Edinburgh into a sensory journey with vibrant light projections and the iconic melodies of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

PROJEKTIL has revitalised Vivaldi’s original compositions by rearranging and recording them specifically to enhance the immersive experience, blending classical elements with a contemporary touch. 

Designed by Sir Rowand Anderson in the late 1800s and adorned with 15 hand-painted mural panels, McEwan Hall stands as a stunning Victorian landmark and the perfect backdrop for audiences to be enveloped by the spellbinding visuals and sounds of Enlightenment.

The 30-minute installation is divided into scenes, each designed to be enjoyed while seated on comfortable chairs or bean bags, allowing guests to gaze up at the projections that adorn the ceiling and walls. They can expect to take in spring, summer, autumn and winter like never before.

The journey also consists of two final stops into the magic of the universe, taking viewers directly to “Samsara”, a concept borrowed from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cultures that describes the endless cycle of rebirth and suffering, and “Nirvana”, the attainment of ultimate enlightenment and liberation from samsara.

It’s a fascinating experience that can be enjoyed by children and adults, friends and families alike.

Using video mapping technology, the show creates a precise and immersive environment, melding imagery with the sounds of classical music to fully engage and mesmerise the audience.

Sign up to the waitlist now on Fever’s platform for an exclusive presale access before general sale on 18 December.

Practical information

Carols at St Mary’s this Saturday

SATURDAY 13th DECEMBER at 2pm

ST MARY’s CATHEDRAL, PALMERSTON PLACE

This Saturday (13th December) at 2pm, come and sing Community Carols with us!

No booking required, just come along for a good sing of carols round the piano.

All welcome, with refreshments afterwards.

http://www.cathedral.net/event…/community-carols-2025

Edinburgh’s Cockburn Association ready for another 150 years of campaigning

The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s oldest conservation body, yesterday celebrated its 150th anniversary in Edinburgh’s City Chambers. 

In celebratory mood, a diverse mix of the charity’s members and supporters from civic society, academia and business gathered to champion its achievements over a long history of campaigning. 

Edinburgh could well have been criss-crossed by inner city motorways, had it not been for the efforts of the Cockburn Association, according to the opening address by the The Rt. Honourable Lord Provost, and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge.  

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “Over the last 15 decades, the Cockburn Association has played an important role in shaping public policy and in protecting and enhancing our ancient built and natural heritage.

“On behalf of the city I would like to congratulate and thank the Cockburn Association for 150 years of achievements, a milestone that stands is testament to the continuing commitment, enthusiasm, and talent of all of those involved at all levels of the organisation. As we celebrate this anniversary,  we can also look forward with confidence, knowing the Association will continue its work.”

The Association’s Chair, Dr Lesley Martin, compering the event, revealed how the Association’s namesake, Lord Henry Cockburn, had written a famous – or infamous – letter to the then Lord Provost in 1849.

It expressed concern about the planned “monstrosities” that would irreparably damage the city’s “beauty and amenity”. Dr Martin went on to emphasise that the role of the modern Association was to fulfil the charity’s civic function, bringing together diverse interests in productive conversations. 

Chair, Lesley Martin, elected in May this year said: “In fulfilling our role as Edinburgh’s civic trust, the Cockburn Association must aim to include as wide a range of voices as possible and to try to ensure that the quieter, less powerful voices are heard, and listened to”.

The Association’s long history has seen successive waves of modernisation, most recently its wooing of younger trustees and volunteers and the appointment of the current all-female leadership team for the first time in its history.

The Association’s Director Rowan Brown, lauded the role of volunteers and their role in the Association’s success. She said: “Edinburgh has been shaped by ordinary citizens willing to stand up for its built and natural heritage, access to green spaces, dramatic beauty and unique identity.

“As we celebrate our 150th year, our book Campaigning for Edinburgh honours that legacy, illustrates the Edinburgh that might have been and challenges us to think boldly about the city we want to create for future generations.”

“The Cockburn has been built on civic action for civic good, and there are few better examples than the monumental collective seventy year contribution of the Association’s Archival Volunteer Team – Ann Stark, Ruby Dickson, Alan, Margaret Jessop, Lexi Christian and Doreen Parker – who have protected, catalogued, researched and shared the contents of the Cockburn Association’s vast archive.”

Dr Martin ended by putting the charity’s success down to its unique breadth of interests, its focus on “pragmatic solutions” its people, and its streadfast devotion to campaigning for a better future for Edinburgh.