Category: Haymarket

Free tickets available for service marking 140 years of SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been commemorating its 140th year throughout 2025, with a service set for Edinburgh at 2pm on Saturday, 31 May, at St Mary’s Episcopal Church.

The charity was founded in 1885 after The Times published a letter from Major – later Colonel Sir – James Gildea, asking the public to support the wives, widows and children of soldiers and sailors who were killed, injured or rendered incapacitated through service to Queen and Country.

This, effectively, was the foundation stone of what became the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Families’ Association, which in 1919 added Airmen to its title, becoming later SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

The event at St Mary’s Episcopal Church will recognise the contributions made by SSAFA’s volunteers and supporters for the past 140 years. It begins at 2pm on Saturday, 31 May, with several special performances throughout.

Performers include pipers, drummers and dancers from Queen Victoria School, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Pipes and Drums, and the Edinburgh Military Wives Choir.

Sandra Millar, Corporate and Special Events Officer, Scotland at SSAFA, commented: “We hope to welcome as many people as possible to the service in May to show our collective support for the Armed Forces community.

“The event will recognise the efforts of SSAFA’s employees and volunteers, past and present, who provide practical and emotional support to serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families across Scotland and beyond.”

It is free to attend, however guests are encouraged to register their attendance by visiting: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us/events/community/ssafa-140-cathedral-service/

SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone.

Pink Floyd at St Mary’s Cathedral!

🎶 An Evening of Pink Floyd with String & Brass Ensemble at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh – ON SALE NOW! 🎸

Pink Floyd, in a cathedral, with a full live band, live vocalists, accompanied by the Mike Nowland string & brass ensemble…!

Let Me In Presents are back, following their acclaimed, sell-out UK Cathedral Tour of ‘An Evening of Radiohead’ – performing the music of Pink Floyd across the country, with the same team, and some special guests added, to capture the spectacle and epic scale of Pink Floyd’s timeless catalogue.

📅 Date: Saturday 1 November 2025

⏲️ “Time”: 7.30pm

🎟 Tickets are selling very fast, so get yours now!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/an-evening-of-pink-floyd…

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Free Concert: Bach’s Magnificat at St Mary’s Episcopal Catherdral

SUNDAY 15th DECEMBER at 3.30pm

🎵 Don’t miss our upcoming performance of J.S. Bach’s famous Magnificat!

✨ Free-entry! No need to book to hear this beautiful choral music!

❄️ This liturgical performance will be interspersed with short readings for Advent.

https://tinyurl.com/5359me5s

World Premiere at St Mary’s

🎵 Join us for a world première!

✨ Our renowned choir will give the first performance of Joanna Marsh composer‘s new piece ‘The Everlasting Covenant’ at Choral Evensong on Sun 6th Oct at 3.30pm!

💡 All welcome to join us, for FREE. https://tinyurl.com/3w9pnztw

Million-pound legacy for Scotland’s national Music School

St Mary’s Music School, Scotland’s national music school, is celebrating the most significant legacy to be received in its 50-year-long history, thanks to the generosity of School supporter and music enthusiast, the late David Hutcheson.

A great music lover, David was a major supporter of the Edinburgh School in his later years and a regular attender at its concerts and performances. He believed passionately in supporting young people and music.

His legacy to the School, which will total more than one million pounds, comes at an exciting time in the history of St Mary’s Music School, as it looks to develop and modernise its facilities and provide the best possible experience for generations of talented young musicians to come.

St Mary’s Music School Headteacher, Dr Kenneth Taylor, remembers David fondly: “David was a great music aficionado and a generous supporter of the School. His support of our young musicians during his lifetime was wonderful but his legacy is nothing short of remarkable.

” We are deeply grateful to David for supporting the School with such a significant gift. His generosity will live on with the School and help our aspiring young musicians to go on to careers as professional instrumentalists, composers, singers, conductors and music teachers around the world.”

A music aficionado

Born in the Borders and raised in a musical family, it was David’s mother – an excellent violinist – who inspired in him a lifelong love of music and encouraged him to become an accomplished pianist himself.

A keen collector throughout his life, David amassed a significant collection of antique furniture, British & European paintings and silver. 

Highlights of his collection will be auctioned by Lyon & Turnbull in their forthcoming Five Centuries sale on 4 – 5 September and across a range of specialist auctions this autumn.

All will benefit St Mary’s Music School, as was his wish.

Westfield Road death: man arrested

A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with assault following the death of a man in Edinburgh.

Officers were called to Westfield Road in the city around 12.55pm yesterday (Friday, 7 June) following concern for a man within a property.

The 53-year-old was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.

Detective Inspector David McAlinden said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing but we are treating this as a contained incident.

“Westfield Road has been closed to allow for investigations to be carried out in the area.

“We know this has had a significant impact on the local community and wider public so we would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.”

Edinburgh Singers to perform Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle

TWO weeks to go until our performance of Rossini’s “Petite Messe Solennelle”, a masterful choral work that blends solemnity and grace with operatic flair.

Join us on Saturday 15th June, 7.30pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh – tickets are available here: https://www.thequeenshall.net/…/rossinis-petite-messe…

Black Sheep Coffee open new site in Haymarket Square

Black Sheep Coffee, the Robusta rebel of the coffee world, is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square. The latest Black Sheep Coffee is bringing its signature blend of passion and rebellion to Edinburgh.

The new site is set to become the go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable coffee experience from Edinburgh’s best baristas in a laid-back, welcoming space.

From carefully crafted coffees, to refreshing smoothies, to an indulgent selection of pastries and waffles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With Edinburgh being a creative hub in the UK with a famously rich culture, the city is very special to the brand.

The new opening is a demonstration of the incredible recent growth for the Black Sheep Coffee family, as it spreads its wings further across the UK, with over 90 stores – and nearly 40 opened in the last year alone.

The pioneering coffee group is rapidly expanding, through combining a passion for coffee and a mission to take down the big corporate chains, along with harnessing support and funding from their loyal customers and those who believe in the values of the company.

Renowned for unapologetically bold flavours and an unrivalled commitment to quality, Black Sheep Coffee are innovators in the space – by sourcing the first specialty-grade 100% Robusta coffee, they went against the market trends and became the ‘Black Sheep’ of the coffee world.

With a commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced beans, every cup of Black Sheep Coffee is a statement of rebellion against the ordinary. The coffee shop group also achieved another world first with the launch of their Lion’s Mane Latte, which is made up of Lion’s Mane, ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea extract & B12. 

Black Sheep Coffee is not just a space to grab your morning coffee, it’s a community hub where rebels, misfits, and free spirits come together to celebrate individuality and embrace the extraordinary. 

Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth commented on the launch: “We’re so excited to be launching our newest Black Sheep Coffee site in Edinburgh and creating another coffee haven for those who dare to be different.

“With Edinburgh’s rich culture of creativity, we feel that this is a perfect new spot for us to open in.”

Leave the herd behind and brew some positive change at Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square.

You ‘Herd’ It Here First – £1 Coffees!

BLACK SHEEP COFFEE OPEN NEW SITE IN HAYMARKET SQUARE

Black Sheep Coffee,  the Robusta rebel of the coffee world, is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square on 14th May 2024. To celebrate, Black Sheep Coffee will be offering £1 coffees throughout, for customers to enjoy a fantastic first day.*

Located in the middle of the bustling Haymarket Square, the latest Black Sheep Coffee is bringing its signature blend of passion and rebellion to Edinburgh.

The new site is set to become the go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable coffee experience from Edinburgh’s best baristas in a laid-back, welcoming space. From carefully crafted coffees, to refreshing smoothies, to an indulgent selection of pastries and waffles, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With Edinburgh being a creative hub in the UK with a famously rich culture, the city is very special to the brand.

The new opening is a demonstration of the incredible recent growth for the Black Sheep Coffee family, as it spreads its wings further across the UK, with over 90 stores – and nearly 40 opened in the last year alone.

The pioneering coffee group is rapidly expanding, through combining a passion for coffee and a mission to take down the big corporate chains, along with harnessing support and funding from their loyal customers and those who believe in the values of the company.

Renowned for unapologetically bold flavours and an unrivalled commitment to quality, Black Sheep Coffee are innovators in the space – by sourcing the first specialty-grade 100% Robusta coffee, they went against the market trends and became the ‘Black Sheep’ of the coffee world.

With a commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced beans, every cup of Black Sheep Coffee is a statement of rebellion against the ordinary. The coffee shop group also achieved another world first with the launch of their Lion’s Mane Latte, which is made up of Lion’s Mane, ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea extract & B12. 

Black Sheep Coffee is not just a space to grab your morning coffee, it’s a community hub where rebels, misfits, and free spirits come together to celebrate individuality and embrace the extraordinary. 

Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth commented on the launch: “We’re so excited to be launching our newest Black Sheep Coffee site in Edinburgh and creating another coffee haven for those who dare to be different.

“With Edinburgh’s rich culture of creativity, we feel that this is a perfect new spot for us to open in.”

Leave the herd behind and brew some positive change at Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square.

Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square will be open from 14th May 2024 at Unit 1, 3 Haymarket Square, Edinburgh, EH3 8RY.

Craigmount pupils put business skills to the test in Dragons’ Den style competition

The groups pitched their ideas to a panel of judges, including teachers and senior Deloitte partners

Pupils from an Edinburgh secondary school put their business skills to the test last week in an attempt to win over judges in a Dragon’s Den style competition hosted by Deloitte.

Six ‘Pupil Action Groups’ (PAGs) from Craigmount High School, made up of pupils from S1 to S6, have been working throughout 2024 on proposals for the school to tackle major issues, including sustainability, mental health, equalities, equity, digital learning and children’s rights.

The groups pitched to a panel of judges, including teachers and senior Deloitte partners, at Deloitte’s new offices in Haymarket. They competed to secure support for their proposed initiatives, including the creation of a Mental Health Festival, the development of a school newspaper and the purchase of reusable water bottles.

Craigmount High School is one of Deloitte’s partner schools through its 5 Million Futures Programme, which helps people overcome barriers to education and employment.

Working with schools and charities, Deloitte mobilises its people through volunteering, fundraising and pro-bono work to build better futures for people throughout the UK.

On the day, the pupils that make up Craigmount’s Charities and Equity PAG were named the Most Impactful Group and the school’s Sustainability PAG was awarded Best Group Presentation.

Deloitte also presented an award for Most Effective Individual Presentation to Imaiyal (S2) from the Equalities PAG, who reflected on her group’s efforts to champion equality in Craigmount’s community. Their work involved holding a bake sale during Transgender Awareness Week and organising a dress down day to raise money during Women’s History Month.  

Imaiyal said: “I’m really happy to be recognised for my hard work to help improve equality at my school.

“I had a really good time at the Deloitte offices for the Dragons’ Den competition and I enjoyed working with my school friends to figure out how we can solve these big problems.”

Lesley Smillie, Partner, Public Sector at Deloitte in Scotland, said: “We were really pleased to welcome pupils from Craigmount High to share their visions for the future.

“We were so impressed by the pupils’ presentations – it’s really encouraging to see their passion and enthusiasm to solve the various important issues we discussed.”

Alison Clark, Deputy Headteacher, Craigmount High, said: “I’m very proud of our Pupil Action Groups who have worked so hard this year to improve our school and community.

“I’d also like to thank our partners at Deloitte for hosting this competition, which has given our pupils the chance to develop and demonstrate their communication skills and teamwork. We look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”