Category: Inverleith

Edinburgh students triumph in one of UK’s toughest endurance challenges

Six Fettes College students have won the Youth Class at the prestigious Scottish Islands Peaks Race, a tough sea and land adventure challenge.

Team Fettes took on what is known as one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges, sailing over 160 nautical miles from Oban and running up and down mountains on the islands of Mull, Jura and Arran, totalling almost 60 miles, crossing the finish line in Troon at 3:30am on Monday 19 May.

The team was made up of six Lower Sixth students and four staff who put their teamwork to the test throughout the demanding multi-day event. They were led by skipper Roger Pim aboard the yacht Luskentyre. Students had been training for the event since September, with regular weekend runs in the Pentland Hills outside of Edinburgh, and a sail training weekend on the west coast of Scotland earlier in May.

The Scottish Islands Peaks Race, first held in 1983, combines offshore sailing with mountain running, drawing competitors from across the country and internationally. The Youth Class offers a unique opportunity for young people to push themselves in one of the UK’s most challenging adventure races.

Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said: “We are so proud of our SIPR team and how well they worked together in supporting and encouraging one another throughout the race, and in their preparations for it. An amazing effort!”

One of the participating students, Seth J, said: “The race was tough but unforgettable; the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I feel a huge sense of achievement now it is over.

“Our training really paid off as we felt well-prepared for both the sailing and the running that were involved.

“The support from the team and the guidance from staff kept us going. Reaching Troon was a moment of pure relief and joy, knowing all our effort was worth it.”

To find out more about the various activities on offer at Fettes College, go to:

https://www.fettes.com/senior-school/co-curricular

Nathan Evans and The Saint Phnx Band announce intimate gig to support Scotland’s mental health

Scottish music sensations Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx will be singing for the nation’s mental health at a special charity gig for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).

The unforgettable and intimate night of live music will be held at the stunning Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on Friday 6 June, with just 150 pairs of tickets up for grabs at this exclusive event.

Tickets are available through a text to win prize draw, powered by the Fonix platform (www.fonix.com), giving fans the chance to win a pair of tickets by texting GIG to 84903.

You will be charged your standard network rate charge and a voluntary £3 donation to SAMH – You must be 18 or over and have the bill payer’s permission to enter. Entries close at 11:59pm on 11/05/2025.

See T&Cs at samh.org.uk/gstc

The event signals the start of SAMH’s new programme of special events, The Garden Sessions: an exclusive fundraising initiative that joins the magic of live music with support for vital mental health services.

Nathan Evans, known for his viral sea shanties, and chart-topping band Saint Phnx, will headline the first SAMH Garden Session, with more exclusive shows planned later in the year.

Nathan Evans said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be part of the very first SAMH Garden Session. Playing an intimate show like this, in such a stunning setting, and for a cause as important as mental health, makes it really special for us.

“We can’t wait to be part of something so positive and memorable — it’s going to be an incredible night.”

Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising and Major Appeals at SAMH, said: “Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, lift spirits, and create lasting memories.

“Connecting with other people and being surrounded by nature is good for your mental health, and this special event will be an uplifting experience.

“With The Garden Sessions, we want to offer something truly unique that not only celebrates live music and gives fans the opportunity to see top artists up close, but also raises vital funds for mental health at a time when support is so desperately needed.”

SAMH recently announced plans to open The Nook, Scotland’s first ever network of walk-in mental health support hubs and proceeds from this event will help to support their establishment.

Find out more at samh.org.uk/the-nook.

Choirs Against Conflict at St Serf’s

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, unity, and hope as we raise vital funds for communities affected by conflict.

🗓 16 May 2025, 7:30pm

📍 Inverleith St Serf’s Church, 280 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH5 3NP

🎟 Suggested Donations: £15 (at the door)

Featuring breathtaking performances from Songbirds, Lothian Gaelic Choir, The Newhaven Community Choir, and The Ukrainian Choir, this event—organized by the Rotary Club of Leith—is a call for peace through the power of song.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Share, invite, and stand in solidarity through music!

💙 #ChoirsAgainstConflict

 #RotaryClubOfLeith

 #MusicForPeace 

#Ukraine

#Gaza

Fettes College begins search for new head teacher

A recruitment process has begun for a new head teacher at Fettes College in Edinburgh, with the current Head Helen Harrison announcing her retirement from the role next year. The school has commissioned a specialist firm to help identify candidates, with applications due by 15 May.

Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. It is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form and a top ten IB School in the UK. Although it currently serves young people aged 7 – 18, from next academic year it will also open a Pre-Prep and offer places to children from age five.

The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, said: “Helen has selflessly devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years – 19 in a senior leadership role and latterly seven as Head.

“She has made a significant contribution to the success of this place and her vision for Fettes has steered a path that ensures our students leave Fettes knowing themselves, looking out for others and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world.

“We are now beginning the work of securing a new Head in partnership with Perrett Laver to ensure we have someone worthy of leading this great school. The Governing Body is seeking a visionary educationalist who will bring energy and experience to the role of Head from September 2026. 

“This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for an outstanding leader.”

Helen Harrison said: “This place; the students and our staff mean the world to me, and it will always be the honour of my life to have led Fettes College and this community.

“I am immensely proud of our achievements, of seeing my vision for Fettes come to life, ground-breaking facilities under construction; and most importantly our students fulfilling their potential.

“However, by Founder’s Day next year it will be the right time to pass on this privilege to the next Head. Until that time it is business as usual and I will continue to give this job my absolute all.”

Pipe band returns to New York Tartan Day parade

The world-famous parade celebrating the USA’s links with Scotland will feature Fettes College’s pipe band for the first time in a generation.

28 members of the pipe band and their instructors will be performing in New York’s annual Tartan Day parade on 5 April along Sixth Avenue. Old Fettesians (OFs) living in the city have also been invited to join them, together with others from the Fettes community making the journey to New York.

The pipers and drummers taking part in the parade are aged between 13 and 18. They are members of the Fettes College pipe band which is made up of students across its senior and prep schools and currently holds the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships Junior A Trophy.

Cameron Drummond, Master in Charge of Piping and Drumming at Fettes College, said: “Each year our pipe band performs in a number of prestigious locations including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace and it is a great honour for our band to also perform in New York and showcase Scotland’s musical heritage.

“We have been practising tirelessly, so we’re all set for this once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students.”

Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, who is in New York with the Pipe Band, said: “Fettes has a strong tradition of piping and drumming, and the Fettes pipe band’s performance at Tartan Day highlights their skills and dedication. 

“It will be a special moment to join the students in the parade, and a great opportunity for the Fettes community to show its support. Fettes is a proudly Scottish school that brings together international perspectives, empowering our students to be successful on a global platform.”

The students will be playing a set of well-loved US tunes, including America the Beautiful, The Marines Hymn and When the Saints go Marching In. Prior to the parade, the pipe band will perform for OFs and others in Bryant Park.

Last year Fettes became the only school in the world to have two piping instructors that took part in the prestigious Glenfiddich Piping Championships.

To find out more about Piping and Drumming at Fettes College visit:

fettes.com/senior-school/piping-drumming

Broughton Teachers vs Students charity football match

FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE RED CROSS

WEDNESDAY 19th FEBRUARY 3.30 – 4.30PM

From the school anti-racism group:

Our Teacher vs Student football fundraiser will be happening on Wednesday the 19th of February, on the astroturf pitch from 3:30-4:30. We are raising money for a Red Cross appeal which donates towards the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan and Ukraine.

You can either bring in a donation that will be collected in buckets on the pitches before the game, or donate on ParentPay, so please donate generously.

You will be able to find out the student and teacher teams on your house Teams page soon!

Hot chocolate will also be available during the match.

Please come along and have fun!

Fettes College chef crowned best in Scotland

Vladimirs Kruus, Executive Chef at Edinburgh’s Fettes College, has been named School Chef of the Year at the Scottish School Food Awards.

The awards were held at Glasgow Academy on 6 February 2025.

Chef Vlad beat stiff competition from the chefs at the Highland Council, Gordonstoun School, Barrhead High School and Dollar Academy.

Vlad joined Fettes College as Executive Chef in November 2023 and has since refreshed the school’s menu with dishes like teriyaki salmon and sushi platters, which have been a hit among students and staff. One standout favourite is his chicken katsu curry, served with jasmine rice and chili-garlic pak choi—a dish that has quickly become a dining hall staple.

Vladimirs Kruus, Executive Chef at Fettes College, said: “Being nominated was an honour in itself, but to be named Scotland’s best school chef is truly incredible.

“I love seeing the excitement from students and staff as they try new flavours and rediscover old favourites. It’s a privilege to create menus that are fresh, seasonal, and nutritious while introducing diverse ingredients and global cuisines.”

Vlad spent a season as Head Chef at the famous five-star Balmoral Hotel before taking up his post at the school. As part of his culinary career, Vlad also worked as Head Chef at Apex Hotels and Sous Chef at Radisson Blu.

John Hutchison, Catering Manager at Fettes College, said: “In the short time I have known Vlad I have been incredibly impressed by his deep culinary knowledge, cooking and menu skills.

“His years of experience are clear and evident in every dish and menu he creates, balancing flavours with precision; and consistently delivering high quality food on the plate every time.

“Beyond his technical abilities, Vlad’s leadership skills in the kitchen are truly inspiring. He handles pressure with ease, mentors his team with care, passion and patience and brings a level of professionalism that elevates the whole catering department, which also make him very approachable with staff and students alike.”

The catering team runs regular theme days to celebrate different countries and cultures and introduce new foods to the students. The team always aims to cook nutritional food and have a well-stocked salad bar to ensure balance.

Dedicated to sustainability and quality, Vlad and the catering team prioritise locally sourced ingredients, with over 80% of the school’s food coming from Scottish suppliers. They also champion sustainable practices by consolidating orders from each supplier to minimise their carbon footprint.

For more information about Fettes College, go to https://www.fettes.com/

Heartbreak at Botanics as Storm Eowyn wreaks havoc

BOTANICS’ TALLEST TREE IS AMONG 15 LOST – 27 MORE DAMAGED

Botanics staff reported:

‘We’re sad to announce that #StormÉowyn has caused severe damage across our Gardens.

‘At #Edinburgh, 15 trees have been lost – either uprooted or damaged beyond recovery. This includes the Garden’s tallest tree, the 29-metre Cedrus deodara, planted in 1859.

‘A further 27 trees have been heavily damaged, and more than 100 panes of glass have been lost from our glasshouses.’

The Botanics team has initiated a major clearup programme and, despite considerable damage across the site, the popular Gardens reopened yesterday.

Keep your festive spirits high with a trip to Christmas at the Botanics

As New Year approaches, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh encourages visitors to make the most of the festive season by taking a trip to this year’s magical Christmas at the Botanics.

Running over 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 December, the trail offers a ‘Twixmas’ treat for family and friends looking to fill the festive gap between Christmas and New Year.

Transforming the Garden with new installations and spectacular illuminations, the trail has been designed and assembled to complement the Botanics’ existing landscape, with nearly 95% of the lights on the trail being LED.

With the return of Christmas classics, this is the last chance for visitors to snap a picture in the iconic Christmas Cathedral or catch a glimpse of Santa before he sets off for the North Pole to prepare for next year’s festivities.

The magical after-dark event is not only an unmissable winter activity for families and friends but also allows visitors to support the Garden’s wider work to address biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.

Ticket sales help fund the Botanics’ international plant research, conservation work and education programmes, strengthening their commitment to building a positive future for plants, people and the planet.

Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “The days between Christmas and New Year can often feel like a tricky gap to fill for families looking to keep the kids entertained during the holidays.

“Christmas at the Botanics offers the perfect way to make the most of this time with a chance to see the Garden illuminated like never before and support the important conservation work we do.

“Every ticket sold helps us address global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change, making it a meaningful and memorable way to end the year.”

As many manage the costs of the holidays, the event offers a low-priced off-peak ticket as well as reduced-pricing family tickets, making this the most affordable, accessible and inclusive trail yet.

Tickets for this year’s show are still on sale with visitors encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot. For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.