Armed robbery at Goldenacre store

Police are appealing for information after an armed robbery at a store in the Warriston area. The incident happened at a premises on Montagu Terrace around 7.40am this morning.

A man entered the store and presented a knife, he threatened staff to open the till and made off with a sum of cash.

The man is described as being white, aged in his early 20s, of slim build, around 6ft to 6ft 2in tall. He had a black face covering and was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, black trousers and black gloves.

Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg, of Corstorphine CID, said: “Thankfully nobody was injured in the incident but this was a frightening experience for the member of staff.

“Enquires are ongoing to identify the man responsible, including reviewing CCTV from the area.

“Anyone who believes they may have information which could help identify the man or who was in the area at the time of the robbery is urged to contact police as soon as they can.”

Anyone with information call 101, quoting incident 0924 of 9 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Botanics launches vegan and gluten-free afternoon teas

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is now serving its new indulgent afternoon tea menu, that for the first time includes completely vegan and gluten-free experiences. 

Created by Sodexo, the foodie team behind the restaurant and cafés at the Botanics, the new addition is the perfect way to enhance a fantastic day at the Gardens.

Launching in time for Mother’s Day, The Gateway Restaurant provides a relaxed and contemporary backdrop to enjoy a mouth-watering afternoon tea, whilst overlooking the gardens from this world-renowned sustainable venue. Available from 6 March, the new offer is inspired by the gardens, bringing the outdoors in and onto the plate.

Served from 2.30pm each day, the Botanical Afternoon Tea features an edible plant pot and mini cone topped with candy floss along with a selection of seasonal sandwiches and sweet treats guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds.

A highlight of the vegan option is the sausage roll made with locally sourced wild mushrooms and on the gluten free menu, the venue has introduced a savoury quiche.

The chocolate trough, inspired by a window box features on all three menus as does the quintessential scone. Served on individually decorated stands afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the restaurant, or al fresco on the terrace.

Commenting on the new afternoon tea, Susan Holligan, Catering General Manager at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This new immersive afternoon tea provides guests with a complete Botanics experience.

“The menu has been designed to showcase the best of the garden and reflect how it changes during the year. It will feature seasonal dishes that illustrate the changing flora and fauna surrounding our restaurant.

“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy the decadent afternoon tea experience regardless of dietary requirements, so with an estimated 600,000 vegans in the UK and 8.5 million people on gluten-free diets, we have worked hard to create the perfect alternatives.

“We don’t believe in simply substituting certain items to fulfil allergy requirements, we have worked just as hard on our full vegan and gluten-free stands so that everyone has the perfect Botanical Afternoon Tea experience.

“Afternoon tea is always a popular occasion, but it certainly peaks around Mother’s Day when families come together to spoil their mum or grandma. And with this literally just around the corner, we’d advise early booking to avoid disappointment.”

Available from 6 March, afternoon tea costs £24.95 per person with unlimited tea and coffee, or £29.95 per person with a glass of fizz. The gluten-free and vegan options have to be ordered 24 hours in advance.

Pre-booking isn’t essential but recommended.

Stockbridge faces months of traffic disruption

To allow utility works to take place, Deanhaugh Street will be closed in both directions from 0900 hrs today for approximately EIGHT weeks.

Lothian has the following bus diversions in place:

Services 24 29 X29 – between Comely Bank Road and Frederick Street, buses will be diverted via Comely Bank AvenueDean BridgeRandolph CrescentAlbyn PlaceQueen StreetNorth Castle Street and George Street in both directions.

Service 36 – between Hamilton Place and Lothian Road, buses will be diverted via Kerr StreetHowe StreetFrederick StreetGeorge Street and South Charlotte Street in both directions.

Service 42 – between Comely Bank Road and George Street, buses will be diverted via Comely Bank AvenueDean BridgeRandolph CrescentAlbyn PlaceQueen StreetNorth Castle Street and George Street in both directions.

Apart from that, everything’s just fine and dandy …

Christmas at the Botanics: Festive light spectacular returns bigger and brighter

  • The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to transform into a twinkling winter wonderland this Christmas with an array of lights, projections and lasers
  • Over one million pea-lights on mile-long outdoor trail
  • New installations this year are ‘Voyage’, ‘Light-Hearted’, Icicle Garden and Laser Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will sprinkle a generous dusting of Christmas cheer and wonder once again this year as one of Edinburgh’s most popular festive season events, ‘Christmas at The Botanics’, returns for its third consecutive year running for 30 nights from 22 November to 29 December. Continue reading Christmas at the Botanics: Festive light spectacular returns bigger and brighter

Councillors back Botanics’ Biomes project

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has won the backing of city councillors to proceed with an ambitious £70m initiative to safeguard Scotland’s priceless national plant collections and future proof its status as a world-leading centre for plant science, education, horticulture and conservation.

State-of-the-art facilities will underpin the Garden’s core activities, while the visitor experience will be greatly enhanced through the refurbishment and extension of the popular public Glasshouses. Continue reading Councillors back Botanics’ Biomes project

Have your say on the future of the Botanic Gardens

Whether you love the Botanic Gardens or have never visited before, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh would love to hear from you!

They’re looking to speak to local residents to hear what you think about the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and chat about ideas for new opportunities which could take place as a result of the Edinburgh Biomes project. Continue reading Have your say on the future of the Botanic Gardens

Foodies Festivalgoers gear up for Bake Off with cupcake challenge from Home Store + More

Do you struggle to get an even bake or are you keen to shake up your showstopper?

As Channel 4’s Bake Off gears up for another tense ten weeks in the tent, local retailer Home Store + More will be hosting a series of Bake Off-style cupcake decorating challenges at this weekend’s Foodies Festival (2-4th August 2019).

In the beautiful surroundings of Inverleith Park, visitors to the event will be invited inside Home Store + More’s own ‘Bake Off’ gazebo to learn the art of creating the perfect cupcake. With inspirational ideas and store colleagues on hand to help, the family-friendly drop-in activity will be available throughout the Festival weekend.

Rachael Neill, store manager at Home Store + More’s Craigleith store, said: “Whatever the weather, at this year’s Festival we’re inviting guests to join us in our tent to create their own cupcake masterpiece.

“For bakers of all ages, we will have cakes ready to decorate throughout each day with a whole selection of tasty treats. So, whether you prefer a classic swirl, a unicorn horn or something that’s guaranteed a Hollywood handshake, everyone is sure to leave with a delicious treat.

“We’re inviting everyone who attends to sign up to our Plus+ Membership to be in with the chance of winning one of our exclusive Baking Bundles worth over £180.”

Participants of the Home Store + More Bake Off-style event will also receive a special 20% off all kitchenware voucher for the store at Craigleith Retail Park, just a few minutes journey time from Inverleith Park.

With an array of baking, cake decorating tools and cookware supplies in store, Home Store + More has everything you need for an autumn of folding, crumbling, whipping and icing. For more Bake Off tips and ideas, follow Home Store + More on Facebook or Instagram.