Category: North Edinburgh News

David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair Announces August Opening

David Lloyd Clubs will open its eagerly awaited Edinburgh Shawfair club this August.

There has been a significant amount of local interest in joining the new club, with many people living in the area signing up to find out how becoming a member at David Lloyd Clubs can help them live a healthier lifestyle.

In further good news for the local area, the arrival of David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will create exciting job opportunities and play a key role in the city’s leisure industry.

For those members who have already taken advantage of the early joining offer and secured their membership at the brand-new club, the wait is almost over.

Michael Lindores, the new General Manager, has arranged to get the members together even sooner by arranging a local running club activity meeting twice a week. 

Michael says: “I am delighted to be able to get the new members together so that I can meet them, and they can meet each other.  Community is a big part of what makes David Lloyd Clubs special so these introductions will pave the way for some friendships in the future.”

The centrepiece of David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be the 100+ station gym, which will house David Lloyd Clubs’ cutting-edge gym concept with an unrivalled array of best-in-class equipment. There will be four bespoke designed studios which will offer high-octane High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes, such as Blaze, to group cycling in Cyclone and mind and body classes such as SPIRIT.

A 20m indoor and a 25m outdoor heated swimming pool will offer a range of activities, including aqua aerobics, family swim times and quiet adult swim sessions. The new club will also feature three outdoor paddle courts plus four tennis courts inside an aerodome.

For families with children, private swimming lessons and tennis coaching will be available, and children can take part in daily activities and holiday clubs that offer fun and active solutions for parents trying to keep the little ones entertained.

Sessions will take place in a dedicated DL Kids area and will be synchronised with the adult group exercise programme to give parents and guardians an opportunity to focus on their own fitness with the peace of mind that their children are being cared for.

For those looking for a luxurious wellness experience, the impressive indoor spa and spa garden facilities will include a Himalayan salt sauna, rainforest experience shower, hydrotherapy pool, heated beds to create a sanctuary of relaxation to recharge, revive and rejuvenate.

There will also be a Clubroomat the heart of the club, which will be carefully zoned to meet member needs, including a dining area with freshly cooked meals and a business area to catch up with work in peaceful surroundings.

Families will love the dedicated family area with eating areas and an indoor playframe. An outdoor patio area will offer a space for outdoor dining and socialising on warmer days and evenings, with playground facilities for the children.

The club will have a 250-space carpark and is well-connected to Edinburgh and surrounding towns in Midlothian and East Lothian by nearby bus, rail, and cycle links.

The specific date in August for the opening of David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be announced shortly and those interested in membership are encouraged to keep an eye on the club website.

To secure membership at David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair and join today on the introductory offer, visit www.davidlloyd.co.uk/edinburghshawfair

Dalkeith and Danderhall councillor Stephen Curran said: “The opening of the new David Lloyd club is great news for jobs and growth in my ward and across the local area.

“The investment it brings is also very welcome and I’m looking forward to visiting when it opens in August.

“From start to finish, I’ve been impressed by David Lloyd Clubs’s commitment to supporting the local community as the Edinburgh Shawfair club has taken shape.”

Michael Lindores, David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair General Manager, said: “The countdown has begun to our August opening, and we couldn’t be more excited.

“There has been so much positive engagement and interest in our club so far and it’s not long now until we can welcome our members to enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities and world-class customer service.

“David Lloyd Clubs has a well-established and deserved reputation as the go-to leisure destination in Edinburgh and our new Shawfair club will give many more people the chance to experience this first-hand.”

Michelle Chambers-Cran, Regional Manager at David Lloyd Leisure, said: “We are thrilled to announce that we will be welcoming new members to David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair this August.

“Everyone involved in delivering this project has been working really hard to bring our vison to life and it’s super exciting to see it all coming together.

“David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be so much more than ‘just a gym’ – it will be a true complete leisure destination and we can’t wait to welcome our new members through our doors in August.”

Full Steam Ahead for 102 year old Muriel

STRACHAN House resident Muriel Sinclair had always wanted to jump on board and relive her journeys she would take on a steam train, so staff at the home made her  wish a reality with their Gone Fishing 23 project.

Muriel said some of her fondest memories was travelling around Scotland on days out with her children, and the fun they would have as a family. 

Muriel has lived at Strachan House for many years and at 102 she is dearly loved by the staff and residents alike. Staff jumped on board when they heard of her memories travelling from Edinburgh to Dundee on the steam trains and worked in secret to ensure her surprise was kept on the right track.

Speaking with Boness Railway about Muriel the team organised for her to take a 70 minute steam train ride whilst enjoying a good old fashion afternoon tea.

What Muriel didn’t also know was when she reached the platform her daughter was there to surprise. And as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the station master and guards then surprised her with a First class compartment to ensure she had a day to remember!

Mandy Head of Activities said “Our Gone Fishing 23 is all about making that meaningful moment happen and this like many others, was very special. To see Muriel’s face light up when she heard the steam train pull up was just magical!”

“I’m 102 and never ever thought I’d take another ride on a steam train. I can hardly see now, but the smell of smoke and the sounds reminded me instantly of the fun journeys I would take in my younger days. I can’t thank the team enough for an amazing day. The afternoon tea was just the cherry on the top of such a wonderful surprise.”

Gordon Philp General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House.

“It was marvellous see how overwhelmed Muriel was – and how hard the team works behind the scenes to make sure our residents have such special moments like these.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Draw inspiration from The Cairn Distillery

Dream opportunity for aspiring artists to realise a dream with help from rising Instagram star

Aspiring artists are being offered the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to collaborate with one of Instagram’s favourite artists. Phil Dean, also known as ‘The Shoreditch Sketcher’, has over 100,000 followers and is also a published author.

For millennia, cairns have encouraged people to explore new paths and this latest initiative is part of The Cairn Distillery’s Beacon of Inspiration campaign which aims to encourage people to take that next step and realise a long-held ambition. 

People from across the UK are being invited to tell The Cairn why they’ve always harboured a dream to become an artist, and what it would mean to them to be given the chance to hone their craft under the expert wing of Phil Dean.

The winners will first embark on an all-expenses paid trip to London to take part in an inspiring tutorial on how to capture an urban environment, with Phil sharing valuable insights including the top tips he has learned over a lifetime of sketching.

The workshop will focus on refining the artists’ styles, helping the pair form a deeper understanding of the art they want to create and how to create it. Working alongside Phil, the winners will learn new methods and techniques to capture both natural and urban landscapes in an intriguing and innovative way.

After a few weeks of self-practice, the successful applicants will then join Phil in September at The Cairn to put their new skills into practice, by sketching the distillery in its stunning natural environment, on the banks of the River Spey.

The Cairn, which opened its doors in October 2022, is the first new distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park since its inception. Its owners, Moray-based family business, Gordon & MacPhail, aim to build on its 128-year heritage of producing exceptional Scotch whisky by creating legacies that inspire future generations.  

Phil Dean, ‘The Shoreditch Sketcher’, said: “Drawing in urban spaces gives you a completely new way to engage – to sketch a city is to truly see it. You are out in a public environment, part of the landscape and embedded in your surroundings. You have to embrace the freedom it provides.

“The Cairn is truly inspirational in terms of its whisky, its building, and its surroundings, so I’m very much looking forward to helping our amateur artists to bring this magnificent place to life on paper.” 

Ian Chapman, Marketing Director of Gordon & MacPhail said: “We are so proud of our home here in the Cairngorms, from the stunning mountains to the glorious River Spey, we are never short of inspiration. It truly is the perfect place for artists to bring their canvas and create something special. 

“We are delighted to be working with Phil to give aspiring artists the chance pursue a life-long dream and collaborate with such a talented creator. We can’t wait to see the final results.”

The mission to discover aspiring artists is the third instalment of The Cairn’s initiative to inspire visitors to pursue long-held ambitions.

The first was launched last year when The Cairn brought together three musicians who shared a goal to collaborate internationally and offered them the opportunity to create a unique track inspired by Scotland’s incredible landscape, which encompasses the distillery.

This was followed by a competition earlier this year, giving ambitious chefs the chance to design a bespoke menu with Tim Maddams, one of the UK’s leading chefs.

To enter, please see the online application form with full terms and conditions, available here https://www.thecairndistillery.com/the-shoreditch-sketcher

For more information on The Cairn, please visit www.thecairndistillery.com.

Braeburn Home Summer Fair

SATURDAY 5th AUGUST 2 – 4pm

Come along to our home to see what a nursing home is really about!

We are keen to build better community links and welcome visitors to our home. At the summer fair we will have a variety of stalls including cakes, handmade jewellery, pictures and paintings, tombolas and hopefully face painting!

Kids more than welcome!

We are raising funds so we can do something really special with each resident: this could be going to the beach, painting, going out for a meal or whatever our amazing residents want to do!

We hope to see you at Braeburn Home, 35 Inverleith Terrace!

Edinburgh Welcomes Edge 2 Radio

Jay Crawford has announced his return to the airwaves on Edinburgh’s new local radio station, Edge 2

Edge Radio Group, led by Jay Crawford, has taken over another DAB licensed station MIX 1 to create Edge 2, Edinburgh’s new local station which will deliver the best music of the last 50 years.

Following huge investment in new studios and equipment in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge, Edge 2 brings fresh ideas, an updated music selection and the triumphant return of one of Edinburgh’s best loved radio DJs. Edge 2 aims to captivate listeners with a curated selection of timeless classic hits and local news.

This expansion further solidifies Jay Crawford’s influence and impact in the radio industry, showcasing his passion for music and commitment to providing engaging content for his listeners.

Jay said; “This was a golden opportunity to build on the success of Edge Radio and an exciting development for the local radio scene. I saw a gap in the market and felt that Edge 2 could be it. I cannot wait to return to the airwaves to play classic tracks every Monday to Friday.”

At the new Stockbridge home for Edge Radio, Jay continued; “Dedicating an entire station to the best music of the last 50 years offers immense appeal. We will be showcasing hits from the rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1950s to vibrant disco in the ‘70s, pop hits of the ’80s, through to the alternative and grunge movements of the ’90s.

“With such a vast and eclectic pool of music to draw from, the new station is poised to cater to a wide range of listeners, ensuring there is something for everyone.”

Jay Crawford’s experience and expertise as a veteran DJ will undoubtedly shine through in the programming and curation of the playlist.

Listeners can expect a well-crafted selection of songs that not only represent the best of the last 50 years but also showcase the breadth and depth of musical talent that has shaped our cultural landscape.

Edge 2  will go live on Monday 10th July playing music from the last 5 decades broadcasting online, on mobile, smart speakers and DAB+ 

Jay Crawford will be on air every Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm.

Presenters include: Breakfast with Sam Hinks, Jay Crawford and Afternoon Drive with award winning comedian, Billy Kirkwood.

A Sip Through Time

The Real Mary Kings Close and Pickering’s Gin celebrate Gin Month

This July, The Real Mary King’s Close is celebrating Gin Month by offering a specially curated gin tour, ‘A Sip Through Time’, in partnership with Edinburgh distillers, Pickering’s Gin.

Perfect for the discerning gin lover, the historic attraction hidden beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile invites you on an exclusive experience infused with fascinating insights about how the spirit was produced, smuggled and consumed in Edinburgh throughout the centuries.

The one-hour interactive history tour will conclude with a crafted gin tasting session led by local experts, giving the perfect excuse to raise a glass and sample some luxuriously smooth gin.

With over ten years of industry knowledge, Pickering’s Gin will help to immerse guests in the rich history of Edinburgh’s gin trade, taking them on a journey to discover the origins of the spirit’s introduction to Scotland and how the gin craze took off in Edinburgh the late eighteenth century.

During ‘A Sip Through Time’, visitors will also uncover the identity of the infamous ‘Merchant Prince’ and journey back in time to explore the streets and spaces which now lie underneath the vibrant Old Town of Edinburgh.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Over the last few hundred years, the popularity of gin in the city of Edinburgh has continued to grow and become deep-rooted into the culture of this vibrant city.

“We are delighted to partner with local distillers Pickering’s Gin to share the fascinating history of the Edinburgh gin trade with a new generation of gin drinkers, all whilst enjoying a responsible tipple or two.

“At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are enthusiastic about telling stories and developing one-of-a-kind experiences that immerse our visitors into special moments in time. We are so excited to welcome guests on our special tour, ‘A Sip Through Time’ and urge those interested in all things juniper to get booking soon as places are limited.”

Rachel Thomson, Head of Marketing at Summerhall Distillery, said: “As a local Edinburgh distiller, we are thrilled to be joining The Real Mary King’s close to share our knowledge and take visitors on a journey through time to discover Edinburgh’s bustling gin trade.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming guests to the tour and letting them sample some of our finest creations, all distilled here in Edinburgh”

Starting today (Friday 7 July), gin tours will be running every weekend throughout the month.

Tours run at 5.30pm and 7.30pm (7th, 8th July). Tours run at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.15pm (14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th July).

Tickets are £45pp. Pre-booking is strongly recommended as places are very limited. Over 18’s only. 

For more information and bookings please visit: 

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/a-sip-through-time/

Edinburgh disability charity to hold summer holiday camp with help from local school

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Edinburgh-based charity SuperTroop, which provides residential breaks for children with learning disabilities, will hold a summer holiday camp on the grounds of Fettes College thanks to the school’s generosity. 

The event is a community effort, with students, teaching staff and the operational team involved throughout the week, meaning Fettes is much more than just a host for the holiday camp.

Around two dozen students will give up the first week of their summer break to volunteer with the holidaymakers and help give them support and friendship. Fettes teaching staff also volunteer to organise and support the holiday, with some taking the lead in activities throughout the week.

In just 24 hours, Dalmeny House – a boarding house on the Fettes campus – is transformed into the perfect accessible location for attendees to SuperTroop’s week-long camp.

Dalmeny House is a modern, accessible building with dorm bedrooms, shared bathrooms and lots of relaxation space. 16 children and young people with learning disabilities take part in the holiday week, receiving 24/7 one-to-one support. Many of the participants have never had a night away from home before.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Student Louisa said: “The relationship between SuperTroop and Fettes has not only provided incredible holidays but also a transformative learning experience for us as Fettesians.

“We all hold SuperTroop dear to our hearts and hope that future Fettesians can continue to support this beautiful charity in the future.”

The holidaymakers stay on campus, sleep in dorm rooms with their peers and 1:1 helpers, and eat meals as a group in the dining hall. Fettes provides a high-quality and accessible residence, catering for the week, and facilities such as outdoor spaces, swimming pool and sports hall. 

Sue Fletcher-Watson, Founder of SuperTroop said: “We are thrilled with the efforts from the students and staff at Fettes College towards SuperTroop’s residential break. Their generosity will make sure that this residential break is truly special for all involved and make for some very happy campers.

“SuperTroop’s goal is to provide extraordinary holidays, creating an environment in which holiday makers feel surrounded by friends. The support we have from Fettes, as fundraisers, hosts and volunteers, is vital to provide the best experience possible.”

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Mr Rhys Rowlands, Director of Service at Fettes College said: “The work that SuperTroop do to bring a fun break to these young people is truly remarkable. Fettes is proud to be able to support this charity in any way we can and help provide a fun summer for everyone taking part.”

£10,000 raised from a log-carrying challenge will allow SuperTroop to provide travel, admission to places such as Edinburgh Zoo, fun activities and art supplies for 16 young people.

In March, every Fettes College student took a turn carrying a 100kg metal log up and down the school’s drive for 24 hours, taking it in 15-minute shifts. 

To find out how you can join the troop or lend your support, go to supertroop.org/

Capital pupils making progress thanks to Sean Connery dyslexia initiative

An innovative educational programme funded by the Sean Connery Foundation designed to help dyslexic children and young people in Edinburgh is showing positive signs of making a difference.

Interim results from the three year project, targeted at those experiencing literacy difficulties, has demonstrated that individual children are making significant progress in their reading.

While Sir Sean, who was born in Edinburgh, was not himself dyslexic, learning to read was life-changing for him, and he was passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for reading with others.

The partnership between Dyslexia Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Literacy and Dyslexia Support Team and the Foundation started last August. The work being carried out builds on the Council’s already established support to deliver intensive programmes to more pupils than were previously provided.

In the first year 15 primary and two secondary schools have been provided with specialist teachers and pupil support assistants trained to develop the capacity of school staff supporting children/young people with dyslexia or literacy difficulties. This has resulted in 215 pupils benefitting from the extra support and the wider training programme reaching 175 teaching staff.

An analysis of the work found all teachers and pupils involved were positive about its impact, with data suggesting “individual children are flourishing as a result of the initiative”. Even in just nine weeks of intervention, it was found that individual children were making “significant progress in their reading” and the report said: “If such improvements are sustained longer term it is highly likely that the impact of the project will demonstrate statistical significance.”

Another positive development from the project has been the setting up of parent/carer groups which helps parents with strategies to support literacy at home and practise these with their children.

Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Thanks to this funding from the Sean Connery Foundation and our longstanding partnership with Dyslexia Scotland we have been able to significantly increase support for learners who benefit most from this targeted work.

“Although we’re still in the early stages of this ground-breaking project the early results are really encouraging and building on the excellent work already taking place around literacy and dyslexia in our schools.

“In the first year we carefully selected 16 schools, offering group or one to one input to learners.  We delivered intensive staff training and support for parents and carers, so that they felt more confident and informed about how to help at home. 

“Children who had difficulties with reading are now showing significant progress. The work also helps build their self-confidence making them feel more motivated and engaged in learning.

“This is a wonderful partnership which shows real promise for learners with literacy difficulties. I can’t wait to see how the programme develops over the next two years and the positive impact it will have.”

Cathy Magee, Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland, said: “We are delighted that this initiative has started so well and that the hard work of everyone involved in the first year is having such a significant impact on the learners’ literacy skills as well as on their confidence and wellbeing.

“Early reports show that the generous investment by the Foundation, combined with the excellent partnership between Dyslexia Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council are delivering encouraging results. This is evident in the positive feedback from learners, parents, teachers and pupil support assistants.”

Stephane Connery, Chair of The Sean Connery Foundation, said: “The single most important event in Sean’s life was learning to read. It opened up his world. Sean was very conscious of the stigma that people with dyslexia endure.

“It does a terrible number on their confidence despite the fact that many dyslexic people are truly gifted with fresh, original perspectives. Our hope is that the Sean Connery Dyslexia Initiative helps to unlock this genius, helping students to grow in confidence and thrive in school.

Secret nuclear bunker solves Edinburgh Festival accommodation problem

LGBTQIA+ VILLAGE CREATED AT BARNTON BUNKER

In a bid to beat the soaring cost of accommodation at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a group of performers are setting up camp at a disused nuclear bunker on the edge of the city this August. 

Barnton Bunker, which is  situated just five miles from the centre, adjacent to Edinburgh Zoo, was built in 1944 and, in 1951, was commissioned as a Cold War shelter for the British government and the Queen in the event of a nuclear attack.  Decomissioned it 1955 it now plays host to a panoply of performers including queens of a different variety!

The company of ALPHABET SOUP, a new force in LGBTQIA+ comedy, which performs daily from 4th to 27th August at Le Monde Hotel’s Shanghai Night, will be living in caravans on the Barnton Bunker site throughout festival.   Housing a rich mix of world-class queer comedians, drag performers and variety acts the bunker is set to be transformed into Mad Max style digs for the diverse.

ALPHABET SOUP serves up brunch throughout the festival for the very first time.  With a brand new menu every day, mixing a core company of imported performers with a daily change of locally sourced ingredients, this is a queer comedy brunch unlike any other, co-hosted 7G and the hilarious bisexual comedian Alyssa Poteet. With the concerted assault on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+  people across The States and elsewhere, this is part of the fightback. 

In the spirit of ‘We’re Here We’re Queer’, Alphabet Soup is comedy for combat. 

7G – Alphabet Soup co-creator and camp leader says – ‘When I discovered that it would be £30-£35,000 to rent a house for the month for the performers of Alphabet Soup, I thought that we would not be able to premiere our brand new LGBTQIA+ extravaganza at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

“Then a West Hollywood gay friend told me that he was volunteering throughout the month of August to help restore Barnton Nuclear bunker to its World War II glory. As we LGBTQiA+ feel we’re in a war for our human rights right now, staying at a nuclear bunker  feels like a God Shot.. So we met with Ben Mitchell whose family are raising £5 million to restore the facility for visitors to tell him we were in . 

“Not only are we building an Alphabet Soup  Glamping camp site at a fraction of the cost of a house and we each get our own room,  we are also helping Ben raise the profile of his good work at the same time as planning our campaign to  Love Bomb the hatred of those who seek to oppress us.”

Alyssa Poteet – co-creator and fellow camp leader says: “From the most right-wing of red states all the way to our home of Los Angeles California, you can feel the rise of LGBTQIA+ hostility growing in America.

“This concerningly well organized and extraordinarily funded culture war is being seeded in our courthouses and legislatures and seeping into and infecting the hearts of US citizens.

“As we gear up to make our presence known and provide a new narrative about LGBTQUI+ in the wake of all these blows against us, it’s fitting that we must seek refuge in a war bunkers as we fight our fight. Some may lie down at this obstacle –  we’re toasting marshmallows and breathing in the fresh Scottish air”.

A spokesperson for The Barnton Bunker Preservation Society SCIO says: “We are delighted to partner with the talented team behind Alphabet Soup and welcome them to Barnton Bunker. 

“By joining forces, we aim to raise the profile of Barnton Bunker and its restoration efforts, while at the same time giving the Alphabet Soup team a safe, secure, and affordable solution to their accommodation issues during their stay at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“We extend our warmest thanks to Alphabet Soup, the LGBTQiA+ community and their entire team for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact.  Together, we can transform Barnton Bunker into a unique destination that celebrates history, creativity, and the power of collaboration.”