Welcoming guests from over 100 nations, visitors from the US, Hong Kong and Mauritius all flocked the 17th-century site this season.
One of Edinburgh’s leading heritage attractions, The Real Mary King’s Close, has celebrated a record-breaking summer after welcoming 106,477 guests across June, July and August.
Admissions at the historic attraction, located beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, increased by 12% year on year across June and July, with August admissions 6% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The strong performance comes during another busy summer for Edinburgh, as visitors from around the world travelled to the capital during its tourism peak.
The Real Mary King’s Close recorded visitors from more than 100 countries and territories this summer, underlining both Edinburgh’s continued international appeal and growing interest in the city’s hidden history.
The United States was the attraction’s largest identifiable overseas market, with 6,357 visitors, followed by Canada with 1,304 and Germany with 1,037. Strong numbers were also recorded from France, Spain, Australia, the Netherlands and Italy.
Guests travelled from across Europe, North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania, including visitors from locations as far afield as Afghanistan, French Polynesia, Samoa, Mauritius and the Cayman Islands.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said:“Welcoming more than 106,000 guests and achieving a record-breaking summer is a fantastic result for The Real Mary King’s Close and our dedicated team.
“This performance comes against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive tourism market, with visitors understandably more conscious of how and where they spend their money. Our team has worked incredibly hard to achieve these results and ensure that every guest enjoys an experience which offers both quality and value.
“It has been another incredibly busy summer for Edinburgh, and it is encouraging to see visitor numbers continuing to grow. Welcoming guests from more than 100 countries and territories demonstrates the enduring international appeal of the Capital and the appetite for authentic heritage experiences that bring its history to life.
“We are proud to play our part in Edinburgh’s world-class tourism offering and look forward to building on this momentum throughout the remainder of the year.”
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings, please visit:
BBC Scotland’s Debate Night is coming to Edinburgh on the evening of Wednesday the 23rd of September – and local people are being invited to take part.
The programme, hosted by Stephen Jardine, gives members of the public the chance to put their questions directly to a panel of politicians and public figures and debate some of the biggest issues facing Scotland.
Producers are looking for people with a wide range of views and experiences to join the Edinburgh audience – from students and young people to parents, carers, workers, business owners and retirees.
16.02.22 Tinopolis Factual Group BBC Scotland Debate Night Series 3 tx1 Stirling Presenter Stephen Jardine
Contact KATIE COSTELLO Production Manager Tinopolis Factual Group
London | 4th Floor, No 1 Smiths Square, 77 – 85 Fulham Palace Road. London W6 8JA Glasgow | 5th Floor, 5 Morrison’s Court, 20 Buchanan Street, Glasgow G1 3LH m. 07811946280 e. graemehunter@mac.com”
29/08/2-17 – Ciaran McCrickard Photography – Tink, Hero Cat of the Year, from Shrewsbury
Students packing for university aren’t just anxious about Freshers’ Week or locating the best all-day breakfast in a new town. Many face a lesser-known emotional hurdle; parting ways with the family cat.
Leaving home is a massive milestone and feeling a sense of loss when saying goodbye to a companion you’ve shared your teenage years with is a genuine form of homesickness.
Pack a cherished cat photo, a familiar toy or a blanket your cat sleeps on to make your new room feel more like home.
Remember, you won’t be the only one missing a pet. Sharing stories and photos with flatmates is a great way to make friends and support each other. Video calls are another good way to stay in touch, especially since cats love to screen-bomb.
Back at home, cats can be unsettled by change, but a few simple steps can help. Cats thrive on routine and leaving a worn t.shirt in your cat’s favourite sleeping spot provides a comforting scent.
Families should watch for subtle signs of distress, such as changes in appetite or grooming habits, and consult a vet if concerned. But don’t worry, your cat won’t forget you. They’ll probably get over your absence faster than you will.
So, enjoy student life and look forward to the ultimate homecoming. Few things beat a warm, purr and head-bump greeting when you return for the holidays.
Brian Cox, legend of the stage and screen, returns to The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh on Sunday 8 November 2026 for an evening of conversation and stories, looking back on his remarkable life and career so far.
As one of the founding members of The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company in 1965, Brian Cox performed in the company’s first production, The Servant o’ Twa Maisters. Since then, he’s returned to The Lyceum stage in notable productions of The Master Builder (1993), Uncle Varick (2004), and most recently in Waiting for Godot (2015) where he marked the celebration of 50 years of the Company.
In an extraordinary career, spanning more than six decades, Brian’s journey has taken him from his early years in Scottish theatre to acclaimed roles on stage and screen around the world – including his unforgettable performance as Logan Roy in Succession. His feature directorial debut Glenrothan serves as a love letter to Scotland.
In this one-off event, audiences will have the rare chance to spend an evening in the company of one of Scotland’s most celebrated actors, with a chance to submit their questions for Brian to answer.
Money raised will go towards supporting the theatre in continuing to provide stand-out productions for Edinburgh audiences year-round and creating vital employment opportunities for creatives across Scotland.
James Brining, Artistic Director at The Lyceum, said:“Having Brian back on The Lyceum stage is a real treat, not only because he’s one of Scotland’s most celebrated actors, but because he’s played such a significant part in our history.
Brian’s career is a testament to the power of Scottish theatre in nurturing exceptional talent and to the importance of giving audiences the opportunity to experience the work of Scottish artists through every stage of their creative journey.”
A limited number of VIP seats are available, which include an invitation to a pre-show reception. Starting at 6pm, the reception will include a welcome drink and a meet and greet with Brian.
An Evening with Brian Cox is at The Lyceum on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Tesco is bringing its ‘Best Night In’ roadshow to Edinburgh this month giving shoppers the chance to sample food and win prizes.
The roadshow will be visiting Edinburgh Corstorphine Extra on Tuesday the 22nd of September, giving shoppers the chance to sample the perfect snacks and drinks for an evening at home at a special Best Night In living room set up in the store car park.
Shoppers will also get the chance to take part in an interactive game to win Best Night In prizes from Tesco.
Tesco UK Marketing Director Murray Bisschop said:“As we head into autumn, more and more of our customers will be looking forward to a cosy night in and we want to help shoppers across Great Britain with everything you need to make the most of those autumn evenings indoors.”
As part of the Best Night In activity millions of Tesco Clubcard members have already received free coupons for fresh Tesco Finest pizzas that can be redeemed in Tesco stores and online through its popular Freebie Thursday’s scheme.
Tesco is also offering the chance for 50 shoppers to win a Best Night In tech bundle worth £10,000, including an up to 98” 4K TCL television, a Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch 2, a Sony Bluetooth turntable, a £2,500 furniture voucher, and £1,000 to spend at Tesco.
To qualify customers just need to spend in £25 in a qualifying transaction at Tesco in-store or online until October 4th*.
Let’s come together on October 7th to celebrate the power of reading and the vital role libraries play in our lives!
From novels and comics to recipes and poems, every kind of reading matters. This is your chance to pause, pick up something you love, and join a nationwide moment dedicated to the joy of reading – and the positive impact it has on our wellbeing, learning, and everyday life.
Libraries across Scotland are ready to welcome you on your reading journey. By taking part, you’ll be joining thousands of others – schools, libraries, workplaces, community groups, families, and individuals – helping to build a Scotland where reading is valued, shared, and enjoyed by all.
Ready to inspire others? Make your pledge and share what you’re reading! Let’s show the world that Scotland is a nation of readers.
Designer Charles Jeffrey brings Westfield Days: The Sound of Style to Edinburgh
Rock band swim school headlined a night of live performance, DJ sets and Scottish design at Westfield St James Quarter on Thursday night (10 September), as the centre officially became Westfield St James Quarter with the opening of ten days of cultural programming curated by Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey.
The evening was one of three UK events held on the same night for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style, presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council, with sister events at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City.
In Edinburgh, guests were treated to a headline set from swim school, a performance from drag act Jonbers, a DJ set from Jungle Hussi with guests piped down to the stage by trans piper, Malin Lewis.
Westfield Days centres around Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room, an immersive installation built from his own archive and soundscapes, and his PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products. Guests got a first look at both ahead of the wider ten-day programme, which runs at Westfield St James Quarter until 20th September.
Born in Scotland, Jeffrey is internationally recognised for blending design, performance, music and culture into a distinctive creative vision.
Returning home for the takeover, he said: “I’m looking forward to celebrating the people, places and cultural influences that inspire my work, on home turf here in Scotland.
“This is ten days of everything that’s shaped me – the music, the people, the chaotic creativity of it all – and I want Edinburgh to feel like it’s part of that story, not just watching it happen.”
Alice Johnson, singer with swim school said:“Headlining the opening night of Westfield St James Quarter was brilliant, and playing alongside everything Charles Jeffrey’s put together for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style made the night feel like something genuinely different for the city.
“Westfield St James Quarter feels buzzing – and we’re proud to have been a part of the launch.”
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quarter, said:“This is what the new chapter for Westfield St James Quarter looks like – bold and built around real creative talent.
“Becoming Westfield St James Quarter is an exciting evolution for this destination, and we wanted the launch to feel like that. Ten days of music, fashion and ideas from Charles Jeffrey, one of Scotland’s most exciting creative voices, is exactly the statement we hoped to make.”
Highlights of the Westfield St James Quarter launch included:
An exclusive Listening Room and soundscapes built from Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey
The opening of Jeffrey’s PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products
A headline performance from rock band swim school, alongside drag performer Jonbers, DJ Jungle Hussi and piper Malin Lewis
Guests to Westfield St James Quarter can experience a full programme of talks, workshops and live performances continuing at each centre as part of the wider Fashion Britain initiative.
Highlights include:
Fri 11 Sept, 5.30-6.15pm: Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY x V&A Dundee: Scottish Fashion in Conversation. Charles Jeffrey and V&A Dundee’s Kirsty Hassard discuss Scottish fashion history, introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir.
Sun 13 Sept, 10-11.30am: Fashion Photography Workshop: Creating the Narrative with Claudius Ricketts. A hands-on session on building a fashion image from concept to shoot, with real models. Ages 16+.
Sun 13 Sept, 12-1pm: Love Your Body Dance Workshop with Ivan Blackstock. An energetic Hip Hop-rooted movement session from the choreographer behind Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl. Ages 16+.
Wed 16 Sept, 2-2.30pm: Talk: Tarot, Fashion & Identity with Jade Mordente. Jade Mordente explores tarot and fashion as parallel tools for self-expression.
Full programme of activity is available to view here.
TAKE UP WOULD SAVE NHS AND SOCIAL CARE SERVICES ALMOST £1 BILLION
Research shows that 100% take up of key benefits would cut numbers of pensioners in poverty by 280,000
Due to health impacts, full take-up would also save the NHS and social care services in England £950 million a year
Independent Age recommends the UK Government publish a take-up strategy for financial entitlements to ensure all older people receive everything they should be
New research from national charity Independent Age shows that full take-up of three key financial entitlements could lift 280,000 older people out of poverty across the UK, reducing pensioner poverty by 15%. This includes Pension Credit, pensioner Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. The analysis was carried out by the research agency Public First.
The report, entitled ‘The only way is up: The impact of improved entitlement take-up on pensioner poverty and healthcare spending’ also shows that increasing take-up of these entitlements to 100% could help improve older people’s health, leading to a reduction in health and social care public spending by up to a colossal £950 million a year in England.
Independent Age is calling on the UK Government to publish an all-entitlements take-up strategy for the UK. This should include a strong commitment and targets to increase take-up.
The number of older people in poverty in the UK is rising, with around 1.7 million in relative poverty in 2024/25, which is an increase of 200,000 compared to the year before. Another one million live close to the poverty line.
Despite this, the charity says that too many eligible older people are missing out on money set aside for them. Over one in three (38%) of those eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving it, and around 230,000 older households are missing out on Housing Benefit.
Official take-up figures of Council Tax Reduction are not produced, however the report analysis indicates that over a million pensioner households could be missing out on this vital support.
The organisation is also calling for the Pensions Commission to agree on what an adequate income in later life looks like, and the UK Government to commit to ensuring everyone receives this.
Concerningly, full take up would also provide an additional 770,000 older people with more vital income, but they would still remain in poverty, indicating that financial entitlements and the State Pension alone is not always adequate to live on.
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Agesaid: “Our social security system was designed as a safety net for all of us but the evidence is clear, it is failing older people in poverty. Money that has been set aside is not reaching the older people who need it and at a time with increasing costs, the impact of this is devastating.
“Through our helpline, we hear often from older people who are having to skip meals or only wash once a week to make ends meet. This is unacceptable.
“Older people on a low income have been left to struggle for too long. That’s why we urgently need a strategy to ensure everyone receives the support they are entitled to and an agreement on what an adequate income looks like in later life for all of us as we age.
“With the upcoming changes in leadership, this is a golden opportunity for the UK Government to reverse the worsening picture of poverty in later life.”
Independent Age’s report found that three groups especially benefitted from increased take-up of these entitlements. These were: older people living alone, older renters and those on the old State Pension. This is due to a combination of likely higher initial costs such as housing or energy, and a lower income.
Valerie’s Story
Valerie, 68, from the Isle of Wight
“Once the rent was paid, along with Council Tax – more than £150 a month even with the single person discount – there wasn’t enough left. I had to cut back on everything. I lived on £1 meals from Iceland because they were cheap and filling, even though I knew they weren’t very nutritious.
“I relied on a local community pantry where £5 bought roughly £15 of food.
“I couldn’t afford to put the heating on. My house is all electric and it was simply too expensive. I spent winters wrapped in blankets, drinking cups of instant soup to keep warm, and sometimes slept downstairs so I didn’t have to walk through cold rooms at night.”
Valerie called Independent Age and, while she wasn’t eligible for Pension Credit, an adviser supported her to start receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, which she hadn’t previously been aware of. After starting to receive these entitlements, Valerie described the impact this had on her life.
“Life is so much better now. I still budget carefully, but I’m not living on my credit card anymore. I can buy fresh vegetables, cook proper meals and freeze portions so food lasts longer.
“I can travel to the mainland to see family, and I enjoy the things that matter to me, such as going to the local theatre and being part of the choir. I called the Independent Age Helpline at a time in my life when I didn’t know where to turn.
“The support I received has made a dramatic difference to my daily life. I nearly didn’t make that call – but I’m so glad I did. Before that call, I was surviving day to day. Now, I feel like I’m living again.”
