This month we are showing the work of Jane Murray (1952-2024). The exhibition, titled Starting With A Line, was organised first by Jane herself and latterly by friends and family and includes paintings on wood, oil pastel on paper and mixed media works.
In a short introductory text in her own words, Jane shared reflections on her art practice which conclude: “As I have got older there is the realisation that the genre of my work was less reliant on observation and more on the expressive and instinctual, similar to that early child who put together visuals to make sense of her world.”
Jane was also a much-loved member of Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen Writers Group and some of her old pals have already visited the exhibition on George IV Bridge.
To celebrate the life and learnings of revolutionary 19th and 20th century Scottish social thinker Patrick Geddes, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in partnership with the Sir Patrick Geddes Trust is holding a day of workshops, screenings, talks and discussions as part of Edinburgh’s 900 programme on Saturday, 22 February.
Patrick Geddes by Kenny Hunter on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
The day looks to the future, structured around Geddes’ key sayings including ‘By Creating We Think’ and combining ideas with practical initiatives that can open pathways into ecology, culture and creativity to create a city rich in local, national and international identities.
Speakers include environmental artists Kenny Munro and Claudia Zeiske; Murdo MacDonald who is a leading writer and original interpreter of Patrick Geddes; environmentalist and nature writer Mandy Haggith; Bengali storyteller Neel Debdutt Paul; Samuel Gallacher who is Director of Sottish Historic Buildings Trust and has had close involvement with the ideas and legacy of Geddes; and many other writers, activists and thinkers.
Patrick Geddes was an ecologist and town planner who believed that our future lies in the merging of the natural world with human culture. He also championed the need for science and society to work together, citizen action, creative learning, and the need for green space.
Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Festival and Programmer of ‘By Creating We Think’ said: “Geddes would have loved to be at this event.
“His method was to bring people together and let the ideas and passions flow. Of course in a sense he will be there, and I can’t think of anyone more important to have at Edinburgh’s 900th celebrations.”
Samuel Gallacher, Director of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust said: “Geddes’ revolutionary thinking has influenced more than a century of practice, and yet still, his ideas and methods have still so much to offer to society today as we reflect, as Geddes did in his own time, on our rapidly changing world.”
‘By Creating We Think’ is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of Edinburgh’s 900th year celebrations and The Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust. It will be the final event in the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s programme of over 40 community events across the city that have been attended by more than 1600 people.
By Creating We Think Saturday 22 February from 10.30am to 5pm Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
A day of talks, workshops, screenings and lively discussion to celebrate the life and learnings of revolutionary 19thcentury Scottish social thinker Patrick Geddes,
The event is ticketed on a ‘pay as you can’ basis.
Introduction and hosting by Andrew Bachell, environmentalist and Chair, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.
Re-Naturing a Nation:Mandy Haggith, poet, novelist and nature writer. Greening the City: Bridgend Farmhouse with John Knox and Will Golding.
Think Global, Act Local
Cultures in Conversation: environmental artist Kenny Munro and storyteller/writer Neel Debdutt Paul explore a web of connections between Patrick Geddes and India.
Cultures in Conversation: Tom Hubbard writer and researcher; Claudia Zeiske, environmental artist, producer and community curator; and Iliyana Nedkova Curator of the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland, explore a web of connections between Geddes, France and Europe.
Place, Work, Folk
Remaking and restoring – a participative session led by Claudia Zeiske, environmental artist, producer and community curator.
By Living We Learn
Geddes, Tagore and Education – the work of Stewart A Robertson and Bashabi Fraser introduced by Donald Smith
The Making of Books: By Publishing We Think – Murdo MacDonald, Art Historian and Essayist.
A Geddes Future in Edinburgh’s Old TownSam Gallacher, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust
On Saturday 15 February, Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder, will be sharing all she has learnt about the power of creativity at her talk The Benefit of Books at the Fruitmarket Gallery’s annualArtists’ Bookmarket.
The talk is free to attend, tickets can be booked HERE.
Rachel Hazell, The Travelling Bookbinder said: “I’m excited to attend the Artists’ Bookmarket – it’s the social highlight of my year – a fantastic event to see inspiring work, familiar faces and new innovations is the artist’ book world- reconnecting with my tribe!
“After twenty-seven years of using the book as a creative medium, this talk distils what why and how books are so great.
“I’m passionate about sharing the art of bookbinding with others and hope to inspire them to create something, in whatever form, that brings relaxation and mindfulness.”
Based between Edinburgh and the Hebridean Isle of Iona, Rachel has explored and taught this ancient craft of bookbinding all over the world, and her talk will explore the physical, mental, practical and emotional impact practising the artform can have. Whether as a meditative process or a means of self-expression she will share how bookbinding nurtures well-being and personal growth and can be a key tool in pursuit of mindfulness.
Rachel’s approach to bookbinding puts a modern spin on the artform, and at the workshops she hosts across the world – from Shetland to Venice – she encourages participants to take inspiration and materials from their unique surroundings and incorporate them in their work.
Whether that’s driftwood for the cover, or maps for the pages, nothing is off the table when it comes to making it a part of your bound story.
Rachel’s fine craftmanship has made her a sought-after figure in the world of bookbinding, artistry, and wellness and she has featured in publications including Condé Nast Traveller, the Financial Times, Selvedge and The Simple Things.
In 2024 she published a book of photos of her daily swims, taken on Iona during lockdown. Today’s Changing Room featured in The Scotsman among others. All the proceeds go to the mental health charity BlueTonic.
As teacher, author and traveller, books, words and the power of imagination have always been central to Rachel’s life and the day she was taught how to make her first book; she knew she’d be a bookbinder for the rest of her life. Hear a bit about her story and how and she believes that everyone has a book inside them.
What: Rachel Hazell: ‘The Benefit of Books’ at Artists’ Bookmarket 2025
This February half term, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past with three captivating experiences. From the chilling tales of true crime to groundbreaking medical advancements, there’s something for history buffs and curious families alike.
Beneath the iconic Royal Mile lies a hidden world teeming with history, and the True Crimetour offers a glimpse into the city’s darker side. This adults-only experience delves into the Old Town’s grim tales of crime and punishment.
Visitors will explore the reign of James VI, the witch trials, and the shocking realities of addiction, eviction, and lawlessness in centuries past. Led by a dedicated “True Crimes” guide, the tour even reveals a fascinating connection between Mary King’s Close and the character who inspired The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Meanwhile, the Medical History tour takes guests on a journey through 17th-century medicine. Visitors can enjoy learning about the city’s last plague outbreak, the unusual diagnostic methods of local apothecaries like Dr Arnott, and Edinburgh’s legacy as a hub for medical innovation.
Guests will hear the inspiring stories of trailblazers like the Edinburgh Seven, who fought for women’s right to practice medicine, and Dr James Barry, the military surgeon who performed the British Empire’s first successful caesarean section.
For those seeking a hands-on adventure, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation offers families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in historical medicine. After a guided tour of the Close, participants will use all their senses, including taste, to diagnose ailments using 17th-century techniques. Guests will also create their own herbal remedy using authentic recipes.
Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re excited to welcome visitors this February to experience the real stories of our former residents and their remarkable contributions to history. Whether you’re uncovering the city’s criminal past, delving into medical breakthroughs, or stepping into the role of a 17th-century doctor, there’s something for everyone to discover.”
Recently crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction and ranked 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in the 2024 TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best, The Real Mary King’s Close continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.
Following five years of nationwide success, The Piper’s Rest in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is celebrating its fifth birthday on Burns weekend by inviting their loyal fans for a night of live music, and the chance to win Scottish-themed prizes including a VIP day at the Six Nations plus a whole keg of Tennent’s Lager.
Edinburgh pub-lovers rejoice as The Piper’s Rest celebrate their fifth year in business by hosting a huge party to say thank you to their loyal customers.
Located just off the Royal Mile, the pub opened just before the global pandemic, and has maintained a devoted fan base throughout the last five years by championing traditional Scottish produce and supporting local live music.
Over the last five years The Piper’s Rest’s welcoming reputation and high-quality service has earned the pub one of the top-rated spots on Trip Advisor’s ‘Best Bars & Pubs in Edinburgh’ and even caught the eye of the Come Dine With Me: The Professionalsproducers where the pub not only starred but was victorious in Season 2 Episode 20.
Friday 24th January will be an open-to-all night of traditional Scottish celebration as customers will toast to Burns weekend and raise a glass to an outstanding five years for The Piper’s Rest.
Lucky locals will have the chance to win two platinum Six Nations tickets to see Scotland host Wales at Murrayfield, including breakfast at Piper’s, transport to the game, and then dinner and a party back at Piper’s afterwards.
The night will also see a tasting from Scottish moonshine brand Highland Moon and a prize-draw to win a whole keg of Tennent’s Lager.
An advocate for Edinburgh’s live music scene, The Piper’s Rest is one of the only pubs in the city to host different local artists 7-nights-a-week. Regular appearances from cult favourites such as Acoustic David and Ted Christopher have made the venue a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Commenting on the fifth birthday, Frazer Henderson, General Manager at The Piper’s Rest, said: “When we opened Piper’s, we had the vision to utilise the best Scottish produce available, the best local live music out there, and serve customers with a smile on our face.
“Five years on, the welcoming, warming nature of the pub is what makes us proud. We can’t thank our loyal locals enough for making The Piper’s Rest what it is. Here’s to the next five years!”
Merchant Leisure owns bars & restaurants across the city including The Newsroom, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse and The Railbridge. Their speakeasy venue Jackson the Tailor, located at the top of Leith Street and inspired by the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, was recently shortlisted for a prestigious design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.
Most recently the bar and restaurant group took over Gordon’s Trattoria after a 43-year ownership as the sixth venue to be listed under the Merchant Leisure umbrella, which plans to continue serving authentic Italian cuisine for now in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
The Piper’s Rest is located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with a menu consisting entirely of Scottish favourites, using recipes passed down from parents & grandparents, with a modern twist – “Hearty, warming, traditional and comforting.”
Guests from 159 countries sampled Edinburgh’s unique dark history experience in 2024
The Real Mary King’s Close has announced a record-breaking year for 2024 after welcoming over 282,000 guests underground to explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh.
Located beneath the capital’s iconic Royal Mile, the Close welcomed 282,525 visitors from 159 countries, smashing the previous record set in 2023 by nearly 25,000, July was the attraction’s best month in its history, welcoming 32,517 guests.
The Real Mary King’s Close, has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but was recently revealed as the UK’s favourite tourist attraction and 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in 2024’s Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best.
The Royal Mile must-visit is operated by Continuum Attractions, which manages a successful portfolio of attraction brands across the UK, including the Coronation Street Experience, Emmerdale Village Tour and The Loch Ness Centre.
Even with the increased visitor numbers, The Real Mary King’s Close’s reviews are at an all-time high, with 4,870 posted online across Google and TripAdvisor last year – with 94 per cent of those above 4-stars. Guests from as far afield as Fiji, Tanzania, Pitcairn Island and Botswana were drawn to Edinburgh.
Over the year, the new interactive and immersive experience, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation, saw guests uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine. Following his favourite method of examining his patients’ health, analysing their urine for its colour, smell and… TASTE, guests examined 2,465 patients’ samples in 2024.
The attraction invites visitors to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and become immersed in the city’s secrets and untold stories. It stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches the following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.
4,487 guests wanting to leave with a reminder of their visit and channel the history of Edinburgh’s last plague doctor, George Rae, left the experience with a Plague Doctor Rubber Duck, ‘The Plague Ducktor’.
This unique collectible features a leather-look cloak, hat, and a beaked mask, reminiscent of the 17th-century plague doctors who believed the mask would protect them from “miasmas.”
This year saw a number of firsts for The Real Mary King’s Close, in April taking part in Edinburgh Science Festival for the first time with a brand-new Medical History Tour – due to its popularity it extended its stay and will be back in February and March 2025.
This December, visitors were invited to enjoy a brand-new immersive experience and travel back in time to the 19th-century, uncovering how fascinating Victorian traditions shaped the way we celebrate Christmas today with a brand-new underground Victorian Christmas experience.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are thrilled to have had such a successful year and welcome a record number of people from all over the world. It is a true testament to the team who help make the experience as unique and engaging as it is.
“We first opened our doors over 20 years ago, since then, we have grown from strength to strength, positioning ourselves as a top attraction in Scotland’s historical tourism sector, and a leading attraction in Europe.
“At the Close we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. As we do this, we also look forward to the future and we can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring!”
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit:
Police Scotland has released an image of three men who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault and robbery which occurred around 7.20pm on Sunday, 17 November 2024. The incident occurred at Old Fishmarket Close, Edinburgh.
The first man is described as being Asian, around 6ft tall, stocky build with black hair. He was wearing a glasses and a padded jacket.
The second man is described as being black, around 6ft tall, stocky build with a short beard. He was wearing a grey tracksuit, light blue gilet and white trainers.
The third man is described as being black, around 6ft tall, stocky build with short black hair. He was wearing a black padded jacket, grey trousers and white trainers.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2986 of Sunday, 17 November 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Gordon’s Trattoria, a cherished Italian gem situated on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, has been acquired by Merchant Leisure.
Gordon Scott, who opened the restaurant in 1982, recently announced his retirement and has sold the venue for an undisclosed fee to his close friend Jim Tullis, owner of Merchant Leisure.
Merchant Leisure have announced they wish to keep the restaurant as it is for the time being, and continue ‘serving up authentic Italian cuisine made with passion and the finest ingredients.’ Locals and tourists alike have long enjoyed the restaurant’s authentic cuisine and prominent location, offering customers ‘the heart of Italy in the heart of Edinburgh’.
Classic Italian dishes populate the menu including ‘Tagliatelle Reale’ – plump King Prawns paired with delicate asparagus and cherry tomatoes, simmered in olive oil, garlic, white wine and parsley. A range of pizzas such as the ‘Primavera’ – topped with parma ham and a balsamic glaze drizzle – are joined by much-loved sharing options like ‘Focaccia’ and a selection of chicken-based dishes such as ‘Pollo Dianne’ – cooked in mushrooms, onions, French mustard and a brandy cream sauce.
Merchant Leisure owns bars & restaurants across the city including The Newsroom, The Piper’s Rest, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse and The Railbridge. Their speakeasy venue Jackson the Tailor, located at the top of Leith Street and inspired by the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, was recently shortlisted for a prestigious design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.
Commenting on the takeover, Arthur Mustard, Managing Director at Merchant Leisure Ltd, said: “We are very excited to announce our ownership of Gordon’s Trattoria.
“It’s such an honour to take over an Edinburgh establishment with such rich history and loyal customers. Our plan is to keep the venue as it is for now, serving authentic Italian food in the heart of Edinburgh.
“We look forward to welcoming new customers, as well as meeting the locals who make this restaurant so special.”
Gordon’s Trattoria is the sixth venue to be listed under the Merchant Leisure umbrella and will continue serving authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
Actions aimed at ensuring households and businesses in Scotland boost reuse and recycling rates and cut waste have been published.
The Circular Economy and Waste Route Map sets out 11 priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated to support a transition to a circular economy – where resources are kept in use for as long as possible.
They include:
setting new circular economy targets
reducing the amount of food waste produced
developing a model for regional hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets
improving the provision of recycling and waste services
minimising the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector
The Route Map is the product of extensive collaboration and engagement with the public, private and third sectors through two consultations since 2022, with consistently high levels of support for the proposals.
The overall recycling rate in Scotland is at its highest level since records began in 2011, and the actions in the Route Map complement provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which was passed unanimously by MSPs in June.
Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin launched the Route Map at a visit to Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh, which upcycles discarded wooden furniture into new items.
She said: “Reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis.
“We must make the circular option, where we value materials and keep them in use for as long as possible, either in their original form or recycled, an easier choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.
“The Route Map sets out an ambitious plan to help make this a reality and I want to thank all those who have contributed to its development.
“There have been consistently high levels of support for its actions, which promote and support responsible production and consumption, along with the sustainable management of Scotland’s resources – and the final route map will be key to supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero and economic growth goals.”
Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of the Grassmarket Community Project said: “We pride ourselves on our initiatives to repurpose, recycle and reuse through our wood workshop, and Tartan shop. Old furniture, church pews and fallen trees are donated and re-worked into beautiful pieces of furniture or small household items. Leftover tartan from weavers, and donated fabric scraps are handcrafted into beautiful gifts.
“These materials, once considered waste and destined for landfill, are now valuable contributors to the circular economy. Thanks to generous donations, we’re recycling these materials, giving them new purpose, and creating timeless treasures that will be passed down through generations.
“Along the way, we generate income, provide essential skills training for our members (beneficiaries) and volunteers, all of which embodies and reinforces the values of the Route Map and our commitment to the circular economy.”
Storytime – enjoy a selection of 
Lego Club – unleash your creativity and make fabulous Lego creations!
Burns Treasure Hunt – celebrate Burns Night with this special treasure hunt in the Children’s Library.
Artists’ books workshop with Susie Wilson – create your own tunnel book in this Miniature Theatres session
Scottish traditional singing workshop with Joss Cameron – learn a selection of songs with the award-winning singer
Knit & Natter – bring along your project and join this extra Saturday session
Information, advice and support stalls
Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be available from 12pm
