Scotch Whisky Experience celebrates 25 years of the award-winning Amber Restaurant

The award-winning Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience has announced a series of food and drink offerings to celebrate its 25th anniversary. To mark the milestone, the restaurant has launched two retrospective menus featuring some of Amber’s most memorable dishes from the past 25 years, alongside a specially created anniversary cocktail, the Amber ’25.

Since opening in 2001, Amber has helped champion whisky pairing and whisky-led cooking within Scotland’s dining scene, pairing dishes with whiskies from all five whisky producing regions. 

At the heart of the celebrations is the limited-edition ‘Taste of Scotland’ menu, running across two periods, 20th – 24th May and 23rd – 30th November.  Curated by Executive Chef David Neave, who has led the kitchen since the restaurant opened, the menu revisits a selection of standout dishes from the past 25 years. Each course reflects the evolution of Scottish seasonal ingredients and Amber’s distinctive approach to whisky-infused cuisine.

David Neave, Executive Chef at Amber Restaurant, said: “Reaching 25 years at Amber Restaurant is a hugely proud moment for all of us. This anniversary menu, created by our team of chefs, is an opportunity to celebrate the very best of Scottish produce and revisit the dishes that have helped define who we are, as a restaurant, over the years.

“Whisky has always been central to our cooking, not only as a pairing, but also as an ingredient that can bring real depth and character to a dish. Looking back at these menus has been incredibly special and reflects the journey Amber has been on over the past 25 years.”

Amber was also the restaurant that introduced the concept of Scottish tapas, creating small plates designed to give visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience a broad taste of Scotland in one sitting. A quarter of a century on, the concept remains at the heart of the restaurant, with a celebratory Scottish tapas offering running throughout the anniversary year and featuring guest favourites from across the decades.

Wendy Neave, Head of Events and daughter of Executive Chef David Neave, said: “Amber Restaurant is extremely special to our family. My father, David, has led the kitchen with real passion since the beginning, and my brother Michael has also played an important role in the kitchen over the years, following in his father’s footsteps, so it’s something we’ve all been closely connected to.

“Our team have always been passionate about showcasing the very best of Scotland to our guests, and that’s what led to the creation of our Scottish tapas concept. We wanted visitors to have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of Scottish dishes and flavours in a small plate format.”

To find out more about The Scotch Whisky Experience’s Amber Restaurant please visit Amber Restaurant

The Pend events space opens in the Old Town

CODE Concepts, the Edinburgh-based boutique hotel and capsule hostel operator, has officially opened The Pend, a new social, events, community and co-working space located on historic Old Fishmarket Close, in the heart of the Old Town. 

The launch marks a major step in CODE’s experience-led approach to hospitality, transforming an underused site into a flexible, design-led environment that brings together guests, local creatives and the wider Edinburgh community. 

The Pend is the newest addition to the CODE Concepts portfolio, joining CODE The Court, CODE The Loft, and John’s Coffee House and The Lost Close. The portfolio will expand further with The Bindery, a design-led boutique hotel set to open in Edinburgh’s New Town in early 2027. 

Andy Landsburgh, CEO of CODE Concepts, said: “The Pend is a project built through listening, partnership and shared ideas. It brings together everything we’ve been working towards at CODE – creating spaces that go beyond accommodation to genuinely connect people.

“From the beginning, this has been shaped by our guests and by Edinburgh’s creative community, and seeing those groups come together on opening night was incredibly special.” 

At its heart, The Pend is designed as a social hub, a place to gather, work and create. While enhancing the stay of CODE guests with events just steps from their rooms, it is also open as a shared platform for Edinburgh’s creative and business communities. 

The concept was informed by both guest research and direct engagement with the local community. This has already led to a planned diverse programme of activity, including watercolour workshops, floristry classes, work-in-progress theatre, talks and creative meet-ups. The Pend will also serve as a venue during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, further embedding it within the city’s cultural calendar.  

In Scotland, a pend refers to a passageway leading somewhere beyond; true to its name, the space acts as both a literal and symbolic gateway, connecting CODE’s international guest community with Edinburgh’s local creative scene. The exposed stonework of the original pend that inspired the name remains a defining feature of the space. 

Respecting and reinterpreting the history of each location is a key part of CODE Concepts’ approach. Previous projects include John’s Coffee House, which opened in 2025 and was inspired by 18th-century coffee houses central to Edinburgh’s Enlightenment period; and the discovery of a rare 19th-century Crossley engine during renovations at CODE The Court, which was carefully preserved and relocated to The Lost Close.   

Designed in collaboration with SPLINTR, the space has been configured to balance social interaction, creative activity and focused work. A multipurpose cinema room allows for screenings, performances and workshops. A relaxed coworking and social area provides a comfortable setting for both productivity and conversation, complemented by simple, accessible amenities. This includes a bookable studio equipped with a 55-inch screen, suitable for meetings and private events. 

The space launched with an opening event attended by local creatives, partners and members of Edinburgh’s hospitality and arts communities. Guests were welcomed with live music by Lynds, drinks from Bellfield Brewery and plants from Seb’s Urban Jungle, while drag performer Mystika Glamoor hosted tarot readings, reflecting the playful and collaborative spirit of the space. The evening concluded with a dram in The Lost Close, CODE Concepts’ historic underground whisky experience. 

With its official opening now complete, further announcements on programming and partnerships will follow in the coming months as The Pend continues to establish itself as one of Edinburgh’s most dynamic new social and creative spaces. 

To see what’s coming up at The Pend, visit https://code-concepts.com/the-pend  

Audiences up at this year’s Tradfest

A CELEBRATION OF THE PAST, THE PRESENT & THE FUTURE OF TRAD IN EDINBURGH

Multi-award winning Scottish folk band Session A9 closed this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest with a standout live performance, and multiple encores at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 11 May. 

The festival ran from (1-11 May) and included 11 days of live music, talks, workshops, folk film screenings and storytelling, thanks to continued support from Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation. 

This year’s programme of over 60 events, was a tremendous success, with organisers enjoying:

●   A 9% increase in ticket sales to music events at the Traverse Theatre. 

●   Multiple sell-outs including award-winning Connemara singing sensations Séamus and Caoimhe, Kim Carnie, Eilidh Shaw and Ian Carr, The Onlies, Deiseil: Dancing in Time, Nexus Project, Dick Gaughan in conversation and Session A9

●   Standing ovations for multiple performers including: Rajasthani folk trio SAZ; and Ukrainian folk musician and live-looping artist GANNA.

●   Free pop up performances from Astro Bloc at Edinburgh Airport, SAZ at the Aroma Restaurant and Bar in Broxburn, and Dauntless at Nobles Bar in Leith.

●   An increase in audiences aged under 26 thanks to the festival’s £9 ticket offer for younger audiences. Under 35s up from 21% to 25%

●   A more international audience than ever before with 21% of the audience from outside the UK, whilst still being popular in the local area – 73% from Scotland (55% from Edinburgh).

Copyright_Douglas RobertsonEdinburgh

This year’s music commission A’Chiad Litir, (The First Letter) also received 5-star reviews.The piece, inspired by the life of sixteenth-century lesbian love poet Marie Maitland, touched on questions of language, identity and the notion of queerness and was created and performed by renowned singer songwriter and composer Josie Duncan. 

Joining Josie was a stellar line-up of musicians including; Charlotte Printer (bass and vocals), Chloë Bryce (fiddle), Eilidh Rogers (percussion), Jenny Clifford (guitar) and Ashley Douglas (spoken word) who read one of Marie Maitland’s poems addressed to another woman she loved.

Other stand-out highlights from this year included trad powerhouse RURA and newcomers Astro Bloc who played to a lively crowd on opening night at Potterrow;  The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter – a live vaudeville act, featuring old-time music  performed on fiddles, banjos and sousaphone; Isla Ratcliff’s Scottish trad reinterpretation of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons; and award-winning folk singer Fiona Hunter taming toddlers with her interactive music session for under 5s and above.

Further afield, the hugely successful Folk Film Gathering supported by Screen Scotland, drew in the crowds with its popular programme of Scottish and international films, many accompanied by live scores or introductory talks.

In particular, the launch of Faodail | Found Outer Hebrides Film Archive website which featured live music from acclaimed accordionist and composer Pàdruig Morrison with fiddler and Gaelic singer Claire Frances MacNeil; the world premiere of a new documentary exploring the life and work of tradition bearer Jimmy Hutchison; Celtic Utopia which celebrates Ireland’s current folk renaissance and features many bold, funny, and politically outspoken young Irish folk musicians including Lankum and The Mary Wallopers; the UK premiere of Italian documentary Canone Effimero which showcases the raw energy and some of the vibrant folk traditions of Italy; and a curated selection of early, rarely-seen silent films by Scottish legendary film maker Bill Douglas.

Over at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, crowds gathered on Living Heritage Discovery Day to hear Ireland’s folklore aficionado Michael Fortune talk about Intangible Cultural Heritage and tradition-bearing.

Plus, throughout the festival, the Centre’s popular ‘What is…’ series of talks explaining what makes traditional dance, music,crafts, Gaelic, and Scots, truly traditional, drew audiences from all over, keen to hear from the experts about what makes each artform unique.

Lauren Paterson, Head of Programming at the Scottish Storytelling Centre said:  “During the year of the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s 20th birthday, it’s been a joy to welcome audiences, performers and tradition-bearers alike to celebrate the richness, liveliness and variety of Scotland’s living heritage as part of Edinburgh Tradfest.

“From hands-on Come and Try sessions and workshops to explorations of traditional culture and identity through conversation and performance, it’s been inspiring to see so many people engaging with traditions and making connections with their own experience.”

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “We are delighted and encouraged with how Edinburgh Tradfest went this year. To have audiences up by 9% is a real achievement especially in tough economic times.

“We are also extremely happy to see the numbers rising amongst the younger age groups. One of the many highlights for 2026 was the move into other areas of the city with some entertaining (and free) pop up performances.

“We hit Broxburn, Turnhouse and Leith this year, and are already planning to pop up in some other unusual locations for 2027.”

Edinburgh Tradfest will return from 30 April to 10 May 2027.

www.edinburghtradfest.com

MS Society at Pride Edinburgh 2026 

Saturday 20 June 2026Horse Wynd, Edinburgh

MS Society representatives will march in Pride Edinburgh for the first time this year – and they’re inviting anyone who’s affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) to join them. 

Volunteers, supporters, people living with MS and their family members and friends, will join charity staff in the capital city on Saturday 20 June.

They’ll march to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ MS community, but also to raise awareness of the inequalities and challenges members of the community still face. 

The march forms at Horse Wynd, close to the Scottish Parliament, at 12.15pm before departing at 1pm. The route passes through the city centre, finishing at The University of Edinburgh. The MS Society is also organising an accessible “cheer spot”, which members of the MS community can watch the parade from if they aren’t marching. 

More than 17,000 people in Scotland live with MS. It’s a condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think, and feel. The MS Society is there for everyone affected by MS, offering support, funding research, and campaigning for improved rights. 

Find out how to join the MS Society at Pride Edinburgh here: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/research/news/proud-be-marching-pride-london 

Visit the Pride Edinburgh website for more about the event: https://www.prideedinburgh.org/

Information about accessibility can be found here: https://www.prideedinburgh.org/accessibility

PICTURE: David Bird

Tim Minchin backs new Gilded Balloon fund to support next generation of Fringe artists

SHOW SUPPORT FUND LAUNCHED

Gilded Balloon today announces the launch of its Show Support Fund, a new initiative designed to help artists overcome the growing financial barriers of bringing work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Delivered by Gilded Balloon Futures Ltd, the organisation’s registered charity, the fund marks a significant step in expanding Gilded Balloon’s long-standing commitment to artist development. Gilded Balloon Futures was originally established following the Cowgate fire and relaunched at the end of 2025 as part of Gilded Balloon’s 40th anniversary, with a renewed focus on supporting artists and sustaining the future of the Fringe.

At its core, the Show Support Fund will raise commercial, public and charitable donations to directly support artists in Gilded Balloon’s annual Fringe programme. With the cost of participating in the Fringe continuing to rise, the fund aims to ensure that more artists, particularly those with distinct voices and limited financial means, can bring their work to Edinburgh.

The fund is designed to be flexible and collaborative, allowing donors to support the kinds of artists and projects they are most passionate about, while Gilded Balloon identifies productions that would most benefit from additional backing. Funding may contribute to a wide range of artist’s needs, including marketing, rehearsal space, creative support, travel, accommodation and wellbeing.

Alongside the Show Support Fund, Gilded Balloon Futures will also support the So You Think You’re Funny? Artist Development Programme, helping to cover the costs of the competition and providing vital opportunities for emerging comedians. This includes financial assistance for travel and accommodation for selected performers, removing one of the biggest barriers to accessing the fringe.

In its inaugural year, the Show Support Fund has been kickstarted by a generous contribution from globally acclaimed comedian, writer and composer Tim Minchin alongside his wife Sarah Minchin, their donation will support five shows selected by Gilded Balloon Artistic Directors Karen Koren and Katy Koren, focusing on solo performers with bold voices and sharing personal stories across comedy and theatre.

Tim Minchin who first found major success at Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2005 has particular interest in supporting artists who have struggled with mental health issues who may require additional support to make the Fringe achievable with their work.

In 2026, a total of £10,000 has been raised for the Show Support Fund which will be split between five supported artists as follows:

 Jamie Kilstein: Can’t Tie Knots

● Madeleine Brettingham: Legend

● Lois-Amber Toole: SLAY

● Alan Jay: Hell Hath No Humour Like A Gayboy Scorned

● Kathleen Hughes: Twig

These productions represent a mix of emerging and established voices, each facing unique challenges in bringing their work to the Fringe, from international travel costs to personal circumstances and the realities of early-career development.

Support from the fund will directly impact these artists’ ability to present their work, whether through financial relief, creative resources, or practical adjustments that make participation possible.

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of the Gilded Balloon said: ““For over 40 years, Gilded Balloon has been a home for artists at every stage of their careers, from first-timers to global stars. But the reality now is that the financial barriers to getting to the Fringe are higher than ever.

“We are delighted to finally launch this fund which has been a long time coming and is about protecting what makes the Fringe special, taking risks on new voices and giving artists the chance to be seen – something we’ve always prioritised at Gilded Balloon. We want to work with supporters who believe in that mission and help us keep those doors open.

“Every year we meet extraordinary artists with urgent, exciting work who simply can’t afford to bring their work to the Fringe. The Show Support Fund and the So You Think You’re Funny? Artist Development programme – both delivered by Gilded Balloon Futures – allow us to raise funds for where it matters most.

“Whether that’s helping artists to cover travel or accommodation costs, giving artists proper time and space to develop their work, or supporting their wellbeing during what can be an incredibly intense month.

“It’s practical, targeted support that can genuinely change the trajectory of someone’s career and we are eternally grateful to our pal, Tim Minchin, for being the first to support the Show Support Fund.

Tim Minchin said: Late one night in March, 21 years ago, a furiously passionate woman with a strong Scottish accent called me up and demanded I go to the Gilded Balloon.

“I didn’t know what the fuck a Gilded Balloon was, and I was deeply cautious, because I’d spent ten years grafting away, and didn’t really believe in big breaks. But a big break is exactly what that phone call was.

“Karen Koren – and now her daughter Katy – have remained loyal friends and passionate supporters for two decades, and it’s a huge privilege to be able to support them a bit as they head into their 41st Fringe.” 

A CALL TO THE INDUSTRY

Gilded Balloon hopes that the Minchins’ contribution will inspire others, particularly alumni, industry partners and Fringe supporters, to invest in the next generation of performers.

As one of the Fringe’s longest-running venues, Gilded Balloon has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of countless comedians and theatre-makers. The Show Support Fund represents a new chapter in that legacy, ensuring that talent, not financial means, remains the driving force behind who gets to take part.

By contributing to the fund, supporters will play a direct role in shaping the future of the Fringe, enabling more artists to take risks, share their stories, and reach new audiences on one of the world’s most important cultural stages.

For more details and how to contribute visit: 

https://gildedballoon.co.uk/contact/support-us/

Arthur’s Seat fire: Witness Appeal

POLICE are appealing for information following a fire in Edinburgh. Around 7.05pm on Monday, 25 May, 2026, we received a report of a fire at Arthur’s Seat.

Emergency services attended, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remained at the scene to dampen down hot spots.

No injuries were reported.

Enquiries are ongoing alongside partners to establish the cause of the fire.

Local Area Commander Alison MacDonald said: “We know that the area around Arthur’s seat was busy last night due to the good weather and would ask that anyone with any information surrounding the cause of the fire come forwand ard and speak with officers.

“Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2975 of 25 May, 2026.

“As the good weather continues, we will continue to work with our partner agencies and would encourage members of the public to stay safe and behave responsibly.”

Area Commander David Dourley is the Local Senior Officer for City of Edinburgh. He said: “At 6.50pm on Monday, 25 May, we were alerted to reports of a large grass fire on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.

“We know many people will be wanting to enjoy the good weather, but we ask they do so responsibly. Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.

“Please avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread rapidly, causing a large amount of damage.

“If you spot an outdoor fire, please report it immediately by calling 999, providing your location, and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.”

Jamie Hamilton, Senior Ranger at Holyrood Park said; “We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the emergency services for their quick response to this incident and would encourage anyone with any further information to come forward.

“We know that people are keen to enjoy the good weather but would ask them to remain vigilant and not to use any form of naked flame within the parameters of the park, dispose of rubbish properly, and to report anything of concern immediately.

“The High Road within the park has been closed to vehicles, and we would ask visitors to continue to follow guidance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and avoid the affected areas.”

Pedal on Parliament: Campaign for cycle-safe Scotland invites cycle users and politicians on mass ride to Holyrood

SATURDAY 30th MAY

Holyrood will see a mass gathering of citizens on bicycles, tandems, hand-cycles, cargo bikes, recumbent cycles and trikes, riding a closed route from the Meadows to the Scottish Parliament calling for a cycle-safe Scotland.

Riders will join the mass demonstration from ‘feeder rides’ leading in from all over the city, with many supporters coming in from across the country by train and bus with their cycles in tow. 

Returning for its fourteenth action since its inception in 2012, Pedal on Parliament has consistently called for safer conditions for walking and cycling in Scotland through mass rides in Edinburgh and beyond, demonstrating the demand and scale of support for everyday cycling.

Their renewed manifesto for 2026 calls for a wide range of interventions for cycling and road safety, ranging from adequate funding allocation and building on the successes of protected infrastructure already built, to calls for greater enforcement powers for police to tackle unsafe driving, and presumed liability for motorists in the event of collisions.

Alex Robertson, Pedal on Parliament co-organiser, said: “Cycling for everyday journeys can be an accessible and healthy option for folks young and old alike, provided action is taken on adequate funding, protected infrastructure and addressing road dangers.

“More people choosing to travel by cycle provides all manner of benefits: for mental and physical wellbeing, taking pressure off our health service; enabling quicker and more enjoyable commutes; but also in reducing congestion, wear on our roads and air pollution along the way.  

“We know from the Scottish Walking and Cycling Index that many people would like to cycle more, but nearly half of those surveyed didn’t believe their local area was safe enough. And in the countries and cities where these matters are addressed, real economic and social benefits are being realised that Scotland is currently missing out on. We think everyone should have a real choice in how they travel.”

The ride will end outside the Scottish Parliament with a gathering on the grass to hear speeches from MSPs and organisers, along with the departure of other cycle rides and a fundraising bake sale.

To learn more about Pedal on Parliament, visit pedalonparliament.org

Police release CCTV image following assault in Niddry Street

POLICE have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh.

The incident occurred around 2.30am on Sunday, 12 April, 2026, outside a nightclub in Niddry Street when a man was seriously assaulted.

Officers are keen to speak to the man in the image as he could hold vital information which could assist their enquiries. He is described as aged between 25 and 35 years old, with a medium build and short, dark hair. He was wearing a green-coloured long sleeve top and gilet, blue jeans and black and white trainers.

Detective Constable Mark Richmond said: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information about the incident or if you recognise the man in the image, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 4130 of 12 April, 2026. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given

Creative Connections Schools Exhibition at Fruitmarket, Edinburgh

Fruitmarket opens an exhibition championing the creativity of Edinburgh primary school pupils

Fruitmarket’s Creative Connections exhibition marks the culmination of a pioneering three-year programme that places artists in schools to embed creative learning in the classroom. This year’s Creative Connections exhibition will be open to the public on 29.05.26–31.05.26 from 11am–6pm at Fruitmarket, Edinburgh.

The exhibition features artwork inspired by Fruitmarket’s programme, created by Primary 5–7 pupils across six primary schools in South Edinburgh: Craigour Park, Gracemount, Gilmerton, Liberton, Prestonfield and St Catherine’s R.C. Primary.

Since 2023, Fruitmarket has worked in close partnership with classes across the six primary schools in South Edinburgh. The schools have been paired with practising visual artists who have been in residence at the schools, working with pupils on creative projects supported by regular visits to the gallery.

The six artists are Alice Dansey-Wright, Coral Brookes, Georgie Fay, Greer Pester, Kate Temple and Lorna Gallagher. Through regular professional development sessions, Lead Artist Louise Fraser has supported teachers to develop new skills and the confidence to embed arts pedagogy in the classroom across the three years.

Creative Connections was created by Fruitmarket, in close collaboration with participating schools, in response to a demand for creative provision in Primary schools and a focus on pupil wellbeing and confidence following the Covid-19 Pandemic. The project was made possible at this scale and depth through a multi-year grant from Paul Hamlyn Foundation and now has set a benchmark for educational visual arts programmes in Scotland.

Over three years, 757 pupils aged 8 – 11, 23 classroom teachers and six headteachers have participated.

Artists worked with the same classes across the academic year, providing consistent mentoring for pupils and ongoing support for classroom teachers. At the end of each year, pupils showcased their work in a public exhibition celebrating achievement and strengthening connections between schools, families and the gallery.

This year’s cohort has drawn inspiration from recent Fruitmarket exhibitions including What Is Us and What Is Earth, by Glasgow-based artist Ilana Halperin and Wilding, by the Indigenous American artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.

One Headteacher said: “I think what’s really made the difference in this project is the fact that we have had the opportunity to work over a number of years. It is not unusual for us to be able to have a project that comes in for a term or a couple of lessons and children enjoy it and they go away afterwards, but it’s that sustainable impact that we don’t necessarily see to the same degree.

“The chance to build up a relationship with an actual artist, to build up a relationship with a gallery has a huge impact for the staff, for the school, also for the children as well, who really, I think, feel that the Fruitmarket is their gallery because of this extended time they’ve had together.

“That depth of the project has been something I’ve not actually seen that before in a project I’ve worked with in my 30 years in education.”

Fiona Bradley, Fruitmarket Director, said: “Over the course of three years, though our ongoing project evaluation, we have seen how working closely with artists in the inclusive context of contemporary art spaces –where there are no right or wrong answers – can help both pupils and teachers express themselves and grow in confidence. 

“The annual exhibitions of pupils’ and teachers’ work at Fruitmarket are something we look forward to every year and give our audiences the opportunity to share in a moment of pride with pupils, teachers and families.

“We are very proud that the project has become so valued by the schools, and we have committed to continue to deliver the programme in the new school year in a sustainable form. We are actively fundraising for the continuation of the project and we are very grateful to the funders who are already help make this possible.”

Kevina Khan, Grants Manager, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said: Creative Connections shows the incredible things that can happen when artists, teachers and pupils collaborate.

“Through the programme, artists-in-residence and teachers have been building meaningful relationships and finding ways to bring the expressive arts into the curriculum for excellence.

“The impact on children’s educational outcomes, confidence, wellbeing and engagement is powerful.

“The professional learning element of the programme means that these creative approaches to teaching and learning will have a lasting legacy.”

Creative Connections Schools Exhibition

29.05.26–31.05.26, 11am–6pm daily.

Fruitmarket, 45 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF

New exhibition unveils history of the Trinity Stones

A FREE exhibition, exploring the story of Edinburgh’s long-lost Trinity Collegiate Church, is now open at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Reviving the Trinity Stones marks the culmination of a two-year project led by Jill Harrison, founder of the Trinity Network. The project has sought to trace, identify and catalogue medieval stones dispersed after the demolition of the once-magnificent 15th-century Trinity Collegiate Church in 1848, which made way for the construction of Waverley Station.

Founded more than 560 years ago by Queen Mary of Guelders, the Trinity Collegiate Church was among the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Scotland. Despite its former grandeur and royal significance, much of its physical legacy was scattered and largely forgotten until now.

The exhibition brings this remarkable story back to life, exploring who built the church, how it was used, why it was demolished, and how parts of it were later reconstructed. Visitors will also discover how the search for these lost stones has evolved into a modern-day treasure hunt, piecing together fragments of Edinburgh’s medieval past.

Featuring rare images, archival material and newly uncovered insights, the exhibition highlights the importance of preserving these fragile remnants before they are lost forever.  It also aims to inspire renewed public interest and support for their protection.

A programme of free talks and guided walks will accompany the exhibition, offering visitors further opportunities to engage with the history and ongoing discoveries.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:I’m delighted that the Museum of Edinburgh is hosting another outstanding exhibition. Reviving the Trinity Stones tells the fascinating story of the Trinity Collegiate Church – one of medieval Edinburgh’s forgotten royal masterpieces.

“This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore how the church was celebrated, demolished and rediscovered. With an excellent programme of free talks alongside it, there truly is something for everyone, and I would encourage people of all ages to visit.”

Jill Harrison, Founder of the Trinity Network, said: “The story of the trinity stones continues to capture the imagination of heritage organisations, community groups, residents and visitors alike.

“This project has already contributed valuable new knowledge about one of Edinburgh’s oldest medieval buildings, and I hope it will spark further interest, research, and discussion.

“It is an especially exciting time, as new stones continue to be discovered, and more people become involved in uncovering this hidden history.”

The City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist John Lawson said: “It has been fantastic working and supporting Jill and her colleagues on this project over the last few years.

“Her research and investigations have brought to light the fate of what happened to parts of this medieval church after it was taken with pieces scattered across Edinburgh.

“We are delighted that the project has allowed us to receive, as a donation from NHS Lothian, of three important stone bosses which ended up in the Astley Ainslie Hospital.

“This includes the unique ‘Passion Stone’ carved with the marks of the Passion the last surviving of six. This is on show as part of this exhibition.”

The project has been funded through a Jean Guild Grant from the Old Edinburgh Club. The exhibition and its accompanying outreach programme are supported by the City Council.