Category: Old Town

Beyond Words: Scottish International Storytelling Festival

The 31st Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) celebrates old traditions and new connections, showcasing how music, dance and story communicate shared experiences that are ‘Beyond Words’.

Canada and Scotland have closely interwoven identities and histories, so SISF is delighted to headline ‘Canada-Scotland: Coast to Coast’ for its International Exchange, thanks to Festivals Expo support. Continue reading Beyond Words: Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Pancho Villa’s restaurant in Old Town sold

Mexican themed restaurant, Pancho Villa’s, has been sold through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co to an experienced local operator.

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The previous owners had run the authentic Mexican restaurant in the Canongate for over 30 years, building up an excellent reputation for providing high quality food and drink with a lively atmosphere. They decided to sell the lease for the popular restaurant in order to retire.

New owner Ruori Stewart, who also owns The Apartment restaurant at Barclay Place, purchased the new lease and plans to trade the restaurant as the apartment pop-up until the property undergoes refurbishment to prepare for a new and unique concept.

Tony Spence, Business Agent at Christie & Co’s Edinburgh office who handled the sale, said: “Pancho Villa’s generated a good amount of interest from the outset and an experienced tenant was secured after a quick closing date was set.

“The market remains interesting with commercial properties continuing to attract interest from investors, experienced multiple operators and first-time buyers.”

Pancho Villa’s sold for over the asking price of £100,000 for the leasehold going concern.

 

Starting today: Summertime Streets in city centre

Between 28 July and 1 September 2019, temporary changes will be in place on streets in the Old Town. The changes will help to make our busy streets easier and safer to walk around. Continue reading Starting today: Summertime Streets in city centre

Open Streets: Old Town roads closed to traffic again this afternoon

Enjoy exploring Edinburgh’s Open Streets today from 12 noon to 5pm. This is the second Open Streets event and follows the first phase of the programme, which aims to create a people friendly route around the Old Town and includes the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Grassmarket and Cockburn Street. 

Activities and areas to visit:

Activity Time Location Further information
Just Eat bike hire 12pm- 5pm City Chambers, High Street
Hoola hoop extravaganza 12pm to 2pm West High Street This drop-in workshop will have you hoola hooping in seconds. No experience required, hoola hoops provided, everyone welcome.
Edinburgh all-ability bike trials 12pm to 4.30pm West High Street A range of adaptive bikes to help people to cycle regardless of age, background or ability.
Spokes stall 12pm to 4pm West High Street Promoting safe active travel with a focus on cycling and maps for Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Street games 12pm to 5pm High Street Connect 4, chess and badminton.
Play on pedals 12pm to 3pm Grassmarket Fun learning for p3 to p5-aged children.
Literary walking tours 12pm to 5pm John Knox House, Canongate Explore Edinburgh’s Netherbow area – pick up your self guided tour from the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Arts for all 12pm to 4pm Canongate The Cranny are holding a pot luck picnic, inviting local residents in the Canongate to bring some baking or a dish to chat about the new community centre and ideas for gardening and arts projects.
Children’s crafts 12pm to 4pm Chessel’s Court Come and make tissue flowers and chalk a butterfly selfie.
Reading havens 12pm to 5pm Sandeman House Garden; Chessel’s Court Garden; Old Tolbooth Market; Canongate Free books on offer in a quiet reading haven.
E-bike trials 12pm to 4.30pm Victoria Street/Grassmarket Come and try and e-bike with Hart’s Cyclery.
Hip-hop dance performance 1.15pm to 1.35pm West High Street Display by youth company House of Jack followed by a chance to join in and learn some hip hop.
Circus skills 2pm to 4pm Canongate Free circus skills for all ages, including spinning, twirling and juggling.
Tai Chi Display and Taster Sessions 3pm and 4pm Parliament Square, High Street Free to join in – bring something comfortable to wear.
Royal Mile walking tours 2.30pm and 3.30pm City Chambers, High Street Meet at the City Chambers in the quadrangle for the free tours, approx. 50 minutes.
Yoga sessions 2.30pm to 3.30pm Canongate Come and have a go – free sessions. Bring something comfortable to wear – 4 x 15 minutes.
Swing dancing 3.30pm to 4.30pm West high Street Get inspired and join in.

Streets closed on 2 June

The following streets will be closed to cars and other vehicles from 12pm to 5pm, except for blue badge holders and bicycles.

There will be barriers in place for everyone’s safety. Events staff will manage access to the area for emergency vehicles and blue badge holders.

Additional bike parking will be available across the area.

  • Grassmarket (pedestrian zone between West Bow and King’s Stables Road)
  • West Bow
  • Victoria Street
  • Lawnmarket
  • High Street
  • St Giles’ Street
  • Cockburn Street
  • Niddry Street
  • Blackfriars Street (between High Street and New Skinner’s Close)
  • Canongate (between St Mary/Jeffrey Street and the west side of Reid’s Close) Cranston Street
  • New Street
  • Old Tolbooth Wynd

For more information, email the Open Streets team on openstreets@edinburgh.gov.uk.