Category: Old Town

Famed Old Town Pub turns Five on Burns Weekend

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 Professionals producers 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.”

Family Fun Day at Central Library

SATURDAY 25 JANUARY from 10am – 5pm

Come and join us on Saturday 25th January for our Family Fun Day! We’ll have lots of exciting things happening:

For children:

📖 Storytime – enjoy a selection of fun stories at the session’s brand new time

For ages 3-5, 11-11.30am in the Children’s Library

🧱 Lego Club – unleash your creativity and make fabulous Lego creations!

For ages 7-11, 3pm in the Children’s Library

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🗺 Burns Treasure Hunt – celebrate Burns Night with this special treasure hunt in the Children’s Library.

Speak to a member of staff for an entry form

For adults:

🖌 Artists’ books workshop with Susie Wilson – create your own tunnel book in this Miniature Theatres session

10.30am-1pm in the George Washington Browne Room.

Booking is essential

For all ages:

🎶 Scottish traditional singing workshop with Joss Cameron – learn a selection of songs with the award-winning singer

2.30-4.30pm in the George Washington Browne Room

Booking is essential

🧶 Knit & Natter – bring along your project and join this extra Saturday session

2-4pm on the Mezzanine

In the foyer:

💬 Information, advice and support stalls

On the Mezzanine:

☕ Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be available from 12pm

To book your place on one of the workshops, please visit our Ticketsource page: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-central-library

Please speak to a member of staff if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!

 More than 2,000 people ‘taste urine’ during record year for The Real Mary King’s Close

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: 

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com

Edinburgh restaurant group acquires popular Italian restaurant

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. 

Scottish Government unveils 2030 Route map to circular economy

PLAN TO BOOST REUSE AND RECYCLING

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.”

Read the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map 

Summary of priority actions:

* = Relates to provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024

  1. Publish a Product Stewardship Plan to set out how we will tackle the environmental impact of priority products by 2025/26
  2. Develop an intervention plan to guide long-term work on household food waste reduction behaviour change by 2026/27
  3. *Develop with stakeholders’ effective options to implement mandatory reporting for food waste and surplus by businesses from 2025/26
  4. Support the development of a model for regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets from 2025-2027
  5. *Facilitate a co-design process for high quality, high performing household recycling and reuse services, 2024 – 2026
  6. Review of compliance with commercial recycling requirements, 2026
  7. Co-design measures to improve commercial waste service provisions, commencing by 2030
  8. Develop a Residual Waste Plan to 2045, by 2027
  9. Facilitate the development of a Sector-Led Plan to minimise the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector, by 2027
  10. *Develop a circular economy strategy every five years, with first one published in 2026
  11. *Set new circular economy targets by 2027.

Scotch Whisky – Make it a Treble!

THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE SECURES THREE MAJOR AWARD WINS

The Scotch Whisky Experience, an internationally renowned whisky tourism destination by Edinburgh Castle, has achieved an exceptional series of wins at three major award ceremonies: The Scottish Thistle Awards, The Scottish Whisky Awards and The World Drinks Awards.

The national Scottish Thistle Awards named The Scotch Whisky Experience Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction. The organisers, VisitScotland, describe the award as recognising “attractions which provide world class service with an authentic, memorable Scottish experience” and commended The Scotch Whisky Experience for “helping the world fall in love with Scotland and Scotch Whisky.” 

This distinction places The Scotch Whisky Experience among past honourees such as the Burrell Collection, underscoring its contribution to Scotland’s global cultural appeal.

The Scottish Whisky Awards also recognised The Scotch Whisky Experience as Tourism Destination of the Year. Completing the hat trick, on 5 December The Scotch Whisky Experience won the major category of Visitor Attraction of the year at the World Drinks Awards’ Icons of Whisky 2025.

Chief Executive Susan Morrison, said, “Each award reinforces our mission to provide an unforgettable experience for every visitor, connecting them with Scotland’s rich whisky heritage.

“I am especially grateful to the visitors, partners and our dedicated and passionate team for making all these achievements possible”.

In addition to the organisation’s recognition, Marketing Director Julie Trevisan-Hunter was named one of the Top 100 Women in Tourism, an accolade recognising leadership and influence in Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Adding to the trophy cabinet, Annika Schneider, PA to the CEO, was named Rising Star at the regional Scottish Thistle Awards.

Chief Executive Susan Morrison also received The Scottish Whisky Awards’ Jim Swan Award, which honours lifetime contributions to the whisky industry.

James Robertson, Chair of the Scottish Whisky Awards, explained: “Susan represents a vital part of the success of Scotch whisky and that is our tourism economy. She leads a team which inspires newcomers to whisky and teaches ways to appreciate and learn about Scotch.”

Susan Morrison reflected on the evolution of whisky tourism over her career: “During my career I have seen the Scotch whisky and Scottish tourism industries come ever closer together, celebrating the best aspects of Scotland and, in my view, the best people.

“To have been part of this journey has been a true honour.  The absolute icing on the cake is seeing so many people – both visitors and team members – who established their love of Scotch with us at The Scotch Whisky Experience. 

“We look forward to helping visitors from around the world fall in love with Scotch whisky in 2025.”

Palace of Holyroodhouse lit up for Christmas

From today, visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decorated with magnificent Christmas displays.

A highlight this year is the wood-panelled Throne Room, which has been decorated with two 12-foot-high Christmas trees and a sparkling mantle garland.

A glistening 15-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree and two decorated mantelpieces create a festive atmosphere in the storied Great Gallery, while in the Royal Dining Room visitors will see a spectacular table display.

Old Edinburgh Club: Bringing the history of Edinburgh to life

Do you have some research you wish to do concerning the history of Edinburgh? Do you need funds to help you accomplish this goal? Why not apply for a grant from the Old Edinburgh Club?

https://oldedinburghclub.org.uk/projects/jean-guild-grants/

We have an introductory meeting at The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL commencing at 7:30 on the 19th of this month (November) which you can attend by applying to membership@oldedinburghclub.org.uk.

Please come early so we can start on time.

Grassmarket assault: Do you know this man?

POLICE Scotland have released an image of a man they wish to speak to who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault which took place on Thursday 26 September 2024 at the Grassmarket.

The man is described as being white, slim build, approximately 6ft in height, with short red hair. He was wearing a grey tracksuit and a black jacket.

Detective Constable Mark Richmond said “ I would urge the man pictured or anyone who may recognise him or has information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1768 of 27 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Celebrate Hope: Book Week Scotland illuminates Edinburgh and the Lothians with inspiring literary events

Scotland’s national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland 2024, returns from 18-24 November to uplift Edinburgh and Lothians with its theme of Hope.

This year’s programme offers unique perspectives on resilience, community, and the landscapes that define the region. Over the years, Book Week Scotland has deepened its impact on Edinburgh and the Lothians, delivering literary events to even the remotest locations and fostering connections in towns and communities.

The 2024 programme spotlights regional authors and local libraries as community cornerstones. 65,000 copies of a new free book, Scotland’s Stories: Hope, will be distributed during the week.

It is made up of real-life stories from people across Scotland, including contributions from people in Edinburgh and Lothians.

Local voices in this year’s Hope book include:

·       “A Wee Pocket of Joy” by Rosemary Henderson, East Lothian

·       “Dancing for Hope” by Georgia Marlborough, Edinburgh

·       “Ribbons and New Socks” by Sheena Mason, Dalkeith

·       “Hope and Consolation” by David Pickering, Edinburgh

·       “It’s The Hope That Kills You” by Julie Drybrough, Edinburgh

·       “Thorin” by Sam Eastop, Edinburgh (also adapted as a comic strip by Mollie Ray)

Each piece reflects the theme of Hope in unique and personal ways, highlighting the power of local stories.

Book Week Scotland event highlights in Edinburgh and the Lothians:

·       Landscapes of Hope and Inspiration, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 18 November—This event will bring together visual artist Julie Brook, writer Linda Cracknell, and musician Duncan Chisholm to discuss how Scotland’s landscapes inspire and provide hope. 

·       The Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay, Portobello Bookshop, 20 November – Jackie Kay shares the books that have inspired her, joined by Dr Sarah McGeown to explore the benefits of reading for pleasure. 

·       Various Author Events Across Edinburgh and East Lothian – Libraries and regional community centres will host readings, discussions, and family events celebrating the joy of reading. 

The variety of events this year reflects Edinburgh and Lothians’ longstanding engagement with Book Week Scotland, now in its 13th year and supported by Creative Scotland.

Scottish Book Trust invites everyone to join the #BookWeekScotland conversation and find further information and event listings at Book Week Scotland 2024 – Scottish Book Trust .

Extracts:

Rosemary Henderson, Tranent (East Lothian), ‘A Wee Pocket of Joy’

Sheena Mason, Dalkeith (Midlothian), ‘Ribbons and New Socks’

Georgia Marlborough, Edinburgh, ‘Dancing for Hope’

David Pickering, Edinburgh, ‘HOPE AND CONSOLATION’