Category: Old Town

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to host drag spooktacular this Halloween

  • Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is hosting TWO unmissable Halloween events on Saturday 28th October   
  • From 12pm, guests can enjoy a drag villain brunch with appearances from iconic fairytale villains before being entranced by a spooky but fabulous Rocky Horror drag show, 9pm til late 

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is set to get Edinburgh trembling through TWO Halloween events on Saturday, 28th October. 

Starting from 12pm, Virgin Hotel’s all-day dining destination, Eve, will set the stage for a Halloween brunch like no other. Hosted by DJ Zac from Bolton and Mystica Glamoor, guests can sink their fangs into brunch favourites including mouthwatering crispy chicken burgers and fluffy pancakes all whilst enjoying a spellbinding drag performance from Mystica, who will be channelling looks of some of the most iconic fairytale villains. 

The spooktacular drag villain brunch is free to attend, with guests only required to book a table to enjoy the experience in the fabulous surroundings of Eve. 

And that’s just the beginning! Those who dare to stay out after the sun goes down can enjoy a spine-chilling drag rendition of the iconic Rocky Horror show from 9pm ’til late.

Hosted by Klarity Productions, theatre diva, Krystal Klear and DJ Jasper Noir will be welcoming star-studded guests onto the stage, including resident performer at Kabaret KweerDaddy Delight, who are ready to infuse this Halloween classic with an extra dose of glitz and glamour.  

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s expert team of mixologists will also be serving specially curated Halloween-themed cocktails all day for guests to enjoy. Those looking for some nibbles before The Rocky Horror drag show can tuck into some delicious small plates off the new Autumn menu in Eve, including Scottish farm buffalo mozzarella with pumpkin seeds as well as mouthwatering chicken thighs. 

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are bringing a Halloween extravaganza to Eve this year with two fabulous drag events.  

“Starting with the drag villain brunch through to an iconic Rocky Horror drag show, guests will be in for an experience like no other on offer in the city this Hallo-weekend.  

“With our expertly curated Halloween-themed cocktails through to our delicious bites, there won’t be a need to step foot outside Virgin Hotels Edinburgh all day. So, join us on Saturday 28th October for a Halloween party you won’t forget!” 

For more information and to reserve a table for the drag villain brunch please visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/eat-drink/eve/ 

To join Edinburgh’s very own Rocky Horror drag show from 9pm til late, tickets can be booked here. 

This Halloween spooktacular is just one of many events hosted at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow along on social media here:  

  • Instagram @eveedinburgh @virginhotelsedi 
  • Twitter @virginhotelsedi 

Halloween at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity

Calling all Halloween lovers! If you’re looking for the perfect eerie addition for your house this spooky season, look no further than The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor. This Halloween, the attraction is giving away a life-sized statue of the iconic Plague Doctor, in aid of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

Situated underneath the iconic Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close is shrouded in myths and mysteries, steeped in stories of Edinburgh’s dark past. This Halloween, the historic attraction is giving you the chance to take home the perfect Halloween prize – The Plague Doctor!

Characterised by his long black cloak and elongated beak-like mask, the Plague Doctor is sure to give even its bravest admirers a fright this Halloween. 

The Plague Doctor’s striking outfit was designed to protect him fromso-called miasmas, the name used to describe foul smells which, at the time, people believedcaused the plague.

In reality, his long cloak kept him safe from airborne diseases and biting fleas which carried bubonic plague.  His mask was also filled with spices and rose petals to prevent the “miasmas” from infecting him.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “The Real Mary King’s Close is a place filled with excitement and mystery, but Edinburgh’s ominous past means we also have the perfect tales to tell this Halloween. 

“The Plague Doctor was one person you didn’t want to pay you a visit, despite being there to help. The limited and dangerous treatments available at the time meant the Plague killed around half of those who contracted it, although Plague Doctors did all they could to cure the sufferers.

“We’re pleased to be giving away one of our life-sized models for a great cause, and their terrifying outfits should mean it makes for a great Halloween decoration for years to come!”

HOW TO ENTER THE PRIZE DRAW

For the chance to win the model, all you have to do is donate to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity through a Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-real-mary-kings-close-fundraiser-for-echc AND enter the form on The Real Mary King’s Close website: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/whats-on-special-tours/edinburgh-childrens-hospital-charity-fundraiser/ 

You must use the same name as used on the Just Giving page and provide an email address.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

All money raised will go to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity runs a six-day-per-week programme of arts and activities for young patients at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

By transforming the hospital wards into disco rooms, art galleries, fairylands, and past eras, they ensure that every child has the freedom to explore, have fun and find inspiration through creative play and learning.

For more information and Halloween bookings please visit: 

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

TODAY: A Girl’s Own Guide to Surviving History

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

Would you know what to do if you were accused of being a witch in the 17th century? How would you cope if your castle came under siege in the Scottish Wars of Independence? Wouldn’t life be easier if it came with an instruction manual?

Thankfully, Gillian Paterson and Nicola Wright have found just such a book for their show at this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival, A Girl’s Own Guide to Surviving History.

Told in the style of a Boy’s Own adventure book, A Girl’s Own Guide to Surviving History is filled with hot tips about surviving life as a pirate, fighting the system, and being a master (or mistress) of disguise. Told using silly songs, and a ridiculous amount of props this show presents a light-hearted look at the serious subject of the challenges faced by women through the centuries.

Gillian Paterson originally from Arbroath has worked as a costumed historical storyteller at museums and events around the country. She has a knack for finding the funny side of history, taking irreverent approaches to subjects and bringing them to life through her passion for history and storytelling.

Nicola is equally passionate about history and delivers entertaining and engaging workshops to primary and secondary schools on subjects ranging from castle life and the cursed Stewarts to Jacobites and WW1.

Gillian Paterson said: “I love history and entertaining audiences with stories of derring-do, fighting the system and life across the ages.

“It’s a chance to tell all the best bits and I really hope that this new show about women’s history, particularly all those great feisty women that have been buried in the history books over the years, will be as fun to listen to, as it is to tell.”

The Girl’s Own Survival Guide to History with Gillian Paterson and Nicola Wright is on TODAY Sat 21 Oct at 4pm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR,

Tickets are available at www.sisf.org.uk

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs until Sunday 29 October. Tickets to each event in this year’s programme cost a maximum of £10, with family events costing just £5 per ticket. For those planning on attending multiple events, the Festival Pass (£20/£10)  offers discounted tickets to many live festival events, online and at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, as well as a discount at the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s bookshop and Haggis Box Café.

Full programme is available here  or visit sisf.org.uk for more details.
 @ScotStoryFest #RightToBeHuman

Police investigate series of attempted robberies around Royal Mile

UPDATE: A 32-year-old will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal following attempted robberies in Edinburgh.

The incidents happened on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, at St Mary’s Street, Market Street, Jeffrey Street and the High Street.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries.”

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to contact them following a series of attempted robberies in the city centre. Four crimes have been reported but officers believe a further two incidents, one in Market Street and one in the Royal Mile, were not reported to police.

The reported incidents occurred between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023,  at St Mary’s Street, Market Street, Jeffrey Street and the High Street. They all involved a man threatening members of the public and attempting to obtain money from them.

The man is described as white, around 5 ft. 8 – 5ft. 10 inches in height, with a medium build and brown, unkempt hair. He has dark facial hair with a beard and moustache.

He was wearing a dark jacket, grey-coloured jogging trousers and dark shoes. The man spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We believe other people were approached by this man near to the train station at Market Street and the Royal Mile at the junction with Jeffrey Street and I would ask them to contact us to report the circumstances.

“We are in the process of checking CCTV footage from the relevant areas but if anyone has any information about this man, please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3049 of 10 October 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Road closures today

Edinburgh is hosting the UCI World Cycling Championships 2023 Men’s Elite Road Race tomorrow morning – Sunday 6 August 2023.

We will have temporary restrictions on

  • parking
  • waiting
  • loading
  • unloading

along the route, which spans from Holyrood Park to the Queensferry Bridge.

We may need to adjust these timings depending on the event timings.

Road closures

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 3pm on 6 August:

  • Queens Drive
  • Horse Wynd
  • Dukes Walk

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:

  • Canongate
  • New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:

  • High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:  

  • High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)

The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
  • Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)  

The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
  • Bank Street
  • North Bank Street
  • The Mound
  • Hanover Street
  • Queen Street Gardens East
  • Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
  • Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
  • South-East Circus Place
  • Circus Place 
  • North-West Circus Place

These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Kerr Street 
  • Deanhaugh Street
  • Raeburn Place
  • Comely Bank Road
  • Craigleith Road

These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
  • Hillhouse Road

These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).

Vehicle crossing points on closed roads

On Sunday 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal.

The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.

  • St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
  • Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
  • East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Whitehouse Road – Maybury Road A90 Queensferry Road 9:45am to 9:55am

Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.

Forget the Fringe – discover Edinburgh’s dark history this August at The Real Mary King’s Close

During August, the vibrant city of Edinburgh almost doubles in population as thousands of visitors from across the world head to the cultural hub that is Edinburgh Fringe festival.

While you’re never short of things to do or see, it’s always important to pack some time into your busy schedule to soak up some of Edinburgh’s rich history and venture further afield for things to do.

Visitors need look no further than The Real Mary Kings Close, hidden beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile lies an abandoned world, eager to tell its story.

Mary King’s Close was once vibrant and bustling with life, filled with traders and Old Town residents. When the plague arrived during the 1640s, the street’s close quarters made a perfect breeding ground for infection, permeating its homes and affecting the lives of the residents. 

Today, The Real Mary King’s Close is one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions, inviting curious souls to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and relish in secrets and stories never told before. 

Since opening its doors in 2003, The Close has produced over 250,000 hours’ worth of tours and continues to provide both tourists and locals in Edinburgh with a fascinating history of the city’s dark past, the extreme living conditions and harsh effects of social hierarchy during the 17th century.

Visitors are given the chance to come face-to-face with former residents including Mary King’s daughter, Jonnet Nimmo.

Also, Dr Arnott, who was one of the wealthiest residents of The Close. With a flair for the nitty gritty, Dr Arnott had some rather unique methods of diagnosis.

His favourite technique was to analyse his patients’ urine for its colour, smell and … TASTE!

Suitable for the whole family, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation is a hands-on workshop inviting the public to diagnose Dr Arnott’s patients using his favourite 17th century method, examining their urine.

Following their 1-hour guided tour of The Close, guests will be invited to use all of their senses (including taste) to diagnose Dr Arnott’s latest patients and create their own concoction to cure their ailments using authentic remedies from the time period.

Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation runs every Saturday throughout the year.

Tours run at 12.00, 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30.

Tickets are £29/adult and £22/child (5 to 15 years old)

The Real Mary King’s Guided Tour runs from 9.00 till 22.00 during July-August, 7 days a week.

Tickets start from £21/adult and £15/child (5 to 15 years old)

Pre-booking is strongly recommended for all tours as places sell-out quickly, especially during the festival period.

For more information and bookings please visit: 

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com

UCI Cycling Men’s Elite Road Race: Road closures announced

SUNDAY 6th AUGUST

The route for the UCI Men’s Elite Road Race has been announced. This forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the “biggest cycling event ever.”

The race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 9.30am. We expect the event to attract many visitors from across the world to follow the race as it makes its way from the capital to Glasgow. The city will be busy and some roads will be closed as the event passes through.

Route

Competitors will start off in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood Park. The race then heads up the Royal Mile and through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing under Edinburgh Castle.

They will then head down the Mound and towards Stockbridge before moving onto Queensferry. Competitors will then cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing. The race will eventually finish in Glasgow’s George Square, covering a distance of 270km.

Road closures

These roads will be closed from 6:30pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:

  • Queens Drive
  • Horse Wynd
  • Dukes Walk

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:

  • Canongate
  • New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:

  • High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:  

  • High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)

The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
  • Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)  

The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
  • Bank Street
  • North Bank Street
  • The Mound
  • Hanover Street
  • Queen Street Gardens East
  • Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
  • Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
  • South-East Circus Place
  • Circus Place 
  • North-West Circus Place

These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Kerr Street 
  • Deanhaugh Street
  • Raeburn Place
  • Comely Bank Road
  • Craigleith Road

These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
  • Hillhouse Road

These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).

Vehicle crossing points on closed roads

On 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal. The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.

  • St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
  • Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
  • East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Whitehouse Road – Maybury Road A90 Queensferry Road 9:45am to 9:55am

Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.

You can find more information, on the event website 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. I

f you have any questions, please email events@edinburgh.gov.uk

A Sip Through Time

The Real Mary Kings Close and Pickering’s Gin celebrate Gin Month

This July, The Real Mary King’s Close is celebrating Gin Month by offering a specially curated gin tour, ‘A Sip Through Time’, in partnership with Edinburgh distillers, Pickering’s Gin.

Perfect for the discerning gin lover, the historic attraction hidden beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile invites you on an exclusive experience infused with fascinating insights about how the spirit was produced, smuggled and consumed in Edinburgh throughout the centuries.

The one-hour interactive history tour will conclude with a crafted gin tasting session led by local experts, giving the perfect excuse to raise a glass and sample some luxuriously smooth gin.

With over ten years of industry knowledge, Pickering’s Gin will help to immerse guests in the rich history of Edinburgh’s gin trade, taking them on a journey to discover the origins of the spirit’s introduction to Scotland and how the gin craze took off in Edinburgh the late eighteenth century.

During ‘A Sip Through Time’, visitors will also uncover the identity of the infamous ‘Merchant Prince’ and journey back in time to explore the streets and spaces which now lie underneath the vibrant Old Town of Edinburgh.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Over the last few hundred years, the popularity of gin in the city of Edinburgh has continued to grow and become deep-rooted into the culture of this vibrant city.

“We are delighted to partner with local distillers Pickering’s Gin to share the fascinating history of the Edinburgh gin trade with a new generation of gin drinkers, all whilst enjoying a responsible tipple or two.

“At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are enthusiastic about telling stories and developing one-of-a-kind experiences that immerse our visitors into special moments in time. We are so excited to welcome guests on our special tour, ‘A Sip Through Time’ and urge those interested in all things juniper to get booking soon as places are limited.”

Rachel Thomson, Head of Marketing at Summerhall Distillery, said: “As a local Edinburgh distiller, we are thrilled to be joining The Real Mary King’s close to share our knowledge and take visitors on a journey through time to discover Edinburgh’s bustling gin trade.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming guests to the tour and letting them sample some of our finest creations, all distilled here in Edinburgh”

Starting today (Friday 7 July), gin tours will be running every weekend throughout the month.

Tours run at 5.30pm and 7.30pm (7th, 8th July). Tours run at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.15pm (14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th July).

Tickets are £45pp. Pre-booking is strongly recommended as places are very limited. Over 18’s only. 

For more information and bookings please visit: 

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/a-sip-through-time/

Coronation disruption in city centre: public urged to plan ahead

Temporary road closures will be in place this week across Edinburgh’s city centre as the city prepares to host a major ceremonial event to mark the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

On Wednesday (5 July) the King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) at a national service of thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile.

The Council is working with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to safely accommodate the large crowds of people expected to line the city’s streets in celebration of this historic occasion.

Residents and visitors are being urged to plan ahead and avoid any non-essential travel in and around the Old Town on Wednesday afternoon. People should check the Council website, which is being updated with details of road closures and other public transport information.

People can also follow the relevant transport agencies, Scottish Government and Royal Household for up-to-date event information.

Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: “The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the Capital.

“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for disruption across the city, but particularly in the Old Town. We’re working with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on the events.

“For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance.”

⚠️POLICE have announced that temporary airspace restrictions will be in place from 7am Monday 3 July until 4pm Friday 7 July in Edinburgh city centre ‘for security and your safety’.

Restrictions include drones.

You must check if it is legal to fly in your area.

For more information, visit: https://ow.ly/KP0750OXgiE

For general advice on airspace restrictions, visit: https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/airspace-and-restrictions/

For the most up-to-date information, visit:

the city council’s dedicated webpages

www.gov.scot and 

www.royal.uk.

The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.

See also Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.

#RoyalWeek