Calling all brave and curious explorers, this February The Real Mary King’s Close is shining a light (or lack of) onto Edinburgh’s history, illuminating the lives of former residents and unravelling truths about their deaths with Lantern Led Tours.
The new Lantern Led Tours are available for a limited time only during Half Term, where guests will descend into complete darkness with the only light source being the flicker of their lanterns, as they explore Edinburgh’s history.
Hidden beneath the Capital’s iconic Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s best underground experience is ready to send those daring to on a time-traveling adventure. The one hour guided tour will transport customers to another era, with eerie interactions from two insidious characters that used to strike terror into people’s hearts at their very sight.
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, where strange revelations of Edinburgh’s ominous past come to life.
“We are so excited to launch our Lantern Led Tours and elevate the experience to a whole new level. This is a great activity to do with family and friends over the February holidays, so come along and find out who is the bravest of the bunch.”
The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.
The tours will be running Friday 10th to Sunday 12th February and Friday 17th to Sunday 19th February from 7pm-9pm every 15 minutes. Prices are £25 per adult / £19 per child (5 to 15yo – no under 5 allowed).
Enjoy a trail of FREE entertainment in Edinburgh venues on New Year’s Day, embracing Hogmanay traditions of friendship, food & drink, and live music.
Explore the city, discovering (and rediscovering) some of Edinburgh’s incredible venues, landmark attractions and independent pubs alongside a feast of Scottish artists including Callum Beattie, Swim School and many more!
A planning application for a development of high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in Edinburgh’s Canongate has been given the green light following an appeal by property developers to the Scottish Government.
Summix (CGE) Developments and S Harrison have been granted permission for the partial demolition of existing buildings and the delivery of PBSA on the site that was once part of the 19th century gasworks at 179A Canongate. The planning application was initially refused by the Council in August 2022.
Comprising 76 high quality studio rooms, the scheme will be targeted at postgraduate students. The ground floor includes an open courtyard with sitting areas and planters, internal shared amenity space, plus two study rooms, a gym and a multimedia room.
Ideally located opposite the Holyrood Campus of Edinburgh University and within easy reach of other university facilities, the site is well suited to the provision of much-needed PBSA. Nearby bus routes and plenty of cycling storage on site make it a highly accessible location.
Substantial elements of the existing historic buildings are incorporated within the proposed redevelopment along with the demolition of the more recent 20th century buildings. The retained buildings are incorporated within a sympathetic design that respects the site’s historic location and the important surrounding listed buildings.
New build elements consist of a five-storey building with a triple pitched roof on the west side dropping down to a two-storey building with duo pitch roof on the east side to fit with the open nature of the nearby kirkyard. Historic perimeter walls will be retained and the original workshop incorporated within the development which will be an additional unique feature.
Reusing a current brownfield site, this will be a highly energy efficient building adopting a fabric first approach. Low and zero carbon emitting equipment will be incorporated, including air source heat pumps, full LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and photovoltaic panels.
The Reporter granted planning permission, noting that:
“The proposed development utilises a brownfield site making efficient use of existing land and buildings. It supports the delivery of accessible accommodation and is appropriately located in walking distance to education facilities, local amenities, and public transport.
“The scale, form and design respects the historic environment and mitigation measures are incorporated to safeguard the amenity of existing and future occupiers.”
David Clancy of S Harrison said: “We’re thrilled our application has been approved by the Scottish Government Reporter. These proposals will redevelop an unloved site in the heart of the capital and provide much-needed PBSA in a highly sustainable location, situated so close to many university buildings.
“We are pleased to see that the Reporter noted that the proposed PBSA does not result in an ‘excessive concentration’ of student accommodation in the area and will fit in with the nearby listed buildings, preserving the character and appearance of the Old Town Conservation Area.
“Our proposals are part of the wider redevelopment of this part of the city centre and will help to bring life and economic activity to the area.”
Stuart Black of Summix (CGE) Developments added: “With the Reporter upholding the appeal, the delivery of high-quality student accommodation on what is a brownfield site, can be progressed.
“This will be a highly energy efficient building, incorporating low and zero carbon emitting equipment, including air source heat pumps, full LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and photovoltaic panels.
“It will also serve to address an increasing demand for student accommodation, and through this assist in moving students out of homes more appropriate for families and into well-managed accommodation.”
Detectives at Gayfield Police Station have released images of a man they believe may hold information which could assist the investigation into a serious assault which occurred in the Cowgate.
In the early hours of Friday, 14 October, 2022, between the Cowgate and Candlemaker Row, a 43-year-old man was pushed over following a verbal altercation. The man sustained serious injuries and was later treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
The man who may have information is described as aged between 18 and 25-years-old, thin build, short hair, carrying a skateboard and wearing a grey and black hooded top, dark trousers and grey trainers.
Detective Constable Kieran Keddie, of Edinburgh CID, said: “The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and our enquiries are ongoing.
“It is believed the male pictured will be able to assist the investigation and anyone who recognises him is asked to come forward.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information which could assist the investigation should contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0350 of 14 October, 2022.
Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an assault in the Cowgate.
In the early hours of Friday (14 October, 2022) a 43-year-old man was pushed over following a verbal altercation between the Cowgate and Candlemaker Row.
The man sustained serious injuries and was later treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, of Edinburgh CID, said: “The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and our enquiries are ongoing.
“We believe that members of the public assisted the man following the incident and we would urge those who assisted to contact officers as soon as possible.
“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that can assist with our investigation should contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0350 of Friday, 14 October, 2022. Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Màiri Mhòr nan Òran has a commemorative flagstone unveiled at Makars’ Court
Lauded Scottish Gaelic poet and songmaker Màiri Nic a’ Phearsain (Mary MacPherson; 1821-1898) is most commonly known as Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, or ‘Big Mary of the Songs’ is set to be added to Makars’ Court, where the nations most esteemed literary figures have been celebrated since its creation in 1998.
Described as ‘a towering presence in Gaelic culture’ (The National, 2021), Màiri Mhòr will take her rightful place at Makars’ Court where she will have a memorial flagstone inscribed with her name and the lines:
Màiri Mhòr nan Òran
1821-1898
Cuimhnichibh gur sluagh sibh
Is cumaibh suas ur còir
(Remember that you are a people / And stand up for your rights)
(From The Highest Apple/An Ubhal as Àirde (Francis Boutle Press, 2019), p. 522).
Despite not discovering her latent literary talents until after her 50th birthday, Màiri Mhòr is lauded as one of the most important songmakers in Scottish history.
Her work unflinchingly chronicled the Highland Clearances and land struggles, one of the most profound eras of socio-economic and political unrest in the nation’s history.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Màiri Mhòr’s addition to Makars’ Court reflects her indelible impact as a songmaker and she can now occupy her rightful place alongside the finest literary figures in our nation’s rich history.
“Makars’ Court is an important stop on the Old Town tourist trail and provides an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to explore the very best of Scotland’s writers. I would like to thank the sponsor of this flagstone Wilson McLeod; this will be a fitting testament to a true giant of Gaelic literature and society.”
The sponsor of this flagstone, Professor Wilson McLeod noted that: “There are currently only three Gaelic writers commemorated at Makars’ Court (George Campbell Hay, Somhairle MacGill-Eain and Lachlann MacMhuirich).
“All of them are male. It would be highly appropriate to honour one of Gaeldom’s best-known female poets.”
About Màiri Mhòr nan Òran:
Born in 1821 at Skeabost in Skye, she spent many years in Inverness and then Glasgow before returning to Skye later in life. After being widowed, she worked as a domestic servant.
In 1872, she was convicted of stealing from her employer, apparently unfairly. Her damaging experience with the law and the lasting effect it had on her is recorded in Tha mi sgìth de luchd na Beurla (I’m tired of the English speakers). She said that the humiliation (tàmailt) she endured brought her muse to life, and it was this injustice which spurred her to become a song-maker.
Mairi Mhòr moved to Glasgow on her release from prison. It was here she is believed to have learned to read and write in English and qualified with a nursing certificate and diploma in obstetrics from Glasgow Royal Infirmary. In 1876, she moved to Greenock to work but often returned to Glasgow for cèilidhs and other gatherings of Skye people, she retired to Skye in 1882.
She is remembered for her active involvement in the Crofters’ War and the Highland land issue, which provided the themes of some of her best-known songs. She is known to have been present at Highland Land League meetings and to have known influential campaigners such as Alexander Mackenzie and her friend Fraser Mackintosh in the run up to the Napier Commission of 1883-4 and the Crofters Act of 1886.
By this time Màiri Mhòr had acquired a reputation for her songs. She sang at the first ever National Mòd in Oban in 1892 and came to achieve considerable celebrity in the Gàidhealtachd, a status she retains to the present day.
Màiri Mhòr died in Portree on Skye in 1898 and was buried in Chapel Yard Cemetery in Inverness beside her husband.
About Makars’ Court:
Makars’ Court, an evolving national literary monument, is located beside the Writers’ Museum in Lady Stairs Close. There, people can read some of the famous words of great Scottish writers inscribed in the flagstones, with quotes ranging from the 14th century John Barbour to Dame Muriel Spark, who died in 2006. New flagstones continue to be added.
The Scots word Makar means “one who fashions, constructs, produces, prepares, etc”. (Dictionary of the Scots Language), and in a literary context it is the role of the poet or author as a skilled and versatile worker in the craft of writing.
We have many such wordsmiths living in Scotland, and to celebrate the importance of writers in our lives, in this UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh has adopted its own version of the Poet Laureate: the Edinburgh Makar.
The office of Edinburgh Makar is currently held by the poet Hannah Lavery. The office of Scotland’s Makar is currently held by the poet Kathleen Jamie.
3 Live Events | 3 Themes | 6 Writers | 3 New Artistic Commissions
September ‒November at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
Earlier this year, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature and the Scottish Storytelling Centre joined forces to create a new series of events in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 and they’re back with Season Two launching on Friday 23 September.
Figures of Speech is a fresh and exciting cross-artform series that will bring together authors, artists, and high-profile experts to steer an exploration of Scotland as a modern literary nation. Bringing stories to life with lively discussions sparked by universal themes.
The first theme of the new season is Love and who better to be in the discussion seat than the queen of Rom Com fiction, author Jenny Colgan. Writer Pàdraig MacAoidh / Peter Mackay and Jenny will talk all things love in Scottish literature.
Sharing their own experiences of writing amorous words as well as showcasing some of the most enduring, inclusive, tragic and formidable examples of love on the page. This event is sure to warm audiences’ hearts as the cold nights draw in. Multidisciplinary artist and deaf performer, Jamie Rea will support the event with a newly commissioned piece of work exploring queer love that will be presented in British Sign Language.
The next event in the season is on Friday 21 October as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. Artist and writer, Amanda Thomson will be dropping a pin in the literary map with a discussion on place and locality with poet and film maker Roseanne Watt. This event will be supported by a newly commissioned storytelling performance by comedian and storyteller Marjolein Robertson.
The season concludes on St. Andrew’s Day with an exploration of the Big Ideas and pertinent questions in relation to issues such as climate change and Scotland’s place in our world at large. Writer David Farrier will host an evening of discussion with climate activist and author Jessica Gaitán Johannesson on Wednesday 30 November.
There is currently an open call for a creative commission in response to the final theme of the series which is Big Ideas. Artists from any background and working in any medium in Scotland are encouraged to apply.
Details can be found on the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s wbsite: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com or via Creative Scotland opportunities.
Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, says: “Our second Figures of Speech season will build on the success of Season 1, bringing audiences and performers together to debate and discuss the stories and words which explore these themes in Scottish literature.
“This project is all about variety, partnerships, and a celebration of words, so we hope and imagine people will have their own thoughts and opinions on these themes, which is all part of the fun in this Year of Stories!’
Scottish Author Jenny Colgan, says: ‘Figures of Speech is a fantastic way of taking a fresh look at Scotland’s stories, and I’m looking forward to exploring the many ways Scotland has engaged with love and romance in literature over the years.
“Love is such a universal and wide-ranging theme so there will be plenty to discuss and I’m really looking forward to talking with Peter as part of Figures of Speech Season Two.’
Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 spotlights, celebrates and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. Figures of Speech is supported by EventScotland as part of this celebration.
VisitScotland’s Regional Director for Edinburgh, Lothians & Forth Valley, Neil Christison says: “We are delighted to be supporting Figures of Speech as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
“From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.
“This exciting collaboration between Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature and the Scottish Storytelling Centre gives audiences an opportunity to hear from authors direct and enjoy a journey through Scottish literature.”
The first season of Figures of Speech saw Nicola Meighan in discussion with author Arusa Qureshi on all things music in Scottish literature. The second event saw poet Michael Pedersen in conversation with author Val McDermid on friendship and the first season wrapped up with writers Russell Jones and T.L. Huchu discussing literature, sci-fi and imagined futures.
All previous shows were recorded and are now available to watch on demand via the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s website and the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s YouTube channel.
The second season will also be recorded and made available online and all live and recorded events will be supported by BSL interpretation. Each of the events will also be supported by a pop-up bookshop from Lighthouse Books. Their expert booksellers will be on hand to supply the must-read books to match every event.
Thousands of tulips line the Vennel Steps in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town thanking the public for supporting charitable causes.
For the fourth year running, Benefact Group is giving away over £1million to charities with the return of its Movement for Good Awards.
To mark the occasion, thousands of brightly coloured tulips have appeared in the city centre. The garden of gratitude features 1,500 bunches of flowers representing a ‘thank you’ on behalf of the 1,500 charities that have already benefited from the awards to the members of the public who voted for them.
From today, people are once again invited to nominate a cause close to their hearts for a potential £1,000 award to help make a difference.
This year, another 500 charities around the UK will each receive £1,000 during the campaign.
It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com
Each of the 4,500 wooden tulips have been individually hand-made in the UK, featuring hand-written thank you notes.
Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, says: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards for the fourth year running.
“We hope that our Garden of Gratitude reminds people that their nominations really do make a difference. Thanking those who have chosen good causes they love, as well as celebrating the 1,500 charity beneficiaries over the last three years is, we think, a fitting way to start this year’s awards.
“Benefact Group, formerly named Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and is keen to give even more. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do.”
Since the initiative began in 2019, more than 210,000 people across the UK have nominated causes they care about, leading to more than 13,000 charities receiving votes.
Anyone can nominate a registered charity at any time for the chance to receive £1,000. The first 250 winners will be announced in June, a further 250 winners will be announced in September.
Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.
A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and £500,000 will also be given in larger grants later this year. For more information about the awards visit www.movementforgood.com
Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.
A MAJOR conference and events business is reporting that 2022 is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels – and looks to expand its headcount by 70%.
In a positive sign for Edinburgh’s crucial hospitality and business tourism sectors, Surgeons Quarter – the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) – has experienced demand for in-person meetings and events well ahead of pre-pandemic levels.
The Living Wage-accredited organisation which manages a vast mix of historic and purpose-built RCSEd venues, as well as Ten Hill Place Hotel, Café 1505 and Surgeons Quarter Travel – has seen events and conferences that postponed due to the pandemic rebook their events for 2022 as well as a high level of new enquiries.
This trend which has included new bookings for major conferences such as the Functional Regulatory Genomic Disease Meeting, a conference which will bring together international leaders in the study of genetics of disease in April 2022, has led to Surgeons Quarter returning to operate at close to maximum levels.
As a result, Surgeons Quarter is set to recruit for 60-70 positions during April, May and June.
Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter, said: “It’s a pleasure to be in a position to expand our hospitality teams again and add vital jobs to help us service the increasing levels of business we’re bringing in.
“It’s important that we get the recovery right – hospitality and the business tourism economy are integral to the city’s overall prosperity. We can see first-hand the direct effect it has on employment.
“In addition to our busy events calendar, Ten Hill Place Hotel is seeing encouraging occupancy levels predicted to exceed the pre pandemic levels.
“To further boost our activities in 2022, we are actively planning for the full return of the Festival Fringe for which we are one of the largest operators – and at the end of the year, we are looking forward to a busy festive period of celebration, which we have all missed in the past 18 months”.
The organisation also launched its first TV advertising campaign on 25th February with the theme highlighting guests will be ‘In Good Hands’ as a reference to its surgical connections and charitable aims which should help further raise its profile.
During the first lockdown Ten Hill Place provided free rooms and meals to key workers tackling the pandemic. Over 2,100 rooms were supplied free of charge at a cost to the company of over £100,000.
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgical standards worldwide.
For anyone interested in joining the dynamic and award-winning Surgeons Quarter team, please email recruiment@surgeonsquarter.com
Fore Play Crazy Golf is looking to open a new home of golf in a sought-after location in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
The successful crazy golf concept which currently operates out of Picardy Place on a temporary basis in the city has submitted planning applications to Edinburgh City Council for a 9,139 sq ft A listed building on a mixed-use license.
The new three-floor venue would accommodate up to 200 guests and bring at least 30 new jobs if successful.
Proposed plans include a multi-level experience-led playground for grown-ups featuring two courses, street food vendors, and inventive drinks that capture the brand’s playful energy with competitive socialising lying at the heart of the sympathetic renovations.
The independent venue would require a significant investment from the owners and their vision looks to encapsulate the vibrancy of the neighbourhood with local landmarks inspiring the plans for their imaginative crazy golf courses.
A provisional opening date has been set for summer 2022.
Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golfsaid: “We love Edinburgh and ever since we opened our first temporary venue in 2020, we’ve been looking for the perfect venue to call home.
“1 Grassmarket has been lying empty for three years and when we clapped eyes on the 19th century Listed building we knew we wanted to create something special for the community to be proud of.
“The sense of place in the Grassmarket has been intrinsic to our development plans and we feel that our immersive venue will benefit those in the surrounding areas.
“We are looking forward to hearing from the council on our applications.”
Fore Play Crazy Golf is an independent Scottish business and is a Living Wage Accredited Employer and has a profit share model for its staff.
