Category: Portobello

Two Weeks ’til Edinburgh’s Hogmanay First Footin’

FREE NEW YEAR’S DAY MUSIC TRAIL RETURNS THROUGHOUT CITY CENTRE 

ARTISTS INCLUDING KARINE POLWART, THE VASELINES, HAYLEY ZALASSI, VALTOS, DEAD PONY AND MORE SET TO PLAY NEW YEAR’S DAY LIVE MUSIC EVENTS  

edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/first-footin

The countdown to the New Year has begun as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay prepares for four days of events to ring in 2025, running from 29 December to 1 January.  

With only two weeks to go until New Year’s Day itself, this year’s First Footin’ programme boasts a packed line-up of free and ticketed gigs to kick off the New Year in iconic venues across the city.  

Funded by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund, January 1st 2025 sees the First Footin’ programme go even further than before, with artists playing live sets in Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches as well as historic landmarks St. Giles’ Cathedral and Greyfriars Kirk, and contemporary venues Greyfriars Hall and Eve at Virgin Hotel, Fruitmarket Warehouse and bars throughout the city centre, including Cold Town House. 

This year’s programme includes an incredible line-up of Scottish artists including Valtos, DJ Hayley Zalassi, Zoe Graham, Dara Dubh, who gathered today at First Footin’ venue Cold Town House to mark two weeks to go until the gigs. First Footin’ also features Karine Polwart, NATI, Spyres, Mama Terra, Bee Asha, Broken Chanter, Eyve, Lewis McLaughlin, Grayling, Afterlands, and more.

On being part of First Footin’, Glasgow anti-punk band Dead Pony said;  “We’re super excited to play this year’s First Footin’. We can think of no better way to start the New Year than to crank our amps up and blast some tunes at – possibly – weary revellers.

“Everyone’s hangover is about to get blown to smithereens by the Dead Pony Doof Wagon. Strap in!”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay co-Director Al Thomson said: ‘We are so pleased to present another spectacular First Footin’ event on New Year’s Day.

“This year’s programme is bigger than ever and packed full of incredible artists from across Scotland and beyond. Audiences can explore the expanded event footprint, discovering their favourite new artists in spectacular venues, and start 2025 in the company of friends old and new. With so much to see, make sure you plan your day well to catch your favourite acts’

Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Karine Polwart will host a stunning performance to mark the turning-of-the-year with ‘Come Away In’, a commissioned project welcoming special guest musicians Lori Watson and Corrina Hewat, along with 200 community choir singers, celebrating crossing the threshold of the New Year in the embrace of massed voices and song. Alongside Choir Director Stephen Deazley, Karine Polwart and the community singers will fill the stunning St Giles Cathedral with music on the 1st January.  

The tranquil surroundings of Greyfriars Kirk will once again transform into a vibrant hub of Scottish music, featuring Skye natives Valtos, who have taken the Trad and Electronic music worlds by storm, artist and composer Kate Young, Edinburgh born indie artists Lewis McLaughlin and internet sensation NATI (solo). 

A showcase of the very best in contemporary Scottish music at Virgin Hotel, presents artists nominated for the SAY Award 2024, featuring Dead Pony, Spyres, Broken Chanter and Edinburgh rap and spoken word artist Bee Asha. 


Pictured: Dara Dubh

Scottish musical duo Norman&Corrie will welcome audiences to the St. Andrew Square Speigeltent, challenging traditional notions of folk and jazz with new pieces translated from ancestral melodies. Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson, winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023, and Glasgow artist Harry Gorski-Brown performing fiddle, pipes and vocals, are special guests. 

For classical music-lovers, Fruitmarket Gallery presents a diverse programme of music for viola and cello performed by acclaimed Canadian cellist Christian Elliott and Fiona Winning, Principal Violist of the Royal Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras. 

New venue Leith Arches presents some of Scotland hottest new acts including Mama Terra; Glaswegian Pianist, Composer & Producer Marco Cafolla & Saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski, Mama Terra are hotly tipped by JazzFM, Loch Lomond folk-pop singer-songwriter Liv Dawn, Edinburgh rock band Low Tide, and grunge-fuelled rock from Dutch Wine.

Portobello Town Hall is home to a free afternoon of ceilidh dancing with Bella McNab’s Dance Band, with Brazilian and Cuban big-band flair from community street band Shunpike Social Club.


Pictured: Zoe Graham

In the evening, BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band) bring their spectacular club night Vitamin C out to Portobello Town Hall on New Year’s Day featuring alt-rock legends The Vaselines, infectious indie-dance from Sacred Paws and Django Django’s Dave Maclean for an epic DJ set.

Meanwhile, Leith Arches hosts a celebration of House and Old Skool, with an all-female line-up led by DJ Hayley Zalassi, and special guests  SWATT TEAM and Disco T*TS, Leith Arches is guaranteed to keep you dancing into 2025. 

In the evening, the music continues with the First Footin Sessions with Cold Town Beer, live events throughout the Grassmarket and New Town bars, featuring a feast of music from foot-stomping trad from Eamonn Coyne & Friends, to a special set from SAY Award nominees Afterlands’ in Cold Town House.  

First Footin’ is just one of the offerings available from the four-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme. Local residents and visitors from across the globe will come together to bid farewell to the final few days of 2024 and welcome in the New Year with an unmissable programme of live music and exceptional entertainment, including the world-class Midnight Moment fireworks and a celebration like no other at Edinburgh’s Street Party.  

The celebrations kick off on the 29th December with the spectacular Torchlight Procession and the 30th sees a host of events including Idlewild headlining the Night Afore Concert at Assembly Rooms, and Hot Dub Time Machine warming up New Year’s partygoers with the Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens.

On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels and its all-night ceilidh makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 55,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party featuring Hot Dub Time Machine, BBC Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free, Peatbog Faeries, Valtos and much more.

The iconic Concert in the Gardens Hogmanay show this year will welcome Texas for a 35th anniversary greatest hits show joined by special guest Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie and Carla Easton. There’s plenty for the whole family across the four-day festivities with the Bairns Revels, Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh at Assembly Roxy, Sprogmanay at Portobello Town Hall and more. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland. 

 Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 4-day celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com. 

Record number of Excellent Bathing Waters in Scotland for 2025

In 2025 the highest number of Scotland’s bathing waters on record will meet the best environmental standards, with 87% achieving classifications of Excellent or Good. A further 10% will meet the Sufficient standard.

This reflects an ongoing positive trend for Scottish bathing water quality over the past decade since classifications were first reported against new Regulations in 2015. In 2015 there were 84 designated bathing waters, of which 17 were Excellent.

For the year ahead, Scotland will have 89 designated bathing waters, of which 50 are Excellent.

As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) routinely analyse water quality at all of Scotland’s 89 designated bathing water sites during the summer months to protect human health.

In tandem with environmental monitoring, SEPA work with operators and stakeholders across the country to direct action, including millions of pounds of investment, to improve bathing water quality.

For the 2025 bathing season Scotland’s bathing water classifications will be: 

50 (56.18%) Excellent
27 (30.34%) Good
9 (10.11%) Sufficient
3 (3.37%) Poor

Classifications are calculated at the end of the bathing water season using data from the previous four years. They apply to bathing waters for the duration of the following season.

Ruth Stidson, Principal Scientist for Bathing Waters at SEPA, said: “The highest number of Scotland’s bathing waters rated Excellent or Good for 2025 represents tangible improvements following more than a decade of targeted investment and ongoing work with Scottish Water, land managers and stakeholders to improve our water environment.

“Scotland’s bathing waters monitoring programme has significantly expanded since it began in 1988 and has helped identify pollution issues so crucial improvement measures can be implemented and pollution reduced at the source.

“Protecting and improving our bathing waters is crucial for water users, local economies, and communities. While we celebrate the improvements made so far, we are not complacent. We will continue our work to ensure these improvements are sustained and where necessary further improvements are made, so people can enjoy our bathing waters now and in the future.”

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “I am pleased to see an increase in the number of our bathing waters achieving the highest classification for bathing water quality, with 87% achieving Good or Excellent water quality status.

“We continue to see the benefits of our continued investment in protecting and improving bathing waters across the country, and targeted work in priority catchments.

“However, there is still work to do to ensure that all designated bathing waters meet the required standards. We want to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy our bathing waters, which is why we continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality.”

Reducing rural diffuse pollution – a success story for Scotland

SEPA’s ongoing work with Scotland’s farming community to reduce the risk of water pollution from rural diffuse pollution has contributed to improvements in bathing water classifications over the past decade.

This has been particularly apparent in regions such as Ayrshire, where improvements required by SEPA have included increased slurry storage, fencing, alternative sources of livestock watering, and the planting of riparian “buffer zones” to move farming activities back from watercourses. Many of these measures have been supported by Scottish Government funding.

Some of these improvements take time to translate into water quality improvement, however quantifiable improvements to the water environment are now being evidenced through water sampling data in recent years.

Stephen Field, National Rural Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “Since 2012, SEPA have worked with land managers across 14 priority catchments where rural diffuse pollution was impacting bathing water, providing regulatory advice and requiring improvements in livestock and slurry management.

“Many rural land managers have since implemented measures over and above minimum regulatory requirements to address pollution issues arising from their farming activities. As a result, we’re seeing increasing evidence of bathing water quality improvements in these catchments.

“We’ll continue to engage with land managers and other relevant parties within the priority catchments to promote the importance of maintaining regulatory compliance to ensure bathing waters are maintained at a high standard.”

Tackling further impacts on Scotland’s bathing waters

Over the past decade, SEPA have ensured Scottish Water investment has been targeted to drive major improvements in water quality at locations that were not meeting the Sufficient standard.

Ayr (South Beach), which has now achieved four successive Good classifications after many years of Poor classification, has benefitted from significant sewerage system upgrades delivered by Scottish Water alongside investment by Scottish Government and the farming community to reduce rural diffuse pollution.

Microbial DNA source tracking analysis tools developed by SEPA has confirmed that bacteria from dog fouling and from gulls can also pollute our bathing waters.

Visitors can reduce this by picking up after their dog and not feeding gulls – human food is unhealthy for them and encourages unnatural behaviours.

Finally, our Scottish climate impacts water quality. Heavy rain can wash contaminants off both rural and urban land, together with overflows from sewage systems in affected areas. As such, bathing is not advised during, or 1-2 days after, heavy rainfall due to the risk to bathers’ health from short term water pollution.

At 30 bathing waters, SEPA make daily water quality predictions and display these online and on electronic signs at beach locations.

Three bathing waters will have a Poor classification in 2025; Kinghorn (Harbour Beach), Lower Largo and Fisherrow Sands. SEPA are creating and implementing improvement plans at all these sites.

At Lower Largo, Scottish Water has had an on-going programme of work since the bathing water was designated for 2022 to understand the impact of their wastewater systems and identify improvements required.

At Kinghorn (Harbour Beach), SEPA are working with operators and businesses to reduce pollution in the Kinghorn Burn which discharges into the bathing water, while at Fisherrow, SEPA are considering appropriate next steps after a single high result this summer skewed the classification to Poor this season.

Full list of 2025 classifications 

  • Aberdeen – Excellent
  • Aberdour (Silversands) – Excellent
  • Aberdour Harbour (Black Sands) – Excellent
  • Achmelvich – Excellent
  • Anstruther (Billow Ness) – Excellent
  • Arbroath (West Links) – Good
  • Ayr (South Beach) – Good
  • Balmedie – Excellent
  • Barassie – Good
  • Brighouse Bay – Good
  • Broad Sands – Good
  • Broughty Ferry – Excellent
  • Burntisland – Good
  • Carnoustie – Excellent
  • Carrick – Excellent
  • Coldingham – Excellent
  • Collieston – Good
  • Crail (Roome Bay) – Excellent
  • Cruden Bay – Excellent
  • Cullen Bay – Excellent
  • Culzean – Excellent
  • Dhoon Bay – Sufficient
  • Dores – Good
  • Dornoch – Excellent
  • Dunbar (Belhaven) – Sufficient
  • Dunbar (East) – Good
  • Dunnet – Excellent
  • Elie (Harbour) and Earlsferry – Excellent
  • Elie (Ruby Bay) – Excellent
  • Ettrick Bay – Excellent
  • Eyemouth – Sufficient
  • Findhorn – Excellent
  • Fisherrow Sands – Poor
  • Fraserburgh (Philorth) – Excellent
  • Fraserburgh (Tiger Hill) – Good
  • Gairloch Beach – Excellent
  • Ganavan – Excellent
  • Girvan – Sufficient
  • Gullane – Excellent
  • Heads of Ayr – Good
  • Inverboyndie – Good
  • Irvine – Excellent
  • Kinghorn (Harbour Beach) – Poor
  • Kinghorn (Pettycur) – Good
  • Kingsbarns – Excellent
  • Kirkcaldy (Seafield) – Excellent
  • Largs (Pencil Beach) – Excellent
  • Leven – Good
  • Loch Morlich – Excellent
  • Longniddry – Good
  • Lossiemouth (East) – Excellent
  • Lower Largo – Poor
  • Lunan Bay – Excellent
  • Lunderston Bay – Good
  • Luss Bay – Sufficient
  • Machrihanish – Excellent
  • Maidens – Sufficient
  • Millport Bay – Excellent
  • Monifieth – Excellent
  • Montrose – Excellent
  • Mossyard – Excellent 
  • Nairn (Central) Good
  • Nairn (East) – Good
  • North Berwick (Milsey Bay) – Good
  • North Berwick (West) – Good
  • Pease Bay – Excellent
  • Peterhead (Lido) – Excellent
  • Portobello (Central) – Sufficient
  • Portobello (West) – Sufficient
  • Prestwick – Excellent
  • Rockcliffe – Good
  • Rosehearty – Excellent
  • Rosemarkie – Excellent
  • Saltcoats/Ardrossan – Excellent
  • Sand Beach – Excellent
  • Sandyhills – Good
  • Seacliff – Excellent
  • Seamill – Excellent
  • Seton Sands – Good
  • Southerness – Good
  • St Andrews (East Sands) – Excellent
  • St Andrews (West Sands) – Good
  • Stonehaven – Good
  • Thorntonloch – Excellent
  • Thurso – Good
  • Troon (South Beach) – Excellent
  • Wardie Bay – Excellent
  • Whitesands – Excellent
  • Yellow Craig – Sufficient

£10 million project confirmed to modernise Edinburgh primary school

£10 million project confirmed to modernise Edinburgh primary school

Brunstane Primary School in Edinburgh is to benefit from a £10 million investment to retrofit its campus and become one of the greenest schools in the capital.

GRAHAM has been appointed as lead contractor by City of Edinburgh Council and commenced works in October 2024, with completion expected in winter 2025.

Consisting of a three-storey tower with 12 classrooms and a single storey southern block with eight classrooms, an administration office, amenity space and infant block, improvements will enable the building to be carbon neutral in operation.

This includes much-needed repair works, new cladding on the external walls and roof, replacement of existing windows and curtain walling, and floor finishes and redecoration across the full building. Accessibility to the building will also be improved with the removal of existing steps and the introduction of new ramps to certain areas around the school.

An air source heat pump and electric heating system will replace the existing gas network, whilst installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the tower block will boost the school’s sustainability credentials. Importantly, this aligns with the City of Edinburgh Council’s ambition to become a net zero city by 2030.

Serving the communities of Brunstane and Portobello, the primary school has a current roll of 263 and provides early learning and childcare for up to 96 children.  The school will remain operational throughout the construction period, with temporary classrooms installed on site, to ensure education is uninterrupted.

Gary Holmes, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building North, said: “The significant investment made by City of Edinburgh Council to modernise Brunstane Primary School will create a vibrant and inspiring education centre.

“GRAHAM has a proven track record of delivering best-in-class education facilities across Scotland and we’re proud to play a role in helping shape Edinburgh’s next generation of school environments which prioritise accessibility and sustainability.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Councill, said: “We have over 100 schools supporting thousands of pupils and we’re making every effort to make sure they are as welcoming, accessible, and sustainable as possible.

“Our £10 million investment in Brunstane Primary is a perfect example of this work, with energy efficiency improvements and repairs planned for the whole building.

“We have ambitious net zero aims as a city and this extends to upgrades to our schools, many of which are aging. I’m excited to see the difference this retrofitting roll out will make.”

PIC: Artist impression of completed Brunstane Primary School, courtesy of Architype

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’

Julie Drybrough, Edinburgh, ‘It’s The Hope That Kills You’

Sam Eastop, Edinburgh, ‘Thorin’ – story also adapted as a comic strip by Mollie Ray Jennie Tripp, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay expands to Portobello and Leith with live music programme

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have today revealed a stellar line-up of live music events taking place across Scotland’s capital throughout 2024/2025’s New Year festivities.

An eclectic programme of events presents indie rock legends, contemporary Scottish bands and DJ’s, alongside classical recitals and foot stompin’ ceilidh chaos.  

Events will take place from 30 December until New Year’s Day, within historic landmark buildings such as St. Giles’ Cathedral and the capital’s famous Assembly Rooms, and for the first time, expanding outwith the city centre to Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches with a veritable feast of live music on offer for fans. 

Tickets for all events are on sale from 12noon Monday 21 October at www.edinburghshogmanay.com 

Edinburgh’s own Idlewild will headline a very special Night Afore Concert atthe Assembly Rooms on Monday 30 December.

The indie-rock legends formed in Edinburgh back in 1995 and with nine acclaimed albums to their name, the show promises a set of anthemic classics as the band enter their 30th anniversary year as a mainstay of Scottish music. Frontman Roddy Woomble will lead the line-up in a set which will showcase why they are one of Scotland’s very best exports, joined by special guests to be announced.  

Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble said, “We’re excited to be joining the Hogmanay celebrations in the band’s home of Edinburgh & getting the party started early!”

For the first time, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will host live music events outside the city centre, branching out to Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches on 1 January, welcoming in the New Year with some outstanding live music.  

On New Year’s Day, take a trip to the seaside, where Edinburgh’s Hogmanay keeps the party going with a welcome boost of VITAMIN C at Portobello Town Hall.

The Vitamin C club night hosted by Vic Galloway (BBC Radio Scotland) and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band), will kick-start 2025 with a night of rock’n’roll, cosmic disco, soul and everything in between, including full band live sets from alt-rock legends The Vaselines, the infectious indie-pop rhythms of Glasgow’s Sacred Paws, and a night of dancefloor classics with DJ sets from Django Django’s Dave Maclean, and Vic Galloway & Andy Wake themselves. 

DJ & Vitamin C host Vic Galloway said, “Andy and I have been spinning the ‘platters that matter’ and hosting our VITAMIN C nights since the start of 2023, but it’s a real thrill for us to put on our biggest night yet in Porty Town Hall as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

“It’s a brilliant venue and promises to be the very best way to start 2025, with alternative legends The Vaselines headlining, joyous support from Sacred Paws, and a party DJ set from Django Django. Shake off the night before, and indeed the year before, with a proper Porty knees-up and some fun, festival vibes by the sea. See you down the front!”

Eugene Kelly, The Vaselines said,“The Vaselines are chuffed and excited to be starting 2025 with a gig as part of the Vitamin C Club at the fantastic Portobello Town Hall.

“It’ll be our first visit to Portobello and to play in such a beautiful venue which has become beacon for local arts and culture will be a New Year’s Day thrill. See you on the beach!”

A free Family Ceilidh takes place in Portobello Town Hall throughout the afternoon, with Bella McNab’s Dance Band providing the dancing tunes, and a special performance from Edinburgh community Street Band collective Oi Musica! 

Leith Arches will host a New Year’s Day Club Night for those looking to continue the party into the wee hours, with Scottish DJ Hayley Zalassi set to headline, joined by an all-female line-up featuring SWATT Team and Disco T*ts. 

Glasgow based DJ and Producer, Hayley Zalassi will bring her love of all things House to the Arches, with a euphoric set guaranteed to have music fans dancing their way into 2025, with special guest sets from Edinburgh’s own SWATT Team and local duo Disco Tits. A New Year’s Day to remember at the Arches, for those with a shared love of house and old skool tunes! 

Following a sell-out event in 2023, the New Year’s Revels returns to the Assembly Rooms, this time with a ‘Maximum Ceilidh Edition’, ensuring partygoers bring in the bells in style on Tuesday 31 December.

With more live ceilidh bands than ever before across two dancefloors, guests can birl’ through the bells straight into 2025 with high-energy tunes all night long from Jimi Shandrix Experience, Bella McNab’s Dance Band, Hugh MacDiarmid’s Haircut and Bodhran Bodhran. 

The Bairns New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms makes sure that little ones don’t miss out on the Hogmanay fun, with an afternoon event of ceilidh dancing and live music for all the family. Expert callers make sure that everyone can learn some moves and join in the fun. 

Plus, for a festive yet tranquil way to begin the New Year, the Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral will once again host a very special evening, as the St. Giles’ Cathedral Choir, directed by Michael Harris, with the St. Giles’ Camerata leader Angus Ramsay, are joined by a stunning array of talented young soloists.

This year’s concert on Tuesday 31 December will mark the concluding three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Bach at his most exuberant in a stunning, atmospheric setting, as the beloved Cathedral celebrates its 900th anniversary. 

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said, “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is once again set to be a spectacular celebration, with events taking place across the city from St. Giles’ Cathedral and Assembly Rooms to Leith Arches and Portobello Town Hall.

“This diverse programme promises to be an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike, featuring live music, ceilidh dancing, and breathtaking views of the midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. I’m excited to see Edinburgh continue to shine as the place to welcome in the New Year!”

Today’s additions join an already vibrant music line-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with Texas and Callum Beattie in a Scottish spectacle at Concert in the Gardens for the city’s iconic Midnight Moment, plus Hot Dub Time Machine will get the party started at the Night Afore Disco Party on 30 December. 45,000 revellers are set to ring in the New Year in the city centre, enjoying a carnival atmosphere featuring funfair rides, street theatre and delicious food and drink. 

Plus, on New Year’s Day itself, the return of the First Footin’ culture trail and Sprogmanay will see the very first music gigs of 2025 in a packed programme of free music and events with line-ups to be announced early November. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland. 

Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Facebook, X and Instagram.  

Scottish Building Society support for Portobello project

SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY FOUNDATION has announced the launch of its fourth round of funding to support charities and continue its commitment to empowering good causes across the country.

Following the success of the previous 3 rounds, the Scottish Building Society Foundation has awarded a total of 28 grants to charities, enabling them to make a life-changing impact on local communities across Scotland.

11 charities were successful in their application during this third cycle, with the initiative seeing grants provided to charities across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Highlands, South Ayrshire and the Scottish Borders. 

One of the awarded charities, Highlands-based Partnerships for Wellbeing, will use the funding to give vulnerable adults regular opportunities to socialise and combat loneliness.

Jeff Zycinski, Manager of the charity, said: “It may seem simple, but our Friendship Club meetings and outings mean so much to those who take part. 

“It’s about getting out of the house, building a network of pals, having a laugh, maybe sharing a worry, and having new things to tell your family when you get home. It’s about living a long life well. The grant from The Scottish Building Society will help us do all of that.”

Other charities to receive grants include Urram; Parents and Friends of Ayton Primary School; Greener Peebles; Eyemouth & District Community Trust; Easterhouse Football Academy; S.I.S.G. Enterprises; Sunny Govan Community Radio; Arkaig Community Forest; Portobello Central SCIO and Aberdeen City First Responders.

A recent report from Foundation Scotland showed that following the first two rounds of funding, over 30,000 people had benefited from awards.

The next round of funding is open from now until Monday 21st October. Charities can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to power their initiatives and strengthen community impact. Scottish Building Society Foundation particularly welcomes applications that support:

  • Community facilities and services, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, reduction of poverty, and care for the elderly 
  • Local community events 
  • Youth and education, providing training opportunities and support for vulnerable youngsters 

Launched in May 2023 by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland, the Foundation aims to establish a best-in-class benchmark supporting community-based charities and groups. So far, 28 charities across Scotland have been awarded grants from the organisation’s initial fund of over £175,000.

Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society added: “As a mutual organisation owned by and run for the benefit of our members, we understand the importance of local communities and want to empower them wherever we can.

“Our last round was the highest number of charities we supported, awarding funding across the whole country.

“All of these charities support fantastic causes, and for many people, community groups and charities serve as a vital lifeline. We understand their impact, and with the support of our members, we are committed to continuing our part in helping them thrive and make a lasting difference.

“As we approach our next round of applications, I look forward to continuing our work to invest in good causes.”

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to make an application, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation

First Blind Yoga Classes Launched by Sight Scotland

Sight Scotland is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever yoga classes specifically designed for people living with vision impairment. These inclusive sessions offer blind and partially sighted individuals the opportunity to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of yoga in a safe, supportive environment.

Led by Community Activity Worker and experienced yoga instructor, Tamas Danyi-Nagy, who moved to Scotland from Hungary around nine years ago, the classes are carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of visually impaired participants.

Using clear verbal instructions and guided movements, the sessions focus on gentle exercises that promote relaxation, strength, and mobility.

Tamas, who lives in Mussleburgh, explains, “These are Scotland’s only yoga classes designed specifically for blind and partially sighted people.

“All exercises are done seated and adapted to suit those with vision impairments. The sessions are great for mental health and help ease the stress of living with sight loss. The classes are calming, social, and beneficial for mobility. Just because someone has vision impairment or mobility challenges doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy yoga.”

The classes include a range of movements, such as shoulder, arm, neck, back, and leg exercises, as well as eye exercises aimed at reducing tension and improving peripheral vision. Meditation and breathing techniques are also a key part of each session, helping participants relax and reduce stress.

Tamas, who is also a volunteer befriender for Sight Scotland, emphasises that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability: “In the Western world, yoga is often portrayed as young athletes doing complex poses, but that’s only a small part of yoga.

“My classes focus on slow, controlled movements and mindfulness, which are accessible to all.

“The classes are specially designed for people who are blind or visually impaired, with clear instructions on how to move the body. We focus on slow, controlled movements while seated, helping to strengthen muscles and relieve tension, including around the eyes.

“Meditation and breathing exercises (pranayama) are a key part of the sessions, with mindfulness techniques that anyone can easily use in daily life. If you’d like to feel better in both body and mind, join us at Portobello Library every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00.”

Shona Black, from Musselburgh, attended her first blind yoga class recently, said: “I wasn’t sure how the blind yoga sessions would work, but I really enjoyed it. Tam is a great instructor, and the class was both relaxing and a good workout. It helps ease stress, and it’s a wonderful social experience.

Making yoga accessible for people with vision impairment is such a great idea, as often people with sight loss can be quite isolated and this can affect their mental health. I also take part in all-ability health walks in Musselburgh and Haddington, and an In-Tandem East Lothian group will be launching soon.

“All these activities are ideal for staying active, socialising, and supporting mental well-being.”

For more details, or to join a class, please contact Sight Scotland on 0800 024 8973 or email tamas.danyinagy@sightscotland.org.uk.

For more information, visit sightscotland.org.uk. 

Council invests £500,000 to protect Edinburgh’s coastline

Work to restore the iconic timber groynes on Portobello beach has been completed by the city council.

The five timber groynes constructed in the 1970s help to hold sand in place to prevent further erosion of the Capital’s important coastline.  

In November 2021, one of them was damaged during Storm Arwen and partially collapsed. Following a survey of all of the groynes, work was commissioned to repair and restore them.

Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “By investing half a million pounds in the repair of the groynes we are helping to protect the sand and coastal environment at Portobello so locals and visitors can continue to enjoy this popular beach in Edinburgh for many years to come.

“This announcement is very timely as we are promoting all the work the Council is doing to address climate change as part of ‘Climate Week’.

“Unfortunately, due to the climate emergency, storms are becoming all too common and I’m really pleased their restoration means we have good protection in place. It’s also great to hear the excess timber wasn’t wasted and was donated to locals including a community garden and artists.

“The iconic groyne structures are well known to locals and visitors and have become part of the landscape in the area so it’s great to see them restored to their former glory.”

Read our Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024-2030

Cash for Community Energy Projects

Communities across Scotland, including groups in the Hebrides, Shetland and two projects in Edinburgh are to benefit from a share of £1.5 million Scottish Government funding aimed at supporting community renewable energy generation projects.

A total of 19 community groups from across Scotland, including groups in Eigg, Bressay, Tiree, Fair Isle, Barra and Arran, will share funding from the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund. This will  support them to develop their own renewable energy projects, including installing wind turbines and solar panels to meet local needs.

The organisations will also be able to earn money from their projects by, for example, selling the excess energy generated back to the grid.

The fund forms part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which to date, has awarded more than £65 million in funding to over 900 renewable projects across the country.

The pilot scheme will inform longer-term support for community-owned energy generation projects through CARES. 

Acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan said: “I am pleased the fund has provided support to so many locally owned energy generation projects – particularly those in our island communities.

We are fully committed to ensuring that all areas of Scotland are able to thrive and contribute to a growing sustainable economy and renewable projects like these will  help reduce energy costs, generate revenue and help drive Scotland’s transition to net zero.

“It is crucial that communities are at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to become a renewable energy powerhouse – and this fund helps to ensure that they can lead and benefit from this era defining transition.”

Director of Eigg Electric Labhaoise McKenna said: “Eigg Electric is delighted to be a recipient of the Community Energy Generation fund. As a pioneer of community energy generation, we value this support to help us to plan for and further develop our renewable system.

“This fund will help us build a more resilient island community and help us on our journey to 2030 carbon net zero.”

More information about Community Energy Generation Growth (CEGG) Fund

OrganisationProject SummaryTotal initial approved capital/ resource
Fort Seafield And Wallacetown Community AssociationInstallation of solar panels on three school buildings in Wallacetown, with power generated sold to the Local Authority. The funding will be used to fund purchase of equipment.£151,512
Arran Community RenewablesA 4 MW solar farm on Arran. Funding will be used for grid connection, a planning application and project management costs.£220,828
Radical Renewable Art and Activism Community Energy Society Limited, GlasgowRooftop solar PV on 7 community buildings and 2 local businesses in Glasgow. Funding will be used for site permissions, detailed design work and consents.£68,850
Fife Communities Climate Action Network CICGround-mounted solar PV across 4-6 sites. Funding is for grid connection, legal agreement, planning costs and technical development.£58,074
Arnish Community Windfarm LtdUp to seven 4-5MW wind turbines. Funding is for a grid connection.£38,000
Sunart Community Renewables Ltd300kw ground mounted solar. Funding is for feasibility work.£17,844
Sunart Community Renewables Ltd800kw wind turbine. Funding is for feasibility work.£20,884
Radio City Association, KilbirnieA 3MW wind turbine project. Funding is to support feasibility work.£10,000
Carluke Development Trust (on behalf of the ONECarluke Community Energy Project up).Rooftop solar and battery storage at four sites. Funding is for equipment and installation costs.£233,260
Tiree Community Enterprise LimitedSolar PV array with battery storage, to support EV storage and resilience. Funding sought for equipment and installation costs.£113,500
Eigg Electric LtdThree 100kwh wind turbines and infrastructure upgrade to support increased capacity, to support decarbonisation of Eigg by 2030. Funding is to support grid infrastructure upgrades.£86,766
Knock and Swordale Community Company Limited3-6MW wind turbine. Funding is for options appraisal and planning work.£20,000
Fair Isle Electricity Company LtdGround mounted solar array to provide power to the Fair Isle Bird Observatory. Funding is for equipment and installation costs.£137,361
Edinburgh Community Solar Ltd (Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op)2.5MW solar array on 16 council sites, including 7 schools and a number of leisure buildings. Funding is for development costs.£84,960
Porty Community EnergySolar bond project, exploring putting solar on 6 community buildings. Funding is for a feasibility study and work on consents and permissions.£44,088
Zero Carbon Daviot1MW ground mounted solar PV. Funding is to support feasibility work.£15,000
   
Barra and Vatersay Community LtdRepowering for Barra community turbine, with learning to be applied to other repowering projects. Funding is to explore an engineering solution to support repowering.£23,000
Huntly Development Trust LimitedA wind generation project on Gartly Moor, forming part of a wider project of up to 20MW of wind, solar and potentially green hydrogen. Funding will be used for grid and planning, including addressing aviation issues.£138,141
Blairgowrie and Rattray Development TrustGround and/or roof mounted solar. Funding is for feasibility work.£10,000
Bressay Development LtdSolar PV and battery storage on a brownfield site. Funding is for feasibility work.£10,000

Children’s author shares Talk PANTS message to help keep children safe in Edinburgh

A popular children’s book author took time out of writing recently to read a book to youngsters which aims to spread crucial messages to help keep children safe from abuse.

Bruna De Luca (47), who lives in Melrose in the Scottish Borders, was delighted when the children at the Sighthill library event joined in with all the catchphrases when she read from the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS story which features a colourful animated dinosaur, called Pantosaurus, and her own book ‘I’m Not Cute, I’m Dangerous’.

The Pantosaurus book and animation, which features a fun song, helps children to understand the talk PANTS messages which includes that their body belongs to them, that they have a right to say no, and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried. 

Bruna, mum of two girls aged 10 and seven, said: “As a parent of young children I love how the Talk PANTS book approaches such a tricky topic without introducing fear or ideas that children might worry about.

“It helps parents and carers to talk about this subject in a positive and reassuring way that won’t make their child feel anxious.

“The children really enjoyed hearing these stories and it was lovely to see the delight on their faces when a life-sized Pantosaurus visited too!

“Many of the children already knew the words to the Talk PANTS song and they joined in. They were having so much fun that they didn’t even know they were learning some very important messages at the same time.”

Talk PANTS gives parents, carers and professionals advice on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

This event was part of the NSPCC’s Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign to help protect young children from sexual abuse which has resulted in approximately 4,110 Talk PANTS conversations with people in the city since it launched last September.

Edinburgh, Talk PANTS is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland, the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and a wide range of partners across the city to spread the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS message.

During the past year, local PANTS professionals have been trained to deliver the campaign messages and resources to other professionals and families across Edinburgh through webinars and workshops.

And several awareness raising events have been held across the city for parents, carers and children, including a fun family day with Pantosaurus at Edinburgh Zoo and family sessions at Edinburgh Book Festival.

Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Manager, said: “We are very grateful to Bruna for supporting this campaign – the children absolutely loved meeting her and listening to her story as well as The Power of PANTS.

“We know that a simple conversation can make a big difference in helping to keep children safe and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about.

“With the help of our fun, loving dino – Pantosaurus – we’ve already reached thousands of people across the city, and we’re looking forward to having more conversations at upcoming events.”

Lillian Cringles, Chair of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, said: “We’re extremely pleased that this campaign has already helped thousands of parents, carers and professionals to have such important conversations with children about their bodies and how to stay safe. 

“I’d urge families to look out for other events on our web pages to learn more about the TalkPANTS message.”

There will be a reading of Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS and a special visit from the friendly dinosaur at Portobello Book Festival on Saturday, 5 October – following bookbug. For more information, visit: EdinburghTalkPANTS

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk for advice.

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that may be worrying them by calling 0800 1111 or by visiting: www.childline.org.uk

The NSPCC would like to thank Baker-Ross for their donation of children’s craft packs.