TWO men have been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on a 49-year-old man on Charlotte Square on Sunday, 7 April.
The two men, aged 26 and 32 years. are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance with this investigation.
Peacock Alley, located at the heart of The Caledonian in Edinburgh, is now serving Once Upon a Time afternoon tea, available until 2nd June.
Embark on a magical journey with Once Upon a Time afternoon tea at Peacock Alley.
A selection of sandwiches created by head chef Ryan MacFarlane feature selections such as Chilli Arran Cheddar and Scottish Smoked Salmon with Dill Crème Fraiche, followed by an enchanting array of pastries created by head pastry chef Tamara Curcic.
Selections such as the Happily Ever After (Cracked Pepper, Salted Caramel, and Burnt White Chocolate Cream Puff) and Frog Prince (Flourless Chocolate Sponge, Mint and Chocolate Chip Pepitè) are straight out of a fairy tale.
Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the enchanting Edinburgh Castle. Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, Peacock Alley represents the historic heart of the Caley.
It is imbued with the peerless style and sophistication of this famous former railway hotel, offering the perfect backdrop for your fairy tale afternoon tea.
Once Upon a Time is available in Peacock Alley, The Caledonian daily from 12:30 – 4pm, until 2nd June. Gluten free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available. Priced at £60 per adult and £30 per child. The menu can be viewed here.
Bookings can be made by emailing caledonian.dining@waldorfastoria.com or calling the reservations team directly at 0131 222 8832.
POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a serious assault in the city.
Around 4.50pm yesterday (Sunday, 7 April) a 49-year-old man was assaulted by a group of men in Charlotte Square.
He was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell of CID said: “This was a shocking attack on the victim. Our investigations so far have established five men that we would be keen to trace.
The first suspect is about 5”10” tall, large build, in his 50s with medium length grey hair, wearing a blue and purple polo shirt with white details around the collar, a light grey zip hooded top, light blue jeans and white trainers.
The second suspect is about 5”10” tall, medium build, in his 50s with very short greying hair, wearing a light blue/grey coloured collar shirt, light blue jeans and white trainers.
The third suspect is in his 50s, medium build, wearing a light-coloured T-shirt and a thin black puffer jacket.
The fourth suspect is about 6”0” tall, average build with short brown hair, wearing a beige/salmon coloured long sleeved shirt, black trousers and grey shoes.
The fifth man is about 6”0” tall, medium build, wearing a black baseball hat, black jacket, and grey shorts.
“We know the area was busy with passersby and motorists. We’re asking for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to please come forward.
“If you believe you could help our investigation, call 101 quoting reference 2423 of 7 April, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
DOES MELVILLE CRESCENT NEED IMPROVEMENTS?
Work will soon get underway to significantly improve public spaces on Melville Crescent, thanks to £2.1m in Transport Scotland funding secured by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Improvements to the historic west end street will complement the recently completed City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) scheme, which connects Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as enhancing streets for those walking and wheeling.
The public realm scheme, which begins on 22 April, will include wider and resurfaced pavements using sandstone slabs in-keeping with the World Heritage Site and the reintroduction of setts on the road along Melville Crescent, reusing the setts which currently lie hidden under the existing asphalt surface.
There will also be improved and additional crossing points, new lawn areas and street trees and cycle parking and benches added.
Designs for the project were originally developed as part of CCWEL and involved close collaboration with local stakeholders, along with Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, to ensure that proposals celebrate the unique World Heritage Site location.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I’m delighted that we’re now able to press ahead with these improvements on Melville Crescent thanks to this significant funding secured from Transport Scotland.
“Not only will the changes create a much more welcoming environment, but they will restore some of the historic features unique to the street’s World Heritage status.
“As well as street trees and wider sandstone footways, I am delighted the setted street carriageway throughout Melville Crescent will return – using the setts which currently lie hidden under the existing asphalt surface.
“What’s more, the project will also benefit people travelling by foot, wheel or bike, complementing the fantastic, world-class CCWEL route, which I helped celebrate the opening of last week.”
There will be some changes to traffic during the work, which will be delivered by CCWEL contractors Balfour Beatty and is expected to last until December. This includes the closure of Walker Street North and one-way, northbound traffic only on Walker Street South, from William Street to Melville Street.
CCWEL was completed in March following two years of construction and will tie into a new George Street cycling thoroughfare delivered as part of the George Street and First New Town project.
The scheme will additionally link with walking and cycling improvements on Leith Walk as part of Trams to Newhaven, the Roseburn to Union Canal route, due for completion this year, and Meadows to George Street.
★ Two-part Vocal Programme officially begins in September 2024
★ TASTER DAY set for 5th May, including a Concert, Performance Classes, Coaching and Ensemble Work for ages 13 – 18, led by vocal experts
St Mary’s Music School, an established internationally recognised specialist music school based in Edinburgh’s West End, has announced an exciting new two-part expansion to their music education: the Changing Voices Programme and the Senior Vocal Programme.
These programmes will create opportunities for young singers who are interested in developing classical solo voice to the next level.
The Vocal Programmes are designed to support young aspiring singers in realising their potential. With a focus on expert coaching and teaching, these programmes run concurrently with the School’s academic classes, reinforcing the School’s reputation as a leader in shaping musical education.
Head of Voice Kate Aitken said: “The new vocal programmes at St Mary’s Music School are a fantastic and significant addition, not only to the School and its pupils, but to music education in Scotland.
“The programmes will give passionate young singers a place where they can thrive and hone their craft in a safe and supportive environment. Vocal education is not just about receiving great singing lessons, the creation of a complete programme for young singers will help to develop and inspire the next generation of singers: this has been a long time coming!”
To experience what the new programmes have to offer, a Vocal Taster Day will be held on 5 May 2024, opening the School’s doors to prospective pupils and their families who want to learn more about specialist vocal training for children aged 13 – 18.
With notable former pupils including Alexander Armstrong, Steven Osborne, Brìghde Chaimbeul, and Aaron Akugbo, the new Vocal Programmes expansion at St Mary’s Music School hopes to see wider pools of exciting new talent emerge to lead the upcoming generations of singers across Scotland and beyond.
Director of Music John Cameron said: “To add a comprehensive programme for singers to sit alongside the instrumental training we offer is hugely exciting and speaks to the ambition of the School.
“Early exposure to movement, drama, languages and poetry as well as singing lessons and ensemble work is key to the development of young singers whilst the voice settles and grows. We look forward to being able to offer this new programme and look forward to watching it grow.”
A scheme to transform walking, wheeling and cycling between the east and west of the city was officially opened yesterday (Wednesday 20 March).
Members of the community joined Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener; Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights; and other stakeholders in Haymarket to celebrate the occasion, following the completion of the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL).
Pupils from local primary schools were amongst the first to test out part of the route, participating in a group ride from Old Colt Bridge which arrived in Haymarket in time for the festivities. Here, they were treated to music performed by St Mary’s Music School pupils and a range of walking, wheeling and cycling-themed activities.
Construction on the £23m CCWEL route began in February 2022 and has been principally funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme.
The scheme connects Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.
This will tie into a new George Street cycling thoroughfare delivered as part of the George Street and First New Town project.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Today we celebrated a major development for walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital, with the completion of CCWEL.
“This major scheme is not only one of the largest pieces of active travel infrastructure delivered in Edinburgh, but it has transformed spaces along the route for the use and enjoyment of people who live, visit and work here.
“I’m pleased that that the community and all those involved were able to share in celebrating the occasion today – we really want them to benefit from the route. I’d like to thank local residents and businesses for their patience throughout construction, which I know has been disruptive at times.
“Now it’s open, CCWEL will form a key section of our growing walking, wheeling and cycling network, connecting with Roseburn to Union Canal, George Street and First New Town and other key routes.
“This kind of joined-up project delivery is essential for helping people to choose clean, sustainable modes of transport, in turn supporting our net zero 2030 goals, as well as improving air quality and reducing congestion.”
Patrick Harvie, Minister for Active Travel said: “I was delighted to attend the start of the work on the City Centre West to East Link two years ago and even more so to see it open today.
“This new active travel route forms a key part of the growing network across Edinburgh, providing another safe and sustainable option for people to move about Scotland’s capital.
“This ambitious investment in active travel infrastructure was made possible through grant funding from the Scottish Government administered through Sustrans Scotland’s Places For Everyone Fund.
“I am grateful to City of Edinburgh Council for working so closely with all partners, not least the many communities set to benefit from this investment.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans said: “The City Centre West to East Link is an absolute game-changer within the world of active travel.
“For the first time ever in Scotland, we’ve delivered a fully segregated walking, wheeling and cycling connection that cuts through the heart of the city centre. In doing so, this fantastic new route gives the people of Edinburgh a safe and accessible driving alternative, allowing people to get to where they want, how they want, regardless of age or ability.
“I would like to thank all those involved for their support and keen involvement in its delivery.”
Other activities along the route included free bike checks from Dr Bike, bike marking by Police Scotland, cargo bike trials and the opportunity to meet the team responsible for the project.
As well as connecting to cycling and walking improvements delivered through the George Street and First New Town project and on Leith Walk as part of Trams to Newhaven, CCWEL will link to the Roseburn to Union Canal route, due for completion this year, and Meadows to George Street. Construction on this is planned for 2025.
By supporting people to travel by foot, bike and wheel, CCWEL aligns with the City Mobility Plan 2030, which envisions a clean, connected and net zero carbon future.
Celebrating some of Diageo’s most pioneering women, Johnnie Walker Princes Street is hosting an exclusive Spirited Women Tasting in its Explorers’ Bothy Bar on 8th-10th of March.
Telling the stories of the influential women who have helped shape the face of Scotch whisky, the tasting features a welcome highball using an exclusive Johnnie Walker Princes Street blend created by Master Blender Emma Walker, and a Johnnie Walker Princes Street Cellar Blend prepared by Master Blender, Aimee Morrison.
Featured in the tasting session will be the Cardhu 12, 200th anniversary release. Created to celebrate two of the original female whisky trailblazers, Helen and Elizabeth Cumming, this malt is strikingly smooth and characterised by beautiful berry and blackcurrant notes.
Also making an appearance will be the Singleton of Glen Ord 2022 Special Release for a sweet and spicy fix, and the Dalwhinnie 17, 125th anniversary release which offers a famously spicy and fruity experience with strong vanilla notes.
Priced at £55 per person, tickets for the event can be purchased online https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/book-whisky-tasting/#id=spirited-women-an-international-women-s-day-tasting.
As well as the tour, visitors can also enjoy an exclusive 10% discount across the retail store on the day of their tour when they present their ticket.
This offers reduced prices for merchandise and products, including the Bottle Your Own experience, where customers can engrave products with personalised messaging.
The 10% discount is also extended to the 1820 Rooftop Bar, where guests can savour the panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline with delectable food and drink.
To check out other Johnnie Walker experiences, and for more information, please visit www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com
One of Britain’s best-known conservationists, John Lister-Kaye, described by Springwatch’s Katie Humble as ‘joyful and inspirational’, gives a rare glimpse into his intriguing life and work at a literary talk and book signing at the Royal Scots Club on 23rd March, 10:30am-12:30pm.
Entry is free and there will be a pop-up Toppings bookstall.
A true naturalist, John Lister-Kaye patiently and meticulously observes and records the lives, habits and habitats of otters, badgers, weasels and pine martens. Hours of careful waiting and watching in the woods and loch, the river, fields and moorland is rewarded with insight into how these animals live when unhindered by human interference; sometimes red in tooth and claw, but often playful, familial, curious and surprising.
John’s own journey from aristocratic roots to being captivated by the creatures of Scotland and becoming one of the most respected academic observers of the natural world gripping too.
During deep dives exploring natural history, familial characteristics and ecological significance, he began to find the animals were ‘teaching me to become feral myself, guiding me into their ways so that my senses seemed to merge with theirs at a level far more intimate than just scientific interest or admiration.’
His new book, FOOTPRINTS IN THE WOODS, The Secret Life of Forest and Riverbank, is not only a love letter to these elusive animals and what he describes as the ‘irresistible wildness’.
It is also a timely reminder of the fragility of habitat and the beauty and variety we have to lose if we don’t choose to actively protect it.
‘A peerless observer who is as much a part of the land as his beloved badgers. This, unusually, is nature writing that is actually about nature rather than the writer, and so it has the power and wisdom of the hills and forest. Marvellous’ – CHARLES FOSTER (Author, Cry of the Wild)
‘No one writes as movingly, or with such transporting poetic skills, about encounters with wild creatures’ – HELEN MACDONALD (Award-winning writer, H is for Hawk)
‘I am addicted to the writings of John Lister-Kaye’ – JOANNA LUMLEY
Sir John Lister-Kaye is one of Britain’s best-known naturalists and conservationists and has spent a lifetime exploring, protecting and celebrating the British landscape and its wildlife.
John came to live in the Highlands of Scotland in 1968 to work with the celebrated author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell of Ring of Bright Water fame.
He is the author of eleven books on wildlife and the environment, including The Dun Cow Rib, shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize, and Gods of the Morning, winner of the Richard Jeffereies Award for Nature Writing.
John has lectured on the natural environment all over the world. He was awarded an OBE for his services to nature conservation, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Geddes Environmental Medal and honorary doctorates from two Scottish universities for his contribution to nature writing.
He has served prominently in the RSPB, the Nature Conservancy Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. He lives with his wife and family among the mountains of the Scottish Highlands, where he runs the world-famous Aigas Field Centre.
The literary coffee morning with author talk will be held on 23rd March 2024 at The Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE starting at 10:30am.
There will be an opportunity to purchase books for signing by the author at a pop-up bookshop provided by Topping & Company Booksellers, Edinburgh.
The event is free and is open to all, members and non-members alike, with numbers limited by venue capacity only.
Reservations may be made by via Eventbrite or by emailing The Royal Scots Club on events@royalscotsclub.com
This spring, enjoy a diverse array of sandwiches crafted by head chef Ryan MacFarlane, including Sun-Blush Tomato Tartlets and Mortadella with Pistachio Mascarpone.
Followed by an exquisite pastry selection, featuring selections such as the Flutter Around Butterfly (Rhubarb Compote & Elderflower Custard Stuffed Matcha Cookie) and One Little Speckled Egg (Crunchy Chocolate, Marsala Crémeux & Coffee Petit Gateau), this expertly crafted menu is certain to delight.
Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the imposing Edinburgh Castle and its reputation for style and excellence has attracted generations of locals, internationals, and notable personalities for over one hundred years.
Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, Peacock Alley represents the historic heart of the Caley, and is imbued with the peerless style and sophistication of this famous former railway hotel – the perfect setting for an elegant afternoon tea.
The Bright & Beautiful Afternoon Tea is available in Peacock Alley, The Caledonian daily from 12:30 – 4pm, from 19th February to 10th April. Gluten free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available. Priced at £119 for two or £30 for children. The menu can be viewed here.
Bookings can be made by emailing caledonian.dining@waldorfastoria.com or calling the reservations team directly at 0131 222 8832.
VPZ is the UK’s leading vaping retailer with over 160 stores throughout the UK. Since it was established in 2012 it has helped over 700,000 smokers quit.
VPZ Director Doug Mutter says the 12 per cent rise in vape sales figures across the industry is no surprise due to its effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool but urged the wider industry to take steps to educate consumers on sustainable products.
Doug said: “The significant increase in sales figures across the industry last month highlights once again that vaping is the best way for people to quit smoking and make a major lifestyle that improves your health and financial wellbeing.
“At VPZ, our stores offer a dedicated one-to-one service to help smokers quit and our consumer intelligence tells us that the majority of customers prefer being instore where they can access a personalised service and get the right guidance and advice from our staff that can’t be accessed elsewhere.
“VPZ specialists are trained and have expert knowledge, engaging with smokers to educate them on the health, environmental and financial benefits of switching to reusable and sustainable vaping products.
“Our approach gives adult smokers the help and advice they need at a time when local stop smoking services across the country are under threat whilst supporting the country’s ambitions to become a smoke free nation by 2030.
“As the UK’s leading vaping retailer we are supportive of the Government’s disposable vape ban but it’s important that they take on board advice and guidance to regain much-needed momentum and ensure that the country meets its targets.”
