A leading Scottish wine merchant celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, unveiling a refreshed brand identity and a series of events to mark the milestone.
Wine Importers was founded in Edinburgh during March 1975 by three local businessmen: Nicholas Henderson, Johnny Noble, and Robin Morrison. The group dreamed up the business over a nightcap in Whigham’s Wine Cellars, which later opened as a wine bar and remains a cornerstone of the Edinburgh food and drink scene.
Since that day, the business has grown into a premier supplier of fine wines to Scotland’s hospitality industry, providing a personalised service to hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes across the country.
In 2007, Wine Importers was acquired by the private investment office of Sir David Murray’s family, Murray Capital, which itself celebrated 50 years in business last year.
The family has a strong passion for wine, which is further reflected in its direct investment into a French vineyard – Chateau Routas – and its 2010 acquisition of Scotland’s oldest wine merchants, Cockburns of Leith, which was established in 1796.
Wine Importers’ 50th anniversary celebrations will feature a series of key events throughout the year, including a special portfolio tasting at Murrayfield in March and an exclusive customer event later in the year. The company has also introduced a new refreshed logo and brand identity.
With a 18,000 square-foot bonded warehouse in Livingston, Wine Importers ensures a seamless supply chain, allowing for efficient distribution and quick turnaround times. The company’s regionalised sales team remains one of Scotland’s most experienced, offering tailored support and expert advice to customers.
Keith Murray, Director of Wine Importers, said: “We are proud to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Wine Importers.
“This milestone is testament to the loyalty of our customers and the strong relationships we have built our global suppliers. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional wines and service for years to come.”
Neil Renton, Managing Director, said: “The wine industry has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, and we are proud to have adapted and evolved while staying true to our values.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to offering Scotland’s hospitality sector the best selection of wines, backed by unparalleled expertise and service.”
Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched ‘Stay Well,’ a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests “feel good, travel better, and stay well”while travelling.
From Swell Sound Therapy for better sleep to personalised Technogym workouts (tailored to available equipment), Urban Trails, and indulgent self-care treats, wellness is effortlessly woven into every stay.
As part of the Forgot It, We’ve Got It programme foam rollers, blue light glasses, Recovery Wave Boots, grounding mats, and LED therapy masks will be available for guests to borrow too.
Available from January 2nd at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh
Ever worry about sticking to your fitness routine on holiday? Or struggle to unwind after a day of exploring? Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh have the solution.
Introducing Stay Well, a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests feel balanced, rejuvenated, and completely at ease while travelling, launching on 2nd January 2025. From tailored fitness options to luxurious self-care treats, Stay Well seamlessly integrates wellness into every stay.
At the heart of Stay Well is complimentary access to Swell Sound Therapy, offering calming soundscapes in every room to help guests relax, de-stress, and enjoy better sleep. This service is available to all guests, with no additional charge.
For fitness enthusiasts, Kimpton’s exclusive partnership with Technogym provides access to personalised workouts via an easy-to-use app, tailored specifically for each traveller. The app creates bespoke workouts based on the available equipment or even the surroundings, ensuring a seamless fitness experience wherever you are.
Guests can continue using the app even after leaving the hotel. Whether you prefer a session in the gym, yoga in your room, or mindful movement outdoors, your wellness routine is covered. The only part of the experience that is paid for is the special room service menu.
Exploring Glasgow or making the most your time in the Scottish capital? The Stay Well experience extends beyond the hotel with curated Kimpton Urban Trails, designed for walking, running, or cycling through iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Guests can even take advantage of the complimentary Kimpton bikes, perfect for a leisurely ride or a heart-pumping adventure around town.
Forgotten your wellness essentials? Don’t worry—Kimpton’s ‘Forgot It, We’ve Got It’ programme has you covered. Whether it’s a toothbrush, hair straighteners, or other travel must-haves, Kimpton will ensure you have what you need to feel at ease. Building on this, the programme now includes a range of wellness equipment you can borrow straight from reception. From foam rollers to Theraguns, Recovery Wave Boots, grounding mats, LED face masks, and beyond, these additions make it easy to maintain your wellness routine while traveling.
And for the ultimate in self-care, the Stay Well Room Service Menu brings indulgent treats right to your door. Visitors can enjoy organic Ishga bath salts, Maskology warming eye masks, and restorative patches by celebrity acupuncturist and wellness expert Ross J. Barr—known for treating Meghan Markle.
“These patches are designed to support a range of needs, including enhancing breathing (Breathe), promoting relaxation (Calm) and sleep (Sleep), soothing discomfort and aiding pain relief (Healing), and alleviating aches and pains associated with menstruation (Period).
“We’ve listened closely to our guests, and it’s clear they want wellness to be a natural part of their travel experience—not an afterthought,” saysFinlay Anderson, Area Spa Director UK – InterContinental Hotels Group.
“Stay Well is about meeting that need with thoughtful touches, from fitness options that fit seamlessly into their routines to luxurious self-care treats that help them truly unwind. It’s all designed to help our guests feel their best—whether they’re here for work, leisure, or a bit of both”.
Guests can already enjoy award-winning facilities such as Kimpton Blythswood Square’s Spa, home to Scotland’s first snow shower. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s most elegant square, the spa features four curated journeys which use contrasting thermal therapies to soothe the mind, body, and soul.
Whether visitors are yearning for stillness, seeking clarity, craving an energy boost or aching for relaxation, the Spa at Kimpton Blythswood Square is the perfect place to relax, detox, invigorate and recover.
For those visiting Kimpton Charlotte Square, the spa and leisure club is the ultimate destination for fitness and wellness. A pioneer for new cutting-edge technology, the spa features the UK’s first Sound Therapy Room and Suite – a haven for relaxation within Edinburgh’s bustling City Centre.
A perfect place for guests to elevate their wellness experience, the Spa at Kimpton Charlotte Square also offers a Leisure Club membership for those looking to work up a sweat in luxury surroundings followed by a dip in a mood-lit 12m pool. Leisure Club members also have access to the thermal area, featuring a sauna and steam rooms, and experience showers.
The Stay Well experience is available from 2nd January at Kimpton Hotels UK-wide including Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa, Glasgow, Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Kimpton Fitzroy London, and Kimpton Clocktower Manchester.
Somewhere by Nico is calling for all detectives as it brings back its sell-out Murder on the Midnight Express cocktail experience, inspired by the classic game of suspense
Running for a limited time only, the menu will be available at Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh at Charlotte Lane from 8th January – to 2nd February 2025
0% alcohol options are also available, providing new ways to enjoy the experience without compromise
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in for a limited time only. From 8th January — 2nd February, this thrilling cocktail experience invites guests to step into a world of mystery, inspired by the classic game of suspense.
As the train pulls back into Somewhere by Nico, guests will be immersed into the exhilarating journey to solve the mystery of who shot Gustave Laroche. For £45 per person, the five-course cocktail menu takes participants on a flavourful and intriguing ride, with each sip revealing a new clue.
For those seeking an extra twist, an optional bonus cocktail provides an additional hint to elevate the detective experience.
Perfect for a new year outing with friends or family, Murder on the Midnight Express is an experience like no other – combining captivating storytelling, exceptional cocktails, and an immersive mystery to solve. With 0% alcohol options available, there’s something for everyone at Somewhere by Nico – without compromising on taste.
This limited-time menu will be available at both Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh (39a Charlotte Lane) and Somewhere by Nico Glasgow (358 Byres Road).
Limited-Time Offer Guests are encouraged to book early to secure their seat in January with a limited-time offer at just £30pp (saving £15pp).
Whether for a friend, loved one, or a treat for yourself, Murder on the Midnight Express is the perfect gift that provides an unforgettable experience to share.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of Six by Nico, commented:“We’re thrilled to bring back Murder on the Midnight Express to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time. This unique cocktail journey blends mystery, adventure, and creative storytelling to offer our guests an experience that goes beyond just drinks.
“We can’t wait to welcome guests as they put their detective skills to the test and solve the mystery of Gustave Laroche’s murder. With a carefully crafted five-course cocktail journey, plus 0% alcohol options, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information about Somewhere by Nico and to secure your booking, please visit here
Running for six weeks, this latest menu provides nostalgic feelings to transport you back to a simpler time.
The menu will run in both of the capital’s Six by Nico locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street from 16 December 2024 to 26 January 2025 – with bookings starting at £44 per person
Six by Nico, the dynamic dining experience in Edinburgh known for its six-week tasting menu rotation, has unveiled its latest six-course concept, transporting guests back to the good old days with déjà vu food that serves a taste of forgotten flavours with every bite.
Taking inspiration from CEO and Founder Nico Simeone’s childhood favourites and his families festive traditions, the latest concept menu is full of creative twists on old school classic flavours that will never fade.
The latest menu will run at Six by Nico’s city centre locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street, for six weeks from 16th December 2024 to 26th January 2025, using timeless tastes to help guests forget about being an adult for a while.
For £44, guests will be able to experience the old school flavours of Nostalgia, with a matching wine pairing from £30 per person or cocktail pairing from £40 per person. Start the experience with the snack selection for only £10 per person.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of the Six Company, commented: “Our final menu of 2024 and the first of 2025 pays homage to nostalgia, inviting guests on a journey through flavours that evoke personal memories.
“Inspired by reflections on my childhood, it draws on moments from an era spent watching films, playing games, or enjoying time outdoors with friends.
“While New Year often focuses on resolutions, this menu celebrates traditions and revisits the timeless magic of Christmas through familiar and comforting tastes.”
ST Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Palmerston Place are delighted to announce that they feature on Royal Mail’s Second Class Christmas postage stamp this year!
CHRISTMAS stamps for 2024 from Royal Mail feature original illustrations of five UK cathedrals: St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh; St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh; Liverpool Cathedral; St Deiniol’s Cathedral, Bangor; and the RC Westminster Cathedral.
The Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, David Gold, said at the launch: “Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an important role in local communities.
“They also offer space for peaceful reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can be especially important at Christmas.”
Designed by the British artist Judy Joel, the stamps were revealed for the first time today – 5 November.
Royal Mail described the five buildings as “some of the most spectacular cathedrals in the UK”, highlighting the first, Edinburgh, designed by Sir Gilbert Scott and consecrated in 1879, as “boldly harking back to upwardly soaring medieval Gothic cathedrals, with its three spires dominating Edinburgh”.
Royal Mail worked closely with Janet Gough, formerly director of cathedrals and church buildings for the Church of England, and an authority on historic churches.Ms Gough said: “These special stamps are a reminder that, for centuries past, cathedrals have provided sanctuary, community, joy, and wonder at the birth of Christ”.
“And they continue to do so today, standing at the very heart of our cities. All the UK cathedrals will be open over Christmas, ready to welcome people of all faiths and none. For services, prayer, and celebration, to find peace, or to enjoy the splendour of their music, architecture, and treasures, visit a cathedral this Christmas.”
The stamps, together with a range of collectibles, are now on sale.
“World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience” has hosted over 1M guests from over 141 Countries
80% of visitors note a positive influence on Scottish tourism
Further stats & downloadable infographics are available here.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience, is celebrating a massive milestone this week, having now welcomed over 1 million visitors from 141 countries just three years since opening its doors.
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray was on site today congratulating the team as they celebrated the milestone.
The venue leverages AI powered personalisation technology to help guests discover their personal flavour profile, which is then used to tailor their experience on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s signature “Journey of Flavour”.
To date, the experience has collected the flavour profiles of over 100,000 guests, an invaluable resource for product development. The experience seeks to inspire visitors to explore the wider world of Scotch Whisky as it relates to their own personal tastes, breaking down barriers including those around how the drink should be enjoyed by focusing on cocktail culture, serving almost 700K highballs and cocktails alone since opening.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street serves as a key destination within Scotland’s vibrant food and drink landscape, attracting visitors eager to immerse themselves in local culture. According to the Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, nearly half (46%) of visitors to the country engage in food and drink activities during their stay, with 26% visiting a whisky, gin distillery or brewery, and 21% visiting a whisky distillery.
The venue’s formula has proved a successful one, with Johnnie Walker Princes Street garnering an impressive “Net Promoter Score”, a trusted metric for measuring customer experience, of 85, and 91% of visitors’ perception of Johnnie Walker improving post visit using “brand conversion” tracking.
The nearly 50/50 male and female gender split is a particular point of pride.
The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “It was incredibly exciting to visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street today to celebrate this hugely important milestone.
“It’s a fantastic attraction, making a huge contribution to Edinburgh’s tourism and the local economy. And of course, it’s a huge promotion for Scotch whisky, one of Scotland’s biggest success stories, and a key part of Brand Scotland.”
Guests from Australia to Zimbabwe and everywhere in between have passed through the venue’s doors since September 2021. With 24% of guests visiting from countries with high spend per head like the US 7 and 80% of visitors noting Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s place in supporting the growth of Scottish Tourism 2.
Vicki Miller, Chief Executive at VisitScotland, said:“This is an amazing achievement by Johnnie Walker Princes Street. It is a testament to the investment and confidence of Diageo in creating a luxury visitor experience in the centre of the city, and the staff, whose work has maintained its popularity.
“Scotch whisky is a unique part of our cultural heritage and as such is hugely important to what makes Scotland a must-visit destination. Our own research shows that a quarter of all visitors to Scotland take in a whisky, gin or brewery experience.
“Since opening in 2021, Johnnie Walker Princes Street has become an essential attraction while complementing the burgeoning food and drink experiences across the city. Its popularity will no doubt have helped support the successful post-pandemic recovery of international tourism.”
Dafydd Pugh Williams, Managing Director of Diageo’s Scotland Brand Homes added: “Johnnie Walker Princes Street was launched to recruit consumers from around the World to Johnnie Walker and indeed the entire Scotch Whisky category.
“We wanted to disrupt consumer perceptions of Whisky through offering a pioneering experience which demonstrated the huge breath of flavours with the category, the incredible history of Johnie Walker and champion the people and communities which have helped make the brand a global icon.
“We could not be prouder of the venue’s hugely dedicated team who have made such an impact on so many guests in just three short years. We’d like to thank our colleagues in the Scotch Whisky Association and Visit Scotland for their continued support as we work together to showcase Scotch, and Scotland, to the world.
“Most excitingly we feel like we’re just getting started and there is plenty more growth to come as we Keep Walking.”
Our renowned choir will give the first performance of Joanna Marsh composer‘s new piece ‘The Everlasting Covenant’ at Choral Evensong on Sun 6th Oct at 3.30pm!
St Mary’s Music School, Scotland’s national music school, is celebrating the most significant legacy to be received in its 50-year-long history, thanks to the generosity of School supporter and music enthusiast, the late David Hutcheson.
A great music lover, David was a major supporter of the Edinburgh School in his later years and a regular attender at its concerts and performances. He believed passionately in supporting young people and music.
His legacy to the School, which will total more than one million pounds, comes at an exciting time in the history of St Mary’s Music School, as it looks to develop and modernise its facilities and provide the best possible experience for generations of talented young musicians to come.
St Mary’s Music School Headteacher, Dr Kenneth Taylor, remembers David fondly: “David was a great music aficionado and a generous supporter of the School. His support of our young musicians during his lifetime was wonderful but his legacy is nothing short of remarkable.
” We are deeply grateful to David for supporting the School with such a significant gift. His generosity will live on with the School and help our aspiring young musicians to go on to careers as professional instrumentalists, composers, singers, conductors and music teachers around the world.”
A music aficionado
Born in the Borders and raised in a musical family, it was David’s mother – an excellent violinist – who inspired in him a lifelong love of music and encouraged him to become an accomplished pianist himself.
A keen collector throughout his life, David amassed a significant collection of antique furniture, British & European paintings and silver.
Highlights of his collection will be auctioned by Lyon & Turnbull in their forthcoming Five Centuries sale on 4 – 5 September and across a range of specialist auctions this autumn.
All will benefit St Mary’s Music School, as was his wish.
A new outdoor exhibition of photographs by five local photographers has gone on display in Edinburgh’s busy urban thoroughfares.
Living Spaces, commissioned by Places for People Scotland, part of the UK’s leading social enterprise, has been installed in five different locations across the city, all of which were identified as vandalism hotspots following numerous repairs and treatments by the Places for People Scotland team over the years.
After identifying the locations, Places for People Scotland brought local photographers on board, who suggested various images which they believed would work well across the sites.
The artists and Places for People Scotland recognised the importance of resident participation in this project – as these are ‘living spaces’ – and customers living in the area were invited to select the final images to go on display using an online poll.
The chosen photographs vary from moments of calm within the natural world, to colourful snapshots of interior and exterior life around the city.
Katie Smart, Director of Places for People Scotland said: “We are delighted to see this project come to life, our goal with this project was to transform living spaces across the city that had been victim to vandalism for both our customers whose homes are in the area and the wider Edinburgh community.
It was important to us to involve our customers in the decision process, it feels extra special knowing that the artwork has been chosen by those most affected whilst being able to provide incredible local photographers with a platform for their work.”
Christina Webber, participating photographer and Director of AGITATE, said: “It’s such a joy to see this project realised and AGITATE are proud to host a version of the work at 6WS during the Festival season.
“We love the August buzz and to be able to platform local artists to a visiting international audience is a really important opportunity.
“As a photographer, exhibiting work in alternative spaces with so many people passing each day is really exciting. Engagement with photography is so often digital, having the chance to be part of people’s everyday journeys is a privilege.”
Smaller scale versions of all the works are on display at 6 William Street (6WS) throughout August, alongside a Festival ‘rest space’ and a short programme of drop-in workshops to complement the work.
The artists whose work is included in the project are:
Dave Ferrie
Everything that exists in cities is of interest to Dave, but particularly the areas where old and new meet, and the spaces where nature and man-made structures coexist.
Dave loves exploring urban environments and photographing the moments, places and sights which grab his attention.
Kat is a graduate of both Stevenson College (now Edinburgh College) and Edinburgh Napier University, where she graduated with first class honours, and has over 15 years experience in the photography industry.
Kat specialises in events, portraiture and live performance. As well as commercial photographic work, she teaches photography, and is an exhibited photographic artist and a published writer on the subject.
Zoe is a photographer from Co. Antrim, now living in Edinburgh.
She is interested in the relationship between humans and the environment, as well as the systems of classification that we use to make sense of the world around us.
Jack Low
Jack Low is a lens-based visual artist based in Glasgow, having studied Photography and Film at Edinburgh Napier University.
Drawn into photography at a young age through an interest in technology, he has produced works critically examining modern culture, social media and the human condition through means of installation pieces and typologies.
Christina Webber
Christina is a visual artist who loves pictures, words, and their potential when put together. She completed a First Class BA (Hons) in Photography & Film from Edinburgh Napier University in 2015, and works as a Freelance Digital Communicator for a variety of clients.
Additionally, Christina is Co-Director of AGITATE, a hub for photography based in Edinburgh’s West End.
Join us for a world première!
Our renowned choir will give the first performance of 
All welcome to join us, for FREE. 
