Category: West End

Capital collaboration between Wemyss Malts and The Chocolate and Pastry Bar

A new couple in (The West End of ) Town

–         Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts partners with neighbour The Chocolate and Pastry Bar

–         Exclusive coupling in time for Valentine’s Day

Edinburgh’s Wemyss Malts and the Chocolate and Pastry Bar have come together to form the perfect partnership – just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Following the rebrand of the Wemyss Malts Core Range last year, the family-run business is continuing its mission to champion local, by partnering with Edinburgh’s Chocolate and Pastry Bar – debuting a range of delicious handmade Belgian Couverture Chocolate bars, inspired by the Core Range’s three uniquely flavoured whiskies – The Hive’, ‘Spice King’ and ‘Peat Chimney’.

The Wemyss Malts team has worked closely with chocolatier Chef Chiara Scipione to create the trio of chocolate, infused, and influenced by the flavour profile and tasting notes of each whisky.

Handmade with 54% cocoa Belgian dark chocolate – ‘The Hive’ is expertly blended with caramelised orange pieces, ‘Spice King’ is carefully combined with cracked black pepper and smooth caramel and ‘Peat Chimney’ is delicately made with Islay peat-smoked oats and almonds.

The Core Range and inspired Couverture Chocolate bars are available to buy from wemyssmalts.com/shop from Monday the 8th of February – and if ordered by Wednesday 10th of February, can be delivered in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Core Range is available through spirit and whisky specialists worldwide from £39.95. The trio of exclusive chocolates are on offer at £4.95 per bar or free with purchase of one of the Wemyss Malts Core Range.

Steven Shand, Whisky Blender at Wemyss Malts, said: “The past year hasn’t been easy for anyone, so we wanted to do our part to support our neighbours while exploring a new territory for the Wemyss Malts brand.

“It’s been wonderful to collaborate with such a creative business owner like Chiara whose expertise and flair has created the perfect indulgent pairings for our Core Collection.

“Whether you’re celebrating lockdown love or searching for an isolation treat, our new range of handmade Belgian Couverture Chocolates are the perfect pick me up this Valentine’s Day. Now whisky lovers can not only match the hand-crafted whisky blend to their personality, but can now also pair it with one of the delicious, flavoured chocolate bars.”

Chef Chiara Scipione, Owner of the Chocolate and Pastry Bar, said: “I’ve loved exploring the unique tasting notes of the Wemyss Malts Core Range and matching them with the flavour tones of the Belgian Chocolate.

“From the beginning of this process, I’ve been inspired by the brand’s unique take on whisky blending and their selection of flavours to suit every type of personality. It’s been fantastic exploring each of the flavour profiles to find the perfect combination of taste and textures to compliment the whisky with the chocolate.”

Have you seen Lauren?

UPDATE: Police are pleased to report that 35 year old Lauren Weeks, who was reported missing from Edinburgh has been FOUND. Thanks to everyone who shared the appeal.

Police are re-appealing for the public’s help as part of their efforts to trace Lauren Weeks (35) who has been reported missing in Edinburgh.

Enquires have now revealed that Lauren was in the York Place vicinity on Thursday (12 November).

New images are being released as Lauren’s hair may now appear to be darker than originally posted.

She is described as a white female, 5’7” tall, slim build, long blonde/brown hair. She is believed to be dressed all in black wearing a high quality windproof jacket, skirt and ankle boots. She is believed to be carrying a large grey mountaineering style backpack, a dark green duffle bag and a dark green sleeping bag.

Anyone who may have seen Lauren, or who has any information on her whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1155 of 12/11/2020

More student accommodation planned for Murieston Crescent

Maven Capital Partners, a leading UK property and private equity manager, has purchased a site at Murieston Crescent for the development of a purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) complex.

The site, which was acquired for £2.8 million, is situated in a prime location close to Haymarket in Edinburgh’s West End, and strategically placed for Heriot-Watt, Napier and Edinburgh universities. Situated only 1.1 miles from Princes Street, Murieston Crescent has all amenities within walking distance and benefits from strong transport links.

Maven has taken Murieston Crescent through the full planning process with permission now granted for a 120-bed PBSA development, comprising of 108 studio apartments and 12 ensuite cluster flats over six floors. The development is estimated to cost £15 million with a practical completion targeted for summer 2022.

Maven says there remains an acute shortage of purpose built accommodation for students in Edinburgh. It is estimated that around 60% of Edinburgh’s full-time student population are unable to access either university provided or private purpose built student accommodation.

Maven has extensive experience in the PBSA sector where it has developed, asset managed and operated properties across the UK, including Glasgow, Dundee, Durham, Liverpool and Birmingham. 

It was also the asset manager for Mill Hill, a 257-bed student accommodation complex on Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, which was sold for £25.1 million in 2018. The Murieston Crescent transaction represents Maven’s 14th PBSA development, totalling over 2,000 beds.

Colin Anderson, Partner at Maven, said: “The PBSA sector has a history of low volatility and, despite the wider macro-economic issues which have resulted from the COVID-19 crisis, we are continuing to see strong student sentiment to continue their education with an increase in applications this year to UK universities and colleges according to UCAS data.

“We are confident that any uncertainties around academic start dates will only have a short-term impact while markets normalise and, once global travel restrictions lift, we will once again see the UK, and in particular Edinburgh, as one of the world’s most popular hotspots for overseas students.”

“Our design team is currently reviewing various Covid related augmentations such as contactless entry and filtered ventilation systems to ensure the building is a safe and secure environment for its residents.”

Will Scarlett of Scarlett Land and Development, who acted for the Seller, commented: “SLD are delighted to have completed this transaction on behalf of The Route Finance which has required patience and tenacity by both parties.

“This is one of several PBSA deals brokered by SLD at the current time that demonstrate that the Edinburgh market remains solid for the right site in the right location”.

HUGE Lottery boost for North Edinburgh Childcare

An award of £770k announced today to North Edinburgh Childcare means they will be able to transform and expand their existing premises allowing them to increase the services they already provide and support even more families across the city.

The award is one of 32 groups across Edinburgh sharing in £1,299,743 of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Welcoming the award, Theresa Allison, General Manager, North Edinburgh Childcare, said: “We are absolutely delighted at this award which will go towards a new build and renovations of our existing building which will enable us to create an additional 84 full-time equivalent childcare places.

“Once built this has the potential to support approximately another 200 parents/carers to lift themselves out of poverty.  We are so excited about the new build and refurbishment but even more excited that, for the first time ever, we will be able to offer a number of places to people aspiring to get into work or training. This is all possible thanks to people who play The National Lottery.”

Another capital organisation celebrating this morning is Leith’s Multi Cultural Family Base (MCFB), who receive £233,000 to deliver support services to vunerable children and families from primarily minority ethnic communities.

A spokesperson for MCFB said: We are thrilled to receive continued funding from the The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland to continue supporting children from minority ethnic communities in Edinburgh with the important transition from home and nursery to school via our 4-2-7 project.

“As well as supporting children one to one and, when possible, within school settings, this will include our continued work supporting parents by providing them a space to meet once a week to build confidence, make friendships and share experiences.

“We look forward to continuing to work with schools and families both virtually and, when we can, face to face at our offices and within schools.”

There’s also £8750 for Blackhall Playgroup, who will use their award to prepare for the easing of lockdown, putting measures in place to enable the return of some children and also provide resources to those who cannot.

And Granton Parish Church will be cooking with gas – the church on Boswall Parkway receives £10,000 for a new kitchen in the church hall, supporting numerous community groups who use the popular local facility.

Announcing today’s funding to 311 projects across Scotland, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “These awards, made possible by National Lottery players, recognise the incredible work happening  across Scotland to create stronger, more connected communities.   

“I am delighted that some of this funding will be used to transform existing buildings into vibrant community hubs that will carry on the strong community spirit that has been so evident in recent times. 

“National Lottery players can be proud to know that money they raise by buying tickets is continuing to make such a difference.” 

National Lottery players raise £30 million every week for good causes in the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund in Scotland is currently focusing its funding on those projects that supporting organisations and communities to respond to the challenge of COVID-19.  

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk       

Ultimate One-bedroom City Apartment Hits the Market

AN EXCLUSIVE one-bedroom apartment has been released for sale at the capital’s most sought-after new development.

CALA Homes (East) has seen huge demand for properties at The Crescent at Donaldson’s, now releasing the final available homes in the west wing – including the ultimate pied-a-terre, 3/16 Donaldson Crescent.

On the market for £680,000, the elegant spilt-level first floor apartment enjoys a prime position in the development and boasts a generous master bedroom with an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe space.

The one bedroom apartment’s sweeping glass frontage stretches from the kitchen through to the dining and living space providing near uninterrupted views towards Edinburgh’s sublime skyline.

A unique feature of the property is the mezzanine office space which provides impeccable views of the iconic Donaldson’s estate.

What makes living at The Crescent truly unique within central Edinburgh, however, is the tranquil setting within the 18-acre Donaldson’s estate – the capital’s largest communal garden.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to set up home in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable locations.

“The one-bedroom apartment offers everything you could need for contemporary city living and more, being so closely situated to all of the attractions, landmarks, restaurants and bars in the capital.

“This elegant split-level apartment showcases the magnificent design and architecture displayed throughout this development, as well as the breath-taking views across the city.

“However, it also enjoys a peacefully secluded location within the Donaldson’s estate, with gardens and grounds on the doorstep and the treelined rear of the development. So you really have the best of both worlds.

“We’d urge those interested to act quickly as there are only two one-bedroom apartments in each wing and so far they have been a huge hit with buyers.”

CALA’s The Crescent has also achieved widespread industry acclaim and has been recognised with multiple awards for the ambitious design, cutting-edge architecture and premium showhomes since launch earlier this year.

With prices ranging from £595,000 to £1,750,000, the properties at The Crescent comprise some of the most prestigious new builds currently on offer in Edinburgh.

Designed by renowned architect, Richard Murphy OBE, the sweeping arc of 84 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses is a modern interpretation of Georgian architecture.

It is home to the most comprehensive electric vehicle charging provision in Scotland, where every apartment has access to a charging point and parking space in the private underground car park, accessible by lift access.

Just one mile west of Princes Street, The Crescent has a variety of amenities on the doorstep with excellent transport links both into and out of the city.

Two show apartments are open daily from 11am to 5.30pm. For more information, please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/east-of-scotland/the-crescent-at-donaldsons or call 0131 341 2667.

The Crescent comes alive with first apartments all sold

THE MOST upmarket collection of new apartments to launch in Scotland’s recent history has become a fully-fledged community, with the first “core” fully sold and buyers moving in.  

Launched by CALA Homes (East), The Crescent at Donaldson’s is a bold and sweeping arc of glass-fronted apartments – with current availability priced from £975,000 to £1,750,000. Continue reading The Crescent comes alive with first apartments all sold

Gas works to bring months of disruption to Blackhall and Craigleith

SGN Network Upgrade – Possible Disruption Queensferry Road  

https://www.sgn.co.uk/

SGN: Our work will start on Monday 16 September and last for approximately 13 weeks. 8am-4pm for traffic contra-flows.

Close the following roads to ensure everyone’s safety:

Orchard Road and Orchard Road South junction with Queensferry Road
Belford Avenue junction with Queensferry Terrace
Queensferry Terrace junction with Queensferry Road

Parking suspensions:

Full width of Queensferry Road between Queensferry Terrace and Orchard Road

Signed local diversion routes will be in place for motorists, commuters and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained where possible. We’ll also need to use temporary traffic lights during various stages of the project. These will be manually controlled during peak times to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Phases of this project have been planned to coincide with the autumn school holidays, and when traffic is likely to be quieter, ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.

We’ll be working Monday to Friday between 8am – 4pm, and at weekends where required. We know that this is a busy area and wish to assure you that work will progress as quickly as possible and we’ll be doing everything we can to limit delays and disruption.

We will post regular updates on our website https://www.sgn.co.uk/our-gas-works/roadworks-your-area and using social media and traffic bulletins to keep everyone informed.

Please feel free to share this information with your stakeholders, colleagues and anyone else who may be impacted by our work. All local residents have been notified.

If you have any specific enquiries about this project, please call us on 0131 469 1728 during office hours (8am to 4.00pm) or 0800 912 1700 and our customer service team will be happy to help.

SGN used to be known as Scotland Gas Networks and Southern Gas Networks, but following a rebrand in 2014 is now just SGN.

Edinburgh’s most expensive apartment now available for rent

A £1.7m penthouse – the jewel in the crown of The Crescent by CALA Homes (East), a luxury development within Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – is now available to rent.

It is anticipated the three-bedroom apartment, which overlooks Donaldson’s School, will be available for upwards of £5k per month.  Continue reading Edinburgh’s most expensive apartment now available for rent

Happy Birthday, Gruffalo!

As ever, there are some big names at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival – but the biggest star of them all kicked off the annual event in Charlotte Square Gardens yesterday. The Gruffalo came to town to get the party started – which is quite appropriate as the children’s favourite is celebrating his twentieth birthday!

Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson was joined by illustrator Catherine Rayner for her Performing Picture Books event at the Edinburgh Book Festival. Continue reading Happy Birthday, Gruffalo!