The Real Mary King’s Close celebrates another record-breaking year as visitor numbers continue to rise

VISITORS FROM 147 COUNTRIES FUEL RECORD YEAR

One of Edinburgh’s leading visitor attractions, The Real Mary King’s Close, has reported another record-breaking year after welcoming 296,726 guests in 2025, marking continued year-on-year growth and reinforcing its position as one of the Capital’s most popular experiences.

The latest figures represent an impressive 5% increase on 2024, when the attraction welcomed 282,525 visitors, making 2025 the third consecutive record year for The Close. Located beneath Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the attraction continues to draw strong interest from both domestic and international audiences keen to explore the city’s hidden history.

Traditionally one of Edinburgh’s peak summer months, July saw 38,079 visitors undeterred by warmer weather, instead choosing to step below the Royal Mile to uncover Auld Reekie’s rich heritage, hidden streets, and stories from the city’s past.

Over the course of the year, The Real Mary King’s Close welcomed visitors from 147 countries, underlining its global appeal. International guests travelled from as far afield as the Åland Islands, Belize, French Polynesia, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Namibia and Nepal, alongside key tourism markets in Europe, North America and Asia.

The visitor site’s reputation is further reflected in its online performance, now boasting over 5,780 reviews across Google and Tripadvisor, with 93% rated four stars or higher, positioning it among Edinburgh’s highest-rated cultural experiences.

Alongside its core offering, The Real Mary King’s Close continued to expand and diversify its programme in 2025, launching two new tours while seeing strong ongoing demand for its established special experiences. Introduced in April, Carnage and Contagion: The Plague Tour welcomed 574 guests; Coffee & Closes, in partnership with John’s Coffee House, attracted 884 guests in its first year.

These new additions sat alongside the continued success of specialist and limited-run experiences, which allow returning visitors the opportunity to delve into different facets of Scotland’s history, including the Dr Arnott Experience, which welcomed 3,043 guests, and four Underground Unlocked free-flow events that together welcomed 976 guests. 

Retail performance also remained strong, with historically inspired merchandise proving particularly popular. Best-selling items included the Plague Dr Shopper bag, with 5,363 units sold, and the Plague Ducktor, which sold 3,538 units during the year.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close said: “Achieving another record-breaking year is a fantastic milestone and demonstrates the overwhelming appetite for immersive, high-quality historical experiences in our Capital City.  Our dedicated team welcomed nearly 300,000 guests in 2025, from 147 different countries.

“We are continuing to evolve our offering through new tours and experiences while staying true to what makes The Close distinctive – its powerful storytelling, authenticity and a deep connection to Edinburgh’s past. It’s so encouraging to see consistent growth across both the peak and shoulder seasons, and we’re excited to build on this momentum.”

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit: 

www.realmarykingsclose.com

The £800 Postcode Penalty: Aldi reveals Scottish towns that are paying hundreds more for groceries

Families in towns across Scotland are paying up to £2,437 more per year on their grocery shopping simply because they lack access to a discount supermarket, new analysis from Aldi reveals.

The findings form part of Aldi’s national review of towns facing the steepest postcode penalty, with shoppers in places such as Cathcart in Glasgow missing out on the savings enjoyed by those with access to Aldi.

The analysis shows that households without access to Aldi – which has been named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket by consumer champion Which? for the past five years – pay £826 more on average, rising to £2,437 in areas dominated by the highest-priced supermarkets.

These figures are based on the average monthly cost difference between Aldi and either the average major UK supermarkets, or the most expensive UK supermarket, using the prices of a typical 68-item shopping basket tracked by Which?*.

Across the UK, Aldi has mapped 220 locations where shoppers are disproportionately affected by this postcode penalty.

In Scotland, this includes towns such as Cathcart, Bonnyrigg, Clarkston, Barnton (? – Ed.) and Largs where residents are paying more for identical groceries because no discount supermarket is available locally.

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “No one should pay more for their weekly shop simply because of where they live. We believe every household should have access to high-quality, affordable food.

“With household budgets under intense pressure, local access to a discounter isn’t just convenient – it can save families hundreds of pounds a year. These findings show that expanding access to Aldi is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of living for many.”

Aldi has invested £650 million across Britain through its store opening and refurbishment programme in 2025, with each new site creating around 40 jobs.

The discounter also recently announced it would be doubling down on its investment in Britain with a £1.6 billion commitment over the next two years, opening 40 stores each year as it moves towards its ambition to have 1,500 UK stores.

Pilton Youth and Children Project groups return next week

🤩 Aaaaaaand we’re back! 🤩

All our clubs and groups are back from next Monday!

We’re so excited to get going again and see all of our amazing young people, 2026 is going to be GREAT!

If you’re new and want to join in on the PY fun or still haven’t got one done yet 😬make sure you have a completed consent form which can be found through the link below ⬇️

https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/301f3ae8/f55ef57de02572ae

Committee backs minimising the use of restraint and seclusion on children and young people

The work of organisations and individual campaigners, such as Beth Morrison and Kate Sanger, has been commended by the Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee as it backs proposals that would minimise the use of restraint and seclusion in Scotland’s schools.

The Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Daniel Johnson MSP, aims to make the use of restraint and seclusion of children and young people in schools a last resort.

In circumstances where restraint and seclusion must be used, schools would need to follow legal guidelines, which includes informing parents or carers if their child is subject to restraint and seclusion and this use.

The Committee unanimously supported these general principles, but in doing so, expressed its disappointment at the amount of time it had taken for changes to be made despite the tireless efforts of campaigners.

Read the report

Evidence, including personal testimonies, presented to the Committee was concerning, with witnesses raising their fears that restraint and seclusion was too often seen as a first approach. The Committee was particularly concerned by the inappropriate use of the practice on children with an additional support need or disability.

The Committee’s report recommends improvements to the Bill, including refining the definitions of restraint and seclusion to avoid any ambiguity or unintended consequences and ensuring same day informing on the use of restraint and seclusion for parents or carers.

Speaking as the report was published, Committee Convener Douglas Ross MSP said: “We unanimously support the general principles of this Bill, which will be a vital tool in ensuring the safety of children and young people in Scotland’s schools.

“Our Committee heard disturbing evidence about the use of restraint and seclusion. This practice is being carried out inconsistently and, worryingly, sometimes parents are not even aware restraint and seclusion have been used. Scotland needs a consistent approach, which makes restraint and seclusion a last resort. That’s why it’s important that this Bill becomes law.

“There is still some work to be done to ensure the Bill fully achieves its aims, however we must commend the campaigners, including Beth Morrison and Kate Sanger, for raising this issue in Parliament, and Daniel Johnson MSP, who brought forward this much needed Bill.”

Christmas gift turns out to be long lost family heirloom

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? GIFT COINCIDENCE ASTOUNDS CARE HOME RESIDENT AND FAMILY

Betty Roy, a resident at Queens Manor care home on Queensferry Road, and her son Ivor were completely astounded to discover that a Christmas gift sourced by one of the home’s key workers, Clarissa, was actually a long lost family heirloom! 

Clarissa was looking for a unique and meaningful gift for Betty for Christmas and whilst browsing online happened  across ‘Aye Ready, The History of Edinburgh Fire Brigade, The Oldest Municipal Brigade in Britain’ (by Alexander Reid). 

Initially she wondered about gifting a ‘second hand’ item but decided it would be perfectly  appropriate for Betty as she often spoke of her father, Robert Thomas Wyllie, whose photo she proudly displays in her room.  Robert was Assistant Fire Officer at Edinburgh’s Laurieston Fire Station during the 1930’s. 

Betty was showing the book to son Ivor, who was amazed to discover that the book now in Betty’s possession was in fact his own copy, which had belonged to his father. Ivor had inadvertently donated the book along with other items to charity, many miles from Queens Manor and Edinburgh Fire Brigade.

Clarissa found it online purely by chance and now it has found its way home to Betty and Ivor – a chance in a million!

Ivor commented: “I couldn’t believe it when Betty told me she had a copy of the book. When she showed it to me, I realised it was the original copy given to me from my Grandfather’s things, because inside it contained an original letter with coupons which he had never cashed in – I recognised the piece of paper and the edges where it had been inserted in to the book all those years ago! 

“I didn’t even realise until today that the book was no longer in my house!”

Margaret-Ann Davidson, General Manager for Queens Manor, added: “This is a fantastic example of a person-centred gift, made even more special by the provenance. 

“There must have been many copies of the book, and for the family copy to find its way back to Betty and Ivor is incredible!  We’re very lucky to share in this story – all of our residents have lived interesting lives and we love to hear all about it. 

“This is a truly extraordinary coincidence and I’m sure it will be shared at many a family dinner table for years to come!”

Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. 

Queens Manor provides residential, dementia and respite care for short breaks and longer term stays. 

A Budget to tackle child poverty

SOCIAL JUSTICE SECRETARY VISITS PYCP

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said the draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 is a “landmark intervention” in the Scottish Government’s drive to tackle the root causes of child poverty and increase living standards.   

Around £8 billion has been earmarked for the social justice portfolio, boosting support for vulnerable people and low-income families.

This includes plans to:   

  • introduce a new premium element of the Scottish Child Payment in 2027- 2028, raising weekly payments for eligible parents of children under the age of one to £40 per child, benefitting around 12,000 children  
  • create a new £50 million package to boost whole family support. This will further enhance existing support and will include help with transport, skills, and commits £20 million for third sector partners to deliver the support that people need in their communities
  • increase the Tackling Child Poverty Fund from £12.5 million to £61.5 million in 2026-27 
  • invest £7.2 billion in social security, supporting disabled people, unpaid carers, those on low incomes and others, while also providing help with energy bills

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met parents in receipt of any of the Five Family Payments, including the Scottish Child Payment, on Thursday (15 January) at Pilton Youth and Children’s Project, and said: “Eradicating child poverty is this government’s driving mission – no child should have their prospects hindered by circumstances beyond their control.  

“This Budget is a landmark intervention in our work to tackle the root causes of poverty and reduce the pressure on household finances – from increased support for Scotland’s newest parents, to new initiatives to help increase household incomes and ensure families receive the right support at the right time.  

“With more than £330 million committed across three years to our Tackling Child Poverty Fund and to investment in Whole Family Support, we are laying the groundwork to drive continued progress in the year ahead, breaking the cycle of poverty in Scotland for good.” 

St. Mark’s: Your Unitarian Church

Although it has been stolidly nestling between Victorian buildings for nearly 200 years, St. Mark’s Unitarian Church in Castle Terrace, the only Unitarian church in Edinburgh, is one of the city’s best-kept secrets (writes MARTYN BAGULEY).

Unitarianism isn’t a New Age religion – there have been Unitarian congregations in Edinburgh since 1776 – but the meaning of the name has changed with time.

Originally used to affirm the oneness of God as opposed to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, it has evolved to represent a ‘unifying’ home for all of us who are on different spiritual journeys, from Christians to atheists.

Whilst drawing on the inspiration of Christianity and other religions, philosophies and nature, it encourages members to be open-minded and develop their own spiritual paths.

The welcome you will receive on arriving and the peaceful atmosphere of the church sanctuary are not unique to St. Mark’s, but you will find that aspects of the service are. Led by either the resident minister, The Rev. Janine Sim, a visiting minister or lay preacher, there may, or may not, be readings from the Bible, but there will be thought-provoking readings from secular works and references made to other religions.

There will be moments for meditation or prayer, a sermon on the theme of the service – which can be found up to 3 days before the service by Googling https://www.edinburgh-unitarians.org.uk  – musical interludes when a talented pianist plays the superb Weinbach grand piano (worth coming just for that!) and probably three hymns.

Some, but not all, of the hymn tunes may be familiar to you, but the words may not be. Don’t worry: you can sit or stand and just quietly reflect on the meaningful words. 

After the service you can enjoy light refreshments in the adjacent church hall where you will probably meet and make friends with people from not only Edinburgh but also from many other places in Britain and the world.

Who knows – you make want to come again – and again.

Teens charged after incident involving bladed weapons in city centre

Two males, aged 17 and 15, have been arrested and charged after a report of people with bladed weapons seen in Edinburgh city centre yesterday.

Officers, including specialist firearms officers, were called to Rose Street around 2.55pm on Friday, 16 January, 2026.

No one was reported as injured.

The 17-year-old is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 19 January.

The 15-year-old will be reported to the relevant youth justice authorities.

Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “We are grateful for the support shown by the public to our investigation so far.

“Further enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances. I would urge anyone who may have been in the area at the time and has not yet spoken to police to get in touch.

“You can call 101, quoting reference 1999 of 16 January, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

NAS Scotland launches ‘Act Now for Autistic Rights’ Campaign

The National Autistic Society Scotland is calling for real change for autistic people, ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May. 

The new campaign calls on the next Scottish Government to introduce the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill to parliament as soon as possible. 

Autistic people in Scotland are waiting months, if not years, for an assessment and experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. At school, autistic pupils face exclusion and isolation due to lack of support, and in community settings autistic people face discrimination stemming from a lack of understanding and access to services. 

The campaign is split into four key areas: diagnosis and support; accessible healthcare; support in schools; and inclusive communities. The LDAN Bill can play a transformative role in each of these areas by introducing national and local plans to tackle waiting lists, introducing mandatory training in healthcare and education, and addressing a glaring lack of accountability in the public services and systems meant to support autistic people in Scotland.

Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: ‘Too often we hear from autistic people and families that do not have the support they need to live fulfilled lives on their terms, and who are continually being driven into crisis.

“Despite many good laws, strategies and policies in Scotland, there remains a gap between the support people should receive and what they actually receive, whether in school, social care, healthcare or employment. 

“The importance of the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill in tackling the inequalities faced by autistic people and their families cannot be underestimated. It is a vital opportunity to address systematic injustices and to improve outcomes for autistic people of all ages, and that is why we are calling on all political parties to commit to introducing the Bill in Government.”

Becca, NAS Campaigner, said: “We must be allowed to have equal access and opportunity. We are not a burden on society. We are useful, we are intelligent, we are creative. We are inspiring. We are contributors.

“We must be allowed the chance to belong, the chance to make a difference, to be educated and be educators, to be validated, taken seriously. We must be allowed to live in a fair and just society where we are not discriminated against and where we have the chance to live our lives fully and freely. 

“The LDAN bill will give autistic and neurodivergent people a chance to be involved in a fairer society. It will decrease the amount of discrimination and invalidation by making people aware, trained and knowledgeable.

“It will increase independence and choice, helping people to feel they are active in the decisions that affect their own lives whilst also receiving valuable support.”

You can read more about the campaign on the NAS website.

Act Now for Autistic Rights manifestoDownload

National Galleries Scotland: ‘Major step forward’ for The Art Works

We’re delighted to share a major step forward for The Art Works! 🎉

The Scottish Government has committed £56 million in funding over the next three years, enabling us to move ahead with confidence on this ambitious project in North Edinburgh, part of the National Collections Hub.

With around 97% of the national art collection currently in storage, The Art Works will provide a new, free-to-visit home, ensuring more of Scotland’s art can be seen and enjoyed. It will also give greater access to art, not just for people in Edinburgh but by enabling us to lend more art across Scotland.

Not only will you be able to walk among some of greatest Scottish treasures, but you can also pop in for a coffee, use the space for work/study, watch our conservators take care of beautiful, historic art and even more.

This investment will help us make the best use of public funding while continuing to care for and share the national collection for the benefit of current and future generations.