Tag: 25th anniversary

Scotch Whisky Experience celebrates 25 years of the award-winning Amber Restaurant

The award-winning Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience has announced a series of food and drink offerings to celebrate its 25th anniversary. To mark the milestone, the restaurant has launched two retrospective menus featuring some of Amber’s most memorable dishes from the past 25 years, alongside a specially created anniversary cocktail, the Amber ’25.

Since opening in 2001, Amber has helped champion whisky pairing and whisky-led cooking within Scotland’s dining scene, pairing dishes with whiskies from all five whisky producing regions. 

At the heart of the celebrations is the limited-edition ‘Taste of Scotland’ menu, running across two periods, 20th – 24th May and 23rd – 30th November.  Curated by Executive Chef David Neave, who has led the kitchen since the restaurant opened, the menu revisits a selection of standout dishes from the past 25 years. Each course reflects the evolution of Scottish seasonal ingredients and Amber’s distinctive approach to whisky-infused cuisine.

David Neave, Executive Chef at Amber Restaurant, said: “Reaching 25 years at Amber Restaurant is a hugely proud moment for all of us. This anniversary menu, created by our team of chefs, is an opportunity to celebrate the very best of Scottish produce and revisit the dishes that have helped define who we are, as a restaurant, over the years.

“Whisky has always been central to our cooking, not only as a pairing, but also as an ingredient that can bring real depth and character to a dish. Looking back at these menus has been incredibly special and reflects the journey Amber has been on over the past 25 years.”

Amber was also the restaurant that introduced the concept of Scottish tapas, creating small plates designed to give visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience a broad taste of Scotland in one sitting. A quarter of a century on, the concept remains at the heart of the restaurant, with a celebratory Scottish tapas offering running throughout the anniversary year and featuring guest favourites from across the decades.

Wendy Neave, Head of Events and daughter of Executive Chef David Neave, said: “Amber Restaurant is extremely special to our family. My father, David, has led the kitchen with real passion since the beginning, and my brother Michael has also played an important role in the kitchen over the years, following in his father’s footsteps, so it’s something we’ve all been closely connected to.

“Our team have always been passionate about showcasing the very best of Scotland to our guests, and that’s what led to the creation of our Scottish tapas concept. We wanted visitors to have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of Scottish dishes and flavours in a small plate format.”

To find out more about The Scotch Whisky Experience’s Amber Restaurant please visit Amber Restaurant. 

Return to Middle-earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates it’s 25th anniversary at Vue 

One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh – marking a quarter of a century since audiences fell in love with the epic adventures of Frodo and the fellowship.   

Based on the legendary book series by J.R.R. Tolkien, the extended editions of this epic saga will be shown at Vue, giving fans the chance to experience the trilogy as it was meant to be seen.  

Directed by Peter Jackson, the trilogy received a combined total of 30 Academy Award nominations and won 17 Oscars upon its original release, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated achievements in cinematic history. 

Set in the realm of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins leads a group of hobbits, who find themselves tasked with a quest to destroy the One Ring, a perilous mission that could determine the fate of the world and stop the dark forces of Mordor, led by the Dark Lord Sauron.  

Joined by the wizard Gandalf, the human ranger Aragorn and other unforgettable characters such as Legolas and Gimli, audiences are invited to follow this motley crew across treacherous terrain and epic cinematic battles in one of cinema’s most beloved and ambitious stories.  

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “The Lord of the Rings trilogy is simply made to be seen on the big screen so, to mark 25 years since its release, we’re thrilled to return to Middle-Earth at Vue.   

“Whether you’ve simply walked to Mordor many times before or are venturing into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien for the first time, we’re excited to welcome audiences to enjoy this iconic trilogy at Vue.” 

To find out more, visit myvue.com 

The Lord of the Rings – 25th Anniversary screenings take place on: 

The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended) –  From 16 – 29 January 

The Two Towers (Extended) – From 18 – 27 January 

The Return of the King (Extended) – From 25 January – 4 February 

25 Years of Impact: Salvesen Mindroom Centre transforms 30,000+ Lives

Demand for Neurodiversity Support Continues to Rise

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Salvesen Mindroom Centre, a charity that has transformed the lives of more than 30,000 neurodivergent children, young people, and their families since its founding in 2000. 

The milestone comes as the charity’s latest impact report reveals a 294% increase in demand for its services over the past five years, highlighting a critical and growing need for accessible support.

Co-founded by Robin and Sophie Dow and inspired by their daughter Annie, who lives with a rare chromosome deletion, Salvesen Mindroom Centre was built on a foundation of lived experience. 

For a quarter of a century, the charity has delivered vital programs, advocacy, and support — from aiding families in crisis to training leaders to build more inclusive workplaces.

“Mindroom was founded on lived experience, and 25 years later, its mission is more urgent than ever,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Salvesen Mindroom Centre. “Neurodivergent children are today’s young people and tomorrow’s workforce.

“The work we do is all about shaping a fairer, more inclusive future.”

The charity’s 2024 impact report, available for download on their website, also reveals the growing pressures on families and the support system:

  • Families face waiting lists of up to 24 months for assessments.
  • The number of families seeking mental health support grew by 62% from 2023 to 2024.
  • Neurodivergent young people are more likely to experience bullying, anxiety, and exclusion than their peers.

“Behind every statistic is a real person and a system under pressure,” Alan Thornburrow added.

“Since I joined in 2022, we’ve worked to scale our impact and think of our mission as a revolution. We want to continue transforming lives for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Beyond its direct services, the charity has also trained more than 7,500 leaders in business, education, and public services, and has played a significant role in advancing neurodiversity as a national priority in Scotland and beyond.

As Mindroom marks 25 years of impact, the message is clear: the need has never been greater, nor has the opportunity. Every child supported, every family empowered, and every leader trained moves us closer to a society where neurodivergent people can thrive.

Lasting change is only possible when we stand together.

To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report

Vue venues to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X-Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

Marking 25th anniversary of their big screen debut, Marvel’s mutant team-up including favourites such as Cyclops, Storm, Professor X and a career defining role for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine has gone on to become one of the genre’s most beloved franchises with some of the cast even returning in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

Back from today, Friday 16 May,  X-Men and X-Men 2 introduces us to the world of the X-Men as Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his band of heroes must protect the world, and mutant-kind themselves, from the evil forces such as Sabretooth, William Stryker and the legendary villain Magneto (Ian McKellan).

Revisiting the origins behind the friendship and mortal adversary between Professor X and Magneto (this time played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender), X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past dives back into the 1960’s & 70’s to explain how the team originally learned how to control their powers and  got together from Friday 6 June.

The series most acclaimed spin-offs will also be returning to the big screen as the beloved final tale starring Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Logan, sees the character embark on a claws out adventure with a mysterious young girl who is showing similar mutant powers to him on Friday 13 June. 

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “With fantastic stories and climatic action sequences, superhero films have easily become one of the most popular genres to catch up on the big screen.

“That’s why we’re hugely excited to bring one of the first franchises to start it all, The X-Men, back to Vue – offering a way for families and fans to enjoy their favourite mutant moments on the big screen.

“Whether you’re a fan of the original films, the prequels versions of the team or just excited to rewatch these adventures before the X-Men show up in the MCU with Avengers: Doomsday next year, we welcome fans to enjoy these films as they’re meant to be seen on the big screen at Vue.’

Tickets start from just £7.99 when booked online.

To find out more, visit myvue.com

X-Men Back on the Big Screen season

  • X-Men (25th anniversary) – From 16 May
  • X2 – From 16 May
  • X-Men: First Class  – From 6 June
  • X-Men: Days Of Future Past – From 6 June
  • Logan – From 13 June

Edinburgh celebrates 25 years of Volunteer Edinburgh’s impact with Civic  Reception

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh hosted a Civic Reception at  the City Chambers last night to honour the 25th anniversary of Volunteer Edinburgh as  an independent organisation and its outstanding contribution to the life of the city. 

The event brought together past and present staff, volunteers, trustees, and civic  leaders to mark a quarter-century of innovation, impact, and service. 

At the heart of the celebration was a powerful address by the organisation’s CEO, Paul  Wilson, who reflected on the journey from a small volunteer exchange to becoming one  of the city’s most dynamic and adaptive third sector organisations.

Paul said: “If anyone asked me what Volunteer Edinburgh is all about,I simply say: ‘people’.” 

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact 

Volunteer Edinburgh has supported over 60,000 individuals in their volunteering  journeys and welcomed more than 20,000 visitors to its annual recruitment fair over  the past 25 years. Its pioneering Health and Wellbeing Service, which began as the  UK’s first “Voluntary Work as Therapy” project, has helped more than 2,500 people in  the past decade improve their lives through volunteering — many credit it with literally  saving their lives. 

However, this world-leading project is currently under threat due to potential  disinvestment from the Health and Social Care Partnership. The CEO called on civic  leaders to recognise and protect this invaluable service that embodies Edinburgh’s  compassionate values. 

Leading in Digital, Crisis Response, and Community Engagement 

From launching Scotland’s first local authority-backed Volunteering Strategy in 2006  to building the country’s most-used volunteer management resource at  volunteerwiki.org.uk, Volunteer Edinburgh has consistently led the way in developing  practical solutions that scale. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation rapidly built and deployed a  Community Taskforce, onboarding 550 trained volunteers to deliver over 17,000  critical support tasks city-wide. This flexible model later supported displaced  Ukrainians, NHS vaccination efforts, and even mobilised 200 volunteers during the vigil  for the Queen at St Giles’ cathedral in 2022.

“We Just Get Things Done” 

Described by peers as an organisation that “just gets things done”, Volunteer Edinburgh  has continually reinvented itself — from launching an AI tool for volunteer managers to  establishing city-wide hubs and community engagement tools. The CEO paid tribute to  the team’s dedication, noting “for a tiny wee organisation, we regularly punch above our weight.” 

A Shared Belief in Service 

Reflecting on his own 27-year journey with the organisation, the CEO emphasised that  the core of Volunteer Edinburgh’s success is a shared belief across its team that  “service to others is inherently a good thing.”

He paid tribute to his predecessors,  trustees, and colleagues past and present, saying, “Thank you to everyone who has  contributed to making Volunteer Edinburgh the vital asset it is today.

“Edinburgh needs it  — and I hope it continues to flourish for decades to come.”

From pig crisis to pulled pork pioneers – Oink celebrates 25 years

A Scottish hog roast business famed for the freshly roasted pig visible from its three Edinburgh shop windows is celebrating a quarter century of roasting.

The prominent Oink shops celebrate just one product – the 14 hour slow-roasted pork, which available in three sizes of rolls, or in a box, with optional haggis stuffing, crackling, apple sauce or chilli sauce.

Founded by two Borders’ farming families off the back of the 1999 pig price crash, the brand, which has been copied around the world from China to Argentina, is targeting 2025 as being its record year, with an aim to surpass 250,000 rolls sold.

Adam Marshall, who co-founded Oink with Sandy Pate and farms land near Reston in Berwickshire, said: “When we started out, we weren’t trying to build an empire — we were just two farmers trying to stay afloat during a tough time for the pig industry.

“We built our own ovens, turned up at farmers markets, and hoped people would give it a try. To still be here 25 years later, serving hundreds of thousands of rolls a year, is something we’re really proud of.

“We’ve stuck to what we know, kept it simple, and done it our way. The fact people still queue up for it means a lot to us.”

The collaboration started when Adam Marshall and Sandy Pate founded Reiver Country Farm Foods and began selling produce from their farms and neighbours locally.

Then, inspired by what was believed to be the only hog roaster at the time, a business in York, the entrepreneurial pair brought a homemade roasting oven and started venturing up to Castle Terrace to take part in the first established Edinburgh Farmers Market.

Their piping hot pulled pork rolls proved an instant crowd-pleaser, attracting a growing band of hungry regulars, which paired with the demand from tourists, especially those from Asia and mainland Europe, then inspired the move to bricks and mortar in the Scottish capital.  

Oink owners Adam Marshall (Pink shirt) and Sandy Pate

Sandy Pate, who farms around 12 miles away from Adam in Longformacus, said: “We were just two mates with a passion for great meat and a desire to show city folk what Borders farming could deliver.

“We never imagined that a weekend stall would become something that would draw such loyal customers from near and around the world.

“At the end of the day, it’s about making people happy with something that tastes brilliant – and diversifying our farming businesses to ensure a viable and prosperous future for our families.”

The pair opened the doors to their first dedicated shop, Oink, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town in 2008. Nestled on the cobbled Victoria Street, the shop quickly became a firm favourite among tourists, students, and workers alike.

A second opened on the Royal Mile in 2014, followed by a Hanover Street shop in 2018.

Oink has grown into a treasured part of the city’s food scene, dishing out thousands of hand-pulled rolls each week and building a fiercely loyal following. Its famous fans include Radio 1 DJ Greg James, comedian and foodie Ed Gamble, the Australian Rugby Team and Phil Rosenthal – who featured the Victoria Street shop on hit Netflix show “Somebody Feed Phil”. 

Though the original Reiver farm shop in Reston has closed its doors, it laid the foundations for everything that came after. Their commitment to quality and flavour has also powered a thriving outside catering business. The Oink mobile service caters weddings, corporate events, and private parties across Scotland, with pork roast options all prepped in their specialist unit.

Looking back, the founders, who both turn 65 this year and have no plans to slow down or retire, are proud that the business continues to be family-run and fiercely independent, with Adam and Sandy supported by their partners and families and a team of 30 employees.  

Oink owners Adam Marshall (Pink shirt) and Sandy Pate

Adam added: “Edinburgh’s food scene has changed a lot over the years — there’s more chains, more trends, and a lot of investment.

“We’ve just stuck to what we know: good pork, cooked slow, served simply.”

For more information about Oink, visit: https://www.oinkhogroast.co.uk/

Cineworld Edinburgh Celebrates 25 Years

·         CINEWORLD EDINBURGH MARKS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY THIS NOVEMBER, ALONGSIDE CELEBRATIONS OF NEW BLOCKBUSTER WICKED

·         A DAY OF CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD AT FOUNTAIN PARK CINEMA ON SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER

·         MOVIEGOERS CAN ALSO WATCH A RANGE OF CLASSIC BLOCKBUSTERS FOR £5* A TICKET

Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will host an exciting day of celebrations on Saturday 23rd November at Fountain Park Cinema in Edinburgh to mark the cinema’s milestone 25th birthday. It comes as highly-anticipated blockbuster, Wicked, arrives in cinemas that same weekend and Cineworld will go all out to celebrate. 

Fans can catch the dazzling spectacle, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and adapted from the hit musical, in IMAX, 4DX and ScreenX at Cineworld Edinburgh. Cinema-goers will have the chance to win Wickedmerchandise throughout the day including sweatshirts, notebooks, tumblers and t-shirts so they too can dance through life!  

For those who book to see Wickedin 4DX or ScreenX during opening week, they’ll receive one free regular ICEE to match the iconic Wicked colours: Elphaba’s Emerald Green (Sour Apple) or Glinda’s Perfect Pink (Strawberry). While stocks last, guests will be able to purchase Cineworld-exclusive Wickedpopcorn buckets, cups and toppers as well as a Witch-hat drink container to enjoy their treats in style – the items are sure to be popular! 

As Cineworld Edinburgh prepares for the arrival of Wicked, they’ll be looking back at past blockbusters and an incredible 25 year’s worth of highlights including: 

  • Launching Cineworld’s first IMAX screen in 2011
  • Supporting EIFF as a major partner for 18 years
  • Hosting the Toy Story 3 premiere in 2012 with Sir Sean Connery in attendance
  • Launching our popular 4DX screen in 2017
  • Hosting the T2 World Premier in 2017 and completing our multi-million pound refurbishment in 2019 which included Scotland’s first Screen X!

Cineworld Edinburgh will also be celebrating the milestone birthday with a selection of popular films from 1999 available to book for the following week such as The Mummy, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, James Bond: The World Is Not Enough and Sixth Sense – all available for £5* per ticket.

Jamie Wiles, General Manager at Cineworld Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a competitive market place, and are really happy to be able to celebrate with our valued partners, customers and employees.

“The past 25 years have been a hugely successful time for us; During this time, we have operated as Virgin Cinemas, UGC Cinemas and Cineworld Cinemas with our loyal customer base watching us grow and invest in the customer experience.

“We’re delighted to have become a part of the local community and have had the pleasure of striving to be the best place to watch a movie for our Edinburgh customers.”  

Terms & Conditions

*95p online booking fee applies.

Wicked ICEE Promotion Terms & Conditions available HERE.

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP)

Foysol Choudhury MSP, Scottish Labour Spokesperson on Culture, Europe and International Development is congratulating the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) on its 25th anniversary and recognising its important work in representing young people’s views.

Last week Foysol Choudhury attended a parliamentary reception marking the 25th anniversary of the SYP, meeting with recently elected Edinburgh MSYPs and attended the Autumn Session of the SYP, hearing the issues most important to young people today.

The Scottish Youth Parliament was formed in 1999 following the United Kingdom’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which established the right for children to have their views heard and taken seriously.

Following the autumn sitting Mr Choudhury said: “It was inspiring and humbling attending the Autumn sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament. It was great to see the talent of our young people on show and their commitment to creating a more fair and equitable society.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament is one of our best organisations and does great work in making our young people’s voices heard through their campaigns and giving their views on the impacts of legislation on young people.

“The SYP is often ahead of politicians when it comes to their campaigns, whether that be universal music tuition in schools, banning single-use plastics or free bus travel.

“If Saturday’s sitting is anything to go by, the future of the country is in safe hands. I hope the next 25 years of the Scottish Youth Parliament are as successful and impactful as the first and they continue to push politicians to be better and represent our young people.”

Mr Choudhury wished all MSYPs well, and hopes to work with the Scottish Youth Parliament in the future on tackling racism.

Search for local heroes to help celebrate 25 years of the Scottish Parliament

A search for local heroes from communities across Scotland is underway as the Scottish Parliament announces plans for a special commemorative anniversary event to take place on Saturday 29 June.

Every Member of the Scottish Parliament is being asked to nominate one of their constituents who have made an extraordinary contribution to their communities, their local hero. They will be invited to attend the event on the Saturday 29 June alongside their MSP.

The event will mark almost 25 years to the day since the Scottish Parliament was officially opened on 1 July 1999.  Taking place in the Debating Chamber, the day will mark the achievements of the Parliament over the last 25 years as well as being a celebration of Scottish culture.

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “As we prepare to mark 25 years of the first sitting of The Scottish Parliament, it reminds us of the significant political journey that the Scottish people have been on and the progress that’s been made since 1999.

“Our event in June is an opportunity for people from across Scotland to celebrate with us. To reflect on the role that MSPs and the Parliament have had over the past 25 years and the importance of continuing our commitment to our founding principles.

“A cornerstone of this commemorative event will be recognising the extraordinary contribution people from across Scotland make to their communities.

“I look forward to welcoming people from all over Scotland for a day of reflection and celebration.”

Local Heroes have taken part in the opening ceremonies of the Scottish Parliament in 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021.

To find out more about how you can be nominated to be a Local Hero please contact your MSPs

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Edinburgh Tech Star wins at 2024 Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards

2024 Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards Winners Announced

Celebrating the Most Inspirational Women in STEM

The winners of the 2024 Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards have been announced, celebrating the most inspirational women working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Now in their 14th year, the awards shine a spotlight on the industry’s most exceptional talent from all stages of the career journey, from apprentices to C-suite, from the UK and beyond.

While the technology industry is pioneering, innovative and exciting in many ways, women only make up 26% of its workforce[1]. The absence of visible female leaders and role models remains a critical issue in the drive to attract, develop, retain, and advance the industry’s female talent.

A study of the everywoman in Tech community, in collaboration with Bupa, found that for 39% of women working in technology, the imposter phenomenon and the female role model deficit remained as their top challenges in achieving their career ambition.[2] 

The survey revealed that this scarcity of role models is prevalent across the board, with entry-level women recognising this in equal measure to women who have made it to the C-suite. The breadth and diversity of talent that the everywoman award programme uncovers every year continues to address a vital industry wide need.  

Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywoman comments: ““As everywoman celebrates its 25th anniversary we are reminded that the impact role models have remains as powerful today as when we started.

“Role models serve not just as beacons of achievement, but also as tangible proof that success is attainable, providing a roadmap that others can use to navigate their career progression.

“We congratulate this year’s winners, who are a powerful group of role models that embody what women in tech want to see more of and our male allies who have a critical role to play in changing the landscape of technology.”

The DIGITAL STAR AWARD was awarded to Rose Ulldemolins, Tech School Lead at Lloyds Banking Group, from Edinburgh.

240314-220813-EWtech.jpeg

Since being reskilled Rose has done a variety of tech roles, from a full-stack Engineer to Engineering Community Lead and now to Tech School Lead.

With a passion for I&D, she Co-Chairs a 1,700 strong network ‘Women ConnecTech’, whose aim is to improve gender diversity in the industry.

This included running a program to upskill over 100 colleagues to be able to code. Following its success, she is now re-running this for over 250 people. 

Rose is relentless in her pursuit of gender equality, and fearlessly shares her vulnerabilities to establish safe and supportive environments where women can share their experiences and strive for excellence.

Yolande Young, CISO at Bupa Global & UK comments: “A huge congratulations to this year’s winners of the Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards.

“It’s testament to their achievements and the positions they hold, not just within technology, but also as positive and inspirational role models and leaders.

“The standard of entries was extremely high, reflecting the wealth of female talent in our industry. Everyone who was nominated should be extremely proud of their achievements. At Bupa we’re committed to ensuring that women are fully supported to fulfil their career ambitions. It was an honour to meet so many brave, caring, and responsible leaders who are working towards a bright future for our industry.”

With this year’s theme ‘Empower. Transform. Thrive.’, the 2024 Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards ceremony and dinner took place at The Park Plaza in London on 14 March 2024, after the annual everywoman in Technology Forum, where they welcomed over 600 tech industry leaders and stars.

To find out more about the winners or register your interest in next year’s awards, visit www.everywoman.com/techawards. 

@everywomanUK

#ewTechAwards