Tag: celebration

By Creating We Think – Celebrating Patrick Geddes

Saturday, 22 February 2025

To celebrate the life and learnings of revolutionary 19th and 20th century Scottish social thinker Patrick Geddes, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in partnership with the Sir Patrick Geddes Trust is holding a day of workshops, screenings, talks and discussions as part of Edinburgh’s 900 programme on Saturday, 22 February.

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Patrick Geddes by Kenny Hunter on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre

The day looks to the future, structured around Geddes’ key sayings including ‘By Creating We Think’ and combining ideas with practical initiatives that can open pathways into ecology, culture and creativity to create a city rich in local, national and international identities. 

Speakers include environmental artists Kenny Munro and Claudia Zeiske; Murdo MacDonald who is a leading writer and original interpreter of Patrick Geddes; environmentalist and nature writer Mandy Haggith; Bengali storyteller Neel Debdutt Paul; Samuel Gallacher who is Director of Sottish Historic Buildings Trust and has had close involvement with the ideas and legacy of Geddes; and many other writers, activists and thinkers.

Patrick Geddes was an ecologist and town planner who believed that our future lies in the merging of the natural world with human culture. He also championed the need for science and society to work together, citizen action, creative learning, and the need for green space.

Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Festival and Programmer of ‘By Creating We Think’ said: “Geddes would have loved to be at this event.

“His method was to bring people together and let the ideas and passions flow. Of course in a sense he will be there, and I can’t think of anyone more important to have at Edinburgh’s 900th celebrations.”

Samuel Gallacher, Director of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust said: “Geddes’ revolutionary thinking has influenced more than a century of practice, and yet still, his ideas and methods have still so much to offer to society today as we reflect, as Geddes did in his own time, on our rapidly changing world.”

‘By Creating We Think’ is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of Edinburgh’s 900th year celebrations and The Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust. It will be the final event in the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s programme of over 40 community events across the city that have been attended by more than 1600 people. 

By Creating We Think
Saturday 22 February from 10.30am to 5pm
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR. 

A day of talks, workshops, screenings and lively discussion to celebrate the life and learnings of revolutionary 19thcentury Scottish social thinker Patrick Geddes,

The event is ticketed on a ‘pay as you can’ basis.

For more information visit https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:5814/913:25318/

Programme 

By Leaves We Live

Introduction and hosting by Andrew Bachell, environmentalist and Chair, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland. 

Re-Naturing a Nation:Mandy Haggith, poet, novelist and nature writer. Greening the City: Bridgend Farmhouse with John Knox and Will Golding.

Think Global, Act Local

Cultures in Conversation: environmental artist Kenny Munro and storyteller/writer Neel Debdutt Paul explore a web of connections between Patrick Geddes and India. 

Cultures in Conversation: Tom Hubbard writer and researcher; Claudia Zeiske, environmental artist, producer and community curator; and Iliyana Nedkova Curator of the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland, explore a web of connections between Geddes, France and Europe. 

Place, Work, Folk

Remaking and restoring – a participative session led by Claudia Zeiske, environmental artist, producer and community curator.

By Living We Learn

Geddes, Tagore and Education – the work of Stewart A Robertson and Bashabi Fraser introduced by Donald Smith

The Making of Books: By Publishing We Think – Murdo MacDonald, Art Historian and Essayist.

A Geddes Future in Edinburgh’s Old Town Sam Gallacher, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust

By Creating We Think Final ProgrammeDownload

Mercat Tours kick off 40 years celebration by looking to city’s next generation

Mercat Tours has launched its 40th-anniversary celebrations with a transformative programme designed to inspire the next generation of local storytellers and tourism professionals. “A Day in Edinburgh”, the inaugural event in a packed year-long calendar of birthday events, took place on Wednesday [29 January], with Mercat Tours and seven partners welcoming 90 second-year pupils from Holy Rood High School. 

The event was attended by the Minister for Business Richard Lochhead MSP, who joined the pupils to explore Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the career opportunities within its thriving tourism sector.

The initiative highlighted the collaborative efforts of eight award-winning partners, including Mercat Tours, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura, Rabbie’s Small Group Tours, Dovecot Studios, and Holyrood Distillery. 

Launched in 2016 as the brainchild of Managing Director Kat Brogan, “A Day in Edinburgh” has grown into a powerful initiative, providing over 685 pupils and 120 staff with memorable, confidence-building experiences.

Working alongside leading tourism institutions, the programme connects young people to Edinburgh’s stories, while giving pupils the opportunity to meet passionate industry professionals, who share insights into their careers, demonstrating how tourism can offer a dynamic, fulfilling career path.

Survey results show 95% of students leave the programme with a stronger connection to their city and a greater appreciation for its vibrant history and cultural offerings. 

Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours, said: “As we celebrate 40 years of giving Edinburgh’s history ‘a damn good telling,’ it’s fitting to kick-off our anniversary year by investing in the future.

“‘A Day in Edinburgh’ is more than an educational day out—it’s about igniting pride, ambition, and curiosity in young people while showcasing the vibrant, rewarding and diverse careers available in tourism. This initiative embodies what Mercat Tours stands for: connecting people to their past while inspiring their future.” 

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “We know that careers in tourism are fulfilling and integral to communities across Scotland.  Which is why I find this programme, which seeks to inspire future generations to consider a career in this vibrant sector, admirable and valuable.  

“Of course, we want there to be even more jobs for tomorrow’s generation. That’s why the Scottish Government is committed to helping the tourism sector to grow, allocating an additional £2 million to VisitScotland in our draft Scottish Budget to continue attracting visitors which supports the economy.” 

Joan Daly, Head Teacher at Holy Rood High School, said: “This initiative provides an opportunity for our pupils to enjoy the rich cultural experiences our city has to offer with no cost barriers to consider.

“This provides a real sense of equity for accessing school excursions, making them accessible for all.” 

James Campbell, Acting Depute, Holy Rood High School, added: “Not only will it provide an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful cultural sites our city has, but we feel it will go some way in raising their aspirations and developing the skills and confidence to become engaged in society as the new young workforce of the future.” 

One participating pupil from Holy Rood High School expressed a newfound aspiration to “be an architect who restructures old buildings like the Georgian House or write about animals for the zoo.” 

Another noted the valuable skills they learned: “You have to be friendly, good at socialising, patient, and energetic – a people person, know languages and be polite.” 

“A Day in Edinburgh” sets the stage for Mercat Tours’ broader anniversary programme which will feature a packed series of initiatives, events, and a few surprises throughout 2025, with a warm invitation to all to join the celebrations. 

The local family business has designed a programme to honour its legacy while thanking the local community, Edinburgh’s tourism industry and its visitors from around the globe for their support over the last four decades. Further details will be revealed soon.  

As the UK’s first and only Certified B Corporation™ visitor attraction and a Living Hours Employer, Mercat Tours exemplifies the ethos that “good business does good.”

Passionate advocates that history should be accessible to everyone, visitors and locals alike, programmes like A Day in Edinburgh, demonstrate Mercat’s investment in its community, ensuring Edinburgh’s stories endure while inspiring young people to help shape the city’s future to benefit all, equally. 

To find out more about Mercat Tours planned 40th celebrations and “A Day in Edinburgh” programme visit: www.mercattours.com

PICTURES: TONY MARSH

Forth 50 – Live! details announced

Forth 1 have announced details of Forth 50 – Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station’s 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.

Taking place on Saturday 31st May, Forth 50 – Live!, with Eastern Western Motor Group, will welcome dance icons including Whigfield, Robin S, Mary Kiani, Haddaway, Heather Small, Corona and more for a daytime disco party like no other. 

Tickets on sale 9am Friday 31st January via forth1.com 

Celebrating Forth 1’s first 50 years, the incredible live gig will welcome fans to The Royal Highland Centre from 2pm- 10.30pm for the station’s biggest ever daytime disco. Forth’s most legendary presenters will join in the birthday celebrations with Boogie and Arlene, Marty, Garry Spence, Steven Mill and Callum Gallacher all presenting live on the day. 

The one-off gig will have fans dancing throughout the decades with the sound of the 90s dance scene taking to the stage in Ingliston. Filling dance floors around the world from Ibiza to Edinburgh itself, the full line-up includes legends of the scene: 

Haddaway, Heather Small (below), Whigfield,  Snap, Corona, Robin S, K:Klass, D:Ream, Rozalla, Angie Brown, Alison Limerick, Oceanic and Mary Kiani. 

Since Forth 1 first took to the airwaves on 22nd January 1975, the station has proudly represented Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk for five decades, breaking some of the hottest new acts and welcoming legends of the music scene to their shows. Forth 1 has remained at the heart of the community and is currently the number one station for Edinburgh and the East. 

The daytime dance extravaganza will include some of the biggest tunes from the 90s with the likes of Whigfield’s ‘Saturday Night’, Haddaway’s ‘What Is Love’, Corona’s ‘The Rhythm of the Night’ and ‘Show Me Love’ from Robin S all sure to get the party started. Familiar faces on Top of the Pops in the 90s, there are countless number 1 hits to choose from as Forth fans can dance the day away to the tracks that defined a generation. 

The special birthday gig was unveiled live on air by Boogie and Arlene, with tickets set to go on sale from 31st January. 

Angie Brown (above) said, “I am really honoured to be performing at Forth 50 – LIVE this year. I’m incredibly excited and I am actually buzzing, because I know it’ll be a very glamorous and glittering occasion!”

Mary Kiani said, “Wishing everyone at Forth 1 ‘100% Real Love’ on their 50th birthday, thanks for letting the music play and I can’t wait to see you in May!”

Rozalla said, “I so look forward to performing and celebrating Forth 1. It’s a fantastic line-up and celebration to be part of. See you all there!”

Boogie and Arlene said, “It’s an amazing achievement for any radio station to still be going strong after 50 years.  One thing Forth has always been well-known for is a good party and this is going to be the biggest one we’ve ever had.”

The Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston will host Forth 50 – Live, with Eastern Western Motor Group, welcoming fans and listeners to the indoor arena for a gig that is sure to kick off summer in Edinburgh and the East.

For a day of timeless tracks, era-defining songs and non-stop dancefloor fillers… don’t miss out – tickets on sale from 9am, 31st January via forth1.com

Tickets – £72 (subject to booking  fee)

Over 18s only, photo ID may be required to gain entry.

Burns Night Community Ceilidh: Tickets go on sale tomorrow

Coming soon! Our 11th Annual Burns Night Community Ceilidh!

Saturday 25th January 5-8.30 at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

Tickets on sale from tomorrow – Monday 13th January.

With Pilton Community Health Project 

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre 

Tinderbox Collective and many more..

Letters: Fireworks cancellation was a relief for some

Dear Editor:

The cancellation of New Year fireworks events as the UK braced for extreme weather was a relief for everyone bracing for a night of extreme stress, and Edinburgh could protect humans and other animals by permanently banning fireworks.

The loud bangs, vibrations, and flashes, which terrorise some communities daily, confuse and terrify wildlife and companion animals, putting them at risk of injury, displacement, and death. They also distress humans, such as those who suffer from PTSD and children sensitive to noise.

Yet over 90% of Brits would gladly be dazzled by laser shows, drones, or silent fireworks out of consideration for others, and the use of these technologies by major events would further increase their popularity.

In 2024, a report revealed that blasts kill or injure over 100 horses a year, a 1 million–strong petition called for greater restrictions on these menacing missiles, and two endangered red pandas died after booms shook Edinburgh around bonfire night.

In 2025, event organisers must embrace stunning spectacles that everyone can enjoy and celebrate without leaving devastation in their wake.

Yours sincerely,

Elisa Allen

Vice President of Programmes

PETA Foundation

Society Building

8 All Saints Street

London N1 9RL

+44 (0) 20 7837 6327

Meet the young women and girls making change in Edinburgh

THE Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women’s leadership and rights, has today announced this year’s 30 Under 30 – a list of young women and girls in Scotland who are leading change and excelling in their fields.

Now in its ninth iteration, the 30 Under 30 campaign seeks to celebrate young women and girls’ impact in Scotland across a diverse range of experiences.

This year’s list includes young women and girls from age 13 to 30, from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway, who are celebrated for their campaigning, community work, leadership and excellence in arts, sports, and leadership.

This year’s list includes six people from Edinburgh:

·       Alanis McQuillen, a Scottish Parliament staffer who has advocated for better visibility and participation of women in Parliament

·       Alice Cruickshank, a BBC journalist and producer whose content focuses on empowering and connecting with young people

·       Alyssa Faulkner, a campaigner for better medical access, care and awareness for people living with diabetes

·       Beth Davidson, 27-year-old CEO of mental health charity ‘Feeling Strong’

·       Gemma Smith, advocate for rights and opportunities for care-experienced people

·       Khadea Santi, an artist who led a Youth Art Takeover at the Fruitmarket and whose work explores diaspora, identity and memory.

Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘It’s a privilege to celebrate these inspiring and tenacious young women and girls, who are creating change in their communities, lives and across society in myriad ways.

“We know that this is a particularly challenging time for young women and girls in Scotland, as they are disproportionately affected by poor access to healthcare, the cost-of-living crisis, and a rise in misogynistic rhetoric.

“Reading this year’s nominations for 30 Under 30 and seeing the impact that young women and girls are having despite this was a moving experience, and we are delighted to celebrate their successes and courage for the ninth year.’

The full 30 Under 30 list can be viewed on The Young Women’s Movement’s website.

Save the Date: Edinburgh Diwali returns for 10th celebration

SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 1 – 7pm

Edinburgh Diwali returns to the Capital for it’s tenth celebration of the Indian festival of lights on Sunday 3rd November 2024. Festivities will include a colourful and multicultural parade through Edinburgh city centre, as well as performances and fireworks display in Princes Street Gardens to celebrate the spiritual victory of good over evil.

Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights and is now celebrated internationally by 1.5 billion people to ward off the darkness and welcome the light. Originally hailing from India, Diwali is marked across globe with large public events in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States of America.

Edinburgh Diwali, a registered Scottish charity, started in 2015 as an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Indian diaspora from the city, and has gone on to become Scotland’s largest public Diwali event.

In 2020, Edinburgh Diwali was recognised as one of seven ‘best places to celebrate Diwali around the world’ by The Telegraph for it’s digital celebration which lit up Edinburgh’s City Chambers with Happy Diwali messages.

The Indian celebration is one of Edinburgh’s most popular community led events, attracting around 10,000 spectators to the parade and performances in Princes Street Gardens.

Last year’s festivities included performances from Dance Ihayami, Bollyfeat, Classsical Confluence and Dance@Studio21 with a presentation of Indian, Scottish, and fusion dance; plus music from the Stockbridge and Glencorse Pipe Bands as part of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and a headline performance from Kaykay & Co, the London based British Asian fusion band led by Kaykay Chouhan.

This year’s Diwali celebration promises to be equally spectacular, with the full programme to be revealed closer to the event.

Edinburgh Diwali 2024 will take place 13:00 – 19:00 on Sunday 3rd November. The event is open to all with free entry, encouraging everyone to participate in this family-friendly festive celebration of light.

For further information about Edinburgh Diwali, visit:

edinburghdiwali.co.uk or facebook.com/edinburgh.diwali.

PICTURES: Robin Mair

Nigerian Eatery Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary with Weekend Festivities

Bongou Cafe, Edinburgh’s cherished Nigerian eatery, will commemorate its fifth anniversary this weekend with a celebration and a series of exciting culinary developments.

The event, set for Saturday, 7th and Sunday, 8th September, will be a vibrant tribute to the authentic flavours and warm hospitality that have made Bongou a standout destination in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre.

All proceeds from sales will be donated to local charity Soul Food, which provide hot, delicious and freshly prepared meals while also offering respite and support to anyone dealing with the challenges of homelessness, poverty or loneliness in Edinburgh.

Originally starting as a barbecue catering business in Nigeria in 2014, Bongou was brought to Edinburgh by founder Tosin Moemeke in 2018. Tosin aimed to infuse Edinburgh’s food scene with the vibrant flavours of Lagos, Nigeria. This vision laid the foundation for the cafe, which has since become a community favourite known for its bold, Lagos-inspired street food.

Since opening its doors in 2019, Bongou Cafe has become synonymous with “Lagos in a Flatbread Sandwich,” offering unique flatbread sandwiches with house-made bread, fillings, and sauces made from “Tatashe” (red bell peppers) and “Rodo” (scotch bonnet chillies). Bongou’s mission has always been to introduce the rich, diverse flavours of Lagos to the local community, a vision they continue to pursue five years on.

Tosin, Bongou Cafe’s founder, says, “It’s been an incredible five years. We started with a simple idea to bring the bold, exciting flavours of Lagos to Edinburgh, and the reception has been overwhelming.

“Our customers have become like family. As much as we cherish our journey so far, we’re eagerly looking forward to the future and the many culinary adventures ahead. That’s why we’re kicking off our sixth year with an unforgettable party.”

The anniversary weekend will debut a new pastry and dessert counter, featuring favourites like the spicy beef pie and pineapple crumble cake. Bongou continues to offer a warm, friendly, and homely setting while serving consistently delicious food to delight its patrons.

Starting in September, Bongou Cafe will collaborate with local chefs to blend Nigerian cuisine with other African culinary traditions. Details of these collaborations, which will unfold throughout the year, will be announced soon.

The weekend festivities will also mark Bongou Cafe’s new opening hours, now extending to both Saturdays and Sundays.

This change responds to popular demand, allowing more food enthusiasts to experience its unique dishes and fall in love with Nigerian food and hospitality.

For more information, visit: https://bongoufood.co.uk

Tonight at Edinburgh International Book Festival: Stories and Scran

Enjoy tasty food and brilliant performances from local people. Returning for its fifth year, Stories and Scran celebrates dynamic, thought-provoking work created by our Citizen participants.

Expect diverse and creative talent from Project Esperanza’s Women’s Group, WHALE Arts, the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group, and Citizen Collective.

And Scran Academy are back to serve up delicious, sweet treats you can enjoy during the event.

Stories and Scran runs from 8 – 9.15pm at the Book Festival’s new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place.

Supported by Jenny Colgan Books

A royal reception for Edinburgh 900

The King and Queen attended a celebration of Edinburgh 900 this week at Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh 900 explores and celebrates the nine centuries of history and traditions in Scotland’s capital city, since the founding of the Royal Burgh by King David I around 1124.

The King and Queen were greeted by a colourful and dynamic display of the very best of Edinburgh, featuring performances from Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, music from a local accordion player, and Bhangra dancers.

There was also an array of local and national civic and community organisations represented including the Edinburgh Local Heritage Network, The Hub, Herbie of Edinburgh, Historic Environment Scotland, Barnardo’s and The Prince’s Trust.

The renowned author Alexander McCall Smith performed a short poem written for Edinburgh’s 900th birthday, his adopted home.

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge then delivered a specially produced loyal address to The King and Queen. 

Concluding the celebrations, The King and Queen were invited to cut an Edinburgh 900 themed cake baked by 2020 Great British Bake Off winner and Edinburgh-born, Peter Sawkins.

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “It was wonderful to welcome Their Majesties to Edinburgh to celebrate 900 years of Scotland’s capital city. The interest shown by The King and Queen highlights the importance of 900 years of our shared history and showcased local organisations exhibiting the very best of Edinburgh in the modern day which we’re rightly proud of.  

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how Edinburgh 900 develops in the months ahead. The full programme will delve into how Edinburgh came to be over the centuries. The programme will also celebrate Edinburgh in the present day and look ahead to our future ambitions and aspirations.”

An official programme launch will take place at the end of July. This will announce the full list of recipients of the Edinburgh 900 Community and Civic Funds.