Tag: Edinburgh Castle

Castle of Light illuminates Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary with spectacular opening night

Locals and visitors from across the country helped kickstart the celebrations in the capital as Castle of Light, the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, officially opened to the public.

This year, Castle of Light is helping to mark the city’s epic 900th anniversary with a showstopping celebration suitable for all ages. Getting the party started, pupils from the local Royal Mile Primary School joined Rex the lion on the esplanade to officially ‘switch on’ this year’s event for its seven-week run.

Electrifying Edinburgh’s iconic skyline for a fifth fantastic year, Castle of Light pulled out all the stops with an immersive after-dark trail, transforming the historic castle grounds with all-new light and sound displays celebrating 900 years of history and setting the festive season ablaze.

From mythical creatures to long-lost tales, visitors reveled in the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of Scotland’s most famous figures before dancing through the ages in Crown Square.

This year, the creators are also taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the lesser-known stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women, inspired by Edinburgh author, Sara Sheridan’s book ‘Where are the Women?’.

Illuminating the Lava Wall with stories of the tenacious women that history forgot, guests came face to face with figures spanning the 12th to the 21st century, including Scottish science pioneer Mary Sommerville, explorer, naturalist and photographer Isabella Bird, and Sophia Jex-Blake, one the ‘Edinburgh Seven’, with Sara joining the team on opening night to see her writing come to life on the Castle walls.

Emma Bowie, regional visitor & community manager at Edinburgh Castle, said: “Castle of Light has truly become a jewel in Edinburgh’s bustling winter schedule, and this year’s celebration is particularly special as we mark the city’s 900th anniversary.

“This year’s event is all about bringing people together to revel in the capital’s incredible history as it comes to life on the castle walls. From uncovering the inspiring stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women to soaking in the vibrant energy in Crown Square, Castle of Light showcases the incredible depth of Scotland’s past while creating unforgettable memories for the present. It’s a spectacular way to celebrate this milestone year with family and friends this festive season.”

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light will run for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates until Saturday 4 January 2025. A special access night will also take place on Sunday 8 December.

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required. Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.

Castle of Light and Christmas at The Botanics: CANCELLED TONIGHT

Important information ❗

📆Saturday 23 November

We are sorry to advise that due to adverse weather and with the health and safety of all visitors and staff in mind, Castle of Light has been cancelled tonight, Saturday 23 November.

Your tickets can be used at your original booked timeslot on any of our remaining event dates, which can be found on our website. You do not need to get in touch, just show your tickets when you arrive for your timeslot and our castle team will be able to help.

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused but we hope to welcome you to the event at a later date✨

Due to extreme weather #ChristmasAtTheBotanics is closed today, Saturday 23 November. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.  

Today’s ticket holders will be contacted shortly by Ticketekand informed of the re-booking process.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

@TheBotanics

Edinburgh rail users and tourists get chance to learn vital lifesaving skills

  • St Andrew’s First Aid to deliver free CPR demonstrations at popular locations to mark Restart a Heart Day.

Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, St Andrew’s First Aid, is providing Edinburgh locals and tourists with a chance to learn lifesaving CPR skills at open demonstrations held in the heart of the city this month.

To mark ‘Restart a Heart Day’ (16th October), an initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK to increase the number of people who survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, St Andrew’s First Aid will be delivering free public demonstrations across three city centre locations.    

Passers-by will be invited to get involved with CPR demonstrations, as well as learning how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

They will also be encouraged to practice what they have learned, gaining insightful feedback from St Andrew’s First Aid Community Engagement Trainers and Volunteers, to ensure they are prepared to step in and help, if they witness someone having a cardiac arrest. 

Jim Dorman, Director of Operations and Community Engagement at St Andrew’s First Aid said: “We usually mark Restart a Heart with one day – but this year we decided it needs to be noticed – so we’re carrying out a roadshow across the full month of October, with free demonstrations taking place up and down the country.

“The importance of knowing how to administer CPR correctly can really be the difference between life and death for those receiving it. It’s our ambition to have as many people as possible learning these vital skills that could ultimately save a life.”

St Andrew’s First Aid Community Engagement Trainers and Volunteers will be in attendance at the following locations:

  • Edinburgh Castle: Wednesday 16th October: 11am-4pm
  • Edinburgh Haymarket Train Station: Thursday 17th October – 11am-2pm
  • Edinburgh Waverly Station: Saturday 19th October – 11am-4pm

Between April 2022 and May 2023, there were 3,161 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Scotland*. Charities such as St Andrew’s First Aid are making it their mission to create a nation of lifesavers, by providing easy to access and free training to the public.

To find out more about St Andrew’s First Aid please visit: www.firstaid.org.uk

* https://www.scottishambulance.com/media/10dn0df0/ohca-report-2022-23.pdf

Making Magical Memories for Mercy

Mercy Cuthbertson from North Tyneside is a six-year-old girl who has enjoyed a very special experience day in Edinburgh after Newcastle-based train operator Lumo learned of her passion for the company’s bright blue trains.

Mercy is bravely fighting an aggressive paediatric brain tumour. Her parents Lorraine and Paul have already raised more than £113,000 towards a target of £120,000 for some life-saving trials abroad.

Open access train operator Lumo contacted Mercy’s parents offering a special VIP day trip to Edinburgh where the family were invited to an exclusive performance at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the city’s Royal Mile followed by a visit to Edinburgh Castle.

Richard Salkeld, Head of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, said: “When we heard about Mercy’s story and her love of our trains, we began to create a truly memorable experience for her and her parents.

“We teamed up with Imaginate: The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, the Scottish Storytelling Centre and Edinburgh Castle to help organise what was a very special action-packed visit to Edinburgh.

“As a company proudly based in Newcastle, we’re committed to supporting the communities on our route so today has been a joy to help make happen for Mercy.”

As part of the visit Mercy was invited into the driver’s cab after they arrived at Edinburgh Waverley where she posed for photographs with some of the onboard team from Lumo.

Mercy Cuthbertson travelling on a Lumo train

Lorraine Cuthbertson, Mercy’s mother, said: “Today has been incredible. We’ve been made to feel so welcome and enjoyed some magnificent magical moments that we’ll never forget. Mercy loved her visit to the driver’s cab on the train and meeting the unicorn at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.”

The whirlwind visit to Edinburgh was Mercy’s first time travelling on the all-electric Lumo train. She posed with a specially made giant ticket as a memento of her day before boarding at Newcastle on Friday morning.

Paul Cuthbertson, Mercy’s father, said: “She’s had a brilliant day and has been treated like royalty. It’s been so special, and I think everyone had a tear in her eye when she reached out and stroked the unicorn who she named Twinkle. Thanks to everyone who helped make today so unforgettable.”

Mercy’s fundraising campaign continues to receive generous support from people in the North East but has also received donations from around the world as her parents work tirelessly to raise funds in a bid to do all they can to help Mercy.

For anyone wishing to donate to Mercy’s campaign, they can visit here.

New display explores the personal stories behind Second World War Maps

A new display at the National War Museum in Edinburgh Castle will explore the purpose, importance and personal significance of military maps in the Second World War.  

Between 1939 – 1945, over 36 million photographs and 342 million maps were produced by the British Armed Forces alone. The maps and photographs in Maps: Memories from the Second World War (9 March 2024 to 25 Jan 2026) have changed purpose from their original use.

No longer a vital tool in directing troops or devising a plan for escape, they are now mementos and memories, kept alongside medals and photographs, acting as a marker to say, ‘I was here’. 

The display was inspired by the painting, ‘Major Robert W. Cairns MBE, TD, MA Father’s Memorabilia, North West Europe’, (1995), by Joyce W Cairns PPRSA.

Major Robert W. Cairns MBE served in various posts and locations during the war. From 1943, he was responsible for organising the travel network for the movement of troops and supplies across the inadequate and congested roads of Northern Europe.

The painting depicts the artist’s father’s memorabilia from the Second World War.  

Julie Gibb, Assistant Curator of Science at National Museums Scotland said:  “Cairns’ painting and the personal collections of other Second World War veterans inspired us to produce this display to examine the creation, use and reinterpretation of maps. 

“Maps: Memories of the Second World War explores the purpose of a map as much more than just a physical or a functional object and reveals the stories of the people who kept these maps as a memory of a personal journey.”

An unusual object featured in the display is a silk dress made from escape and evade maps used during the Second World War, on loan from Worthing Museum and Art Gallery. Fabric maps were issued to pilots and Special Forces in the event that they were shot down, trapped behind enemy lines and needed to escape. 

A British Army Officer is credited with the idea of printing escape maps on silk. Christopher Clayton Hutton, an inventor and MI9 British Army Officer, was inspired to use the material for maps as silk is waterproof, quiet to open and easy to hide or sew into clothing.

When the maps no longer served their original purpose, this valuable material was used to make clothing in an era of post war rationing. MI9 (British Military Intelligence) employed Hutton and former magician Jasper Maskelyne to devise ingenious ways to smuggle maps, compasses, money and fake documentation into Prisoner of War camps.

Working with firms such as John Waddington & Co (makers of Monopoly), items were hidden in board games, playing cards and gramophone records. MI9 delivered parcels through bogus charities such as the ‘Prisoners Leisure Hours Fund’ with them hidden inside. 

Edinburgh based cartography firm John Bartholomew & Son Ltd supplied paper copies and printing plates of their small-scale world maps to be used for the MI9 ‘escape and evasion’ maps .

The display also includes footage from the National Collection of Arial Photography and highlights the importance of aerial photography through items such as the logbook and photographs of Flight Lieutenant Thomas D MacMillan, and a stereoscope used to view images of the landscape below in 3D. 

Maps: Memories from the Second World War is on display from 9 March 2024 to 25 Jan 2026.

Ukraine: Prime Minister statement

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a statement to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

When Putin launched his illegal invasion two years ago, the free world was united in its response. We stood together behind Ukraine. And on this grim anniversary, we must renew our determination.

I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago and I met wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Each harrowing story was a reminder of Ukraine’s courage in the face of terrible suffering.

It was a reminder of the price they are paying not only to defend their country against a completely unjustified invasion, but also to defend the very principles of freedom, sovereignty and the rule of law, on which we all depend. 

The UK is going further in our support. I announced last month the biggest single package of defence aid to Ukraine, taking our total support to £12 billion and signed a ten-year agreement on security cooperation – the first of its kind. 

This is the moment to show that tyranny will never triumph and to say once again that we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow. 

We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until they prevail.

First Minister Humza Yousaf to attend Ukrainian memorial service

Solidarity with Ukraine

On the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the First Minister will attend a service held at Edinburgh Castle in memory of those who have died during the conflict.

The event is a collaboration between the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh Branch and the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain.

During the service, the First Minister will deliver a reading as well as lay a wreath alongside Mr Andrii Kuslii, Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and members of the Ukrainian communities living in Scotland.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “On the second anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, I want to make it clear that the people of Scotland remain steadfast in support of the country and its brave citizens.

“Ukrainians are fighting for freedom, the rule of law, and the right of countries across Europe to coexist in peace and security.

“As we mourn the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people, we also look ahead positively, hoping for a day soon when Ukraine can live in peace as a free, sovereign, European nation.”

Castle of Light illuminates Edinburgh’s night sky

NEW STORYTELLING PROJECTIONS UNVEILED AT EDINBURGH CASTLE

The capital’s enchanting atmosphere was kicked up a notch this weekend as Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery officially opened to the public, welcoming visitors from across the country to experience the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle during a sell-out opening weekend.

Greeted with captivating tales and intriguing stories, this year’s brand-new show focuses on the magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery from Scotland’s past. With myths and legends, from fortune-telling runes and Tarot readings to the inner workings of the Portcullis Gate depicted through immersive light and sound displays, the winter spectacular wowed, conjuring a charming start to the festive season.

Officially opening this year’s event for its six-week run, local resident Andew Neilson joined the team behind Castle of Light to ‘switch-on’ the unique after-dark trail, after securing the coveted opportunity to light up the skyline as a winner of the Castle of Light mystery ticket trail which took place in the run up to the event.  

In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’, Castle of Light partnered with local attractions and venues to create a mysterious trail around the city, with the chance to win tickets along the way.

Andrew was travelling on a Lothian bus into the city when he saw the clues posted on social media and identified the world-renowned tapestry studio, Dovecot Studios, as one of the venues hiding a magic card.

He said: “I happened to be scrolling on social media and came across the mystery ticket trail, it was then I put the clues together and realised that the magic card was hidden in Dovecot Studios – and my bus was just around the corner. I hopped off the bus and managed to find one of the winning magic cards!

“It was truly special to be involved in lighting up Edinburgh’s iconic castle. People from all over the world celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay in Edinburgh with the castle at the centre of the celebrations. Cheers to a brilliant festive season!”

Now in its fourth year, Castle of Light is brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland and further afield, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland.

With 8,000 visitors attending during opening weekend to experience the spellbinding installations, Castle of Light is set to bring magic to locals and visitors alike throughout the festive season.

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which cares for Edinburgh Castle, said: “The festive period is all about magic, joy and wonder and we wanted to bring this to life through Castle of Light.

“Now in our fourth year, it’s important for us to keep the show fresh so that locals and visitors alike can be transported into a world of wonder as a tapestry of all-new storytelling projections dance across the castle walls. And Andrew did a tremendous job in helping us build excitement and anticipation at the switch-on for the six week event run ahead.

“Celebrating Scotland’s rich heritage by inviting visitors to step into a history lesson like no other, from reawakening William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce, to exploring the lesser-known parts of the Castle, Castle of Light is a magical evening for all ages and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors this year.”

Castle of Light will light up the city’s skyline for six weeks throughout the festive season on select dates, until Wednesday 3 January 2024.

Tickets are available to purchase now (adult tickets: £22), with concession rates, family tickets and Historic Scotland members’ discounts available. Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.

Tickets for an ‘access night’ on Sunday 3 December are also available. Designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia, the evening will feature a range of specific support including British Sign Language interpretation, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise, in partnership with Scottish Autism.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot.

Advance booking required.

Edinburgh Castle To Light Up Purple for World Pancreatic Cancer Day

Edinburgh Castle will be lit purple today (Thursday 16th November) for World Pancreatic Cancer Day. 

Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland supporter Lesley Irving has arranged for the city’s iconic castle to be lit up purple to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

Lesley’s mum, Pauline, sadly passed away in June 2020 from pancreatic cancer. Pauline, 72, had been experiencing back pain and following a scan, she received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Covid-19 restrictions meant that Lesley had to say her last goodbye through the window of Ayrshire Hospice where her mum lived for the last nine weeks of her life. 

Lesley is determined to raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and hopes that shining a purple light on Edinburgh castle will help reach more people and get them talking about the disease.

She said: “I felt lost after Mum passed away and I thought I should focus on doing something positive. I hope that through fundraising for Pancreatic Action Scotland and helping to raise awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, I can help drive earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for patients.”

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest of all common cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 8%. Every year in Scotland, over 900 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Only 10% of patients in the UK are diagnosed in time for life-saving surgery. 

For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (1st-30th November), Pancreatic Cancer Action has launched their #MISSED campaign to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer symptoms to improve the statistics around missed diagnoses.

Pancreatic Cancer Action’s research has shown that despite how deadly pancreatic cancer is, only 54% of people in Scotland know anything about pancreatic cancer.

74% of people in Scotland cannot name a single symptom of pancreatic cancer. Research has also shown that many symptoms are missed, with patients visiting their GP an average of 4 times before being diagnosed.

Learn more about PCA’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month campaign #MISSED.

Photo credit: Ryan McEwan

Castle of Light: Scotland’s mythical past set to light up city skyline

The creative team behind Castle of Light has revealed a first look at this year’s ‘Magic and Mystery’ themed interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, as the countdown to the winter spectacular begins.

Edinburgh’s most iconic landmark will once again welcome locals and visitors alike to experience an immersive after-dark walking trail – with this year’s brand new show focused on tales of magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery from Scotland’s past.

With opening weekend just five weeks away, local children, Lucas and Isla Brown, were invited to the Castle to experience an exclusive glimpse at the enchanting light and sound displays.

Andy McGregor, creative director of Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery, working alongside NL Productions, War Productions Ltd and Double Take Projections, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), explains: “This year, we’ll be transporting visitors in time through a mix of large-scale projections and lighting installations to explore Scotland as a place of legend, storytelling and unrivalled mystery.

“Like the experimental alchemists of the 16th century, we use magical tools from our digital era to transport the audience, transform the castle and bring stone to life. Let immersive installations guide you through Scotland’s colourful past as a tapestry of all-new projections animate the castle walls.

“An enchanting experience for all ages, this year’s show brings together a mix of fantastic interactive elements including a digital wall of mirrors, a stunning wall of wands and the opportunity to meet Castle of Light’s much-loved lion mascot, Rex, all whilst savouring what has to be the finest view in town from the castle ramparts.”

On-site catering will be available throughout the event run conjuring up a delectable range of treats, with exclusive Castle of Light cocktails, including the Smoking One O’clock Gun, Edinburgh Gincantation and a Blood Moon Mocktail also available.

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which cares for Edinburgh Castle, said: “Crowned for having the best Christmas markets in Europe, Edinburgh already enjoys an exemplary reputation as the ultimate festive city break destination; and Castle of Light truly is a jewel in the city’s skyline.

“Now in its fourth year, Castle of Light has continued to bring even bigger and brighter state-of-the-art projections to the fore and 2023 is no different – we’re bringing the magic of Scotland’s past to life! And we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning visitors to the Castle.”

Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery will run for six weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 24 November 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024. Tickets are available to purchase now (adult tickets: £22), with concession rates, family tickets and Historic Scotland members’ discounts available.

A special ‘access night’ will also take place on Sunday 3 December designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia. The evening will feature a range of specific support including British Sign Language interpretation, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise, in partnership with Scottish Autism.

Stephen continued: “We believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to experience the excitement of Scotland’s heritage, and so we’ve teamed up with experts to make Castle of Light as accessible and enjoyable for all.

“Castle of Light is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and experience a magical night at the castle and we hope that by addressing specific access needs, we can welcome even more guests into Edinburgh Castle as it is illuminated with secrets of Scotland’s past.”

Honouring Scotland’s Heroes

Fallen police officers among Brave@Heart Award winners

Two police officers killed in the line of duty have been honoured with posthumous Brave@Heart Awards by the First Minister.

Constable George Taylor was murdered in 1976 after two restricted patients absconded from the State Hospital in Carstairs. Detective Sergeant Ross Hunt was killed in 1983 in South Lanarkshire as he investigated a knife attack.

The officers are among 24 members of the emergency services and the public to receive Brave@Heart Awards this year.

The awards recognise acts of bravery and heroism across Scotland, with nominations made by the emergency services, and winners selected by an independent validation panel. Four of this year’s winners also received the St Andrew’s Award for acts of exceptional bravery.

Brave@Heart award winners include two supermarket workers who tackled a knife-wielding attacker, two schoolboys whose quick thinking saved the day when members of their families suffered medical emergencies, and an off-duty firefighter who entered a burning block of flats and led residents to safety.

First Minister Humza Yousaf, who presented the awards at a ceremony in Edinburgh Castle, said: “The courage and heroism shown by the award-winners is truly humbling. In every case, they didn’t hesitate to act when it came to helping others.

“I was particularly honoured to present posthumous Brave@Heart Awards to the families of Constable Taylor and Detective Sergeant Hunt.

“These officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect other people and, tragically, they paid with their lives.

“They are true heroes whose bravery and sacrifice has been overlooked for far too long. I also commend the courage and determination of the families and colleagues who have campaigned over the years for the officers’ heroism to be properly recognised.”

Brave@Heart Validation Panel Chair David Garbutt said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to chair the panel considering the nominations for these awards, recognising the fantastic achievements of people throughout Scotland who have shown courage and selflessness in helping others and keeping our communities safe.”

brave-heart-award-winnersDownload