The colourful kaleidoscope theme for the 2022 event teased as special early bird tickets go on sale
Edinburgh Castle will transform into a ‘Kingdom of Colours’ this winter as the capital’s most iconic landmark is illuminated with state-of-the-art projections to highlight stories from Scotland’s history.
Guests can expect a truly immersive experience as Edinburgh Castle is brought to life once again through spectacular light and sound displays to brighten up the darker months.
Joining forces for a third year, Double Take Projections, NL Productions, Andy McGregor and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, are back with an “all new for 2022” trail, creating another unmissable event in Edinburgh. Back by popular demand is the beloved Rex the lion rampant who will guide guests through colourful thematic zones during the 60-minute walking tour.
Early bird tickets are available until midnight on Friday 7 October for the world-class light trail running for six weeks over the festive period, Friday 18 November to Friday 30 December 2022 (select dates). A magical experience for people of all ages, the event will also have a fantastic selection of food and drink available for visitors as they make their way through the castle grounds.
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. Adult early bird tickets cost £18 (using the promo code: COLSM22), with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members also available.
In the absence of the roar of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party, Rex, the lovable lion rampant, has taken centre stage to wish everyone a Happy New Year on behalf of Castle of Light.
Rex is on the decks playing a short set from the Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures’ finale scene, including samples from some of the recent treasured music acts that have played at the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, such as Blondie, Simply Red and The Proclaimers, in a megamix fit for bringing in the bells.
With just a few dates remaining to experience the outdoor illuminated trail, find out more and get your tickets at CastleofLight.scot.
Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures continues on 7, 8 and 9 January 2022.
Edinburgh Castle has launched a search to find a deserving person to become part of this year’s Castle of Light show.
Celebrating Scotland’s ‘hidden treasures’, Castle of Light will put a spotlight on the lesser-known stories from Scotland’s past using stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling. Ensuring it doesn’t miss out on the unique stories on its own doorstep, Edinburgh Castle has also launched a search to find Scotland’s ‘wee treasure’.
Highlighting those who go above and beyond, Edinburgh Castle is asking the public to nominate the people around them that they consider to be a ‘wee treasure’ – giving one lucky person the opportunity to switch on the 2021 event.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “Scotland is known for the friendly and welcoming nature of its residents, and so people stories are a key part of our history. That’s why we want to shine a spotlight on the deserving people in our communities – someone you consider admirable, young or old. We want to find Scotland’s own ‘wee treasure’, anyone with a story to be told.
“After a tough 18 months, the people around us have never been more important and so we’re excited to be able to give recognition to some of Scotland’s special people. Extending the celebration, we’ll be offering one ‘wee treasure’ the opportunity to switch on the 2021 event – a truly unique experience. So whether it’s a pillar of the community or just a great pal, we want to hear your stories.”
Visitors can expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour as Castle of Light returns to the capital this winter. Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures is set to come to life, transforming the historic attraction into an interactive wonderland, for eight weeks throughout the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022 (on select dates, Thursday – Sunday).
Nominate yourself or someone else as a ‘wee treasure’ online at CastleofLight.scot/competition and follow the ‘wee treasure’ search on Edinburgh Castle’s social channels @EdinburghCastle.
The nominated individual from all valid entries will gain free access for them and a plus one to the Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures preview event on Thursday 18 November.
One ‘wee treasure’ who has shone brightly within their community will be picked to switch on the show at the preview event on Thursday 18 November.
Nominations close on Thursday 11 November.
For more information and to get your tickets, visit CastleofLight.scot.
The Moderator of the General Assembly Lord Jim Wallace has embarked on a ten-day schedule to learn more about the life and work of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Lord Wallace said he is looking forward to attending events organised by the Presbytery of Edinburgh which will see him meet people from all walks of life and learn how they have coped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presbytery visits provide Moderators with an opportunity to offer encouragement and support to church members and the communities they serve.
Due to the lockdown, this is the first fully in-person visit to take place since 2019.
Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly
Lord Wallace, a QC and former MP and MSP, said the city is close to his heart. “I am very much looking forward to my first presbytery visit, not least because it is Edinburgh where I went to university, trained as a lawyer, practiced as a lawyer, sat in the Scottish Parliament and where I met my wife, Rosie,” he said.
“I am very grateful to the presbytery for putting together a very comprehensive programme, which will allow me to engage with a whole range of people who reflect my interests and background.”
Candidates
The programme will see Lord Wallace visit churches, hospitals, universities and a prison and meet ordinary church members, politicians, senior figures in the judiciary, ministers, chaplains and interfaith and ecumenical leaders.
Lord Wallace was ordained as an elder at what was St Bernard’s Church in Stockbridge in 1981. It is now called Stockbridge Parish Church and Lord Wallace joined the congregation there yesterday (above).
In the evening, the Moderator led worship at Holy Trinity Church in Wester Hailes.
Lord Wallace will meet with Councillor Frank Ross, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, at the City Chambers today and will later attend an event at New College to mark their 175th Anniversary and meet candidates for the ministry.
This evening, the Moderator will attend a civic event at the City Chambers for members of the Edinburgh Area Children’s Panel who make sure that a young person is at the heart of legal decisions that affect them.
Many church members are involved in this work and Lady Wallace, who will be accompanying her husband, was a panel member for many years until recently.
Courts and prison
On Tuesday, Lord Wallace, who is currently sitting on the non-affiliated benches in the House of Lords, is visiting the Charteris Centre run by Greyfriars Kirk, which is based in a refurbished church building at The Pleasance which is nearing completion.
It is a social enterprise initiative which seeks to provide a place for connection with communities of all kinds.
Afterwards he will visit Edinburgh Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Courts to hear more about the administration of justice, especially during the pandemic.
Lord Wallace will then travel to HMP Edinburgh in the Saughton area of the city where he will be given a tour and introduced to staff, prisoners and the chaplains who support them.
On Wednesday, he will visit Napier University’s Sighthill campus where he will meet Principal Andrea Nolan and be given a tour of the Clinical Centre in School of Health and Social Care.
He will meet staff, students, members of the university’s chaplaincy team and Professor Gary Hutchinson and Liz Aston from the School of Applied Sciences to discuss work with Scottish Institute For Policing Research.
In the afternoon, the Moderator will visit the Granton Goes Greener project at Granton Parish Church to learn more about an innovative clothes upcycling project which is part of work to reduce consumption as part of efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
He will later attend a special Presbytery service in St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile, which will be attended by the church’s ecumenical and interfaith partners, as well as national and civic leaders, and will be followed by a reception in Parliament Hall which will bring people from the worlds of religion, politics and legal profession together.
On Thursday, the Moderator is visiting Edinburgh Airport with Rev Moira MacDonald, minister of Corstorphine Old Parish Church and Workplace Chaplain, Esther Elliot, to hear about the work of workplace chaplains.
He will later meet with the Principal of the University of Edinburgh and visit the law school – the place where he studied – to speak with students and staff.
Frontline chaplains
In the evening, the Moderator will attend a Presbyterial Guild event in Craiglockhart Parish Church, speaking on the theme of “Look forward in Faith”.
On Friday, he is visiting the Royal Blind School, the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and will attend an evening reception at Edinburgh Castle for chaplains who serve in a wide variety of contexts – hospitals, the military, universities and the workplace.
Lord Wallace said: “I am looking forward to meeting people engaged in chaplaincy, many of whom have been at the front line during the COViD-19 crisis.
“I will be very much in listening mode and hope to provide them with encouragement.”
Polwarth Parish Church is the Moderator’s next stop where, on Saturday, he will visit the new All Aboard canal boat that the congregation jointly own with a charity called People Know How.
It is used for spiritual and educational pursuits on the Union Canal, which links Edinburgh and Falkirk.
The Moderator will take part in worship at Tron, Moredun and Gilmerton Church on Sunday and join members of Leith Churches for a special service in the evening.
He will visit the Richmond’s Hope bereavement project for children and young people at Richmond Craigmillar Church the following day.
Very Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of Edinburgh Presbytery, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Lord Wallace.
“Presbytery visits allow Moderators to meet local Christians and gain a wider perspective of how the Church, and the communities we support, engage.”
The creative team behind Castle of Light has unveiled a first look at this year’s mesmerising sensory show, as general tickets go on sale.
Celebrating ‘hidden treasures’, the 2021 show is set to put a spotlight on the lesser-known stories from Scotland’s past. Projections unveiled today tease the re-discovery of the Honours of Scotland, the return of Rex the lovable lion rampant and a first look at some of the secrets of St. Margaret, and the treasures within her chapel, ahead of the show launch in November.
10-year-old Robert Lauder, from Balerno, took to the grounds of Edinburgh Castle after-dark for a first glimpse of the light spectacular.
Tasked with uncovering stories, old and new, Castle of Light promises to bring tales to life with the use of stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling.
Creative Director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Double Take Projections, NL Productions and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s event, said: “We are hugely excited to be back with a new show for 2021. The fact that we couldn’t make it last year has given us 2 years to develop HIDDEN TREASURES and we truly believe it will be worth the wait.
“There will be new takes on popular family features plus a whole lot more in the way of legend, light and sparkle – all inspired by the lesser known stories of this incredible site. Edinburgh Castle is a magical place at any time but a visit by night with over a dozen unique light and sound experiences to enjoy really makes it Scotland’s unmissable winter experience.”
Heather Soutar, Head of Commercial Development at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Castle of Light this year, especially following the success of our last event in 2019.
“This year, we are inviting visitors to explore Scotland’s untold history as we take them on a journey using state-of-the-art projections at Edinburgh’s iconic landmark. Prepare to be amazed by the biggest light experience the capital has to offer, we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
Edinburgh Castle will be home to the immersive walking tour for eight weeks throughout the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022. Tickets are on sale now.
Tickets are also available for an ‘Access’ night taking place on Thursday 25 November, designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia.
Ensuring as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour, the evening will feature a range of specific support, including British Sign Language interpretation and audio described tours, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise.
Adult tickets cost £20, with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members available. For more information and to get your tickets, visit CastleofLight.scot.
Uncover the hidden treasures of Edinburgh Castle this winter, as the iconic landmark is illuminated once again with untold tales from Scotland’s past.
Returning to the capital with even more magic than before, Castle of Light is set to come to life for eight weeks throughout the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022.
Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour, as dazzling animations sweep throughout the castle grounds, transforming the historic attraction into an interactive wonderland – this year, using stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling to unravel the re-discovery of the Crown Jewels.
The event builds on the success of the inaugural 2019 experience, once again bringing together a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland to create a truly immersive experience.
With a limited run of early bird tickets set to go on sale from 9.30am tomorrow, Castle of Light invites guests to explore lesser-known stories from the past, with the promise that Rex, the lovable lion rampant, will be back to guide visitors through the mesmerising journey.
Now that the countdown to the event is on, Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “We’re so pleased that events are back and we’re kicking off in style as Castle of Light is set to be a truly magical experience for all ages.
“The untold history of this iconic landmark will illuminate the very walls that saw it unfold, captivating locals and visitors alike throughout the festive period.
“Following feedback from the 2019 event run, we’ve also introduced dates during the period between Christmas and New Year, and into January, to ensure everyone gets a chance to experience this immersive adventure.
“With timed entry slots and capped capacities, we’re ensuring it’s not only an exciting evening, but a safe space for all attending – so get your tickets booked and prepare to be dazzled!”
Double Take Projections, NL Productions, Andy McGregor and War Productions Ltd are joining forces again, in partnership with HES, to create the innovative illuminated walking tour, with entry slots every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 8.30pm each evening.
Now in its second year, following a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, Castle of Light is set to be bigger and brighter than before, with bespoke video content, brand new installations and more than double the lighting, cementing the show’s title as the biggest visual experience to hit the city centre.
Andy McGregor, Creative Director of Castle of Light, said: “It’s really great to be bringing back Castle of Light after the success of the 2019 show and all that’s happened since. This year we’ll be offering the people of Edinburgh and beyond another chance to experience the magic of Edinburgh Castle after dark and enjoy an all-new show with treasures for all the family.
“Taking inspiration from the 1818 re-discovery of the crown jewels in a Castle vault, this year’s show will celebrate the lesser-known stories of the Castle and unveil the treasure ‘hidden in plain sight’. There’s so much to discover – fantastic jewels, dancing unicorns, an animated tree and countless other surprises in store.
“But, as before, the biggest treasure of all remains – the location. Being able to explore the Castle grounds after dark makes for a unique experience in itself, then add a spectacular light show, atmospheric soundscape and cutting-edge projection, and you’ve got a true gem in Scotland’s winter programme. We hope everyone is as excited as we are.”
The consortium of creatives involved have provided projection lightshows around the globe, with world class events under their belts, covering everything from The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry to events at Sydney Opera House among them; with the inaugural Castle of Light event the first joint venture for the group.
Tickets for the light spectacular set within the historic walls of Edinburgh Castle go on sale today – Friday 3 September – from 9.30am with special early bird rates available during September.
Adult early bird tickets cost £18 (using the promo code: COLSM21), with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members also available.
Tickets for an ‘Access’ night taking place on 25 November will also be available, catering specifically for people with additional support needs, as well as a series of special events packages.
Stephen added: “We know people missed out on the chance to celebrate the festive period with family, friends and colleagues last year, so we want to ensure we’re giving everyone the opportunity to plan an occasion to remember for 2021.
“That’s why we’ve added a special corporate offering, with the package aimed at workplaces looking to elevate their Christmas parties. With exclusive use of the Queen Anne Building, a meal fit for royalty and the opportunity to explore the Castle of Light trail, make it a night to remember.”
The exclusive use corporate offering has a maximum capacity of 120 and is available throughout the festive period. Families will also have the opportunity to dine in the Queen Anne Building on select dates with ‘VIP tickets’, and adults can upgrade their experience with a two course meal accompanied by Edinburgh Gin cocktails with the ‘Crown Jewel VIP Package’.
Recent University of Edinburgh graduates celebrated their achievements at a unique event last night with the help of two city icons – Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo!
This was the first in a series of celebrations across four days with nearly five thousand graduates from summer/winter 2020 and summer 2021, plus their guests, taking part in these processions in the magnificent setting of the Castle.
Combining two of Edinburgh’s most famous institutions, the Tattoo and the University of Edinburgh, provided graduates and their guests with a night to remember.
Attendees were piped over the Castle drawbridge, then led in a procession by senior University academics, walking up through the Portcullis Gate and past the cannons, through Foogs Gate then into Castle Square accompanied by Tattoo dancers, pipers, drummers and fiddlers who provided entertainment along the way.
Graduates and their guests then entered the magnificent Great Hall, where they were capped by the University of Edinburgh’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Mathieson.
The first group were joined in their procession by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who walked with them and passed on her congratulations to graduates.
Professor Peter Mathieson said:“Over the last 18 months, our students have faced challenges like no others before them, so it’s fantastic to offer them such a special event to celebrate not only their achievements, but their resilience and commitment shown throughout the pandemic.
“It was a truly memorable moment to see our former students complete their University journey at such a spectacular and iconic setting and we are very grateful to the teams at the Tattoo and Castle for working with us to make it possible.”
Buster Howes, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We’re committed to supporting the people and organisations of Edinburgh as the City starts to open up again.
“It’s been a privilege to collaborate with the University of Edinburgh and Historic Environment Scotland to give Edinburgh’s graduates a chance to celebrate with their families, their achievements over four years, which latterly have entailed significant challenges.
“We wish Edinburgh University’s graduates every success in the future – this is just the beginning for them!”
For more information about this year’s University of Edinburgh graduation, please visit: www.ed.ac.uk
Edinburgh Castle to become student accommodation and will double as exclusive holiday lets
There has been a furious reaction to news that Edinburgh Castle has been sold – and will be converted into top of the range student accommodation.
The city council says the sale will do much to change the capital’s old-fashioned image but heritage groups say the sale of the castle is an act of barbarism
Glen Morangie, marketing director of Historic Environment Edinburgh, confirmed: “The decision was a no brainer. The building has been lying idle for over a year and it’s beginning to show it’s age.
“The city council has ambitious plans for the city centre so we have decided that now is the time to think outside the box and jump on the bandwagon. Make no mistake, this plan is a win, win.
“The building, which will be renamed Hogmanay Heights, will be converted into as many student flats as we can legally get away with – and as a major plus we have negotiated a deal with the city council to take over Princes Street Gardens.
“The gardens will be coverted into a huge drying space – which we’ll call The Back Green – to enable students to dry their laundry. This is to compensate for the lack of space in the flats – to be honest you won’t be able to swing a cat in them, but students don’t really care about that sort of thing. Laundry, I mean.”
Essential Edinburgh also has plans for Hogmanay Heights during the summer and winter breaks.
Mr Morangie continued: “We’ll send the students packing at end of term, give the flats a quick spruce up and let them out – at exhorbitant rates – to tourists. Visitors to Edinburgh are used to being ripped off so they’ll lap it up – it’s all part of the unique Edinburgh experience!”
Rupert Morningside-Merchiston, a ‘change champion’ consultant for City of Edinburgh Council, said: “There are exciting times ahead in the capital. After a year of pandemic misery this is just the tonic that the citizens of Edinburgh want and need – not that we’ve asked them, of course.
“Rest assured, the city centre will be transformed. The boring old fuddy-duddy stuff will be gone for ever – the trees, the flowers and the statues will be replaced with line after line of crisp clean laundry blowing in the breeze. Auld Reekie no more: and Edinburgh – sponsored by Persil – will lead the way once again.”
The Esplanade will become a massive bicycle shed, which causes a major problem for the organisers of Edinburgh’s world famous Tattoo.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s Pipe Major Ruaridh Bannockburn said: “Of course we’ll miss Edinburgh Castle but times are changing, everyone’s cutting back and shows of miltary might ain’t what they used to be.
“Oddly enough, our very first Tattoo was a small event staged at the Ross Bandstand back in 1949, and it seems that we must now go back to our roots and stage a drastically scaled down Tattoo once again.
“With Underbelly’s permission we will be performing ‘Twa’ Pipers Ana’, Ana’ in a phonebox near the Ross Bandstand this August. Buy your tickets now, but remember to bring your own seat – the prices Underbelly charge are eye-watering!”
Archie Brunstane-Bingham, chairman of the Old Town Preservation Society, was unavailable for comment. It’s understood he’s moved to Glasgow.
Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark, steeped in history and a prominent feature on the city’s skyline, from its position atop Castle Rock. But, what if it looked different? What if the castle wasn’t built in the 12th century by David I, but was instead created by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi?
For the first time ever, TransPennine Express has asked the question, and reimagined Edinburgh Castle in the style of Gaudi, as part of a new series.
Edinburgh Castle houses some of Scotland’s most important artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. The outside is distinctive, as the fortress walls dissolve into the volcanic rock as if they were one entity. It is the culmination of the Royal Mile, and tourists flock here every day to get a sense of life for the Scottish royals in the Middle Ages.
In this reimagining, Antoni Gaudi’s influence is immediately obvious – with his Gothic free-flowing style taking over the Castle’s towers and walls, featuring colours borrowed from Park Güell. The roof of the castle becomes similar to his Casa Batlló building in Barcelona.
