The Edinburgh and Midlothian 2021 Carer Survey is now open!
This survey will ask you about your current or past caring role, and taking a break from caring, work, money, and your health and wellbeing. It will also cover the support and services you have accessed. You don’t need to be registered with VOCAL to take part.
As a thank you for your time, you can enter a prize draw. There are two prizes up for grabs:
a one-week free holiday to VOCAL’s new carer cottage in Blair Atholl, plus £150 to spend
a £50 eVoucher for a retailer of your choice
All responses are anonymous and you can provide as much information as you feel comfortable with. Your support will help develop the future of carer support in Edinburgh and Midlothian and we would really appreciate your time.
The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and you can save your progress and come back at a later time. VOCAL’s Carer Support Teams in Edinburgh (0131 622 6666) and Midlothian (0131 663 6869) can also support you in completing the survey, simply call them for advice.
Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, today launches its new direct service linking the capital cities of Scotland and Wales.
To mark the launch of the new route between Edinburgh and Cardiff, Loganair’s head of revenue and sales, Donna McHugh, will fly to the Welsh capital to meet Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport.
The service will operate up to five times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, connecting Scotland and Wales for business and leisure travellers alike.
Flights will be on Loganair’s 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jets, with prices on the 1hr 20min trip starting at £50.99 one way including all taxes and charges. All Loganair fares include a free checked baggage allowance.
The direct flights represent the last major route to be restored by Loganair and other carriers, thereby bringing back the domestic connectivity lost when Flybe collapsed in March 2020.
The Cardiff service adds to the eight others already flown from Edinburgh by Loganair, including Southampton, Newquay and the Isle of Man.
Donna McHugh, head of revenue and sales at Loganair, said: “Loganair is delighted to once again be operating the Edinburgh to Cardiff route.
“It is vital that connectivity is maintained between these two major cities and we know it will prove very popular with both our leisure and business travellers.”
Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport said: “It’s fantastic that Loganair has re-instated such a vital and in-demand route, re-connecting the Scottish and Welsh capitals.
“Once again, customers will be able to fly with ease between Cardiff and Edinburgh, and fly from their local Airport for business travel, to visit friends and family, or to experience the vibrant city of Edinburgh and Scotland’s natural beauty.
“It is our priority to re-instate routes lost due to COVID-19 pandemic, and we are delighted that Scotland’s airline has stepped in to provide an essential service to both our business and leisure customers. We’d like to extend a warm Welsh welcome to Loganair and thank the airline for their support.”
Kate Sherry, aviation director at Edinburgh Airport said: “We’re excited to be reconnecting the capitals of Scotland and Wales, a route which will allow family members to reunite as well as enable people to enjoy a well-earned break in Edinburgh and Cardiff.
“It’s been an extremely tough period and we know people are looking forward to enjoying some time away from home, and this is further good news as the airport looks to provide those opportunities for our passengers. Loganair is a valued partner and its confidence in Edinburgh Airport is welcome now and going forward.”
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener, writes about Love Parks Week and thanks the Friends of the City’s parks:
Throughout the last 18 months, our parks and green spaces have been a vital lifeline to many of us during the pandemic (writesCllr Amy McNeese-Mechan).
As we hopefully continue to enjoy the summer weather, Keep Britain Tidy’s annual Love Parks Week provides the opportunity to send a rallying cry; to Love, Respect, and Protect our parks throughout the summer of 2021 and beyond.
With an increase in number of visitors our green spaces have been under immense pressure, I would like to use this opportunity to thank not only our parks and greenspaces team for their continued hard work but all those volunteers and friends group whose support has been invaluable.
For example, the Water of Leith Conservation Trust and team of volunteers have helped maintain the entire length of the Water of Leith Walkway.
Over the last year Friends of Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill funded and installed five picnic benches on their site and Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park have been fully redeveloping their bothy into a volunteer centre and base with facilities for groups to use.
Our friends have also helped us tackle litter. The Pentland Hills Litter Watch group was created during the pandemic when a group of local residents took it upon themselves to litter pick various locations in the Regional Park.
The Craigmillar and Niddrie Litter Busters was formed online in February and brought together a small group of local people who wanted to help inspire, advise and organise events for community clean ups whilst campaigning and promoting environmental concerns in the Craigmillar area.
They also help to co-ordinate solo or family group litter picks and tidy up local parks and streetscape areas during the COVID lockdown and ongoing pandemic. Our team support their efforts, providing equipment and advice, it’s a fantastic working partnership between the community and Council.
Friends of Little France Park are a relatively new group, but they were keen to help the parks site officer during lockdown in keeping a close eye on activities in the park and provided feedback to staff working from home.
Regular communications with staff managing the park helped hugely to allow us to be informed and manage what was happening. The passion of the communities driven by local knowledge and love of their greenspaces made this a useful and genuine partnership between council parks officers and the community connected to the park.
This week we’ll be highlighting more of this amazing work on our social media accounts but I would like to thank them all again.
I am very proud of all our award-winning parks and of those who work all year round, and in all weathers to keep our parks beautiful. The parks belong to the people of Edinburgh and we’re so grateful for the support from our citizens.
This article first appeared in Edinburgh Evening News
With Harry Potter’s birthday (31 July) celebrated by millions of fans worldwide, there’s no better time than now to be thrown headfirst into the wonderous world.
It’s been 20 years since we first saw the winding streets of Diagon Alley, Harry’s steam train ride through the Scottish Highlands and the breath-taking towers of Hogwarts School. Small group tour operator Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is here to help Potter fans re-live the magic with tours to iconic Harry Potter filming locations for the perfect escape into the wizarding world.
Take a small coach, not flying car, to the historic and beautiful Scottish borders
On the spectacular Northumberland coastline, an area of outstanding natural beauty, sits Alnwick Castle. This fortress doubled as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and is a wonderful site to visit for muggles and wizards alike. A tour of the castle allows guests to walk in the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione, and discover the real-life history of this 11th century castle.
All this and more is available on Rabbie’s Alnwick castle, Northumberland coast & the Borders tour, a one-day trip departing from Edinburgh. Guests will also get to visit the quaint village of Kelso, with its cobbled town square and beautiful boutique shops.
A visit to one of the world’s largest and most impressive second-hand book shops in Britain also awaits guests, who may feel transported into the cosy surroundings of Hogwarts Library! Prices for this one-day tour start from £47 per person.
Witness the magic of Edinburgh and the ‘Harry Potter’ Viaduct
If Harry Potter has a spiritual home, it is Edinburgh. JK Rowling wrote the majority of the series here and visitors will see how the beautiful city offered inspiration around every corner.
Take a wander up Victoria Street, a colourful old lane with many brightly painted shops, said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. For those willing to travel further afield, the Isle of Skye & West Highlands tour will take guests deep into the picturesque Scottish mountains.
The crystal lochs will remind fans of The Great Lake – mermaids and Giant Squids not guaranteed. Also, witness the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the most iconic part of the railway journey to Hogwarts. This is a four-day trip departing from Edinburgh starting from £219 per person.
It may be for muggles, but Oxford University has much to offer the Harry Potter superfan
The University of Oxford acted not only as inspiration for some Harry Potter settings, but also as a commonly used filming location. A visit to Oxford at the right time will mean you share the ancient streets with students draped in their graduation robes, a look not a million miles away from Hogwarts uniform.
On the Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages tour, eagle-eyed guests will enjoy seeing the beautiful New College Courtyard where Daniel Radcliffe and Robert Pattinson discuss the dragons that they will soon be facing in the Triwizard tournament. A visit to the charming Cotswold villages is truly magical in its own right. You’ll be in need of a chocolate frog after all this excitement!
This one-day tour departs from London with prices from £65 per person.
With social distancing measures in place, reduced group sizes and increased cleaning measures, Rabbie’s offers worry-free journeys for a sustainable staycation.
For more information and to book, see www.rabbies.com or call +44(0) 131 226 3133.
Mobile testing units for people without Covid symptoms are running at both Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian Football Clubs as cases continue to rise in the Capital.
The community testing centres are aimed at breaking the chain of transmission in areas where case numbers remain stubbornly high by tracing cases which haven’t produced any symptoms but could still be infectious.
Council Leaders today praised both football clubs for their role in helping stop the spread of the virus in their communities.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Just yesterday the First Minister advised that the aim is to move all parts of Scotland into Level Zero by 19 July, which is very positive news.
“We want to do everything we can to get case numbers down in Edinburgh as quickly as possible so that we can achieve that goal and enjoy fewer restrictions on our daily lives, so it’s crucial we find out where cases are – and isolate them.
“I’m delighted that both Hibs and Hearts are working closely with us and the Scottish Ambulance Service on community testing and I’d like to thank both clubs for their support and dedication to their communities’ wellbeing.”
Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “As things continue to open up, it’s vital we all test ourselves regularly to check we’re not carrying the virus and unwittingly putting our loved ones and community at risk.
“It’s important to remember you can still get infected even if you’re double-vaccinated, and about 1 in 3 cases won’t show any symptoms. Well done and thank you to both our much-loved clubs for teaming up with us to show Covid the red card in Edinburgh.
The drive through testing centre at the rear of the East Stand at Easter Road opened on Tuesday 22 June.
Greg McEwan, Head of Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Hibernian Football Club, said: “Hibernian are pleased to be able to partner up with the City of Edinburgh Council in their efforts to curb the virus with a pop-up testing site at the Stadium.
“Easter Road Stadium is a prominent venue within the community and indeed Edinburgh so it’s a pleasure to offer our facilities.”
Meanwhile, a mobile testing unit has been operating beside the Wheatfield Stand at Tynecastle since last week.
Ann Park, Director for Communities and Partnershipes at Heart of Midlothian Football Club, said:“Heart of Midlothian encourage everyone to take up the offer of regular community testing and are delighted to help the continued fight against COVID-19 by hosting the mobile testing centre at Tynecastle.
“If we all get tested regularly we are able to then take the necessary action to stop the spread of the virus. If you live in the local area please drop in and do your bit to help stop the spread.”
Mobile testing units offering free PCR tests are currently available at:
Walk up mobile testing unit, Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Wheatfield Stand accessed via Wheatfield Street/Place, from Thursday 17 to Sunday 27 June, 10am to 6pm
Drive though mobile testing unit at Hibernian Football Club, in the car park behind the East Stand accessed off Albion Place/Hawkhill Place from Tuesday 22 June to Monday 28 June, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Walk up mobile testing unit, North West Locality office, 8 West Pilton Gardens until Sunday 27 June, 10am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Free Covid tests are also available without appointments at the following libraries:
McDonald Road Library from Monday 14 June to Saturday 3 July (closed Sunday 27 June) 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Gilmerton Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 3 July 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Wester Hailes Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 3 July 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Preview Draft Net Zero 2030 Strategy. Can it deliver Carbon Neutral Edinburgh by 2030? Community views
Revised Date for the event: 4.00pm – 5.30pm MONDAY 7 JUNE 202 2nd Roundtable Discussion on Climate Action
A new draft Edinburgh Net Zero 2030 Strategy was launched on Friday 4 June – for discussion by City Councillors 10am Thursday 10 June.
Preview the proposed strategy and consider what might work / what needs earlier action.
Can Edinburgh achieve ambitious “Net Zero” target by 2030?
– How can citizens and community groups best be involved? – How can Community Councils and other groups contribute? – What role does the Edinburgh Partnership have in this?
1. Unpack the proposed actions in the draft Sustainability Strategy 2. Provide opportunity for community led response to draft plans 3. Discuss the main chapters of Draft Strategy in Breakout Groups 4. Draft a deputation for 1 June Policy & Sustainability Committee.
As the vaccination programme advances through age groups some restrictions are to be eased sooner in areas where case rates and prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) allow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday.
The First Minister outlined the next steps to Parliament and confirmed that Glasgow will move to Level 2 from 00:01 on Saturday 5 June 2021. Edinburgh will remain at Level 2.
The following mainland local authority areas will also remain at Level 2, while the situation with the virus is monitored closely:
East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire
East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire
Edinburgh and Midlothian
Stirling and Clackmannanshire
Dundee
At the same time, from 00:01 on Saturday 5 June 2021, these 15 mainland local authorities will move to Level 1:
Highland and Argyll & Bute
Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray
Angus and Perth & Kinross
Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire
Falkirk
Fife
West Lothian and East Lothian
The Scottish Borders
Dumfries & Galloway
All islands currently in Level 1 will move to Level 0 at the same time due to sustained low numbers of cases. Everyone is encouraged to get tested to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by finding cases that might be missed, as around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I appreciate that today’s decisions will feel like a mixed bag. That reflects the fact that we are in a transition phase. No part of the country is going backwards today.
“Before the vaccines, that would have been impossible on case numbers like this. But the vaccines are changing the game. And that means we can still be optimistic about our chances of much more normality over the summer and beyond.
“As always, all of us have a part to play in beating this virus back. So please, stick with it, and each other.”
For local authority areas in Level 2, we will be providing support to soft play and other closed sectors that had expected to open, or operate in a different way from 7 June.
Full details will be provided by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance today.
Council Leaders have urged Edinburgh residents to stick to the guidance and come forward for vaccinations and community testing after yesterday’s announcement.
Council Leader Adam McVey said:“I know people across the city continue to do a brilliant job to follow the guidance to help steer Edinburgh forward out of lockdown and I know people understand the need to stay in Level Two due to recent increases in transmissions.
“With cases rising in some parts of the city we’ve got to make sure we go at the right pace rather than risk stalling progress further. Even with this slight slowing down of our reopening, I’m very pleased that we’re still on the right track to get back to something like normality again and can still enjoy so much of our city that has reopened already. This is thanks to the hard work of people and businesses across our communities and, of course, the ongoing vaccination rollout.
“If you’re called forward for your jag, please make sure you take up the invitation, especially when it’s your second dose as that’s when immunity against the newly-named Delta variant increases significantly. Those aged 18 to 29 can now register for a vaccine appointment via NHS inform.
“By each of us doing the right thing and helping to protect ourselves and our communities, we’ll see Edinburgh join other local authorities in the lower levels of restrictions much faster.”
Council Depute Leader Cammy Day said:“Nobody wants to go backwards after the really difficult journey we’ve all been on to get to this point so while things are still in a delicate situation in terms of case rates versus vaccination figures, a careful and steady approach is crucial.
“If we can monitor where cases are emerging – including the roughly 33% that never develop symptoms – then we’ll have a much clearer idea of how well we’re limiting the spread of the virus. So as well as getting vaccinated when you’re called forward, it’s really important to continue to take regular tests, as there’s evidence you can still transmit the virus even if you’ve had the jag.
“Please continue to follow the guidance when you’re out and about in the shops or meeting friends for something to eat or drink – businesses have worked incredibly hard to put measures in place to keep their staff and customers safe and we need to do our bit too when visiting them.”
Shop Here This Year campaign encourages shoppers to support local Edinburgh businesses by shining a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the city
The campaign continues with a new series of free workshops hosted by Edinburgh-based influencers to help businesses maximise their digital marketing offering and encourage residents to shop local
The Shop Here This Year campaign continues to spread support to local businesses in Edinburgh with a new series of free digital marketing workshops, hosted by Edinburgh based influencers.
Delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council under Forever Edinburgh, Shop Here This Year has adapted the campaign in the wake of the global pandemic to ensure continued support for businesses across the city who have been impacted by the pandemic.
The campaign continues to shine citizens a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the Capital and the businesses that bring them to life, showcasing the independent retailers, eateries, and personal shopping experiences that make them great places to visit.
Oddly enough, Drylaw, Pilton, Muirhouse and Granton are not among those ‘local’ neigbourhoods and town centres … Ed.
The next phase of the campaign sees three virtual workshops hosted by local influencers. The new series has been created to support businesses in making the most of their digital marketing platforms in continuing to promote their businesses to existing and new customers.
Taking place on Zoom throughout the coming months, these workshops will each target a different sector of Edinburgh’s diverse and vibrant retail scene: Lifestyle, Fashion & Interiors, Food & Drink and Attractions, Heritage & Tours.
The workshops will focus on developing key skills that will empower business to grow and maximise their digital presence, following, and engagement.
Each workshop will be tailored to specific sectors and will cover essential digital marketing skills; how to increase brand awareness, take impactful imagery, build a following and share engaging copy.
Although aimed at certain types of business, be they food, lifestyle or attraction focused, businesses from across Edinburgh’s varied retail sectors are encouraged to sign up to one, or all three workshops, in accordance with relevance and their own availability.
To kick things off Gemma Armit of Everything Edinburgh and Two Scots Abroad will host the first influencer workshop aimed at businesses with links to Attractions, Heritage & Tours, on Tuesday 15 June from 5.30pm.
Then on Tuesday 29 June, again from 5.30pm, Emma Bathgate of Vegan Edinburgh will host her own workshop focused on Food & Drink retailers.
Finally, at 5.30pm on Tuesday 6 July, Lauren Dall of The Luxe List will host the third and final workshop focused Lifestyle, Fashion & Interiors.
Workshops are FREE to attend and open to all Edinburgh businesses. To sign up businesses should register via Eventbrite, links below:
A new local business champion network, created by the Councils Business Growth and Inclusion Team, has been instrumental in shaping the campaign.
The network includes a range of businesses from all 11 neighbourhoods and include: Cove, Action Porty, Fabhatrix, Reddoor Gallery, Walker Slater, Leith Police Box, Cranachan and Crowdie, Scottish Textiles, Ragamuffin, 181 Deli, Bakery Andante, Specsavers, Herbie of Edinburgh, Seakist and Leith, Stockbridge and Grassmarket Outdoor Markets.
The Business Champion Network, said:“We are delighted to be involved in the Shop Here This Year campaign, which allows local businesses like ours to engage with Edinburgh’s citizens in a way that has never been more important.
“The past 12 months have been hard on everyone and while we are excited at the prospect of things slowly opening up, we need to explore avenues that are open to us in the meantime.”
“Not only will these workshops give Edinburgh businesses an opportunity to develop vital skills needed to help promote our businesses via social media and connect to shoppers, they will also enable us to engage with other businesses in our area, building a the sense of community and hopefully providing us with a network of support that will continue long into the future.”
Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said:“Edinburgh’s local business community is incredibly important to everyone living in and around the city. Our town centres are diverse and vibrant, all offering something different from the very best in local food and drink, delicious coffees to elegant cocktails.
“We have so many shops offering locally made products, crafts, art, fashion, books and pretty much anything else you can imagine.
“By bringing these businesses together with digital marketing professionals who have had a front row seat to the struggles that retail and hospitality businesses are going through, we can create a community of support on the road to recovery.
“This campaign is run by Forever Edinburgh, the city’s visitor marketing brand, and works alongside its newest promotional activity of the Capital – The Story Never Ends.
“We hope these new skills will also help businesses build and tell their audiences more about their stories – be it their origins, about their products and suppliers or their customers experiences – and get involved by using the hashtag #ForeverEdinburgh.
“It’s another great opportunity to help both residents and visitors rediscover all the amazing unique experiences our Capital has to offer.”
The campaign continues s to engage with the local communities across the city and encourages people to share their Edinburgh shopping moments using #ShopHereThisYear and #ForeverEdinburgh on social media. Of course, while restrictions remain in place, those taking part are encouraged to do so in a Covid compliant way.
In addition to regular meetings with neighbourhood champions, the team have also prepared a digital toolkit for businesses looking to get involved.
• #neighbourhood (for spotlight weeks) #Grassmarket #Stockbridge etc.
Shop Here This YearCampaign Summary
Supported by funding from Scotland’s Towns Partnership, “Shop Here This Year” is a digital campaign led by the City of Edinburgh Council which aims to inspire people to shop local. It will promote local businesses across 11 ‘town centres’ in Edinburgh: Stockbridge, Gorgie & Dalry, Portobello, Southside, Leith, Morningside & Bruntsfield, Tollcross, Corstorphine, Queensferry, Royal Mile, and Grassmarket
Recognising the vital role of independent, local businesses for the city economy, the campaign seeks to showcase your business among EH postcode consumers, raising awareness and encouraging them to spend their money in the local community where it can have a huge impact on business resilience and local employment.
Shopping locally is a good thing, not just as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in general. It has strong environmental credentials; it supports the places where we live in our city and it maintains the diverse and exciting mix of independent businesses which give each town centre its unique character.
The campaign will be featured across the City of Edinburgh Council’s various digital channels including:
During your trip to Edinburgh you will no doubt be exploring the top attractions that this city has to offer. Edinburgh Castle for the one o’clock gun, the view from the top of Arthur’s Seat, the dark history of the Vaults and the Royal collection at the Queen’s Gallery.
However, these hidden gems are loved by locals and those lucky enough to stumble across them.
If you are planning a visit to Edinburgh, be sure to add our top 10 to your must-see list:
Edinburgh Farmers Market
Situated on Castle Terrace every Saturday with stunning views of the Castle and only a hop, skip and a jump from the Royal Mile you will find an award-winning market showcasing the very best of Scottish produce. If you’ve booked a self-catering apartment it is the perfect place to catch the highest quality, local ingredients to cook up for dinner. You can find fresh scallops, smoked salmon, venison, cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables from this renowned foodie haven.
Residents of Edinburgh’s New Town hold the keys to exclusive private gardens hidden amongst the town houses. There is none more desired than the splendid Queen Street Gardens, where Robert Louis Stevenson spent much of his childhood. Most visitors to Edinburgh must wait until the annual Open Door’s Day to venture inside but guests of 34a Abercromby Place, a new luxurious dog friendly self-catering apartment by the Royal Scots Club, receive a key to access this secret garden for the duration of their stay.
This marvellously modern milk bar in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket has been producing handmade gelato and chocolates since 2013 and its founder Mary is a graduate from an actual Gelato University in Italy. With weird and wonderful seasonal flavour combinations like Toast & Marmalade and Goats Cheese & Figs mixed with favourite staples like Salted Caramel and Milk, all ages will be pressing their noses against the window checking out the latest flavours.
Reopening in May, check out Mary’s Instagram for updates
If you are feeling bold, grab your swimming costume and head out for some wild swimming in the Forth. Don’t let the temperature put you off, wild swimming has been proven to boost your energy and happiness. The perfect way to start a day of sightseeing! Wardie Bay is within walking distance of the City Centre so enjoy a swim in this sheltered spot which is well cared for by the community and loved by locals.
Open every day of the year come rain or shine
Dunbar’s Close Gardens
Any Edinburgh visitor will be familiar with the Royal Mile which connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House. The network of Closes lead off the Royal Mile through the Old Town and are steeped in history. With over 70 Closes to explore don’t miss Dunbar’s Close, this beautiful garden sanctuary in the very centre of the City. You will find those in the know soaking up the sun or chatting with friends over lunch in this secluded spot.
Open from 07:00am, closing times vary throughout the year
Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio and centre for contemporary art, craft and design in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Tapestry Studio is in the former swimming pool that was once the old Infirmary Street Bathhouse and the original viewing gallery is open daily for visitors to observe the weavers create their masterpieces. Dovecot offers a programme of popular exhibitions and events with the likes of Grayson Perry and Mary Quant plus a shop full of beautiful hand-made gifts and a fantastic cafe ‘Pinks at Dovecot’.
Café Culture is thriving in Edinburgh with independent coffee shops showcasing the best roasters in Scotland and across the UK. If you are looking for exceptional coffee one of the local heroes is Little Fitzroy on Easter Road. Passionate about everything coffee, Little Fitzroy rotate their selection regularly, always making the perfect flat white. Not to mention their wonderful selection of cakes including one of the best vegan Cinnamon Buns in Edinburgh.
Open weekdays from 07:00am – 17:00pm and weekends from 08:00am – 17:00pm
The wonderful beach at Portobello (Porty to locals) is the perfect place to fill your lungs with sea air and go for a bracing walk along the sands or the fine promenade. Once you’ve finished building your sandcastles or taking a paddle, grab lunch at Edinburgh’s Little Chart Room on the Prom or take a stroll to the high street and visit the Montreal inspired Bross Bagel shop.
Open every day of the year come rain or shine
Alby’s
Not your average sandwich shop this is the home of the Big Hot Sandwich in Leith. Alby’s feature a rotating menu of inspired and delicious fillings sandwiched between a large wedge of soft focaccia. This is the perfect pick me up after a packed morning of sightseeing. Run by couple Natasha and Matt these sandwiches have cult status thanks to their strong Instagram following and adorable namesake Alby the Dachshund.
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00pm – 20:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm – 16:00pm
You may have heard of the Festival Theatre, the Playhouse or the Lyceum Theatre but there is another institution tucked away in Leith which was given as a gift to the Burgh from the people of Edinburgh in the 1920’s when Leith was incorporated into the capital city. This lively creative hub caters for all ages so be sure to check out their programme of what’s on during your visit.
Reopening in June, check out their website for more details
Famed for its many outstanding gems of architecture, as well as some dismaying carbuncles, the city of Edinburgh is admired internationally.
An informed and focused guidebook by leading architectural critic Robin Ward for locals and visitors now offers us the opportunity to deepen and enliven our experience of its remarkable built environment.
Seeing each building as if for the first time is what Ward invites people to do. A Glaswegian, Ward brims with enthusiasm for the capital, which is now his home.
His commentaries are as well-focused as his own crisp photographs of each building under consideration. Ward is not afraid to make his views clear if he thinks architects and planners have made a mistake but his selection concentrates on buildings, dating from medieval to modern times, that bring him joy.
Addressing the fact that Edinburgh has only recently started to acknowledge its involvement in the slave trade, Ward comments: ‘Edinburgh’s narrative of enlightenment and cultural heritage ignores many ghosts. Those at Sugarhouse Close are from the slave trade – sugar produced by African slaves on colonial plantations in the West Indies was processed at a refinery in the close.’
Six tours, for walking, cycling, travelling by car or public transport, are accompanied by maps which show the location of every building Ward considers and while each tour can be done in a day, the clearly numbered maps make it easy to customise routes. The tours encompass architecturally interesting but lesser known areas far from the city centre. All come with the first-class insights of Robin Ward.
‘Scotland’s capital city is unique for its layers of historic buildings on a volcanic landscape eroded by an Ice Age glacier. No other city shows its social and topographical development as dramatically.’ ROBIN WARD
Publication date: Thursday 22 January 2021. Exploring Edinburgh: Six Tours of the City and its Architecture by Robin 978-1-913025-57-1 paperback £10.99 Trade Order Hotline: Please call BookSource Distribution Centre on 0141 642 9192
