Hop along to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this Easter

Garden Centre invites families along to a series of brand-new Easter events

Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place at its Edinburgh store.

Families can book a brand-new Easter Bunny Afternoon Tea, taking place on Monday 21 April.

Children can tuck into a selection of freshly made bunny shaped sandwiches, filled with jam, cheddar cheese, ham, and tuna mayonnaise.

They can also enjoy Dobbies’ famous scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and a delicious selection of sweet treats, including a mini doughnut, gingerbread man and a waffle finger with dipping chocolate and sugar strands & chocolate chip toppings.

For £8.75, adults can select a hot drink of filter coffee or tea, plus a slice of triple chocolate cake, coffee and walnut cake or Persian lemon cake. And for £16, adults can enjoy Afternoon Tea – three tiers of delicious sweet and savoury treats.

After everyone has eaten, children will seek out the Easter Bunny, who will be hopping about the Edinburgh store, and get involved in spring inspired activities and games including the bunny hop relay.

They’ll then enjoy a hands-on planting experience, learning how to grow their very own lettuce. During the event, children will also be given a mini Malteser chocolate bunny.

Also new for this year, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is hosting its Hopping Hounds event. Dogs will get the chance to sniff out an Easter egg trail around the store before receiving an Easter themed toy and money off vouchers for the garden centre and restaurant.

There will also be photograph opportunities with the Easter Bunny to have a keepsake of the experience.

Customers will be able to add a donation while booking the event, helping with Dogs Trust’s mission of caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming thousands of dogs every year. The event is priced at £12.50 per dog.

Well behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcomed in the Edinburgh store and in a dedicated area of the restaurant if paw-rents are hoping to make a day of it. Explore the fantastic range of pet products at Dobbies, with everything from healthy treats and dog attire to terrific toys.

Customers can also take part in Dobbies’ monthly social media competition, Dogs at Dobbies, by posting a picture and using the hashtag #dogsatdobbies to be in a chance of winning a gift voucher.

Back by popular demand this year is also the Easter Bunny Breakfast, taking place on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April, is a great opportunity to gather the whole family for a fun-filled morning.

Families at the Edinburgh store can get stuck into an egg-cellent breakfast, with children and adults having the choice of a traditional cooked breakfast, a vegetarian breakfast or a breakfast roll.

Children can also opt for a continental breakfast of croissant, jam, yoghurt and banana. Kids will have the choice of an apple juice, orange juice or water, and adults will be able to choose from a pot of tea or regular coffee.

After everyone has eaten, children will seek out the Easter Bunny, and take part in the same themed activities as for the Afternoon Tea.

Tickets are priced at £8.75 for adults and £11.99 for children.

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is excited to welcome families along to the in-store activities this Easter. She said: “We’re looking forward to launching our new Afternoon Tea event in our Edinburgh store, bringing an alternative option to families, and a nice activity for grandparents to get involved in.

“Our Easter Bunny Breakfast is always popular with families across the country and is a great way to bring everyone together for a morning of seasonal fun, packed full of activities to keep the kids entertained.

“Dog events are becoming increasingly popular for dog owners to spoil their pooches, and we can’t wait to see welcome our four-legged friends for a fun event this Easter.”

For more information about the Easter events and participating stores, visit:

 www.dobbies.com/events.

Festival of Movement this Saturday

SATURDAY 29th MARCH in LINLITHGOW

📣 Scotland’s first Festival of Movement will soon come to Linlithgow! We are delighted to now reveal the full programme for the day.

Join us across Linlithgow, from the West Lothian Cycle Route to The Cross, on Saturday 29 March for a free, fun-filled day of opportunities to get moving, from in-line skating to led cycles, as well as talks, discussions and creative workshops for all ages and abilities.

Discover the programme here: https://bit.ly/4iD9z3J

This one-day-only event is organised by Move For Good, Linlithgow Community Development Trust’s project for active and sustainable travel.

Follow @moveforgood_ on Instagram for all updates!

COVID-19: Day of Reflection

  • COVID-19 Day of Reflection today will be marked with local events in communities up and down the country
  • Members of the public invited to take part in the COVID-19 Day of Reflection in ways that are meaningful for them

Hundreds of events and spaces for reflection have been organised by communities to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

They will also be an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made, the impact on our daily lives, and pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers and researchers during what was an unprecedented time. 

Events, gatherings and commemorations are taking place across the country, including:

  • A procession along the National Covid Memorial Wall, followed by a ceremony and a minute’s silence, and flowers being cast from London’s Lambeth Bridge
  • NHS Charities Together will be holding an event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which commemorates the thousands of people who tragically lost their lives since the pandemic began, and pay tribute to the critical role played by the NHS, its workforce and NHS charities in supporting patients and communities during the pandemic. 
  • Manchester Cathedral will host a special prayer service, honouring and reflecting upon the experiences felt by the Black, Caribbean and African community who faced unique challenges during the pandemic.
  • Local authorities are recognising the day across the country. In Liverpool St George’s Hall will become the city’s focal point for the Day’s activities and in Sheffield the City Council is partnering with a community-led, NHS-funded programme, Compassionate Sheffield, for commemoration, speeches and a showing of the Stories from the Pandemic documentary. 
  • In Scotland, Covid19 Families Scotland will be hosting an event outdoors at Glasgow Green which includes a piper, choir and minute’s silence.
  • In Treorchy, South Wales, the COVID-19 bereaved will gather and remember their loved ones and place named flags in a yellow heart made of local stones, which was created in 2021 on Bwlch Mountain. The yellow heart became a memorial to all those that died from COVID-19 in Wales and has been brought back to its former glory by the COVID-19 bereaved group this year.
  • In Belfast, Northern Ireland, Memory Stones of Love, who are a group set up by bereaved families during the pandemic, will be marking the day by holding a remembrance concert with music, poems and readings, as well as displaying their stones with inscriptions of those we lost during the pandemic.

Members of the public can find more information to help them to mark the day if they wish, including an interactive map that displays all the events taking place up and down the country, at gov.uk/day-of-reflection.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “The pandemic impacted us all in different ways, with many sadly losing loved ones and others making great sacrifices in their lives.

“This COVID-19 Day of Reflection will allow people the space and time to reflect and I would encourage everyone to take part in a way that feels right for them.”

Chair of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, Baroness Morgan of Cotes said: “It is right that, as a country, we take the time to remember the COVID-19 pandemic, to reflect on what happened, remember those whose lives were impacted in so many ways and honour those who tragically lost their lives.

“Today is an opportunity for communities to come together to reflect and commemorate their loved ones.”

The COVID-19 Day of Reflection is one of the ten recommendations set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration.

The government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations made by the Commission and a full response will be published in due course.

COVID-19 DAY OF REFLECTION:

Message of thanks from NHSGGC Chair

TODAY, Sunday 9th March at 12 noon, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) will join organisations across Scotland in a minute’s silence to remember those we lost and honour the commitment and sacrifice of all our health and social care staff throughout the COVID pandemic.

The silence is part of a national Day of Reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic and, ahead of that event, NHSGGC’s Chair, Dr Lesley Thomson KC, reflects on what was an incredibly difficult time and shares a message of thanks and tribute to staff, patients and members of the public:

“On Sunday 9th March, the nation will come together to reflect on the pandemic – to pause and think back to a set of challenges few, if any, of us had ever experienced before.

“The fear and uncertainty, the pressure on our all services through increased demand and through the requirement for strict measures to keep us all safe.

“The loss of friends and loved ones. The sheer sadness that swept the entire country. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all those who lost someone close to them. 

“Health and social care staff, ambulance crews, police, fire services, shop workers, other essential staff. Those who were furloughed and others who endured so much uncertainty about what the future would bring. Every one of us will remember just how tough those days were.

“But, across NHSGGC, we should also remember how everyone stepped up – how we rose to meet the tasks we faced.

“We supported each other, looked out for our colleagues and friends, and we cared for those who were struggling. Within weeks we had adopted new ways of working and we had embraced new technology – all in the pursuit of the best possible care for our patients.

“To those people, those thousands of staff who did so much for our patients, we would like to say thank you. Thank you for the long hours, for the time away from your families, for the courage it took to put on that PPE and head out for your shift.

“We would also like to pay tribute to our patients, and the public. For your forbearance and flexibility, your patience throughout difficult times. For the way you gathered every week in support of our staff. Your appreciation will never be forgotten.

“As time passed, the vaccine came and case numbers fell. Across the country, life began to adapt to a new semblance of normal.

“But the reality is we’re still dealing with the legacy of those difficult times. As is the case right across the country, NHSGGC’s services still face considerable challenges.

“Every day, every one of our staff is doing all they can to address those challenges and to make sure our patients get access to the best care we can provide.

“We would like to thank them all once more for that new commitment – whether they worked through the pandemic or have joined the NHSGGC family more recently.

“We would also like to thank our patients and members of the public for your ongoing support.

“But please be assured – we are turning a corner.

“The challenges of COVID forced us to adopt new ways of working. The use of digital technology and AI, the commitment to help more people more quickly through day surgeries and virtual care – all of these changes have brought with them a new set of opportunities to provide the care our patients need.

“However, while they bed in, we must ask something more from you – that you continue to work with us and to embrace new ways of accessing care.

“It may be a willingness to try a virtual appointment or a phone consultation, or maybe thinking twice before going to A&E and instead calling 111.

“COVID-19 has started us on a path from which there is no going back, and we need to embark on that journey side by side.

“Our commitment to your care will never waver – that is the constant you can always rely on. But just like you did back in 2020, as we all lived through those dark days, we ask you to trust us once more as we take this journey together – to a
new NHS, shaped by the pandemic but designed for the next century of healthcare.

“So on Sunday 9th March we invite you to join the nation in a moment’s reflection, to mark the loss and the sacrifice, to remember with pride the commitment, professionalism and teamwork – and to move forward together to a new future.”

NHS LOTHIAN:

On this National Day of Reflection, we take a moment to remember & honor those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re offering another chance to see our staff’s reflections on working through one of the most extraordinary chapters in recent history:

For more on how you can take part in the Day of Reflection, go to: COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2025

New exhibition at City Art Centre

Our new spring exhibition is ‘Nurture Through Nature with Children’s Books’ and explores the links between wellbeing and nature introduced to us through books from an early age.

Accompanied by a creative programme of events for everyone.

Explore: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/nurture-through…

What’s On at National Museums of Scotland

EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine
Until 27 Apr 2025
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Free

Injecting Hope is a new, free exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland that presents the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.

This exhibition brings together more than 80 objects that were acquired in real time during the peak of the pandemic by curators across the UK. Learn the science behind the creation of the vaccine and understand the logistics behind its global roll-out.

Find our more, nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/injecting-hope

Cold War Scotland
Until 4 Jan 2026
10:00 – 17:00
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.

Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Theravada Buddhism
Until 9 Mar 2025
Gallery 3, Level 1
Free

A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today. The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/theravadabuddhism

EVENTS

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Relaxed Morning
2 Feb & 2 Mar
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning

Sensory Sunday
2 Feb & 2 Mar
11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00
Free, book required

Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs. Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families. Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday

Magic Carpet Minis
Block 1 (5, 12, 19 Feb)
Block 2 (5, 12, 19 Mar)
10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45
£15.00 per child for block of 3
£13.50 per Member child for block of 3

Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet-minis


Half Term: Collective Climate Action
8 – 15 Feb
10:30-15:30
Free, drop-in

This half term we will be home to an Agency for World Change climate action booth inspired by the Museum of Bern’s Planetopia project. Meet climate impact advocates, get creative, learn more about what the museum is doing for climate action and make your pledge of what small change you can make to live more ecologically.

Read more, nms.ac.uk/events/collective-climate-action

Museum Socials
21 Feb
10:30-12:00
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4
Free, booking required

Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials

Curiosity Club: Ice Age
22 Feb
10:30-12:00
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)

Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club

Relaxed Curiosity Club: Ice Age
22 Feb
14:30-15:30
£10 (£9 Members and Concessions)

Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities. Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-curiosity-club

Relaxed Magic Carpet
24 Feb
10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45
£ 3 per child

Join us for a relaxed Magic Carpet session as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes, and sensory play. This is a monthly, relaxed version of our Magic Carpet event, for babies, toddlers and children aged 0-6 with additional support needs or for anyone who would prefer a calmer session and a slightly more relaxed pace. This is not a set age range for participants and we welcome all families who feel they may enjoy these sessions.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-magic-carpet

Morning Curator Tour: Injecting Hope
25 Feb
09:15-10:00
£12 Adults, £10 Members & Concessions

Join our exhibition curator for an exclusive early morning tour of our Injecting Hope exhibition which details the rapid research, development and delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. Discover the science behind the creation of the vaccine, the logistics behind its global roll-out and will also share some of the uniquely Scottish experiences of the global pandemic.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-injecting-hope

Magic Carpet Gaelic Week Special
26 Feb
10:30-11:15
Free, booking required

Come along to our Edinburgh Gaelic Week 2025 Magic Carpet special. This interactive session, suitable for under 5s and their accompanying adult, features songs, stories, rhymes, and play with no knowledge of Gaelic required.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet-gaelic-week-special

Creative Workshop: Sustainable Statement Jewellery
1 Mar
10:30-16:00
£50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession

Join sustainable jewellery designer Syrah Jay to design and create your own statement necklace. Taking inspiration from National Museums Scotland’s nationally significant collection of modern and contemporary jewellery, discover how accessories don’t need to be made from precious metals.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-sustainable

Relaxed Access Evening: Injecting Hope
6 Mar
17:30-19:30
Free

Join us for a relaxed after-hours visit to Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine. During this session, visitor numbers will be reduced, and sounds will be lowered to create a more relaxed experience.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, neurodivergent visitors and those with sensory or additional support needs who would prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. 

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-access-evening-injecting-hope

Banners, Ballads and Badges
8 Mar
13:00-15:30
£5, £3 (Members and Concessions)

Join an afternoon of talks and crafts as we discuss the vibrant anti-nuclear protests between the 1970s and 1990s and consider the unique role women played in Scotland’s peace movement.

There will be speakers from National Museums Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the Gareloch Horticulturalists (Horties). Together they will discuss the significance of Scotland’s peace camps and vibrant anti-nuclear protests, which attracted women from all over the world.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/banners-ballads-and-badges

Creative Workshop: Hand Embroided Stories
9 Mar
11:00-16:30
£50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession

Join textile artist Louise Goult to create your own unique hand embroidered artwork. Taking inspiration from the treasure trove of creativity in our Fashion and Style gallery, you will learn the skills, stitches and techniques to make a unique hand embroidered artwork.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/hand-embroidered-stories

Audio Descriptive Tour: Injecting Hope
13 Mar
17:30-19:00
Free, booking required

Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour and a chance to look round the Injecting Hope exhibition after hours. This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors, and is most suitable for those aged 14+.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/audio-descriptive-tour-injecting-hope

Friday Friends
14 March
14:00 – 16:00
Free, pre-booking required
Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/friday-friends

Morning Curator tour: Cold War Scotland
18 Mar
09:15-10:00
£12, £10 (Members & Concessions)

Join this tour of our current exhibition Cold War Scotland to better understand a time when the world stood on the brink of nuclear war.

ERKM4Y Polaris Demonstration at Holy Loch, 3rd Feb 1961

Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology will delve deeper into stories explored within the exhibition, from the emergence of nuclear energy in Scotland to the vibrant anti-nuclear protests and political activism of the period.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-cold-war

Injecting Hope BSL Tour
20 Mar
15:00-16:00
Free, booking required

Join BSL guide Trudi Collier for a guided tour of the Injecting Hope exhibition with a focus objects connected to the Deaf experience of the pandemic.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/injecting-hope-bsl-tour


National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Tractor Tots 
Until Mar 2025
10:15 & 13:30
Various dates
£20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3
Ticketed

Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play. Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

Half Term: Code Breakers
14-16 Feb
11:00-15:00
Free with museum admission

At the National Museum of Flight this half term, learn how secret Second World War codes were made and broken. Learn how secrets were hidden and shared during the Second World War with our family activities. Make your own code and learn how codes were broken. Then try your hand at Morse Code, semaphore and secret writing.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/half-term-code-breakers

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789.

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

Strike a paw-se: New Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies’ Edinburgh

Dobbies Garden Centres is encouraging paw-rents to show their pooches some love this Valentine’s Day at its brand-new dog event at its Edinburgh store that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust. 

Renowned for its love of dogs, Dobbies is hosting this event from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 February, giving customers a great opportunity to take a paw-fect digital picture against the Valentine’s backdrop to treasure for years to come. Dogs will snuffle around the store in a sniff-ari trail, with a gift bag reward at the end featuring a Valentine’s dog toy, dog treats and money off vouchers. 

Customers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will be able to share the love and add a donation while booking the event, helping with Dogs Trust’s mission of caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming thousands of dogs every year.  

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is looking forward to welcoming a variety of dog breeds to the event, supporting a wonderful cause. She said: “This is the first in our series of experiences for dogs at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this year and we’re excited to see every customer (paws included) enjoy all the fun that can be had at the My Paw-fect Valentine event.  

“Share the love with your pooch, create a memorable moment and support Dogs Trust who are doing remarkable work for dogs in need.”

Well behaved dogs on a lead are warmly welcomed at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and in a dedicated area of the restaurant. Explore the fantastic range of pet products at Dobbies, with everything from healthy treats and dog attire to terrific toys.

Customers can take part in Dobbies’ monthly social media competition, Dogs at Dobbies, by posting a picture and using the hashtag #dogsatdobbies to be in a chance of winning a gift voucher. 

Dobbies’ Paw-fect Valentine event at the Edinburgh store is priced at £12.50 per pooch.

For more information about the event and participating stores, visit www.dobbies.com/events.

Who’s serving up at The Pitt?

Hello Pitt Peeps!

It’s less than two weeks until we’re officially fully open so make sure that date’s in your diary – Friday, 6th December – and be one of the first down to Granton to check us out. And if you’ve been wondering who’s going to be quenching your thirst and filling your belly, our official Resident foodies will be:

Choola: Nepalese street food with a Scottish twist 
Fire Bowl: East Asian style street food 
Buffalo Truck: Delicious fried chicken with all the added delights 
Social Bite Does dessert: amazing sweet treats and lots of custard 
Lazeez: Authentic Lebanese delights (fully halal) and shish
Pulp Friction: Seasonal fresh fruit infused drinks, from mulled sangrias to frozen margaritas 
Barney’s and Newbarns: supplying the best locally brewed beers
Serving up Williams and Johnson coffee, savoury and sweets will be Long Shot Coffee. 

Don’t forget, The Pitt also has two saunas from Soul Water Sauna (booking opening soon), a weekly local produce market from Granton Community Garden, community and family areas, a co-working space and one of the best views in Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth. 

December opening hours: 
Friday 6th: 5pm-10pm
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th: 8am-10pm 
Then weekly until 29th: Thursday to Sunday: 8am-10pm
Hogmanay, Tuesday 31st: 8am-2am – family friendly entertainment with free entry all day to The Pitt Market. Please note, the Hogmanay Extravaganza is a separate, ticketed event which is suitable for 16+ only. 

Entry to The Pitt Market is from the Granton Promenade. The Market will always be free to enter and is family and dog friendly every single day. 


Retail / Lifestyle Opportunity

Perfect for anyone who wants to trade and be part of a supporting community of entrepreneurs looking to kick start their business or any pop up ideas. 

More info HERE

We can’t wait to see you very soon! 

The Pitt team