New Art Exhibition at Gleneagles Townhouse

Graeme Mortimer Evelyn brings ‘Relics from an Oasis of Good Luck’ to Lobby 37 at Gleneagles Townhouse.

The London artist’s first solo exhibition in Scotland will include pieces made over a 25-year period selected directly from the artist’s London home.

An exhibition featuring Graeme Mortimer Evelyn will run until the 27th February at Gleneagles Townhouse. Made of up of pieces created over Graeme’s long and successful career, the exhibit is titled ‘Relics from an Oasis of Good Luck’.

Many of the works are completely realised studies created during many major commissions and artist-in-residence projects during Graeme’s expansive career, and range from collages, prints, paintings, graffiti stencils, drawings, and painted relief sculpture. Evelyn has exhibited his work across the world, but this will be his first solo exhibition in Scotland.

Graeme Mortimer Evelyn is a musician and curator as well as a multimedia artist. The art he creates comments on cultural social identity, politics, belief, and language. He has created work for major municipal buildings, sites of national memory, and places of worship – subverting the settings and their philosophies to attract new audiences and democratise public spaces by opening them up to more people.

His works have also been exhibited, collected, and displayed internationally by Princeton University Centre for African American Studies, Cornell University, Kensington Palace, The Royal Commonwealth Society, Museum in Docklands, Gloucester Cathedral, Bristol Museums, The Royal Collection Trust, The Church of England, and UNESCO.

One of Evelyn’s most notable works is The Eternal Engine for St Francis Church in Tottenham Hale. Completed in November 2017, it is the largest permanent hand-sculpted contemporary altarpiece in Europe.

St Francis Church sits adjacent to where Mark Duggan, a young black man, was fatally shot by armed police in 2011, triggering London-wide riots. The church was then built to aid to the community’s healing process. The Eternal Engine represents the unifying wonder of our vast Universe and the mystery of its Creator.

Evelyn currently works in his garden studio in South London, continuing to develop his varied and innovative body of works exploring automatic experimental drawing and sculpture informed by his synaesthesia reaction to music and sound, and how these responses then relate to contemporary religious and secular belief structures.

He has recently completed vinyl album cover commissions through this lens for world renowned Jazz Artists. In late March 2023, he will begin his six-week invited Artist Residency for the Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts in Charleston, South Carolina.

Graeme Mortimer Evelyn’s works will be available to view until February 27th in Lobby 37 at Gleneagles Townhouse St Andrew Square to hotel guests, diners at The Spence and Townhouse members.

gleneaglestownhouse.com

Love around The Quarter!

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love? 

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for that someone special, or you’re planning the ultimate date night, St James Quarter is your go to destination. 

From heavenly scents at H Beauty, champagne truffles from Hotel Chocolat, jewellery to treasure at Beaverbrooks, premium beauty at Rituals and Aesop, luxury leather goods at Coach and Kate Spade, stylish homewares at John Lewis and new season fashions at Boss and Zara – there’s plenty of gift ideas that are sure to put you in your Valentine’s good books!   

If it’s a memorable date night you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of enticing eating and drinking destinations. There are creative cocktails in The Alchemist, authentic Mediterranean sharing platters at The Real Greek and mouth-watering burgers at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger.

For the early birds out there, EL&N are pulling out all the stops, providing the ideal date day with Insta-worthy shimmering mocktails and ruby pink hot chocolates, perfect for Cupid himself, alongside delicious cakes coated in lashings of heavenly buttered cream.  

Guests looking to celebrate in style can visit Everyman Cinema to enjoy a first-class movie going experience and cosy up on a comfortable love seat. Those wanting to indulge in a little luxury can visit acclaimed restaurant Duck & Waffle to enjoy a specially curated Valentine’s Day set menu with champagne on arrival, snacks for the table, a choice of specially created dishes and delightful pink truffles to finish. 

As part of St James Quarter’s Valentine’s celebrations, from Thursday, 9th February, guests are invited to visit the ‘Crazy in Love’ booth on Level 2, outside John Lewis, to record a video reciting the craziest thing they did for love to be in with a chance of winning an incredible date night experience at St James Quarter; to be enjoyed with your Valentine, Galentine, best buddy or favourite family member – the choice is yours!  

On 11th and 14th February, St James Quarter will be sharing its own tokens of affection with guests by giving away a limited number of beautiful fresh red roses to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Those who are lucky enough to get their hands on one of these beautiful blooms will also be in with a chance to win a £50 gift card through an exclusive prize draw, redeemable at The Quarter.  

Are you #CrazyInLove #LoveAroundTheQuarter 

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Love is truly around The Quarter this Spring. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or your significant other this Valentine’s Day, St James Quarter is the go to destination for that perfect gift or date night with a difference. 

“We are looking forward to hearing all the crazy in love stories and are inviting guests to vote for the winner via our YouTube channel.” 

Valentine’s day activities and retailer events will be taking place at St James Quarter from 9th – 14th February.

Keep up to date with the latest info via the @StJamesQuarter Instagram page or by visiting the website: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/valentines-day  

The Ivy on the Square celebrates the Six Nations Championship with new cocktail line up

As Edinburgh prepares to welcome back the Six Nations Championship at BT Murrayfield, The Ivy on the Square has launched the ultimate cocktail menu inspired by the participating teams to honour the occasion and support the fans this rugby season.

With the first Scotland match in Edinburgh just around the corner, guests are invited to tackle the tension and try the latest creations made by the experienced bar team in the heart of the capital. 

The six delicious cocktails include  Scotts on the Rocks, (£10.50) featuring Plymouth gin, Chivas 12 year, ginger juice, lemon juice and clear honey, The Emerald Isle, (£12.00) consisting of Jameson, Lillet Rouge, Cointreau, lime juice, and a dash of whiskey barrel bitters, The G.O.A.T, (£10.50) a mix of Plymouth gin, Plymouth sloe gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup, garnished with a lavender sprig, Le Coqs, (£12.75) which includes, Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with The Ivy Champagne, English Rose, (£10.50) featuring Beefeater gin, Pimm’s and Elderflower cordial, topped with Fever Tree lemonade and garnished with a mint sprig, and finally the Zesty Italian, (£10.95) a tantalising mix of Malfy Arancia gin, Barolo Chinato, Campari and a dash of whisky barrel bitters.

To complete the game day offering, The Ivy has introduced a new limited-edition dessert Over The Line, a chocolate ganache with mint mousse, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce – perfect for those rugby fans with a sweet tooth.

Guests are invited to try the limited-edition menu at The Ivy on the Square from today until 18 March (weekends only). To book a table, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com.

Treble up for Musselburgh

Musselburgh Racecourse gallops ahead with three industry awards

Musselburgh Racecourse has strengthened its position as Scotland’s leading horse racing venue with three accolades from leading industry and visitor attraction organisations.

The East Lothian course was awarded Gold Standard status by the Racehorse Owners’ Association (ROA), one of only 12 UK courses to achieve the standard and ranked third behind York and sister course Chester.

Musselburgh was assessed as having an overall quality score of 89% and received 100% ratings in four categories including for cleanliness. The ROA said the Gold Standard was awarded to courses which provide an outstanding race day experience for owners and demonstrated a “truly exemplary performance”.

Sixty courses participated in the scheme scoring an average quality score of 80%. Musselburgh achieved an 89% rating with an owner’s feedback score of 4.4 out of five against an average score of 3.7%.

The Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme assesses the raceday experience from the perspective of customers, with each racecourse visited by a trained assessor from VisitScotland. The assessments analyse all touchpoints of the customer experience including pre-raceday information, the on-course experience and post-raceday communications.

Musselburgh was awarded an RCA Excellence Accolade for its Staff Customer Service and also retained its five star visitor attraction status, meaning it is considered an “exceptional” venue by VisitScotland.

The RCA said 2022 had been a particularly challenging year for sport and leisure venues, and the retention of the prestigious five star rating demonstrated the ongoing investment in Scotland into the raceday experience.

Paul Swain, the RCA’s Raceday Experience & Communications Manager, said: “The scheme demonstrates the RCA and its members’ ongoing commitment to reviewing and enhancing the raceday experience.

“It has been a challenging year for racecourses with inflation, soaring energy bills and the wider cost of living crisis. This, along with the difficulties of securing staff, has meant that racecourses have had to adapt and innovate to continue to offer the experiences our racegoers are accustomed to.”

VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Manager, Angie Fowler, said: “We congratulate the Scottish racecourses in retaining their excellent quality visitor attraction ratings, with three of them retaining our top accolade. 

“A commitment to quality is clearly demonstrated across these racecourses and in particular, their dedication to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors is helping to inspire other attractions across Scotland. 

“Their determination to maintain and improve standards is about much more than just a star rating, it is about providing a visitor experience consistent in standards across all areas. Quality and value-for-money are important to consumers, especially during challenging economic times, and delivering experiences that meet and exceed visitor expectations is crucial in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.”

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “It is important and useful to be able to measure our performance and the race day experience we offer across multiple metrics and I am delighted that Musselburgh continues to be one of the best performing and value for money sports and visitor attractions in the UK.

“The bar is set high but we are always striving to find new or improved ways of making sure everyone who visits Musselburgh, be that regular racegoers and owners or casual visitor, leaves feeling they have enjoyed the day and will want to return.

“Maintaining these high standards is only possible because of the energy and commitment of our permanent and race day staff who work with key partners to ensure consistent quality across all our operations and these awards are recognition of their efforts.”

Over 400 hospitality scholarships awarded by HIT Scotland to support industry talent  

Empowering the development of the Scottish hospitality sector, Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has this week awarded 414 scholarships to those studying or working in the industry. 

The scholarships were awarded at the annual HIT Talent Conference, which took place in Glasgow in Thursday at the Voco Grand Central Hotel. Recipients range from those just starting out to senior managers, all working or studying in the Scottish hospitality sector. 

HIT’s scholarship programme is open to anyone in Scotland working in the industry or studying towards a career in hospitality. Scholarships offer learning experiences to help develop new skills, knowledge, best practice and fresh thinking. They focus on business, operational and inspirational empowerment and are tailored to an individual’s aspirations. 

The hospitality charity also announced the first recipient of a special new award introduced in honour inspirational General Manager, the late Graeme Gibson, who worked in many of Scotland’s top establishments, latterly The Grand Central Hotel, Glynhill Hotel, and then Yotel Glasgow.  

The Graeme Gibson Scholarship rewards a rising star working in management in the Greater Glasgow area with four executive coaching sessions to work on their personal and career development, in addition to their scholarship award. This year’s winner is Graeme Walker, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Clayton Hotel Glasgow City. 

The Chris Rouse Scholarship is HIT Scotland’s other special award. Awarded in memory of the former GM of the Turnberry Hotel who was known for developing the highest standards for his guests and inspiring the best from his team, Chris was responsible for the transformation of the hotel into a world-leading luxury spa and golf resort.

The Chris Rouse Scholarship is awarded to someone working in the Ayrshire area, who shows the same enthusiasm for their career. This year’s Chris Rouse Scholar is Natalaigh Taylor, Marketing Manager at Trump Turnberry, who will likewise benefit from executive coaching sessions. 

Seven new scholarships were also announced to reflect the changing needs of the sector: Cornell General Managers Programme; eCornell modules; Resilience; Whisky Appreciation Masterclass; Mental Fitness; Sustainability; and Technology.

David Cochrane, HIT Scotland Chief Executive, added: “HIT Is delighted to announce 414 deserving beneficiaries of scholarships this year. These awards are important for ensuring hospitality talent is nurtured to help people forge successful careers and contribute to this vital Scottish industry. 

“We are pleased to announce special awards made in honour of two industry legends. The first Graeme Gibson Scholar is Graeme Walker, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Clayton Hotel Glasgow City, and this year’s Chris Rouse Scholar is Natalaigh Taylor, Marketing Manager at Trump Turnberry. The executive coaching they will receive in addition to their scholarship will help them grow and progress. 

“We look forward to following all our scholars progress in future months and years.” 

Graeme Gibson Scholarship winner for 2023, Graeme Walker, commented: “I have long admired the work of HIT Scotland, so being selected as the inaugural Graeme Gibson scholarship recipient is truly an honour. 

“Graeme is up at the top of the list of brilliant people I have had the good fortune to work with during my career in hospitality. We worked together in the year leading up to his passing, opening a new hotel during a pandemic, which was an interesting challenge. He has helped to inspire not only me but countless others in Scottish hospitality. His passion for our industry and the members of his teams, along with his great sense of humour, are just parts of what made him a fantastic leader and someone who we can all strive to emulate.” 

HIT Scotland would like to thank the Savoy Educational Trust, The Crerar Trust and The MacRobert Trust, along with their corporate sponsors, for their support of the 2023 scholarship programme. 

To find out more about the scholarships HIT Scotland offer, visit the website: hitscotland.co.uk/scholarships-hit 

Eat Out Edinburgh returns: businesses urged to register now!

Businesses in Edinburgh city centre are being encouraged to note their interest for Eat Out Edinburgh 2023; a tasty restaurant campaign returning to the capital for a second year.

Following the success of the inaugural Eat Out Edinburgh in 2022, Essential Edinburgh – the capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID) – has announced that its two-week celebration of all things food, drink and hospitality will be back to help support the wider sector as it slowly recovers from the challenges from the past few years.

The BID comprises those businesses located from St James Quarter to St Andrew Square, to George Street and Princes Street and as far as the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience. Essential Edinburgh is urging those interested businesses within the BID area to sign up soon, whether they participated in 2022 or would like to be a part of the 2023 campaign for the first time.

Celebrating the best of food, drink and hospitality, and with over 20 participating venues already confirmed, the Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 campaign will run for two weeks from 13th to 26th March.

A bumper list of participating Edinburgh venues will be announced in the coming weeks, promoting special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period.

From business breakfasts to leisurely lunches and evening gatherings over dinner and cocktails, the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign has been designed to bring friends, family and colleagues together whilst helping to support the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive & Director, Essential Edinburgh, said: “Following the success of last year’s campaign, we are bringing back Eat Out Edinburgh for 2023 – with the help of our partner businesses in the hospitality industry, we want it to be bigger and better than 2022.

“This unique celebration of food and drink enables our residents, visitors and office workers to enjoy what’s on offer with special menus, events and offers for city centre workers.

“After the challenges of the past few years, there is a real appetite for people to come and enjoy all that our city centre has to offer. So whether you’re a local, from the wider Lothians region or visiting from further afield, we know there will be something on offer to suit all tastes.”

Business can register interest before Friday 10th February by contacting: 

markfarvis@essentialedinburgh.co.uk

For more information and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: 

www.EatOutEdinburgh.com and www.EdinburghCityCentre.co.uk

Kay’s Bar scoops CAMRA beer quality award

Kay’s Bar in Edinburgh’s New Town has a reputation for selling top quality real ale and this has resulted in Kay’s being awarded the local CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Branch’s 2022 Real Ale Quality Award.

CAMRA’s members provided beer quality scores during 2022 when visiting real ale pubs in the Branch area (there are over 300) and Kay’s came out top for its average score – not only in Edinburgh but throughout the Lothians and Borders.

The presentation will be made by the CAMRA Branch Chair, Pat Hanson, to Simon Fisher, manager at Kay’s, at 8pm on Thursday (19th January 2023) at the pub.

On hearing the news of the award Kay’s landlord Fraser Gillespie said: “We are delighted with this recognition by CAMRA of our commitment to serving a range of  quality real ales”

Runners up in Edinburgh were the Mitre (Royal Mile) and the Dreadnought (Leith).

Where to bring in the New Year

SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.

Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!

Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh
Noir (Little White Pig)

Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.

Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.

Tickets available here from £20.00.

Hogmanay Ceilidh Dance + Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie
Stramash

Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.

Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.

The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.

Tickets available here from £35.00 + BF.

Edinburgh Hogmanay Snow Ball Ceilidh
Assembly Rooms

The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022. A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.

Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.

There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.

Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!

Tickets available here from £54.99 + BF.

Monsters Ball NYE 2022
Frankensteins Edinburgh

Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.

Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).

The monster looks forward to welcoming you…

Tickets available here from £7.00 + BF.

Casino Royale – NYE 2022
LE MONDE

Le Monde is hosting an event you will not want to miss, Casino Royale – featuring casino, entertainment, themed drinks and more.

The bond themed event will include drinks reception, casino tables, entertainment, live DJs and much more.

Dress to impress, and join for the most glamourous Hogmanay party in the City.

Tickets available here from £7.50 + BF.

To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.

SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.

Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!

Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh

Noir (Little White Pig)

Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.

Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.

Tickets available here from £20.00.  

Hogmanay Ceilidh Dance + Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie

Stramash

Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.

Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.

The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.

Tickets available here from £35.00 + BF. 

Edinburgh Hogmanay Snow Ball Ceilidh

Assembly Rooms

The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022. A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.

Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.

There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.

Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!

Tickets available here from £54.99 + BF.

Monsters Ball NYE 2022

Frankensteins Edinburgh

Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.

Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).

The monster looks forward to welcoming you…

Tickets available here from £7.00 + BF. 

Casino Royale – NYE 2022

LE MONDE

Le Monde is hosting an event you will not want to miss, Casino Royale – featuring casino, entertainment, themed drinks and more.

The bond themed event will include drinks reception, casino tables, entertainment, live DJs and much more.

Dress to impress, and join for the most glamourous Hogmanay party in the City.

Tickets available here from £7.50 + BF.

To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.

SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.

Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!

Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh

Noir (Little White Pig)

Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.

Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.

Tickets available here from £20.00.  

Hogmanay Ceilidh Dance + Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie

Stramash

Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.

Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.

The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.

Tickets available here from £35.00 + BF. 

Edinburgh Hogmanay Snow Ball Ceilidh

Assembly Rooms

The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022. A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.

Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.

There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.

Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!

Tickets available here from £54.99 + BF.

Monsters Ball NYE 2022

Frankensteins Edinburgh

Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.

Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).

The monster looks forward to welcoming you…

Tickets available here from £7.00 + BF. 

Casino Royale – NYE 2022

LE MONDE

Le Monde is hosting an event you will not want to miss, Casino Royale – featuring casino, entertainment, themed drinks and more.

The bond themed event will include drinks reception, casino tables, entertainment, live DJs and much more.

Dress to impress, and join for the most glamourous Hogmanay party in the City.

Tickets available here from £7.50 + BF.

To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website. 

Red Hot Hogmanay: Ring in the New Year at the hottest party in town with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is turning up the heat this New Year’s Eve with its Red Hot Hogmanay celebration, which is set to be the hottest party in town. 

Taking place in Eve, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, party goers will be able to celebrate in style with a drop red gorgeous scarlet dress code and entertainment from live bands and world-renowned DJs, including Funkwild, Buckwild, Eclair Fifi and Rebecca Vasmant, playing until the small hours of 2023. 

Celebrations kick off at 9pm where guests will be greeted with a welcome fit for a VVVIP including a glass of fizz on arrival. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable dinner experience or a place to dance the night away, there is a selection of packages available at Eve to suit all guests, from ‘Dinner Only’ to the ‘Pimp My Party’ package which provides the ultimate VIP experience with no queues, your own table for the night and table service, ensuring you always have your glass topped up.  

Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve opened its doors in October and boasts a luxurious interior with unique floor-to-ceiling murals and a vibrant, lively atmosphere, making it the place to be seen in Edinburgh’s The Old Town.  

There’s something for everyone at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and those who are seeking a more relaxed and refined evening can enjoy a specially curated 5-star menu with champagne to accompany at Commons Club – Virgin Hotel’s iconic flagship restaurant. 

From 7pm onwards, Commons Club will be welcoming guests to enjoy a sophisticated evening filled with show-stopping entertainment from performers, Laura Wilkie, and Fergus McCreadie, on keys and fiddle.  Guests will also have access to the hotel’s rooftop for an exclusive experience, viewing Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay firework display from a never-before-seen viewpoint. With one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle and a special rooftop fiddle performance, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. 

Scott McArdle, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is ready to show the Capital how to celebrate the new year in style with our first Red Hot Hogmanay. 

“With lots of exciting plans in store – there’s something for everyone at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh from the vibrant, lively atmosphere of Eve which is perfect for those looking to dance the night away to the more relaxed and refined experience of our flagship restaurant – Commons Club.  

“Edinburgh is synonymous with New Year’s Eve, and we are really excited to join in the celebrations at the home of Hogmanay, offering locals and our jet-setting guests an evening they’ll never forget.” 

Whatever your preference for the evening, make this New Year’s Eve RED HOT and join Virgin Hotels Edinburgh for a night to remember.  

For more information about the celebrations taking place at Eve and to book tickets, visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/offers/red-hot-hogmanay-at-eve/ 

To make a reservation at Commons Club, contact abi-weigold@virginhotels.com  

Gleneagles Townhouse to partner with homelessness charity Social Bite

  

Gleneagles Townhouse, the 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant and member’s club on St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, is delighted to announce it’s collaboration with Social Bite, one of Scotland’s leading homelessness charities. 

Gleneagles has supported the work of Social Bite since 2018 as corporate partner for its hugely successful mass participation sleep-out and Break The Cycle events, and this new partnership will see their initiatives integrated throughout the Edinburgh Townhouse’s offering; from the restaurant, to staffing, to event support and hotel stays. 

Gleneagles Townhouse is also donating a percentage of its joining fee for new members to Social Bite, helping the charity’s ongoing efforts to break the cycle of homelessness in Scotland.

Additionally, the Townhouse will be attributing a donation to Social Bite with every dessert ordered in The Spence, its all-day dining restaurant, and in time working with Social Bite on its Jobs First programme.

This will see the city centre venue employ individuals who have been affected by homelessness in the past. Social Bite provides meaningful jobs to people who have experienced homelessness as an extreme barrier to employment and part of its ongoing work as an organisation is to help those in a similar situation find steady and fulfilling employment, with the aim of 1 in 4 of their own staff to have come from this background themselves.

A £1 contribution per room, per night, will also be added to guest bills for each hotel stay. All proceeds will go towards Social Bite’s work to end homelessness through providing homes, jobs, and food; including support such as providing new furniture and necessary materials to make a house a home within the Social Bite village in nearby Granton. 

These initiatives mark the continuation of a mutual collaboration that will be further cemented with a Burns Supper inspired event to be held at Gleneagles in January. The evening will comprise of a live auction, music from London Essentials, and an exclusive menu created by Gleneagles’ and Townhouse’s top chefs, including Simon Attridge and Jonny Wright respectively, as well as a few special guest chefs from Scotland’s vibrant culinary scene.

Commenting on the partnership announcement, Gleneagles’ Managing Director, Conor O’Leary, said: “We are delighted to be working with our friends at Social Bite once again and hope that together, through this new partnership in Edinburgh, we can support and empower individuals across the city to transform their lives.

“We’re really keen to involve Social Bite in as many aspects of our Townhouse offering as possible and look forward to introducing our guests and members to the work they do in our local community.

“Together with some colleagues from both properties, we were delighted to have taken part in the ‘Break the Cycle’ cycling events over the past two years, with collective efforts from our team helping to raise a combined £33,000 – proceeds of which will go towards building two new Social Bite villages.

“We are so proud to play a small part in helping the vital work of Social Bite in our local community and across the UK.”

Co-founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn, said: “This is such an exciting partnership for Social Bite. We’re thrilled to be working with the team at Gleneagles Townhouse.

“It’s a partnership which will undoubtedly make a great impact across our various pioneering projects; raising vital funds to help us build two more Social Bite villages, helping us continue our free-food provision to people in Edinburgh experiencing homelessness and poverty, as well as providing meaningful employment with tailored support.”

Gleneagles Townhouse is the first ever outpost for the iconic Scottish country hotel in its almost 100-year history in Scotland. Based at 39 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, originally home to the British Linen Bank before later becoming the Bank of Scotland, this historic building has been reimagined to become Gleneagles Townhouse; a 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant, rooftop bar, wellness centre and member’s club.

gleneaglestownhouse.com