SATURDAY 30th AUGUST at LAURISTON CASTLE
Looking for a bit of tranquility and mindfulness after the busy August?
Join @mioshudo at @edmcf_ in the Kyoto-Friendship Garden at Lauriston Castle on 30 August.
Just book your FREE tickets at edmcf.co.uk and relax
YESTERDAY (Saturday 16 August 2025) The Royal Scots Regimental Association led a memorial service at The Royal Scots Memorial Garden at Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Japan which marked the end of the Second World War (VJ Day, 15 August 1945).
Those on parade included descendants of those who fought in the Far East between 1941 and 1945, former Royal Scots and their families as well as representatives of other services and arms that were involved in the various campaigns.
Having formed up in front of Lauriston Castle, they marched the short distance to the Royal Scots Memorial Garden behind the Royal Scots Association Pipe Band and their Association Standards.
A short service was conducted by Reverend Dr Iain May, Chaplain to The Royal Scots Regimental Association. The wreath laying was led by Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.
The Royal Scots, recruited predominantly from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Peeblesshire, were involved from the first day to the last of this bitterly fought campaign.
Their 2nd Battalion fought in defence of Hong Kong from 8 December 1941 and 144 of those who survived were among the 828 prisoners who perished when their ship, the Lisbon Maru, was torpedoed in October 1942; the remainder, if they survived, endured four years of captivity.
The Regiment’s 1st Battalion fought through the later campaign in Burma, including the Battles of Kohima and Aradura which marked the turning point in the war against Japan and led to the final victory on VJ Day, 15 August 1945.
Malcolm Warrack, son of Lt Col Morren Warrack who fought at Kohima with the regiment, said: “A group of Royal Scots Veterans felt very strongly about the lack of some form of local memorial specifically for their fellow soldiers who did not come back from the Burma Campaign and Kohima in particular.
“George Rogers, Ian Henderson and Morren Warrack co-ordinated the preparation and creation of this Memorial Garden; they spoke often about the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East so it is particularly fitting that 80 years after VJ Day we remember them.”
Gerry Borg, son of Lisbon Maru survivor John Borg, said: “We can never fully appreciate the suffering and pain endured by the brave men who were Prisoners of War in Japan.
“From a very young age we were taught that the word ‘starving’ was forbidden in our house. Dad would remind us that we never had, and hopefully never would, experience true starvation.
“On the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, it is right that we remember the sacrifice made on our behalf. We must preserve the history of the events and, honour those involved.”
Brigadier Lowder added: “Having had the privilege as a young officer to meet some of the survivors of the 1st and 2nd Battalions and hear first hand their accounts of their experiences in the Far East, Hong Kong and in captivity, this 80th Anniversary of the end of the war against Japan was particularly poignant.
“The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) will never forget their service and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
SATURDAY 30th AUGUST
2025 Edinburgh Multicultural Festival brings an eclectic mix of music, dance, poetry and theatre to Lauriston Castle on Saturday, 30 August.
From family cultural experiences at the Edinburgh-Kyoto Friendship Garden, to fun-filled circus workshops for all ages to a unique blend of musical genres and influences on the Main Stage, this year’s programme features local diverse performance artists that will entertain and inspire.
Morgan Njobo and Morgan Withers, festival directors expressed their excitement about this year’s festival: ‘We are delighted to be returning to Lauriston Castle with more music, dance, poetry and even musical theatre!’
Food and drink stalls with a great choice of world tastes and flavours will only add to your great day of a multi-sensory cultural extravaganza at Lauriston Castle.
Supported by The City of Edinburgh Council, the event, which is free to attend, invites all residents from across Edinburgh and beyond to come together for an afternoon of heart-warming, mind-inspiring and soul-satisfying shared experiences for all.
.Supported by The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh900 Civic Fund.
@top fans
Creative Scotland Creative Industries at Edinburgh College
Edinburgh Performing Arts Network
Due to sustained strong gusts of wind Lauriston Castle, the gardens and Mimi’s will be closed on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August.
We will possibly re-open slightly later on Wednesday 6 August to conduct a safety check.
Forever Edinburgh is calling on residents to help shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes who make the city a better place to live. This is part of a reimagination of its Resident Rewards programme “For Local Legends”, celebrating the residents and businesses of Edinburgh.
From friendly shopkeepers and inspiring artists to bus drivers, lollipop ladies, community champions and beyond, this new campaign invites locals to nominate Edinburgh’s Local Legends – the people who go above and beyond, often without recognition.
Nominees will be in with a chance of winning exclusive prizes from Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards partners – from afternoon teas, distillery tours and delicious meals, to unique local experiences.
Prizes have been provided by Resident Rewards partners Mimi’s Bakehouse, Malmaison, Port of Leith Distillery and the Edinburgh Marine Academy.
One especially celebrated individual will be treated to something even more special: a Legendary Local’s Day, featuring an itinerary of unforgettable Edinburgh experiences.
This will include a private tour of Lauriston Castle, where they will find out about the final private owners of Lauriston Castle – Mr and Mrs Reid and Mrs Reid’s brother, Mr Barton and see what it was like to live above and below stairs at Lauriston Castle in Edwardian times.
A nomination page has been launched on the Forever Edinburgh website, where residents can submit their nominations. Whether it’s a neighbour who runs a food bank, a youth worker changing lives or someone who simply brings joy to others, this is your chance to share their story. Nominations are open now and will close on 14 August 2025.
Submissions should include the nominee’s name and details, the nominator’s details and the reason for the nomination, with the option to allow Forever Edinburgh to share the nominee’s story on its social media channels.
All nominations will be hosted on the site, creating a growing list of the city’s everyday legends.
Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Local Legends is about celebrating the people who quietly shape all of the things which make our great city what it is today.
“These are the friendly faces and unsung heroes who make Edinburgh feel like home and this campaign is our way of saying thank you. We’re proud to share the new campaign for our Resident Rewards programme For Local Legends – and even prouder to give something back to the people who give so much.”
This is part of the launch of Forever Edinburgh’s new campaign for Resident Rewards – now reimagined as “For Local Legends”. It represents a refreshed commitment to recognising and rewarding residents and local businesses who together make the city such a wonderful place to live.
This is your chance to say thank you to the legends among us – and help them get the recognition they deserve. Edinburgh residents can now wear a badge of honour as a Local Legend, with a rewards programme that gives unique benefits back to them.
The Resident Rewards programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Forever Edinburgh is proud to recognise and reward the people who help make this city so vibrant, kind in spirit and unique. Now it’s over to you – who’s your local legend?
Nominate your Unsung Legend today at edinburgh.org/residentrewardscomp
Join us for our Japan Sakura @ Lauriston Castle – a festival spanning 2 days (Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April) celebrating the blossom at Lauriston Castle.
Full details of #Japanese#cultural events here:
https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/…/sakura-lauriston…
Free and drop in.
On #GoodFriday , Saturday and Easter Monday we have some FREE #Easter & Nature trails at Lauriston Castle. Pop along and pick up the trails & solve a puzzle to get some chocolate eggs.
Between 11am-4pm. In front of Castle.
Details here: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/family-fun-lauriston…
Lauriston Castle has officially launched its exciting 2025 programme with a visit from Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and members of the multi-award-winning Edinburgh Living History (ELH).
The Lord Provost joined ELH for a special guided tour of the 16th-century castle last week. Known for its breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth, Lauriston Castle is set to host a diverse range of events in the coming months, offering something for everyone.
The castle’s Lectures Series will feature captivating discussions on topics such as growing up in Corstorphine in the 1950s, the Women of Lauriston, and the inspiring legacy of Emily Pankhurst and the Suffragette movement.
For those looking to tap into their creative side, the Adult Crafts Workshops will include sessions on watercolour painting, wreath-making, and more.
Meanwhile, Family Events will feature exciting activities such as dinosaur and space-themed days, as well as the beloved annual Lauriston Castle Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy Costumed Performances, with live re-enactments of Edinburgh life from days gone by, bringing the past to life in an immersive way.
A key new addition to the 2025 programme is a focus on Lauriston Women’s History. New themed tours and a lecture series will delve into the often-overlooked stories of the women who played a vital role in the castle’s history.
The programme also includes special events and themed tours, theatre performances, atmospheric film screenings, and garden events.
Lauriston Castle is also collaborating with renowned partners like the Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, the Edinburgh International Magic Festival and the Edinburgh Horror Festival to bring even more exceptional experiences to the public.
Details of all events are listed on the Museums & Galleries website.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit Lauriston Castle today. Edinburgh Living History and our fantastic Museums & Galleries colleagues were kind enough to welcome me and provide a chance to explore one of our most unique venues.
“In the coming months, there’s an excellent range of events taking place as part of the Lauriston Castle 2025 programme. From lectures on circular fashion to the grisly history of anatomy in 19th-century Edinburgh, alongside adult creative workshops and family events, there’s truly something for everyone.
“As we continue our Edinburgh 900 celebrations, I would encourage all of our residents and visitors to take advantage of these fantastic opportunities to learn more about Edinburgh’s history.”
CRAFT WORKSHOP PROGRAMME AT LAURISTON CASTLE
Our Lauriston adult creative workshop programme for 2025 is now live and bookable.
17 fantastic adult creative workshops for you to explore your creativity in our supportive relaxing setting.
Explore here: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/adult-craft-workshops…
BE QUICK, THOUGH – SOME CLASSES ALREADY SOLD OUT!
We are taking part in #SilverSunday with Age UK on Sunday 6 October by offering a free tour for elder visitors. We have an option of a tour of the Castle and a step-free option to see the castle digitally.
Join our knowledgeable guide for a FREE tour of Lauriston Castle. Find out about Willian and Margaret Reid, the last owners of Lauriston, and see for yourself the wonderful gift they left the nation.
Silver Sunday is the national day for older people, which is co-ordinated by Age UK. Age UK’s Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities and the generations around them.
More Info here: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/…/tour-lauriston…
At 10:30 on Saturday 29 June 2024 The Royal Scots Regimental Association will lay wreaths and conduct a memorial service at Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh (EH4 6AD), to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima and the Regiment’s role in one of the defining battles of the Second World War.
Regimental records show that between 4 April and 22 June 1944 1st Battalion The Royal Scots lost a total of 89 men – their names will be read out during the ceremony. A further 200 were wounded, many seriously, in the intense fighting around Kohima.
The Battle of Kohima was one of the most bitterly fought battles of the Second World War and a pivotal moment in the war against Japan in the Far East.
The success of the British 2nd Division (including theRoyal Scots) and the Indian 5th Division ensured the safety of British India and turned the tide against Japanese forces in South East Asia.
On Saturday 29 June 2024 The Royal Scots contingent will form up in the Lauriston Castle car park at 10:30 and will march the short distance to the Royal Scots Memorial Garden behind a piper and their Association Standards.
All others are welcome to congregate at the Garden. The service will commence at 10:50 and will be conducted by Reverend Ian May, the Padre of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.
The wreath laying will be led by Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.
Malcolm Warrack, son of Lt Col Morren Warrack who fought at Kohima with the regiment, said: “A group of Royal Scots Veterans felt very strongly about the lack of some form of local memorial specifically for their fellow soldiers who did not come back from the Burma Campaign and Kohima in particular.
“George Rogers, Ian Henderson and Morren Warrack co-ordinated the preparation and creation of this Memorial Garden in the 1990s.
“They spoke often about the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East so it is particularly fitting that 80 years later on 29th June 2024 we remember them.”
Brigadier Lowder added: “The Royal Scots feel very strongly that we should mark the battle of Kohima which witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the war.
“Some Royal Scots who took part in crucial battles to delay the German advance to Dunkirk in May 1940 subsequently found themselves in the Far East where the war continued for a further 3 months after victory in Europe was declared in May 1945. Many made the ultimate sacrifice; we will remember them.”
