Tag: leisure

New disc golf course opens in Edinburgh

The Hailes Quarry Park course was officially opened this week by the Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Margaret Graham.

Disc golf is played in a similar way to traditional golf, but instead of clubs and balls, players throw a flying disc towards a fixed metal basket. Each hole begins at a designated tee area, with players continuing from where their previous throw lands until they reach the target.

With more than 12,000 courses worldwide, disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Despite its popularity, the nearest course to Edinburgh was located in Dunbar and required an entry fee.

The new course is free to use and open to everyone, offering a great opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to get outdoors and try something new.

Supported by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), it has been developed and will be maintained by the newly established Edinburgh Disc Golf Community (EDGC), helping to grow the sport locally. 

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “It’s fantastic to see more opportunities like this being introduced at Hailes Quarry Park. Having activities that are free and open to all makes a real difference, and I hope it encourages people of all ages to come along and give disc golf a go.

“I had such a great time having a shot on the course during the launch and I’m sure this will be a valuable addition for the community.

“Supporting people to be more active is a key priority, and initiatives like this play an important role in making that happen.”

Edinburgh Disc Golf Community member, Peter Dawson, said: “It is brilliant to finally be opening Edinburgh’s first disc golf course!

“The Scottish Open was first held on the Isle of Mull in 1992 and since then disc golf courses have been popping up all around Scotland so it’s brilliant to finally be opening Edinburgh’s first course!

“The Edinburgh Disc Golf Community formed in 2023 to bring disc golf to the city so it’s very exciting to see all our plans become a reality. Hailes Quarry Park is the perfect location, and we are incredibly grateful to the local community for their warm welcome to ‘The Quarry’.

“We can’t wait to share this fast growing, free to play, inclusive sport and welcome them into the community – if you can throw a frisbee you can play Disc Golf!”

OMNi To Host The Big Meet Event in May After £5M Transformation

OMNI NEARS COMPLETION OF £5 MILLION TRANSFORMATION AND INVITES  EDINBURGH TO BIG REVEAL EVENT ON SATURDAY 2 MAY 

Edinburgh’s leisure and entertainment destination, OMNi, is adding the finishing touches  to its fresh new look as the £5 million pound refurbishment enters its final stages – signalling the start  of an exciting new chapter for the much-loved city centre destination. 

The refurb project has delivered significant enhancements to the public realm with the aim of creating  a more welcoming space for visitors to meet and enjoy.

Improvements include new flooring throughout  the centre, an upgraded and more visible main entrance, modern LED lighting, new seating zones,  and extensive internal structural improvements. 

Neil Mackie, OMNi Centre Manager, said: “OMNi is on a mission to get Edinburgh to meet more and enjoy more. With a renewed focus  on community and connection, the revitalised OMNi aims to become the go-to spot for affordable fun, and meeting point for everyday moments in Edinburgh, from morning coffees  before exploring the city and family meals after a day out.

“We’re excited for everyone to  experience the newly refurbished entertainment destination for all.” 

The refreshed centre marks the start of a new chapter for OMNi and brings with it a programme of  planned and surprise enlivenment and events into 2026 and beyond.

To celebrate new beginnings,  OMNi is hosting The Big Meet on Saturday 2 May – a free event designed to bring the people of  Edinburgh together and give back to the community. 

The Big Meet will bring a burst of feel-good energy to the centre between 11am and 5pm. OMNi brand  ambassadors will be surprising visitors with complimentary coffees, meals, cinema tickets and other  treats, while brands offer up one-day-only deals. Guests can also take home a personalised sketch  from a live illustrator, along with a few extra surprises along the way. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, OMNi has donated a significant £180,000 over three years to the University of Edinburgh’s Access Edinburgh Scholarship  programme, which supports students from low‑income backgrounds.

The funding will aid 30  undergraduates, with each scholar receiving a total of £3,000 per year. This is funded equally from  OMNi and the University, to help students with personal and academic costs.

Thomas Archer Bata, Director at Triple B, said: “At Triple B, our ambition is always to enrich the lives of the communities we serve.

“OMNi is  especially meaningful to me, having studied at the University of Edinburgh and seen first hand the role it plays as an important social hub for the city. Its transformation reflects our  commitment to creating a welcoming place for the local community to come together and  enjoy accessible, affordable fun.

“We’re proud to build on that by supporting the University of  Edinburgh’s Access Edinburgh Scholarship programme, helping students focus on their  studies without financial strain.” 

Visit the OMNi website for full details on The Big Meet event on 2 May 2026. Join OMNi on its social  channels for latest information and behind the scenes content: Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. 

OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including  Bank Holidays.

Fort Kinnaird announces Easter events and offers

Fort Kinnaird is inviting families to get involved with its schedule of fun activities throughout the Easter break (3rd – 20th April), including free Easter and spring themed sustainability workshops at the Leith Collective, and a range of great discounts and offers across the centre.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We love seeing families and friends spend quality time together at the centre over the Easter period and, this year, we’re pleased to be back with a whole host of seasonal activities and offers, with everything from Easter workshops to bath bombs on the agenda!”

Egg-citing Easter fun at Fort Kinnaird includes:

  • Leith Collective workshops: From 3rd – 6th April, Leith Collective is inviting families to its free Easter workshops where children can use recycled materials to make bird feeders and wildflower planters or paint Easter eggs. On Easter Saturday and Sunday, there will also be an egg hunt in store. For more information, head to Leith Collective’s Instagram.
  • Easter bath bomb parties at Lush: Lush is hosting a calendar of Easter parties between 3rd and 17th April, with visitors who sign up via Eventbrite able to make their own exclusive bath bomb, get involved in Easter-themed games, and take home a goodie bag including an exclusive product and samples, for £15 per person.  
  • Kids eat free at Frankie & Benny’s: Between 30th March and 17th April, Frankie & Benny’s is offering a children’s main, two sides, a drink, and a dessert for free with every adult main purchased. Full information can be found on the website here.  

Fort Kinnaird’s opening times will remain the same as usual over the Easter weekend, however opening hours at individual retailers may vary and visitors are encouraged to check with specific venues ahead of their trip.  

  • Good Friday (Friday 3rd April): 9am – 9pm   
  • Easter Saturday (Saturday 4th April): 9am – 6pm   
  • Easter Sunday (Sunday 5th April): 9am – 6pm    
  • Easter Monday (Monday 6th April): 9am – 9pm

For more information and to plan an Easter visit to Fort Kinnaird, go to: 

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Scotland’s first Center Parcs to create 1,200 jobs

New holiday resort in the Scottish Borders

Scotland’s first Center Parcs resort will create 1,200 permanent new jobs First Minister John Swinney announced today, as he visited the site near Hawick in the Scottish Borders where the resort will be built.

The Scottish Government has committed up to £30 million over five years to deliver the essential infrastructure needed to make the resort possible. The funding, which will be delivered via South of Scotland Enterprise, unlocks more than £420 million in private funding from Center Parcs, which could not proceed without it.

Work is expected to begin on site in spring 2026, with the resort set to open in summer 2029. The development is expected to increase tourism to the area by 38%, generating £87 million annually for the Scottish economy.

The resort will offer families across Scotland a high-quality staycation option closer to home, reducing the need to travel abroad for short breaks.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Economic growth must reach the people and places that need it most. Investing in the South of Scotland through this project is a direct expression of our belief that every part of Scotland deserves to benefit from a growing economy.

“Investing here is a deliberate statement that we are serious about reducing regional inequality and creating genuine opportunity for young people — 30% of these 1,200 jobs are targeted at 16-to-24-year-olds. 

“It is a privilege to be here with local school children to start planting new trees for the site and I look forward to seeing the development of the project before the resort opens in 2029.”

Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay said: “We are very grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, as well as South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Borders Council, and the many other partners who have worked with us to unlock the potential of this project.

“Center Parcs will have a transformational effect on the South of Scotland, bringing jobs, tourism, supply chain opportunities and significant economic benefits. It is incredibly exciting for work on site to now be getting underway and we were delighted that the First Minister could join us to commemorate this key milestone.”

Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise Russel Griggs said: “This is a significant moment for the South of Scotland, with Center Parcs being one of a number of big investments we are currently welcoming to our region.

“Center Parcs presents massive opportunities and will help diversify the visitor economy, attract new people, deliver inclusive growth and provide significant supply chain opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs.

“This investment also provides a chance to tackle head-on the economic challenges of the past which still impact communities such as Hawick.”

Planning permission for Center Parcs was granted by Scottish Borders Council in December 2025. 

Easter ski bookings surge 76% as search interest hits five-year high

Fly from Edinburgh Airport for under £500pp

With the Easter school holidays falling two weeks earlier this year and recent heavy snowfall across the Alps, 2026 is shaping up to be a bumper year for Easter ski trips. Current Google Trends and booking data reveal a dramatic spike in demand.

The latest figures from Heidi, the UK’s second-largest ski holiday operator, show Easter ski bookings have jumped 76% year-on-year, which reflects a surge in online UK search interest. 

According to current Google Trends data (captured on 23 February 2026*), UK search interest for “easter skiing” is up 144% year-on-year,and has more than tripled for “spring skiing”, which is up 335%. Both terms have reached their highest level in five years, highlighting growing interest in late-season ski breaks:

Italy benefiting from Winter Olympics spotlight

Heidi also reports a shift in Easter destination trends this year, with Italian resorts gaining ground on French favourites – likely a halo effect from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which has showcased the Dolomites and other Italian ski areas to UK audiences.

Last Easter, Heidi’s top-selling resorts were largely French favourites, including Avoriaz, Flaine, Val Thorens, and La Plagne. This year, several Italian resorts – including Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, and Selva di Val Gardena – have moved into the top sellers list, alongside Kirchberg in Austria.

While classic high-altitude Alpine resorts have traditionally been the safest bet for late-season skiing, recent heavy snowfall has broadened the range of viable destinations, appealing to families and budget-conscious skiers.

Why Easter skiing is growing in popularity

Easter offers several advantages over the February half-term peak, making it ideal for families and beginners:

  • Quieter slopes and shorter lift queues
  • Longer daylight hours
  • Milder, sunnier weather
  • Better-value prices

Marcus Blunt, Co-founder at Heidi, comments: “With the Easter holidays falling earlier this year and exceptional recent snowfall across the Alps, we’re set for a strong spring ski season ahead.

“The surge in Easter bookings reflects this, and there’s increased demand for Italian resorts compared to last year – likely a halo effect from the Winter Olympics spotlight.” 

Top Easter family ski deals under £500pp

With five weeks left to book and Heidi’s late-season sale underway, there are great deals available, whether you’re after a full week or a short break:

Font-Romeu (Pyrenees), France – 7 nights – £390pp – Includes 7 nights’ self-catering at Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Pédrou, return Edinburgh – Barcelona flights, and private airport transfers. Departing Monday 30 March 2026

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – 5 nights – £469pp – Includes 3 nights’ B&B Hotel Alaska Cortina, return Edinburgh – Venice flights, and airport transfers. Departing Tues 31 March 2026

Flaine, France – 4 nights – £431pp – Includes 4 nights’ self-catering at Résidence Pierre & Vacances La Forêt, return Edinburgh – Geneva flights, and airport transfers. Departing Weds 8 April 2026

Seefeld, Austria – 4 nights – £490pp – Includes 4 nights’ self-catering at Apartment Torri di Seefeld,return Edinburgh – Munich/Innsbruck -Edinburgh flights, and airport transfers. Departing Weds 1 April 2026

La Plagne, France – 3 nights – £423pp – Includes 3 nights’ self-catering at Maeva Particuliers Residence Les Constellations, return Edinburgh – Geneva flights, and airport transfers. Departing Monday 30 March 2026

Vue Edinburgh Omni welcomes luxurious new seats

Film fans in Edinburgh can enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s biggest and comfiest Ultra Lux seat at its venue located within the Omni Centre on Greenside Row.

The Ultra Lux is the best seat in the screen and is available for Edinburgh customers to experience now.

88 Ultra Lux seats have been installed across Vue Edinburgh Omni’s 12 screens. Each seat provides the very best view of the screen and comes with a host of premium features including an extra-wide armrest, beverage cooler and personal table for snacks and beverages, and back and leg rests which recline independently, allowing customers to find the most relaxing viewing position possible.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to Edinburgh Omni and are excited for our customers to enhance their experience on their next visit. It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.”

The investment means that customers can now book Ultra Lux seating at both of Vue’s Edinburgh venues with its Ocean Terminal venue introducing the seating in November last year.

Tickets for Vue Edinburgh Omni can be booked online by visiting myvue.com. 

The Real Mary King’s Close celebrates another record-breaking year as visitor numbers continue to rise

VISITORS FROM 147 COUNTRIES FUEL RECORD YEAR

One of Edinburgh’s leading visitor attractions, The Real Mary King’s Close, has reported another record-breaking year after welcoming 296,726 guests in 2025, marking continued year-on-year growth and reinforcing its position as one of the Capital’s most popular experiences.

The latest figures represent an impressive 5% increase on 2024, when the attraction welcomed 282,525 visitors, making 2025 the third consecutive record year for The Close. Located beneath Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the attraction continues to draw strong interest from both domestic and international audiences keen to explore the city’s hidden history.

Traditionally one of Edinburgh’s peak summer months, July saw 38,079 visitors undeterred by warmer weather, instead choosing to step below the Royal Mile to uncover Auld Reekie’s rich heritage, hidden streets, and stories from the city’s past.

Over the course of the year, The Real Mary King’s Close welcomed visitors from 147 countries, underlining its global appeal. International guests travelled from as far afield as the Åland Islands, Belize, French Polynesia, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Namibia and Nepal, alongside key tourism markets in Europe, North America and Asia.

The visitor site’s reputation is further reflected in its online performance, now boasting over 5,780 reviews across Google and Tripadvisor, with 93% rated four stars or higher, positioning it among Edinburgh’s highest-rated cultural experiences.

Alongside its core offering, The Real Mary King’s Close continued to expand and diversify its programme in 2025, launching two new tours while seeing strong ongoing demand for its established special experiences. Introduced in April, Carnage and Contagion: The Plague Tour welcomed 574 guests; Coffee & Closes, in partnership with John’s Coffee House, attracted 884 guests in its first year.

These new additions sat alongside the continued success of specialist and limited-run experiences, which allow returning visitors the opportunity to delve into different facets of Scotland’s history, including the Dr Arnott Experience, which welcomed 3,043 guests, and four Underground Unlocked free-flow events that together welcomed 976 guests. 

Retail performance also remained strong, with historically inspired merchandise proving particularly popular. Best-selling items included the Plague Dr Shopper bag, with 5,363 units sold, and the Plague Ducktor, which sold 3,538 units during the year.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close said: “Achieving another record-breaking year is a fantastic milestone and demonstrates the overwhelming appetite for immersive, high-quality historical experiences in our Capital City.  Our dedicated team welcomed nearly 300,000 guests in 2025, from 147 different countries.

“We are continuing to evolve our offering through new tours and experiences while staying true to what makes The Close distinctive – its powerful storytelling, authenticity and a deep connection to Edinburgh’s past. It’s so encouraging to see consistent growth across both the peak and shoulder seasons, and we’re excited to build on this momentum.”

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit: 

www.realmarykingsclose.com

M Core invest almost £5m in the regeneration of The Centre, Livingston

RANKED THE MOST ATTRACTIVE SHOPPING CENTRE IN SCOTLAND

M Core, owners of The Centre, Livingston invests almost £5m on the regeneration of the shopping centre, which includes launching a new leisure hub later this year and a new sustainability programme which includes reusing pallets for planters and bug hotels.

Since acquiring The Centre, Livingston less than two years ago, M Core has delivered a comprehensive ‘repositioning’ of the shopping centre, which is one of Scotland’s largest retail destinations, spanning 1m sq. ft. and attracting 15.4m visitors a year.

The regeneration programme has focused on strengthening its retail, leisure and social offer while ensuring long-term sustainability for the local community.

In 2025 the shopping centre welcomed various new brands, including Wingstop, a 90-seater Starbucks, Sostrene Grene, MINISO and Flying Tiger, with more new openings in the pipeline this year and expansions, including JD Sports, which will be tripling in size and launching in the spring.

Sustainability has been central to the regeneration programme which includes replacing a section of the roof using a 100% recyclable membrane and improved recycling systems, which have all contributed to lower consumption and reduced carbon emissions. 

Further improvements are underway with the phased replacement of the Building Management System which will monitor and control all lights, heating and cooling systems more effectively to help reduce its carbon footprint. Delivery pallets have also been recycled to build planters and bug hotels.

In recognition of the significant transformation at The Centre, Livingston, the company, which is one of Europe’s leading property collectives, has been named a finalist in the Regeneration Project of the Year category at the 13th Scottish Property Awards, which takes place in Glasgow next month.

M Core has also been announced as the leading Investment Manager in Scotland in the Going Shopping 2026 report by Trevor Wood Associates, with The Centre, Livingston ranked the most attractive shopping centre in Scotland.

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP, part of M Core and Asset Manager to The Centre, Livingston said: “Our regeneration programme is well under way at The Centre, Livingston with even more exciting plans afoot.

“Being recognised for our efforts to revitalise the shopping centre is a great achievement for everyone who has been involved in the regeneration programme.

“Our work at The Centre, Livingston is grounded in long-term investment, active management and close collaboration with our partners and community. 

“We’re very proud of the progress achieved so far and remain committed to ensuring The Centre, Livingston continues to thrive as a retail, dining and leisure destination for West Lothian and beyond.”

Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh

John Higgins, Mark Williams, Zhao Xintong, Kyren Wilson, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby and defending champion Lei Peifan are among the snooker stars in the field for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh in December.

The draw and schedule is OUT NOW for the world ranking event and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast to make sure of their seats to see the greatest stars on the planet competing for the Stephen Hendry Trophy.  Tickets start at just £16.50, incredible value for the chance to see world class live sport.

For the full draw and ticket details visit wst.tv  

The 64-player tournament runs from December 15th to 21st at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in the Scottish capital and it will be screened across the planet by broadcasters including TNT Sports, Eurosport, DMAX and WST Play.

China’s Lei, ranked 84th in the world at the time, registered a massive shock last year when he beat Wu Yize in the final to land his first pro title. He starts the defence of his crown against Amir Sarkhosh on the opening morning at 10am on Monday December 15th.

Other key matches over the opening days include:

Scotland’s four-time Crucible king John Higgins v Antoni Kowalski. 1pm on Monday December 15th

British Open champion Shaun Murphy v Liu Hongyu. Not before 2pm on Monday December 15th

World number three and Saudi Masters champion Neil Robertson v He Guoqiang. 7pm on Monday December 15th

Reigning World Champion Zhao Xintong v Robert Milkins. Not before 8pm on Monday December 15th

Former UK Champion Stephen Maguire v Chang Bingyu. Not before 8pm on Monday December 15th

Scotland’s Anthony McGill v Tom Ford. 1pm on Tuesday December 16th

Xi’an Grand Prix champion Mark Williams v Ben Mertens. 1pm on Tuesday December 16th

Four-time World Champion Mark Selby v Robbie McGuigan. Not before 2pm on Tuesday December 16th

World number two Kyren Wilson v Gao Yang. 7pm on Tuesday December 16th

BetVictor English Open champion Mark Allen v Ishpreet Singh Chadha. Not before 8pm on Tuesday December 16th

Higgins said: “I always enjoy playing in my home tournament, with my family and friends watching.

“Obviously it would mean a great deal to win the title, it would be really special and all of the Scottish players would say the same. The standard is so good now, without a doubt it’s the best time there has ever been to be a fan.”

It’s the third event in the 2025/26 BetVictor Home Nations Series and the arena will be packed for many sessions across the seven days in the heart of one of the world’s most historic cities.

Singing, selfies and self-expression!

Marco’s unveils first-of-its-kind interactive karaoke room

Got the voice of an angel? The soul of a disco diva? Or the raw energy of a rock god? Or perhaps you see yourself more as a Simon Cowell figure, wielding the power of the red button and letting your friends know exactly what you think of their singing!

Whatever kind of music you’re into, the brand-new interactive karaoke room at Marco’s is the place for uninhibited singing, selfies and self-expression. 

Described as a bold, immersive, musical playground, this private room features hand-painted cityscape murals, quirky lighting and interactive props — all designed to make revellers feel like they’ve snuck into a rooftop party above the city.

Visitors can choose their top tunes, set the mood with their choice of lighting effects, then take to the stage. The audience can show just how impressed (or unimpressed!) they are by the performance by pressing buttons that play hilarious snippets and soundbites of praise and put-downs from well-known celebrities. 

Those wanting to wet their whistle while they wait for their time in the limelight can choose from a huge selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as more than 50 gins – and order them via a retro phone booth. And if belting out hit after hit works up an appetite, they can order fresh, stone-baked pizzas and have them delivered straight to the room.

This fully immersive, interactive karaoke room is unlike any other, continuing Marco’s legacy as entertainment trailblazers.

Speaking ahead of the launch, owner Paul Demarco commented; “Marco’s was the first ever big screen karaoke venue of its kind in the country, kickstarting the karaoke craze in Scotland.

“Back in the 1980s, more than 500 people would flock to Marco’s karaoke per night at the weekend to sing their hearts out. And now this extensive redesign has taken karaoke at Marco’s to the next level. It’s a unique and creative setting that’s perfect for showcasing talent, making memories and capturing it all on social media.” 

The unveiling of the interactive karaoke room is just the latest development at Marco’s as it continues to challenge preconceptions of a traditional pool hall. From the edgy, graffitied walls and life-size subway carriage art installation, to the retro video games and fun interactive dartboards – Marco’s has upped its game and cemented its position as one of Edinburgh’s most creative entertainment venues. 

The interactive karaoke room at Marco’s is available for private hire for groups of 6-16 people, with prices starting at just £30 per hour. It’s perfect for keeping the whole family entertained during the day, and will no doubt also prove popular with corporate, stag and hen parties in the evening.