MONDAYS 5.30 – 7.30pm at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
A free badminton club starts on Monday next week at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre!
For ages 14 and over, and all equipment is supplied. No need to book.
For more information please call the Link Up team on 07493 876 130.
Families can test their sea survival skills at the National Museum of Flight this half term. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, special workshops and activities will take place at the museum in East Lothian on 15 & 16 and 22 & 23 October.
Sea Survival will offer visitors the opportunity to get hands-on and discover skills and equipment used by RAF’s Coastal Command.
Outdoor workshops will teach children aged 7 and up how to survive on a desert island, from safely lighting a fire to bushcraft.
Families can also climb aboard a real-life raft in the Concorde Hangar and handle equipment used by the RAF from the Second World War to the modern day, before exploring the historic airfield and hangars filled with fascinating aircraft and interactive displays.
The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Sea Survival is free with museum admission.
Steve Mclean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “We are delighted to offer free family activities this half term, thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
“We hope our young visitors will enjoy diving into the stories and skills of the RAF’s Coastal Command while exploring everything the National Museum of Flight has to offer.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “This Sea Survival event is a fascinating and fun way to learn about the history of the RAF’s Coastal Command.
“We are thrilled that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting this brilliant programme of family activities at the Museum this half term. Player support has enabled many such initiatives. To date, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £900 million for thousands of good causes”
Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this October can also take part in Operation Sabotage, Scotland’s only escape room experience on an historic airfield. Taking place on 29 and 30 October, the experience is suitable for those aged 14 and over.
For more information and to book, visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events.
The Museum is home to Scotland’s only Concorde and visitors can see an example of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire that played such an important role in the Second World War.
The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly.
They are also able to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
· Iconic destination launches a bespoke ‘love package’ for the perfect summer staycation
· Package to include ancient ‘handfasting ceremony’ where visitors can cement their love for each other during their stay
· The Summer of Love offer to be available from July 2022
Gretna Green, The Home of Romance, rebellion, and runaway marriages, is celebrating all things love this summer as it launches a bespoke new offering.
The limited edition package will include a night’s stay at Gretna Hall Hotel, a meal for two at one of Gretna Green’s fabulous restaurants, a bespoke Anvil Handfasting Ceremony over the iconic Blacksmiths anvil and to toast and celebrate in style, a delectable love-inspired limited edition ‘Summer of Love’ cocktail designed by resident mixologist, Yash Dhiman.
Visitors will also receive tickets to the recently launched Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience – the UK’s first attraction dedicated to love and marriage – where they will be taken through a history of marriage through time and become a part of the World’s Greatest Love Story. With Gretna Green marrying couples from as far back as 1754, visitors can learn all about the many different love stories spanning across the decades.
As part of the visit to Gretna Green, couples will also partake in a handfasting ceremony – a traditional practice where a ribbon is wrapped around each person’s hands ‘binding’ their love for one another. The perfect way to make a romantic break extra special and totally unique.
The iconic destination at the gateway to Scotland, historically known as The Original Home of Romance, is also home to unique experiences and delicious eateries for all the family. Set in the stunning Scottish countryside, it boasts two luxury hotels, and is the perfect place for a summer staycation.
In addition, because of its ideal location near the English border, it offers a great day out for travellers passing through the South of Scotland on their way up North, or vice versa.
Isabel Rhodes, CEO of the Gretna Green Ltd family estate, said: “We pride ourselves on being a unique and interesting place to visit, offering something for everyone. There really is no place like Gretna Green!
“We want to showcase all we have to offer here at Gretna Green and welcome you all from across the UK to join us in celebrating a Summer Of Love”.
Puck, the mischievous sprite from Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, would be suitably impressed by the idyllic Argyll woodland trail that bears his name.
Puck’s Glen, just a five minute drive from Dunoon with its ferry links to Greenock and Gourock, is one of a number of historical and natural landmarks that form part of the East Cowal Heritage Outdoors (ECHO) trails.
Dotted around a small peninsula that forms part of the spectacular but little known Cowal region of Argyll, the ECHO Trails represent an effective ‘packaging’ of an area that really could lay claim to being a geographical and geological gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The project was officially launched in July 2022 with the help of partner organisations that include the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Forestry & Land Scotland, Historic Scotland and the Argyll & Isles Tourism Co-operative.
Accessed by both foot passenger and car ferries from Greenock and Gourock respectively, as well as by car through the stunning Rest & Be Thankful mountain pass, east Cowal comprises of a number of small settlements including Kilmun, Ardentinny, Strone, Blairmore and Lochgoilhead and loops around the banks of Holy Loch and Lochs Long, Goil and Eck.
This is an area, originally part of the kingdom of Dalriada, that has played a pivotal role in the moulding of Scotland through the ages with early Christian faith playing a part alongside some truly grim and gruesome clan rivalries.
The gorge that Puck’s Glen meanders through was developed by the Laird of Benmore, James Duncan, in the 1870s. The 2.8km walkway, categorised as a strenuous trail, is an enchanting and mystical journey through a lush habitat that’s rich in mosses and ferns and punctuated with delightful waterfall after delightful waterfall. It also showcases the finest aspects of the Argyll Forest, the UK’s oldest managed forest that dates back to the 1930s.
Just down the road in Kilmun there’s a clearly signposted arboretum with a number of walking trails of differing length and challenge that features trees from five different continents. It’s a showroom, if you like, for the forest as a whole but one that reflects the international roots associated with Argyll and this corner of Cowal specifically.
There’s Elizabeth Blackwell for starters. Starter of a revolution in the field of healthcare as well as being a social reformer and genuine changemaker. She forged a path in the mid 19th century as one of the first female doctors in the world, opening up opportunities for millions of women ever since and breaking down barriers wherever she worked in the US, France and across the UK.
Elizabeth was laid to rest just a few yards beyond the arboretum at St Munns Church, now home to the Historic Kilmun community and heritage organisation. It also hosts Faith in Cowal, an organisation that’s established a number of popular pilgrimage trails across the entirety of the Cowal peninsulas.
There’s a wealth of local stories to be found at this church-come-museum with visitors exploring Kilmun’s fascinating heritage as well as the resting place for countless Dukes of Argyll and Campbell clan chiefs.
Further on down the A880 coast road, pier pressure begins to tell with Kilmun, Strone and Blairmore’s marine promontories piercing the shoreline of the Holy Loch and Loch Long. All date back to the Victorian era when this part of the world became the ‘go to’ place for thousands of Glaswegians. They still do but are now joined by visitors from across the UK and much further afield enticed by that mystical grip that Scotland’s lochs and mountains exert on the human soul.
Further on, the village of Ardentinny has a wealth of history and nature to draw the visitors in. From the beach, a wild camping magnet for responsible campervanners with a network of different walks, to the Dun Daraich stone age fort that’s all but hidden from sight.
From here, overlooking the Coulport nuclear submarine base, there’s a 5 mile shoreline walk to the 17th Century Carrick Castle, now a private residence but another site resonant in conflict as a focal point for the many grisly feuds between the Campbell and the Lamont clans. Time it right and you’ll be able to get the minibus back!
Follow the road over to the Whistlefield Inn and you’ll be rewarded with some truly iconic vistas over Loch Eck. It’s money shot after money shot for those photographers with a fondness for exquisite natural compositions…as well as a decent pint and quality food in what is a supremely located, 17th Century drover’s inn! It’s up there with the Clachaig in Glencoe and the Sligachan on Skye as Scotland’s finest hostelries.
Turn right here onto the A815 and you’ll soon be at Lauder Monument, an impressively positioned shrine to John Lauder, a victim of World War One and son of Harry Lauder who purchased the Glenbranter estate in 1916. Harry was an international superstar at the turn of the 20th Century, performing all over the world and becoming the highest paid entertainer on the planet.
Glenbranter, just beyond the conclusion of Loch Eck, also offers a range of paths for all abilities that snake their way through a vibrant forestscape.
Head back towards Dunoon past another exquisite, picture postcard hostelry, the Coylet Inn. You’ll soon be back at Puck’s Glen but not before coming across the fantastic Benmore Gardens. It’s a large botanical paradise spread across the foothills of Beinn Mhòr and a heavenly haven for anyone with a passion for plants in their myriad forms.
There are 10 key locations within the ECHO Trails along with a number of places of interest as well as woodland walks, hikes and cycling trails across this small part of a small part of Argyll. There is so much to see and do in what is a microcosm of everything Scottish Highlands…but a wee bit closer to home.
When describing the humans entering his woodland fairy realm, Puck utters one of his most famous lines “What fools these mortals be”. You’ll beg to differ. Spend a few days exploring this forested and loch fringed world and you’ll be feeling far from foolish …and decidedly pucker!
A free app “ECHO Trails” is also available to download
With Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games kicking off today, with diver James Heatly who trains at the Royal Commonwealth Pool with coach Jen Leeming, taking part, Edinburgh Leisure is on the hunt for the next generation of divers.
For those who have been inspired by divers such as James Heatly, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix (daughter of Fred!), Tom Daley and Matty Lee, Edinburgh Leisure is offering the opportunity for children to come and try diving with their Performance Diving Coaches at the Royal Commonwealth Pool to see if they have a talent for the sport.
Children should be between 5 and 16 years old, able to swim 10 metres unaided, confident in deep water and submerge in water without googles. No experience in necessary as they will be learning basic skills but those interested in gymnastics, trampolining, acrobatics or similar sports might enjoy this opportunity to try a new sport.
The diving taster sessions cost £3 at the Royal Commonwealth Pool are offered on:
Monday, 8th – Friday, 12 August at 15.00 – 15.25 and 15.30 – 15.55.
To secure a place, interested people should click visit the Edinburgh Leisure website to book:
https://edinburghleisure.bookinglive.com/home/holiday-dive-coaching
Edinburgh Leisure offers a world class diving programme at their diving pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, complete with a dedicated Dry Dive Area with trampolines and harnesses, which enables more experienced divers to practice the twists and turns before trying them out on the boards. Their diving programme follows the National Diving Award Scheme right through to competitive level.
Athletes training at the Royal Commonwealth Pool include local Edinburgh boy, James Heatly (GB) and Yona Knight-Wisdom (Jamaica). Grace Reid, who grew up in the capital, previously trained at the Commie.
For more information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/dive
A well-known Edinburgh company will celebrate its 75th year in businesses by sponsoring Musselburgh Racecourse’s popular Friday Night at the Races.
Long term racecourse supporter Bernard Hunter was founded in 1946 and is synonymous with mobile crane hire and metal recycling, employing around 60 staff in Leith, Danderhall and at its Gilmerton headquarters.
One of the firm’s new 60-ton cranes will be on display at the East Lothian track on Friday (29 July) as the family-run business, led by chairman Jim Rafferty and managing director Mark Rafferty, welcome guests to celebrate the landmark birthday.
Mark Rafferty said: “We have been corporate sponsors at Musselburgh since 2007 where we have sponsored certain races and its always a great day out, and we were delighted to sponsor the popular Friday Night at the Races to mark this special occasion.”
The competitive six race meeting includes the Bernard Hunter Mobile Crane’s nursery handicap five furlong dash and the seven furlong Bernard Hunter 75th Anniversary Race, with gates open at 4.30pm and first race off at 6.10pm.
Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “With the weather forecast looking like it will be a warm sunny evening what better way to kick star the weekend out in the open air and enjoying the thrill of Flat racing on the coast.
“Bernard Hunter have been a great supporter of Musselburgh Racecourse and we are delighted they have chosen to celebrate a special birthday here on Friday. With Radio Forth’s Boogie in the Morning and Funkwagen providing the entertainment after racing, we are sure it will be a night to remember.”
Racegoers with valid concession ID can take advantage of a special £15 gate admission ticket, and anyone booking in advance can save £5 on the raceday £25 admission price.
As with all Musselburgh race meetings, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
The ECHO (East Cowal Heritage Outdoors) Trails project, a network of landmarks and walking trails encompassing the shores of Holy Loch, Loch Eck, Loch Long and Loch Goil, has been officially launched after a two-year delay due to Covid-19.
Representatives from Forestry & Land Scotland, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the AITC (Argyll & Isles Tourism Co-operative), Dunoon Area Alliance, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Bookpoint Dunoon gathered recently at Historic Kilmun to celebrate the launch.
The ECHO Trails incorporates ten key landmarks around the east Cowal peninsula, including Puck’s Glen, Benmore Botanic Garden and the beach at Ardentinny, as well as a number of places of interest that reflect the rich heritage and notable, historic personalities associated with this small corner of Argyll.
Funding for the project has come from Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Bookpoint Dunoon, HES and the Culture and Business Fund Scotland.
Jenni Minto, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Argyll and Bute, commented: “Cowal is such a beautiful part of the world, rich in landmarks and history, so anything that can be done to help showcase this should be encouraged and the ECHO trails project does just that!”
Ciorsdan Taylor, AITC Community Engagement Agent for Cowal, commented: “The ECHO Trails are a wonderful way of showcasing the interesting heritage and landmarks we have here in Cowal and there are many of them to see.
“The AITC is very glad to be supporting and promoting this great resource within Cowal and we hope that many visitors to the area and local people will use it for many years to come.”
Dinah McDonald, owner of the Bookpoint bookshop in Dunoon, said: “We are delighted to sponsor this fascinating project which will enable so many more people to explore and appreciate the amazing heritage of this peaceful corner of Argyll.
“Stunning scenery, amazing wildlife and a historical heritage going back over 3000 years, it feels like the heritage of Scotland all in one small area.”
Rob Wilkinson, appointed co-ordinator for the project earlier this year, commented: “The ECHO Trails builds on the great work of Robin Patel carried out before the arrival of the coronavirus and seeks to create an identity for this part of the world in much the same way as the Secret Coast and the Clyde Sea Lochs Trail around Dumbarton and Helensburgh.
“Links have been established with a number of community-focused organisations and individuals and we will soon be appointing a “Friends of the ECHO Trails” committee to determine the future direction of the project. There is so much potential when it comes to building a vibrant community network”.
Amy Eastwood, Head of Grants at HES, said: “We’re pleased to support this project as part of our Organisational Support Fund. The ECHO Trail is a fantastic way to encourage visitors to explore the history and heritage of East Cowal.”
Steve Gillen of Forestry & Land Scotland said: “It’s fantastic to see this project finally coming to fruition after so much hard work by the ECHO team over the past few years.
“It is a great opportunity to highlight the number and variety of destinations in the area, and to promote and encourage responsible public access across them.”
The ECHO Trails project will be linking up with the Cowal Open Studios network to showcase the work of local artists on the 24th and 25th September at Historic Kilmun to coincide with the COS open studios weekend (23rd to 26th September).
For more information please visit www.echotrails.org. A free app “ECHO Trails” is also available for download.
FREE COCKTAILS WHEN EDINBURGH HITS 20 DEGREES
Tee-ing off Scottish summertime in style, Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh has revealed a brand new cocktail garden, the Tee-Aff Terrace, set to offer complimentary cocktails to customers every time Edinburgh’s weather reaches 20 degrees.
When things heat up in the city, guests can cool down with a complimentary cocktail at the Tee-Aff Terrace, complete with garden games including giant Connect 4, live DJs and a special outdoor bar.
The Tee-Aff Terrace will offer the free cocktail to every customer, every single time it reaches 20 degrees in Edinburgh until Sunday 31st July … so let’s hope that summer sunshine makes an appearance!
Available to walk-ins and bookings, customers playing at least one round of crazy golf can redeem their free cocktail as soon as Edinburgh heats up by visiting Fore Play’s front desk. Venue staff will verify the temperature each morning via Google forecast, and if Edinburgh is scheduled to reach 20 degrees Celsius at ANY point in the day, fans are in for a treat. Full Ts&Cs below.
Fore Play Crazy Golf are ushering in Edinburgh’s long summer nights with their new cocktail garden, complete with deckchairs, an outdoor bar and summer decor galore, popping up at the venue until 28th August. Located in the heart of Edinburgh at Picardy Place, the Tee-Aff Terrace is sure to bring the summer vibes to the city, no matter the weather.
The crazy golf venue is the city’s ultimate night out, offering Edinburgh-inspired crazy golf on ‘The Wee Bobby Course’, delicious food and refreshing Pickering’s Gin cocktails at the Tee-Aff Terrace, with summer serves of the city’s best gin.
Serves will include Pickering’s Lime and Ginger Gin and Mexican Lime Soda, or a refreshing Pickering’s Raspberry and Mint Gin with Raspberry and Orange Blossom Soda. The Tee-Aff Terrace will also serve up Edinburgh Lager and Thistly Cross Cider as post-game refreshments.
The Tee-Aff Terrace will host garden games including Corn Hole and Giant Connect 4, in case guests are still feeling competitive after a game of crazy golf or take a break and chill out on comfortable deckchairs. Amping up your weekend plans, the cocktail garden will also welcome the very best Edinburgh DJs each Saturday night to soundtrack the ultimate night out.
Fans can tackle an Edinburgh themed crazy golf course, practising their swing at holes including Greyfriar’s Bobby or The Scott Monument. Fore Play Crazy Golf are also giving fans the chance to double the fun, with BOGOLF – two rounds of golf for the price of one each Wednesday – the perfect mid-week pick me up, with 50% off selected cocktails to match.
Walk ins welcome, or book now at www.foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk
Free Cocktail Ts&Cs:
Offer valid from Friday 15th July – Sunday 31st July (inclusive) at Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh. Fore Play Crazy Golf venue teams will verify the Google forecast prior to opening and if it is scheduled to reach 20 degrees Celsius at any point that day it will constitute a “Free Cocktail Day”.
Customers must play a round of golf to qualify for free cocktail. Free cocktail is not exchangeable and subject to change. Standard terms apply, please drink responsibly.
Native, the leading UK aparthotel brand with eleven sites across London, including Bankside, Hyde Park and Mayfair, Manchester and Scotland has announced Native Edinburgh, has re-opened following a 14-month refurbishment.
The half-a-million-pound revamp covers the public spaces and eighty-two apartments comprising of Studios, One Beds and Premium One Beds. Additionally, a new cultural programme and a speakeasy bar, Counter, is launching.
The design for Native Edinburgh’s refurbishment was inspired by ‘The Inventors’ who lived within the city.
The famed Scottish inventors include John Logie Baird, inventor of the television, Sir Alexander Fleming who discovered penicillin and won a Nobel Prize, and William Cullen, inventor of the refrigerator
. The history of the Scottish inventors surrounds the streets around the property, and the new design aims to highlight this unique history through the décor, artwork and quirky gadgets used decoratively.
The chic new interiors combine amber whisky tones with the midnight teal colours of the night sky above the Georgian facades of Edinburgh’s New Town, where the property resides.
Rich colours including the bright gold palette is reminiscent of the local area that was originally built to bring wealth back to the burgh of The Whisky Barone. The reimagined heritage-inspired Lobby space showcases opulent green hues and botanical themed prints, taking inspiration from the Royal Botanic Gardens – a natural treasure of Scotland.
The original Georgian windows allow natural light to flood in over the mid-century style furniture and lighting. The wallpaper in the lobby has been designed by Edinburgh Mairi Helena, known for her vibrant designs inspired by a love for Scotland’s colourful and textual landscapes.
Olivia Immesi, Managing Director says, “Each Native site celebrates the best of its surrounding area and Native Edinburgh’s refurbishment reflects the history of the city, and a focus on local culture to allow guests to plug into the city, whether they’re passing through or staying for longer.”
Coinciding with the re-opening, Native Edinburgh is launching a new speakeasy bar; Counter.
Counter will serve coffee by day and cocktails by night providing an undiscovered destination bar in the heart of city centre for guests and locals.
The Counter at Native Edinburgh will also be home to a new bespoke cultural programme: it will host a selection of carefully curated eclectic events, spotlighting local produce in the daytime and homegrown talent at night.
Late night summer programming will see the venue host a range of acts from neo-soul jazz nights and vinyl DJs to spoken word poetry. Counter will shine a light on up-and-coming creatives from around the city, including artists, writers, musicians and more.
Combining the freedom and authenticity of a local apartment with the comfort, convenience and premium service of a boutique hotel, Native breathes new life into historic city-centre buildings through thoughtful restoration and refurbishment.
Embracing local culture, Native collaborate with local, independent like-minded businesses, designers and artists meaning each site has its own unique personality, creating inspiring, ‘native’ experiences.
Perfectly situated 20 minutes by car from Edinburgh airport, rooms at Native Edinburgh are priced from £100 per night.
Musselburgh Racecourse have got it licked at their next race meeting where they will be giving away a free ice cream to every child.
Teaming up with legendary Honest Toun ice cream maker, S Luca, the East Lothian course’s Luca’s Ice Cream Family Day on Tuesday 19 July has something for kids of all ages.
The afternoon gets underway with the always popular pony racing taking place on the home straight in front of the grandstand, approximately one hour before racing gets underway, and setting the tone for an exciting family day out.
Adding to the high summer festivities, Forth 1 breakfast king Boogie in the Morning will host a children’s disco during the afternoon.
With free fairground rides and free face painting keeping the kids fully entertained, adults can enjoy the thrill of the Flat with seven competitive races kicking off at 1.50pm.
As with all Musselburgh race meetings, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult, and once inside the racecourse all children’s entertainment is free.
S Luca has been selling ice cream in Musselburgh since 1908 and it is still made to an old family recipe using locally sourced milk, butter and double cream.
The company founder, Luca Scappaticcio, originally from Cassino between Rome and Naples, learned the art of ice cream making from a Swiss chef when he worked in the kitchens of the North British Hotel on Princes Street in the early part of last century.
Today, still run by family members, S Luca sell their ice cream from what is possibly the world’s only Rolls Royce ice cream van – which was built in 1923 for the Marquis De San Miguel and purchased by Luca Scappaticcio in 1937 and converted for commercial use.
Aisling Johnston, Musselburgh Racecourse’s commercial manager, said: “With the support of Luca, we are dishing up their delicious ice cream free to all kids, while legendary radio presenter Boogie is in charge of the music and dancing.
“Before the racing gets underway we also have pony racing and other entertainments during the day, including fairground rides and face painting, are all free. For mums and dads, grans and grandads and all other family members, the first of our seven Flat races is off just before 2pm.
“It promises to be a fantastic day out and there are a wide range of food and drink options available for all budgets and to satisfy all tastes.”
Gates open at noon on Tuesday 19 July, the first race is at 1.50pm and the last race is at 5.15pm.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
