‘We Care About There’ – new sustainable tours from Rabbie’s

Modern travellers expect more than cheap transport and comfy hotels. Scottish based tour operator Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) has launched ‘We Care About There’ in partnership with VisitScotland to fulfil holidaymakers’ demand for sustainable and responsible travel as well as memorable and ethical experiences.

Rabbie’s has partnered with VisitScotland to deliver two brand new tours. A two-day Whisky & Castles tour sees guests visit two green tourism gold award-winning distillers and discover the innovative sustainable production methods behind Scotland’s most famous product.

While the five-day Orkney & Scotland’s Northern Coast tour takes guests to meet the locals who have dedicated their lives caring for Scotland’s cultural heritage.

Rabbie’s has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to delivering environmentally conscious tours. As well as providing award-winning small coach tours across the UK and Europe, over the last 14 years, Rabbie’s has mitigated its environmental impact through several positive initiatives.

These green programmes include a self-imposed carbon tax, which so far has raised over £120,000 for environmental and social projects chosen by staff. Additionally, Rabbie’s hosts staff volunteer days, and a encourages a “leave no trace policy” on every outing.

Rabbie’s new tours, especially featured as a part of their We Care About There campaign, include:

Whisky & Castles – two-day tour

Cardhu is a Speyside distillery near Archiestown, Moray, Scotland. It was founded by the whisky smuggler John Cumming, and his wife Helen Cumming in 1824. The distillery’s Scotch whisky makes up an important part of the Johnnie Walker blended whisky

This two-day adventure is packed full of Scottish whiskies, castles and scenic views. The tour travels North towards Highland Perthshire, visiting typical highland towns and enjoying the  beautiful peaks of the Cairngorms National Park.

The tour visits the historic Cardhu Distillery, and Scotland’s highest distillery at Dalwhinnie. As driving duties are handled by Rabbie’s Driver-Guide’s all are able to sample some of Scotland’s finest produce. Prices for this two-day tour begin at £115 per person, with tours departing throughout the summer from Edinburgh.

Orkney & Scotland’s Northern Coast – five-day tour

Escape to Scotland’s extreme Northern Coast and sail the Viking Waters of the Northern Sea to Orkney to discover Scotland’s fiercely protected island culture. The archipelago hides many treasures, but the expertise of your Driver-Guide, plus the warm welcome from the locals will help guests unlock the magic of Orkney’s prehistoric monuments and proud island communities.

Natural beauty awaits on this tour too, vibrant red sandstone coasts, and green pastures show why these islands have been revered and respected for centuries. Join Rabbie’s in celebrating this remarkable part of Scotland with prices starting at £379 per person. Tours are departing throughout the summer.

While touring, Rabbie’s promotes a “leave no trace” policy. Guests are encouraged to take away all litter, stick to marked pathways, and observe wildlife from a distance. Ultimately, leaving every natural spot untouched for future visitors to enjoy.

In some instances, sustainability means more than environmental protection, it means running tours in a way that is respectful and mindful of small local communities and economies.

Rabbie’s uses mini-coaches not only for the comfort of guests, but also so that the tours can visit villages and destinations off-of-the-beaten-track. This provides a unique and genuine touring experience while supporting the economy of small communities.

For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.

Musselburgh Racecourse and S.Luca partnership offers discount to local community

Two renowned East Lothian businesses are working together to offer more people in the local community who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis an opportunity to enjoy a fun day out.

Musselburgh Racecourse is partnering with S.Luca to offer racegoers a discounted meal when they purchase a concession ticket at the racecourse over the next three months. 

Anyone who purchases a concession ticket will be able to present this at the Musselburgh branch of S. Luca to get a 10% off their meal. S. Luca is also offering a free ice cream for all kids who attend the races over this Jubilee weekend.

Concession tickets will be reduced to £15 over both days of the Jubilee weekend, saving £15 on Saturday and £10.00 on Sunday. This discount will continue over the next three months except for Ladies Day in August. All Saturday 4th June concession racegoers will receive a complimentary concession ticket to Sunday 5th June.

Bill Farnsworth, General Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “In a bid to help the local community during this difficult period, we were keen to partner with our friends at S.Luca to provide an offer over the summer that would help as many people locally get access to a fun day out.

“We hope this offer over the next three months allows more people, particularly those who have been hit the hardest to come along and enjoy their day at the races with a delicious meal at the end of it.”

Jane McGhie at S.Luca, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Musselburgh Racecourse to offer discount to those who are going along to the races this summer. We want to do everything we can to keep costs down for people at a time when prices are high across the most basic amenities.”

The concession ticket (£15 on all days except for Ladies Day) offer will continue for three months (finish end of August) and can only be purchased at the gate on race day with a form of valid ID.

Musselburgh Racecourse rolls out royal connections for Platinum Jubilee Weekend

PORT SETON’S PADDY FLIES THE ROYAL STANDARD IN CORGI DERBY!

Musselburgh Racecourse is preparing for its Platinum Jubilee Weekend on 4th and 5th of June with the announcement of two special guests who have interesting royal connections. 

The East Lothian track is hosting a prestigious weekend of Scottish summer racing that includes a jam-packed schedule of racing across both days and family fun and a street party extravaganza on the Sunday. 

A distant relative of one of Her Majesty The Queen’s own corgis named Paddy from Port Seaton (below), will take part in a special corgi race ‘The Corgi Derby’ on the Sunday and there will also be an exclusive performance by Louise Marshall, Scotland’s national piper who was the lone piper to Her Majesty The Queen at the naming ceremony of the Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liner in 2010. 

Musselburgh Racecourse already has a proud Royal heritage. The Queen’s Stand was opened by Princess Anne and visited by Her Majesty The Queen in 2016, and general manager Bill Farnsworth is delighted to be able to honour the Monarch’s 70-year reign across this special weekend. 

Bill said: “The Platinum Jubilee Weekend will be a fabulous weekend of celebrations for everyone as well as thrilling racing, it’s going to be a fun social occasion, on the Sunday we have the Corgi Derby as well as live family entertainment. 

“We are delighted to welcome racing enthusiasts, families, groups of friends to couples and anyone else looking for a fun weekend families, groups of friends to couples and anyone else looking for a fun weekend to celebrate this momentous occasion.” 

The £50,000 Inch’s Cider Scottish Sprint Cup takes place on Saturday 4th June. Inch’s Cider is a new product within the Musselburgh Racecourse portfolio and will be available to buy across the weekend as well as a selection of other local beers and ciders. Spectators will also be able to indulge in delicious street food and enjoy live music from The Funkwagen DJ. 

The Skybet Sunday Series Raceday, featuring the Queen of Scots Fillies Stakes and the Jubilee Family Fair, follows on 5th June

As well as the Corgi Derby and performance from piper Louise Marshall, there will be a real family feel and party atmosphere on the day, with the event suited to all ages and visitors encouraged to bring along a picnic and join in the street-party extravaganza for a day packed full of family activities.

There will be Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, a best dressed prince and princess competition with some prizes up for grabs, as well as vintage fairground rides and face painting.  

General Manager of Musselburgh Racecourse, Bill Farnsworth continues: “Saturday will see the return of The Scottish Sprint Cup, Scotland’s fastest race, and on Sunday we are thrilled to once again be part of the SkyBet Sunday Series, with a seven-race card, which will be one of our richest racedays, with price money of over £190,000.” 

Tickets to celebrate this unprecedented royal anniversary and extended bank holiday weekend are on sale now. Book your tickets before midnight on the 3rd of June and SAVE £5 per person! Children 17 years and under are admitted FREE at Musselburgh Racecourse when accompanied by a paying adult. 

For full range of ticket information please visit https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/tickets/afternoon-meeting-04-06-2022 

Discover Sailing with Royal Forth Yacht Club

We are excited to announce that the RFYC will once more open its doors to the public for #DiscoverSailing!

This is your chance to try out sailing – visit your friendly local sailing club, and spend a day by and on the water.

#RFYCSummer

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our #DiscoverSailing Organiser, Torben, via discoversailing@royalforth.org.

See you on the 29th of May at RFYC!

Football and dining experience TOCA Social is coming to St James Quarter

St James Quarter has let 30,000 sq ft of space to TOCA Social, the world’s first interactive football and dining experience, combining immersive football-based gaming with modern Americana-inspired cuisine.

The new brand launched its first venue at The O2 in London last year (above), boasting three bars, selfie booths, arcade machines and a Willy Wonka inspired dessert room, and has since announced expansion into Birmingham and even Dallas in the US.

TOCA was founded by Eddie Lewis, a two-time U.S. World Cup and former MLS and English Championship midfielder who developed the TOCA Touch Trainer, a ball machine that is the centre of all TOCA experiences.

The latest signing at St James Quarter will further cement the lifestyle district’s position as a new entertainment, culture and fashion hub that merges seamlessly with the city’s cultural offering and events calendar. Blending the ancient spirit of the city with the dynamic and cosmopolitan soul of the new, it will be yet another reason to visit Edinburgh.

TOCA Social will add 22 boxes and 2 bars in Edinburgh, while supplementing the other nine event spaces at St James Quarter that will host an array of fashion and music events.

Ed Corrigan at St James Quarter, commented: “TOCA Social has been something of a phenomenon since launching last year, their venues and the interactive experiences they offer have proved immensely popular.

“We expect them to be a key fixture for social activities both for local residents and visitors to Edinburgh.

Alex Harman, President at TOCA Social, added: “We are delighted to launch our next TOCA Social venue in Edinburgh. St James’s Quarter is an amazing addition to the city centre and is the perfect home for our first venue in Scotland.

“TOCA Social gets everyone up and playing – whether competitively or just for fun, alongside world class food and drinks. It’s been a huge hit since we launched at London’s The O2, and we can’t wait to bring it to Edinburgh next year!”

Tennis: US Open trophy drops in to Broughton Primary School

Children encouraged to give tennis a shot

The US Open trophy made a special appearance at a school in Edinburgh as part of a UK-wide trophy tour to celebrate Britain’s No.1 women’s singles player Emma Raducanu’s success at last year’s tournament.

Tennis Scotland is working alongside the LTA to deliver the US Open Trophy Tour as they aim to increase tennis participation and inspire young players to take to court across the United Kingdom and children at Broughton Primary School welcomed the trophy to their school for the Scotland leg of the tour yesterday (Friday, 13 May).

The morning’s activities included a special message for the pupils from Raducanu, followed by an on-court session delivered by an LTA Youth coach. During the trophy presentation, there were also opportunities for pupils and staff to have their pictures taken with the famous piece of silverware.  

Emma is currently an ambassador for LTA Youth Schools and all the participating schools have signed up to deliver LTA Youth Schools for current pupils.

At just 18-years-old, Raducanu became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title in 44 years and made tennis history when she became the first ever player to come through qualifying to win a Grand Slam title when she defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3 in New York.

Speaking about the tour, Emma Raducanu said, “I’m really excited to be teaming up with the LTA to take my US Open trophy on a tour of the country.

“All the schools we are taking the trophy to have played tennis as part of the LTA Youth Schools programme and my hope is that the trophy will inspire them to continue their tennis journey both inside and outside of school.” 

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, added, “The US Open trophy tour is the perfect opportunity to highlight Emma Raducanu’s incredible success and showcase the opportunities in tennis. We hope this tour will inspire younger players to keep working hard and follow in Emma’s footsteps.”  

The schools part of the programme is delivered in Primary and Secondary Schools across the country, and offers free teacher training and content that has been specifically created to help address the nation’s challenge of declining physical literacy and activity among children.

The programme offers free teacher training and content that has been specifically created to help address the nation’s challenge of declining physical literacy and activity among children.

LTA Youth Schools is designed specifically for schools to support the curriculum and wider school outcomes. The programme brings together inclusive PE lesson plans, personal development resources, teacher training and much more. It’s all been designed by teachers, for teachers, and it’s all free.

For more information, click HERE.

Edinburgh locals net national tennis awards

The winners of the Tennis Scotland Awards 2022 have been announced, celebrating the outstanding individuals, clubs, programmes and competitions that made a significant contribution to tennis in 2021 by helping to create an accessible and welcoming environment which supported 8000 incoming club members across the nation.  

Former ITF circuit player Karen Lamb has been named as Performance Coach of the Year, an award given to an individual that has delivered a successful coaching programme in an inclusive, diverse, and safe environment, acknowledging her contributions to East of Scotland tennis and the East Wee Aces programme.  

Mary Byrne-Leitch (above) has earned the title of Senior Veteran Player of the Year as a result of her outstanding accomplishments as a member of Thistle Tennis Club, with honours including becoming a Scottish 65s ladies doubles champion.

Meanwhile, former Merchiston Castle School pupil Matt Rankin has been awarded the Junior Player of the Year after a breakthrough year on the Junior ITF tour which saw him climb to World No. 68 in the rankings and qualify for his first Junior Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open in January.  

Elsewhere, Musselburgh Tennis Club has earned the Communities and Park award, having innovatively engaged local groups of players, both new and returning, to play tennis in a welcoming community venue setting.  

Finally, Scotland’s nominee for the LTA President Award,reserved for individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve the tennis community, is Graeme Soutar in recognition of his services to Craigmillar Tennis Club. 

The category winners were announced on Friday (29 April), with an awards ceremony to be held for recent winners at the Davis Cup in September, as part of the celebrations marking the Emirates Arena’s role as a host of group stage matches.  

   

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “I would like to congratulate each of the winners of this year’s Tennis Scotland Awards, alongside everyone who stepped up and played their part in continuing to grow our sport by facilitating welcoming tennis environments all over the country.”     

“As the governing body, it gave us great pleasure to witness a plethora of Scottish success stories across the year, on a national and international level. I wish the very best of luck to our winners and LTA President Award nominee as they aim to pick up more accolades at the LTA Awards later this year.”  

You can view the full list of winners here: https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/in-your-area/tennis-scotland/news/tennis-scotland-awards-2022/    

To learn more about the Tennis Scotland Awards, please visit www.tennisscotland.org or follow @TennisScotland on Twitter and Instagram.  

‘The Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience’ Launches at the Gateway to Scotland

●        The UK’s first attraction dedicated to love and marriage is now open

●      The Famous Blacksmiths Shop has been transformed into an immersive, storytelling experience at the heart of the iconic Gretna Green destination

The iconic Blacksmiths shop at the heart of Gretna Green has re-launched following a £1.5 million transformation into an new immersive attraction.

The newly transformed The Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience is the UK’s first attraction dedicated to love and marriage and, alongside the newly refurbished hotels on site, is now welcoming visitors to the iconic destination at the ‘gateway to Scotland’.

 At the heart of the scenic village, fondly nicknamed the ‘land of love’, the famous wedding destination and tourist attraction oozes historic tales of love and marriage dating back many generations.

The aptly named ‘Gateway to Scotland’ has been operating for over 250 years and has hosted thousands of weddings since its very first ceremony back in 1754.

The creation of The Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience will future-proof many more love stories. As part of the new attraction, guests are taken on a magical journey of true love, starting with virtual chats with some of the original Anvil priests and ending with a 360 degree immersive show celebrating what love means to us all.

This outstanding new UK visitor attraction explores the ‘World’s Greatest Love Story’ and everything that love and marriage means to us today.

Guests can browse original love letters from the 1700s and learn from the Anvil priests themselves about how Gretna Green’s location on the border of Scotland made it the home of runaway romance.

Visitors can even experience a ‘sneak peek’ of a wedding in action and have the chance to add their own love story to the wedding wall.

The Famous Blacksmiths Shop now also houses two wedding venues. The original Blacksmith’s marriage room where couples have been running away to get married since 1754 has remained untouched and still provides the iconic wedding experience of getting married over the historic anvil.

Next door is a brand new wedding room “The Forge”. This space has also retained all of its original features providing a backdrop for the big day steeped in history whilst also incorporating modern aspects such as the opportunity to project imagery of your own love story across the walls.

In addition to this, Gretna Green has also unveiled newly refurbished hotels on site – the  4* Smiths Hotel and the historic Gretna Hall. Both of the hotels have received large-scale investment including an impressive new penthouse suite at Smith’s Hotel and a full refurbishment of rooms at Gretna Hall.

The launch was a celebration of love with guests including Gretna Green wedding couple, Dennis and Marie, returning for the first time since their wedding at the venue in the 60s!

They were joined by local social media superstars, Cole and Abbie, who took part in a handfasting ceremony celebrating their love and commitment to each other.

Susan Houston from the Gretna Green family estate, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have launched this immersive new attraction here at Gretna Green.

“This is our way of telling our love story to the world and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the country and the globe to our famous destination at the gateway to Scotland ”

Junior Dodgeball coming to Granton

Thursdays at WARDIE RESIDENTS CLUB from 6.30 – 8pm

Starts 5th MAY

Hey folks!

Junior #Dodgeball is coming to #Granton

First session will be completely free for anyone to come along and give it a go!

Register via Spond: https://group.spond.com/UYNRU (an app we are using to manage attendance)

#ChooseDodgeball #Parents #Kids

Easter opening times at Fort Kinnaird

For those looking to enjoy a day out with family and friends or pick up some last-minute Easter gifts and decorations, Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its Easter weekend opening times.

With a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as ODEON cinema, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the Easter break at Fort Kinnaird.

From Friday 15th – Monday 18th April the centre’s shopping hours will remain the same as normal: 

  • Good Friday – 15th April: 9am – 9pm
  • Easter Saturday – 16th April: 9am – 6pm
  • Easter Sunday – 17th April: 9am – 6pm
  • Easter Monday – 18th April: 9am – 9pm

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know many people will be looking for ways to spend quality time with family and friends during the Easter break, and we look forward to welcoming them to the centre.

“To help them make the most of this time together, we’re open every day over the Easter weekend, so visitors can spend a day or evening out at the centre.”

Fort Kinnaird is home to more than 70 retailers and restaurants, including Primark, M&S, ProCook, Next, Smyths, Wagamama, Nando’s and Fridays. There are also over 2,600 free parking spaces.

It’s recommended to check the opening hours of individual retailers before setting off to avoid disappointment.

For more information to help plan your Easter trip to Fort Kinnaird, including what’s on head here.