leisure – Page 2 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Multrees Walk celebrates Lunar New Year in style

Luxury gifts for the Year of the Dragon

The Chinese New Year is celebrated by cultures across the globe and this year retailers in Multrees Walk Edinburgh are inviting shoppers to celebrate The Year of the Dragon in style.

The Lunar New Year is a time for joy and celebration and is also an opportunity for many to buy gifts that represent good fortune and blessings.

A symbol of good luck, strength and prosperity, the dragon represents a hopeful year ahead. From beautifully designed dragon motifs to an abundance of red – a colour that represents luck, joy, and happiness in Chinese culture – Multrees Walk has curated a Lunar New Year gift guide to help celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The dragon motif has been adopted by several fashion brands to help bring in the Year of the Dragon in style:

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton will host an in-store event on Thursday 8th February between 12-6pm. Throughout the day, a calligrapher will illustrate a collection of stylish gift cards and there will be a selection of tea and sweet treats to enjoy.

Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols Edinburgh welcomes Scotland’s leading Palmist Kalem Turner for a day of astrology and tarot card reading on Saturday 10th February. Kalem will be hosting 1:1 appointments within the private, luxury surrounds of the Private Shopping suite at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh.

Intricate dragon designs are commemorated on Limited edition Laura Mercier festive products to welcome the Lunar New Year.

Red and gold envelopes will also be given away to customers who spend over £250 within the Beauty/Retail department or £100 within the Forth Floor Foodmarket between 9th – 12th February. These envelopes will present customers with good fortune and the potential for what the year lies ahead.

And, red and gold envelopes will also be within a funfair Claw Grabber Machine, where chances to win tokens are given to customers who spend over £250 within the Beauty/Retail department or £100 within the Forth Floor Foodmarket between 9th – 12th February. These envelopes will present customers with good fortune and the potential for what the year lies ahead.

Mulberry

This Chinese New Year, designer Mira Mikati refreshes a series of Mulberry styles with her bright and bold signature colour palettes in a collaboration that perfectly encapsulates the joyful spirit of the Year of the Dragon.

Strathberry

Taking inspiration from traditional Chinese paintings, that depict the dragon in its most mesmerising form, Strathberry is delighted to release an exclusive, limited-edition collection, celebrating the Year of Dragon with a vibrant floral motif.

– Cardholder – £95

– Silk Skinny Scarf – £75

Strathberry customers are also invited to celebrate Chinese New Year by experiencing the art of Chinese calligraphy which is taking place in store on Saturday 3^rd February.

Customers will also receive a Strathberry bespoke Red Envelope Set for the year of Dragon, which symbolises good luck and prosperity for the forthcoming year.

Johnstons of Elgin

Johnstons of Elgin have introduced a Limited Edition Cashmere Scarf, celebrating The Year of the Dragon. Made with the softest Cashmere yarn, this generously sized scarf features an embroidered image of a dragon, symbolising health, luck and strength in Chinese culture. Available in muted camel and light grey shades.

Michael Kors Edinburgh

Book a private stylist between 4^th – 10^th February to explore the new collection and receive a complimentary glass of prosecco. Customers that spend £100 or more will also receive a special gift with their purchase to celebrate Chinese New Year.

The Whisky Shop

The Whisky Shop in Multrees Walk introduces the Lunar Year with Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s spectacularly sweet and fruity limited-edition release. This is their latest addition to their yearly Lunar New Year Series.

Multrees Walk will join Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) as part of the Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival, which is the largest celebration of its kind in Scotland and runs from 3^rd – 13^th February 2024.

For further information on when and what the Multrees Walk retailers have to offer, please visit www.multreeswalk.co.uk/whats-happening/

The Eden Mill Experience Edinburgh

A TASTE OF ST ANDREWS ARRIVES IN THE CAPITAL

Eden Mill’s first-ever city centre Edinburgh venue opens next Saturday 3rd February 2024 as ‘The Eden Mill Experience’; located in the heart of the Scottish capital, the city’s newest drinks venue offers two unique journeys through the spirits & flavours of Eden Mill

Independent distiller Eden Mill announces a date for the grand opening of The Eden Mill Experience, the capital’s latest drinks experience and Eden Mill’s first brand-owned venue in central Edinburgh.

Located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD at the West End, the immersive drinks venue offers two interactive mixology experiences.

Opening Saturday 3rd February 2024, drinks lovers will have the chance to explore the stories behind Eden Mill’s whisky and gin expressions through a range of delicious cocktails, one of which guests will learn to mix themselves.

The Eden Mill Experience joins a flourishing area of the capital’s drinks scene; bursting with culture, innovative bars and restaurants. Positioned as an experience and journey into the Eden Mill brand, the location is the ideal venue for drinks fans to begin their perfect day or night out in the beautiful Scottish capital.

SHARE THE LOVE GIN | (From £30)

Love Gin (40% ABV) is Eden Mill’s delectably fruity, lightly sweet and subtly floral pink gin. Joining the Eden Mill portfolio in 2015, the spirit was originally created as a limited-edition for Valentine’s Day, but the taste of fresh rhubarb spice, sweet strawberries & vanilla combined with green apple, citrus and a hint of rose water, was adored and earned Love Gin a permanent position in the Eden Mill portfolio.

During the Share The Love Gin session, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it so delicious. With three uniquely delicious cocktails and some sweet treats, this immersive session will tell the story of Eden Mill’s best-selling Love Gin.

THE GUARD BRIDGE MASTERCLASS | (From £35)

The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (46% ABV) is a new addition to Eden Mill’s range, crafted using an eclectic mix of single malts sourced from the Highland and Lowland regions of Scotland; the blend also contains Eden Mill Single Malt whisky which is highly scarce in quantity. The expression soothes the palate with the taste of creamy vanilla and barley sugar, finished with sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread.

During The Guard Bridge Masterclass, whisky fans will learn the journey and discover the story behind this new blended malt Scotch whisky while delving into its deliciously sweet tasting notes. Designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, attendees will try three as part of the experience to demonstrate the whisky’s versatility, with one cocktail “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”.

Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “We are thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. It’s a really proud moment for us to launch a venue in a city with such a vibrant drinks scene. To have our very own Eden Mill experience in Edinburgh is an honour and an exciting milestone for the brand.

“While our new distillery is being built, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase the versatility our expressions have, through inventive and delicious cocktails. The experiences are really special, interactive and immersive and we can’t wait to see the reaction from Scotland’s wonderful capital.”

LAYING FOUNDATIONS

Eden Mill is currently building a contemporary Scotch Whisky and gin distillery which is due to become operational in 2024. Set to be one of Scotland’s iconic distilleries, it will also be a major St Andrews landmark and a key Scottish tourism attraction.

The brand has been recording progress with work on the exterior of the distillery now complete; a time-lapse video capturing the first stage of the journey is available on the Eden Mill website.

The Eden Mill Experience will open on Saturday 3rd February 2024 and is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Offering immersive whisky & gin experiences, bookings are available now via the Eden Mill website.

Musselburgh to host its most valuable jumps meeting

£430,000 bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials

Musselburgh Racecourse’s first ever £100,000 jumps race will be the centre piece of the £430,000 bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials next weekend which will attract some of the country’s best trainers and horses.

Long established as the premier trials for horses preparing for a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree’s Grand National festive, the East Lothian course is in excellent condition for welcoming aspiring champions on 3 and 4 February.

Recently retired Frodon (King George VI Chase), Mighty Thunder (Scottish Grand National) and Greaneteen (Celebration Chase and Tingle Creek) are just three fine examples of Grade 1 champions who featured at previous Scottish Cheltenham Trials festivals.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “Jumps fans will struggle to find a better prospect next weekend than the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials, which is one of the most ambitious programmes ever staged at Musselburgh.

“The £100,000 Edinburgh National (Saturday) is our richest ever jumps race and at over 4 miles it fits nicely in to the stayers’ programme for trainers eyeing up the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National.”

The same seven fixture card also features the £25,000 bet365 Frodon Novices’ Handicap Chase and the £30,000 bet365 Scottish County Hurdle, with ITV covering the first three races live and going better on Sunday with the first five contests broadcast.

On the second day of the festival Musselburgh debuts a new race, the £80,000 bet365 Scottish Champion Handicap Chase, which is aimed at the top two-and-a-half mile handicap chasers.

Farnsworth added: “We are excited to see the entries for this new race and also on the Sunday we have one of our most popular fixtures, the £40,000 bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle, which is Musselburgh’s only Class 1 race and is a proper test for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“This weekend is by far the most valuable fixture yet staged at Musselburgh so we are expecting it will catch the attention of trainers the length and breadth of the country and we anticipate quantity and quality in the entries.”

Gate open on both days at 11.30am and provisional times for the first races are 1.40pm on Saturday and 1.20pm Sunday with the last race on both days at 4.35pm.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

New for 2024: Explore the unexpected joys of Europe with new small group tours

Embrace a kaleidoscope of cultures with eight new tours of Europe from small group tour specialist, Rabbie’s. The three- and four-day tours offer round-trip adventures from continental hotspots Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Milan and Rome. The new Rabbie’s Europe tours begin in September 2024 and are available to book now.

Rabbie’s specialises in small group tours guided by storytellers to ensure the journeys and experiences live longer in travellers’ minds. In Europe, guests can look forward to making memories as they sample Mediterranean cuisines, take in Alpine vistas, follow the footsteps of Renaissance masters, practice flamenco and much more.

An ideal addition to any Europe holiday or a rich city break alternative, the new 2024 Europe tours include:

Rabbie’s three-day Masterpieces and Vistas: A Journey Through Tuscany tour

Guests can marvel at the finest collection of Italian Renaissance art and architecture in Florence, sip a glass of vino or two in Tuscany, or sit and watch as the world goes by at one of Italy’s loveliest squares, Piazza del Campo in Siena. Enjoy Orvieto, aquintessential Italian town perched on a volcanic plug, and wander around Pienza, the home of Pecorino Cheese, stunning Renaissance architecture and incredible Tuscan views.

This tour departs from Rome, and costs from €1,109 per adult.

Rabbie’s three-day Flavours of Catalonia tour

On this tour, travellers can explore Girona, a medieval walled city filled with incredible cuisine and stunning architecture, as well as feel the serenity of the old Benedictine priory perched on the slope of a magnificent mountain with a visit to Montserrat Monastery. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Sitges with its great fresh seafood and impeccable views, then wind down with a visit to the charming coastal town of Cadaqués.

This tour departs from Barcelona, and costs from €919 per adult.

Rabbie’s three-day Summits and Shores: Vesuvius, Pompeii and Amalfi tour

Holidaymakers can stroll through Pompeii, the city that froze in time, and hike to the crater of the infamous Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that reshaped the ancient world. Wonder at the pastel-coloured houses, steep cliffs, azure seas and lemon groves of the glamorous Amalfi Coast before admiring Montecassino Abbey, dramatically perched atop a mountain, the working monastery and pilgrimage site is a centre of art, culture and learning.

This tour departs from Rome, and costs from €889 per adult.

Rabbie’s Europe tours avoid the crowds and let guests enjoy the true soul of the continent. Travelling on mini-coaches with an expert driver and guide, holidaymakers stay in hand-picked travel accommodation, choose the attractions they pay for, support local communities, and go beyond the guidebooks.

Prices are for the tour only and, to offer complete flexibility, do not include flights, accommodation, attractions or dining.

For more information about Rabbie’s small-group tours in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.

Consumer spending on holidays and socialising on the rise

• Lloyds Bank data unearths how different generations and regions spend on making memories

• Non-essential spending on holidays, restaurants and recreation rising

• Non-essential spending increase is slowest in London

• Gen Z holiday spending growing quicker than Millennials and Generation X

Non-essential spending in the UK is on the rise despite the cost-of-living crisis, according to data from Lloyds Bank.

Every region in the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is spending more on non-essentials like holidays, restaurants and recreational activities but London is the slowest-growing region for this type of spending.

Lloyds Bank has revealed the data following the launch of its new credit card, the World Elite Mastercard^®, which enables customers to earn cashback on every card purchase made, alongside enjoying a range of travel benefits.

With millions of customers across the UK, Lloyds Bank touches nearly every community and household in the country. The analysis, based on card spending of the bank’s customers, provides live insight into the state of the nation.

Non-essential purchases – like holidays and restaurant spending – have been in positive growth, year-on-year, since May 2021. In 2023 alone, year-on-year non-essential spending has grown more than 3% every single month, peaking at a 10% increase in January.

The data indicates the trend is largely being driven by wanderlust – particularly amongst the over 65s, who have increased spending in this category by 21% in October. Millennials (people aged 25 to 34) meanwhile, are displaying the slowest growth among generational holiday spenders year-on-year, up 11.8%, while Gen Z consumers (aged 18 to 24) have seen holiday spend grow 16.9% over the last year.

Taking a regional view, consumers in Wales are leading the charge in holiday spending – up by more than a fifth compared to last year (21.6%), while Scottish holidaymakers and those in the South West have increased travel card spending by 19.5% and 19.1% respectively.

Spending from people living in London shows the slowest growth at 12.5%, with those in the North West spending 16.5% more year-on-year.

Overall, year-on-year holiday spending is up 17.1%, restaurant spending is up 6.2% and recreational spending is up 3.3%.

Looking at regional growth around non-essential spending more broadly, you see London showing the slowest growth – up just 1.8% compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, consumers in Yorkshire and the Humber, which is the fastest-growing region, spent more than 6% on non-essentials when compared with the previous year and Scottish consumers also spent over 5% more.

The data also shows that spending on restaurants and going out to socialise account for the biggest non essential spending growth across all generations and all regions across the UK in October.

Marc Lien, Credit Cards Managing Director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Despite understandable concerns around the cost-of-living crisis, people still want to socialise and have a holiday to look forward to.

“We’ve come through a challenging few years, and it’s positive to see that consumer spending is on the rise.

“After listening to our customers it’s clear that spenders up and down the country want more from their credit and debit card providers, and this is more important than ever at times like these – that’s exactly why we launched the Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard^®, to provide better, more easily accessible rewards.

“The new Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard^®offers cashback on every card purchase – no matter how big or small – and great benefits for travellers, including the luxury of skipping airport security queues and access to over one thousand airport lounges worldwide.”

Customers using the World Elite Mastercard^®will earn 0.5% cashback on each card purchase up to and including £15,000. When total card spending reaches over £15,000, each card purchase will earn 1% cashback, paid into the account each month.

World Elite Mastercard^®customers will also receive benefits which add a touch of luxury when travelling:

o Access to over 1,300 airport lounges, including lounges at London Heathrow, Edinburgh International, Orlando International, Dubai International and many more, through Priority Pass. (Owned and operated by Collinson.)

o Cardholders will be able to skip airport security queues and upgrade their airport security experience at participating airports, powered by DragonPass.

o Direct access to Mastercard’s priceless.com experiences and content in the UK and around the world.

World Elite Mastercard^®also provides one additional cardholder with all the card benefits at no extra cost to the initial £15 per month.

Cashback earned by the additional cardholder will be added to the main cardholder’s running total, and will be included in the monthly cashback payment made to the account.

The main cardholder will be able to view or manage their World Elite Mastercard^®and travel benefits through online banking and the mobile app.

Jet2holidays reports record demand (up 150%) ahead of Sunshine Saturday with further boost expected

Jet2holidays CEO Steve Heapy: “The best rooms, best hotels and best destinations are booking fast, so book before they are gone!”

Jet2holidays have reported record levels of demand for holidays, with more customers than ever looking to book their well-deserved holidays into the diary during the period known traditionally as ‘peaks’ or the peak holiday booking period.

In the period between Boxing Day and today, the UK’s largest tour operator has seen bookings increase by approximately 150% compared to pre-Christmas, with both Summer 24 and late bookings for this winter proving to be popular.

Ten destinations enjoying popularity include the Canaries, Balearics, Mainland Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, Malta and Bulgaria – as customers flock to book a much-needed holiday. On top of great value and customer service, a booking trend noted by Jet2holidays is of customers booking durations outside of the traditional 7-, 10- and 14-night stays.

There is strong demand from families with millions of Free Child Place Holidays still available during the school holidays, and All-Inclusive bookings have also been enjoying strong growth. These types of holidays have seen a surge since Jet2holidays was named a Which? Recommended Provider for both Family Holidays and All-Inclusive Holidays just before Christmas.

This demand follows Jet2holidays launchingan offer from Boxing Day giving customers £50 per person off all holidays. The UK’s largest tour operator also announced that customers with a MyJet2 account can access exclusive savings – with a whopping £60 off per person on all holidays. To book a place in the sunshine and enjoy an exclusive saving at the same time, customers can sign up for a MyJet2 account at https://www.jet2holidays.com/myjet2

The offer means that couples can save £100 if they book via the Jet2holidays website or contact centre (£120 off for MyJet2 members) and a family of four can enjoy £200 off a getaway (£240 off for MyJet2 members).

As well as reporting record levels of demand since Boxing Day, Jet2holidays is gearing up for a busy weekend, with ‘Sunshine Saturday’ expected to see a further surge in holiday bookings. The company has a bigger team than ever ready to assist customers from their dedicated UK call centre, as customers use the first weekend in the New Year to lock in their holidays.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “This time of year has traditionally been the peak period for holiday bookings, and this is most definitely the case so far this year.

“We are seeing record levels of demand as customers jump at the chance to lock in their holidays, and we are expecting this demand for be even stronger over the coming weekend, both through our website and contact centre, as well as via independent travel agents.

“There is no doubt that our track record of providing industry-leading customer experience is fuelling this demand, with new and existing customers responding to our award-winning proposition.

“With the best rooms, best hotels and best destinations booking so fast, our message to customers is to book before they are gone.”

Visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com

If you are an independent travel agent and are interested in learning more about how you could benefit from working in partnership with Jet2holidays, please visit the company’s dedicated trade site: trade.jet2holidays.com

‘Best ever’ year for local travel agency as holiday demand remains high

RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR BARRHEAD TRAVEL CAMERON TOLL

Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll is set to close 2023 as its “best ever” trading year as demand for travel continues to soar.

The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group has celebrated 11 consecutive record-breaking months since January 2023 and has forecast that the month of December will also conclude with record sales. Year to date bookings for the group are up by 26 percent, compared with 2019 sales which, before 2023, was the company’s best trading year.

Barrhead Travel’s performance is bucking the trend on the high street. Despite recent ONS figures indicating that October retail sales fell to the lowest levels since the 2021 lockdowns, the travel group says its retail network is “busier than ever” with sales in-store growing by more than 25 percent. The group attributes its strong retail performance to the continued demand for travel as well as consumers returning to reputable travel agents to book their holidays.

Forward bookings for 2024 are performing particularly well with the agency reporting that customers have been securing their annual holiday plans earlier than usual. Last-minute bookings for winter holidays remain a popular option with around 25 percent of new bookings travelling across the 2023/24 winter period.

Earlier this year, Barrhead Travel confirmed it would pursue further expansion during 2024 with multiple store openings planned for the year ahead. Investment will also be channelled into existing stores for refurbishments, additional full and part time roles, and new technology.

Victoria Dodds, Manager at Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll said: “Over the last year, we prioritised smart and sustainable growth, which has seen us deliver record breaking results. This year, we will have recorded our highest ever sales and we expect to continue that pace in 2024.

“Holidays remain a spending priority for consumers of all ages. The demand for a reputable travel agent is at an all-time high which is why we believe that now is the time to move ahead with further expansion throughout the UK.

“Retail travel is thriving, and communities across the country are benefiting from busy travel agency stores. Our commitment to investing in retail has never wavered and we’re excited to be bringing new jobs and opportunities as our expansion progresses over the coming 12 months.

“We are in the process of reviewing our new locations and we expect to announce details in the first quarter of 2024.”

Barrhead Travel has also announced the addition of a USA specialist division which will be launching in early 2024 as part of its wider plans for organic growth.

Musselburgh’s New Year’s Day racing heading for sell-out

Racegoers urged get on the front foot or risk missing out

THE UK’S leading racecourse is urging First Footers to get on the front foot if they want to secure their place at one of the most exciting days on the Scottish horse racing calendar.

Musselburgh Racecourse, recently named Champion Racecourse by its racing industry peers, reports that tickets are selling fast for its Tote New Year’s Day Meeting, signposting another potential 6,000 sell-out event.

The East Lothian track is pulling out the stops to make 1 January a day to remember with a Golden Ticket hunt featuring 24 top prizes, a Best Dressed Dog contest, and on the turf six thrilling jumps races with prize money of over £100,000.

Famous for its fashionable atmosphere, this event also invites New Year Day revellers to dress to impress and participate in the inaugural Style Awards hosted in partnership with Scottish fashion boutique, Tiger Lily Boutique.

Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We’re making this year’s event the biggest we’ve put on yet, with a host of thrilling competitions that could see some people win big.

“We’re excited about all of the fun aspects of the day, such as our best-dressed dog contest. I’m looking forward to seeing all the imaginative and wonderful outfits that our guests come up with for their furry friends.

“The Festive Luxe Domes have made a return this year which are always a hit, adding an extra layer of festive fun for racegoers who are lucky enough to bag one.

“I know everyone is just as excited as we are to see everyone well-dressed and having the time of their lives as they kick off 2024 with us.”

The New Year’s Day fixture is one of the most prestigious in Musselburgh’s jumps calendar, attracting top horses, jockeys, and trainers alike, and boasting huge prize money to match.

At £40,000, the most valuable race on the card is the ‘Auld Reekie’ Handicap Chase.

Last year’s winner was Minella Drama, ridden by champion jockey Brian Hughes and trained by Donald McCain.

The £30,000 Hair of The Dog Handicap Hurdle, also over a similar distance, was recently won by Benson, trained by Sandy Thomson, ridden by Ryan Mania, and owned by Dundee United director Jimmy Fyffe.

“First Footer” bus services – which have to be booked in advance – will ferry racegoers to and from the racecourse leaving from Penicuik, Dalkeith, Galashiels, Gorebridge, Dunbar, Haddington, and Edinburgh, ensuring easy transport to and from the East Lothian venue.

Additionally, attendees can experience the vibrant Highland Fling Marquee, with Scotland’s renowned ceilidh band, ‘Kilter’, delivering an electrifying performance to keep the energy high throughout the day.

Aisling added: “This year our Golden Ticket hunt will return, and we’ll be offering 24 hidden prizes around the venue. Those who come down to the racecourse will have the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

“We’ve been blown away by the response to the event so far and I’d urge anyone who is considering attending to grab tickets while you can and bring your family and friends too as it will be a fantastic day.”

Racegoers can enjoy a selection of Scotland’s finest street food, including offerings from Bonnie Burrito, Cheese on Coast, and special boozy hot chocolates.

Adult tickets are priced at £40 when booked online in advance, and entry is free for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult.

Gates open at 10.30 am, the first race is at 12.35 pm and the last race at 3.30 pm (subject to change) more information is available here:

https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/fixtures

Those planning on attending the Tote New Year’s Day Meeting are encouraged to book their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment. To get a £5 discount per person, bookings must be made before midnight on December 31st.

Musselburgh hosts 25 race days annually and its ‘Sensational 6’ key race days include New Year’s Day, the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials Weekend, Easter Saturday, The Edinburgh Cup, Ladies Day, and The Summer Finale weekend.

For further information on New Year’s Day and to book tickets now, visit:

https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/tickets/new-years-day-1-1-24

Rabbies: New for 2024 – Tours of the Emerald Isle

On brand new tours of Ireland, Rabbie’s takes its guests off the well-worn paths to discover the lively villages, ruined strongholds and unforgettable views that tell the real story of the Emerald Isle. For the first time, tours depart from Killarney, the best point from which to explore the wild and unforgettable southern coast.

In 2024, the small coach tour company will be offering three brand new tours of Ireland, with departures beginning in May and continuing until October. Tours range in length from one-day trips to weeklong Celtic adventures and are available to book now.

Rabbie’s brand new tours of Ireland include:

Portmagee & Skellig Ring one-day tour from Killarney

The Ring of Kerry is a world class road trip, and its winding roads are a haven for raw, wild scenery and dreamlike landscapes. A Rabbie’s tour of the ring visits the 1,400-year-old Cahergall Stone Fort, the thundering Torc Waterfall, and includes a stop at the beautiful fishing village of Portmagee for a spot of lunch.

The 18km Skellig Ring is a stretch of road often overlooked by travellers and too small for larger coach trips. Rabbie’s tours will enjoy the quiet roads and guests can indulge in the sweet treats at the Skellig Chocolate Factory as well as the views of St Finans Bay.

From April to October 2024, this one day tour departs several times a week and costs from €70 per adult. 

The Wild Coast of Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head one-day tour from Killarney

Visit glorious Inch beach, popular with local anglers and surfers, before embarking on a road trip through Irish history. Embark on the Sea Head Drive and call at Ireland’s famous huts of Tóchar Maothaithe, built by prehistoric hermit monks, before visiting Gallarus Oratory, and an ancient church built from rocks by Ireland’s earliest Christians.

A leisurely afternoon is best spent exploring the bustling town of Dingle. Several Irish pubs provide cool drinks and good company, while local distilleries offer visitors the chance to learn the secrets of Irish whiskey.

Join this one-day tour on any departure between April and October 2024, with prices starting at €70 per adult. 

Ireland’s South−East five-day tour from Dublin 

The full magic of Ireland can only really be experienced on an extended adventure. Rabbie’s guests embark on the ultimate tour of southern Ireland travelling south from Dublin, calling at Viking landing sites at the Rock of Dunamase, the eerie Drombeg Stone Circle, and Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the fabled Blarney Stone.

At Mizen Head, Ireland’s southernmost point, those brave enough can cross the bridge to view the iconic cliff view and visit the Signal Station. Every bottle of the famous Jameson Whiskey hails from the town of Midleton, and guests will tour the remarkable distillery.

Evenings on this tour are spent in some of Ireland’s most charming fishing villages and seaport towns, all offering hearty meals and bustling pubs, allowing all guests to truly experience a flavour of Ireland.

Join this five-day tour throughout 2024, with prices starting from €581 per adult.   

In addition to its regular guided tours, this winter Rabbie’s is offering a special offer on Private Tours departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, or Aberdeen.

A 16-seat mini-coach can be secured for £560 per day, when quoting ‘Winter Offer’ at time of booking and travelling before 29 February 2024*.      

 For more information about Rabbie’s and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.   

Coca-Cola truck spreads Christmas cheer at Fort Kinnaird

Shoppers at Fort Kinnaird were treated to a very special visit from the Coca-Cola Christmas truck on Saturday as part of its tour of the UK.

The festive experience offered a whole host of fun for all the family, including ‘elfie selfie’ photo opportunities and food huts serving delicious seasonal treats, as well as free personalised cans of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar given out to mark the occasion.

Visitors were also able to snap their all-important photo in front of the famous truck with the iconic image of Father Christmas on the side.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Christmas is a really special time for us, and we were thrilled to be chosen as one of the locations on the tour, bringing the famous truck to Edinburgh.

“It was great to see so many visitors from across the region join us on Saturday for some festive fun as the countdown to Christmas officially begins.”

Find out more about Christmas at Fort Kinnaird here: