Tag: leisure

Scottish Cycling launches Women & Girls Strategy

Scottish Cycling has launched its first Women & Girls Strategy to coincide with Scottish Women and Girls in Sport week.

The strategy, launched at West Lothian Cycle Circuit with the support of Sports Minister Ms. Maree Todd and double Paralympic champion Jenny Holl, aims to make a step change in female participation in cycle sport.

Despite making up over 50% of the population of Scotland, women are under-represented in cycling, a situation familiar to many sports, and whilst women’s participation is on the up, Scottish Cycling is determined to accelerate this process.

Whilst Scottish Cycling already implements a number of initiatives to make cycling a more female friendly sport, the strategy outlines how the whole organisation, and the Scottish Cycling community, can come together to make a tangible difference.

Speaking at the launch event, Ms Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, said: “Women & Girls in Sport Week is the highlight of my year every year, so to launch this strategy during this week is just fantastic.

“When we were discussing the UCI Cycling World Championships, which were held in Scotland last year, one of the opportunities we saw was to try and get more women cycling,

“Lots and lots of women would like to cycle, but very few of them do, and this strategy is about tackling that. I’m really keen that women and girls have the opportunity to participate in sport; that’s what this week is all about, and that’s what this strategy is about, and I’m absolutely certain it’ll have an impact.”

Scottish Cycling Chief Executive, Nick Rennie, commented: “The launch of our first Women & Girls Strategy is a huge moment for Scottish Cycling and our community, and follows on from our commitment last summer to shift the dial on female participation in our wonderful sport.

“Scottish Cycling already has a number of initiatives aimed at females, which are slowly starting to shift the gender balance, however that rate of progress isn’t quick enough for our liking, and so this strategy, and supporting action plan, aims to really accelerate our work in this area.”

Double Paralympic champion, Jenny Holl, added: “It’s really great to see Scottish Cycling stepping up and pushing for more diversity within the sport, particularly in the women and girl’s space.

“For me, now is the perfect time – having watched the Elite Women’s Road Race at the Glasgow ‘super worlds’ last year, it’s clear to see that there is the support and appetite for women’s cycling in Scotland, we just need to help people access it.”

After extensive consultation with the cycling community and key stakeholders earlier this year, Scottish Cycling refined its strategy to make its vision as clear as possible.

The strategy is broken down into five focus areas, the five Rs: Ride, Race, Role Models, Recognise and Relationships, which are all as important as the next if the organisations 2027 targets are to be achieved. These include a 30% increase in female members and event entries, a 10% increase in retention within the Performance Pathway, 20% more coaches, and a number of new partnerships with other organisations who can help support the fulfilment of these goals.

The strategy clearly outlines the vision, and steps that will be taken to get there, but sitting below this is an Action Plan, which goes into the detailed interventions, and sets annuals targets to keep Scottish Cycling on track to reach its 2027 goals.

You can read the Strategy here

Further detail can be found in the Action Plan here

Scottish Cycling can’t do this alone, so if you have thoughts on the strategy, action plan or want to show your support, please get in touch via: recreation@scottishcycling.org.uk

For partnership or commercial opportunities within the Women & Girls cycling space, please contact pete.matthews@scottischcycling.org.uk

National swimming framework spotlighted in the capital

A NEW framework that aims to revolutionise water safety in schools has been celebrated in Edinburgh.

Scottish Swimming, in partnership with Scottish Water, hosted a landmark event yesterday at Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool to celebrate The National Primary School Swimming Framework.

The celebration introduced Scotland’s most decorated Olympian Duncan Scott MBE and double Paralympian Toni Shaw as ambassadors for the Framework and highlighted the critical importance of swimming education in primary schools across Scotland.

The National Primary School Swimming Framework aims to ensure pupils across Scotland, particularly at Primary 4/Primary 5 level, learn basic water safety and drowning prevention skills to be safer and more confident in, on, and around water.

Olympic champion Duncan Scott MBE shared: “Swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a life skill that can help save lives. I’m honoured to be part of this initiative that aims to make swimming accessible to every child in Scotland.

“The fact that over 9,200 pupils have already benefited from the pilot phases is encouraging, but it’s crucial that we continue to bridge the gaps and ensure equal opportunities for all our young people.”

During the event, attendees heard from Scottish Swimming, Scottish Water, sportscotland, Duncan and Toni, as well as seeing a lesson in progress with children from Niddrie Mill and Castleview primary schools.

Paralympian Toni Shaw added: “Swimming has transformed my life, and I believe every child should have the chance to experience its benefits.

“This framework is a step in the right direction, but we need to ensure it reaches every corner of Scotland. Inclusive swimming education is not just about creating champions, it’s about empowering all children with confidence and safety in the water.”

The Framework, now available for schools across the nation, has already made significant strides. More than 9,200 pupils have participated in two phases of pilots carried out across nine local authorities in Scotland.

Craig Burn, Director of Sport at sportscotland said: “The National Primary School Swimming Framework represents a significant step forward in our efforts to improve water safety and swimming education across Scotland.

“By partnering with Scottish Swimming and other key stakeholders, we’re creating a comprehensive approach that will help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills. We’re excited to see the positive impact this will have on young lives, potentially reducing drowning incidents.”

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Scottish Water is proud to support this new framework. Water safety is paramount – with Scotland’s natural landscape which has approximately 30,000 inland waters and 6,000 miles of coastline, coupled with worryingly high drowning statistics.

“This framework will be key to creating ‘Generation Swim’ and ensuring more children across the country get the basic – but vital – water safety knowledge and skills to help keep them safer in, on and around water.”

The National Primary School Swimming Framework offers flexible delivery models, allowing schools to adopt different approaches based on their circumstances, such as universal or targeted programmes for non-swimmers.

It focuses on water safety education, with the Water Safety Code integrated throughout, aligning with Water Safety Scotland’s drowning prevention initiatives.

The framework’s development has been supported by the Scottish Government through sportscotland, with additional credibility added by the inclusion of Education Scotland and Water Safety Scotland.

To learn more about the National Primary School Swimming Framework or to support its implementation, visit:  

https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim/school-swimming-framework

Ladies Day at Musselburgh: Tickets now sold Out

Musselburgh Racecourse’s hugely popular Ladies Day is heading for an 8,000 capacity sell-out with fewer than 300 general admission tickets remaining.

Ladies Day, in partnership with Pommery Champagne, is one of Scotland’s most glamourous sporting and fashion events, and with luxury fashion prizes valued at more than £4,000 the Friday 9 August race day is the place to be.

This year’s style awards is sponsored by Tiger Lily Boutique and the “best dressed” top prize includes an invitation to visit Champagne Pommery in France – with the winner enjoying two nights at four-star hotel accommodation in Reims and £1,500 spending money.

The East Lothian course are delighted to welcome TV and radio personality, Rylan Clark, who will be behind the decks for the popular After Racing Party which is open to all Ladies Day ticket holders following the last race.

Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “The popularity of our five star Ladies Day meeting never wanes and we are confident that 2024 will be yet another sell-out.

“With only one table available in our VIP Marquee and less than 400 general admission tickets remaining, we are looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere and when the racing finishes, firm favourite Rylan will keep the party going.

“Around 50-100 tickets are sold each day so for anyone thinking of attending Ladies Day our advice would be to snap up a ticket now or risk being disappointed.”

Gates open on Friday 9 August at 11.30am, and provisional first and last race times are 2.20pm and 4.50pm.

For further information on Musselburgh Ladies Day or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/ladies-day-2024

Free ice cream and family fun at Musselburgh Racecourse

One of Musselburgh Racecourse’s most popular family events returns on Tuesday (23 JUL) with the Luca’s Ice Cream Family Raceday.

On the turf seven competitive Flat races will keep the adults on their toes but off the track a whole host of fun activities will entertain younger family members.

Gates open at noon and one hour before the first race (provisionally scheduled for 2.15pm) the next generation of jockeys will compete in pony races, while a dedicated Clip Clop zone offers free fairground rides for all ages and free face painting.

Hosted with support of Honest Toun ice cream producer Luca, each child will receive a free ice cream – more than 1,200 were handed out last year.

The day will also feature the Mini Queen’s Cup which will see 5 year olds take to the track on happy hopper inflatables.

Musselburgh Racecourse’s Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “We know the kids love to dance so we have organised a kid’s disco which will take place in between the racing throughout the day.

“For the pony loving children or those youngsters who want to try their hand at horse riding, we will also have free pony rides.”

Two of Australia’s favourite furry TV pups will also make a popular return to the East Lothian track to say “g’day” to young racegoers.

Aisling added: “Luca’s Ice Cream have kindly donated one free ice cream per child, and with free entry for children aged 17 years and under when accompanied by an adult, it really is the perfect day out for all the family.”

Gates open at noon on Tuesday, first race is scheduled for 2.15pm and the last race at 5.20pm. A courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations will take racegoers to and from the racecourse.

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

Care home’s full of spring chickens! 

Cracking egg-perience sees pensioners raise their own chicks and ducklings

A LUXURY Edinburgh care home has been chirping with joy, after taking part in a unique conservation project, that saw its residents welcome a range of chicks and ducks into the world. 

The idea, hatched by Cramond Residence’s unique lifestyle team, saw the home welcome seven chicken eggs and five ducks which stayed in the residence for two weeks in total. 

The residents were equipped with everything necessary to incubate eggs and support the chicks and ducklings with their first steps, allowing them to look after the new chicks for a short time before they are returned to the Incredible Eggs team.

The project was made possible as part of an initiative with Incredible Eggs, who aim to educate and preserve wildlife by offering hatching kits to schools, nurseries and care homes.

Cramond Residence’s Head of Lifestyle, Elaine Vallance said: “This was an amazing experience and all the residents loved handling them and seeing them run free in the library. We had a group of residents watch a chick hatch, they said it was a magical experience.

“For people living with dementia, caring for a pet can be a source of comfort and joy, offering them a meaningful sense of purpose.

“When we became aware of the hatching kits at Incredible Eggs, we just knew it would be the perfect activity to bring to the home and I’m so happy to see how much joy it has brought the residents. 

“We’ve had a great experience previously with bringing animals into the home. Activities such as our therapet sessions have been of real benefit to our residents and always create a buzz in the home. 

This is just one of many mental and social wellness-boosting activities that residents at Crammond Residence can enjoy as part of its lifestyle programme, which frequently organises various creative activities.

As dementia specialists, Crammond Residence is aware of the importance of providing dementia patients with a sense of purpose and achieves this, in part, through the various animal-care projects it provides.  

Incredible Eggs, which has been running for more than 10 years, ethically produces all its hatching kits, ensuring that both the animals and their carers can get the most out of the conservation projects.

Michael Cowan, Branch Manager for Incredible Eggs said: “We’d like to say well done to the Cramond Residence Lifestyle team for providing such an uplifting and joyous experience. 

“It’s wonderful to hear how the kit had such a positive impact on the residents. Feedback such as this never fails to warm the heart and it was our pleasure to have helped make it happen.”

The home’s lifestyle team launched a pet therapy initiative last summer, where different pets such as dogs, welcomed into the residence each month. 

The sessions have been hugely beneficial in improving the mental and physical well-being of residents who are always happy to see a furry friend. 

Established in 2018, Cramond Residence delivers unwavering nurse-led care alongside specialised services such as respite and dementia care. Presently, the care home accommodates 74 residents across nine beautifully designed homes.

The home boasts incredible facilities, including a cinema, functional exercise room, games room, and an elegant dining experience where residents can host their family members for a meal.

Residents enjoy excellent amenities as well as freshly cooked meals and various activities to participate in, guaranteeing a fulfilling and stimulating life at the care home. 

Every resident receives a personalised care plan crafted by healthcare professionals, subject to continuous evaluation and refinement, ensuring access to optimal care.

Tours of the North Edinburgh Cramond Residence are available. These tours enable prospective residents and their families to experience the residence, meet the team, and address any additional needs.

To learn more about Cramond Residence, please visit Cramond Residence’s website or contact them directly at enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

To find out more about Incredible Eggs, please visit: ttps://www.incredibleeggs.co.uk/

Go For Gold mini games challenge

EDINBURGH LEISURE – GO FOR GOLD

Tennis fever may be over but as the world hots up for the next big sporting occasion, Paris 2024, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging kids to go for gold this summer with their own mini-games challenge.

Featuring a variety of kids and family summer activities including AquaDash, Clip n’ Climb, soft play, Come & Try Coaching sessions, Holiday Camp & Coaching programme, racquet sports and more, kids are being encouraged to try as many activities as possible to complete a Game Card, which will be entered into a prize draw for some amazing prizes.

Go for Gold Game cards can be picked up from any participating Edinburgh Leisure venue.  Each game card has a 5 x 5 grid of activities.  Once an activity is completed, children will receive a bespoke gold sticker to fill their card. After completing at least one activity from each column, the finished card can be submitted at any participating venue to enter a prize draw. 

The prize draw will take place during the week commencing 19 August.

*There will be three winners who can choose from a choice of:

  • Soft play membership for one month for up to 2 children
  • Clip ‘n Climb for 2 children or 1 adult and 1 child
  • Aquadash for 2 
  • 1-1 35-minute dive lesson with European Junior Athlete

Angela McGowan, Edinburgh Leisure’s Coaching Programme Manager said: “Few of us will ever be Olympians, but we know that keeping active is good for everyone and our Go For Gold summer mini games is Edinburgh Leisure’s way of encouraging kids to get the active habit in a fun and sociable way during the summer holidays, while encouraging kids to achieve their own medal.”

The Go For Gold promotion will run at most Edinburgh Leisure venues from 15 July – 11 August 2024.

*Terms and conditions apply – check Edinburgh Leisure website for more information. www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/go-for-gold*

Edinburgh attraction offers free entry if you have this in common with Robert the Bruce

  • The Edinburgh Dungeon launches new seasonal show centred around Scottish legend Robert the Bruce
  • New show comes 750 years after the birth of former King of Scots
  • The Edinburgh Dungeon to offer free entry for the first 750 guests named ‘Robert’ or ‘Bruce’ throughout national heroes birthday week
A person holding a skull Description automatically generated

To mark 750 years since the birth of Scottish hero Robert the Bruce, The Edinburgh Dungeon is offering the first 750 visitors named Robert or Bruce free entry to the attraction during the fierce and famous King’s birthday week (8th July – 14th July). 

The offer comes as The Edinburgh Dungeon launches its latest spine-chilling summer show, centred around the former Scottish King. 

After the death of King Robert the Bruce in 1329, his body was laid to rest in Dunfermline Abbey. Nearly 500 years later after a building collapsed, the fragile bones of the once mighty King have been exposed and every Scot worth their salt wants to see the guardian of Scotland in his resting place.

Guests will be transported back to 1819 where an entrepreneurial grave keeper has been selling cheap tickets to view the once brave King, yet all is not as it seems. Experience the terror and thrill at The Edinburgh Dungeon as King Robert the Bruce is awoken from the dead!

The offer will be available to the first 750 brave souls, named Robert or Bruce, who dare visit the attraction throughout their namesake’s birthday week, 8th July until 14th July. 

Lee Phillips, General Manager at The Edinburgh Dungeon, said: “We can’t wait to offer (un)lucky peasants’ free entry to celebrate Robert the Bruce’s birthday. Robert was undoubtedly a Scottish hero, leading Scotland during the first war of Scottish Independence against England. 

“As the national hero celebrates his 750th birthday, we thought what better way to honour him than with a brand new seasonal show, as well as a frightfully good deal in celebration of Scotland’s most revered hero, if your name is Robert or Bruce, you’re in for a terrifying treat!” 

The Edinburgh Dungeon is renowned for giving guests an immersive journey through the darker eras of the local area, revealing infamous tales and lesser-known horrors to peasants who are brave enough to step into the depths below.

For further information and to book a visit to The Edinburgh Dungeon, please visit the website here: https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/whats-inside/events/robert-the-bruce/

Family tours of the Palace of Holyroodhouse’s Physic Garden available for the first time this summer

Over the summer holidays, as the Palace of Holyroodhouse opens for seven days a week, visitors can discover over 900 years of Scottish royal history. Families can join tours of the Physic Garden for the first time, get their hands on history, and try out arts and crafts activities inspired by Georgian fashion.

Physic Garden Family Tours

Friday, 19 July and Friday, 2 August, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00.

For the first time, families will be able to join free short tours of the beautiful Physic Garden at the height of summer. On these guided, drop-in tours, which are open to visitors to the Palace and the wider public, families can discover more about the history of the Garden and listen to stories of its past plants and the people who used it. 

The Physic Garden, just outside the gates of the Palace, was opened in 2020 to recreate the earliest known gardens on the site and can be freely enjoyed year-round by the people of Edinburgh. Founded in the grounds of the Palace in 1670, the original garden provided pharmacists with vital, fresh ingredients and allowed students to learn the medicinal properties of plants. It was the first of its kind in Scotland and was the forerunner of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Magical Menagerie Activity Day

Saturday, 27 July, 10:00–15:00.

In July a special activity day will offer the chance for visitors to learn about the history of the Palace Gardens, where 500 years ago a medieval menagerie was home to a range of animals including lions, tigers and bears.

Children can craft paper masks of their favourite animal to wear as they explore the Palace and Gardens, keeping an eye out to spot the animals around the Palace on ceilings and walls, or in tapestries and portraits.

As well as exotic animals, the Gardens were home to a tennis court and used for bowls, hawking, archery, and other outdoor games. On the activity day, families can try some historic games in the garden as well as following the unicorn activity trail to spot all the places where Scotland’s national animal decorates the walls and artworks around the Palace and Gardens.

Weekly Family Activities

Hands on History, every Monday (Monday, 8 July – Monday, 26 August) and Midweek Makes, every Wednesday (Wednesday, 10 July – Wednesday, 28 August). Both 11:00–15:00.

Families visiting the Palace can take part in special activities every week. Every Monday, in Hands on History sessions, children will be able to get up close to a mix of historical and replica items including gauntlets, ink wells and quills and more. Children can learn about the many objects in the Royal Collection and discover the intriguing items that would have been used in the Palace hundreds of years ago.

Every Wednesday, visitors can join arts and crafts activities in the family room. In Midweek Makes, children can decorate their own crown while learning about the history of different crowns in the Royal Collection, including who wears them and what they are used for.

Recycled Fashion: Family Workshop

Saturday, 10 August, 13:30–15:00.

Families can also visit The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians. The exhibition explores life in Georgian Britain through the fashions of the day. Items on display include rare surviving items of clothing such as a court dress and items of Queen Charlotte’s impressive jewellery collection. In the exhibition, families can use the family gallery trail and explorer bags to discover what life was like in Georgian times.

In the Recycled Fashion workshop, families will join a short, guided tour of the exhibition led by a member of the Learning team. They can discover how the practice of reusing and recycling fabric in the Georgian period was commonplace even among the royal family. Taking inspiration from the examples of Georgian clothing on display, they will then create a cloak using recycled materials.

As part of the organisation’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the Palaces and the Royal Collection, Royal Collection Trust has launched a scheme of £1 tickets, available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.

The £1 ticket offer is available for up to six people per household when visiting The King’s Gallery in 2024, making this an affordable way for families to visit the Gallery during the summer holidays.

Cineworld Edinburgh announces Screen Day with £4 tickets

·       SCREENX DAY TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY JULY 6

·       TICKETS REDUCED TO £4 PER FILM, ALL DAY, ONLY IN SCREENX

·       OFFER VALID ACROSS 23 CINEMA SITES IN THE UK 

Cineworld is delighted to announce SCREENX DAY, an exclusive, one-day event featuring some of the hottest blockbusters in the cutting-edge ScreenX format. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 6th, and prepare for an unparalleled cinematic adventure across 23 locations in the UK.

To celebrate this state-of-the-art experience, the event will give aviators and Fremens across the country a chance to experience some of their favourite blockbusters in the revolutionary format for only £4.00 a ticket.

ScreenX uses advanced technology with 270-degree projection to create panoramic viewing that surrounds you in your seat. With the film extended beyond your peripheral vision, guests are transported into their cinematic universe of choice in a world first, available only at Cineworld. 

For one day only, Cineworld is bringing back some of the biggest billers including:

  • Dune: Part Two – Enter a futuristic sci-fi world and immerse yourself in the heat of the battle for Arrakis with screens projecting an incredible desert expanse
  • Top Gun: Maverick – Catch this adventure-filled epic with footage exclusive to the ScreenX experience. Six cameras in the cockpit combine with the expanded sidewall projection to bring you along for each dynamic flying sequence like never before. Director Joseph Kosinski reveals “We weren’t able to use two of the side cameras in the [standard] film, but in ScreenX we were able to use that footage on the side screens, so what you’re seeing in ScreenX is live action footage on the side of the screens which is a first!”
  • Meg 2: The Trench – Immerse yourself in the under-sea-action of Meg 2 now in 270 degrees for the ultimate heart-racing jumpscares. With screens wrapping round your head, director Ben Wheatley notes “With ScreenX, that feeling of looking into the film that’s wrapping all around your head really amplifies a lot of the action stuff. With the Meg 2: The Trench there’s a lot of intense action that is really served well by ScreenX.”
  • Migration –The first ever animated film to be shown in ScreenX, take flight with the Mallard of ducks for this family favourite uplifting tale 

Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld Cinemas, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Cineworld’s inaugural ScreenX Day! For just £4, experience a revolutionary 270° view with projections expanding onto the side walls of the auditorium.

“Whether you’re soaring with Top Gun: Maverick or adventuring with Migration, you can surround yourself and your whole family with movie magic at Cineworld on July 6th.”

Tickets for the first ever ScreenX Day can now be purchased on the Cineworld Website or the Cineworld app.

#ScreenXDay

#ExperienceScreenX

ScreenX Day 2024 is sponsored by the Royal Air Force.

Screenings to take place at the following locations: 

Ashford
Barnsley          
Basildon         
Belfast
Brighton  Castleford       
Crawley
Didsbury          
Edinburgh      
Hull     
Leeds White Rose       
London – Hounslow      
London – The O2 Greenwich   
London – Wandsworth  
Milton Keynes 
Newcastle upon Tyne  
Newport – Spytty Park  
Rushden Lakes 
Sheffield          
Speke 
Watford           
Wolverhampton           
York

Summer flowers, sandwiches and scones at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

RHS judge selects plants for tropical planting experience

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting gardening fans along to its Edinburgh store to celebrate the start of summer with its ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ experience.

According to new research from Censuswide for Dobbies, 45% of Brits enjoy gardening because it gets them outdoors. This in-store experience at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store encourages people to take inspiration from holidays in tropical climates bringing sunny vibes to their garden planting.

Customers can now book the 90-minute event for Tuesday 16 or Saturday 20 July, at 3pm, which will combine the joy of hands-on creativity with the indulgence of a delicious Dobbies’ Afternoon Tea.

Attendees in Edinburgh will get to participate in an interactive workshop led by one of Dobbies’ horti experts with a Q&A and demo on the filler, thriller, and spiller planting technique, using a selection of tropical plants selected by RHS Chelsea Flower Show Chair of Assessors and Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop.

With this knowledge, customers will then get the chance to create their own tropical planter (worth £30) to take home, using a pot specially selected to showcase the seasonal display.

Attendees will also get the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a Traditional or Luxury Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh store.

Guests can delve into three tiers of sweet and savoury treats, complemented by unlimited tea and coffee refills, with an option to upgrade the hot drink.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea offers an assortment of freshly made finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with watercress, and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Customers will also get to tuck into Dobbies’ famous scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and a delicious selection of sweet treats, including a rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse.

Guests also have the option to upgrade their booking with the Luxury Afternoon Tea offering for just £4 extra per person. This has all the loved items of an afternoon tea with an added touch of indulgence.

Delve into a selection of savoury favourites, including cheese and tomato quiche and a selection of elevated finger sandwiches, with smoked salmon, lemon mayonnaise and dill, cheddar cheese and green tomato chutney, and ham, rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ at our Edinburgh store. It’s the perfect opportunity to ignite your passion for gardening and unwind with a delicious array of savoury and sweet delights.

“This session is all about bringing the vibrancy of your favourite getaway location to your garden as we celebrate the start of summer. Whether it’s the lush greenery of a tropical paradise or the colourful flowers of a European escape, we’ll guide you through creating your own planter with our recommended plants.”

Tickets for Dobbies’ ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ experience in its Edinburgh store are priced at £40 per person (with the planter valued at £30). Pre-booking is essential, visit www.dobbies.com/events.