Tag: Lothian Road

Usher Hall retains five-star status

The Usher Hall has further cemented its reputation as the Capital’s foremost concert hall with a five-star quality rating from VisitScotland as part of its Quality Assurance Scheme.

The report, compiled during anonymous visits by VisitScotland inspectors, particularly praised the hospitality, friendliness, service, and efficiency of colleagues alongside the general core experience and cleanliness of the venue. This marks fourteen consecutive years of Usher Hall being awarded five-star status by Scotland’s national tourism organisation.

The Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s key venue for visiting national and international orchestras and has been the main venue for the Edinburgh International Festival since 1947.

The venue is the Edinburgh home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The Hall is also a centre of excellence embracing the widest range of music and events, including rock, pop, jazz, world, blues, comedy, talks, school concerts, conferences, sponsorship events, ceremonies, lectures and recording sessions. The concert hall is renowned for its acoustics making it one of the finest in Europe. 

Since opening in 1914, the Usher Hall has played host to some of the most important cultural icons in world history. From David Bowie to Johnny Cash, Ella Fitzgerald, the Rolling Stones, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Adele and countless more this is a venue that has a central role in Edinburgh’s cultural landscape. 

Last year, the Usher Hall welcomed almost 300,000 visitors and this year’s programme is well underway, featuring performances from Underworld, Richard Hawley, Squeeze and many more. Visit the Usher Hall’s website for more information.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “We’re very proud that the Usher Hall has once again been recognised as one of the best venues in Scotland.

“It has held a five-star VisitScotland award rating each and every year since 2010 and this is testament to the hard work of colleagues who ensure that everyone who visits the Hall has an excellent experience. They have my profound thanks for their dedication and commitment to arts and culture in our city.

“Here in Edinburgh, we’re committed to maintaining the very best cultural facilities for our residents and visitors to enjoy. I’m sure that the Usher Hall will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Neil Christison, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “The Usher Hall is an important part of Edinburgh’s musical heritage, and its visitor experience is just as memorable as those icons of music and theatre who have graced its stage.

“For years, the venue has set a high watermark for customer service in the city. This is down to its dedicated staff who have excelled in ensuring visitors have a fantastic day or night out.

“By providing an exceptional visitor experience, the Usher Hall is contributing towards our national goal of making Scotland a world-class destination.”

Open the Doors!

Council to contribute £60,000 towards renewed Edinburgh Filmhouse

£60,000 will be contributed to Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd supporting the return of the Edinburgh Filmhouse building at 88 Lothian Road, the city council has announced.

Following the collapse of Edinburgh Filmhouse’s parent charity, the Centre for Moving Image (CMI), in October 2022, the Council has been working closely with key stakeholders to secure a future for cultural cinema in the Capital.

The option to support a renewed Filmhouse was included in the report agreed by the Culture and Communities Committee on May 11 2023, as part of a wider allocation of resources committed to the sector for the financial year 2023/24.

As a result of positive project development updates over the past few months, the Council has committed this support. The Council will continue to monitor progress in the coming months and work with Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd, Screen Scotland, the Scottish Government, and other partners.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “We’re delighted to see the progress of the fundraising campaign and to be in a position to contribute as a Council.

“Crucially, this funding is in-budget and has been agreed by elected members. Alongside the wider stakeholder group, we look forward to our continued dialogue and working with Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd.

“We’re committed to having a home for cultural cinema in the heart of the city and for the wider sector going forward. Edinburgh is rightly one of the great cultural cities of the world and cultural cinema is a key part of this landscape.”

The Directors of Filmhouse (Edinburgh) said: “This is fantastic news and everyone who has their heart in the campaign will want to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for this tangible commitment to opening the doors of Filmhouse once more. 

“Filmhouse, as a cultural institution that celebrates the art of film alongside the other artforms supported in Edinburgh, aims to re-open as soon as the total necessary funds have been raised.

“We plan to provide the broad range of cultural cinema that the city is lacking just now, as well as to host the diverse group of specialist and community film festivals which have been missing their longstanding home on Lothian Road.

“The funds are needed for a full refurbishment of the cinemas and public areas, including the much-loved cafe-bar.”

Director of Screen Scotland, David Smith said: “Screen Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council have worked together across the last year to support the return of the Filmhouse.

“It is a vital resource for Edinburgh and Scotland; providing a home for filmmakers, film lovers and film festivals, and a hub for film education. Its absence is keenly felt by us all, and Screen Scotland continues to work for its revival.

“It’s return would signify not just the reopening of a cinema, but the return of a vital home for the artform.”

Edinburgh Napier University celebrates class of ‘23 with its very own beer and pub

As over 1,900 students and 6,600 guests make their way to the Usher Hall in Edinburgh to attend their graduation ceremony, Edinburgh Napier will once again be taking over one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, Shakespeare’s on Lothian Road. Rebranding as The Napier Graduate in honour of the university’s class of ’23, this time graduates will also be able to celebrate with a pint of Edinburgh Napier’s very own ale, ‘Must Be Napier’, to toast their success. 

The beer name, ‘Must Be Napier’ references Edinburgh Napier University’s current brand campaign that is shining a spotlight on the achievements and major contributions to society of the University’s students, staff, and alumni.

Following the success of the summer takeover of the iconic pub, for three days only from Tuesday 24 October to Thursday 26 October, Shakespeare’s will once again be known as The Napier Graduate. The pub has been decked out in red Napier livery, changing everything from the outdoor signs to the beermats, making it the perfect spot for graduates to celebrate with family and friends. 

For those celebrating with a drink, when at the bar graduates and patrons alike will spot Napier along the selection of beer taps, with the university having its very own ale, ‘Must Be Napier’ alongside the usual selection of drinks.  

Over the three days, Edinburgh Napier University will be celebrating with five ceremonies, honoring the graduates of all five of the University’s Schools. Those walking down Lothian Road won’t be able to miss the celebrations, with the original Shakespeare’s signage completely replaced with Napier’s distinctive red branding. 

Earlier this year, Edinburgh Napier took over Shakespeare’s for the first time to highlight the University’s pride in their graduates and offering congratulations on their success. 

  

Izzy Polson, General Manager of Shakespeare’s said: “Following the takeover earlier this year we saw a record number of people visit for a celebratory drink. We are thrilled to be able to help with the celebrations and delighted to be rebranded as The Napier Graduate once again, to help make it a memorable graduation!

“We loved seeing people’s surprise at the new look Shakespeare’s over graduation week and hope we can bring the same amount of joy this time round.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We always want to celebrate and recognise the achievements of our students, so once again we are dedicating a special place for them to celebrate with family and friends.

“This time, as our graduates embark on their next chapter after university, graduates and their guests who choose to can have a pint of ‘Must Be Napier’, or any of the other refreshments on offer, to toast all their incredible accomplishments.”

The Napier Graduate is open from Tuesday 24 October to Thursday 26 October 2023 at 65 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ.

Three youths sought following Tollcross assault

POLICE are appealing for information after a 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being assaulted in Tollcross. The incident happened shortly after 12am yesterday (Friday, 15 September) in Brougham Street.

The man was approached by a group of three male youths and subsequently assaulted. He required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to injuries sustained in the incident.

One of the youths is described as about 16-years-old, clean shaven, tall with brown hair and a fringe. He was of stocky build and wearing a black jacket, grey bottoms and black shoes.

The second was also about 16-years-old, white, clean shaven and wearing a grey hooded top with grey jogging bottoms. He was riding a dark coloured bike with white writing

The third was a younger male, white, small and of thin build with blonde hair. He was wearing a black hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may have information which could help to get in touch.

“Enquiries so far have established the three youths had been in the city centre on Lothian Road and the Meadows prior to and after the assault.

“If you believe you have may have seen them or have any other information relating to the assault please come forward. We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.

“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0226 of 15 September, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Abortion Rights Scotland marks anniversary of legal abortions in UK

ACTIVISTS marked the anniversary of the enactment of the 1967 Abortion Act, which legalised abortion in Britain, at an event on Lothian Road yesterday.

Also marking the significant date, but for different reasons, were pro-life group SPUC, who held a simultaneous Pro-life Chain event.

Abortion Rights Scotland’s Audrey Brown (above) said: “NHS Scotland has long supported women to make their own choices about pregnancy.

“Abortion care is extremely safe, and in fact is safer than continuing a pregnancy. NHS doctors, nurses and midwives working in abortion care are trained to provide a safe and supportive service.

“The majority of women now choose early medical abortion in the privacy of their own home. Restricting access to abortion won’t stop abortion, it will push it underground and make it less safe.

“We must continue to support free, safe and legal NHS abortion care.”

A number of politicians showed their support at the demo. Among them were Edinburgh East MP Tommy Sheppard.

PICTURES: Craig MacLean

Lothian Road assault: Do you know this woman?

Detectives in Edinburgh have released images of a woman who may be able to assist an investigation into an assault which occurred on Lothian Road on Saturday 19 November 2022, around 3.30am.

The woman is described as white, 5’4″ – 5’6″, of medium build, in her mid to late 20’s, with long shoulder length blonde hair.

She was wearing a beige/cream shirt-dress and white boots with a black handbag.

Detective Constable Neill Watt said: “Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we would urge the woman or anyone who recognises her, or anyone with any other information to please get in touch.

“You can call 101, quoting reference 0570 of 19 November, 2022, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

McDonald’s brings free family fun to Edinburgh this weekend

Festival Square on Lothian Road will host the McDonald’s Fun Football Festival AND the Happy Readers Book Tour from Saturday 3rd September

McDonald’s is committed to supporting families across the UK and regularly provides community activities in the areas surrounding its restaurants. This weekend is no different with two free activities specifically for local children, arriving at Festival Square in Edinburgh.

In a bid to provide more children across the UK with access to the joy of reading, McDonald’s has launched the Happy Readers Book Tour, which will help distribute free books to children at 16 locations across the UK and Ireland.

The tour will arrive at Festival Square in Edinburgh on Saturday 3rd September.

Inside the bus, free books will be handed out, with different titles catering to children from age 4-11. As well as the books, there will be activity sheets, digital animation screens, ‘read-a-longs’, bubble machines and free Happy Readers bookmarks designed specifically to help children with dyslexia.

The second free event is the Fun Football Festival, which will celebrate the summer of sport in style, with more kids than ever feeling inspired to take up football after watching the Home Nations compete on the European stage.

The Fun Football Festival will be open on Saturday 3rd September and Sunday 4th September, between 11.30am and 6pm, giving hundreds of 5–11-year-olds the opportunity to enjoy football for free!

Families will be able to take part in the introductory coaching sessions under the guidance of top football coaches and a series of inflatable* Fun Football experiences, including a Dribble Tunnel and Speed of Shot, aimed at inspiring children of all backgrounds and abilities to give football a go.

The festivals are just one part of the McDonald’s Fun Football programme that will deliver over 10.5 million hours of Fun Football over the course of the next four years making it the largest grassroots participation programme in the UK.

The programme will be delivered in collaboration with the Irish FA, Scottish FA, The Football Association of Wales and a network of national coaching providers with regular sessions taking place throughout the year across the UK.

For further information on McDonald’s involvement in grassroots football and to find out how your club could benefit, visit the website, or follow @FunFootballUK on Twitter and Instagram.

For parents looking for free ways to keep their kids active and entertained over the weekend, look no further than the Happy Readers Book Tour and Fun Football Festivals, providing free fun for the whole family to get involved with.

Have you seen Plamen?

POLICE are appealing for the public’s help as part of their efforts to trace Plamen Todorov (22) reported missing from Edinburgh.

Plamen was last seen leaving his work on Lothian Road at around 11.30pm on Thursday night (14th July, 2022). He has not been seen since and there are concerns for his welfare.

Plamen is described as a white male, slim build, around 5ft 5inches, with short dark hair and slight facial hair. He was last seen wearing a dark jacket, beige trousers/chinos, a large yellow rucksack and was seen with a grey and red mountain bike.

Anyone who may have seen Plamen, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2518 of 15th July 2022.

Five injured in Rose Street hit and run incident

Driver arrested – due in court tomorrow

A 36 year old man has been arrested after five people were hit by a car in Edinburgh city centre in the early hours of this morning. He will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Police Scotland received reports of the pedestrians being struck on Rose Street, near its junction with Frederick Street, at about 00:40 this morning.

Two men, aged 39 and 60-years old, and three women, aged 37, 22 and 65, were all taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

All five are in a ‘stable’ condition.

The car failed to stop at the scene and continued on to Lothian Road where it was involved in a crash with another vehicle. No further people were injured.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Lothian Road remains closed up to the West Approach Road junction.

Coming of Age: Edinburgh’s Just Festival celebrates 21st year with Bumper Programme

Free to attend programme online and at St. John’s Church, Princes Street from 6th – 30th August

Edinburgh’s social justice and human rights festival is coming of age this summer with its biggest event yet.

Among the headline offerings are a poignant new choral work, No Alleluias: A Requiem for 2020, specially commissioned to celebrate the festival’s 21st birthday and an online appearance by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen (below) who spent several weeks in intensive care after contracting Covid-19.

Both reflect on the extraordinary experiences faced during the past year and Rosen – “not dead yet,” he says – considers how we can emerge from the pandemic with a more equal future.

Originally established as the Festival of Spirituality and Peace, Just Festival celebrates humanity in all its differences and encourages the exploration of new perspectives in the hope of reducing religious, political and social intolerance.

Festival director Helen Trew says: “The last year has shattered many illusions and laid bare the inequality at the heart of our society.  So, as we come of age, it is time to put our shoulder to the wheel of a better, fairer, inclusive future for us all.”

Running from 6th – 30th August, the festival features a range of innovative events and art installations presented, through a blend of digital discussion and performance plus live audience event, in St John’s Church and the surrounding area.

The No Alleluias requiem, a mix of live and virtual choir,  was inspired by preacher and theologian Rev Dr Karen George Thompson and describes her experience of last Easter Sunday.

Having lost her father to Covid and been infected with the virus herself, she also saw her community suffer and found the uplifting Easter message replaced with melancholy.

The resulting choral work, composed by Anthony Hammond with lyrics by Robert Rae, is an extraordinarily moving piece and will help close this year’s festival.

The programme also includes:

  • a live installation of Peace Cranes when 140,000 origami birds will be positioned throughout St John’s Church as symbols of hope for inter-generational justice and a call for a solution to the nuclear and climate emergencies;
  • Photography under Siege, an exhibition of photographer Mahmoud al Khurd’s images of life in Gaza today and an evening of music and conversation with Northern Irish peace activist Tommy Sands.
  • And the Cabaret of Dangerous ideas returns this year, looking at issues including children’s access to nature and outdoor play, debating whether we need to-re-wild youngsters.

With the exception of the No Alleluias performance, all events are free to attend, although a donation is suggested to support the festival whose main sponsors this year are Elephants in Action, a part of ELE Global, with support from EventScotland, Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund and the Culture & Business Fund Scotland, managed by Arts & Business Scotland. 

Helen Foord, CEO and founder of ELE Global comments: “The team is delighted to be supporting Just Festival again, helping to celebrate 21 fantastic years.

“And we’re proud to be associated with an event whose values of tolerance and encouraging new ways of looking at the world are ever more important in these challenging times.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, said: “The Just Festival is a timely event that I am sure will spark engaging debate while offering a welcome return to in-person experiences for audiences alongside its impressive virtual programme and I am delighted that EventScotland has been able to support it through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund.”

For more information visit https://www.just-festival.org