Tag: Maybury

Hidden Door reveals festival line-up

Edinburgh’s grass roots arts festival, Hidden Door, is set to transform a huge abandoned industrial site into an ambitious and unique multi artform experience.  

Responding to the vast complex of forgotten warehouses, factory floors, offices and outbuildings, this year’s Hidden Door festival programme is built around the theme of ‘Building as a Myth’, with every rusted pipe, defunct machine and weathered surface becoming part of an artistic reclamation.

From Wednesday 11 – Sunday 15 June 2025, the festival brings together the talents of more than 100 creatives to offer live music, immersive art installations, dance performances, poetry, spoken word, unique collaborations and much more.

Music

The five nights will host a diverse roster of acts, kicking off with an unmissable opening night offering energetic and theatrical fare from Bikini Body, Mermaid Chunky and Snapped Ankles.

Thursday brings punk/pop attitude with Witch Fever, Sprints and SISTER MADDS, whilst Friday night sees Alice Faye’s lyrical Cabaret-come-Queen stylings programmed alongside Hidden Door favourites Tinderbox Orchestra and the dreamlike compositions of Erland Cooper. 

No Windows, The Orielles and Katy J Pearson promise an alternative indie Saturday night to remember, with Sunday’s closing line-up welcoming Moor Mother’s poetic power alongside Bee Asha, MC Yallah & Debmaster and Ishmael Ensemble’s eclectic jazz infused energy.

Edinburgh institutions Samedia Shebeen and Paradise Palms Records are on board to bring the weekend club vibes, and an open call will shortly be launched to invite emerging local talent to join the line-up.

Other acts confirmed so far include Isabella Strange, Pearling, Roller Disco Death Party, Smag På Dig Selv, The Orielles, Theo Bleak, Tina Sandwich and Y with many more to come.

Visual Art

In true Hidden Door style, the visual art programme will make the most of the unique setting, inviting audiences to explore and discover every nook and cranny of The Paper Factory – from the cavernous Crane Shed and the labyrinthine Factory Floor, to transforming the mundanity of The Office Block.

Over 30 visual artists will show a range of work including large sculptural installations, wall-based work, projection and textiles, curated amongst the defunct machinery and spaces.

The visual artists confirmed so far include Adam Hogarth, April Lannigan, Claire Marion Black, David Lemm, Dorsey Kaufmann, Ewan Douglas, Felicity Saravia White, Gosia Walton, Iona Peterson, Izzy Osborn, Jackie Bell, Jo McDonald, Juliana Capes, Laura McGlinchey, Lucas Chih-Peng Kao, Lucy Mulholland, Molly Wickett, Muireann Nic an Bheatha, Olivier Jacques Julien, Paul Meikle, Sam Sharma, Silas T Parry, Sue Sim, Tom Fairlamb, Valerie Reid, Vicky Higginson and Waad AlBawardi.

Poetry and Spoken Word

Thought provoking, personal, funny and moving – this year’s programme brings the power of spoken word performance into a building that has fallen silent; the factory’s atmospheric chambers echoing with the voices of raw human expression. Expect stand out shows every night from 10 poets and performers including award winning Theresa Muñoz, Glasgow poet Charles Lang and post-punk-music-spoken word-comedy duo FEVER PEACH. 

The spoken word programme also includes Aileen Lees, Imogen Stirling, Josh Cake, Julia Sorensen, Sarah Forbes Stewart, Theresa Muñoz and Victoria McNulty.

Dance

Expect dance at its most unconventional as Hidden Door presents a programme like no other in remarkable surroundings. Highlights include Yuxi Jiang’s ‘The Circle Unbound’, an immersive dance theatre inspired by Tibetan Buddhist circular culture, reimagining rhythmic machinery as a meditative force.

Participatory and playful performance ‘Dance Makes The Floor’ by Mark Bleakley centres around the creation of a collectively made dance floor, conjuring past dance floors, both loved and lost.

The dance programme will also feature works by ELELEI, Jessie Roberts-Smith, Katie Armstrong, Dorine Mugisha with even more to be announced.

Creative Collaborations

Threading throughout the 2025 programme are four newly commissioned interdisciplinary collaborations, waiting to be encountered by visitors as they explore The Paper Factory’s labyrinths. Visionaries from radically different disciplines – from electronic musicians and installation artists to contemporary dancers and theatrical innovators – have been challenged to create something that could only exist in this distinct moment and place.

Appearing each night of the festival, these utterly unique multi- disciplinary projects are not to be missed.

‘Ghost in the Machine’ is a site-responsive performance developed by Jill Martin Boualaxai, exploring memory, transformation, and industrial folklore through movement, drawing, and sculptural installation. The piece blends physical theatre, dance, visual art, and costume, evolving over time into performance drawings and sculptural traces that blur the boundaries between ritual, history, and the factory’s own mythology.

‘Time and Memory’ presents a narrative-driven installation by Eszter Marsalkó, featuring Stephanie Lamprea, exploring the lives of the factory’s former workers, weaving together real and imagined stories. This project includes film footage of the site, archival materials, and sculptural elements, bringing the past into dialogue with the present. It connects with broader festival themes of industry, labour, and personal histories embedded in place.

‘A Production Line’ by Acolyte is a poetic and psychedelic ensemble, blending soundscapes, spoken word, and rhythmic loops to reflect factory production cycles. Featuring bassist Ruairidh Morrison, synth and vocals by Gloria Black, percussion by Daniel Hill, and poet Iona Lee, the performance mirrors the repetitive rhythms of labour, incorporating field recordings from the site and hypnotic musical structures to create an immersive, trance-like experience.

‘SPECTRAL’ brings immersive dance and aerial performance to the Crane Shed, a work by Tess Letham developed in collaboration with All or Nothing. Performers move fluidly between floor-based choreography and aerial movement, embodying the physicality of labour and its transformation into something transcendent. Featuring lighting design by Sam Jones, aerial choreography, and a live music set by Dave House, SPECTRAL is a visually striking and physically immersive experience. 

Film work created by Abby Warlow and Lewis Gourlay will be projected across the factory’s vast walls to bring moving image and cinematic storytelling to the Paper Factory.

Ticket prices for all

With an ongoing commitment to inclusivity, Hidden Door has expanded its concessionary ticket options, ensuring that financial barriers and accessibility won’t prevent anyone from experiencing the event:

  • As always, the festival will be free to attend each day until 6pm
  • D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people are entitled to 30% off the standard price ticket for each price tier
  • Anyone who is currently unemployed can also benefit from the 30% discount
  • Students and those under 26 are entitled to 20% off, whilst over 65s can claim 10% off the standard price ticket
  • And going even further to include as many people as possible, for those who need them, a limited number of “Pay What You Can” tickets are available for every evening.

Creative partnerships

Hidden Door is proud to partner with valued sponsors Artisan Roast and Bellfield Brewery, who will both craft limited-edition Hidden Door brews that will capture the spirit of artistic collaboration. Elsewhere, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee-inspired music stage will transport audiences to another continent.

Hidden Door gratefully acknowledges the support of Creative Scotland and other funders who continue to make this ambitious and unique celebration of creativity possible.

About The Paper Factory

The colossal 15.5-acre Paper Factory site sits in Edinburgh’s Maybury Quarter, a former paper and cardboard manufacturing facility on the western edge of the city. The site features a mix of warehouses, factory floors, offices and outhouses.

The site is well served by a variety of public transport links, with frequent bus, tram and train services all stopping nearby, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city or beyond to the west and Glasgow.

The full address is 1 Turnhouse Road, Edinburgh EH12 8NP.

Hazel Johnson, Festival Director of Hidden Door, said: “Since November’s venue launch party, we’ve been busy clearing more of the vast industrial site and getting ready to fill every corner with our most ambitious programme yet. 

“We exist to support the creative community and to connect audiences with emerging artists, and The Paper Factory will be at the heart of that ambition in 2025.”

The Paper Factory is located in the Maybury Quarter, a 15.5-acre site occupied by the former Saica paper and cardboard manufacturing facility on the western edge of Edinburgh. The site features a mix of warehouses, factory floors, offices and outhouses. Bounded by the Edinburgh Gateway tram and rail station, there are excellent transport links to the city centre as well as to Glasgow and the west.

Hidden Door will transform the entire site for a full-scale multi arts festival. The property has been empty since Saica’s relocation to a purpose-built facility in Livingston. Regeneration specialists Summix Capital are now developing proposals for the future of the site, and have offered Hidden Door access until the end of 2025.

Jill Martin Boualaxai, Creative Lead, said: “Our 2025 festival program, titled ‘The Building as a Myth,’ invites artists to collaboratively develop ambitious multidisciplinary projects. 

“Guided by the overarching concepts of Transformation and Reclamation, Time and Memory, Rituals and New Narratives, and Feminisation and Reimagining the Space, the programme encourages exploration of how industrial spaces can be reclaimed by nature, layered with temporal narratives, and reimagined as inclusive, symbolic environments.”

Public to be given the chance to view updated proposals for former Saica site in West Edinburgh

WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER between 2pm and 7pm at Delta Hotels by Marriott, 111 Glasgow Road

The public are to be given the chance to view and comment on updated proposals for a sustainable residential-led development at Maybury Quarter Edinburgh, site of the former Saica packaging facility in West Edinburgh.

Promoted by regeneration specialists, Summix Capital, Maybury Quarter Edinburgh provides a unique opportunity to regenerate this former industrial location on Turnhouse Road, which covers 15.5-acre (6.3 hectares).

The flagship low-carbon neighbourhood aims to deliver a mix of uses, potentially comprising residential, senior living, hotel, commercial and retail uses. This brownfield site is allocated in the Council’s City Plan 2030 for residential-focused redevelopment.

The second public consultation event will be held on Wednesday 11th September 2024 at Delta Hotels by Marriott, 111 Glasgow Rd, Edinburgh EH12 8NF between 2pm and 7pm.

This will provide the local community with the opportunity to shape the proposals, prior to the submission of a planning application to City of Edinburgh Council later this year.

 It follows an initial consultation event held on 27th March and will respond to feedback and comments from this first event and other stakeholder engagement. Further information will be made available at www.maybury-quarter.co.uk, which will host consultation materials from the day of the event.

The proposals for Maybury Quarter Edinburgh will aim to deliver a balanced mix of uses that promote health, wellbeing and sustainable lifestyles which are designed to encourage a strong sense of place and community.

It will aim to deliver:

  • 1000 homes
  • Hotel – 120-150 rooms
  • Retail/potential local centre – 30,000 sq. ft. overall
  • Extensive green spaces will be created, with high-quality public realm and access arrangements

The housing proposed will include tenure blind affordable housing, addressing the city’s well-publicised housing emergency, and including the provision of accessible family homes and Build to Rent (BTR) accommodation.

BTR sees homes built specifically for rent, rather than sale.

Stuart Black, Development Director for Summix Capital, commented: “We are delighted to be giving the local community the chance to view and feedback on our updated proposals for Maybury Quarter Edinburgh.

“The public comments received so far, along with other stakeholder feedback received, have proved invaluable in shaping this development, and we would like to thank all those who have taken the time to input into this process to date.

“Our exciting proposals provide a unique opportunity to redevelop one of the last major pieces of brownfield land in the city into a brand-new, sustainable mixed-use community. 

“This will ensure that Maybury Quarter Edinburgh fulfils our vision to be one of the most exciting and best-connected development sites in Scotland.”

Spain-based paper and cardboard company Saica has relocated to a purpose-built facility at Deans Road in Livingston.  It is active in nine other European countries.

Disruption expected as major works on the A8 commence this month

Roadworks (Getty)

The city council is to repair the road surfaces and drainage on the A8 at Glasgow Road and the Ingliston interchange to improve driving conditions and enhance road safety.

Work will start on Monday 16 September and is expected to finish in March 2025.

Each phase of work will be split into two parts:

  • Drainage improvement work. This will take place between Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am – 3.30pm.
  • Road resurfacing work. This will take place overnight between Mondays and Fridays from 7.30pm – 6.30am.

Phase 1: 16 September 2024 – 25 October 2024
A8 Eastbound – from Ingliston Interchange North West slip-road To Gogar Roundabout.

Phase 2: 28 October 2024 – 15 November 2024
Glasgow Road – From Gogar Roundabout to Maybury Road.

Phase 3: 18 November 2024 – 29 November 2024
Ingliston Interchange North East slip road.

Phase 4: 6 January 2025 – March 2025
Ingliston Interchange dumbbells and remaining slip roads.

Work will temporarily stop between 30 November and 5 January to minimise disruption during the busy festive period.

Full details are available on the council website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “We’re committed to keeping Edinburgh moving and making sure our roads are properly maintained and serviced. This is why we’re carrying out this major work on the A8 through the autumn and into the New Year.

“Whilst there may be some disruption whilst work is ongoing, this is a key arterial road and it’s essential that we make these repairs.

“I’d like to thank all road users for their patience during this time.

“I’m also conscious that this was one of the key issues raised by our residents in the recent Budget Engagement Consultation. We’re listening and fixing the roads.”

David Wilson Homes welcomes ‘lavish city living’ with launch of new show homes at West Craigs

David Wilson Homes is bringing ‘lavish city living’ to the leafy outskirts of the capital with the launch of its two brand-new show homes at West Craigs Quarter.

David Wilson Homes, which forms part of Barratt Developments Scotland alongside Barratt Homes, is now welcoming prospective buyers to visit and experience The Brechin and The Falkland show homes for themselves.

The four-bed properties, which have been designed by Graeme Fuller Design, have been crafted with families in mind, and those looking for quality and space within commuting distance of the city centre.

Both The Brechin and The Falkland have been designed to capture the feel of classic city penthouses, with subtle touches to add an air of sophistication to spaces throughout the homes.

Kyle Downie, Senior Interior Designer at Graeme Fuller Design, said: “We made a conscious decision to make the design of The Brechin and The Falkland show homes at West Craigs Quarter completely different from what we’ve done at other developments to showcase the houses’ versatility.

“In The Brechin, the lavish scheme was tailored to the ‘city living’ vision we see in capital penthouse suites. While the lounge boasts a large corner piece with built-in side tables and a luxuriant chandelier overhead, the dining area is the perfect place for hosting and can seat up to eight people. The kitchen island also offers another space for gathering.

“In the primary bedroom, the wallpaper is breathtaking with a 3D tree-like element in its champagne finish which is perfect for the affluent scheme. The central pendant and the wall lights in the room illuminate the wallpaper the way it was intended so you can admire the movement in the design.”

However, while The Brechin’s kitchen is the social hub of the home, The Falkland’s lounge is the go-to entertaining space.

Kyle added: “The Falkland continues the feeling of walking through a penthouse but from a completely different approach. While The Brechin’s kitchen is the social hub of the home, The Falkland focuses on the lounge with a beautiful corner sofa and adjacent armchairs.

“The large, solid wood dining table and matching dining chairs with their contemporary design absorb the widely aspired style of neutral tones, textured finishes and natural elements.

“The primary bedroom in The Falkland features a wall framed headboard between two fitted mirrors and two hanging pendants above each bedside, making the whole room immediately feel exuberant when the mirrors reflect the light that the pendants individually emit.

“It’s these small touches that create an air of luxury, helping to make the house a home.”

Idyllically located just minutes from the Corstorphine area of Edinburgh, West Craigs Quarter is surrounded by a host of local amenities and family-friendly activities, such as Edinburgh Zoo and walking routes around Cammo Estate.

A selection of well-regarded schools can be found nearby, including a new primary school, nursery and health centre being built on the site by The City of Edinburgh Council.

Excellent transport links into the city centre, including the Edinburgh Gateway tram and train line and a regular Lothian bus service, are ideal for exploring the plethora of shops, restaurants and the historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city centre.

Edinburgh Airport and the City Bypass are also on the doorstep, allowing easy access across Scotland and beyond.

Anne Ross, Sales Director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “We’re excited to finally be able to open the doors to our two brand-new show homes at West Craigs Quarter.

“Kyle and the team at Graeme Fuller Design have done a fantastic job in designing homes that appeal to both growing families and couples looking to indulge in spacious surroundings and quality touches.

“Mix this with the development’s leafy setting on the outskirts of Edinburgh and you really do have a postcode that offers the best of both worlds.”

A variety of three and four-bedroom homes are currently for sale at West Craigs Quarter, starting at £439,995. A range of incentives are also available to help make the move easier, including Part Exchange and Deposit Boost.

For more information on Barratt Developments in Scotland, visit: 

barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Council to consider framework to shape development in west Edinburgh 

Following consultation with residents and interested organisations in and around the west of the city a final framework for development will be considered by the Planning Committee on 19 December.

Development in the west of Edinburgh forms part of the draft City Plan 2030, currently being considered by the Scottish Government. Therefore, if approved by committee, The West Edinburgh Placemaking Framework and Strategic Masterplan (WEPFSM) will be implemented when City Plan 2030 is adopted. The masterplan would then be used as a material consideration as non-statutory guidance for future planning applications. 

The framework was informed by previous work on this area and a 12-week consultation from July to October last year for land extending from Eastfield Road in the west to Maybury junction in the east, with Edinburgh Airport and Turnhouse Road to the north.

There are a range of new opportunities for new homes and other uses in this area as set out in City Plan 2030. The aim is to create new 20 minute neighbourhoods to help Edinburgh toward its housing and net zero ambition, with a range of facilities which people will need to live well locally such as schools and medical centres. 

Hundreds of people took part in the consultation either online or in person at drop in sessions or focus groups we held. Meetings also took place with key developers and landowners. 

A major theme from the consultation was having excellent transport links in the area including active travel routes and public transport. These objectives are all at the core of the proposed WEPFEM and tie in with the wider  Broxburn to Maybury Transport Improvements – a major transport improvement project for area.

The project is funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. The plan is to have better connected communities with major employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities easily accessible. This will also make it easier for more people to make a greater number of journeys by bus or by cycling, walking or wheeling. 

An overarching vision on how the west of the city could be developed over the next 30 years – Towards West Edinburgh 2050 –  was also published for discussion last year. 

Planning Convener Cllr James Dalgleish said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation last year. The feedback was really valuable in helping us to finalise our draft framework for committee to consider next week. 

“When City Plan 2030 is adopted developers will be able to use this framework as a guide to help us create new thriving 20 minute neighbourhoods to the north of Gogarburn.

“We’re hoping to see more than 3,500 quality energy efficient affordable homes delivered. This will help us address the city’s housing emergency as well as significantly contributing to Edinburgh achieving net zero. The development will have a mix of uses such as retail, schools, healthcare and office space.

“Like other neighbourhoods in west Edinburgh these new communities will need to be well connected to the rest of the city, the wider region and beyond through improved public transport links.

“To help to reduce car use the high density 20 minute neighbourhoods created will need to be supported with a number of new bus and active travel routes and as well as the existing tram line which runs through the area.”

Care Home opens Coronation Garden in celebration of King Charles III

Excitement was in the air at Queens Manor Care Home on Queensferry Road where residents and staff have been busy celebrating the King’s Coronation throughout the weekend.

Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King. 

Over the bank holiday weekend celebrations were kicked off by welcoming 30 students from Fettes_College into Queens Manor as part of their service day – where they send over 200 students off into the community to give back to and help others, as part of ‘the big help out’.

They helped us get our garden summer ready, provided entertainment for everyone & also spent time chatting, mingling and laughing with residents, visitors and staff at our Royal coffee morning. Thank you to Rhys (Head of Outdoor Pursuits at Fettes) for continually working with us to grow the relationship we have between Queens Manor and the College organising this day. 

We then opened our Queens Manor Coronation Garden – named & official opened by our very own Doris. Having watched the garden come together directly outside her bedroom, she advised us of her name suggestion – to which we loved! 

The garden features a new garden bench with a plaque commemorating the newly crowned King Charles III and hand crafted, wood burned signage created by our friendly handyman Damyan, alongside our King Charles III rose that we have planted beside the garden.

Joined by members of our local community, the students and staff from Fettes, our community police officers (Paula and Euan), residents, staff & visitors, we had our grand opening.

Our gardener Andy led the way with his pipes, there was a speech from Donna (General Manager) and ribbon cutting by Doris, followed by a beautiful violin recital of God Save The King by Fettes student Ione accompanied by singing by all. 

This was topped off by having a cocktail mixology session in our café – the afternoon really couldn’t have been any better!

The weekend came to a close yesterday with a garden party fit for the royals – With a 6 piece saxophone & clarinet band in the morning, a singer in the afternoon, garden games, followed by plenty of fizz & snacks.

The whole home came together to celebrate our new King and talk about the new era the country is entering.

Donna, General Manager at Queens Manor said: “We’ve all had such a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, such a momentous occasion.

“Many of our staff and residents had never witnessed the coronation, or at least cannot remember it – so it was great to contribute to so many memories.  Our in house lifestyle team worked so hard to ensure that everyone could celebrate how they wanted – covering all aspects of mind, body and soul”

Doris Duncanson resident at Queens Manor said: “I really can’t thank the team here enough for helping the idea of ‘The Coronation Garden’ come to life.

“The whole weekend was amazing – from the students from Fettes coming in, officially opening the garden and watching all of the entertainment at Queens Manor throughout the weekend – it’s something I will cherish forever.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care, dementia carer & respite care.

CARMAGEDDON: Controversial Cammo development gets the green light

Residents worst fears realised – 655 new homes near Barnton junction

Controversial plans to build more than 650 new homes near Edinburgh Airport have been approved by city councillors. Continue reading CARMAGEDDON: Controversial Cammo development gets the green light

Keir condemns development plan delay

‘There was chaos over Local Development Plan 1 and now the same thing is happening over LDP2’ – Colin Keir MSP

cammoEdinburgh Western MSP Colin Keir has accused the city council’s planning convener of incompetence following news that the City Of Edinburgh Council has deferred decisions relating to the Local Development Plan (LDP2). 

The announcement that the decision on the Local Development Plan, which was due next week, has now been put off until after the General Election in May has been received with anger in Edinburgh Western – which contains the contentious Cammo and Maybury development sites along with other controversial development proposals at South Queensferry.

Mr Keir said: “There are serious questions to be asked of Convener of the Planning Committee Councillor Perry and senior planning officials. There was chaos over LDP1 and now the same thing is happening over LDP2.

“Thanks to Councillor Perry’s actions, my constituents particularly those in Cammo, Maybury, Corstorphine and South Queensferry, can look forward to even more uncertainty due to an avalanche of presumptive planning applications which are sure to follow the non-determination of LDP2.

“Councillor Perry has either shown a serious lack of competence and leadership on this or he is playing party politics with the daily lives of residents and the prosperity of the city. Where is the joined up thinking, what discussions have there been relating to transport and pollution management? These are questions residents need answers to. It’s time for Councillor Perry and the Labour Party to come clean with residents of Edinburgh West and the city as a whole”.

Mr Keir has consistently opposed the proposals to develop green field sites at Cammo and Maybury. He has also raised concerns over the number of new developments proposed for South Queensferry which were only introduced into the LDP last year.

The LDP process has been in development since 2011.