Temporary road closures will be in place this week across Edinburgh’s city centre as the city prepares to host a major ceremonial event to mark the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
On Wednesday (5 July) the King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) at a national service of thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile.
The Council is working with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to safely accommodate the large crowds of people expected to line the city’s streets in celebration of this historic occasion.
Residents and visitors are being urged to plan ahead and avoid any non-essential travel in and around the Old Town on Wednesday afternoon. People should check the Council website, which is being updated with details of road closures and other public transport information.
Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: “The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the Capital.
“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for disruption across the city, but particularly in the Old Town. We’re working with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on the events.
“For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance.”
POLICE have announced that temporary airspace restrictions will be in place from 7am Monday 3 July until 4pm Friday 7 July in Edinburgh city centre ‘for security and your safety’.
Restrictions include drones.
You must check if it is legal to fly in your area.
The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will open its latest concept Eve on 7th October
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment.
The vibrant social space will officially open to the public on 7th October and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/.
To celebrate the launch, Eve will be offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7th-29th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month.
Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve will hold up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture.
From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.
The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.
Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.
From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21st Century.
Eve is situated within the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.
The hotel features 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets including Eve and Commons Club, all with their own unique space and distinct design.
The hotel site is home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.
“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels.
All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.
Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.
The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels.
Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s websitewww.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.
Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh
Celebrated Scots poet George Bruce, OBE, MA (1909-2002) is set to become the latest addition to Makars’ Court, where Scotland’s most esteemed writers have been celebrated since 1998.
Located in the Capital’s world-famous Old Town, Makar’s Court is the Scottish equivalent of Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey.
Bruce will join the lofty company of Sir Walter Scott, Rabbie Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and others at Makars’ Court where he will have a memorial flagstone inscribed with his name and the line:
The sea trembles – voiceless
It is the rare moment
when a word is sought.
(from Pursuit. Poems 1986-1998. Haiku Envoi).
Hailing from Fraserburgh in the north-east of Scotland, Bruce’s poetry references his family’s seafaring heritage in the herring trade and his own upbringing on the wild North Sea coast.
In addition to his extensive work as a poet, Bruce worked as a BBC producer for over 20 years and on his retirement was appointed as the first Fellow in Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, alongside similar posts in the USA, and a Scottish Australian Writing Fellowship.
In 2000, he received an honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, the University of Aberdeen, to add to another from Wooster College Ohio.
Reflecting on a literary career spanning over half a century, Bruce has been hailed as being ‘arguably the last great poet of the Scottish literary renaissance’ (The Guardian, 2002).
Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost, said: I am delighted that the words and works of George Bruce are being celebrated and commemorated in the Makar’s flagstone dedicated to him and unveiled today.
“Edinburgh continues to be rightly proud of our UNESCO City of Literature status and of our unique and evolving literary monument that is Makars’ Court.”
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “George Bruce’s addition to Makars’ Court reflects his indelible mark on Scottish poetry and he can now take up his rightful place alongside the finest literary figures in our nation’s rich writing tradition.
“Makars’ Court is a central fixture on the Old Town tourist trail and provides an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to explore the very best of Scotland’s writers. I would like to thank the sponsor of this flagstone David Bruce; this will be a moving and fitting tribute from a son to a father.”
The sponsor for this inscription, David Bruce said: “Our family is delighted that my father is to receive such a recognition and be in the company of the most distinguished Makars of this and previous ages.
“He would be proud to be numbered with them. It was Professor Alan Spence who said that George Bruce should definitely be represented in Makars’ Court, and we are very grateful to him, and to the City of Edinburgh Council, for bringing this project to fruition.”
Virgin Hotels, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces that its flagship restaurant and bar, Commons Club, located inside the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, is now open.
The luxurious modern day social club will officially open to the public on Tuesday 14th June. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/the-commons-club/.
Nestled across two floors, Commons Club is designed to be a playful yet sophisticated environment for guests to eat, drink and vibe in the heart of Edinburgh and will showcase contemporary Scottish seasonal cuisine using the freshest produce straight from Scotland’s local larder for diners.
Newly appointed Executive Chef, Steven Wilson, has created a menu that will cater to all tastes. For starters, guests can enjoy an array of stunning dishes including, Ceviche with line-caught & cured wild seabass, shaved fennel, dill, nashi pear & green olive puree; Wagyu Tataki with Scottish wagyu beef “Tataki style”, fried garlic, ponzu green onion puree & parsnip crisp and Risotto with Scottish farm spelt & barley risotto, baby morels, lightly-roasted almonds & shaved fresh summer truffle.
Moving onto mains, guests can choose between Halibut with pan-seared Gigha halibut, confit aromatic farm seasonal vegetables in a light saffron & Shetland blue mussels velouté; slow roast Perthshire chicken “dinner” with fondant potato, baby leek, morel mushrooms & fresh peas, crispy chicken & Pata Negra croquet, bread sauce, roast chicken jus & chive oil and Isle of Mull seaweed tortellini pasta filled with wild herb ricotta, clay oven-roasted artichoke, pea & feve etuvee, vegetarian parmesan air.
Guests can also explore a range of bespoke cocktails created with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours. From a ‘Breakfast in the Highlands’ made with Glenfiddich 15 Single Malt Whisky, Brown Butter, Toasted Oat Amontillado Sherry, Heather Honey and Bittered Sling Kensington Aromatic, to a ‘Queen Street’ made with Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, Martini Reserva Ambrato, Lemon, Celery Bitters and Islay mist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Commons Club is situated within the brand-new Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle. The finished hotel will feature 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets, all with their own unique space and distinct design.
Accompanying Commons Club later in the year will be Eve, a vibrant, all-day dining space, offering a progressive approach to late night entertainment in Edinburgh. The hotel site is also home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “Edinburgh is such an iconic city and we’re thrilled it will be the home of our flagship restaurant and bar within the first Virgin Hotels in the UK and across Europe.
“Commons Club is a unique offering that will complement the current offering of the hotel. The food and drink menus will bring an array of local flavours to the table and can’t wait to welcome everyone in to try them.”
Steven Wilson, Executive Chef of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “After years of travelling the world and working in some unforgettable restaurants and hotels, I’m so excited to be back in my hometown and to be part of this iconic opening in Edinburgh.
“We really do have access to the highest quality local produce right on our doorstep in Scotland and that’s something the menu at Commons Club celebrates. Guests will enjoy our timeless menu that will continue to evolve with the seasons, keeping them coming back time and time again.”
All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels.
All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.
Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.
The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels.
Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s websitewww.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.
Take a walk through Edinburgh Old Town with none other than Charles Dickens as the boundaries between the past and present collide.
Get to know the man who invented Christmas and witness the conception of a Christmas classic which changed the world. This is a quirky promenade performance led by an excitable Dickens-obsessed tour-guide. ‘What the Dickens?’ runs from 13th December to 19th December 2021.
Stravaig Theatre aims to excite its audience and connect them with their heritage. Edinburgh inspired history and they want to tell the story.
The audience will meet their tour guide at 7pm or 9pm outside Canongate Kirk. There are two showings each day across the week 13th-19th
“Some of you might already have noticed the faint glow in the sky above us. If my calculations are correct then tonight, the lines which separate the past from the present, the here from the there, the living from the departed are at their weakest…” – Holly the Tour Guide.
Out for his evening stroll in 1841, Mr. Charles Dickens ponders an absurd inscription on a gravestone. The last thing he is expecting is to be visited by otherworldly spirits from 2021.
The time voyagers accidentally give the famed author an existential crisis and its up to you to help put history back in order. A once in a lifetime meet and greet with history; with a little Christmas magic thrown in for good measure, come with us, on a journey to Christmas Past.
“Then come with me spirits, I want to take your uneducated, unenlightened minds somewhere and show you the true character of this town.”- Dickens.
Charles Dickens is played by Marc McKigen while the tour is led by Kiera Manson. “What the Dickens?” is directed by Stravaig’s Emma McNeill and written by Scott Thomas.
After sell-out shows, at Edinburgh’s Horror Festival, Stravaig Theatre is excited to launch their first Christmas show.
You can follow the production of ‘What the Dickens?’ at facebook.com/stravaigtheatre or follow on Instagram @stravaigtheatre.
Tickets are £8 for adults with concessions available at £5.
They can be purchased from Eventbrite by searching – What the Dickens? Or from the following web-link:
The Bon Vivant Group is expanding its collection of Edinburgh eateries with a new 140 cover family friendly restaurant, Luckenbooths.
Luckenbooths will open in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, offering a refreshing twist on much loved classic dishes with the same high-quality, exceptional dining experience locals have come to love from the award-winning hospitality company.
Taking its name from the locked booths which used to exist on the ground floor of the magnificent tenement buildings that formerly stood at the north of the historical Royal Mile, Luckenbooths will bring a much needed contemporary, family friendly offering to the city centre.
Located at 329 High Street, Luckenbooths is set to welcome back a familiar face with former chef from The Bon Vivant, Emma Clark-Szabo (above) returning as Head Chef.
Working closely with some of the finest suppliers in Edinburgh, Clark-Szabo has created mouth-watering dishes inspired by their fresh and flavoursome produce, with honey straight from the hives of Edinburgh Honey CO in Leith, bespoke batch whisky from Woven Whisky, and freshly caught lobster from Belhaven Lobster.
With the new menu designed to celebrate the best of Scotland’s local larder, guests can start the day with a hearty stack of Scotch pancakes complete with oat crumble and Edinburgh Honey Co. rose honey, or fresh and delicious beetroot glazed Scottish smoked salmon royale, with dill crème fraîche and rye toast.
The all-day menu presents a wide selection of dishes catering for the entire family, with Campbell’s haggis & beef shin bon bons, a Moving Mountains® vegan burger, and a crispy duck bowl with Asian ‘slaw, watermelon and toasted sesame – there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Guests can also take in the historic surroundings of Edinburgh’s old town while enjoying a dram or a glass of wine on the Luckenbooths spacious outdoor terrace. As with the other The Bon Vivant Group venues, the team have worked with The Bon Vivant’s Companion to put together a curated selection of wines, beers and spirits specially selected to complement the menu.
Luckenbooths is also set to offer a specially created children’s menu with a range of delicious small and large plates that will delight diners of all ages. The menu will include a Scottish beef burger, family favourite mac & cheese with vegetables, and for dessert a delicious chocolate brownie or mini plum mess.
Anthony Hester, Director at The Bon Vivant Group said:“Luckenbooths is a fresh, new, family friendly concept for The Bon Vivant Group where guests can gather every week to catch-up over drinks with friends, come together with family for Sunday lunch or celebrate those big life moments with those closest to us.
“We have taken all of the classic elements of casual dining fused with the high quality, excellent customer service of our other venues and created a space that is central, contemporary and most importantly, family friendly. We are really excited to introduce a new generation of local Edinburgh customers to The Bon Vivant Group and celebrate the best of Scottish hospitality for years to come.”
Enjoy exploring Edinburgh’s Open Streets today from 12 noon to 5pm. This is the second Open Streets event and follows the first phase of the programme, which aims to create a people friendly route around the Old Town and includes the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Grassmarket and Cockburn Street.
Activities and areas to visit:
Activity
Time
Location
Further information
Just Eat bike hire
12pm- 5pm
City Chambers, High Street
Hoola hoop extravaganza
12pm to 2pm
West High Street
This drop-in workshop will have you hoola hooping in seconds. No experience required, hoola hoops provided, everyone welcome.
Edinburgh all-ability bike trials
12pm to 4.30pm
West High Street
A range of adaptive bikes to help people to cycle regardless of age, background or ability.
Spokes stall
12pm to 4pm
West High Street
Promoting safe active travel with a focus on cycling and maps for Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Street games
12pm to 5pm
High Street
Connect 4, chess and badminton.
Play on pedals
12pm to 3pm
Grassmarket
Fun learning for p3 to p5-aged children.
Literary walking tours
12pm to 5pm
John Knox House, Canongate
Explore Edinburgh’s Netherbow area – pick up your self guided tour from the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Arts for all
12pm to 4pm
Canongate
The Cranny are holding a pot luck picnic, inviting local residents in the Canongate to bring some baking or a dish to chat about the new community centre and ideas for gardening and arts projects.
Children’s crafts
12pm to 4pm
Chessel’s Court
Come and make tissue flowers and chalk a butterfly selfie.
Reading havens
12pm to 5pm
Sandeman House Garden; Chessel’s Court Garden; Old Tolbooth Market; Canongate
Free books on offer in a quiet reading haven.
E-bike trials
12pm to 4.30pm
Victoria Street/Grassmarket
Come and try and e-bike with Hart’s Cyclery.
Hip-hop dance performance
1.15pm to 1.35pm
West High Street
Display by youth company House of Jack followed by a chance to join in and learn some hip hop.
Circus skills
2pm to 4pm
Canongate
Free circus skills for all ages, including spinning, twirling and juggling.
Tai Chi Display and Taster Sessions
3pm and 4pm
Parliament Square, High Street
Free to join in – bring something comfortable to wear.
Royal Mile walking tours
2.30pm and 3.30pm
City Chambers, High Street
Meet at the City Chambers in the quadrangle for the free tours, approx. 50 minutes.
Yoga sessions
2.30pm to 3.30pm
Canongate
Come and have a go – free sessions. Bring something comfortable to wear – 4 x 15 minutes.
Swing dancing
3.30pm to 4.30pm
West high Street
Get inspired and join in.
Streets closed on 2 June
The following streets will be closed to cars and other vehicles from 12pm to 5pm, except for blue badge holders and bicycles.
There will be barriers in place for everyone’s safety. Events staff will manage access to the area for emergency vehicles and blue badge holders.
Additional bike parking will be available across the area.
Grassmarket (pedestrian zone between West Bow and King’s Stables Road)
West Bow
Victoria Street
Lawnmarket
High Street
St Giles’ Street
Cockburn Street
Niddry Street
Blackfriars Street (between High Street and New Skinner’s Close)
Canongate (between St Mary/Jeffrey Street and the west side of Reid’s Close) Cranston Street
POLICE have announced that temporary airspace restrictions will be in place from 7am Monday 3 July until 4pm Friday 7 July in Edinburgh city centre ‘for security and your safety’. 
