The swifts are back! They spend the winter flying (without ever landing!) and go all the way to North Africa and back.
During the summer, they’re back, and it’s our neighbourhood where they choose to bring up a family. These amazing birds can eat 100,000 insects per day (including midgies) and can fly at 69mph!
We’re having a wee party to celebrate their return. See poster for details.
Lots of us have been learning more about the different species we share Granton with, and the things we can do to be good neighbours to them. Come join us!
Organisers of Edinburghâs Hogmanay have announced that Scottish music icons TEXAS will headline the Concert in the Gardens on Tuesday 31 December, welcoming party-people from around the globe to dance their way into 2025 at the world-famous New Year festival.
The homegrown heroes announced their Hogmanay headline slot live on stage during their sold-out show at the Glasgow Hydro tonight (Sunday 15th September) and will be joined by special guest Callum Beattie this December, with Concert in the Gardens hosted by award-winning comedian Susie McCabe.
Following a recent run of sell-out arena shows and rave reviews across the UK; including two triumphant sold-out nights at the Glasgow Hydro, Texasâ appearance at Edinburghâs Hogmanay 2024, makes them the first band to ever headline the festival three times, and marks their first appearance at Edinburghâs Hogmanay for almost 20 years, having last performed back in 2005.
Fronted by multi award-winning singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri, Texas will play beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle amidst one of the worldâs greatest New Year firework displays, performing the last show of 2024 and first of 2025, bringing in the bells with a hit filled set of career spanning anthems including I Donât Want a Lover, Say What You Want and Inner Smile.
35 years since âI Donât Want A Loverâ exploded into the charts back in 1989, Texas have gone on to produce ten studio albums, selling over 40 million records worldwide, becoming one of the UKâs most enduring and loved bands.
Their headline appearance at the Concert in the Gardens will once again make Edinburgh the best New Year party on the planet with a Scottish show like no other at the âHome of Hogmanayâ.
Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri said: âWe canât wait to play here for a third time. So get on your glad rags and letâs party for the New Year.â
Joining Texas at the Concert in the Gardens is very special guest Callum Beattie. Edinburgh-born Callum has progressed from busking outside the cityâs Usher Hall, to recently selling-out two nights at the iconic venue. A special guest slot at the countryâs biggest Hogmanay party closes a triumphant year for the singer-songwriter, whoâs punchy, rousing, emotive and gloriously catchy debut album scored a No.1 in The Official Scottish Albums Chart.
Callum Beattie said: âIn just a few years Iâve gone from selling 30 tickets, to sold out shows including three sold out Barrowlands and two sold out Usher Halls, but being asked to play the Concert in the Gardens at Hogmanay is without a doubt the greatest highlight of my career so far, and to be doing it with Sharleen and the guys just makes it even sweeter. I canât believe it!â
Plus, award-winning comedian Susie McCabe will return to host Concert in the Gardens, leading the country in a countdown to midnight. The winner of 2024âs Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, Susie McCabe is one of the countryâs most beloved comedians and a fitting host for the night.
Also on the 31st December, the world-famous Edinburghâs Hogmanay Street Party will this year welcome 45,000 revellers into Edinburgh city centre and Princes Street, to party their way into 2025 with friends old and new from around the world, counting down to the spectacular Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle.
Revellers will once again enjoy a feast of live music, DJs, international street theatre, thrilling funfair rides, along with delicious food and drink, creating a carnival atmosphere throughout the city centre for one massive outdoor party. Tickets are on-sale now, with full programme details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Edinburghâs Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Governmentâs Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburghâs Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said:⯓The capitalâs HogmanayâŻcelebration is not only an Edinburgh tradition – itâs world renowned.
“It will be wonderful to welcome back the iconic Texas performing a career-spanning set. With Edinburghâs own Callum Beattie joining them as a special guest, Iâm delighted that this year’s Concert in the Gardens has such a strong Scottish line up. It promises to be a fantastic party to welcome 2025, where gig-goers will have unequalled views of midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.
âEdinburgh will continue to be THE place to welcome in the new year and I look forward to the full Hogmanay programme being unveiled.â
Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburghâs Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council said:“We are thrilled to welcome Texas back to headline Edinburghâs Hogmanay, 25 years after their very first appearance at the festival.âŻ
âPlus, with the addition of Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie, it’s fantastic to have a stellar Scottish line-up for the very last show of 2024 and the first of 2025.âŻ
âWith a hit-packed show from Texas and the world-famous Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle, the Concert in the Gardens will kick-start 2025 with a bang, and give party-goers from around the world the perfect start to the year.â
Concert in the Gardens with Texas and special guest Callum Beattie,takes place on Tuesday 31 December 2024 in West Princes Street Gardens, from 9pm to 12.50am.
Tickets go on general release Friday 20 September at 10.00am from www.edinburghshogmanay.com priced from ÂŁ72.50 plus booking fees, ticket price includes ÂŁ1.00 charity donation to CHAS (Childrenâs Hospices Across Scotland).
A limited Concert in the Gardens pre-sale is available to those registered with www.edinburghshogmanay.com and will begin Wednesday 18 September at 10am.
Edinburghâs Hogmanay Street Partytickets are on-sale now priced ÂŁ30.00 plus fees and includes 50p charity donation. Discounted EH Postcode Resident Street Party Tickets ÂŁ24.00 plus fees and includes 50p charity donation.
The full Edinburghâs Hogmanay programme and ticket details will be released in the coming weeks, but other confirmed events taking place over the 4-day Edinburghâs Hogmanay 2024/25 festival include the Night Afore Disco Party (30 Dec) beneath Edinburgh Castle, and a packed programme of free New Yearâs Day events for young and old, with the return of the First Footinâ culture trail, which welcomes artists from across Scotland to perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre, and Sprogmanay family events in the Old Town.
Join us on the 10th of August to help us celebrate our big 100!
This is a free event open to all, where you can get a free burger and a can. There will be the chance to take part in lots of free activities as well as some at a small price.
Dementia care specialists build on party success with another great event
PENSIONERS enjoyed a sizzling summer party filled with music, food and performances at one of Scotlandâs leading care homes in dementia care.
Building on the success of last yearâs seasonal extravaganza, Cramond Residenceâs Lifestyle Team pulled out all the stops to create a day full of fun for residents and their families.
The luxury care home has ran summer parties in the past which have proved to be popular and plan to return next year with another.
Elaine Vallance, head of the Lifestyle Team at Cramond Residence said: âWe always aim to deliver events that will put a smile on the residentsâ faces, and it was great to see that with the Summer Fete this year we achieved this again.
âIt was a lovely day meeting the residentsâ families and welcoming them into our care home to spend time with their loved ones.
âLast year we held a Wild West themed party which was extremely popular with our residents and carers, so we knew we had to come back with something great again this year.
âEveryone had a great time, though I suspect the residents enjoyed it just a little bit more seeing as they got the chance to throw wet sponges at our Lifestyle Team at the end of the day.â
Residents enjoyed a day full of delicious BBQ food, live music, a variety of shows, balloon modelling, a raffle and tombola.
Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: âElaine and her team consistently deliver vibrant and exciting events for our residents that brings a lot of joy to their lives.
âI have to say, thanks to Elaine and her team â who worked tirelessly to ensure that the day ran smoothly â all who attended had a great time.
âWeâre already looking forward to next yearâs summer party, and of course the residents are looking forward to all the upcoming events Elaine has up her sleeve for the rest of the year.â
Cramond Residence prioritises the residentsâ needs and offers a tailored activity programme that combines a luxury hotel ambiance with the comfort of home living.
The residence was purpose-built for ÂŁ8m and opened in October 2018 and adopts a small-group living philosophy with a major emphasis on socialisation.
Cramond Residence offers a wide variety of dementia care services within the general home environment or in a specialist area, which has been carefully designed for those at a more advanced stage.
The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is bringing the States to Scotland with its Fourth of July, American-themed celebration.
Hosted within the hotelâs dining and event space, Eve, and in its recently opened suntrap courtyard, guests will be able to celebrate Fourth of July in style with live music, city-themed cocktails and classic BBQ serves.  Â
Running from 7:30pm till late, the free ticketed event is taking place on Tuesday, the 4th of July.
With a USA theme, guests can enjoy live entertainment from The Banjo Lounge giving hip-hop classics a bluegrass twist, providing the perfect soundtrack to get up and dance.Â
Paying homage to its American counterparts, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh guests can enjoy themed cocktails from each of the US Virgin Hotels.
From the Nashville Peach Julep cocktail to the Watermelon flavoured Miami Heat, Virgin Hotels will be bringing the taste of America to the heart of Edinburghâs Old Town. Â
No Fourth of July celebration is complete without the perfect menu, and Virgin Hotelsâ acclaimed chefs will be serving up US staples; fried chicken wings, burgers, grilled corn on the cob, apple pie and the true American classic, smores.
The US-themed celebration will also see American-style pop-ups take over Eve, with a Corn Hole game, hot dog stand and a special VIP area complete with props, hats and all things red, white and blue, serving as the perfect backdrop for the ultimate Instagrammable moment.Â
David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “As an international brand, Virgin Hotels loves to treat its guests to experiences from around the world and this time weâre tying into our American roots with a traditional US Fourth of July celebration.
“From a line dancing worthy band to hot dogs and US themed cocktails, weâre ready to bring all things USA to Edinburgh and mix up our usual menu with a special limited time offering.
âWith a glorious open-air courtyard, thereâs really no better place to celebrate this summer occasion than at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, weâre just keeping our fingers crossed for that US sunshine!â
For more information and to book free tickets please visit:
Fourth of July is just one of many events taking place at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, including a host of seasonal activations and brand takeovers throughout the year.
To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow Virgin Hotels Edinburghâs channels on social media here:
The worldâs most entertaining whisky club invites you to 28 Queen Street for a night of glitz and glamour
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is transforming its Membersâ Room at 28 Queen Street into a Gatsby-themed party for one night only. From 7 pm on Friday, 26 November 2021 the venue will be transported back to the âRoaring Twentiesâ, as SMWS members and non-members are invited to the party of the century.
With champagne on arrival, live music, cocktails, canapes, and the Societyâs ever-changing selection of single cask whiskies, 28 Queen Street will be engulfed with guests dressed to impress.
Sarah Prior, Queen Street Venue Manager, said: âWe canât wait to see all those smiling faces at 28 Queen Street for our Gatsby event. The world is getting back to (almost) normal, and what better time to celebrate as we enter the glorious festive season.
âWith what has been a challenging year for everyone, we are delighted to welcome our members and new faces back to Society events. With Christmas around the corner, itâs the perfect time to come and see what the Society is all about.â
For the SMWS monthly Outturn this November, a new cask collection is taking to the stage every week: https://smws.com/latest-outturn
Belonging to the worldâs most entertaining whisky club gives you access to exclusive Membersâ Rooms, partner bar discounts, colourful tasting events, whisky education, and a monthly membersâ magazine Unfiltered.
Elderly residents transformed their care home into a Bavarian Steinhaus for an Oktoberfest celebration to remember – with the help from a local brewery.
Edinburgh-based brewer Pilot provided Cramond Residence with a selection of beers to sample during the Oktoberfest celebration which helped create a truly authentic experience.
The home marked the celebration across three days with a variety of German-related activities, including an Oktoberfest party, beer tasting, a lesson on the history of the festival and themed arts and crafts.
Residents made decorations which were used to transform the cinema room ahead of the party and many even got involved in the set up to make sure everything looked authentic.
Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence, said: âThanks to Pilot, we were able to organise a truly unique experience for our residents that many wouldnât have the opportunity to do otherwise.
âThe celebration went down really well last year with both staff and residents keen to do it again. This year we wanted to do it bigger and better before so it was great to have Pilot on board.
âAs we approach the winter months itâs nice to do something a bit different and bring everyone in the home together.
âIâm not sure if we will be able to beat this yearâs event when it comes around again but at least weâve made it one to remember!â
Pilot supplied the home with a variety of samples including Leith Lager, Mochaccino Stout and two more of its locally brewed beverages.
Director/Co-Founder at Pilot, Matt Johnson, said: âItâs great to hear the sample experience went down well with residents.
“We selected a diverse range of beer styles to provide participants with a mix of different flavour profiles; some of which may have been new to them, but we hope that others might have sparked some nostalgia too.â
The Oktoberfest festivities were part of the wider programme of activities on offer at Cramond Residences to keep residents stimulated and enjoying their later years. Other activities include trips for afternoon tea, story sessions with other residents and tailored physiotherapy sessions.
With capacity to house 74 residents, in nine small living concepts, the home provides luxury accommodation alongside care unmatched in quality. It offers a number of amenities including gardens, a beauty salon and cinema room.
Trebles all round for Muirhouse Library Link member
Drylaw centenarian Harry Macdonald doesn’t do things by halves. He’s already celebrated his birthday with a party at Drylaw Church, then followed that up with a family meal in Davidson’s Mains – and now there’s been a third celebration as Harry marked his milestone event with staff and friends from Muirhouse Library’s Link service earlier today!
Muirhouse Library’s Declan McCann said: “Harry has been coming to library link since July 2015, and he has been a lively addition to the group. The Hearts top he is wearing was gifted by the club, has the number 100 on the back and is signed by the players. Today we shared cake, coffee and non-alcoholic bubbly!”
Our Free Halloween party is on Saturday 31 October (4 – 6pm) at Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre. We’ll have … a bouncy castle, fancy dress, food, games, live music, mad scientists and potions!
The party is open to all Dads/Granddads and kids aged 0-5, even if they’ve not yet come to our playgroups. Our Glasgow dads are coming through to join the party as well.
If you know anyone who’d like to join us, ask them to get in touch to put their names down!
