Tag: reopening

Nessie story resurfaces after 90 years

£1.5 million investment reimagines the Loch Ness story with brand new immersive experience for new generation 

The wait is almost over for global tourists to the Highlands and Monster spotters, as the newly imagined Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit near Inverness will officially open its doors on Saturday 10th June.

The Loch Ness Centre, located at one of Scotland’s most famous tourist destinations, is nearing completion following a major refurbishment by Continuum Attractions, following its take over earlier this year. £1.5m has been invested in a full upgrade to enhance the visitor experience, allowing people to explore the legend and myths of Loch Ness through immersive tours and also via trips aboard the attraction’s famous research vessel, Deepscan.

Guests will become part of the Centre’s ongoing Quest with regular updates on all the latest news, developments, and Nessie sightings. The attraction is investing in support for Loch Ness Exploration teams to help ensure the search continues for a new generation.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the famous sighting of Nessie, by Aldie Mackay, in 1933 which catapulted Scotland, Loch Ness, and its monster phenomenon into hearts and minds across the world.

The ‘Monster Spotted’ headline went global, launching Loch Ness centre stage into worlds media and attracting visits from around the world. A media frenzy ensued, just one real story celebrated at the new Loch Ness Centre.

The centre’s social channels have received numerous messages from excited fans, ranging from as far as the United States to Kent, one follower saying ‘Do you have an opening date yet? I’m super excited to see the new centre’.

Visitors will soon have the opportunity to try the new experience, which is located at the epicentre of legendary tales and activity – the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, the home of former Manageress Aldie Mackay.

The experience features seven stories told in a variety of exciting ways: they celebrate This Majestic Place, Scottish Myths and Legends and the scientific search for the Truth;  just three areas of the attraction which features real artefacts and peoples’ witness statements. 

The new one-hour experience offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in the story of the legend and explore the real stories of Loch Ness.

Guests will walk through 500 million years of history to explore the myths and examine the scientific research surrounding the monster. Guests can hear real people’s stories, discover artefacts, and hear scientific debate on the existence of Nessie, a phenomenon boasting over 1,000 eyewitness accounts and recorded sightings, alongside lots of unexplained evidence.

Voyage seekers will also have the extraordinary chance to explore the depths of the world’s most famous Loch with Deepscan Captain, Alistair Matheson, the Skipper for the Loch Ness Project. Guests can book a trip on board the vessel, named after the famous expedition carried out on the Loch in 1987. 

The one-of-a-kind cruise takes up to 12 guests on a very special journey witnessing the breath-taking beauty of Urquhart Castle and searching the depths of the Loch using specialist sonar equipment on board, sailing across the magnificent water that intrigues visitors just as much today, as it did back when Aldie Mackay first spotted the ‘beast’ 90 years ago. It’s strongly recommended to book in advance to secure your spot with Skipper and increase your chance of spotting Nessie the National treasure.

Juliana Delaney, Chief Executive of Continuum, said: “We are thrilled to finally announce our opening date The Loch Ness Centre, it’s been a highly anticipated date! From 10th June we look forward to welcoming guests from across the UK and the globe, excited to join us for this must visit experience when they arrive in the Highlands.

“We now present the story of this global phenomenon in a modern and engaging way. We appreciate we are only guardians of this legend as many Nessie enthusiasts are truly passionate about this place and its history.

“We wanted to involve them and the community to get it right for the locals and tourists alike. At Continuum, we are passionate about finding great stories in great locations – and this really is Scotland’s best story.”

To guarantee entry on the date and time of your choice, it is strongly recommended to pre-book tickets online in advance, where guests can also save up to 10%.

Adult tickets start from £13.95 and Deepscan Cruises tickets start from £19.00.

To book your trip to The Loch Ness Centre or a cruise tour, please visit: 

https://bit.ly/lochnesscentre_opening

Warrender Swim Centre reopening date announced

Scotland’s fourth oldest public swimming bath, Warrender Swim Centre, is to reopen its doors to the public Tuesday 23rd May, having undergone a major refurbishment.

June Peebles, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, is delighted to be reopening the doors to Warrender Swim Centre, a Victorian pool loved by so many.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience during the somewhat longer than expected closure period. However, once inside the venue I’m sure everyone will agree it’s been worth the wait.

“Originally known as Warrender Baths, the venue has been serving the community since 1887 and this major investment will ensure Warrender Swim Centre, as it is now known, will continue to serve the community for many years to come.”

The latest major investment has been about maintaining the balance of Victorian charm and an environmentally efficient 21st century facility and, of course, improving the customer experience.

Significant changes and upgrades to Warrender Swim Centre have taken place including:

  • Maintenance work and repairs to the sandstone structure, windows, roof, and roof structures in keeping with the building’s listing.
  • Decoration throughout, including updating the changing rooms, both wet and dry, and retiling of the poolside.
  • Enclosing the area overlooking the pool and adding air-cooling.
  • New easy access, making it easier for customers to access the building and their activities, with the simple swipe of their membership card or fob.
  • Upgrades to the mechanical and electrical works, including improvements to the ventilation system.
  • New pool plant.
  • New boilers.
  • New lighting.
  • New air handling throughout the building including the gym.
  • Installation of a new sauna.

Stephanie Kelly, Manager at Warrender Swim Centre said: “We’re so excited at the prospect of welcoming customers into our lovely, refurbished swim centre.

“The renovations have taken longer than expected but as anyone who has ever renovated an older property will know, there’s usually something uncovered that requires a change of plan or often additional work, and that’s certainly been the case with Warrender. 

“We know that our loyal and our new customers, and of course, Warrender Swim Club, who have such a long association with the venue, will be delighted with the extensive work that has been carried out. Team Warrender look forward to welcoming back you all back to this iconic, Victorian swimming pool.”

Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “I’m really looking forward to Warrender Swim Centre reopening its doors, and I’m sure many users are looking forward to once again going for a swim in the beautiful surroundings of the heritage building.

“The major refurbishment has made sure some modern adjustments and improvements have been made whilst keeping the charm of the original Victorian building. I’m delighted that this investment will ensure families can continue to enjoy Warrender Swim Centre for many years to come.”

With a 25-yard pool, sauna, and a gym, Warrender is a Victorian swim centre in the heart of Bruntsfield and Marchmont. This historic venue retains many of its original features, including the original steam room’s roof in the gym, but also has the modern facilities required for an active, healthy life. The gym is in what used to be the Turkish Baths.

Join during the first week of Warrender’s re-opening from 23rd May to pay ‘No Joining Fee’ on your new membership. Additional member benefits can be enjoyed like priority bookings, free gym introduction and discounts on a range of activities. And unlike many other gyms, there is no contract and customers can freeze or cancel their membership at any time.

Edinburgh Leisure has different memberships that are flexible and affordable to fit around individuals/couples. Choose a Gym, Swim or Fitness Class package (not available at Warrender) at your local venue or sign up for Edinburgh Leisure’s most popular Full Fitness membership giving unlimited access to all their venues across the city. 

Warrender Swim Centre
55 Thirlestane Road, Edinburgh EH9 1AP

Popular local community cafe reopens

LifeCare Edinburgh relaunches Stockbridge café with new menu, revamped interiors and guest appearance from celebrated local author Val McDermid

CafeLife, the popular community cafe on Cheyne Street, is set to officially reopen on Monday 9th May with a brand-new menu and revamped interiors following its forced closure through the pandemic.

Run by renowned local charity LifeCare Edinburgh, all proceeds from the cafe go towards supporting the delivery of the organisation’s vital care services for older people living across Edinburgh. 

The charity, which turned 80 last year, helps over 1,000 local older people a year.  Essential services such as registered outreach care and day centres, help at home, meals on wheels and support for carers enable local older people to remain living full and independent lives.   

The pandemic forced the café to close its doors to their loyal sit-in customers in March 2020.  The closure has been a real loss to the area as CafeLife is the only full-accessible community café around, offering good value food and drink appealing to all generations and with lots of space for buggies and wheelchairs.  

Opened nearly ten years ago, the team took the opportunity to upgrade the café through the covid-closure. The charity secured emergency funding to revamp CafeLife’s interiors and the kitchen team have spent time creating a new and improved menu to appeal to all tastes and dietary needs.  

The charity is today announcing that they will be joined by celebrated and best-selling Scottish crime writer Val McDermid for the official ribbon cutting event on Wednesday 11th May.  

Val will sign copies of any of her books brought along on the day.   

Jemima Hankins, Community Hub Co-ordinator at LifeCare said “We are absolutely delighted that we are reopening CafeLife at long last. There’s nothing else like us in the area and we know how much our regular customers have missed us.

“We’ve a huge bright space that appeals to all ages and stages; people pop in on their own or come with friends to enjoy good honest food and drink – with all proceeds going towards our vital care services for local people. We really are a cafe with a difference!


“Our loyal customers love to pop in to meet or make new friends, enjoy good value food and we’re relaunching with an exciting new menu designed by Chef Tony keeping our cafe staples such as soups, bacon rolls and paninis but we’ve added pancakes, smoothies and milkshakes. The blueberry pancakes are a must!   

“We are thrilled to be marking our reopening with a guest appearance from Val McDermid on Wednesday 11th May and we will be running lots of promotions across the week – check our socials for full details or pop-in for more info.”


LifeCare Edinburgh is a registered charity and with no service fully-funded the organisation relies on the generosity of its funders.

Recent funding from the Scottish Government’s Adapt and Thrive fund covered the cost of the café upgrades and an award from The National Lottery Community Fund supports the new Community Hub Coordinator position created to help safely bring people back to the space after the pandemic.   

For more information visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ 

Scotmid Hamilton Place reopens with significant upgrades and extended Food to Go offering

Scotmid Co-Operative’s Hamilton Place store reopened on Friday, 1st October after undergoing a major refurb to increase and enhance its customer offering.

The programme of work comprised a range of improvements designed to amplify the customer experience while shopping in store. They include a new entrance and rebrand, internal remodelling and layout to accommodate an extended range of fresh food products, wider aisles for easier navigation and state of the art refrigeration.

The most exciting change comes in the form of an even more extensive Food to Go offering, with a larger breakfast selection, freshly-made baguettes, pizza sandwiches, toasties and burritos. The store will also be the second Scotmid in Edinburgh to stock a rotating choice of delicious treats from The Kilted Donut – with flavours including Nutella Bomb and Brown Butter Biscoff.

Customers can also now enjoy selecting from Scotmid’s latest dine in ranges, including Meal for Tonight – meal kits including a hot food option and desserts and Big Night In – a beer, wine or spirits and a snack or pizza offer and Food Now – for those looking for something to eat as soon as they leave the store.

Kevin Plant, head of food retail at Scotmid, said: “Hamilton Place is a popular store with many locals and one which enjoys serving a number of regular customers on an almost daily basis.

“The refurbishment has introduced several enhancements to complement and build on the provision of our existing refill station, which has proved a hit. From the extended Food to Go range to the daily delivery of doughnuts from The Kilted Donut, we now have even more choice for customers when they shop with us.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the whole team who has worked tirelessly to get the store ready. A lot of effort has gone into refurbishing the store, so it is great to be welcoming old and new customers and to hear the positive things they have to say.”

Scotmid Hamilton Place is located on 56-60 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5AZ.

£1.25 million funding to help Scotland’s libraries to reopen

A new fund worth more than £1 million that will help libraries re-open is being launched by the Scottish Government.

The Public Libraries COVID Recovery Fund will allow libraries to re-connect with their communities as part of Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic.

The fund, which will be distributed through the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), will support libraries in re-opening or extending their opening hours, as well as fund targeted plans for issues such as digital exclusion or mental health and wellbeing. 

While priority will be given to applications which support deprived areas and communities, all library services across Scotland are invited to apply for the fund, which is a commitment made in the new Programme for Government.

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “We hope that through this new fund the power of libraries to inform, educate, entertain and inspire can be unlocked again as part of the recovery from the COVID pandemic.

“We are aware that while many have returned, Scotland’s library services are currently operating below their pre-pandemic levels.

“The reasons for these closures are varied, complex and sometimes challenging – however we want to see as many libraries re-open as possible, and this fund will help the public library sector bounce back from a challenging time.”

Scottish Library and Information Council chair Ian Ruthven said: “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the vital role public libraries play in communities across Scotland.

“Libraries are at the centre of the collective endeavour to improve literacy, close the attainment gap, promote health, champion wellbeing, pioneer sustainability, reduce inequality, and close the digital divide.

“SLIC is pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to administer the Public Library Covid Relief Fund which will support the public library sector to extend access to these vital services, and prioritise wellbeing as communities continue to rebuild and recover.”

It’s time to Re-open/Re-mobilise

Join EVOC for a session focused on how to re-open / re-mobilise your organisation, projects and activities safely.

About this event

Aimed at organisations and managers who are making plans to re-open / re-mobilise, this event will focus on a selection of issues including community transport, workforce and volunteers.

1. National overview: Ian Brooke (Deputy Chief Executive, EVOC)

2. Volunteers: Marion Findlay (Director of Services, Volunteer Edinburgh)

3. Re-opening Guidelines: Angela Davis (Environmental Health Officer, City of Edinburgh Council)

4. WHALE Arts Re-opening Experiences: Laura Delahunt (Enterprise and Facilities Manager, WHALE Arts)

5. Panel Q&A

Breakout group discussions:

  • Buildings
  • Volunteers/workforce
  • Transport
  • Organising Group work
  • Guidance/paperwork/risk assessment discussion

Please note that this event is now taking place on Microsoft Teams.

EVENT LINK

Registration for this event closes on Tue 17 Aug at 6pm.

You will receive an email through Eventbrite by 9am on Wed 18 Aug that includes the Teams link for this event.

If you don’t receive an email please check your email junk folder or get in touch with us: esther.currie@evoc.org.uk

Native Edinburgh to host Scottish band Fatherson on their terrace

Leading aparthotel group Native is set to host Scottish alternative rock band, Fatherson on their private garden terrace next month.  

This one-off money-can’t-buy event takes place on June 5th with thirty lucky guests to celebrate the stylish Edinburgh hotel reopening. 

The band made up of Ross Leighton, Greg Walkinshaw and Marc Strain have toured relentlessly including sold-out headline shows across the UK and Europe, plus support slots with Lewis Capaldi, Kings Of Leon, Biffy Clyro, Frightened Rabbit, Augustines, Idlewild and Twin Atlantic

When they’re not touring, Fatherson spends the rest of their time cooking up a storm – and sharing their recipes with fans through their ‘Cooking With Fatherson’ channels on their website. Their pizza pop-ups have become legendary amongst other bands backstage at festivals across the country and now they’re bringing their cooking to Native Edinburgh.

This exclusive ‘Cooking With Fatherson X Native’ event will be a chance for fans of the band to hang out and enjoy a pizza Fatherson on Native’s terrace. They’ve previously cooked for Lewis Capaldi so you’ll be in good company. 

To get your hands on complimentary tickets for this intimate gig, simply head to Fatherson’s Instagram between Tuesday 25 to Thursday,  27 May to enter their giveaway.

Thirty lucky winners will be announced to join them at Native Edinburgh for this exclusive get-together and complimentary pizza and drink.  

Greg Walkinshaw of Fatherson said: “Cooking With Fatherson started out after we took our pizza oven on tour feeding our crew, pals and other bands backstage at festivals.

“After a long year without seeing anyone, we’re really looking forward to dishing out some slices to some new pals next month in Edinburgh!”

Native Edinburgh – newly opened last year in Kintore House on Queens Street, was originally constructed in the 1790s. The building is a significant part of the original fabric of Edinburgh’s New Town, an area of outstanding neo-classical and Georgian architecture and a UNESCO world heritage site.

With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.

Gary White, Regional Manager of Scotland Native aparthotels, said: “Like the rest of the world, it feels good to be back reopened and being able to put on intimate events.

“Cooking with Fatherson is our first event on our Edinburgh terrace and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick things off than with this incredible Scottish band. If you’d like to join us, make sure you visit Fatherson’s Instagram page.”

Cooking with Fatherson X Native Edinburgh will take place on Saturday, 5th June from 4pm until 7pm on the Native Edinburgh terrace. 

For more information on Native aparthotels, head to:

https://www.nativeplaces.com/property/native-edinburgh/ 

Collective re-opens

All of Collective’s indoor spaces have re-opened!

We’re excited to present new We’re excited to present new exhibition  Boredom>Mischief>Fantasy>Radicalism>Fantasy by Christian Newby in our City Dome (no booking required).

In the Hillside exhibition space, Satellites Programme participant Holly McLean’s film If you get the knees right the rest should follow re-opens (pre-book here).

All of our grounds, shop, takeaway coffee Kiosk, and restaurant The Lookout will also be open so make some plans and let us welcome you back to Calton Hill. Opening hours are 10am-4pm Thurs-Sun throughout May, and 10am-5pm Tues-Sun from 1 June.

Collective’s events programme also resumes this month.

Join us on Zoom, at 7pm on Thursday 20 May, for a screening and discussion with Holly McLean and Frances Stacey on Holly’s evolving series of filmed portraits of women.

On site we are hosting our next Collective PLAY event – Warp/Weft, 22-24 May. Tickets are free but limited and selling fast!

We’re really looking forward to fully opening our doors to visitors again.

Social distancing measures will be in place to keep you safe – if you have any concerns or questions about visiting Collective drop us a line at mail@collective-edinburgh.art

Edinburgh Leisure: Back Exercising Together

Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive June Peebles has welcomed the First Minister’s latest announcement, which means the Edinburgh-based leisure operator can finally welcome customers again for indoor fitness classes, gym classes, adult coaching and adult outdoor contact sports from 17 May.

June Peebles said: “It’s been a long time coming but it’s another much welcomed step towards normality. I am so excited that we can finally restart our indoor fitness classes, gym classes, adult coaching and adult outdoor contact sports.

“It also means our dedicated fitness instructors can, at last, get back to doing what they love; helping people to move and have fun in a group setting.

“While we were permitted to reopen our pools and gyms for individual exercise on 26 April 2021, indoor group fitness classes were still not allowed. For customers who prefer the variety and sociability of a group fitness class, this enforced lock-down has been tough. 

“Like many businesses we have had to move with the times and adapted by offering online streamed classes and some outdoor classes at Drumbrae and Portobello, but it’s not quite the same.  Also, Scotland’s weather isn’t always the most conducive for outdoor classes.”

As in September 2020 when Edinburgh Leisure reopened their venues after the first lockdown, the Edinburgh Leisure experience is different from before, but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.

The main changes that customers will notice are:

  • All activities must be booked via the Edinburgh Leisure app or website.
    • Members can book classes three days in advance, while for non-members, it is two days.
  • Edinburgh Leisure continues to operate in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments.
  • Safety guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
  • Enhanced cleaning will take place and there are additional sanitisation stations are available in the venues for use before and after each visit.
  • All activities are timetabled with staggered session start times to reduce congestion.
  • Customers must wear face coverings in communal areas, but not for their activities.
  • Class sizes are reduced.

Gyms and leisure centres were among the businesses to close their doors in a bid to control the coronavirus pandemic. After the initial lockdown in March 2020, Edinburgh Leisure started to reopen their venues on 14 September and could offer group indoor fitness and gym classes, gym and swim sessions. 

However, the group classes were forced to close again after only three weeks and five days on Friday, 9October, due to a spike in Covid-19 cases across Scotland. And when Edinburgh Leisure’s venues reopened again after almost a four months’ closure on 26 April 2021, only individual activities such as swim and gym sessions were permitted.

Nonetheless, since November 2020 and during the closure, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme has continued to work with around 450 customers per week through a blend of online classes and one to one session and ‘wellbeing’ phone calls to keep more ‘vulnerable’ customers active and well at home, safely.

June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure concluded: “Edinburgh Leisure is committed to ‘building back better’ to a sustainable Edinburgh Leisure and to continue making a positive impact to the citizens of Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing – as we have done for the last 23 years.

“Now that the roll-out of the vaccine programme is well underway and with the enhanced safety and cleansing measures we have in place, I hope that our customers will feel confident to return if they haven’t already done so.

“Never before has health and wellbeing been so important. And Edinburgh Leisure remains committed to supporting the people of Edinburgh to be active and enjoy good health.”

M&S stores across Edinburgh share plans for retail reopening

·         M&S stores across Edinburgh, including M&S Gyle and M&S Princes Street, get ready to welcome more shoppers back in store as customers look ahead to brighter days

·         New services launched to help customers Shop Their Way – from contact free bra fit to easier payment options

·         Sparks to boost rewards for customers for two weeks from 26th April – one customer every day in every store will win their shopping for free 

With retail reopening across Scotland this week, M&S is sharing how stores across Edinburgh, including M&S Gyle and M&S Princes Street, are set up to offer customers the inspiration and flexibility to Shop Your Way.

M&S has been continually adapting its store experience, offering products and services that local customers want after a year of significant change.

M&S stores across Edinburgh are offering a range of exciting new products and services to make shopping with M&S easier, convenient and more rewarding – from digital payment options to rewards and treats for shopping through our Sparks loyalty programme. All of this supported by standout M&S customer service in a safe and clean store.

M&S Scotland Central and East Regional Manager, Scott Munro, said: “We’re excited to welcome more customers back into our stores and look forward to continuing to serve our local community.

“Whether you’re looking for our latest Dine-In family feast or those must-have wardrobe staples to see you into summer, we have everything to help you Shop Your Way.

“With exciting new services like our contact-free bra fitting and the Scan & Shop service on our Sparks mobile app, we’re supporting customers however they choose to shop. Whether that’s browsing in store or using our click & collect service, our local team is ready to help.”

Shop Your Way: Easy and Rewarding Ways to Pay 

Following the relaunch of the M&S Sparks loyalty scheme in July last year, M&S stores across Edinburgh are marking the return of retail by offering one Sparks customer every single day for two weeks from 26th April, in every store, their whole basket or trolley of shopping for free.

As well as offering regular rewards and treats for shopping through Sparks with M&S, the mobile App also allows customers to shop in store with their phones with the Scan & Shop with Sparks service offering a quick way to pay without using the till. This follows the recent extension of Sparks Book & Shop to help customer plan ahead and book a slot to shop at a time that suits them.

Shop Your Way: Great new services and stand out service  

Outstanding customer service remains and will always be a defining feature of the M&S experience and is a key reason why customers choose to shop with M&S – from the welcoming host on the door and the brilliant operations teams behind the scenes, to the valuable in-store services offered in-store.

Bra Fit

Bra fit is back at M&S including at M&S Princes Street, the Gyle and Fort Kinnaird, allowing customers to choose between a contact-free bra fit from M&S’s expert colleague by appointment or the new option of accessing M&S’s expert service from home via a virtual appointment. M&S virtual bra fit appointments are available for any customers across Scotland.

M&S Gyle is also improving its Bra Fit service by offering customers on-the-spot payment service Pay With Me – so customers can purchase lingerie straight after their appointment from M&S’s expert Bra Fit colleagues without visiting a till.

Click and Collect

More and more customers are looking to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of shopping with M&S across both its website and their local store. M&S is making this easier by blending these services and offering local customers free next day collection when ordered by 8pm.

M&S Cafés

M&S Cafés, including at M&S Gyle, Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, are now open as of 26th April.

All customer toilets will also be back open, with strict cleaning protocols in place to ensure the highest levels of hygiene.