Winter Welcome: Heriot-Watt University Christmas Concerts

If the winter gloom is getting you down, Heriot-Watt has two events guaranteed to raise your spirits with some festive cheer. 

Our ever-popular Christmas Carol Celebration is taking place at the Edinburgh campus on Friday, December 12th.  Come to the James Watt Centre at 5.30pm for an unforgettable evening of seasonal music and readings. 

Members of the University Choir will be accompanied by the University Orchestra. Complimentary mince pies and mulled wine (alternatives available) will be provided before the concert starts at 6.30pm.  

Matthew Brown, Heriot-Watt’s Director of Music, has promised a memorable evening: “The Christmas Carol Celebration is a highlight of our year, bringing together the community to share in the joy and beauty of the season through music. We can’t wait to welcome you.” 

Tickets are free and early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Please secure your place through Eventbrite – and mark your calendar!  

If you can’t make the Christmas Carol Celebration, why not come to ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Wednesday December 10th at 7.30pm?

In the beautiful setting of St Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh, the Heriot-Watt Chamber Choir will entertain you with words and music based on the Charles Dickens classic.

Further details and tickets for ‘A Christmas Carol’ are available through

TicketSource. 

Police seek witnesses following cemetery incident

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an assault an attempted robbery in the city centre. The incident happened around 11.45pm on Saturday (23rd February) in the St Cuthbert’s Cemetery, just off Lothian Road.

A 23-year-old man was cutting through the graveyard to catch a bus when a male approached and punched him to the ground before presenting a knife.

An attempt was then made to steal the victim’s rucksack. However, he held on and was assaulted further during the struggle. As a result of this attack, the victim sustained a large cut to his face and other smaller cuts to his hand.

The suspect then made off through the cemetery in the direction of Princes Street.

Officers are investigating this matter as part of Operation Arable and anyone with information is asked to come forward. The suspect is described only as being white, with a scarf covering his face and speaking with a Scottish accent.

Detective Sergeant Mark Lumsden from Gayfield CID said: “Firstly, it is important to stress that crimes of this nature within the city centre are extremely rare and a full investigation is now underway to identify and apprehend the male responsible. 

“While these inquiries are conducted, uniformed officers will provide a high-visibility presence in the area to speak with members of the public, who may have any relevant information, but to also offer reassurance to our communities that we are treating this incident very seriously and working hard to apprehend the suspect.

“If you remember seeing any suspicious activity in the area around the St Cuthbert’s Cemetery late on Saturday evening, then please contact police immediately.

“Likewise, if you have information that can help us trace the suspect then please also get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Gayfield CID via 101 and quote incident number 5489 of the 23rd February. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.