TODAY, Friday the 27th October, Graystone Gallery will be opening the doors to their new home at 52 Hamilton Place in the heart of Stockbridge.
The first exhibition, ‘The Colour & The Shape’, brings together four talented artists to offer a different perspective of the natural world and built environment around us. This intriguing exploration of light, shape and line features the work of Hetty Haxworth, Connie Liebschner, Richard Marsden, and Bronwen Sleigh.
>> ‘The Colour & The Shape’ running from Friday 27th October – Saturday 18th November >> Graystone Gallery, 52 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AX
The gallery was previously located in Leith and since opening, they have built a reputation for being one of Edinburgh’s most exciting new fine art destinations.
Gallery Director Lesley Briggs comments, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new gallery in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge, a hub of independent business, art and culture.
“The contemporary gallery space at Graystone will be home to a carefully curated selection of art that will inspire our customers, and we look forward to welcoming some fantastic artists through our rolling programme of artist talks and exhibitions.
‘Art helps us to make sense of the world around us and these creatives use their observations to show us different perspectives. Hetty Haxworth’s artworks turn the landscape into a geometric study, she documents the movement of light over the landscape, capturing moments in colour.
Connie Liebschner creates a depth in her work exploring immersive spaces through line, shape and colour.
Drawing influences from architecture, Richard Marsden admires the forms of buildings under construction, admiring the structure and dynamics underneath, before they’re enveloped by the rest of the building.
Bronwen Sleigh shares Richard’s love of architecture and challenges our perceptions of unused and forgotten urban spaces and environments at the edge of the city.
Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson and local Inverleith Councillor Vicky Nicolson have obtained agreement from Hanover Housing Association to fix the uneven cobbles—known as setts—of the ‘pend’ access road from the Sheltered Housing complex in Veitch’s Square in Stockbridge.
Residents, many of whom are older and use walking aids, complained about the uneven surface posing a tripping hazard.
After working through complex issues about land ownership with the Council and housing association, Angus Robertson, Vicky Nicolson and residents have managed to bring the years’ long campaign to an end – and resurfacing will begin on Monday 2nd October.
Angus Robertson MSP said: “While it seemed like this should have been an easy fix, there were a number of issues to navigate and legalities to sort before the re-surfacing could go ahead.
“I’m delighted that Hanover Housing Association has taken on this responsibility and that residents will be able to go out to the community and back to their homes more safely.’
Councillor Vicky Nicolson said: ‘For far too long people who require walking sticks and other mobility aids to get around have felt trapped and anxious about using the most convenient access to the local shops, doctors and other amenities.
“Both Angus and I are over the moon that with winter fast approaching life for the residents of Veitch’s Square will become a little bit easier.’
A letter from Hanover Housing Association has been sent to residents informing them of the impending works.
Back by popular demand, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has launched its 2023 Helping Your Community Grow campaign across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Designed to enhance communities local to its stores, this initiative will see community groups receive gardening product, support and expertise from the Dobbies’ team.
Helping Your Community Grow has sustainability at its core and encourages people across the country to care for, nurture and protect their green spaces and urban communities.
Both the Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh Dobbies store are calling on local groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians that want to help their community space thrive in a sustainable way to get in touch.
Whether it’s a school allotment project that allows kids to learn about the health and environmental benefits of growing fruit and vegetables; a community garden or space, looking to bring the outside in; or a charity looking to create a sensory garden to encourage everyone outdoors, Dobbies wants to positively impact communities through its love of gardening.
This year, Dobbies will offer advice, gardening products and tools to a community group to help them transform their space.
Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies said: “Community is at the heart of what we do and we’re proud of our Helping Your Community Grow campaign. Entries are now open for this year and we’re especially interested in hearing from projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians with sustainability at their core.
“Riding for the Disabled Association in Glasgow is just one of the many projects we supported in 2022 and highlights the diversity of the projects we aim to collaborate with.”
Lynda McKeeman, Yard Manager at Riding for the Disabled Association Glasgow, was thankful for the support. She said: “Dobbies’ support and funding allowed us to create a bright and fragrant sensory trail through the woodland area and out into the pond circuit which has been great for stimulating the senses of the riders and horses.
“We support over 80 people with disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn to ride or spend time with a horse. Our youngest participant is just 2 years old, and our most senior is in their 70s. Many of our attendees have physical disabilities, psychological problems or just need a confidence boost, and horsemanship is a great way to help rehabilitate them.”
Taking part couldn’t be easier and applications are now open.
Eligible groups must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh or Livingston stores or five miles of little dobbies Stockbridge. A shortlist of community groups for each store will be made and Dobbies will call on members of the public to vote for their favourite project.
Based on the public vote, there will be one winner per store, with the project receiving the most votes securing the national winner title. They will receive additional funding and support.
In addition to Helping Your Community Grow, there will be further opportunities for community groups looking for support, with small grants available from their nearest Dobbies or little dobbies.
We know everyone is busy, so this event is taking place online to fit in around family, work and life. It’ll only take 1 hour and will be informative.
Did you know Edinburgh North East Scouts has almost 100 young people on a waiting list to join?
And they need new helpers to support their 14 Scout Groups in Portobello, Craigentinny, Craigmillar, Duddingston, Calton, Joppa, Stockbridge, Pilrig, Broughton, Trinity, Leith, Newhaven, Wardie and Willowbrae.
Sign up for this event to find out about the exciting things the Scout Groups get up to and flexible volunteering opportunities.
Demand by young people to join Scouts in the Edinburgh North East area is good with youth waiting lists growing. However, they need new adult volunteers to reduce the waiting list and enable more local young people to benefit from Scouting.
Edinburgh North East Scouts is looking to the local community and organisations to help change the lives of local young people. They are appealing for help to reduce the youth waiting list and support 100 more young people to benefit from Scouts.
Scouts is only possible thanks to superstar volunteers – ordinary people, like you, making an extraordinary difference in young people’s lives. They are looking for new adult volunteers to assist their existing leader and executive team.
So please consider what you can do and if you know anyone who may be willing to get involved and ask them to come along to the event too. It is possible that they may consider a job share if that was of interest to you?
Scouting has a reputation for helping young people to develop resilience, a positive character, respect for others, good community skills, as well as physical and mental fitness. Can you help inspire the doers and give it a goers of the future?
FACT 1: There are 14 Scout Groups in the Edinburgh North East area and they all want to provide more Scouting to more local young children. FACT 2: You don’t need to have any specific skills or be Bear Grylls to lend a hand. FACT 3: They have a collective youth waiting list of almost 100. FACT 4: If you volunteer as a Leader to get involved now then they can look at how your child could get automatic entry into their preferred Scout Group. FACT 5: You don’t have to have previous Scouting experience to get involved.
As a District, they want to offer your child and other local children across the Edinburgh North East area the chance to participate in all the fun experiences and adventures they do in Scouting week to week such as, camping, fire-lighting, climbing and abseiling, and yes, learning how to tie and use knots (these will come in handy in later life!).
Are you passionate about seeing local young people succeed? Are you a team player with a positive, can-do attitude? Do you enjoy fun activities? Do you want to do more in your community?
Are you more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person? Do you have a skill or hobby you can share? Then this event is right up your street. Scouts has the opportunities – you just show up, get stuck in and make memories for life!
We all have the power to help young people to realise their potential. You don’t need to have been a Scout when you were younger.
You don’t even need to know how to put up a tent. Their door is open to people of all ages, genders, races and backgrounds, and they’re only able to change lives because people like you lend a hand.
There’s lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or as part of their Executive Committee to stepping up as a leader, their volunteering activities are as varied as you.
The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little … and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer.
Most of their volunteers work directly with young people aged 6-18 through their Beaver, Cub and Explorer groups – helping young people gain skills for life through fun activities.
District Commissioner, Rob Whitelaw, said: “This isn’t a job application, and you certainly don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting and in fact not many of our volunteers are!
“Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills, and you can volunteer and help in many ways.
“Are you ready to inspire a generation of young people to experience fun, friendship and real adventure? The opportunities to volunteer with us are flexible. Think of something you’d like to do, and chances are it’s just what we require.
“Whatever your skills, experience and interests, we can find a role for you!”
Sign up for the online information evening on Tuesday 29th November at 7.30pm here:
Sourdough pizza pioneers, Franco Manca, announce the arrival of their new Edinburgh pizzeria in Stockbridge
· To celebrate the opening, diners can enjoy 50% off all pizzas and salads at launch
· The new restaurant arrives in the Scottish capital today
Due to phenomenal demand, sourdough pizza pioneers, Franco Manca, have announced the opening of its second Edinburgh pizzeria on 1 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH4 1LU.
Opening to the public on Monday 11th June, Franco Manca is celebrating the launch by offering 50% off all pizzas and salads from the menu, available on Monday 11th – Tuesday 12th July.
The beautiful new restaurant follows the success of Franco Manca’s sister site on south St Andrew Street, which regularly welcomes up to 2,000 customers a week – the city’s top sellers include the classic margherita (No.2) and lightly smoked beechwood salami (No.7).
As well as offering its authentic Neapolitan cuisine, the new restaurant will serve up stunning views over the Water of Leith in the heart of Edinburgh’s Stockbridge community.
Simone Annette, Area Manager at Franco Manca, said:“Following the success of our Edinburgh debut on south St Andrew Street, we wanted to offer pizza lovers even more choice with the launch of an incredible new location.
“Our iconic sourdough, unique to Franca Manca, is sure to go down a hit with Deanhaugh Street diners looking to get a slice of authentic Italian pizza. So, if you live in the city, or are just passing through, feel free to drop in and enjoy 50% off our entire menu.”
Franco Manca pizzas are made with slow-rising sourdough, with a mother dough which dates back to the late 18th century, topped with fresh, properly sourced, seasonal ingredients. The dough is made fresh on site, with daily specials on offer, and menu prices starting at just £5.95.
First procured by the pizzeria’s founder, Giuseppe Mascoli, near the city of Naples, the recipe still honours the ingredients and methods that make the age-old style of Neapolitan pizza unique, delicious and world-renowned.
For more information on Franco Manca and other locations, please visit: www.francomanca.co.uk.
A new three-day music event, Over the Bridge, is set to take place in Edinburgh this summer. The event will see some of Scotland and the UK’s biggest music acts take to the stage including James Arthur, Ella Eyre, Feeder and Razorlight, over one weekend from Friday 29th – 31st July at Raeburn Place sports ground in Stockbridge.
Day and weekend tickets go on sale this Friday 8th April via Ticketmaster. Each day, live music will start at 1pm, ending at 9pm.
On Friday 29th July, Over the Bridge will be headlined by Say You Won’t Let Go singer James Arthur (above), with Ella Eyre, Cassia, RATS, Alex Amor, Stina Marie Claire, and Aaron Smith completing the days line up.
Saturday will see Glasgow rock band Twin Atlantic headline (below), with Feeder, Declan Welsh and the Decadent West, Liz Lawrence, Zuzu, Beren Olivia and Swiss Portrait also on the bill.
Following the recent announcement of a reunion of the original lineup, the final day will see Razorlight (below) take to the stage, made famous for hits including America, Golden Touch, andIn the Morning to see out Over the Bridge after a day of music from Sports Team, Sam Ryder, Daytime TV, Luke La Volpe, Charlotte Jane and False Friends.
Over the Bridge will also support Edinburgh’s favourite food and drink traders for guests to enjoy over the three days. The event will be using a reusable cup scheme to remove single use plastic waste. This will help improve sustainability, as well as reducing litter generally on and off the site.
Taking place at Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, Over the Bridge has been developed by Stockbridge residents Edward Wilson and Preston Mommsen.
Two years ago, the duo brought The Neighbourgood Market to the same location with the popular, vibrant food and drinks market returning last year over a twelve-week period.
The market showcased some of Scotland’s best food and drink offering from the likes of Stockbridge favourite Good Brothers Wine Bar, Innis & Gunn, The Peruvian, Pizza Geeks, Stag Bites, Edinburgh Gin and many more whilst visitors were also able to enjoy live music from local artists.
As residents who live and run businesses in Stockbridge, the pair recognised the potential impact that the event could have on local residents. They went through a thorough public consultation process with locals and the wider community to ensure Over the Bridge is a positive event that everyone can enjoy. This included liaising with the major community groups, letters to residents, door knocking and face to face Q&A sessions in the area.
Over the Bridge co-founder, Edward Wilson, said: “We’re extremely proud to be Edinburgh locals, and two years ago we wanted to bring something special to the city, which is when The Neighbourgood Market was born.
” After two tough years for Edinburgh, including a scaled back version of Fringe Festival, live music and arts have been on hold. This year, we wanted to bring live entertainment back to the city, so we are excited to announce the launch of the three-day music event, Over the Bridge.
“With a line up of amazing local and national acts, and with day and weekend tickets available, we hope it will be one of the highlights of this Summer in Edinburgh.”
Tickets for Over the Bridge go on sale at 10am on Friday 8th April, with day tickets starting at £50.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit:
The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than treating your pooch to some festive fun this Christmas at Dobbies.
The UK’s leading garden centre will be debuting its ever-popular Santa Paws event at the recently opened little dobbies Stockbridge store on limited weekend dates during December. A perfect opportunity to give four-legged friends a fun day out and get some great snaps for those Christmas cards.
Santa Paws offers the adorable chance for dogs to meet Santa and take home a special Christmas gift. A memorable experience for pets and owners alike.
Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager at Dobbies, said: “We love welcoming furry friends to our stores throughout the year, and can’t wait to meet our four-legged customers this Christmas.
“This will be the first time Santa Paws has come to our little dobbies Stockbridge store, and we really hope locals and visitors alike can enjoy this offering.
“We have a wide range of products in-store that would make for the perfect Christmas treat for your furry friend, or special new accessory to don on Christmas day.”
This exclusive festive experience will take place outside the little dobbies Stockbridge store, where each dog will have a pre-booked slot with Santa. Booking is essential to enjoy this experience, and subject to availability.
Running on the 11,12, 18 and 19 December, customers and canines can enjoy this experienced in the run up to Christmas, priced at £6.99 per pet.
Santa Paws will also be taking place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store during selected dates in December.
Find the full list of festive events and more information online, www.dobbies.com.
Best-selling book club has launched to unprecedented success in the heart of Stockbridge
Home of female fiction, Rare Birds Books has launched Scotland’s first female-centric bookshop, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Stockbridge.
In a bold move that saw the globally beloved book club show resilience and innovation in a time of retail uncertainty, founder Rachel Wood welcomed over 1,500 visitors into the shop over the first trading weekend.
Opened on 6th August, at 13 Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, Rare Birds Books saw over 2,000 customers during its first month, selling around 3,000 books – proof that the nation’s love of reading has not abated following the end of lockdown.
In an even further show of local solidarity, Edinburgh shoppers came out in force, with one of the shop’s top four best-sellers over the last month being Luckenbooth, a haunting novel by Scotland-born Jenni Fagen.
A story set in Edinburgh, it is joined by Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, which were both past Rare Birds Book Club picks, as well as Things Remembered and Things Forgotten by Kyoko Nakajima.
Besides the books that customers from around the UK have flocked to purchase, the store has also had to re-stock its now iconic tote bag and a number of the newly launched scented candles, which are made to be paired with whatever genre you are reading. ‘True Crime’ scent and ‘Writer’s Block’ have both flown off the shelves and are looking to be Christmas must-haves this year.
Book club founder and shop owner, Rachel Wood, said: “The store was always supposed to be the physical representation of our beloved book club, and we are thrilled our rare birds have already shown so much support in these initial days of launch.
“So far online and in-store sales are neck and neck, so we like to think that our neighbours are enjoying visiting us in person, whilst the rest of our fans around the world continue to join us virtually month on month as we discuss our club picks.
“Now that we are allowed to start hosting events, we will be welcoming in readers from all over for shopping evenings, author events and in-person book club sessions – it’s going to be amazing!”
Set to have its best Christmas yet, the book club you can’t read without, just got better! For more information visit:
