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Image of building works of a new concert hall Edinburgh

ArtCommunityCultureEducationEventsMusicNews

Work Set to Begin on New Concert Hall at St Andrew Square

Edinburgh is finally set to gain its first purpose-built concert hall in over a century, with construction work due to begin behind the RBS building at St Andrew Square.

The long-planned venue will bring a modern, 1,000-seat performance space to the very heart of the city, after years of delays, redesigns and funding hurdles.

A Major Cultural Boost for the City Centre

The new hall (known as the Dunard Centre) has been designed to fill a long-recognised gap in Edinburgh’s cultural landscape. While the city is world-famous for its festivals, it has lacked a dedicated mid-sized concert venue with modern acoustics and year-round programming.

When completed, the hall is expected to host:

  • classical and orchestral concerts
  • touring artists and contemporary music
  • community and youth performances
  • festival events outwith peak season
  • educational and outreach programmes

Its central location at St Andrew Square will also make it one of the most accessible arts venues in Scotland, with immediate links to trams, buses and Waverley Station.

Construction to Start After Years of Delays

The project has taken a long and complicated route to reach this point. Changes in design, rising costs and legal challenges slowed progress, but all major approvals are now in place, and contractors have been appointed.

Preparatory work will begin around the square in the coming weeks, including:

  • clearing and securing the site
  • laying foundations
  • installing new utilities and access routes
  • forming the main structure of the auditorium

Once the hall’s frame is complete, work will move to the interior fit-out, including specialist acoustic treatment, seating, rehearsal rooms and backstage facilities.

“A Venue for the Next 100 Years”

City leaders and arts groups have welcomed the move, describing the Dunard Centre as a once-in-a-generation investment in the capital’s cultural future.

They say the venue will:

  • support local musicians and arts organisations
  • attract world-class performers
  • boost the evening economy around St Andrew Square
  • provide new opportunities for young people
  • strengthen Edinburgh’s position as an international cultural city

The hall is being developed in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland, arts funders and a number of cultural organisations who have campaigned for a purpose-built venue in the city centre.

What Happens Next?

With groundworks beginning shortly, more detailed timelines are expected to be announced once construction milestones are reached. The project is widely seen as a cultural landmark for Edinburgh, not just a new building, but a long-term investment in the city’s creative life.

An opening timeline is expected to be confirmed once construction milestones are reached.

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Edinburgh homelessness

CommunityEducationHealthNews

Edinburgh Launches New Homelessness-Prevention Pilot

A major new initiative aimed at preventing people from becoming homeless has been approved for Edinburgh, after the City of Edinburgh Council and local partners secured funding from the Scottish Government.

The pilot — called the System Wide Approach to Prevention (SWAP) – “Ask and Act” — will run in Wester Hailes and focus on stepping in much earlier to help people at risk of losing their home. The idea is simple but powerful: ask about someone’s housing situation, act quickly, and offer coordinated support before they reach crisis point.

The scheme is directly linked to the newly passed Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, which places a legal duty on public bodies to spot early warning signs and take action to prevent homelessness.

Across Scotland, 15 projects are sharing £4 million from the Homelessness Prevention Pilot Fund, managed by Advice Direct Scotland. Edinburgh has secured just over £600,000 of this pot — a strong endorsement of the city’s proposal.

A new multi-agency team will now be created, bringing together staff from the Council, NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, Prospect Community Housing, Social Security Scotland, the Scottish Prison Service and Crisis.

These partners will embed the “Ask and Act” approach into everyday services across Wester Hailes, giving residents a single point of contact for fast, joined-up support.

The aim is to identify issues early — whether financial pressure, health concerns, or instability at home — and offer practical help that keeps people in their accommodation.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, welcomed the news, saying the funding will boost efforts to tackle Edinburgh’s ongoing housing emergency.

He noted that the city’s prevention services supported 2,622 households last year as part of its Local Housing Strategy.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said the Scottish Government is determined to end homelessness by preventing it: “This investment will help us test and scale up innovative approaches to help people stay in their homes.”

Further details on rollout, neighbourhood engagement, and support options are expected in the coming weeks.

📄 More info here: edinburgh.gov.uk
📍 City of Edinburgh Council, Waverley Court, 4 East Market St, Edinburgh EH8 8BG

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Castle of Light Fire & Ice in Edinburgh

CultureEventsFood & DrinkMusicNews

Edinburgh Castle Lights Up Tonight

The Castle of Light: Fire & Ice spectacle has just lit up Edinburgh Castle this evening (Fri 21 Nov 2025), officially launching the city’s winter season.

  • 21-22, 28-30 November
  • 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 27-30 December
  • 2-4 January

Times – 4.30pm to 9pm (last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm)

Scottish rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie flicked the switch shortly after 4:30 pm, unveiling this year’s fiery new theme across the castle walls.

Expect glowing projections, fire pits, marshmallows, and festive food stalls running until 9:30 pm tonight.

The event continues on select evenings through November and December — perfect for anyone looking to warm up with a bit of winter magic.

🎟️ Tickets & info: edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light
📅 Dates: 21 Nov – 30 Dec 2025
📍 Venue: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

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Arthurs Seat Walk in Edinburgh

HealthNews

Arthur’s Seat Named One of the UK’s Best Winter Walks

If you’re looking for a reason to lace up your boots this winter, Arthur’s Seat has just been named one of the UK’s best winter walking routes by VisitScotland.

The ancient volcano, which rises 251 metres above the city, topped the list for its panoramic views, easy accessibility, and dramatic seasonal colours.

The report praised Arthur’s Seat for offering “a sense of wilderness in the heart of a capital city,” with paths that suit everyone from casual strollers to serious hikers.

VisitScotland also highlighted nearby walking spots like Calton Hill and Holyrood Park as perfect companions to a chilly afternoon walk — ideally rounded off with a coffee from one of the nearby cafés in Abbeyhill or the Royal Mile.

Locals are reminded to dress warm and check weather conditions before heading up, as the winds can be bracing at the summit in December.

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Xmas Botanics Edinburgh

EventsFood & DrinkMusicNews

Christmas at the Botanics Returns to Light Up Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s most enchanting winter trail is back.

The Royal Botanic Garden once again transforms into a glowing wonderland as Christmas at the Botanics 2025 opens on 20 November, running on selected evenings until 30 December.

Now a firm favourite in the city’s festive calendar, the illuminated trail blends art, light, and music with the garden’s natural beauty.

This year’s route features several new installations, including Night Birds, Heart Arch Walk, and a sweeping Laser Lights Canopy that brings a burst of colour to the treetops.

Visitors can follow a one-way path that takes around 75 to 90 minutes to complete, with plenty of food stalls and photo stops along the way.

A Night of Light and Sound

Each year the event feels a little different, and 2025’s edition leans into nature-inspired design and sustainability. The lighting designers have worked closely with the Garden’s horticultural team to ensure the displays complement the existing landscape rather than overpower it.

Families, couples, and groups of friends drift through shimmering tunnels, past glowing sculptures and mirrored water reflections set to a gentle festive soundtrack. It’s immersive but calm — a perfect antidote to the city centre crowds.

Hot chocolate, mulled wine, and local street-food stands add to the atmosphere, while the towering Cathedral of Light makes a return as one of the most photographed points on the trail.

Plan Your Visit

Christmas at the Botanics operates with timed entry slots, so advance booking is strongly recommended. Doors open from 4.15 pm, with last entry around 8 pm depending on the date. As the trail is entirely outdoors, warm clothing and comfortable shoes are essential.

📍 Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith Row, EH3 5LR
📅 Selected evenings 20 Nov – 30 Dec 2025
🎟️ Book via the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh website

The event draws thousands each winter and consistently sells out — a reminder of how much this illuminated garden has become part of Edinburgh’s modern Christmas tradition.

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North Bridge Renovation Edinburgh

CommunityHistoryNews

Edinburgh’s North Bridge Finally Back in View

After seven years wrapped in scaffolding, one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks is visible again.

The North Bridge has started to re-emerge following a major £85 million restoration — its newly painted steelwork and stone detailing now catching the light once more above Waverley Station.

The bridge has long been the city’s link between the Old and New Towns, carrying traffic and pedestrians between the Royal Mile and Princes Street.

The works, which began back in 2018, proved more complex than expected, uncovering extensive corrosion and hidden structural damage dating back to its Victorian construction.

A Fresh Look for a City Icon

The newly revealed western side now shows off a brighter, cleaner facade with deep red paintwork, restored iron details, and upgraded lighting.

Beneath the surface, engineers have installed a new waterproof deck, improved drainage, and modern monitoring systems to protect it for decades ahead.

While traffic restrictions remain in place, the partial reopening has already transformed the skyline view from Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill.

For residents, it’s a long-awaited sign of progress — and a reminder of the craftsmanship hidden beneath the scaffolding for so long.

Looking Ahead

Work continues on the eastern side and underside of the bridge, with completion expected by summer 2026.

Once fully reopened, the structure will support the city’s north–south tram extension and improve access between key landmarks, including the Edinburgh Playhouse, Waverley Station, and the Royal Mile.

For now, though, Edinburgh gets to enjoy a glimpse of the bridge’s reborn beauty — a symbol of patience, persistence, and the city’s knack for blending old and new.

📍 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1
🚧 Restoration ongoing through 2026

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edinburgh christmas markets

ArtCommunityCultureFood & DrinkNews

Edinburgh’s Christmas 2025 — What’s On & What to Know

Edinburgh’s winter lights are about to flicker back on — and the city centre is gearing up for one of its most magical times of year. From 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, Edinburgh’s Christmas returns, transforming Princes Street Gardens and George Street into a sparkling festive playground for locals and visitors alike.

🎁 What to Expect

If you’ve wandered through the Gardens before, you’ll know the atmosphere: the scent of cinnamon and bratwurst, music drifting from the stalls, and the sound of laughter rising from the Big Wheel.

This year brings:

  • Around 70 market stalls in East Princes Street Gardens packed with handmade gifts, local crafts, and festive food.
  • The LNER Big Wheel and Star Flyer offering unbeatable skyline views.
  • Hot drinks, crepes, waffles, and mulled wine to keep hands and hearts warm.

Entry’s free — though rides and the ice rink are ticketed.

⛸ Ice, Lights & a Dash of Local Magic

Over on George Street, the covered ice rink returns, perfect for all-weather skating. Look out for themed sessions, from relaxed toddler skates to evening sets with music and lights. Afterwards, step into the Polar Ice Bar, where even the glasses are carved from ice.

Locals get a little bonus too — if you’ve got an EH postcode, there’s usually 20% off ride and rink tickets when booked online.

🎠 Family Fun in the West Gardens

West Princes Street Gardens hosts the fairground rides, Santa’s Stories sessions, and a festive maze lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. Younger visitors can drop a wish in the Letter to Santa post box, then hunt for sweet treats among the stalls.

🕙 Opening Hours & Tips

  • Main market: 10 am – 10 pm daily
  • Most stalls and rides are card-only
  • Midweek mornings are quieter if you want space to explore
  • Wrap up warm! The Gardens get breezy once the sun sets

🪄 Why We Love It

There’s something timeless about standing under the Castle lights with a cup of mulled wine in hand. Whether you’re shopping, skating, or just strolling through, Edinburgh’s Christmas has that rare mix of buzz and calm that only this city pulls off.

Bring friends, bring family — or just bring yourself and take it all in.

📍Edinburgh’s Christmas 2025
15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
East Princes Street Gardens | West Princes Street Gardens | George Street

Keep an eye on Edinburgh247 for more local highlights and hidden gems throughout the festive season.

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Promo photo for the Scottish Open snooker tournament at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh

EventsNewsSport

World Snooker Stars Head to Edinburgh for the 2025 Scottish Open

World-class snooker is returning to the capital this December as Edinburgh prepares to host the BetVictor Scottish Open 2025 at Meadowbank Sports Centre.

From 15–21 December, fans can catch some of the biggest names in the sport competing for ranking points and the £80,000 top prize. The tournament forms part of the World Snooker Tour and will be broadcast live on Eurosport throughout the week.

This is the first time the Scottish Open snooker tournament has been staged at Meadowbank since its £47 million redevelopment in 2022 — giving you the chance to experience top-tier snooker in one of Edinburgh’s newest major venues.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now through the official World Snooker Tour site. For venue details and travel info, see our full Scottish Open snooker event listing.

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