What do you do with an old bandstand?
Plus: Ice warning for the Capital; and Labour's grip on the city loosens a little
‘Loosening straitjacket’ on Princes St Gardens shows is put to public
You would be forgiven for thinking the question of what should happen at a bandstand has an obvious answer, but when it involves activity inside Princes St Gardens nothing is ever straightforward.
The city council has launched a consultation on what should - and should not - be allowed at the ageing Ross Bandstand and in the surrounding, world-famous Gardens.
The council is considering an easing of the tight restrictions put in place pre-pandemic, which limit events to just two a year outside of the Christmas Markets and summer festivals.
A major event in May and a Festivals Stage to accommodate professional and community performances during August are among the ideas being tested with the public.
‘Tourism battle’: The current rules on major events in the Gardens, described by some within the council as a “straitjacket”, were put in place at the height of the debate about so-called ‘over-tourism’ in the city. That saw the popular Summer Sessions concerts, featuring stars such as Florence and the Machine, The 1975 and Tom Jones, move out to the Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston.
‘Low impact’ events: The rule changes would not see a return of such big name gigs, but instead lower key shows and cultural events. That could include up to eight weeks of smaller performances and community events across the summer.
What about the ‘crumbling’ bandstand? Discussions are continuing separately about ways to modernise the ageing bandstand which dates back to 1935 and is showing its age. Music has been performed on the site since at least 1877 when the original Ross Bandstand was built.
‘Important green space’: Council leader Cammy Day says: “As an important green space in the city, there are many perspectives to consider, especially concerning the variety of events in the Gardens. That’s why it’s essential for us to gather input from as many people as possible.”
YOUR EDINBURGH BRIEFING
TIME TO WRAP UP: The Met Office is warning temperatures are likely to fall as low as -4C later this week as the Capital gets its first blast of wintery weather.
‘LAWLESS’ ROYAL MILE: Shop owners owners on the Royal Mile have shared shocking CCTV images with the BBC showing thieves brazenly helping themselves to cashmere scarves and smashing windows at night to grab stock. Police Scotland says a dedicated team is working with the businesses affected and investigating every incident. However, the Federation of Small Businesses says most stores say officers don’t attend the premises when they report shoplifting.
GOOD DAY, BAD DAY: The city’s Liberal Democrats were celebrating after their candidate Louise Spence was the surprise winner of the council by-election in Colinton/Fairmilehead. Labour had held the seat until the Capital’s transport convener Scott Arthur quit to focus on being the newly-elected MP for Edinburgh South-West. The result means council leader Cammy Day is now running the local authority with just 11 Labour councillors out of 63, relying on the support of the cock-a-hoop Lib Dems (14 councillors) and the Conservatives (9).
MARY KING OF SCOTS? The title role in Mary, Queen of Scots could be taken by a male ballerina when a new full-length performance by Scottish Ballet debuts at next year’s Edinburgh International Festival. The production promises “fluid casting [and] characters … played by men and women, irrespective of who the historical character is”, but further details are yet to be confirmed. The theme of next year’s Festival will be The Truth We Seek. Among other highlights announced at the early programme launch were a reworking of the 18th century opera Orpheus and Eurydice and new performances by modern Australian circus company Circa.
KING CUT SHORT: Indie music star King Creosote was forced to abandon his set after around an hour after being beset by sound problems at the Usher Hall. Creosote - aka Kenny Anderson - wandered around the venue playing acoustically to the delight of fans. The venue has apologised for the technical problems and is working to reschedule the show.
AIRPORT JOBS THREAT: Management at Edinburgh Airport have hit out at plans which could see 16 members of staff in an airport lounge lose their jobs. New operators Cavu told staff in one of the Aspire lounges that they were at risk of redundancy as plans are progressed to rebrand. Unions are considering action, and The Scotsman reported management as saying: “We have since firmly raised our concerns with Cavu directly. This approach is not something we would condone as a business and we would strongly encourage both parties to discuss this to reach a solution and protect jobs."
POLLUTION PROBE: The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) is investigating after hundreds of fish were found dead in Linlithgow Loch. The loch which lies beside historic Linlithgow Palace is home to roach and trout among other species. The investigation will seek to confirm whether or not the deaths are the result of pollution from the nearby Kingsfield estate.
PITCHED OUT: Several national sports governing bodies are looking for new homes as SportScotland closes its Edinburgh office, Caledonia House, at South Gyle. Athletics, gymnastics and basketball administrators are among those affected. , to find new homes. The offices, which SportScotland say need a “significant level of investment”, are on sale for £800,000.
DAYDREAM BELIEVERS: Edinburgh-based education innovators Daydream Believers has received a £146,000 grant to deliver projects focused on innovation, creativity and curiosity as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to improve entrepreneurial education. Daydream Believers has worked with 27 local authorities, 95 schools and reached over 6,000 pupils, and also launched the first Creative Thinking Qualification in Scotland with nearly 1,000 studPents signing up this year.
THE BUSINESS
Edinburgh flagship for Chinese car brands
Scottish car dealer Peoples is to expand from its exclusivity arrangement with Ford to take on brands from China – including its flagship Edinburgh showroom. The company will now represent Chinese brands BYD, focused on electric cars, and OMODA/JAECOO which build “affordable, premium SUVs” alongside Ford models such as Puma, Ranger and the new all-electric Ford Capri.
Chairman and founder Brian Gilda said: “This is an exciting new era for Peoples as we introduce new global brands. Change, or becoming different, is fundamental to our wellbeing and long-term success, and we are excited by the growth opportunities our new Chinese partnerships will bring.”
The announcement came as the company announced a fall of almost 33% in pre-tax profits for the year to the end of July, with revenue down almost 8%. Mr Gilda stressed the results were broadly in line with the rest of the industry, with falling used car sales and a reduction in models being offered.
He said Edinburgh will offer Ford cars and commercial vehicles as well as OMODA/JAECOO and there are plans to invest in a dedicated, flagship showroom to showcase the brand in the capital city, with the new brands coming onstream in the first half of next year.
LEGAL SUPPORT IN SPACE: Law firm Burges Salmon is to provide financial and in-kind support for Scotland’s growing £4 billion space sector. The firm is Space Scotland’s first corporate sponsor in a new partnership that will see it work in collaboration with Space Scotland and other industry and academic bodies to “position Scotland as one of the wider UK leaders for space developments and as a world-class hub for space innovation.”
CITY JOBS LOST: Around 150 jobs in Edinburgh are to go when H&M closes its Edinburgh call centre by the end of the year. The lease on the building at Waverley Gate is due to expire in March, but operations will cease before then. The company, which has been consulting with workers for several weeks, has blamed increased competition, operational costs and changing consumer behaviour for the decision.
OVERSEAS TRADE GRANT: Export Support Grants of up to £2,000 are available from City of Edinburgh Council to support local, Scottish registered businesses of any size grow their overseas trading, supporting local employment and investment. Funded through The UK Shared Prosperity Fund and City of Edinburgh Council, this grant aims to help local businesses meet the needs of new or existing international markets. For full scheme guidance and an application form, please email bglothian@bgateway.com
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
PUPPY LOVE: One of those shows which the term classic caper was made for, 101 Dalmations comes to the Playhouse from tomorrow until Saturday. Former Steps singer Faye Tozer vamps it up as Cruella De Vil in this family musical.
GET THE BUGG: A little rockier perhaps than in the past, but that’s no bad thing, Mercury-nominated singer-songwriter Jake Bugg brings his tour marking his new album A Modern Day Distraction to the Edinburgh O2 Academy on Sunday.
STITCHED UP: Dovecot Studios have teamed up with the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the country’s rich and beautiful history of textile art. Stitched: Scotland’s Embroidered Art showcases embroidered art from Scotland’s stately homes until 18 January.
QUICK BITES
ONDINE MOVING: Seafood restaurant Ondine, one of Edinburgh’s most lauded eateries, is to close its existing premises on George IV Bridge at the end of this year. The Michelin recommended restaurant has said it will announce new premises in the city centre “very soon” and has also announced that it is to open a new restaurant in St Andrews - Ondine Oyster & Grill in Seaton House - in spring next year.
RECORD PLANS: A former record shop in Newington is set to become a new Japanese restaurant called Yakiniku. A planning application has been lodged for the premises at 62 South Clerk Street to create a 24 cover venue.