Elevate your senses and embark on an exquisite gin journey with a Lind & Lime Gin Gin Masterclass at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill.
Featuring a welcome drink of the classic Gin & Tonic to kick-start your evening, Connie MacDonald, Business Development Senior Executive at Lind and Lime, will entertain you with the rich history and inspiration behind this celebrated spirit.
Indulge in a hands-on cocktail masterclass, where one of our talented mixologists will unveil the secrets to crafting bespoke Lind and Lime cocktails, tailored to tantalize your palate.
Fazenda welcomes you to come with family and friends, whether it might be for a special occasion or a welcomed excuse to gather with those you love. Alternatively, it makes for a great evening with colleagues, to take time away and chat over a drink or two.
Fazenda looks forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening.
For more information on this event, please follow the link: https://rb.gy/9junny or contact Rachel Elliott, Relationships and Events Manager at remedinburgh@fazenda.co.uk
Award-winning housebuilder, Cruden Homes, has announced the release of luxury 1-and-2 bedroom apartments at its popular West Craigs Green development in the heart of west Edinburgh.
Many plots come complete with generous balconies and stunning views over green open space, creating the perfect spot to unwind. Prices in the latest release of apartments range from £220,000 to £293,500, with first completions expected in Autumn 2024.
The new development has seen high levels of demand and the new apartments add to a range of 3 bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses and 4-bedroom townhouses, each with their own private gardens.
The West Craigs area is undergoing exceptional transformation and offers a growing and friendly neighbourhood with an abundance of green space, including the brand-new Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. There are also plans for a new primary school, cafe and health centre, all within walking distance.
Ideally located between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre and benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail and tram stops within close proximity. The Gyle shopping centre offers a range of amenities, including high street shops, a supermarket and eateries, all easily accessible on foot or by car.
Last month, the stunning new ‘Orchid’ show home opened for viewing at the development, offering a modern open-plan living with a large kitchen/dining area at the back of the home, a welcoming lounge, very generously sized master bedroom and a family bathroom.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “West Craigs Green is a thriving community-inspired development in Edinburgh providing the ideal place for buyers who want to live in a scenic location, yet within easy reach of city life.
“Following the enthusiastic response to the first phase of West Craigs Green, our brand new apartment offering only serves to extend the appeal of the development, making it the perfect location for first time buyers, young professionals and those looking to downsize.”
To view or find out more about reserving a property at Cruden Homes’ latest West Craigs Green development, visit https://crudenhomes.homeselector.uk/west-craigs-green or call 0131 600 0095.
The sales & marketing suite and showhome are open Thursday to Monday, 10.30am – 5.30pm.
In April, Queen Margaret University is set to welcome representatives from business, industry and voluntary organisations, along with members of the local community and alumni, to its annual open event to learn about the fascinating range of work that is going on at the University.
People from across Edinburgh and the Lothians are invited to the campus in Musselburgh to find out about a variety of the University’s initiatives and build links with its staff. The event will provide an insight into QMU’s research and innovation work, educational and community engagement initiatives, and its economic impact both locally and internationally.
Visitors can expect an insight into the use of immersive virtual reality to help paramedic students navigate real life emergencies; portable ultrasound technology to help detect swallowing difficulty in acute and community settings, community arts projects, and QMU’s impressive international education partnerships. For those interested in the great outdoors, this will be a chance to tour the newly opened Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail, located in campus grounds, and to hear about QMU’s focus on outdoor learning.
In a brief presentation and Q&A session, those attending will hear directly from the University’s Principal, Sir Paul Grice, and Chair of Court, Pamela Woodburn, who will discuss the institution’s recent developments and ambitions for the future, as well as how QMU’s work makes a difference to people’s lives locally, nationally and globally.
Visitors will be invited to chat to researchers and academic staff at an informal fair in the University’s atrium, where they can learn about research projects and academic work being delivered by the School of Health Sciences and the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management.
Pamela Woodburn, Chair of the University Court, said: “We look forward to welcoming people from across the Lothians. The evening will provide a great way for people involved in the business community, arts and cultural organisations, charitable and third sector organisations, food businesses, healthcare providers and local QMU graduates to find out how Queen Margaret University might benefit their organisation, or them individually. The evening will provide an excellent platform to support informal networking, and to make new connections with visitors and university staff which could be of mutual benefit.”
A presentation, stallholder event, Outdoor Learning Hub tours, virtual reality demo, light refreshments; and networking opportunities will all be part of this friendly, interactive evening event, which will run on 17th April 20124 from 4.30pm – 7pm.
Attendance at QMU’s Annual Open Event titled ‘Local Impact and Global Reach’ is free. Book your place at Eventbrite (QMU’s open event).
Event Timings:
- 30-5.30pm, Registration and opportunity to explore exhibits, speak with University representatives, including Court members, and tour the Outdoor Learning Hub.
- 30-6.10pm – formal presentation
- 10-7pm – exhibition continues, along with tours
- Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available in the atrium tiers along with the informal exhibition.
OPEN EVENT EXHIBITION STALLS 2024
As part of our 2024 open event, there will be an informal exhibition and fair showcasing a range of projects and developments from across the University. See list of stalls.
Tech-enabled, business critical services group, AAB, has been shortlisted for the Best Private Client Tax Practice award, in the coveted UK-wide Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2024.
The Group’s Private Client team are set to attend the glittering awards dinner in London on 16 May. The Awards celebrate exceptional achievements, unwavering commitment to the industry, and groundbreaking contributions to the tax industry
The Private Client (PC) team, which consists of 66 entrepreneurial, highly-skilled advisors from across UK and Ireland has been instrumental in AAB’s organic growth.
Success has been fuelled by record client wins over the past financial year, both in terms of quality and quantity of new clients. The team also grew by an additional 12 people, enhanced by strategic acquisitions, new hires, seamless team integration, and fostering talent from within, ensuring they have the requisite skills and resources to meet demand.
Well-positioned to support clients with innovative value accretive solutions and strategic tax advice, the PC team works with a global portfolio of entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and families, family companies, international private clients, trusts and estates.
A dedicated PC leadership team of 24 supports the multi-disciplinary, cross-jurisdictional teams, excelling at entrepreneurial and cross-border tax planning, International advice, trusts/estates, worldwide/offshore disclosures, asset restructuring and wealth protection.
Utilising their significant levels of tax expertise, the PC team has contributed to both organic growth and service excellence at AAB Group.
Paula Fraser, Head of Private Client, leads the team. She said:
“At AAB we are exceptionally proud of our Private Client team, so being short-listed for the final of the Tolley’s Taxation Awards by a panel of our esteemed industry peers is a truly gratifying experience.
“Our team excels, with an ability to quickly see to the heart of the matter and demonstrate a positive and commercial approach to working up a bespoke solution.
“Progress is driven by our all-in-one client services strategy– combining seamless compliance, proactive tax transformations, innovation, teamwork, strategic partnerships, and technology to maximise client satisfaction. We consistently go above and beyond in devising tax solutions for our clients, capitalising on new technology, harnessing AI, and adapting to the evolving role of tax. Success is measured by how we help clients achieve their goals.
“We are looking forward to celebrating with our fellow finalists at the Tolley Taxation Awards ceremony next month, and wish everyone the best of luck!”
Edinburgh’s new local development plan today received a welcome boost from the Scottish Government.
Edinburgh’s new local development plan today received a welcome boost from the Scottish Government
City Plan 2030 – which sets out the strategy for development, proposals, and policies to shape development and inform planning decisions in the coming years – was subject to a 15 month-long examination by the Scottish Government Reporter.
In the report on the examination, published today, the Reporter supported significant elements of the Plan – including affordable housebuilding targets, mixed used commercial development, and ambitious and sustainable development plans for West Edinburgh.
Planning Convener Cllr James Dalgleish said:
“Our ambitious City Plan 2030 meets the needs of the Capital’s growing population, making better use of land across all neighbourhoods, and supporting our commitment to be net zero by 2030. I welcome the news that the Reporter has recognised and endorsed these ambitions, with only minor changes required to the Plan.
“We want to strengthen communities and make sure that our policies focus on the health and wellbeing of our residents. We want to build sustainable places where people can afford to buy or rent their homes, walk, or wheel to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access public transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.
“Following today’s report, we can move forward with positive changes to our affordable housing policy, with developments now having to include 35% affordable homes. This will help address the housing emergency in Edinburgh. We can also take forward policies on student housing and reducing carbon emissions from new buildings, while our mixed-use approach for commercial developments is also supported.
“We won backing for our plans around creating new sustainable neighbourhoods with a new vision for the west and for sites elsewhere in the city to be transformed into net zero neighbourhoods fit for the 21st Century. This is all consistent with our 20-minute neighbourhood approach as well as directing development to and maximising the use of brownfield land rather than allocating new greenfield housing sites.
“I’d like to thank all those residents, community groups and businesses who contributed to this Plan and acknowledge the hard work of Council officers who’ve spent years preparing this complex submission. The fact that so few changes were made as a result of the Examination is testament to all the dedicated individuals who contributed to this Plan. I’m looking forward to final approval and implementation of City Plan 2030 – contributing to the ongoing success and sustainability of our great Capital City.”
A final version of City Plan 2030 will be considered by the Council’s Planning Committee and Council in June before being submitted to Scottish Ministers as the Plan the Council wants to adopt
The Usher Hall has further cemented its reputation as the Capital’s foremost concert hall with a five-star quality rating from VisitScotland as part of its Quality Assurance Scheme.
The report, compiled during anonymous visits by VisitScotland inspectors, particularly praised the hospitality, friendliness, service, and efficiency of colleagues alongside the general core experience and cleanliness of the venue. This marks fourteen consecutive years of Usher Hall being awarded five-star status by Scotland’s national tourism organisation.
The Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s key venue for visiting national and international orchestras and has been the main venue for the Edinburgh International Festival since 1947. The venue is the Edinburgh home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The Hall is also a centre of excellence embracing the widest range of music and events, including rock, pop, jazz, world, blues, comedy, talks, school concerts, conferences, sponsorship events, ceremonies, lectures and recording sessions. The concert hall is renowned for its acoustics making it one of the finest in Europe.
Since opening in 1914, the Usher Hall has played host to some of the most important cultural icons in world history. From David Bowie to Johnny Cash, Ella Fitzgerald, the Rolling Stones, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Adele and countless more this is a venue that has a central role in Edinburgh’s cultural landscape.
Last year, the Usher Hall welcomed almost 300,000 visitors and this year’s programme is well underway, featuring performances from Underworld, Richard Hawley, Squeeze and many more. Visit the Usher Hall’s website for more information.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:
“We’re very proud that the Usher Hall has once again been recognised as one of the best venues in Scotland. It has held a five-star Visit Scotland award rating each and every year since 2010 and this is testament to the hard work of colleagues who ensure that everyone who visits the Hall has an excellent experience. They have my profound thanks for their dedication and commitment to arts and culture in our city.
“Here in Edinburgh, we’re committed to maintaining the very best cultural facilities for our residents and visitors to enjoy. I’m sure that the Usher Hall will continue to go from strength to strength.
Neil Christison, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said:
“The Usher Hall is an important part of Edinburgh’s musical heritage, and its visitor experience is just as memorable as those icons of music and theatre who have graced its stage. For years, the venue has set a high watermark for customer service in the city. This is down to its dedicated staff who have excelled in ensuring visitors have a fantastic day or night out. By providing an exceptional visitor experience, the Usher Hall is contributing towards our national goal of making Scotland a world-class destination.”
Home buyers who missed out on new homes at a unique and award winning village development in East Lothian will be pleased to hear that a further 102 new properties are now underway by Cruden Homes at Longniddry Village. This exceptional new development carefully blends traditional village design, with all the benefits of modern and flexible living.
East Lothian regularly tops the polls as one of best places to live in the UK. This family-friendly development, nestled in the close-knit village of Longniddry, offers fantastic tranquil scenery, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh’s popular city centre, and a short drive from some of Scotland’s most popular coastal towns and villages. Homeowners also have access to superb amenities, with an abundance of golden beaches, a local primary school, a sports centre and golf clubs located nearby.
Longniddry Village won the prized ‘Development of the Year’ title at the industry-leading Herald Property Awards in late 2023. The highly sustainable development has been praised as ‘one of the best examples of new housing ever seen’, pairing period features and original architecture with the flexibility, function and style demanded for modern living. The overarching vision and approach for Longniddry Village was developed in partnership with landowner Wemyss and March Estates with master developer, Socially Conscious Capital.
Cruden’s second phase of 102 new homes for sale will cater for a range of homeowners, including first time buyers, growing families and downsizers. Together with one- and two-bedroom flats, there will be a range of spacious two, three, four and five-bedroom homes with house types including bungalows, terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “East Lothian is an extremely sought-after area to live and Longniddry Village is the hidden gem in its crown. When home buyers quickly flocked to buy the first phase of new homes here, many missed out, so we are delighted to announce a further 102 homes for sale.
“Longniddry ticks all the boxes for today’s homebuyer with its stunning coastal location, village setting and easy access to the Capital. Longniddry Village is now firmly at the heart of the Longniddry community and we’re delighted to support the area’s growing population with more of these exceptional new properties.”
Prices for the first release of properties will be announced at the Phase 2 sales launch at the end of April, however prospective buyers are encouraged to register their interest now to receive an invitation to an exclusive preview event ahead of the public launch.
https://www.crudengroup.co.uk/homes/developments/longniddry-village-phase-2
SP Energy Networks has issued advice to help customers stay safe in the event of any potential power cuts caused by forecast heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Kathleen over the coming days.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for parts of the UK this weekend, with conditions expected to cause traffic delays and cancellations to transport services, with the potential for power supplies and mobile phone coverage to be affected.
SP Energy Networks works 24/7 to protect network resilience during extreme weather to help reduce the chance of power loss and always responds to any issues as quickly as possible. Even with these preparations, there may be some damage to power lines and fallen trees or flooding which can cause access issues for engineers.
Guy Jefferson, Chief Operating Officer at SP Energy Networks, said: “Due to the potential for damage to our power lines, power cuts become more likely in high winds. It’s important both we and our customers are fully prepared – just in case.
“We’ll have engineers in the areas where we expect Storm Kathleen to have the most impact and our teams are on hand 24/7. The sooner we know about a power cut, the quicker we can get to work to restore supplies, so if you experience a power outage, let us know by calling the free, national emergency helpline on 105.”
SP Energy Networks’ top tips for being prepared are:
- Have the national 105 emergency helpline on hand –it’s best to keep this pinned on the fridge or saved in the contacts on your mobile phone.
- Store a battery or wind-up torch – leave this somewhere you can access easily so you can use the torch to check on the fuse box and make your way around the house safely.
- Beware of fallen power lines –power lines may have fallen because of high winds, so beware of this when venturing out of your home. Do not approach, and call 105 to report a fallen power line
- Keep your mobile charged– having your mobile phone charged means you can call the national 105 emergency helpline. It’s also worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply.
For more information on what to do in the event of a power emergency, visit spenergynetworks.co.uk/powercut.
Accessing finance is becoming more difficult for a large number of SMEs, according to new data from the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit.
Around half (49%) of business surveyed who accessed finance felt that getting funding had become more challenging over the past three years. Only 13% said it was getting easier.
The BCC’s latest survey of business conditions also reveals that most (70%) of the 553 firms surveyed – mainly SMEs – have not accessed finance from an external provider in the past twelve months. Firms with more than 50 employees are more likely to have accessed finance (72%) compared to smaller firms (58%).
As businesses continue to struggle with a series of economic headwinds, the majority of respondents (51%) who sought finance said cash flow was the main reason.
Jonny Haseldine, Policy Manager at the BCC said:
“As small and medium sized firms across the UK continue to deal with ongoing economic pressures – accessing crucial finance is really tough. For many SMEs it’s a hurdle too large to even try and tackle.
“In evidence to the Treasury Select Committee last September, we called for urgent action to help SMEs seeking finance. We need to see measures to improve accessibility to finance, better awareness of alternative funding options, and greater competition in banking options.
“Scaling up businesses in the UK is already challenging. The problems are multiplied for female or minority ethnic led firms. Many business owners are forced to dip into their own savings to grow their companies.
“SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy. Giving firms easier and more competitive access to finance is crucial to getting the economic growth we all want to see.”
Lauriston Castle officially launched it’s 2024 programme this week with a visit from Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker alongside members of the multi-award winning Edinburgh Living History (ELH). Convener Walker rose to the occasion and joined ELH in full Edwardian dress for a tour of Lauriston Castle.
Situated in the Cramond area of the city, this 16th century castle has breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and will play host to an eclectic programme of events over the coming months.
The Lectures series features discussions on everything from whisky to a history of Edinburgh photography.
Under the Adult Crafts Workshops there are sessions on watercolour painting, crocheting and much more.
In the Family Events section there’s everything from ghost tours to workshops on space!
There is also a range of Costumed Performances where visitors can experience reenactments of Edinburgh life from days gone by.
As well as these there are also Themed Tours, Theatre Performances, Atmospheric Film Screenings and Garden Events. We’re also working with partners like Edinburgh International Magic Festival and Edinburgh Horror Festival.
All events are listed on the Museums & Galleries website.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to visit Lauriston Castle this week. Edinburgh Living History and our fantastic Museums & Galleries colleagues were kind enough to welcome me and provide a chance to explore one of our most unique venues.
“In the coming months there’s an excellent range of events taking place as part of the Lauriston Castle 2024 programme. From lectures on circular fashion to the grisly history of anatomy in 19th century Edinburgh all the way through to adult creative workshops and family events there’s truly something for everyone. I’d encourage all our residents and visitors to take advantage of these.”
