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Edinburgh

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What's on in Edinburgh

Jan/Feb/Mar

Two new attractions are sure to have visitors flocking to Edinburgh in the New Year. Firstly, there are giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang (or Sweetie and Sunshine), who made world news with their arrival at Edinburgh Zoo in December. Pre-booking is essential to see the happy couple revelling in their purpose-built enclosure with an endless supply of bamboo, carrots and panda cake (a mix of corn, rice and soya bean). The pair are not even fazed by the Scottish weather, which is not dissimilar to conditions at home in Wolong, China. The pair will be separated until February, when it is hoped they will mate and help keep the seriously endangered species in existence.

An entirely different attraction is also drawing the crowds. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery has reopened to the public for the first time in two years following a dramatic £17.6m transformation. The magnificent Arts and Crafts building is no longer an austere, dark hall, but is light and accessible, with 60 per cent more space, a new photography gallery and rooms themed under such subjects as Pioneers of Science and Migration Stories.

Save The Last Dance For Me

30 January - 4 February

From the team who brought us Dreamboats and Petticoats, this feel-good musical revels in the music of the 1960s, with a story that sees two teenage sisters going on holiday in a traditional seaside town and meeting a handsome American airman.

edinburghplayhouse.org.uk

Fascinating Mummies

11 February - 27 May

Incorporating treasures from the world-famous Egyptology collections of the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, together with the Museum of Scotland’s own scientific offerings—including a CT scan of a mummy—this exhibition gives amazing new insights into the Ancient Egyptians’ belief in the afterlife.

nms.ac.uk

Edinburgh International Science Festival

30 March - 15 April

An action-packed fortnight brings science onto the streets and into the city’s top cultural and academic venues, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the wonder of the world around them. A full programme is available in February.

sciencefestival.co.uk

5 things to see and do in Edinburgh

The Royal Scottish Academy

Housed in William Henry Playfair’s magnificent landmark building on the Mound, the contemporary art gallery runs regular exhibitions - The Art of Sylvia Wishart RSA is on until 29 February—and permanently shows key works from Academicians dating from 1780 to the present.
The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse

The major exhibition Treasures from The Queen’s Palaces (16 March-16 September) brings together some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. Highlights include paintings by Rembrandt, Canaletto and Monet, drawings by Leonardo and Michelangelo and Imperial Easter Eggs by Fabergé.
Greyfriars Tolbooth and Highland Kirk

This active church is a landmark building in the heart of Edinburgh and famous for, among other things, the story of Greyfriars Bobby, a little dog who waited loyally by his master’s grave for years. A visitor centre contains a museum full of historical information and interesting artefacts relating to the church’s history.
Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

Escape to the hothouse warmth of an indoor rainforest, teeming with butterflies, and insect and reptile houses where you can see leaf cutter ants in action, glowing scorpion displays, handle snakes, tarantulas and millipedes. Also experience a tropical rainstorm and feed the fish.
Our Dynamic Earth

This popular attraction takes visitors on a journey through the earth’s past, present and future, using interactive exhibits and impressive technology, including an exciting 4D experience. Expect to come face-to-face with a dinosaur, feel the sticky heat of a tropical rainforest or fly over glaciers in prehistoric Scotland.

Near the station

Lady JoJo’s Boutique, 11 West Port, 22 Grassmarket, EH1 2JA

Vintage Hollywood glamour, in the form of leopard-print circle dresses, satin pencil skirts and corsets, is available at this boutique in the heart of the Old Town, which specialises in garments from the 1950s and ‘60s and by vintage-inspired designers. Image courtesy of Cristina Carra Caso photography

One World Shop, St John’s Church, Princes Street, EH2 4BJ

Scotland’s biggest Fair Trade outlet enjoys an attractive location on the leafy terrace of St John’s Church, with views across Princes Street Gardens. Buy handmade crafts, textiles, jewellery, furniture, clothing, stationery and more.

Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row, EH7 4AA

Called the “deli from heaven” by epicure Lloyd Grossman, Scotland’s oldest delicatessen and Italian wine merchants stocks its own-baked bread, great cheeses, salamis and meats, oils and vinegars, port and dessert wines, cakes and coffee.

Castle Terrace Restaurant, 33-35 Castle Terrace, EH1 2EL

The restaurant, which earned a Michelin Star in 2011, aims to represent Scotland’s finest produce. Chef Patron Dominic Jack’s innovative menus include saddle of roe deer from Saltoun Estate with quince tatin, and poached pears in hibiscus.

Lebowskis, 18 Morrison Street, EH3 8BJ

Named after the main character in the Coen Brothers’ cult film, Lebowskis serves hearty, seasonal food such as Scottish ale pie and macaroni and cheese, and “Scottish tapas” which, described as a culinary romp around Scotland, include regional meats, smoked fish or artisan cheeses accompanied by breads and olives.

Ignite, 272-274 Morrison Street, EH3 8BT

A stylish, modern restaurant specialising in Bangladesh and North Indian cuisine. Classic curries such as madras and vindaloo are prepared with Ignite’s special light, fresh touch and recommended side dishes are helpfully suggested alongside each main.

Skybar at The Point Hotel, 34 Bread Street, EH3 9AF

Stunning panoramic views of the city are the main attraction at this stylish bar, which is open to the public on the last Thursday of every month. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame magnificent vistas of Edinburgh Castle; live jazz is usually on offer.

The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street

An award-winning bar and restaurant with elegant leather booths and arched windows that serves a vast selection of speciality rums, tequilas and cocktails and offers a vibrant entertainment programme—live music, cabaret, exhibitions and screenings.

Ghillie Dhu, 2 Rutland Place, EH1 2AD

To experience a traditional Scottish pub, look no further than Ghillie Dhu, which serves the finest ales—including its own cask-conditioned craft beer; food such as venison stew, game pie and haggis, and spectacular live entertainment.

People’s Story Museum, 163 Canongate, Royal Mile

Housed in the Canongate Tolbooth, this free museum explores the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people at work and at play from the late 18th-century onwards. Displays include a bookbinder’s workshop, a wartime kitchen and a former jail.

Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street, EH1 1DF

The aim of this world-class gallery is to make contemporary art accessible to all, without compromising the art or underestimating audiences. Enjoy thought-provoking pieces by both Scottish and international artists, then relax in the bookshop and café.

Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, EH8 8DD

A magnificent maze of historic rooms crammed with key objects brings the capital’s cultural and political past to life, with exhibits ranging from decorative art and pottery to historic documents and the dog collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby.