Want to get married at Edinburgh Castle?

Edinburgh Castle to host Wedding Open Weekend

Are you searching for the ultimate romantic venue to hold your wedding? Then look no further, as Edinburgh Castle is hosting a wedding open weekend on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February from 11:00 to 4:00 pm.

Couples are asked to register in advance on hs.weddings@scotland.gsi.gov.uk indicating which day they would like to attend.

There will be discount booking offers and incentives on the day and our on-site event managers will be on hand to answer any questions.

When couples arrive they will register in the Gatehouse Suite and will be given a map to follow with the suggested route around the various venues. The Gatehouse Suite will be the first stop on the tour and its main room will be set for a ceremony. All the areas where ceremonies and receptions take place will be set up so people can see exactly what the different venues would look like on the day.

Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle said:

“With its fascinating history, unique setting and panoramic views across the city, Edinburgh Castle is the ultimate romantic and memorable setting for your special day.

“If you are looking for the perfect place to propose, our Proposal Package offers you exclusive access to the historic Argyle Tower, the upper part of the Portcullis Gate within Edinburgh Castle, with its beautiful window alcoves and views over the city and beyond.”

St Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest venue, dating back to the 12th century. It is the oldest building in Edinburgh and is available for small, intimate, religious wedding ceremonies. It has a capacity for 25 guests.

The 19th century Gatehouse Suite, offers an ideal venue for small wedding ceremonies, whilst the adjoining Ante Room is perfect for drinks and canapés. Access is also available to a private terrace. It has a capacity for 40 guests.

The recently refurbished Queen Anne Room is set in the heart of Edinburgh Castle in Crown Square. It has a capacity for 120 guests (seated) and up to 170 guests for dancing. There will also be a photographer and florist here to advise you. A private viewing of Scotland’s Crown Jewels can also be included.

If you are interested in the Proposal Package you can either purchase your entry tickets on-line in advance from the Edinburgh Castle website or in person on the day from the ticket office.

Historic Scotland who run the castle will then work closely with you in the run up to the day itself to formulate the all important plan, and confirm the exact timings etc for the use of the Tower during your visit. You can also order champagne and flowers from our menu to be waiting for you there. The historic Argyle Tower, the upper part of the Portcullis Gate will be closed for your private use for a period of 30 minutes.

 

SNP call for devolution of broadcasting powers

The SNP has reissued calls for Scotland to have broadcasting powers after the BBC’s national governor for Scotland.said the country was poorly served by the corporation.

Quoted in the Scotsman, former head of BBC Jeremy Peat said the “case for more and more production out of London remains and the pressure for increased devolution of programming must continue”.

He also said viewers north of the Border should be offered an alternative to “England-only stories”.

Stewart Maxwell, SNP MSP for West Scotland and convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee which has invited senior BBC executives to appear before the committee to give evidence on broadcasting, said:

“There is a clear need – and growing support – for broadcasting powers to be devolved. It is of vital cultural importance to Scotland.

“The UK Government must listen to these voices – especially when the former head of the BBC in Scotland says our country is poorly served at the moment and that he backs devolution of powers.

“Those on all sides of the political divide in Scotland acknowledge we need our own distinctive broadcasting space.

“We need a stronger voice and greater accountability – especially during this historic time when Scotland’s constitutional future is being debated.

“Current broadcasting arrangements are not meeting the needs of the people of Scotland and it is time for this to change. Westminster must take notice of the growing demand for Scotland to be accountable for broadcasting.”

Restaurant Review – The Sun Inn

The Sun Inn – out of town but well worth the trip

The Sun Inn is yet another restaurant that had already set the bar high before our visit. A number of our friends had said it was marvellous and it had also won Scottish Gastro Pub of the year in 2011. Though it took us 20 mins to get there we had an inkling we wouldn’t be disappointed – and it is in the perfect location if you are heading out of Edinburgh on the A7.

The Sun Inn had a warm country pub feel, but looking at the beautifully presented food on the way to our table we knew this was more a gourmet experience than a slap dash supper at the local pub.

The menu read amazingly well with a mighty selection of interesting dishes from a Monkfish Scampi Caesar salad to Duck Breast, poached pears and Cashew mash. Celia, my companion and fellow taster for the evening, started with a delightfully light Mushroom Pithivier. I opted for some big juicy scallops; cooked perfectly and served on black pudding with some very tasty cauliflower cheese puree (Celia and I agreed the puree would even be delicious with a Sunday roast!)

For the main course the very attentive and charming waitresses delivered us a smoked haddock and leek gratin (I am reliably informed was delicious) and Lamb rump. Now this wasn’t any normal Lamb rump, as it also came complete with a lamb shoulder suet pudding! Suet pudding, if I am honest, is not something I eat regularly, but bulging with tender lamb shoulder, I am desperate to have it again!

Finally, after nipping upstairs to have a look at their very chic boutique hotel style bedrooms (complete with super-cool brass free-standing bath), we were ready for our pudding. Celia went for a berry medley of The Sun Inn home made ice cream, and I opted for the much more indulgent Rhubarb trifle. The trifle was stunningly presented in a glass jar with rhubarb sorbet, white chocolate mouse and mouth melting meringue.

All in all this was a delicious meal, tantalising our taste buds at every turn. The dishes were as interesting as they were appetising, and though this is perhaps not the cheapest of establishments it is in my view worth every penny. That said, they offer an array of early evening and Sunday menus which are cheaper, whilst not compromising on quality.

 

The Sun Inn  Lothianbridge, Dalkeith   0131 663 2456

The Reporter Food reviewer, Holly Jones, is a partner in The Lifestyle Company Scotland  You can follow the company and their lifestyle tips on Twitter

Valentine’s Day treats at Cuckoo’s

Sugarcraft Roses are red….
Sugarcraft Violets are blue….

Cuckoo’s Bakery launch their luxurious range of Valentine’s Day treats

Flowers and chocolate are so passé! Show how much you love your sweetheart with six exquisite cupcakes delivered to their door, fresh from Cuckoo’s Bakery. Each cupcake represents a different romantic moment, from the tender to the passionate, which St Valentine himself would swoon over!

Show your softer side with “Truffle Cuddle” – A lovable chocolate sponge cupcake filled with homemade chocolate ganache, and topped with a teddy.

Give them an edible kiss with “Cherry Velvet Lips” – A romantic take on the cupcake classic, Red Velvet laced with cherries and decorated with a cherry red chocolate pout.

“Raspberry Passion” will make their taste buds tingle! – An exotic passion fruit and raspberry cupcake with a passion fruit sunset frosting.

“Toffee Sweetheart” is as timeless as your love story – Cuckoo’s have adapted the classically British sticky toffee pudding, for a deliciously moreish cupcake.

Heaven is “Coconut Love Cloud” – a fluffy coconut cupcake filled with homemade coconut custard and topped with a cloud of coconut cream cheese frosting, crushed meringue and pink heart sprinkles.

Spoil them with the luxurious “Strawberry and Pink Champagne” cupcake, complete with pink buttercream icing and a fresh strawberry.

Cuckoo’s will bake these cupcake fresh for you, before placing them in a box decorated with red ribbon, complete with a Valentine’s day card – all for £17.50. Now you have the perfect Valentine’s gift sorted, all you have to do is decide whether to sign your name on the card, or simply a mysterious “?”…

Cuckoo’s Bakery
150 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5DQ
t: 0131 556 6224 / e: hello@cuckoosbakery.co.uk
www.cuckoosbakery.co.uk

 

 

Restaurant Review – Kanpai

A real hidden Gem for Sushi Lovers

I like my sushi. I have eaten it for years, since holidaying in Japan about 13 years ago. That said, I have only recently started to understand the intricacies of the art of Sushi, and when asked to review Kanpai, which I had heard such brilliant things about, I knew I needed to take a die hard Sushi enthusiast with me.

I found that enthusiast in the form of my business partner, Lucie. I knew that Lucie would embrace the task, and although I am an adventurous foodie, Lucie is far superior in her choices.

Kanpai on Grindlay Street is a real hidden gem, and a perfect spot for a smart lunch, dinner or for those of you who just fancy some deliciously made and beautifully presented food. The restaurant is sleek and spotless, with an open kitchen where you can watch the sushi chefs make up their delicacies – an art in itself!

Lucie and I started off with some meat dumplings which I thought to be a bit of a sell-out at such an amazing sushi establishment, but I highly recommend these tasty little morsels as did our kind and helpful waitress.

Then arrived light tuna sashimi with a Miso dressing (so yummy I could have eaten it from a spoon). Next we had  seaweed (one of my favourite staples at Japanese restaurants) and some of the largest tempura prawns I have ever seen and the tempura was one of the lightest I have encountered.

Next was the real pièce de résistance, something that, if I had not been with my trusty foodie Lucie, I would never have ordered – Aubergine in a sweet Miso Sauce. This is a dish so delicious it is making my mouth water even now. To anyone planning a trip to Kanpai I beg you to try it (even if you don’t like Aubergine).

To finish off we ordered dragon rolls with chicken and avocado which were lovely, and soft crab rolls – a real treat and not often seen on a menu. These were scrumptious and I shall definitely be ordering them again.

Pricewise, good sushi is never cheap, but the portions you get are big enough to fill you up, so the price is totally qualified by both quality and quantity. In short, I cannot recommend this little gem highly enough and whether you work rest or play that end of town, Kanpai is a must for any food lover.

Kanpai 8-10 Grindlay Street T 0131 228 1602

The Reporter Food reviewer, Holly Jones, is a partner in The Lifestyle Company Scotland  You can follow the company and their lifestyle tips on Twitter

Valentine’s Day – Mussel Inn

 

 

As the dish traditionally known as ‘the food of love’, and enjoying a reputation as a potent aphrodisiac, oysters will feature as specials at award-winning Scottish seafood restaurant Mussel Inn this Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

Yet, whilst chilled oysters served naturally or with shallot and red wine vinaigrette remains the most popular option on its menu, Mussel Inn has noticed a growing trend in popularity of grilled oysters – and even oyster tempura.

 

 

 

Matt Johansson, food and beverage manager at Mussel Inn, said: “According to Greek myth, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, sprang forth from the sea on an oyster shell and gave birth to Eros, which is where word ‘aphrodisiac’ derives, and legendary lover Casanova always started a meal by eating 12 dozen oysters. That’s why we’re sure that our oysters will prove popular options on our menu this Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

“Yet whilst I personally love them naturally with a sprinkle of lemon juice – they are so fresh that you can taste the sea water – our grilled oysters with gruyere cheese and bacon are amongst the most popular dishes on our menu. For novices I would recommend the oyster tempura, which has a delicious crispy outing and lends the oyster an appealing, velvety texture.

 

 

 

“Carefully nurtured in the sea lochs of the Scottish west coast, our hand selected and sustainably cultivated oysters grow more slowly then those from warmer waters, providing a richness and depth of taste that we believe is unique.”

 

 

 

Located at 61-65 Rose Street, Edinburgh and 157 Hope Street, Glasgow, the award-winning Mussel Inn is renowned for its passion for its offering of delicious locally sourced fresh seafood, providing excellent value for money and a quick and friendly service.

 

 

 

To book a table call 0131 225 5979 or 0141 572 1405 or log onto their website for more information.

 

 

 

 

Ideas for Valentine’s weekend

If you’re looking for a special way to spoil your loved one, why not treat them to a Valentine’s break with the Town House Collection.  This year, the luxury hotel group has teamed up with Trees 4 Scotland to create a romantic break with a difference – offering guests the chance to help restore Scotland’s native woodlands.

 

Each time a couple books a ‘Seeds of Love’ Valentine’s breaks at The Bonham – Edinburgh’s most stylish boutique hotel – or the 5-star Blythswood Square in Glasgow, a tree will be planted in the Teaghlach Wood, near Comrie in the Scottish Highlands.

 

The ‘Seeds of Love’ break offers the chance for an unforgettable night in a uniquely beautiful setting.  But your love will be reflected in a legacy that lasts much longer, as your small piece of Scotland’s natural heritage grows for years to come.  There’s no better way to demonstrate your everlasting love.

 

The romantic Seeds of Love break includes

-          Luxury accommodation in an individually designed bedroom

-          Bottle of Champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries in your room on arrival

-          Rose petal in-room breakfast with a glass of Bucks Fizz

-          Use of the Thermal Experience in the Spa (Blythswood Square only)

 

The Seeds of Love break at Blythswood Square is priced from £243 per room per night, based on two adults sharing a Classic bedroom from the 10^th – 19^th February.

 

The Seeds of Love break at The Bonham is priced from £188 per room per night, based on two adults sharing a double bedroom from the 10^th – 19^th February
For further information visit www.thetownhousecollection.com

 

Ah har, Me Lads & Lasses! It’s Swallows & Amazons Time

Outside The Festival Theatre yesterday, a chilly February frost soon melted to the warming chirps and trills of excited pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School, Penicuik.

Eager eyes sparkling in brilliant sunshine were looking forward to a midweek matinee performance of  the Bristol Old  Vic’s musical stage adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s age of innocence, ‘messing about in boats’ childhood adventure, ‘Swallows And Amazons’.

And a pre-performance treat was also on offer with a hands-on workshop led by Staff Director, Cressida Brown. Pupils were able to share interpretations of storm-tossed ships in group soundscapes and mimes beneath the very proscenium arch where the show was soon to commence.

Speaking to The Edinburgh Reporter shortly before the performance, Headteacher and visit organiser, Mary Durkacz, praised both The Festival Theatre and Bristol Vic’s determination to make this an unforgettable day for pupils and staff (all on their very best behaviour of course! ER).

And Headteacher’s final report? ‘This was a charming, imaginative and refreshing production. It held the children completely spellbound and brought many adults fond reminiscences of lakeside summers they have only had in their imaginations. Full praise then to Tom Morris’ deft direction of Helen Edmunson’s sympathetic and evocative adaptation.’

The show runs until February 4th and is a delightfully witty celebration of a magical story enhanced  by  ingenious mechanical effects and mind-boggling mime. All aboard me hearties!

Edinburgh Jobs – Edinburgh Festival Fringe

 

 

There are a few jobs advertised today with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Although the Fringe only lasts for three weeks or so in the summer some of the jobs are for about six months.

Here is what they are advertising:-

 

• Media Manager (Temporary)
  The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is seeking to appoint a temporary Media Manager who will be responsible for the day to day running of the Fringe Society media office (participant support and media services including ticket issuing) while supporting the head of external affairs with any Fringe Society related PR. This is a temporary role for approximately six months.
• Programme Production Assistant (Temporary) x 5
  The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is seeking to appoint five temporary programme production assistants to assist the publications managers and programme coordinator in the registration of all Fringe shows for the 2012 festival, supporting participants and trouble-shooting any problems, as well as proofing and editing content for the Fringe Programme and edfringe.com.
• Programme Artworker (Temporary)
  The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is seeking to appoint a temporary programme artworker to assist in the typesetting of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe Programme as well as the production of in-house advertisements, posters and other materials.
• Fringe Venue – Gilded Balloon – Box Office Manager
  The Gilded Balloon is looking for a Box Office Manager from Spring 2012 – Autumn 2012.

 

More tickets for pandas on sale now

Edinburgh Zoo has now released giant panda viewing tickets for sale up to 18 March 2012.

Over 70,000 people have seen Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine) since they went on public display just before Christmas, with Edinburgh Zoo seeing almost a 200% increase in visitor numbers compared with the same period 12 months earlier.  On average this is a three to four times increase in people through the door, however over the Christmas period some days saw an amazing surge of almost eight times the figures.

Almost a staggering 9,000 cuddly toy pandas ranging from £3 to £40 have been bought by visitors as mementos of their visit over the last seven weeks. That’s over 1,000 cuddly toys per week!

Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Zoo, said:

“We’re delighted to announce that tickets to see our giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang have now gone on sale until the 18^th March.  Advance bookings have started flooding in already.  We’ve been fully booked almost every day so far and expect the popularity of Tian Tian and Yang Guang to continue.

“Visitors’ faces have been amazing, both young and old.  For the vast majority of people this is the first chance they’ve had in their lifetime to cast their eyes on a giant panda.  As well as being incredibly endangered and rarely seen outside China, they are an extremely cute and anthropomorphic animal.  People are often amazed to see for themselves that pandas are quite happy to make eye contact and our visitors can learn lots of interesting facts from our panda patrols – like pandas eat a third of their body weight in food every day and the male pandas do their own version of a hand stand to scent mark their territory.  It’s all very exciting stuff and the RZSS is honoured to be able to bring and share giant pandas with the people of Scotland, the UK and beyond.”

A great way to spend the mid-term holidays, book panda tickets now online at www.edinburghzoo.org.uk to avoid disappointment.

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