On Burns Night, Sunday 25 January, The Palmerston is hosting a kitchen takeover by Bristol-based Korean restaurant, Bokman.   Exclusively for the dinner, Bokman's owners Kyu Jeong Jeon and Duncan Robertson have created a three-course menu, mixing Bokman classics with one-off creations that combine Scottish flavours with Korean culinary heritage, ingredients and techniques.   To start, guests can enjoy oysters with kimchi ice, Bokman salad (Chinese leaf and sesame salad with r

Happy Thoughts Squad has donated 52 ‘confidence-boosting’ boxes to the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal, on behalf of its customers, ensuring vulnerable girls wake up to a meaningful gift on Christmas morning. Each box is designed as a confidence and emotional well-being kit, filled with age-appropriate, screen-free activities that support self-esteem and emotional understanding. Founded in 2025 by former primary teacher, Cheryl Lessels, Happy Thoughts Squad was create

City-centre sports bar, The Black Bull, has been chosen as the official, new away hub for Edinburgh Rugby, until the end of their season, in May 2026.  Rugby fans can expect player appearances and special Q&A events. Also, all Edinburgh Rugby season-ticket holders can enjoy 20 per cent off their total bill at any time, with the team’s fans qualifying for a 20 per cent discount on match days. To help celebrate the new partnership, the chefs at The Black Bull have created a new

Sephra Popcorn, based in Kirkcaldy, has ended the year with a new deal, with Scotmid. The firm’s popcorn is now available in 145 Scotmid stores in Scotland, including 68 in Edinburgh.  Other retailer stockists to date include Morrisons, SPAR, RS McColl and Asda.  All of the 145 Scotmid stores are now stocking flavours such as sticky toffee pudding and gingerbread, in 200g tubs. In 118 of the stores, 140g tubs of both Sephra’s sweet and salty, and its sweet flavour are availab

An Edinburgh-based biologist-turned-entrepreneur has combined ancient fermentation techniques with modern biotechnology to create a non-alcoholic fermented drink, free from artificial sweeteners, flavours or preservatives. Quas Drinks, founded by Dr Anton Puzorjov, produces kvass – a traditional Slavic beverage made from rye and barley. Drawing on his PhD in biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh and supported by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC),

Umbrella Vinyl, a vinyl-only record shop based in Tollcross, has announced that Kai Reesu will be launching the vinyl release of their debut album at the store, on 20 December, at 3pm. Kai Reesu recently won the Scottish album of the year 2025 award, for their album KOMPROMAT vol.i.  The album will be played at the store throughout the day. The band is led by Paul Copeland on keyboard and features vocals from Glasgow-based LA rapper Jurnalist. Fans will have the opportunity t

Edinburgh-based Southside Property Management is celebrating after being voted regional agency of the year (Scotland) at The Negotiator Awards 2025. The Southside team was presented with the trophy at a ceremony at Grosvenor House on Park Lane in London. It proved to be a night to remember for founder John Davidson and his team, whose client base of landlords in the capital continues to grow. Not only did the firm land the regional gold medal, but it also picked up a bronze

The Dome has announced that for the first time, its Burns supper will be held under the iconic dome itself. It expects this to be its biggest celebration of Scotland’s national poet so far. The event, on Sunday 25 January, begins at 7pm, with a red-carpet welcome, including a traditional greeting from a piper. This will be followed by the Burns Night supper, featuring chicken liver parfait; haggis, neeps and tatties; and cranachan, along with a selection of paired drinks in a

Bannatyne health club and spa in Newcraighall has invested in a significant upgrade of its cardio facilities, installing a full suite of new Technogym equipment to enhance member experience and training performance. As part of a £1m investment by the Bannatyne Group, the health club has added nine Technogym Treadmill 5000s and three of the premium Treadmill 7000 models, offering advanced digital training options, improved cushioning and performance tracking. Members now also

Greig Laidlaw, one of Scotland’s most capped rugby internationalists, who captained the national side a record 39 times, has announced two exclusive talks during the upcoming Six Nations campaign. Taking place at Bonnie & Wild, Greig’s talks will include insights from his distinguished career, followed by a Q&A session with guests who will be invited to quiz him on the current Six Nations campaign, as well as Scotland’s hopes in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Greig recently return

Housebuilder, Dandara Scotland, has made two festive donations, in the form of a £500 contribution to East Lothian Foodbank and sponsorship of five Christmas lights in Wallyford. The team visited East Lothian Foodbank to present the cheque and meet volunteers who provide vital support to households across the region. Need for emergency food support remains high and the donation will help the charity replenish essential supplies during its busiest time of year. Aimee Bryson, o

The Edinburgh Boiler Company (EBC) is targeting growth by acquisition as it prepares for its next stage of expansion. The firm is on track to post a record turnover of £10m for its latest set of accounts with a successful transition into renewables underpinning another strong financial performance. However, rather than relax after what will be record growth for the third year running, its leadership team is already laying ambitious foundations for the coming 12 months – and a

Luxury floating hotel, Fingal has retained its two AA rosettes for culinary excellence for the fourth year running. Head chef Pedro Barreira, and restaurant chef, Andrea Sendon Alonso, are the driving force behind Fingal's award-winning Lighthouse Restaurant and its galley team of 14 hospitality professionals.  Franck Bruyère, chief executive of Fingal and The Royal Yacht Britannia, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to keep our two AA rosettes – it’s a huge recognition of the

Lloyds Banking Group has announced the appointment of Peter Fitzgerald as chief investment officer, succeeding Kevin Doran, who will leave the group early next year after a successful tenure shaping its investment proposition. In his new role, Peter will oversee investment strategy and fund management across Scottish Widows and the recently acquired Schroders Personal Wealth business, supporting the group’s ambition to deliver market-leading solutions for customers. Peter joi

Research from Standard Life UK has found that UK adults are prioritising holidays over pensions.   While the survey of 6000 people found that managing day-to-day finances was their main concern (cited by 40 per cent), this was followed by saving for holidays (31 per cent). Just 15 per cent said that contributing to their pension is one of their top financial priorities. Almost a third (28 per cent) said they prefer to live for today rather than plan for the future. Nearly hal

Research by property firm Rettie has revealed a ‘rising tide’ of house prices in Scotland’s coastal towns, with almost half of the country’s top 20 most expensive areas located in coastal communities.    The average house price in Scotland’s coastal towns in 2025 is £325,000, compared to a national average of £230,000.   The top 10 Scottish coastal towns by average house price are Elie and Earlsferry (£571,777), Gullane (£522,176), Longniddry (£485,349), St Andrews (£458,733)

The next annual British Business Awards ceremony will take place on 30 April 2026, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The aim is to again raise a minimum of £1m for Edinburgh homelessness charity, Social Bite.  The 2025 awards featured a performance from Sting and keynote speech from Sir Bob Geldof. The next event will include a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney. He will attend both the awards ce

Heritage Portfolio, part of Sodexo Live! has announced the extension of its partnership with The Signet Library, for a further 12 years. The partnership has been in place for more than 25 years to date. The new contract includes investment from Heritage Portfolio to enhance the historic building. The upgrades include the installation of a new lift, which will provide step-free access to the building's Upper Library event space for the first time. Work will begin in spring 202

Cold Town Beer has released a limited-edition craft ale – the ‘Barrel Aged Imperial Stout’, which is aged in Speyside whisky casks. Fewer than 1000 cans are available, online and through independent Scottish retailers, up till 19 December, while stocks last.  Ian Kennedy, head of production said: “Only a small number of dedicated beer lovers will get the chance to taste this one-of-a-kind release this Christmas. “We’re incredibly proud of what it represents, as part of our on

Chef, Roberta Hall McCarron and Shaun McCarron, of Ardfern, The Little Chartroom and Eleanore restaurants have launched Ardfern Provisions, a product range of sauces and pantry staples. Inspired by the flavours and home comforts of Ardfern restaurant, the range has begun this month, with two sauces:  nori hot sauce and brown sauce, in 240ml bottles, priced at £7.50 per bottle. Paired with oysters across the restaurants and used in the Ardfern Bloody Mary, the nori hot sauce c