New artisan cheese store, The Big Cheese, on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, opened its doors on 1 August, reporting an enthusiastic welcome. The Big Cheese stocks over 50 carefully selected varieties of fine cheese from around Scotland, the rest of the UK and continental Europe. Commenting on interest in the shop and its cheese, owner Neil Cunningham, said there had been much support for his new venture, adding: “Seeing such an amazing turnout has been incredibly encouraging

An Edinburgh artist who transforms local landscapes and architecture into stunning prints has been selected to showcase his work at the Portrait Gallery, on Queen Street. Callum Russell, who completed a Master’s degree in contemporary art at the Edinburgh College of Art, after studying Illustration at Falmouth School of Art, specialises in paper cutting and lino printing, creating prints inspired by the distinctive landscapes, industrial buildings and green spaces in and arou

The Balmoral has unveiled a new collection of private-event spaces inspired by three of Scotland's most celebrated literary icons. Three of the hotel's private-event spaces have been reimagined, as The Rebus Room, The Rabbie Burns Room and The Muriel Spark Room. Created in response to growing demand for immersive, experience-led hospitality, each space offers an elegant setting complemented by a customised menu and signature cocktail, each inspired by the writer's world. The

Businesses at The Shore have come together to launch a campaign reminding residents and visitors that Edinburgh's waterfront destination remains open for business following the disruption caused by the recent fire on Princes Street. The Shore Business Collective, a network of around 70 independent businesses working together to protect and champion The Shore, said that the partial closure of the tram line has had a significant impact on businesses in the area, and that the fo

A new independent cheese store is set to open its doors to customers on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street on Saturday 1 August. The Big Cheese will initially stock over 50 varieties of fine cheese from around Scotland, the rest of the UK and continental Europe. Some of the cheeses to be stocked are smoked over whisky-barrel chips, washed in red wine or brandy, or coated with garlic, herbs or chilli. Classic staple varieties include Isle of Mull cheddar, Gubbeen farmhouse cheese

Fashion brand Islander is taking its Harris Tweed craftsmanship to the men’s World Cup, with a bespoke collection on display in Miami alongside what is believed to be the world’s oldest football. The Edinburgh-headquartered business has created a one-of-a-kind range of bags and footwear using the newly developed ‘Spirit of Brazil’ Harris Tweed, as Scotland prepares to face Brazil at the FIFA World Cup. The new range features the ‘Spirit of Brazil’ tartan, created by pupils at

An event celebrating the contribution of the armed-forces community is being held at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU). Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance Big Day Out comes to ENU’s historic Craiglockhart campus on Saturday 20 June, starting at noon. The event is free to attend. Among the highlights of the Big Day Out are a welcome from Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, pipers and a dog show run by veterans’ support charity Bravehound. As well as music and a range o

Globally recognised woodworking school, the Chippendale International School of Furniture, is opening its doors for the annual graduate exhibition and fine-furniture sale, taking place from 18-20 June. Now in its 41st year, the exhibition will showcase exceptional hand-crafted furniture from this year’s graduating cohort, featuring students from Scotland, Ghana, India, Turkey, Canada, the US and France. The public is invited to explore the collection and acquire one-of-a-kind

A new partnership has been announced by Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), to run a series of ‘Gardener and Chef’ events, taking place from July through to September 2026. Developed by EFDA’s chefs and RBGE’s learning and engagement team, the programme brings together the best of the culinary and botanical worlds. Equipping attendees with culinary skills as well as a deeper understanding of what to grow at each time of year, t

The organisers of Neighbourgood Market in Stockbridge will be running the event at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens this year, from 23 July to 31 August. Similar to the Stockbridge event, Neighbourgood Gardens will feature independent, Scottish food and drink traders, as well as performances every day on the bandstand by visiting groups and artists through the Festival period. Preston Mommsen of Neighbourgood Market said: “Princes Street Gardens is a wonderful loc

An Edinburgh Napier University student’s passion for design has resulted in creating a pop-up home for hedgehogs. Archie Abbott’s project H.O.G is among those on display at the 2026 ENU Degree Show – alongside work from students across the School of Arts & Creative Industries. His innovative idea has culminated in a flat-pack shelter to protect hedgehogs from harsh winter weather. The woven pattern of his prototype was inspired by river-bank structures he noticed while walkin

A striking set of kitchen knives developed by an Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) student aim to cut out the misogyny faced by female chefs. Product-design student, Olivia Baird, drew on her experience of working in commercial kitchens to develop the uniquely uncomfortable utensils as part of her project 'Chef Gate'. The 21-year-old from Kirkcaldy hopes they could be used to deliver training exercises for chefs to help them understand the difficulties women face in kitchens.

Scottish ice-cream producer, Equi’s is offering a free scoop of vanilla ice cream at National Trust for Scotland property, Gladstone’s Land, to the first 100 marathon finishers who come into the coffee shop wearing or showing their finisher medal, on Sunday 24 May. The race, which is the second largest in the UK, after the London Marathon, starts at 10am on Sunday, in the Old Town, then heads out along the east coast. Family business, Equi’s, started more than 100 years ago.

Edinburgh’s free outdoor movie weekend, Square Cinema, is returning in June, bringing three days of big-screen entertainment to the heart of the city. Set in the picturesque surroundings of St Andrew Square Garden, the event is funded by Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District along with train operator LNER, which continues its headline support, along with event partners Heineken 0%, Costa Coffee and Point A Hotels. The movie weekend starts on Friday 12 June, with '

Aldi Scotland’s ‘supermarket sweep’ is back for another year, giving shoppers in Edinburgh and the Lothians the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Inspired by the iconic game show, the high-energy challenge offers one lucky EH postcode holder the chance to race through their local Aldi store in Edinburgh or the Lothians and fill the trolley with their favourite products. Participants are invited to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, co

Cancer-awareness campaigner Kevin Donaghy has launched a publishing company to help people affected by a life-changing diagnosis. Having been diagnosed with incurable, stage-four metastatic melanoma in December 2019, at the age of 50, the father-of-two discovered the power of explaining his journey and listening to stories of other people’s experiences. This led to the creation of his first book, Stories of Cancer and Hope (SOCAH), which has attracted interest around the worl

Unicorn Pickleball is launching a dedicated corporate pickleball league at Meadowbank Sports Centre this summer. Running from June to July, the eight‑week, Friday-evening league will offer Edinburgh companies an alternative to the traditional team‑building day. Sessions take place from 6.30pm-8.30pm. The league seeks to bring together a small number of companies for weekly matches, with introductory sessions in early June to ensure everyone feels confident before competitive

On 14-17 May, Maggie’s Edinburgh ambassadors, fashion-retail expert, Sarah Murray and former banker, Lisa Stephenson are running a charity pop-up boutique, at 93 George Street. The pop-up, billed as an unmissable event for style lovers, takes the form of an exclusive sale of pre-loved designer fashion, to raise funds for the cancer-care charity. Since January, Lisa and Sarah have been curating the stylish pieces to be available in the boutique, including clothes, bags

The Royal Yacht Britannia, located in Leith, has been singled out as the ‘Best of the Best’ visitor attraction in the world, Europe and the UK, by travel-guidance platform, Tripadvisor. Reviewers praise the Royal Yacht for the excellent staff and fascinating history, and for the opportunity to see all five decks, including the private royal quarters, state apartments and working areas of the ship, as well as the sailing exhibition. Franck Bruyère, chief executive said: "We'r

Edinburgh’s vibrant food scene is stealing the spotlight once again, with the city earning national recognition at the Catey awards, which take place in London in July. Three of the six restaurants shortlisted in the newcomer category are from Edinburgh and include Marchmont’s Nàdair, Moss in Stockbridge and Barry Fish in Leith. Previous winners in this category include The Kitchin, as well as Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles. Ross Sneddon, pastry chef at The Balmo