Edinburgh-based Rutland Square Spirits has launched its first chai-spiced rum. The new launch marks a strategic evolution for the brand, already known for its chai spiced-gin, as it builds a flavour-led spirits portfolio designed for global markets. Crafted in small batches and bottled at 41 per cent ABV, the chai-spiced rum uses Caribbean molasses, is aged in ex-sherry casks to develop a ruby-rich depth and is then married with some of the world’s most prized tea leaves, in

Edinburgh architectural photographer, Susan Allan, has published a book, Hidden Edinburgh – A Walk Through Medieval History .     The book, which contains 80 photographs, sets out the history of the city and shows where to see its hidden and historical places and features.   Susan said: “The book tells the stories and legends from the very early beginnings of Edinburgh, in 600AD, right through to the late medieval days of King James VI of Scotland.   “As well as including qui

A new report calls for an overhaul of pensions policy and financial advice to address the current pensions gap, which sees women accumulating 75 per cent less in their defined-contribution (DC) pension pots by age 60 than men , according to DWP figures . The report, from the University of Edinburgh, supported by wealth manager, Evelyn Partners, calls on the financial-services sector to recognise hidden systemic, social and situational factors preventing women from saving and

Roberta Hall McCarron and Shaun McCarron’s award-winning restaurant, Eleanore, is closing at the end of January for a refurbishment. It will reopen a month or so later, in a different format, reflecting its origins, as a neighbourhood bistro.   Diners will have the choice of either a two or three-course menu, with snacks such as oysters with rhubarb ponzu and hot sauce, and ox-cheek croquettes with salsa verde also available, as additions.  Starters will reference bistro clas

Sponsored New Year resolutions often focus on health and fitness goals – joining the gym or going more often; changing eating habits; or vowing to run a marathon. But there’s a health and fitness goal that some may overlook – perhaps because they’ve already given up trying to achieve it.  Almost half (43 per cent) of the UK adult population suffers from chronic pain – in other words, pain that lasts for more than three months.  And many are just gritting their teeth and barin

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle for Valentine’s Day. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's Love Gin with a bar of salted-caramel milt chocolate. Love Gin is made with raspberries and strawberries grown close to the Eden Mill distillery, while COCO Chocolatier sources its cocoa 'at origin'. All beans are harvested and processed in Colombia, before being shipped to the c

The Dome has introduced its new cocktail menu, which takes inspiration from flavours and cultures across the Far East, the Americas, Africa and Europe. As well as favourite, classic cocktails, the list now also includes 15 new cocktails, including ‘The Dragon Fruit’, featuring Deanston 12-year-old, dragonfruit and hibiscus soda, rosolio di bergamotto, dragon fruit and black sesame powder; ‘Pear’, a combination of Disaronno amaretto, passion-fruit sorbet, apple, pear puree and

New research from Aviva reveals a ‘worrying gap’ in retirement planning among the UK’s self-employed, freelancers and digital nomads.   According to the study, around a third (34 per cent) of digital nomads (those who use technology to work remotely while travelling and living in various locations) are actively saving into a pension or retirement plan.  The research revealed a similar picture for the self-employed and freelancers, with just 38 per cent and 40 per cent, respec

To celebrate Scotland’s national poet, Montrose restaurant is preparing a Burns Night-inspired ‘feast’. The dinner will feature Montrose’s takes on classics, including venison and onion bridie with prune ketchup; wild-game haggis with swede and Malabar pepper; and rhubarb and whisky pie. The food is not the only draw: the restaurant will be offering a 10 per cent discount on the bill for any diner in traditional Scottish dress.    The four-course dinner, which takes place at

Sponsored When is the best time to put your property on the market? It could be right now, says ESPC – and here are the reasons why. January is often associated with fresh starts, new routines, new priorities and, for many homeowners, a renewed focus on longer-term plans.   While spring is traditionally viewed as the prime selling season, the start of the year can quietly offer one of the most strategic opportunities to bring a property to market.   One of the key reasons why

Toscano, a family-run schiacciateria in Bruntsfield has announced that it is planning to open five more of its Italian-sandwich shops over the course of 2026. The first of the five is due to open its doors on Blair Street, this spring, with the other locations to be revealed throughout the year. Ilaria Pia, who co-owns Toscano with her mother, Luisa Pia, said: “Each location has been chosen for its energy, footfall and the kind of community that embraces big, authentic Italia

Edinburgh-based family housebuilder, Lochay Homes, has appointed Andy Wyles, former northern regional chair at Bellway, as its new non-executive chair. Andy joins the business following a 23-year career at Bellway, where he held senior leadership roles and led major delivery programmes across the north of England and Scotland. In his role at Lochay Homes, Andy will support the company’s strategic growth, as it expands its portfolio of homes across Scotland. He said: “One of t

Abacus, the newly refurbished bar and restaurant at The Scholar Hotel, in Edinburgh’s south side has opened, offering an all-day dining experience that combines seasonal Scottish produce with Mediterranean influences.   Abacus is open seven days a week, serving breakfast and an all-day menu from 12 noon until 9.30pm. A new layout and booth seating adds flexible options for diners, and a revamped private-dining area that seats up to 10, gives groups the perfect place to unwind

Sponsored Looking for a new home can be a pleasure, but it can also be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you’re moving to an area – or even a country – that you don’t know well.  It’s a project with lots of moving parts, which many people just don’t have the time or inclination to manage.  That’s why those in the know seek out an expert property-sourcing consultant, to ensure it all goes to plan.  Leah Bryce, of Leah Bryce Property Consulting set up her Edinburgh-ba

As winter’s darker afternoons and crisper temperatures continue, many of us are less inclined to head outside, and may lack inspiration for outdoor activities that are actually enjoyable.  However, some Edinburgh residents are combatting the cold by heading to an outdoor sauna. Inside, temperatures may exceed 70 degrees Celsius, increasing heart rate, blood flow to the skin and causing a sweat. When they can no longer handle the heat, some choose to follow up with a cold plun

Nova Herita, a specialist in digital preservation and AI development, has been shortlisted for an Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce award, in the Innovation category. This nomination marks the second consecutive year that founder and chief executive Benjamin Llewellyn’s work has been recognised.  Last year, Opulence Security, which Benjamin co-founded and where he held the role of chief information security officer, was also shortlisted.  Nova Herita focuses on emerging technolog

More than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material have been transported across Edinburgh as part of a scheme to provide a long-term solution for people facing homelessness. The mammoth operation saw almost 100 truckloads of building rubble recycled from a city-centre development site to form the foundations of a new Social Bite Village, located on the capital’s Granton waterfront. Local charity, Social Bite, teamed up with regeneration specialist, Artisan Real Estate, to

Law firm, Lindsays, has started the new year by recruiting two new partners. Commercial property lawyer   Stephanie Nichol and private client lawyer Rob McNab began work at the firm this week, taking the number of partners in the firm to 56. Both are based at Lindsays’ Edinburgh office. Managing partner, Andrew Diamond, said: “What better way to start the new working year than by welcoming two new partners? “Making strong strategic hires like Stephanie and Rob is a key part o

Dobbies is hosting a new craft event at its Edinburgh store – the ‘crafternoon tea club’. The event takes place at 3pm on Saturday 24 January and at 2.30pm on Sunday 25 January. During the 90-minute afternoon workshop, attendees will get the chance to try their hand at using a punch needle kit. The kit features a wildlife design and includes everything that’s needed to get started, whether trying a new hobby for the first time, or honing skills.   It costs £35 per person to a

Business Gateway has announced that nominations are open for its annual staff Impact Awards. The awards celebrate exemplary service, commitment and impact made by Business Gateway staff in supporting business owners across the country. Last year’s awards saw eight advisers recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local business community.  Nominations are being sought from smes and business owners who have benefited from the service and would like to acknowledge t