Tag Archives: Edinburgh

85a Collective goes to Edinburgh

Chernozem image

Glasgow-based group 85a is ready to make its Edinburgh debut at Summerhall next month.

The sound, art and performance collective stages elaborate happenings which are part art installation and part theatrical event, with elements of music, film and puppetry thrown into the mix. On 6th December Summerhall will play host to the premiere of Judd Brucke’s industrial-horror film ‘CHERNOZEM,’ a film which the group claims will cast “a cinematic shadow as trenchant and visceral as they come.”

The event will culminate in the ‘Renegade Maskerrade’  party – a mixture of live performances, music and DJs featuring Glasgow band Jacob Yates & The Pearly Gate Lock Pickers.

For further information about 85a check out their website: www.85a.org.uk

Queen Street to be upgraded

 

Exciting plans to electrify the Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley train route – which would cut journey times by 10 minutes – have been unveiled by The Scottish Government.

Local MSP Sandra White welcomed Transport Minister Keith Brown’s announcement of a £650 million upgrade which will deliver longer, electric trains equipped with wi-fi. Passenger capacity will be increased thanks to the investment and the reliability of train services will be improved.

Additionally, a significant upgrade to Queen Street Station has been announced which will see the station connected to Buchanan Galleries.

Ms White said:-“These are exciting plans that will see journey times cut, free wi-fi by 2013 and higher capacity as a result of longer trains. People using the Glasgow to Edinburgh line will benefit from these enhancements which are a huge boost for both cities. Connecting Queen Street station to Buchanan Galleries will make it quicker and easier for people to get access to the shops and station. Not only that, the Scottish Government’s plan will benefit Scotland’s economy by supporting additional jobs and investment.”

Jamie Hepburn, SNP MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, welcomed Mr Brown’s announcement that the first stage of improvements will be delivered in time for the Commonwealth Games with electrification of rail services to Cumbernauld.

Mr Hepburn said:-“It is fantastic the SNP Government has committed to delivering the electrification of the rail services to Cumbernauld in time for the Commonwealth Games.

“This means more reliable, greener and faster trains for my constituents and those travelling to Cumbernauld.

“The SNP is committed to delivering the most modern and reliable train services for Scotland and this latest announcement follows a £5 billion funding and investment package of measures aimed at improving the quality of that service.

“We are delivering all this at a time when Scotland’s budget is being cut by a third – which demontrates the commitment of The Scottish Government to investing in rail services.”

Get away from it all with your Valentine

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 10th – 19th 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 10th – 19th February
For further information visit

Getting out of Glasgow – The Edinburgh School exhibition in Crinan

'Overlooking Plockton' by Adam Bruce Thomson OBE, RSA

If you are lucky enough to be travelling on Scotland’s west coast during October then point your car, carriage or sailing boat in the direction of the Crinan Hotel. At the end of Crinan’s famous canal you will find an inspired collection of drawings and paintings by a group of 20th century Scottish artists collectively known as The Edinburgh School.

As friends and colleagues they all studied at Edinburgh College of Art in the years before and just after the second world war. They went on to become some of Scotland’s  most acclaimed artists. Amongst them were Sir William MacTaggart, John Maxwell, Sir William Gillies, Denis Peploe, Anne Redpath, John Houston and Adam Bruce Thomson. The Edinburgh School is known for its virtuoso displays in the use of paint using vivid and often non-naturalistic colours. Their subjects range across still-life, seascape and landscape

A collection of around thirty paintings and drawing by these artists is on display during October at the Crinan Hotel. While many of the artists found inspiration from their travels in France and Italy, a number also found their subject matter nearer home. Houston’s dramatic East Lothian sunsets contrast vividly with Redpath’s townscape of Menton in France. Add watercolours by Blackadder and McTaggart and you have every reason to make your way to Crinan’s Gallery with Rooms. A very decent seafood bar and good autumnal rates for accommodation also make the journey well worthwhile.

The ‘Edinburgh School’ Exhibition runs until to 24th October 2011

The Crinan Hotel, Crinan by Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8SR, Tel: 01546 830 261