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Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
The 'architectural marvel' Edinburgh scheme that's remembered for wrong reasons
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A picture has resurfaced online showing a long since demolished Granton housing scheme in the 1980s. In the image the infamous "Ramps" scheme of West Granton can be seen looking derelict as it sits in front of the iconic Granton gasworks. Only one of the gaswork structures remains in place today as the area has undergone a severe regeneration in the past two decades. The Ramps were built to deal with the growing population of Edinburgh in the 1970s and at the time were heralded as an architectural marvel. But the brutalist landscape has not aged well in the eyes of those looking back on their time living in the estate. READ MORE - Noel Gallagher confirms 'true reason for Oasis reunion' ahead of Edinburgh gigs READ MORE - Fan buys £35 restricted view Oasis ticket and can't get over how good it is Famously described as the varicose vein flats by Irvine Welsh in his Trainspotting novel as the cracks in the building harling were filled with white plaster. He wrote: "This is one ay the varicose-vein flats, so called because of the plastered cracks all over its facing." This made the area look as tired as the members of the capital police force who were tasked with tackling the crime ridden scheme during the 1980s. Memories of living in the scheme can be very conflicting as many cherished their time growing up in the poverty stricken community whilst others loathed having to watch over their shoulder each time they travelled through the narrow streets and lanes of West Granton. One resident shared a comment on a post about the estate on Facebook: "My husband and I were pleased to at last be given a house of our own. They were lovely to live in when they were first built. "Everyone was so friendly, we had a ground floor maisonette with a yard out the front where the babies would sleep in their prams. My daughter was born here and after they had been demolished, she worked for the builders of the new estate in the site office." "Actually got her picture in the local paper as being there at the beginning and end of West Granton housing estate." Whilst another reminisced about his misspent youth: "Had some great times living here, especially sliding doon the poles on the ramps, and walking on the walls behind the shops. [There was a] great wee bakery shop, newsagent, butcher and of course VGs where I used to do a wee bit o shoplifting." But it was not all roses. As many described the flats as looking like living in a prison complex or more dramatically as "hell." One former resident of the area remembered an experience that would quickly straighten him up after walking home from a night out through the Ramps, he said: "Stayed in West Granton Road, above D'Inverno's chippy." (Image: Supplied.) (Image: PictureThis Scotland/boneytongue.) "Walking home in the small hours, as you did often aged 21 or so, you would encounter packs of dogs that had been booted out the house for the night. Sobered you up quickly as the mutts gave you the eye." Whilst another remembered the place being littered with needles and broken glass: "I remember jumping about the concrete park doon that part! It was concrete city!!!! Lots of smashed glass, Jakey needles and litter, was like a third world country within a first class country." One former resident was glad the scheme has since been demolished, sharing on the same post: "We were one of the first families that moved into a ground floor maisonette. Everything was concrete. Even the small play parks. Ugly buildings - glad they are gone." The gasworks in the background were demolished with only the central skeleton left standing today. Designed by a Dutch engineer it was seen as a work of architectural wonder by many in the capital. The site is now home to Edinburgh College and the shell of the central gas infrastructure is now used to host the Hidden Door Festival that sees creative types from across Edinburgh come together to reinvigorate the space. It was built in the 1890's as the country moved away from using coal to power their lives and looked towards gas. The Granton site was over 106 acres, purchased from the 6th Duke of Buccleuch for £124,000 during the 1890s and it would become one of the most impressive industrial structures in Scotland.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
We can't believe these 26 incredible old photos of Edinburgh in 1996 were taken nearly 30 years ago
The Scottish capital was a very different place when Danny Boyle's big screen adaptation of Irvine Welsh's Edinburgh-set novel Trainspotting hit cinemas in February 1996. For one thing, our world-famous Hogmanay street party was free, while Fibber Magees, winner of the Evening News 'Pub of the Year' award in '96, was still pouring pints. Scroll through our photo gallery for a nostalgic trip back to 1996 – and let us know your own memories in the comments section before you go. 1 . Fibber Magees pub Fibber Magees won the Evening News Pub of the year in 1996. Bar person Katherline Guthrie is pictured pulling a pint. Photo: JULIE BULL Photo Sales 2 . Traffic chaos in Edinburgh Heavy traffic and diversions were not a new thing in Edinburgh in 1996. Photo: UNKNOWN Photo Sales 3 . Bus smash at Russell Street Bus smash at Russell Street, Edinburgh.A SMT double decker with Hearts fans on board crashed into the low railway bridge. Photo taken on 16/3/96. Photo: BILL HENRY Photo Sales 4 . Festival Cavalcade Big crowds turned out to see the 1996 Festival Cavalcade. Photo: DENIS STRAUGHAN Photo Sales
Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian Scottish Open 'not all golf' as KT Tunstall and Irvine Welsh take to stage
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Scottish Open in East Lothian 'won't be all golf' thanks to famous faces KT Tunstall and Irvine Welsh. Tournament organisers are ensuring a huge week on and off the course, with a range of experiences planned for four days. In the Fan Zone, the highlight will be the return of Fringe by the Tee, a collaboration with the local Fringe by the Sea festival. Grammy-nominated singer Tunstall will play a set on Saturday, June 12, with author-turned DJ Welsh cranking up the tunes on Friday night, reports the Daily Record. As well as music, the Fringe by the Tee pop-up stage will offer something for everyone, including comedian Fred MacAulay, who will host daily entertainment daily slots. Families can catch the always-popular Alexander the Great, an award-winning entertainer delivering circus skills, party games, disco dancing, and plenty of magic for the kids. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Other highlights of the Fan Zone include Mini Golf and Long Putt experiences, raising money for The Renaissance Club Foundation, while fans can also buy a limited edition tartan range from worn by ambassadors such as Viktor Hovland and Mathieu Pavon, and gain access to the J.L Clubhouse hospitality facility on the Sixth Hole by spending £100 or more in the Merchandise Store. Fringe By The Tee Festival Director Rory Steel explained: 'We run Fringe By The Sea in North Berwick in August just down the road from where the golf takes place and, a couple of years back, we were asked to come down and have a look and it was an absolutely amazing opportunity to really help with the growth of what is an amazing event. 'We went away and had a good long think about who it is that are coming to the golf and how we can expand it beyond the core enthusiast, especially to the families who might not have a fleeting interest in the game itself. 'There are so many great things. Whether it is the Stephen Gallacher Foundation for ace pro tips, to the crazy golf course raising funds for Leuchie House, to the main stage where we can bring to life the fan zone with bands, DJs, comedy, kids shows and a whole golf bag full of fun. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 'It's not just what is happening on the course, the track or the field at major sporting occasions now, it's what happens off the field, too. People are spending a not-insignificant sum to come along and, yes, the sport is the key to it all, but so is making sure there is something for everyone. 'Irvine Welsh doing a DJ set will be ace for Friday night's crowd followed by KT Tunstall for Saturday and having Scottish legends like that at the Genesis Scottish Open is all part of the appeal. They buy into it, too. They are invested and it shows how the event has grown in popularity and is going from strength to strength on and off the course.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scottish Open not just about golf as KT Tunstall and Irvine Welsh star in Fringe by the Tee
Top Scottish acts offer fans off-course highlights at golf Music star KT Tunstall and Irvine Welsh are set to ensure it's not all about just golf at the Genesis Scottish Open. Tournament organisers are ensuring a huge week off-course as well as on it with a raft of experiences planned for the four days in East Lothian. In the Fan Zone, the highlight will be the return of Fringe by the Tee, a collaboration with the local Fringe by the Sea festival. Tunstall, the Grammy-nominated, Brit Award-winning artist, is playing a set on Saturday night just 24 hours after author-turned DJ Welsh cranks up the tunes. As well as music, the Fringe by the Tee pop-up stage will offer something for everyone, including comedian Fred MacAulay, who will host daily entertainment daily slots. Families can catch the always-popular Alexander the Great, an award-winning entertainer delivering circus skills, party games, disco dancing, and plenty of magic for the kids. Other highlights of the Fan Zone include Mini Golf and Long Putt experiences, raising money for The Renaissance Club Foundation, while fans can also buy a limited edition tartan range from worn by ambassadors such as Viktor Hovland and Mathieu Pavon, and gain access to the J.L Clubhouse hospitality facility on the Sixth Hole by spending £100 or more in the Merchandise Store. Fringe By The Tee Festival Director Rory Steel explained: 'We run Fringe By The Sea in North Berwick in August just down the road from where the golf takes place and, a couple of years back, we were asked to come down and have a look and it was an absolutely amazing opportunity to really help with the growth of what is an amazing event. 'We went away and had a good long think about who it is that are coming to the golf and how we can expand it beyond the core enthusiast, especially to the families who might not have a fleeting interest in the game itself. 'There are so many great things. Whether it is the Stephen Gallacher Foundation for ace pro tips, to the crazy golf course raising funds for Leuchie House, to the main stage where we can bring to life the fan zone with bands, DJs, comedy, kids shows and a whole golf bag full of fun. 'It's not just what is happening on the course, the track or the field at major sporting occasions now, it's what happens off the field, too. People are spending a not-insignificant sum to come along and, yes, the sport is the key to it all, but so is making sure there is something for everyone. ' Irvine Welsh doing a DJ set will be ace for Friday night's crowd followed by KT Tunstall for Saturday and having Scottish legends like that at the Genesis Scottish Open is all part of the appeal. They buy into it, too. They are invested and it shows how the event has grown in popularity and is going from strength to strength on and off the course.'
Edinburgh Reporter
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
EIFF 2025 – full programme is announced
This year's Edinburgh International Film Festival has something old and something new. CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd, is still relatively recently appointed and he is keen to keep on discovering new film talent and work to engage with the audiences. But room has been made in the programme for some James Bond and Restless Natives as well as Red Road and some highly interesting guests at in person events. This year's Festival programme 'explores the fragile ties that bind communities new and old, thrilling and revelatory journeys inward and outward andlight shone in the darkest of places'. It showcases new work from filmmakers from Scotland, UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Spain, Greece, Denmark, Croatia, France, Turkey, Australia, Brazil, Japan and beyond. The highlights include: 43 new feature films 18 World Premieres (10 of which will compete for the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence) 6 special retrospective screenings – James Bond on the big screen and a Budd Boetticher celebration 6 short film programmes including the Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence competition A new short form work by the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Lab World Premiere of an animation by Renée Zellweger In Conversation events with some acclaimed filmmakers And Midnight Madness screenings Sorry Baby Complementing the Opening Night film, Eva Victor's eagerly awaited black comedy SORRY BABY, the Festival presents a selection of compelling new and established voices in cinema including 18 World Premieres with an Out of Competition strand offering additional World and UK premieres. The Closing Night film is the World Premiere of Paul Sng's unmissable, kaleidoscopic Irvine Welsh documentary REALITY IS NOT ENOUGH which sits within a programme strong with both Scottish and international talent. I Am Irvine Welsh, Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, Scotland, 4th April 2023 Irvine Welsh and Darren Emerson, Radisson Red Sky Bar, 17th April 2022 Watch James Bond on the big screen with a special strand of the six original Bond films starring Sean Connery. Sacred Bonds includes 4K restorations of DR. NO, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, THUNDERBALL, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and all introduced by a series of soon to be announced special guests. Mr Ridd said 'I am absolutely thrilled to launch this year's beautiful programme of films, talks and events into the world. This programme represents a year of incredibly hard work from our team, headed up by myself and my brilliant collaborator Emma Boa, from our supportive Board, and from our partners across film and the arts. I am enormously grateful to all of them for their encouragement and support. For one week in August we celebrate film and its bright future in the heart of Edinburgh. But we hope the ripple effect for our films, for our filmmakers and for our audiences is felt year-round and all over the world. Bring it on.' Isabel Davis, Executive Director at Screen Scotland said: 'Paul and the team have surpassed themselves with this year's exceptional, must-attend programme. As the major backers of EIFF, we're overjoyed that the Filmhouse is back in action as a key part of the festival's new footprint, alongside other great spaces. And we are excited by the expanding industry role, providing a springboard for acquisitions, a place for relationships to be forged between Scottish, UK and international filmmakers and professionals, and for emerging talent to encounter the world's greatest films and filmmakers. Tollcross Central Hall as an industry hub is a gift of a space and set to become the focal point for incredible conversations and encounters across the festival. Bring it on!' In Conversation EIFF's In Conversation strand features a range of major filmmaking talent who will discuss their creative careers to date including director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, Touching the Void, One to One: John & Yoko) speaking with his brother, producer Andrew Macdonald (Trainspotting, Civil War, 28 Years Later), in a wide ranging conversation about filmmaking and their respective careers. Trailblazing filmmaker Nia DaCosta will discuss her acclaimed work which spans independent film, horror and major studio comic book adaptations including The Marvels, Candyman and upcoming film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. From breakout horror thriller Kill List to EIFF Midnight Madness Opening Film Bulk, via hilarious black comedy Sightseers and many more, Filmmaker Ben Wheatley and long time producing partner Andy Starke will discuss their collaborations and their working dynamic. Award-winning writer and director Andrea Arnold is one of the UK's most outstanding filmmakers and will discuss her searing debut feature Red Road, also screening at EIFF this year, which won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut in 2006, along with her critically acclaimed work such as Fish Tank, American Honey, Cow and, most recently, Bird. Special Retrospective Screenings This year's EIFF plays host to 6 Special Retrospective Screenings which are Mikhail Kalatozov's hugely influential Palme D'Or winner THE CRANES ARE FLYING (1957) introduced by Festival guest Kevin Macdonald; Doug Liman's kinetic black comedy GO (1999) introduced by Festival guest Nia Da Costa; Alexander Mackendrick's classic Ealing comedy THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT (1951); a 40th anniversary screening of Michael Hoffman's much loved RESTLESS NATIVES, presented in collaboration with Local Cinema Network; Festival guest Andrea Arnold introduces her tense, Glasgow set RED ROAD (2006); Honouring the life and legacy of producer Paddy Higson, who passed away earlier this year, the Festival hosts a 35th anniversary screening of David Hayman's searing underground Scottish classic SILENT SCREAM, the film which won the inaugural Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature at the 1990 Edinburgh International Film Festival. Listings for the Festival will go live on the EIFF website from 5pm on Wednesday 2 July with tickets going on sale midday on Thursday 3 July via and via the EdFringe official app. Press and Industry accreditation for EIFF is now open and closes on 2 August. Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Thursday 14 to Wednesday 20 August 2025. Pictured: Festival Director Paul Ridd + Festival Producer Emma Boa present the 2025 EIFF brochure inside Screen 1 of Edinburgh's Filmhouse | Photography by Kat Gollock Like this: Like Related
