Category: Travels

The Festival City is warming up again – for once both literally and metaphorically. The weather has been amazing. About time too! As we all know, the weather is unpredictable in Scotland though, but one thing that is always predictable is the return of the Edinburgh Festivals!

EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL
We’ve already enjoyed this years Film festival and the Jazz and Blues festival too, so the Art Festival is next. We have so many galleries to visit in Edinburgh, but the festival is something else. Founded in 2004, it is a platform for visual arts and brings together all the galleries, museums and artist-run spaces around the city. The UK’s leading artists exhibit alongside emerging talent and massive exhibitions, with most events being free to attend.

FRINGE FESTIVAL
It’s probably the most well known of the festivals and arguably the most variety too. From big names to unknown, free shows to the big seat-fillers, there is something for everyone. Acts come from around the world, and there are almost 3,500 shows to choose from across 300 venues around the city. There are musicals, operas, children’s shows, drama, comedy and magic, just to name a few. The fringe becomes a way of life and the city has an incredible vibe, grab tickets while you can or stop by one of the many box offices each day to see what awaits! Visit edfringe.com.

EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO
Alongside the fringe is the spectacular Military Tattoo. People come from all over the world to witness this unique performance, held on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. There are performers from over 48 countries, performing to sell-out crowds of 220,000 across the season. Add that to the 100 million who then watch the televised performance, you can tell why tickets are so high on people’s wish lists. It’s an international favourite and is not to be missed!

BOOK FESTIVAL
Never under estimate the power of a good book! Launched in 1983, it has become one of the key events of the August calendar. There are over 900 events for people of all ages, from debates and discussion to the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme, which can all be found in the heart of Edinburgh’s world heritage listed Georgian New Town. Take a look at the website for the full programme and make sure to book for some of the big headline events.

HOME FROM HOME
With so much to do each day, a great hotel room to collapse into is essential. The Ba’ Bar is available for late-night planning of what shows to see the next day, and you can wake up to a good cup of coffee and a full Scottish breakfast to send you out for the day.

We’re fully aware of the fact it’s only July, however, we’ve got some fabulous festive packages on offer for our keen beans.
It’s true. You could spend Christmas at home, stressing over turkey-cooking times and cowering at the foot of Mount Washing-Up, or, you could do it the Dunstane way and experience the magic of Edinburgh in full festive swing.

Stay at the Dunstane Houses over Christmas and not only will you never need to lift a finger, but you’ll also be treated to all the indulgent luxuries that come with a truly memorable Christmas break.

As well as two nights’ bed and breakfast and a special luxury welcome gift, you’ll also enjoy a festive afternoon tea and welcome supper on Christmas Eve; champagne breakfast on Christmas day followed by a 5 course Christmas Day Lunch; and a special Boxing Day breakfast. How does that sound?

If you choose to add on extra nights with us to relax and unwind for longer we’d be delighted to offer all Christmas Package guests 20% off extra nights – however many that may be!

HOGMANAY IN EDINBURGH
If you already have big plans for Christmas, then not to worry! You can still benefit from our special Hogmanay offer.
No offence to any other city, but there really is no better city in Scotland to be in when the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party is the biggest, boldest and most exuberant celebration in the north, with three full days of events and activities. It’s an outstanding experience.

SO WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Book a three-night Hogmanay stay at the Dunstane Houses and start your Hogmanay off with tickets to the Torchlight Procession on 30th December. Party in style with a Hogmanay dinner to remember on 31st December and we will organise some entertainment for afterwards in our Ba’ Bar to see in the bells if you don’t have your own plans and we’ll make sure there’s a Champers there to toast the New Year!

On 1st January join us for another Scottish New Year tradition – steak pie! We will provide a hangover brunch to start the day and a steak pie supper to finish it.

Book any of these two special offers before the 31st of August and we will give you a free room upgrade, now that’s something.
If you’d like to book your Christmas stay then please click here, if you’d prefer a Hogmanay visit then you can arrange that by clicking here. In the meantime, enjoy the summer sunshine!

The Edinburgh Festival season is coming fast! It is perhaps, the highlight of the Edinburgh social calendar, and the very definition of having “something for everyone”.

Perfectly located close to the very best Fringe Festival venues, but far enough to get a peaceful nights sleep, the Dunstane Houses is your ideal ‘home from home’ this Festival season. Take advantage of our latest offer and do the Festival in style. Book three nights or more in a luxury room on our bed and breakfast rate, and we’ll make sure there is a cold bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne waiting in your room.

Full Scottish breakfasts will set you up perfectly for a day exploring the city, pausing to watch street performers, going to one of many free shows and grabbing an amazing lunch from one of the many pop-up street food vendors and restaurants in the city. Head back ‘home’ to the Dunstane and make the most of our all-day dining menu, or relax in the Ba’ Bar with a dram before bed. Get a great nights sleep in our luxurious rooms, then you’re up and ready to do it all again!

Our team are also on hand, to give the very best avidce on what to do, where to go and what shows to see. We love hearing what you’ve discovered too, so let us know of any great shows that we should recommend or hidden gems you have found.

Edinburgh really is the most beautiful city. Edinburgh during the Fringe however, is something else entirely! We look forward to welcoming you.

Why is St Andrew Scotland’s patron saint? When did we start celebrating St Andrew’s Day? And where else is the day celebrated?
ST ANDREW There is no consensus on how St Andrew came to be Scotland’s patron saint, but there are several theories. One states that relics belonging to St Andrew were brought to Scotland in the fourth century. These relics, kept at St Andrew’s cathedral in Kinrymount, Fife, then became a major destination for medieval pilgrims. Another possible explanation is that in the 800s, Pictish king Angus MacFergus saw a saltire cross in the sky immediately before a battle and took Saint Andrew as his patron from then on. 30th November Saint Andrew was first made the official patron saint of Scotland at the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. By 1390 Saint Andrew appeared on coinage for the first time, although the relics which initially led to his saintly status were destroyed during the Scottish Reformation in the 1500s.

St Andrew was crucified by the Romans on a diagonal cross, with the event apparently taking place on 30 November, hence the choice of day to mark his life.

St Andrew’s Day has been celebrated for generations, with St Andrews University students traditionally given the day off. The Scottish Parliament made St Andrew’s Day an official bank holiday in Scotland in 2007, but banks are not obliged to close and there is no mandatory day off for employees. Around the world St Andrew is not just the patron saint of Scotland, and 30 November is a holiday in other parts of the world as well as Scotland. In Barbados, St Andrews Day is also Independence Day, with a saltire on the Caribbean island’s coat of arms. In Poland, Andrzejki is marked overnight between 29 and 30 November, with fortune-telling one of the main events. Hot wax is poured into water, and the shape of the wax once cooled can apparently predict who the pourer will eventually marry.

St Andrews Day is an important event here in Scotland and here at The Dunstane Houses, we like to celebrate this special day in style, if you’d like to join us for our next St. Andrews Day, please keep an eye on our offers page on the website.

The Water of Leith Walkway is a lovely route for walking and cycling in Edinburgh. The 12 mile long path follows the river which runs through the heart of the city. It begins in Balerno to the west, leading through many places of interest, all the way to Leith in the north east.

It runs past the Dunstane Houses with many of our guests taking a walk down there during their visit. From the hotel, you can stroll along to the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Murrayfield Stadium and Roseburn Park. All just a short walk away.

The whole walk, from Balerno to Leith, takes approximately 5 hours to complete. Below we have split it into three sections of around 4 miles each and we are located in the middle section, about a 3.5 hour walk from Balerno and 1.5 hours from the Leith. Of course you don’t have to go that far. You can plan your own route, entering and exiting the walkway at any point along the way, to see what you discover off the beaten track.

WATER OF LEITH ROUTE
PART 1: Balerno > Currie > Juniper Green > Colinton.
Distance: approx 4 miles.
Points of interest: Colinton Village and Dell.
PART 2: Colinton > Slateford > Roseburn > Dean Village.
Distance: approx 4 miles.
Points of interest: Visitor Centre, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art (and The Dunstane, of course!).
PART 3: Dean Village > Stockbridge > Canonmills > Bonnington > Leith.
Distance: approx 4 miles.
Points of interest: Dean Village, Royal Botanic Gardens, Leith attractions.
This map provided by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust is an excellent guide to the full route. The walkway is well sign posted and links up with other footpaths and cycle routes.

TIME TO RELAX
You will have earned a drink in the Ba’ Bar after all that walking. Recover wit the ‘medicinal’ proporties of an Orkney Gin, or take a long soak in the bath with a glass of Champagne in hand! If your legs are too tired to bring you to us, we will bring it all to you. Just ask at reception for details of our room service.

Sweet or savoury, healthy or hearty – however you like to start your day, the Dunstane Houses delivers. The Ba’ Bar’s generous morning spread offers a help-yourself array of cereals, fresh fruit, juices and freshly baked breads and pastries. Scotland, of course, knows how to do breakfast and our Full Scottish is the talk of the town, with generous helpings of haggis, Ayrshire bacon, farm-sourced sausages and black pudding, and the best tattie scones this side of the Tay.

ENJOY BREAKFAST IN EDINBURGH
Breakfast in Edinburgh just got a little sweeter. The newly refurbished Dunstane Houses have partnered with Heather Hills Farm, who produced some of the best honey and preserves in the world. Granted, we could be a little biased and exaggerating a wee bit here.

HEATHER HILLS FARM
In 1945, a man called Athole Kirkwood built his very first beehive after having been evacuated to Strathardie during World War II. He was forced to stay with relatives, however he knew he would always return eventually.

Not long after, Athole began to build up his own business, however a harsh winter led to all 100 beehives perishing in the cold weather. Athole overcame this adversity and persevered, continuing to build the business into a honey making empire.

The unreliable Scottish weather makes this is a continual challenge for modern beekeepers, as for all the technological advances we’ve made, we sadly still can’t control the weather. However around 1300 beehives are moved seasonally around the Perthshire and Deeside countryside, by owners and brothers Mark and Bernard Noonan and their team.

BREAKFAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY
We have just relaunched our menus, which is now an all-day dining experience. Take a seat in the comfy Ba’ Bar and start with our breakfast menu. For those looking for a healthy option, try traditional Scott’s porridge with stewed caramelised apple and cinnamon or get your sugar fix with a selection of breakfast pastries.

Of course, all the old favourites are still here from the traditional Scottish breakfast to eggs cooked almost any way you can think of, Orkney smoked salmon with scrambled eggs or possibly a whole oak smoked kipper. The choice is yours.

ALL DAY DINING IN EDINBURGH
Our all-day dining menu is served after breakfast, from 12pm – 9:30pm. It is made up of wee bites, such as artisan breads with balsamic olive oil and marinated olives or haggis bonbons through to the Dunstane burger, King prawn linguini and delicious pan seared beef fillet. All our dishes, breakfast and all-day dining, use the freshest ingredients sourced locally and from around the Scottish Isles.

Unique Edinburgh Meeting Space
Attending meetings or corporate events is part of everyday life for many modern business people, so unique Edinburgh meeting space is in high demand.

We offer flexible and functional facilities for your conference and our rooms are equally adaptable for seminars, training events, business workshops, meetings and more.

We stand out from other Edinburgh conference venues and with the additional extra of luxury accommodation in our boutique hotel rooms you can be assured that all your needs are met.

Quick, Easy and Stress-Free
From the moment you contact us with your enquiry you’ll be in touch with a dedicated member of our team. They will be with you throughout the planning and on the day of your event. In Edinburgh meeting space is in high demand and we are pleased to be able to offer a venue which meets the needs of both smaller and medium size groups.

Our event space is a perfectly equipped, practical meeting environment and we welcome all local and visiting businesses to take advantage of our conference facilities. Choose from our overnight accommodation options if required or just book a meeting area with a coffee breaks and lunch packages.

Our practical meeting rooms provide everything you will need for your conference in Edinburgh. Discussing your needs with your event manager in advance, will give you a clear picture of what we can do for you.

Food for Thought
No one can work on an empty stomach! We have a great selection of lunch and coffee break packages for you to choose from. Enjoy refreshments in your meeting room or use an additional area, such as the Ba’Bar or the Garden Conservatory. If you’re lucky enough to get summer weather when you’re here, why not move your refreshments outside to our private garden?
Our Head Chef has designed our menu with you in mind. From a simple sandwich selection to tide you over till dinner to gourmet sandwiches, goujons and sharing platters. Our menus can be tailored to your dietary requirements, so feel free to speak with our team and we’ll do our very best to accommodate your requests.

If you’re staying with us overnight perhaps you’d like to organise a dinner? From small table in the Ba’Bar to exclusive use of the Restaurant and bar areas, your event manager will work closely with you to find the best option to suit you and your party.
Dinner menus will be expertly created by our Head Chef, as always taking into consideration your personal preferences and dietary requirements. All inspired by our “other home” in the Orkney Islands, dinner is sure to be one of the highlights of your time with us.

Please click here to see our Events Me
Overnight Accommodation
The Dunstane offers luxury accommodation in Edinburgh with 38 uniquely decorated and designed hotels rooms offering luxurious facilities; just what’s needed after a busy day brainstorming, taking part in workshops and training.

Our hotel accommodation in Edinburgh guarantees a comfortable night’s sleep with a range of rooms available for different types of traveller, from single rooms to petite and deluxe double rooms. Each of our rooms is finished to the highest level of luxury and we are pleased to offer boutique accommodation in the heart of Edinburgh.

Our beds are supremely soft and comfortable, topped with the finest Egyptian cotton bedding. The rooms are designed with space to work, if needed, as well as TVs for relaxation and recuperation after a busy day’s work. The bathrooms are recently refurbished and equipped with high quality fittings, including power showers and luxurious toiletries, fluffy white towels and dressing gowns ready for your use.

Booking event accommodation at The Dunstane at the same time as organising your event reservation will help to avoid the headache of finding rooms for your delegates. Our friendly and professional reservations team are available to discuss your needs and provide further information.

EVERYBODY IS GONNA SIT IN THE BACK OF THE MOTOR!
Hang on lads, we’ve got a great idea. Here’s the plan: rendezvous at the Dunstane Houses; we’ll hook you up with Rowan and Andy, and they’ll whisk you off in their motors for a two-hour tour of Edinburgh. You’ll go off the beaten track, you’ll clock the sights as the locals see them, and you’ll come back with a few tales to tell. This, as it were, is an inside job.

CLEARLY SOPHISTICATED TYPES…
The tour is not the end of it. Because you’re clearly the sophisticated type, we’ll welcome you to the Dunstane Houses with a vintage afternoon tea (starring 3D Cakes’ famous rose gold cupcakes and, of course, Joseph Perrier Champagne). After you get back from your madcap Mini adventure (assuming no one blows the bloody doors off), we’ll treat you to a whisky and cheese tasting with our resident specialist (knows his stuff, but a bit partial to the liquor). And to save you having to make a quick getaway, you’ll get late check-out too. Find out more here.

JUST REMEMBER THIS.
We have plenty of other offers to complement your Mini Mack Tour, as well as an all-day dining menu full of modern Scottish dishes and seasonally changing light bites. From Breakfast to a late-night bar snack, we’ve got something for you. The vintage whisky cabinet is yours to take a dram from and we have enough artisan Gins, that you could stay for a week and not have the same one twice! Craft beers, hand-selected wine list, great food and a home-from-home environment. What more could you want?*

*except weather like in the actual Italian Job…unlikely in Scotland, but we’ll do out best, just for you!

Whisky is the national drink of Scotland. We have been producing it since the 15th century and we’ve become rather good at it! The earliest written reference to ‘Aqua Vitae’ came from a monk at Lindores Abbey, which is now a working distillery again, and not too far from us in the Kingdom of Fife! Whisky is exported all over the world, old and rare bottles are sold for many thousands of pounds and there is certainly an art to tasting it. Whether you’re a beginner or a connoisseur, Edinburgh is the place to start your whisky journey!

THE DUNSTANE BAR
We have an impressive range of over 70 single malts in the Ba’ Bar, including some of the rarer bottles displayed in one of the most beautiful whisky cabinets in the city! Our staff are specially trained to find a dram to suit your palate, and they may also introduce you to some new flavours along the way.

SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE
This is one of Edinburgh’s top visitor attractions. Become a one-hour-expert and view their collection of over 3000 bottles of Scotch, including many rare and unusual items. You can upgrade your tour to include additional drams or take part in a more in-depth masterclass.

SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY
The society, with venues in the New Town and Leith, is a club for whisky lovers. You can become a member to gain access to their private members areas and receive special prices on their bottlings and events. Most tasting events are open to non-members too and are an excellent opportunity to enjoy a drink with fellow enthusiasts.

THE CALEDONIA JOB
Combine your (new) love of whisky with a tour of Edinburgh and some Scottish cheese, booking a tour with our friends at Mini Mack Tours! Fuel yourself with a luxury Afternoon Tea, before zipping around on two-hour tour of our historic city, bringing you back to the Dunstane Houses for the whisky and cheese tasting. Not to worry, there’s a late check out the following day, so you can spend as much time at the bar as you please…!

August is upon us and the last of summer has arrived. For those who are yet to visit our wonderful city, August is truly the month where Edinburgh comes alive. While you may not see the Capital in all its usual Festival glory, with some of the larger events either cancelled or scaled back, it still promises to be an amazing month for locals and tourists alike. We have handpicked four Edinburgh events we are most excited about this August.

FRINGE BY THE SEA
Just 20 miles east of Edinburgh lies North Berwick – a beautiful seaside town that is a favourite day trip for many Edinburgh locals. This picturesque town plays host to Fringe by the Sea – a more rural instalment of the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Showcasing a wide range of culture, arts and events from 6th-15th August, this year promises to be its biggest yet. Highlights from the star-studded lineup include Lulu, Basement Jaxx and Janey Godley.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
Bookworms will be delighted to hear that the International Book Festival will return this August, with an incredible lineup of over 300 authors and writers who will descend on the Capital for edinburghs, conversations and signings. After the festival went fully digital last year in response to the global pandemic, it has found a new home at the Edinburgh College of Art where it will stay for the longer term.

THE FRINGE
The authentic Fringe experience would not be the same without rushing between venues across the city, trying to cram in as many shows as possible. After last year’s cancellation due to COVID, it is much to our collective relief that the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe is back this year with an incredible lineup of comedy, music and theatre. According to the latest figures, there are as many as 670 different shows scheduled between August 6th and August 30th meaning there is something for absolutely everyone. As is customary, there will be some household names and fan favourites making a return across the various venues where the Fringe is taking place.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Edinburgh International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in the Scottish capital, running between August 18th-25th this year. The festival has been running since 1947, and gives cinema-goers around the world an opportunity to see new films from Scotland and abroad. So what can you expect? Well, it’s not just about watching movies – there will be discussions with filmmakers, workshops on filmmaking skills, Q&A sessions with actors and more. There will be free screenings of classic films in St Andrew Square while film buffs can enjoy intimate screenings of new films at the Filmhouse on Lothian Road and the Festival Theatre over on the Southside.

So we have convinced you that Edinburgh is the place to be this August and now you’re thinking about accommodation. Well look no further! The Dunstane Houses’ location makes us the perfect place to stay while visiting the city as we are within easy reach of all the main venues whilst also offering our guests a calm and quiet retreat from the madness of the festivities. Book your Edinburgh staycation with us today and take advantage of everything August has to offer. With the warm weather set to continue, enjoy pre-show drinks and food out in our Garden – named by CNN as one of the best al-fresco dining spots in Europe – before heading out on the town!