Capital News
Waverley Arches welcome first business
As part of the £150-million New Waverley development, 19 Victorian arches on Edinburgh’s East Market Street are being converted into brand-new leisure and retail spaces. The C-listed arches, which date back to 1875, will accommodate niche boutiques, cafes and bars. Two independent businesses – Uncover Lab, which uses laser technology to inscribe 3D designs on objects of your choice, and 6 Yard Box, a concept store selling fashion and memorabilia inspired by football – were the first to open in the city’s newest retail quarter; a further three businesses – the Tempo Tea Bar, jewellery store Miss Katie Cupcake and Mudo Photography Gallery – will launch in the coming months. The remaining spaces look likely to be snapped up quickly.
Hotel demand hits record high
It was recently announced that demand for accommodation in Edinburgh has rocketed as an increasing number of both domestic and international tourists choose the capital as a holiday destination. In 2014 there were 3.8 million overnight stays in the city, an increase of 400,000 on the year before. The growing popularity can be attributed to the expansion of Edinburgh Airport, strong marketing and the legacy of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. A number of mid-budget hotels have also opened their doors in the city over the past two years, including the likes of Tune Hotels, Hotel Ibis and Motel One.
Edinburgh Airport celebrates centenary year
Edinburgh Airport will mark its 100th birthday this year with a series of special events. The airport began life as the Royal Naval Air Service aerodome in 1916 and was a key military base during World War One. Commerical services were launched in 1947, when just 7,000 people flew from the terminal. Now the airport is Scotland’s busiest, with more than 11 million passengers travelling through the terminal last year – an increase of 950,000 passengers in 2014. The numbers were bolstered by new connections to European cities, including Budapest, Prague and Milan. Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar, said: “Our passengers and adults and kids in the local community will be invited to get involved as we offer limited edition giveaways, host competitions and hold a major party to come in the months ahead.”