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Happy February everyone!Now that we’ve got January Blues out of the way and we’ve been paid, there’s lots going on in the Capital this month. Whether you’re sending the kids out with their pals or taking them yourself this February half term, getting the bus can be half the fun. Shopping is always a popular choice, but there are also stacks of movies on at the many cinemas our city has to offer. Or get active with a swimming session - although the Commonwealth Pool is still under renovation there are still plenty of other swimming baths if you fancy a splash. And talking of iconic Edinburgh buildings being renovated, if you haven’t been to the newly refurbished National Museum of Scotland, then the February break would be an ideal time –and it’s free! Sporting fans will be spoilt for choice as well this month as the Six Nations rugby comes to town. If you’re one of the lucky ones to get tickets, I’ll see you there as I’m in the stadium hosting the pre-match build up. As ever, you can rely on Lothian Buses for getting you to and from Murrayfield from right across the city, without worrying about parking or dropping off supporters in the midst of all the buzz! With all this going on, it’ll be March before we know it! See you then! Top 5 Things to Do At Half Term
Make a SplashIf there’s one thing kids like to do most – it’s make a splash! So why not grab the swimming trunks and costumes and spend the day being water active? There are 11 Edinburgh Leisure pools across the city, not to mention swimming camps to make the most out of having time off school. For more information visit http://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk and why not take the bus to make it a fully-fledged adventure?
At The MoviesPop quiz! What activity will keep everyone occupied for at least an hour and half whilst being entertained on a grand scale proportion? That’s right – a trip to the cinema! If you’re any early bird you can grab some great deals for morning shows, and most cinemas are surrounded by shops so you can kill two birds with one stone and have a fun-filled day for all the family. Taking the bus couldn’t be easier – and you won’t have to worry about parking.
Free For AllWe all love a good bargain, especially when it comes to kid’s activities, and many of Edinburgh’s attractions trump that by being absolutely free! From culture at art galleries, to a trip down memory lane at the Museum of Childhood, to creating your own masterpieces at the Brass Rubbing Centre, to getting in touch with nature at Gorgie Farm, you can buy a day ticket and visit them all by jumping on and off the bus whenever it suits!
Get SnappyThis year’s RBGE Photography Competition 2012 is now underway so why not grab your cameras and get creative with some picture taking? By visiting Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden you can take some a landscape, plant portrait or wildlife shots and submit them for the competition – there are some great prizes to be won and you can spend all day there for absolutely no charge. You can get the bus to outside the garden’s door! Royal Botanic Garden 8, 23 or 27 PandatasticIf you haven’t yet made a trip to Edinburgh Zoo for a bit of panda spotting, then this could be your opportunity. Remember to book in advance of your visit and start the day off in panda style by taking the special zoo bus covered in giant pandas! There are also activity workshops planned for kids of all ages – so what are you waiting for?! Edinburgh Zoo 12, 26, 31 or 48
So, here we are in 2012 already! Where did 2011 go? I don't know about you but the past 12 months has flown by – it feels like I blinked and missed it. But as every other year, it had its highs and its lows, and now I'm looking forward to seeing what this year has in store for me. I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year. As you know, I was extremely busy with my role as the rather good looking ugly sister in 'Cinderella' at The King's Theatre but it was fantastic to get out of my high heels and have Christmas Day off which was spent at home with my wife and kids then at night all the family got together for some great festive food and one or two refreshments! Similarly New Year's Day was family time with a traditional steak pie! Looking at the pictures of the thousands of people bringing in the bells on Princes Street was quite a sight – I'm glad I wasn't looking for a taxi home that night! I, of course, would have jumped on one of the special Hogmanay NIGHTBUSES, and enjoyed the wee hours of January 1 safe in the knowledge that I would be getting home safe (and on time!) Of course with the start of the year arrive the January sales. Unfortunately this insights images of chaos, mayhem and pandemonium – and that's just in my house! But seriously you can pick up a great bargain in the sales and Edinburgh does have an impressive portfolio of stores – from designer heaven in Harvey Nichols, to landmark sites such as House of Frasers and Jenners, you're spoilt for choice. And there's nothing worse than spying that perfect marked down item, and not being able to get a parking space so you can nip in and grab it before anyone else! So why not jump on the bus and let the shopping take care of itself. We all know that money is tight at this time of year, so if there's a chance to save some pennies and get value for money then I'm all for it. Which is why RIDACARD helps everybody's January purse. It's so simple. Just set up a direct debit which comes out every month, and you never have to worry about having the money in your pocket – just zoom about the City with a quick flash of your card. Why not make one of your New Year resolutions to become more money smart and get some great value travel with a RIDACARD? If there's one thing you should aim to do this month, is visit our amazing new friends who have joined us all the way from China. I'm of course talking about the giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang who are now at Edinburgh Zoo. They made their grand appearance last month and have already proven extremely popular with the city – they're the star attraction! So grab the kids, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and anyone else who fancies it (hopefully there's space for one more?!) and make your way to the Zoo on one of Lothian Buses services 12, 26, 31, and 48 that drop you at the Zoo's door so there's no excuse not to go! Keep an eye out for the special edition panda bus, zooming its way to the zoo today! Of course there's another fantastic attraction which you can make a stop at this month with all the family – and if anyone mutters "Oh no there isn't!" I'll be round to yours to scare the bejesus out of you myself! I'm of course refer to this year's King's Theatre pantomime, 'Cinderella', which runs until 22 January so you can still catch me, Andy Gray and Allan Stewart in this fun, antic-filled, hilarious production which I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this year. Looking forward to seeing you there! See you in February! Top 5
Grant's Blog - December 2011So, here we are once again in the season to be jolly! And I have to say it's one of my favourite months of the year – even if it is one of the busiest. You may have seen my face in a rather different setting on Lothian buses because, for me, Christmas time means panto time. This year I'm appearing in a production of Cinderella at The King’s Theatre – and that’s after I finish my day job on air at Forth One. If that wasn't enough, I still have to organise all my Christmas shopping which is usually squeezed in between matinees and evening performances. I have perfected it to take place over a number of days, in one hour bursts! As my time is tight, it’s great to be able to get around the city hassle free. The buses are my Christmas saviour! I'll hop on a bus from outside The King’s Theatre at Tollcross, and jump off again at the West End, grab what I can then take another bus back up to pantoland! Although I don’t get much time to appreciate everything that’s going on in Edinburgh at this time of year, as I dash across the city, I’m reminded why this is one of the best cities in the world. Lothian Buses has launched their Grotto Bus, which will be popping up in various locations throughout the city centre, complete with Santa. All money raised will go to the Sick Kid’s. Check out the Lothian Buses website for more details. Christmas really is a magical time and with so much going on, it makes sense to get the bus if you’re heading in or out of town. You don’t need any extra stress this month – whether you’re shopping for those early (or last minute) presents (take note guys) or just having the Christmas night blow out with your workmates or pals, hopping on a bus will make all your festive follies fantastic! So, whatever you find yourself doing over Christmas and New Year I hope you have the best festive period ever and I do hope you take the chance to spend some time with me at The King’s – feel free to Boo and Hiss at will! See you in 2012!! Top 5
Bring in the bells in style this New Year by joining 80,000 revelers on Princes Street! Whether you’re visiting the Capital or have lived here your whole life, there’s nothing quite like it. Listen to some great live music, dance the night away beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and of course, witness the world famous fireworks display at midnight. Lothian Buses will run special services on Saturday 31 December.
Stuck for some Christmas present inspiration? From 24 November, the mound precinct will be transformed into a magical place, with the annual Traditional German Christmas Market. You’ll be amazed with the range of classic and contemporary gifts as well as a range of German food and drink. For more information on events visit www.edinburghschristmas.com.
Princes Street Gardens will become your one-stop for fun with a Big Wheel, carousel, helter skelter and children’s corner all in one place! If that’s not enough, get your skates on and try out the ice rink, visit Santa and even have some bouncy acrobatics in a giant snowball! For more information on events visit www.edinburghsparkles.com and how to get there visit www.lothianbuses.com
Did you think you would ever see hundreds of Santa’s running through West Princes Street Gardens? Well on 11 December, you’ll be witness to exactly that! The fantastic charity event is the perfect way to raise money whilst having a great time in the process. Why wouldn’t you want to dress up like the Big Man for one day of the year?! For more information visit www.thesantarun.org.uk . Why not take the bus to and from the event to show off your festive suit?
Whether you fancy a rocking, hilarious or romantic musical this Christmas, Edinburgh is the place where you will find it all. Catch ‘We Will Rock You’ at the Edinburgh Playhouse, ‘Cinderella’ at the King’s Theatre or ‘The King and I’ at the Festival Theatre this month. If that wasn’t enough, the Lyceum Theatre is showing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and the Usher Hall has a fantastic line up of festive-themed shows – from carols to the Rat Pack! Have a look at our timetables for buses to take you to and from the venue at www.lothianbuses.com Grant's Blog - November 2011Before we go any further, can I ask one question: where did 2011 go? I can’t believe we’re already talking November as it doesn’t seem that long since the clocks were springing forward and we were looking forward to barbeques and flip flops. Yet, here we are now – packing up our summer wardrobe and checking we’ve still got the snow shovels handy! It’s certainly been a quick year. And it’s no question that the snow shovel comment is a serious one after last year’s horrendous weather caused massive disruptions across the city. We’re being advised left right and centre to make sure that we’re as prepared as can be for any potential repeat this year. Getting about in conditions like those last year while in the car proved almost impossible in many cases. Thank goodness for our winter warriors...Lothian Buses who kept Edinburgh moving. Thinking ahead is certainly a good piece of advice. As you can imagine, the Lothian Buses team plan ahead. Indeed, the depots are stocked high with grit, snow shovels, 4x4s, snow ploughs and specialist winter clothing so when the snow does hit – and I’m assured it will – as many buses as possible are on the roads to get us to where we need to go. If you’re a car driver, my advice is leave the car at home this winter. Check out your local bus routes and times online, and take the hassle out of winter driving. Lothian Buses drivers are the experts in defensive driving and I know I’d rather not battle through snow and ice, risking my beloved car! With Christmas a matter of weeks away, work steps up a gear for me in November as we start preparing for the annual pantomime at The King‘s Theatre. In the past we rehearsed at the Methodist Church Hall at Tollcross – but as parking is a bit of a nightmare in that area, I hopped on the bus. It’s much easier to concentrate on learning my lines than trying to remember when my parking ticket expires on my car. This year we’re moving rehearsal rooms to Victoria Street so getting the service 41 to George IV Bridge is a no brainer on my part. Again, it’s worth mentioning an extra tool to help you on your way by bus – especially if you are up to date with your mobile phone! Whether you have an iPhone, Android or Windows 7 smartphone, you can download the BusTracker App right now. All the links you need are on the right of this page and it’s completely free, so no excuses. It’s so easy to use, just fill in the details of the stop nearest to you, check the bus that you’re after and it tells you in minutes how long you have to wait! I have managed to get the timing from my house to the bus stop down to a fine art. You’ve probably also clocked the new hybrid buses around town as well and I can tell you they are as impressive as they look! These machines are extremely environmentally friendly as they use electricity as well as fuel to get around. They are also fitted with comfy seats, TV screens AND have free WiFi for all users! How cool is that? It’s almost worth catching a service 10 for, even if you’re not heading to Torphin! 1. Catch a glimpse of Edinburgh’s finest locations from one of the best view points in the city – on board the Edinburgh Bus Tours of course! Not only is it Scotland’s third most visited paid attraction, but it’s just been given a five star status from VisitScotland for its fantastic facilities and service. Now if that’s not a good enough reason to explore the Capital in style, then I don’t know what is! Jump on one of the five open-top bus tours, each tailor made to offer unique and entertaining experiences as well as all the historical facts about the city. For more information visit www.edinburghtour.com. 2. One of my favourite events in the calendar is bonfire night, when the city comes together to watch the sky being lit up with bright, sparkly illuminations. And what better way to celebrate than taking a family trip to Meadowbank Stadium for its annual Fireworks display. Don’t worry about parking either, as there are a number of buses that will take you straight there. The night starts with pre-show entertainment from 6.30pm then the main event starts at 7.30pm. Catch buses 4, 5, 15/15A, 26 or 44/44A. 3. Lothian Buses are making some changes from 7 November so make sure you’re up to date with the timetable revisions. Service 11, 15/15A, 47 and 67 have been given slight tweaks to their times so check here so you’re in the know. 4. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get creative with the list of gifts that seems to grow every year. From 6 November, Lauriston Castle will run an adult Christmas programme, which includes workshops to design your very own unique creations. From Scandinavian Wooden Advent Calendars to New England cranberry wreaths, you’ll be giving presents that the receiver will never forget. For more information visit http://eventsedinburgh.org.uk/visitors_event_listing.html&event_id=1051 or catch service 42. 5. For some good old fashioned family fun, the Gang Show returns to the King’s Theatre for it’s annual performance. With more than 200 young people ranging from Scouts to Girl Guides, this Edinburgh institution is something that everyone should see at least once. Jump on an 11, 15/15A, 16, 23 or 45 up to the Leven Street venue and make a night of it. |
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