Mercat Tours launches virtual winter stories series and supports Grassmarket Community Project
Mercat Tours, Edinburgh’s five-star history and walking tour company, is set to launch “Coorie in’ for Winter Tales” next week, Thursday, 10 December.
Article Source: Mercat Tours
Last Updated: 8 December 2020 14:22
New virtual winter stories series launched which also supports Grassmarket Community Project
Mercat Tours, Edinburgh’s five-star history and walking tour company, is set to launch “Coorie in’ for Winter Tales” next week, Thursday, 10 December.
As we try to navigate tiers and cope with virtual gatherings, “Coorie in’ for Winter Tales” embraces all the warmth and spirit of Christmas – sharing, gathering and making memories.
The series will see a new 10-minute story released on a Thursday, in time for the weekend, with a special, free story for Hogmanay. Access to the five stories will be £15 via subscription on the Mercat website, and 50% of the ticket price will be donated to Mercat’s local community partner, Grassmarket Community Project.
Mercat has a longstanding friendship with the project, which has been providing homeless people with access to various aid and helpful services since 1982.
It’s with this in mind that people are urged to support such an important cause at this time of year, which has been further affected by COVID.
Kat Brogan, managing director of Mercat Tours said: “We wanted to keep making connections with our team, locals and visitors and we’ve trialled virtual storytelling in recent months.
“Our famous tales are told by our award-winning storytellers and we hope that families, virtual gatherings and communities can enjoy these winter tales, together safely.
“We’re inviting everyone to ‘courie in’ with blankets, mince pie, dimmed lights, candles and a mulled wine, if you’re inclined.
“It means a lot that we can be thoughtful about others at this time of year, especially those who need our support such as our friends at GCP.”
Jonny Kinross, ceo, Grassmarket Community Project added: “We are delighted that Mercat Tours has chosen us, as the local Edinburgh charity and this financial support is needed now more than ever.
“We have supported over 250 of our most vulnerable this year through the pandemic and lockdowns. This has included people who are homeless, rough sleeping, the elderly, people with a disability or experiencing mental or physical health issues. Many of our members are the most isolated and excluded and COVID-19 has hit them worse than any other group in the city.
“Christmas is a particularly difficult time for those we support – when people face a deep sense of loneliness and loss of hope. Thanks to Mercat and its customer’s support, we will be able to reach out to people, offer practical support, kindness and hope at this most challenging time.”
Stories include:
● Who Was Johnny One-Arm? by Mark Clement
● Marriage, Infidelity & Romance in 1800's Edinburgh – by Lauren Mulvihill
● Des Brogan's Tale of the Blinking Corpse – by Des Brogan
● Tales Hidden in Edinburgh’s Graveyards; from Burn’s true love to the original Ebenezer Scrooge – by Frank McGrail
You can book your virtual “Coorie in’ for Winter Tales” via www.mercattours.com
Image: Grassmarket Community Project making use of Mercat House.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh
Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston
Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.
READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic
The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Collective announces 2026 programme
Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.
READ MORE
Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
November and December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Small Businesses shine as part of small business roadshow
Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh open in Edinburgh this month
Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.
READ MORE
The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn
As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.
READ MORE
First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week
A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.
READ MORE
Flight Club Edinburgh launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch
Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORE
Deer Park unwraps a festive calendar of fun for December
Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.
READ MORE
Vue Ocean Terminal set to welcome luxurious new seating option
Film fans in Edinburgh will soon be able to enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.
READ MORE
Decade of teaching Scotland to swim capped In Edinburgh
A PROGRAMME that has created a legacy of confident swimmers across Scotland has reached a major milestone, celebrating ten years of transforming lives through the power of swimming.
READ MORE
Call for homeowners in Edinburgh and Lothians to check eligibility for Energy Saving Home Improvements
With energy bills remaining high and winter approaching, thousands of families in Edinburgh and the Lothians could be missing out on free home energy improvements worth £10,000 or more.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
RZSS continues call for national ban on public sale of fireworks
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.
READ MORE
Edinburgh to welcome globally renowned DJs to perform at The Johnnie Walker Experience
FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor.
READ MORE
Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird for the first time this Christmas
This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.
READ MORE
First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival makes 60 new flagship events available worldwide
Edinburgh International Book Festival is releasing 60 more events from its August 2025 programme for global audiences this week on a Donate What You Can basis.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
Make a difference to East Lothian during Trustees Week
Volunteer Centre East Lothian urges people to lend their support to local charities by becoming a trustee.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links