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.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Halloween Events Round Up for Edinburgh Restaurants

Take a look at some of the Halloween events taking place in Edinburgh Restaurants this week!

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Simply Greek Opens Vibrant New Home Near the Playhouse

Simply Greek, the family-owned restaurant adored for its authentic Greek flavours, is proving a hit with diners in its stunning new home, right across from the iconic Edinburgh Playhouse.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade

The One Spa, one of Scotland’s most luxurious spas, has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.

One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back

To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!

Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest

Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.

Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh

The draw and schedule for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh is out now and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast!

Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh

The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spanning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill.

Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming

Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.

Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership

Edinburgh’s top restaurant group is raising a glass to a new partnership with Hirundine Whisky, the premium single malt created by Scottish rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman.

Popeyes announces Fort Kinnaird opening date

Popeyes® UK fans in Fort Kinnaird can get their hands on the viral Chicken Sandwich from Monday 3rd November, with free Chicken Sandwiches for the first 100 in the queue.

Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National gallery

Having lived at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two since the early 2000’s, Eduardo Paolozzi’s Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National.

Gilded Saloon announce new weekly comedy night and autumn programme

The Gilded Saloon, Edinburgh’s latest arts venue has announced a brand new programme of autumn events ranging from a weekly comedy night, theatre, sketch shows, music, magic and more.

Dream job in Edinburgh up for grabs as Prezzo Italian searches for first ever Chief Tasting Officer

To celebrate the launch of its new George Street restaurant, Prezzo Italian is offering food lovers the chance to land what might be the city’s tastiest new role of ‘Chief Tasting Officer'.

Halloween is just around the corner and The Ivy Edinburgh has some scarily good things up their sleeve to help celebrate

This spooky season, take a stroll down the yellow brick road and into The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh as it transforms into The Ivy Emerald City.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Where Science Meets Santa: Winter Wonderland Returns to Dynamic Earth

This Christmas, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is transforming once again into a Winter Wonderland.

Get ready for Edinburgh Diwali 2025

Edinburgh city centre will be awash with colour on Sunday 2nd November as Edinburgh Diwali marks 10 years of uniting communities and celebrating diversity.

Festive line up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort

Ho Ho Ho! Festive line-up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort - Featuring visits from Mrs Claus and the return of the festive cinema.

Festival announces its new commission by Marc Brew

Imaginate has announced its next Expo-funded Festival commission will be by award-winning disabled dance artist and choreographer Marc Brew, as part of an increased focus on disabled-led work.

Virgin StartUp invites Scottish entrepreneurs to the Edinburgh Mentor Match

Scottish entrepreneurs are being invited to an electrifying free networking event on 27th October for National Mentoring Day at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE joins Loganair as first ever Brand Ambassador

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has appointed celebrated Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE as its first-ever Brand Ambassador.

New year round Collaboration to make Outdoor Adventure accessible for All

The Yard, Foxlake and Wild Shore Dundee launch official partnership to deliver a year-round programme of inclusive activities, training, and support across three regions of Scotland.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

Casting announced for Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Kevin Clifton, Nick Hayes and Peter Duncan amongst the full cast announced who join previously announced Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda) for Priscilla Queen of the Desert tour 2026.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.