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
First Published: 8 December 2020 14:19
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.
Latest Edinburgh News
Celebrate Burns Night with Invisible Cities
Invisible Cities, the social enterprise that trains people who have previously experienced homelessness, will be hosting an online quiz to celebrate Burns Night.
Stroke Association calling for local residents to put in the strides for stroke
The Stroke Association in Scotland is encouraging local residents to get involved in its 'Stride for Stroke' challenge, to walk 10,000 steps a day for 120 days.
Edinburgh care home thanks community for its support
Care UK’s Cairdean House, an Edinburgh care home, has thanked the community for supporting its gifting initiative for local youngsters.
Shop local with Bonnie Bairn as the premier pregnancy & family fair in Scotland goes digital
Bonnie Bairn, Scotland's Premier Pregnancy & Family Fair is set to take place online for the first time ever, encouraging a nation of parents to #ShopLocal from the comfort of their own home.
COP26 volunteer programme launches ahead of global event
Glasgow City Council is looking for a team of around 1000 volunteers to support the staging of this globally significant event.
Organisations urged to share innovation success at Datafest21
The Data Lab is calling on organisations contributing towards Scotland’s reputation of being at the cutting edge of innovative technology to share their successes to mark Datafest21.
Dobbies release podcast to mark first Stroke Prevention Day
The UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, teamed up with the Stroke Association to mark Stroke Prevention Day.
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show goes online
Scotland's biggest staycation event, The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show, is going online for 2021 in a free virtual event!
The World Tunes in to Celtic Connections 2021!
With over 10,000 festival passes already sold, 44 countries from around the world will be tuning in to tonight's Celtic Connections Opening Concert!
Wedgwood the Restaurant has created a five course lockdown feast to celebrate Burns Night
Edinburgh’s award-winning Wedgwood the Restaurant is the first restaurant in the UK to launch a ‘Burns Box’, available nationwide, to celebrate Burns Night (25th January) in lockdown.
Charity single released to help give young performers opportunities
Glasgow Philharmonia are well known for their big performances up and down the country... but for the first time ever, they have released a charity single!
Contini Edinburgh launches Burns Zoom Party Supper
Celebrate Scotland’s national bard this Burns Night with a Burns Zoom Party Supper from Contini Edinburgh!
Scottish charity set to host the Biggest Online Burns Supper
Specialist charity SBH Scotland is joining forces with international superstar Fran Healy, as well as Scottish comedians Janey Godley & Fred MacAulay to host the world's biggest virtual Burns supper!
Celtic Connections marks one week to go with programme announcement
The Celtic Connections online festival will begin one week today. Across 19 days, the festival will present over 30 online performances between 15th January and 2nd February!
Take the Dry January challenge with the first alcohol free dark ale in Scotland
One of Scotland’s most awarded independent craft breweries is encouraging people to take the ‘Dry January’ challenge with the country’s first alcohol-free dark ale.
First look at the only koala joey in UK
An adorable six-month old koala joey has been caught on camera for the first time at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo, peeking out of its mother’s pouch.
Funding boost for Scottish heritage projects
Brisbane Observatory, Govanhill Baths and The Ridge Foundations CIC are among the latest round of Historic Environment Support Fund recipients!
Christmas is NOT Cancelled in Kirkliston
Santa will be touring the village on Christmas Eve – all within government ‘elf and safety guidelines.
Santa Claus is coming to town... oh yes he is!
Gather the family around the TV this Christmas and join in the usual fun and frolics of a Pavilion Panto!
Brakes put on Scottish drive in events until 2021
In light of the new Tier restrictions, the Scottish company behind one of the UK's largest drive-in tours, The Parking Lot Social, has been forced to cancel all dates in Scotland for the rest of 2020.
Rapunzel by the National Theatre of Scotland is set for festive release in selected Scottish cinemas
Rapunzel, the innovative new festive film from the National Theatre of Scotland, created in a first-time partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, is set to hit screens this month!
Edinburgh food blogger crowned best home baker in Scotland
An Edinburgh food blogger has been crowned Scotland’s finest home baker in time for the finale of the hit TV show, The Great British Bake Off.
Poetry anthology gives voice to unheard people of Scotland
A Scottish literature charity this week publishes an anthology of poetry that gives voice to some of Scotland's unheard groups and voices.
Edinburgh International Childrens Festival confirmed for May 2021
Imaginate, the organisation which produces the successful Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, have confirmed that they are planning an exciting festival for next year.
Conifox Adventure Park gives back this Christmas in an effort to spread a little festive cheer
Conifox Adventure Park has spent the run up to Christmas giving back, in an attempt to show that ‘all is not lost’ when it comes to connecting with your community in 2020.
Photographers answer the call of nature
Nature-inspired photography competition winners announced by Loch Lomond Shores.
The Scots Magazine launch free virtual festival celebrating the best of Scotland
Launching on December 14th, ‘Adventure To Your Desktop’ is a five-day online festival bringing to life the best of Scotland, through how-tos, cook-alongs and masterclasses from Scottish talent.
Dance Base Scotland announce a celebration of creativity, movement and connection
Dance Base Scotland present a night of performance, movement and celebration, all filmed from their studios in Edinburgh and streamed to audiences across the world.
Scottish Football spreads Christmas Cheer to those in need with biggest ever campaign
Associated community trusts and SPFL clubs across Scotland are bringing Christmas cheer to those that need it most this year with a new-look initiative designed to support isolated older people.
The RZSS and National Museums Scotland contribute to First Zoological Biobank in UK
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and National Museums Scotland are playing a central role in the establishment of the UK’s first national zoological biobank.
Sponsored Links
