Forever Edinburgh launches Meet Edinburghs Makers

Forever Edinburgh is partnering with tourism businesses in Scotland’s capital to launch the ‘Meet Edinburgh’s Makers’ series, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of local producers.

Article Source: Forever Edinburgh
Last Updated: 3 October 2024 12:41

This series celebrates the enterprises at the heart of Edinburgh’s world-leading visitor economy, starting with the dynamic distilling and brewing scene that has established the city as the new spirit of Scotland.

This series is a key initiative in the city’s inbound leisure visitor campaign, Experience the Beauty.

The initiative highlights Edinburgh’s most innovative makers and craftspeople, fostering awareness and appreciation for their unique qualities while inviting visitors to explore the city’s diverse tasting experiences.

Featured producers include Holyrood Distillery, renowned for its diverse range of whiskies and rum; Port of Leith Distillery, the UK’s first vertical distillery, leading the charge in sustainability; Summerhall Distillery, celebrated for its bold and inventive gin flavours; Secret Garden Distillery, which embraces a ‘seed to sip’ ethos with seasonal botanicals; and Vault City, known for brewing innovative sour beers using real fruit.

Interviews with key makers are now live on Forever Edinburgh’s website https://edinburgh.org/meet-edinburghs-makers/, alongside a brand-new Brewers and Distillers Map showcasing over 60 businesses across the whole city. This guide invites visitors to discover the spirit of Edinburgh, featuring bars, pubs, pop-ups, retailers and distilleries, all easily accessible by foot or sustainable travel options, including bus and tram.

Map highlights include Hey Palu in the Southside, the Innis and Gunn Brew School in Tollcross, and the Pilot Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Leith.

Edinburgh has emerged as a prime destination for food and drink tourism, and has seen a 50% increase in businesses in the city distilling, rectifying and blending spirits, 25% increase in beer manufacturers and 35% increase in beverage manufacturers since 2019. A 2023 VisitScotland survey found that nearly half (46%) of visitors participated in at least one food and drink experience during their trip to Scotland.

The Brewers and Distillers Map will be featured on the Forever Edinburgh website, The Official Guide to Edinburgh, and promoted through digital channels, showcasing what makes it a unique, must-see UK city break all year round.

Cllr Cammy Day, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said:
“Distilling in Edinburgh links back to the 18th century, and we have seen a revival of late with so many wonderful producers and brewers choosing the capital at their HQ. We’re really lucky in Edinburgh to have some of the best in the country, from the Port of Leith Distillery to Innis and Gunn, Edinburgh Gin and many more.

“The Meet Edinburgh’s Makers initiative celebrates Edinburgh’s renaissance as the true spirit of Scotland, and uses the stories of the dedicated craftspeople and their exceptional experiences around the city to draw more interest from our visitors.

“The Makers interviews and Brewers and Distillers Map, will exist year-round and are excellent resources no matter the time of year. This is a chance to sample some of Edinburgh's finest offerings and appreciate the rich flavour profiles that define our city’s vibrant spirit.”

Callum Rae, distillery manager at Holyrood Distillery said:
"We're thrilled to be part of the 'Meet Edinburgh’s Makers' series, which highlights the incredible producers that call Edinburgh home. With such a wide variety of experiences in the city, being showcased by Forever Edinburgh is a fantastic opportunity for our business.

“This campaign will bring more people through our doors and give them a chance to explore the great drinks Edinburgh has to offer. We're delighted to be listed alongside other local brands and share in celebrating Edinburgh evolving from being the heart of Scotland to embodying its spirit as well."

To find out more about the Meet Edinburgh’s Makers campaign and discover the Brewers and Distillers Map, go to https://edinburgh.org/meet-edinburghs-makers/

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

Latest Edinburgh News

Midlothian primary school set to celebrate centenary with a week of music and memories

Exactly 100 years since Newtongrange Primary School first opened its doors, teachers and pupils are set to celebrate its centenary in style.

National Roadshow to Shine a Spotlight on Edinburgh Small Businesses

Edinburgh’s small businesses are set to take centre stage this week as the Small Business Saturday nationwide roadshow rolls into town on Wednesday, 5th November.

St Andrews Day ticket offer for Castle of Light

Edinburgh Castle ignites excitement for Castle of Light: Fire and Ice with special St Andrew’s Day ticket offer.

Shuttle Bus Route Launched at Lost Shore Surf Resort

Lost Shore Surf Resort is teaming up with Scottish sustainable travel pioneer Ember to launch a new all-electric shuttle bus service from Edinburgh City Centre to the resort.

Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh

Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.

Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round

Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.

National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead

This Halloween National Galleries of Scotland is diving into the special books collection to share the rare work 'Le Livre des morts des Anciens Egyptiens' by Anton Prinner.

Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox

Edinburgh’s Ultimate Christmas Experience Arrives in a Spectacular New Purpose-Built Building at Conifox Adventure Park.

Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge

THE FINAL countdown to Walking Scotland’s Autumn Step Count Challenge has begun, with teams across the country being urged to register before the event starts on Monday, 3 November 2025.

Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal

Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is adding some festive magic to its guest experiences this Christmas and Hogmanay.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Palm Court at The Balmoral unveils new Elevenses menu

Palm Court at The Balmoral has launched a new ‘Elevenses’ menu, showcasing the pastry team’s viennoiserie skills.

Vault City launches blood red strawberry sour beer for Halloween season

A POPULAR Halloween treat is being reimagined for grown-ups this year, as Edinburgh’s wizards of sour beer unveil their latest spooky special.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme

With just under three weeks left until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme is unveiled today.

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.

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day

More than 50 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this week for Edinburgh Mentor Match - a free business speed mentoring session run by Virgin StartUp.

OMNi teams up with local school and partners for Creative Milestone Initiative

Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project for the Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

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.

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!