
Wildfire breaks out at Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat
A wildfire broke out on Arthur's Seat, the extinct volcano overlooking Scotland's capital Edinburgh.
The fire spread extensively across the landmark which is popular with walkers and tourists and producing smoke visible from miles around.
Arthur's Seat is the highest point of Holyrood Park, near Scotland's parliament and the end of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. About 250m above sea level, it is a popular vantage point with visitors for its views of the city.
"Crews are in attendance at a fire in the open at Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh," the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said on X.
Police advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.
August is a popular month for tourists in Edinburgh as it hosts the Edinburgh International arts festival, the Fringe comedy festival, as well as tour dates for the reunion of rock band Oasis.

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Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Wildfire breaks out at Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat
A wildfire broke out on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. A wildfire broke out on Arthur's Seat, the extinct volcano overlooking Scotland's capital Edinburgh. The fire spread extensively across the landmark which is popular with walkers and tourists and producing smoke visible from miles around. Arthur's Seat is the highest point of Holyrood Park, near Scotland's parliament and the end of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. About 250m above sea level, it is a popular vantage point with visitors for its views of the city. "Crews are in attendance at a fire in the open at Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh," the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said on X. Police advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area. August is a popular month for tourists in Edinburgh as it hosts the Edinburgh International arts festival, the Fringe comedy festival, as well as tour dates for the reunion of rock band Oasis.


The Spinoff
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- The Spinoff
Big international stadium tours are cannibalising local music
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NZ Herald
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- NZ Herald
Travel Alerts: Tortoise encounters, french feasts, and a crocheted wharenui
Celebrate Bastille Day in Auckland Bastille Day, France's national holiday on July 14, is best known for fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, street parades, live music and picnic baskets filled with wine and cheese. While most Kiwis can only dream of spending it in Paris, one local travel company offers a delightful alternative right here in New Zealand. Boutique Tours France hosts four-day French language immersion ateliers in Akaroa and West Auckland. Limited to eight guests, each retreat includes conversational French lessons and classic experiences like pétanque, live French music, long-table dining, and plenty of good wine. Created during the pandemic to bring a taste of France closer to home, the ateliers have since become a go-to for New Zealand's Francophiles. Celebrate Bastille Day in Auckland with Boutique Tours France. Party with artists at the Gold Coast Bleach* Festival returns to the Gold Coast in 2025 with its most ambitious programme yet, running from July 31 to August 10. Under the creative direction of guest artistic director Michael Zavros, the 11-day event features more than 100 performances across iconic locations like Hota, Kurrawa Beach, and Emerald Lakes. The lineup includes three world premieres and spotlights everything from live music and bold installations to culinary delights. Whether you are chasing festival energy, creative conversations, or beachside performances, this is one of Australia's most unique contemporary arts experiences. Full programme and ticket info available at Australian artist Kirsha Kaechele will take her provocative installation Ladies Lounge outside Mona to the Hota Gallery. Photo / Supplied Crocheted wharenui It's not every day you see a wharenui made entirely of neon crochet. Wharenui Harikoa, created by artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, is a joyful and immersive art experience now on show at The Civic in Tāmaki Makaurau. Crafted from vivid yarn and inspired by Māori tradition, the large-scale installation blends ancestral storytelling with light, sound and colour. Visitors step barefoot into a glowing world of tukutuku panels, sensory touch walls and a shifting soundscape led by taonga puoro and karanga. Inspired by Matariki and the celestial family, this is the first time the wharenui will stand while Matariki is visible in the night sky. Guided tours with the artists are free but limited, so book ahead. Entry is free and open daily. Walk-ups welcome. Visit to plan your experience.