A former paper factory in Edinburgh will become the latest derelict venue for Hidden Door, which opens up urban spaces for the arts.

Saica vacated the 15.5-acre site, close to the Gogarburn roundabout and Edinburgh Gateway tram and rail station, when it relocated to Livingston.

Regeneration specialist Summix Capital is developing proposals for the future of the site, and has offered Hidden Door access until the end of 2025.

The extensive warehouses, factory floors, offices and outhouses will be transformed into a multi arts festival next spring. Hazel Johnson, festival director of Hidden Door, said it will be one of its most ambitious arts venues yet. 

In 2014 the first full Hidden Door Festival took place in the disused Market Street vaults. Later venues included Kings’ Stables Yard, Leith Theatre and the Granton gasworks.

Stuart Black, development Ddrector for Summix Capital, said: Our vision is for Maybury Quarter Edinburgh to be one of the most exciting and best-connected development sites in Scotland. We’re really excited to see what Hidden Door’s artists can do with the space this autumn and throughout 2025.”

Creative Scotland review

Hidden Door is supported by Creative Scotland which yesterday saw its funding restored by Culture Secretary Angus Robertson following an outcry among musicians and other artists over cuts.

Mr Robertson said Creative Scotland had now received funding previously allocated to it in the 2024/25 Scottish budget, including £1.8m for youth music, and £6.6m that will allow its Open Fund to be re-opened.

He has also announced a review of the public body which will be the first since its establishment in 2010. Full details of the review will be set out to parliament in the near future.

Buzzworks for Musselburgh

Hospitality group Buzzworks is expanding further into the east of Scotland by opening a cafe, bar and restaurant in Musselburgh.

Most Buzzworks’ outlets are in the west and it has been steadily moving across the country, with a presence in Linlithgow, South Queensferry, Edinburgh and North Berwick.

Its 120-cover Musselburgh facility will the company’s 21st and will operate under the Lido brand.