I should probably start with actual buildings somewhere in our earthly universe, but before we get to those, here’s a nod to a couple of ghost haunts that blazed a trail for where we are…
In the mid-1990s, while Britpop blokes were in full swagger, Garbage released their debut album (fronted by Edinburgh’s Shirley Manson), and a femme-powered DIY uprising shook up the city – and the country for that matter – in no small part thanks to a snakebite-addled venue called the Cas Rock, a festival called Planet Pop, and bands like Lungleg, Gilded Lil, Pink Kross and the Delgados, who also launched the Chemikal Underground label (Mogwai, Arab Strap).
The band’s Emma Pollock reflects on that time at Edinburgh International Book Festival’s 1995: Grrrls Aloud, which also features writers Chitra Ramaswamy and Carrie Marshall, theatre livewire Cora Bissett (who also toured with Blur and Radiohead), and live music from Cariss Crosbie of LGBTQ+ collective Hen Hoose. The Cas Rock is a Sainsbury’s these days, incidentally. If you’ve ever seen a woman crying over the Meal Deals, bewailing time’s relentless march – well, spoiler alert: it was probably me.
Back in the (un)real world of 2025, the city’s airwaves and record crates are galvanised by countless thrilling, eclectic shows on community radio station EHFM, and labels like Athens of the North, which trades in rare soul, vintage disco and visionary far-flung vibes.
Which leads us on to record shopping, so fire up your wallet and let’s go… Vox Box in Stockbridge is a haven of new and second-hand gems – plus they have intimate live events, glorious staff, and a joy of a section called CONFIDENT MEN. Closer to Waverley Station, you’ll get a warm welcome at music emporium Underground Solution, while record café Slow Progress is perfect for a seat and a refuel. Assai Records wins on the location front – what with being framed by Edinburgh Castle – and if you fancy a time-travelling global voyage, Umbrella Vinyl and Greenhouse Records will be right up your street. Their neighbouring Thorne is a beacon in every sense.
You might fancy some live music or clubbing after that, and you’re spoiled for choice, from the picturesque Queen’s Hall (their AMPLIFI ‘Sounds of Modern Scotland’ nights are a highlight), to Sneaky Pete’s, the Voodoo Rooms, the Liquid Room and the Caves – not to mention the Wee Red Bar, which isn’t so far from where the Cas Rock used to be. And it’s better than Sainsbury’s. So for old time’s sake, I’ll see you there, and mine’s a snakebite. Some things never change.
Nicola Meighan presents Friday Afternoons on BBC Radio Scotland, and A Kick Up The Arts: A Scottish Arts & Culture Podcast.
1995: Grrrls Aloud, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Spiegeltent, 10 Aug, 9pm
A Kick Up The Arts with Nicola Meighan, The Stand, 18-24 Aug (not 22), 2pm