Decorating The Dome: Meet the woman behind Edinburgh's favourite festive landmark
It’s one of Edinburgh’s most-photographed spots come Christmastime, but who’s responsible for turning The Dome into a festive wonderland?
A gorgeous photograph taken of The Dome by Scottish photographer, @gisforgeorgina
Anyone who has ever visited Edinburgh at Christmas knows that The Dome is a sight to behold. An award-winning restaurant and bar, a visit to this George Street institution is a treat whatever time of year, but Christmas? It’s even more special.
Twinkling lights adorn its Corinthian columns, while fragrant foliage and exquisite baubles embellish every imaginable surface. To step inside or gaze upon its impressive exterior is like seeing a festive fantasy come to life; and it’s all thanks to this woman. Elizabeth Thomson, otherwise known as The Dome’s ‘Queen of Christmas’. Thomson has been decorating The Dome for years and now, she shares what it’s like turning the it into a winter wonderland.
‘On decorating days, I set my alarm for 4.30 am,’ she confides. ‘I’m also a florist, so I’m used to rising early, but that doesn’t mean I no longer require coffee; in fact, I’ll have two cups before I even leave the house.’
After getting ready, it’s onto The Dome to work her magic, but even the Queen of Christmas needs some support. ‘The best part of my job is undoubtedly the people I get to work with; my own staff and those at The Dome. I couldn’t do it without them. The proudest day in my entire career was seeing my first installation at The Dome come together. It was such a special moment.’
It takes days, if not weeks, to complete The Dome’s glittering transformation, so what does Thomson do to celebrate once everything is in place? ‘There’s always sweet treats on hand, so we all like to take a moment to indulge in them and soak in the sights. Then, I head home, where I put my feet up, and my husband hands me a bottle of Stella Artois. Bliss.’
We don’t know about you, but we can’t think of anyone more deserving of a cold one.