“If you don’t look for it, you could miss it”: pavement studs across the UK transform into nipples for October as Breast Cancer UK urges everyone to check their breasts via creative campaign
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, British pavements are bearing all. Pavement studs across London, Manchester and Edinburgh, which often go unnoticed, are being transformed into nipples as part of a bold conversation-starting initiative from Breast Cancer UK.
Designed to stop people in their tracks, the charity is taking its plea for cancer prevention to the streets (quite literally) in a nationwide ode to the importance of early detection.
Breast cancer is estimated to affect 1 in 7 women in the UK in their lifetime, yet studies tell us that at least 30% of these cases could be prevented. Breast Cancer UK is dedicated to prevention, empowering people with the knowledge and tools to reduce their risk, and is championing early detection as a lifesaving step through its new ‘Street Nipples’ campaign.
The attention-grabbing breast stencils that can be spotted across England and Scotland are created with reverse clean graffiti, a technique that uses pressure washers rather than paint to ensure an eco-friendly, chemical-free finish.
Though the head-turning art will disappear naturally over time, the message will continue to resonate long after the artworks have faded away: If you don’t look for it; you could miss it.
An interactive map of the nipple artworks is available here, helping people track down the designs, of which there are 20 in London, 15 in Manchester, and 15 in Edinburgh.
Those who spot and share a snap on social media using #StreetNipples, tagging @breastcanceruk and giving the account a follow will also be entered into a prize draw to win a selection of Breast Cancer UK merch.
Thalie Martini, CEO of Breast Cancer UK, stresses that awareness means empowerment: “We know that at least 30% of breast cancer cases are preventable, but for those that are not, it’s vital to know the signs.
“We are concerned that many women in the UK are forgetting to check what’s right in front of them. That’s why this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are taking to the streets to urge women to take their health, quite literally, into their own hands.”
Breast Cancer UK knows that changes to lifestyle and environment could help significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, which is why the charity continues to empower individuals through education, research and advocacy.
These small but powerful changes include having a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, doing regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, and reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Whilst prevention is the focus of the charity, it recognises that preventative measures aren’t always enough, and catching breast cancer early through self-examination is critical.
This is why Breast Cancer UK stresses the urgency of recognising when something’s not right. Catching breast cancer early can save lives, but too often, signs go unnoticed – just like the street studs that are being transformed.
Breast Cancer UK’s ‘Street Nipple’ artworks can be spotted across London, Manchester and Edinburgh from 1st October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month until they naturally fade.
‘I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark’
A time capsule has been interred at North Bridge to mark the project’s work for future generations.
Some of the items for the capsule included:
A letter from the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Jane Meagher to the future citizens of Edinburgh.
A paint brush used by the Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson to hand finish the cast iron façade.
A Balfour Beatty high visibility vest.
A Glengarry Cap from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers regiment.
The school prayer of St Augustine’s High School etched in glass.
A photograph of the Historic Environment Scotland grants team on a site visit.
Three books created as part of the North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme.
Objects were contributed by a number of partner organisations and invited guests.
The Category A listed structure is a key transport link between the north and south of the city. The original North Bridge began construction in 1763 and was then replaced between 1894 and 1897 by the structure which we see today.
According to historical records, at some point between 1894 and 1897 a time capsule was interned inside the structure.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “North Bridge has been a familiar feature of Edinburgh’s cityscape for well over two centuries. This corridor continues to form a vital part of our city’s modern transport network, whilst also serving as a visual reminder of our city’s rich history and building tradition.
“As we gather today to inter our own pieces of history, it’s comforting to think that many years from now future generations will look back at the vital work we’ve been undertaking, just as we have appreciated the work of those before us.
“The complexity and skill of this work cannot be understated, with some areas being repaired and renovated which hadn’t seen the light of day in over one hundred years. I’m incredibly grateful for the efforts of everyone involved with the project.
“We owe it to Edinburgh’s future residents and visitors to make sure that we complete this project to the highest standards. With the bridge on the cusp of being fully refurbished to its former glory, this is a moment that we can all look forward to together with pride and optimism.”
Project Director for Balfour Beatty, Rory McFadden said:“As we welcome guests to mark the placing of this time capsule and celebrate the restoration of Edinburgh’s North Bridge, I’d like to reflect on the incredible journey undertaken by those involved. It hasn’t been easy.
“When discussions began in 2017, none of us could have anticipated the challenges ahead—especially the bridge’s condition, which was far worse than expected.
“Yet, through determination, innovation, and teamwork, we’ve delivered something truly special.
“We can take immense pride in restoring this historic structure, ensuring its preservation for generations. The past Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) President’s comparison to dentistry on a massive scale couldn’t be more fitting, describing the meticulous care and precision required to return the bridge to its former glory.
“Throughout this journey, we engaged with thousands of individuals, many of whom left in awe and became allies of the project. Over 3,000 people contributed on-site, learning new techniques as we delivered the works while respecting our neighbours and keeping this vital north-south link open. Their dedication was instrumental in our success.
“As the scaffolding comes down and the bridge slowly reveals itself, it will stand tall – a testament to our collective efforts. The people of Edinburgh and its visitors will witness the bridge in all its grandeur.
“I think about the future, about those who will open this time capsule years from now. Will they be as impressed by our restoration as we are by its original construction? I believe they will – and I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark.”
Major works are expected to be completed in Spring 2026 with all remaining works to be completed in Summer 2026.
The time capsule interment ceremony was attended by representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council, Balfour Beatty, Atkins Realis, NBR Legacy Projects: Moving Image Commission (Rachel Mclean & Jonathan Webb), the Super Power Agency, Volker Laser, SCAPE Scotland, Currie & Brown, Invisible Cities, Historic Environment Scotland, Capital City Partnership, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association, and pupils from St Augustine’s High School, St Thomas of Aquin’s High School, Jeda Pearl Lewis (Artist/Author), Estelle Meyer (Cobble Tales).
A full list of the items contributed to the time capsule is below with the contributor in brackets at the end:
A signed copy of Our Storied Town by Donald Smith (Author), Cat Outram (Illustrator) and the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge. (Lord Provost)
A letter to the future generations of Edinburgh from the Lord Provost and Council Leader Jane Meagher. (Lord Provost and Council Leader)
An Edinburgh 900 programme. (Lord Provost)
An invitation to the Edinburgh 900 Book Launch which took place earlier this year for Edinburgh: A New History by Alastair Moffat & Edinburgh: The Autobiography by Alan Taylor. (Lord Provost)
Paint brush used to hand finish the cast iron façade (Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson)
Copy of a Green Pencil Award and brochure of poems (Central Library)
A signed Hibernian FC strip (Central Library/Hibernian FC)
Leaflets from the Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association (Central Library, Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association)
Glass etching of the St Augustine’s High School prayer and school pennant. (St Augustine’s High School)
A package including a Glengarry Cap, a concise version of the regiment’s history and their tartan. (The King’s Own Scottish Borderer’s Association)
A high visibility vest, water bottle, bolts and rivets from the bridge and construction drawings (Balfour Beatty)
A Lego man and a fifty pence piece (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
A letter from a pupil named Archie to the future of Edinburgh (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
A photograph of the grants team on a site visit to the bridge with a note. (Historic Environment Scotland)
A copy of North Bridge Where We Travelled – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Jeda Pearl Lewis)
A copy of Stories From The Stones and What’s That About North Bridge – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Super Power Agency)
Legislation to transform homelessness prevention and improve standards in rented housing has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
The Housing (Scotland) Bill will place a duty on certain public bodies to prevent people from losing their homes by asking about their housing situation and taking action.
The Bill will also broaden Ministers’ powers to implement ‘Awaab’s Law’, which will ensure landlords promptly address issues that are hazardous to tenants’ health, starting with damp and mould.
The legal measure was named after Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale in north west England. The law will now be implemented in Scotland’s rented sector from March 2026, subject to Parliament’s agreement.
Other measures in the Bill include giving Ministers the power to implement a system of long-term rent controls, keeping rent affordable for tenants.
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Passing the Housing (Scotland) Bill is a landmark moment for how we prevent homelessness in Scotland.
“Whilst we already have some of the strongest homelessness rights of any country, we will now go even further to a create a gold-standard homelessness prevention system.
“Passing this groundbreaking legislation, coupled with the Housing Emergency Action Plan published earlier this month, shows just how serious we are about tackling Scotland’s housing crisis.
“Families across Scotland will have the confidence that their rented home will be free from damp and mould as we take forward work to implement ‘Awaab’s Law’. We will now work at pace to lay regulations to implement these protections from March.
“Scotland has already led the way in protecting tenants and providing strong rights when people are homeless and now the Housing Bill will revolutionise homelessness prevention and ensure rents are kept affordable.”
Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications for Crisis Scotland, said: “Today’s vote marks a landmark moment in Scotland’s journey towards ending homelessness.
“We already have strong rights in place for people experiencing homelessness, but as we see from our frontline services, we need to do far more to prevent people losing their home in the first place. That means allowing people entering a housing crisis to get help earlier, so they can get support before it is too late.
“At Crisis we have been calling for new protections to stop people being forced from their homes for years. These new changes, contained in the Housing Bill, hold the potential to create a truly world-leading homelessness system, where everyone has a safe, secure place to live.”
Campaigners Living Rent said: “MSPs voted to pass the Housing bill and with it, rent controls. This bill wouldn’t exist without the work of Living Rent members.
“It caps rent increases between tenancies, clamps down on disrepair, and strengthens joint tenancy rights.”
The Scottish Greens also welcomed the decision: “40 years ago Margaret Thatcher abolished rent controls in Scotland.
“The Scottish Parliament just passed a Bill introduced by the Scottish Greens, which will allow them once more! This will keep rents affordable and offer safety and stability to renters.”
Graham Crocket, National Estate Agency Director at Aberdein Considine, has reacted to the passing of the new Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025.
The Bill empowers local councils to designate ‘Rent Control Areas’, capping rent increases to inflation plus 1%, and introduces stricter eviction rules while mandating rent history disclosures.
Grahamsaid: “The implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025 is a turning point for landlords, property buyers and the wider property market. While the government frames this Bill as a step towards fairness and affordability, the ripple effects could be profound.
“With rent controls, enhanced tenant protections and new transparency requirements becoming law, landlords and investors will need to carefully reassess their positions, while first-time buyers could be among those best placed to benefit.
“For landlords, especially those operating in high-demand urban areas, the Bill represents a tightening of margins and a loss of flexibility. The prospect of capped rent growth and longer notice periods may prompt a sell-off of rental housing stock, particularly for older flats and tenements. This shift could flood the second-hand market with properties previously held for investment.
“If this happens, first-time buyers could find themselves with more choice and negotiating power than before. In cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen, where affordability ratios are more favourable, the impact could be especially pronounced. Entry-level homes may see a softening in price, giving new buyers a foothold in markets that have long felt out of reach.
“The Bill’s full impact will depend on how councils implement rent control zones and how landlords respond. For now, the market is watching, and first-time buyers may be wise to do more than just watch.”
Aberdein Considine has produced a short city-by-city forecast on the expected impact of the Housing (Scotland) Bill:
Glasgow: With an average house price of £191,000 and strong rental demand, Glasgow is likely to see moderate investor exits. Flats in areas like Dennistoun and Southside may enter the market, softening prices and improving access for first-time buyers.
Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital faces a declared housing emergency and high property values. Rent controls could be rolled out aggressively, prompting landlord exits in Leith and Southside. However, strong demand may keep prices buoyant, limiting gains for new buyers.
Aberdeen: Long subdued by oil sector volatility, Aberdeen’s market is already cool. The bill may accelerate existing trends, with modest price declines and increased affordability for buyers seeking value.
Stirling: Affordable and well-connected, Stirling could attract buyers priced out of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Investor exits near the university and city centre may boost supply of housing stock, stabilising prices and enhancing accessibility.
Perth: With a quieter market and rural appeal, Perth may see slower changes. However, increased listings of older rental stock could gently ease prices, especially for flats and terraced homes.
Aberdein Considine is an award-winning law firm with 21 offices and more than 450 staff across Scotland and the north of England. The firm is also Scotland’s largest solicitor estate agent with a national network of high street branches, including in the key cities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Stirling.
