Fort Kinnaird has announced a major transformation that will bring a host of much-loved retailers to the centre, with some set to open in time for Christmas.
The centre’s Eastern Terrace is getting a fresh new look, with premium beauty brand Rituals and popular card and gifting retailer Clintons confirmed to be joining the line-up – with a third high-profile brand set to be announced shortly.
A number of much-loved stores already based at the centre will also be getting a design refresh. Specsavers has already reopened in its newly refurbished space, with a revamped Costa Coffee set to launch inside Next in the coming months, providing the opportunity to take a pause while shopping with family or friends.
It’s all part of a wider refurbishment of the centre which will deliver more than 20,000 sq ft of upgraded space – allowing even more great stores for shoppers to explore.
Liam Smith, centre direct at Fort Kinnaird, said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Fort Kinnaird. We’re continuing to invest in the centre to bring even more of the brands our visitors love, alongside giving some of our most popular retailers a fantastic new look.
“Whether you’re coming to the centre for everyday essentials or planning a full day out, these changes are all about creating the best possible experience – with more choice, more style, and more reasons to visit time and time again. We can’t wait for shoppers to enjoy what’s coming next.”
This announcement follows a successful year at Fort Kinnaird, during which the park unveiled nine new retailers, totaling 36,200 sq ft, with an additional 37,000 sq ft currently under offer.
Recent additions include European fashion powerhouse Mango, global sportswear leader Adidas, and family-focused crafts and stationery brand The Works. The line-up will also soon be joined by popular chicken chain Popeyes, which was recently announced.
A phased reopening of the redeveloped Eastern Terrace will commence in October 2025 with the works due to fully complete in Spring 2026.
Conveniently located off the A1, Fort Kinnaird offers 2,600 free car parking spaces, Shopmobility and over 70 shops and restaurants, ensuring an enjoyable and varied shopping experience for all visitors.
A new survey conducted by Will Aid, the national Will-writing campaign, has revealed an alarming gap in the public’s understanding about inheritance laws affecting cohabiting couples.
The survey found that 68% of cohabitees in Scotland were unaware of the rules of intestacy and what happens to their estate if they die without a Will.
The statistics from Scotland paint an identical picture to the rest of the country, with 68% of UK cohabitees also unaware of the risks without a Will.
This lack of awareness could have devastating consequences for many Scottish families, as cohabiting couples—regardless of how long they have lived together or whether they have children—are not automatically entitled to inherit from one another if one partner dies without leaving a Will.
Key findings from the poll include:
25% mistakenly believe their estate would automatically pass to their partner
24% admitted they were unsure what would happen
15% said they had never even thought about the issue
7% thought their estate would go to close friends
The Rules of Intestacy dictate how a person’s estate is distributed when they die without a Will.
These rules prioritise spouses, civil partners, and blood relatives, often leaving cohabiting partners with no legal right to inherit anything. This could leave surviving partners facing significant financial hardship, particularly in cases where they are dependent on the deceased’s income or home.
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid Campaign Director, said: “Many people assume that after living together for a period of time, they automatically become common law husband and wife, but this is not the case. The concept of ‘common law marriage’ ceased to exist a very long time ago.
“If you are cohabiting as a couple, the law does not recognise you as common law spouses, even if you have children together and have lived together for many years.
“Therefore, if you do not have a Will, the Rules of Intestacy will apply, and your partner will be completely disregarded.”
The annual Will Aid campaign sees solicitors across the UK volunteering their time to write Wills throughout November, so it is an ideal time for people who are cohabiting to get their wishes professionally drafted in a legal document, which will help to protect their loved ones in the future.
De Vena Franks added: “Will Aid is the perfect opportunity for unmarried and cohabiting partners to get a professionally written Will in place.
“Without a Will, surviving partners may not be automatically entitled to inherit, leaving them in a vulnerable position – and it’s particularly worrying that so many people aren’t aware of this, and don’t fully understand the Rules of Intestacy.
“By participating in Will Aid, couples can ensure their wishes are clearly documented, giving both partners peace of mind that their loved one will be provided for in the event of their death.”
Will Aid is a partnership between the legal profession and eight of the UK’s best-loved charities.
The initiative, which has been running for more than 35 years, sees participating solicitors waive their fee for writing basic Wills every November.
Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary upfront donation to Will Aid – the suggested amounts are £120 for a single basic Will and £200 for a pair of basic ‘mirror’ Wills.
Appointments are available now, and you can sign up by visiting www.willaid.org.uk
Will Aid is encouraging people to use its upcoming campaign month to write or update their Wills with a participating solicitor, while also supporting UK charities including Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, SCIAF (Scotland), Trócaire (Northern Ireland) and – new for this year, Shelter and Crisis.
For more information on Will Aid and how to get involved visit www.willaid.org.uk
Boo! The Botanics Halloween Trail is back this autumn.
Follow clues around the Garden, uncover frightfully fun plant facts along the way, and enjoy a fang-tastic treat at the end. Perfect for families with little monsters aged 3+.
No booking required, pick up your trail booklet (£3) from the East or West Gate and get started!
Are you part of a local group in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Borders or Fife? Our Community Grants Scheme is available to help bring your ideas to life. Applications are open until Friday 31 October.
View details on how to apply and sign up for our information session: https://edin.ac/489uqJU
Since the scheme began in 2017, we’ve awarded over £822,000 across 330 projects, supporting 252 local organisations to create change that matters to them.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
• Archaeology Scotland brought together 130 local residents for The Big Dig Dalkeith community archaeology project at Newbattle Abbey.
• Leith Sea Cadets replaced old training equipment, boosting confidence and belonging among young people.
• Craigsfarm Community Development Project supported 54 adults with mental health challenges through creative art sessions.
These grants are part of how we deliver on our new Community Plan 2025–30, launching soon. A plan shaped by your voices and built on shared goals for thriving, equal, connected communities.
WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY – MONDAY 6th OCTOBER 2025
Launching for World Cerebral Palsy Day, ‘More Than Palsy’ – created by DUDE Milan in collaboration with award-winning Scottish poet Jack Hunter – highlights the fighting spirit of people living with cerebral palsy.
It is thought that between 17-50 million people globally live with cerebral palsy, and it remains an underrepresented and neglected disability. 1 in 400 births in Scotland result in a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. To raise global awareness of the condition and drive donations, Italian charity Fight the Stroke, in partnership with Cerebral Palsy Scotland, has launched the campaign More Than Palsy.
Launched in advance of World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6 October, More Than Palsy was created by DUDE Milan in collaboration with Scottish actor, playwright and cerebral palsy advocate Jack Hunter, who is living with cerebral palsy himself.
Inspired by Hunter’s slam poem –“You’ve Got to be Ballsy to have Cerebral Palsy” – the campaign paints an authentic picture of the challenges faced by the cerebral palsy community through their own stories: a stark reminder that life with cerebral palsy is not for the weak – it takes strength to be a disabled person in a non-disabled world.
At the heart of the campaign is a two-minute documentary-style film which powerfully conveys the small yet incessant challenges that make up the daily life of a person with cerebral palsy – from the physical frustration at tying one’s shoelaces or trying to use a tampon, to the mental hardship of being bullied.
Raw, powerful and bold, the film aims to both inspire people who have been living with cerebral palsy for years, as well inform future new parents about the existence of this condition and the support that cerebral palsy organisations can offer.
Cerebral Palsy Scotland are the only dedicated cerebral palsy charity in Scotland. Their specialist physiotherapy, speech and language, and psychological therapy services make an incredible difference to the lives of the people they work with.
This year, Gyle Shopping Centre is pulling out all the stops for the biggest and brightest Christmas experience yet!
Think sparkling ice rink, a traditional festive market, and a bar brimming with hot chocolate, mulled wine, and all your seasonal favourites – plus a visit to Santa’s magical grotto
We’re on the lookout for:
Craft makers & gifting stalls
Carol singers
Santa’s elves & ice rink attendants
If you’d love to be part of the festive magic, get in touch today. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember!
Meningitis Now is marking World Meningitis Day today (Sunday 5th October) with an urgent call for awareness and action, as new figures reveal a concerning rise in meningococcal disease (IMD) across England.
The latest statistics show there were 380 cases of IMD in 2024/25, compared to 341 in 2023/24 which is an 11% year-on-year increase.
The figures disclosed in the latest quarterly release from UKHSA also reveal that cases of MenB, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, have also risen by 13%. There were 314 cases compared to 301 in the previous year.
Increases in MenB have been recorded in several age groups, including a 20% increase in cases among 15–19-year-olds (from 52 cases to 65), a 17% increase among babies under 1 year old (from 29 cases to 35), a 17% increase among 25 to 44-year-olds (from 38 cases to 46) and a 19% increase among 45–64-year-olds (from 34 cases to 42).
Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now, said, “These figures are worrying. Meningitis can affect anyone at any time, but these increases among teenagers, young adults, and babies – some of the most vulnerable groups – show just how vital it is to stay vigilant.
“Early recognition saves lives, but prevention through vaccines remains the most effective way to protect against this devastating disease.”
Meningitis Now is urging people to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis, and to check whether they and their loved ones are up to date with vaccinations, including the MenACWY jab.
Meningitis can be fatal within hours of infection. One in ten people who contract bacterial meningitis will die, leaving their families coping with the heartbreak of losing a loved one. Between 30% and 50% of those who survive bacterial meningitis will be left with long-term after-effects, including hearing loss, acquired brain injury, epilepsy, chronic pain, vision problems and amputations.
Meningitis Now provides one-to-one support, grants, and a free nurse lead helpline to make sure no family faces the impact of meningitis alone.
Earlier this year Meningitis Now launched a campaign to tackle cases of MenB among young people.
The charity says there are effective, life-saving vaccines against MenB, but they are not currently offered to teens, who are at increased risk of the disease. Meningitis Now’s campaign called “No Plan B for MenB” sets out the changes it would like to see, including:
• The MenB vaccination to be given to all those at most risk of disease.
• A MenB booster programme to protect adolescents from 2030.
• Availability of the MenB vaccination on the high street at a fair price.
Dr Nutt added, “World Meningitis Day is a powerful reminder that we cannot be complacent. While there has been a drop in meningitis cases over the past decade, these new figures underline why our work, raising awareness, supporting families, and pushing for prevention is as important as ever.”
The charity and its supporters are joining forces with other organisations to raise awareness of the disease this Sunday 5th of October and is encouraging people to light a candle at 8.30pm, in memory of those who have been affected by meningitis, as part of a global initiative.
Meningitis Now is the UK’s leading meningitis charity, founded 39 years ago by families who had experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to the disease.
The charity is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to fighting meningitis on three fronts:
Awareness: Equipping the public with the knowledge to recognise meningitis quickly and ensuring more people are protected through vaccination campaigns.
Support: Providing practical, emotional, and financial support to individuals and families whose lives have been changed by meningitis, helping them rebuild their futures.
Research: Funding pioneering projects to understand the disease better, improve diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately move closer to a world free from meningitis.
Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities
Edinburgh’s Christmas spreads festive cheer further across the capital this year by offering more tickets than ever before to local community groups and charities, with over 8,500 free tickets now available across the community.
With more people than ever before able to share in the Christmas magic, this year over 8,500 tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions – including the Ice Rink, Santa’s Stories, West Princes Street Gardens Funfair, LNER Big Wheel and for the first time ever, the Around the World Star Flyer – are being gifted to local community groups and charities to join in the festive fun.
Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas are now keen to hear from charities and volunteer organisations working in communities across the capital.
Over 8,000 tickets in 2024 were gifted to over 160 local charities including those working with people with disabilities, young carers, refugees, and other disadvantaged groups, to ensure that Edinburgh’s Christmas is magical for as many as possible this festive season from funfair rides to meeting Santa himself.
Local groups and charities can apply now for tickets to this year’s event which will bring a dusting of Christmas sparkle to the Scottish capital from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
More information on this year’s highlights can be found on the edinburghs-christmas.com website.
Donations and money raised across both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals this year will be distributed to the event’s Official Charity Partners; One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, Simon Community Scotland and Age Scotland. Last year visitors raised £11,000 for charity via donations made online when purchasing tickets and at fundraising points around Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay.
Unique Assembly will also soon announce a programme of free community-focused events at the iconic Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens.
Judith King, Scotland Fundraiser at When You Wish Upon A Star said: “We are truly honoured to be selected as one of the charity partners for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festival with their support, we can grant even more wishes for local children living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
“Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay are at the heart of our Wish family in Scotland. They consistently go above and beyond to support not only our wish-granting work but also our beloved Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk, now in its 21st year.
“This festive season, their contribution will strengthen local communities, positively impact service users, and make a real difference for those who rely heavily on charitable support every day.
“We are proud to be part of Edinburgh Christmas Magic this year.”
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “With even more tickets available for communities and charities than ever before, I’m delighted that so many residents will have a chance to experience the magic of Edinburgh’s Christmas.
“It’s a small but meaningful way to say thank you and celebrate the incredible impact these groups have all year round.”
“I’d encourage organisations and charities to apply for tickets to make the most of what promises to be a truly memorable festive season for all.”
A Spokesperson for Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “We’re delighted that so many community groups and charities in the city received free tickets last year and we’re building on that to offer even more Community Tickets this year.
“The work of community groups and charities in Edinburgh is more vital than ever, so offering free tickets to ensure that those most in need of some Christmas cheer can enjoy themselves this year, is hugely important to us.
“Whether you’re applying for tickets for your own organisation or want to support our wonderful charity partners with a donation, we encourage everyone to give what they can and support those who need it most this Christmas.”
The opportunity to apply is now open and the deadline for Community Ticket applications is 23:59 on Wednesday 05 November, and those who apply will hear about their tickets by Friday 07 November.
Residents with an EH postcode remain eligible for a 20% discount on tickets to all of Edinburgh’s Christmas events. For further information, visit the edinburgh-christmas.com website.
Organisations applying for community tickets can also get in touch at communities@unique-assembly.co.uk. Tickets are limited per application and applications should include details of your organisation’s aims and how you would like to use the tickets.
Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily from 15 November to 4 January, except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website.
Tracy Gilbert MP has welcomed significant UK-wide investment in community renewable energy projects, which will deliver tangible benefits for local communities in Scotland.
The Great British Energy initiative is backing a total of £4 million into the UK’s community energy sector, supporting 48 community energy projects across Scotland, including two major developments in Edinburgh North and Leith.
Granton Project CIC – Harnessing solar power for community growth, receiving £70,043.
Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op (Phase 3) – Developing local solar capacity, awarded £484,500.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“These investments demonstrate the UK Government’s commitment to renewable energy and to supporting communities across the country. I am pleased that two of these are in my constituency in Edinburgh North and Leith, which is becoming a true renewables hub.
“The projects will not only generate clean energy but also empower local communities with long-term benefits. Initiatives like these are helping to build a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.”
The Great British Energy investment is part of a wider effort to drive community energy generation growth across Scotland and the UK, ensuring that local areas can take an active role in the renewable energy transition.
Over 3,000 pupils from 30 schools across the Capital are attended Young Driver 2025 this week.
The annual event is aimed at senior year secondary school pupils and explores the risks and responsibilities of becoming a new driver, through presentations and workshops delivered by the Council, Police and partner organisations.
The issues discussed include vehicle, pedestrian and passenger safety, laws on the road, travelling by and interacting with public transport, first aid and much more.
Young Driver 2025 ran from September 29 = 2nd October.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Young Driver 2025 is an incredibly important event to make sure the next generation of Edinburgh’s drivers have all the resources they need to form good habits as they get on the road.
I was delighted to attend, meeting with colleagues from the Council and partner organisations along with our young people. I was also struck by the strong breadth of useful and practical material being delivered across the four-day event.
“We remain committed to enhancing road safety across the Capital for all road users, with over £6m being invested in our Road Safety Delivery Plan this year alone.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the event this year and made it such a great success.”
Inspector Kosmas Papakyriakou, Road Policing said: “Edinburgh Division is fully supportive of Young Driver 2025. It is excellent educational tool to assist young people to become careful, considerate, and safe drivers and road users.
“Keeping people safe on and around our roads is a priority for Police Scotland, our communities and our partners. By working together to make young people aware of the risks and impacts of dangerous road user behaviour, we can help reduce casualties in the future.”
Mairi Day, Partner at Digby Brown said:“In the last month in Scotland we have seen three teenagers die in a car crash, and in a separate incident a young man had been jailed for more than two years for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
“His actions resulted in one of his friends losing both his legs and two others being left with serious spinal injuries
“Every day at Digby Brown we see similar road traffic accidents but also how devastating they are.
“We help the people who are left with life changing injuries and supporting the families trying to come to terms with a sudden loss.
“But what makes these incidents more painful is many are avoidable.
“Driving is a life skill, and we need to talk to our young people about how to stay safe and give them the confidence to make good decisions while out on the road.
“This is why events like Edinburgh Young Drivers are so important.”
Since 2010 Digby Brown has been a main supporter of the Edinburgh Young Driver event bringing their expertise in personal injury law and supporting people affected by serious road traffic accidents.
This year sees the return of the mock court featuring a real case from the firm’s archives aiming to show young people the consequences of taking risks on the road.
Yousef (S6) from Currie Community High School said: “It was a fantastic experience with lots of fun activities and provided a valuable insight into the consequences of negligence on the road.
“With stations such as VR, simulators and mock court sessions, there was never a dull moment!”
Sam (S6)from Currie Community High School said:“The Young Driver’s event was a successful learning experience which I found incredibly insightful.
“We listened to a variety of useful talks and had the opportunity to visit stands from numerous professionals which helped me understand how to stay safe on the road.”
Organised by the Council, Young Driver 2025 was attended and supported by Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Brainkind, British Transport Police, Digby Brown, IAM, Lothian Buses, Police Scotland (Roads Policing, School Link Officers and Safety Camera Partnership), Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Spinal Injuries Scotland.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal from the Preventions, Interventions and Partnership department said: “Police Scotland are pleased to be supporting the Young Driver Event again this year and to be working closely with our partners in a multi-agency approach to promote safe driving.
“This a great event aimed at providing road safety education.
“Road safety is a priority for Edinburgh Division and Police Scotland. This event helps young people with the awareness and skills needed to drive safely. Remember to drive safely and to the conditions – collisions have a wide impact.
As a priority, “Keeping people safe on and around our roads … we can help reduce casualties in the future.”
Boo! The Botanics Halloween Trail is back this autumn.
Young Driver Safety Event at The Corn Exchange 
