Month: July 2026

‘Sephora Summer’ kicks off as first-ever Scottish store opens in Edinburgh

SEPHORA UK has officially arrived in Scotland with the opening of its first-ever Scottish store at Edinburgh’s St James Quarter. 

The landmark opening kicks off ‘Sephora Summer’, a major period of UK expansion that will see four new stores open in just eight weeks.

Spanning 4,961 sq ft, the Edinburgh store is Sephora UK’s 15th UK location and the third opening of 2026, with Glasgow Silverburn set to open in August. 

London’s Carnaby Street and Old Spitalfields Market will also open in the coming days. Together, the openings represent Sephora UK’s biggest period of physical expansion since returning to the UK in 2023.

Thousands of beauty fans queued to be among the first through the doors, before Sephora UK Managing Director Sarah Boyd officially cut the ribbon to open the retailer’s first Scottish store. 

The moment was celebrated with a parade through St James Quarter, featuring homegrown talent including DJ Lu, drag artist Sally Saint Scott and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director, Sephora UK, said: “Scotland has been one of the most requested locations from our community, so opening our first Scottish store is an incredibly exciting milestone for Sephora UK.

“Edinburgh is a city with an amazing beauty community, incredible creativity and visitors from all over the world, making it the perfect place to continue our UK expansion. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming both local customers and visitors into the Sephora experience for the very first time.

“This opening also marks the beginning of a hugely exciting summer for Sephora UK as we continue expanding our footprint across the country with both destination stores and new boutique formats, allowing us to bring prestige beauty to more communities than ever before.”

Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director for St James Quarter, said: “The opening of Sephora’s first-ever Scottish store is a landmark moment for both the brand and St James Quarter. 

“It’s exciting to see Sephora mark this significant milestone with a memorable launch event, from the ribbon-cutting ceremony to the performances taking place throughout the day. 

“Welcoming such an internationally recognised beauty retailer to the Quarter further strengthens the destination’s appeal and gives visitors the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most sought-after beauty brands right here in Scotland.”

Christina Hill, 40 from Fife travelled to the store launch with her husband, Kenny. She said: “This is the first time that I’ve ever been in a Sephora store but I have always wanted to visit.

“It’s amazing they’re finally here – I’ll be travelling into Edinburgh to shop here all the time now”

Her husband Kenny (50) was enjoying himself too: “This is quite an experience, I didn’t know what to expect.

“I enjoy a wee face mask now and then, so who knows, I might buy something as well as my wife.”

Chloe Hicks, 24, from Harthill and Paige McNaught, 19, from Breich got up at 4am to get glam for the store launch – but say it’s all in a day’s work for them.

Chloe said: “We’re both cabin crew and so make-up is an essential part of routine – in fact, I was on call this morning for work and I was so worried I’d get called up and miss this launch. We’ve been so excited about it.”

Paige continued: “It’s so brilliant to finally have Sephora here because we can finally go and see products that have never been in Scotland before.

“It’s been such a party atmosphere today, it feels like a party, everyone is dancing and singing.”

Following yesterday’s official opening (Thursday 9 July 2026), customers visiting throughout the weekend can enjoy a packed programme of exclusive experiences, entertainment and giveaways celebrating Sephora’s long-awaited arrival in Scotland. 

Highlights include:

●      A tartan-themed photobooth.

●      The chance to feature on a digital billboard outside the store by sharing queue selfies.

●      Surprise brand moments from Scottish-born brand BYOMA, as well as Inde Wild, Le Monde Gourmand, Kayali, Sephora Collection and more.

●      Treats for customers from Wingstop, Oakberry and local charity Coffee Saints.

As part of the celebrations, customers making any purchase between Thursday 9 July and Sunday 12 July 2026 (or while stocks last) will receive a Beauty Bonus Card, giving every customer an equal chance to instantly win prizes including goodie bags, Sephora merchandise, complimentary beauty services, exclusive products and discounts.

For the first time, Scottish beauty lovers can shop many of Sephora UK’s most sought-after and exclusive brands in person, including rhode, Haus Labs, Makeup By Mario, Merit Beauty, Half Magic, Yepoda and Tower 28, alongside viral favourites such as Tatcha, Tarte, Summer Fridays and Kosas.

The Edinburgh store will also feature Sephora’s latest Beauty Scan technology. Powered by an advanced lens attached to a Beauty Advisor’s phone, the service analyses hydration levels, oil levels and foundation shade matching to deliver personalised product recommendations tailored to each customer’s individual skin needs.

Customers can also enjoy Sephora UK’s growing range of redeemable beauty services, alongside access to the MySephora loyalty programme, which offers free delivery for every member, points on every purchase, early access to launches, exclusive rewards and invitations to special events through the Sephora UK app.

Today’s opening marks the beginning of ‘Sephora Summer’ – Sephora UK’s biggest period of expansion since returning to the UK in 2023. 

Following Edinburgh, the retailer will open a second Scottish store at Glasgow Silverburn before launching its first-ever UK boutique stores at Carnaby Street and Old Spitalfields Market later this month, bringing the Sephora experience to even more beauty lovers across the UK.

Edinburgh Leisure seeks walkers for 2026 Kiltwalk

Fundraising drive aims to raise £7,000 to support vital Ageing Well project tackling isolation and inactivity

Edinburgh Leisure is calling on people across the city to lace up their walking shoes and join Team Ageing Well at the 2026 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, helping older adults stay active and connected.

Taking place on Sunday, 13 September 2026, the Edinburgh Kiltwalk is a chance to enjoy a memorable day out one of Scotland’s most uplifting mass participation events while raising vital funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well project. The charity is aiming to raise £7,000 this year to help sustain the service amid growing demand and limited resources.

Ageing Well is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities project and supports older adults through welcoming, inclusive physical activity sessions designed to improve health, confidence and social connection. The project particularly supports people experiencing long-term health conditions, isolation, inequalities and financial hardship.

Last year, Edinburgh Leisure’s Kiltwalk team raised over £4,000, helping to keep Ageing Well sessions running across the city. With no external funding currently supporting the project, fundraising initiatives such as the Kiltwalk are essential to safeguarding its future and enabling more people to benefit.

Rachael McCrea, Head of Funding at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Ageing Well is about so much more than staying active – it helps older adults feel connected, confident and part of their community.

“The sessions offer a welcoming space where people can move at their own pace, meet others and build friendships. Everyone walking with Edinburgh Leisure at this year’s Kiltwalk is helping us protect that sense of belonging and make sure more older adults across the city can continue to benefit.”

Liz, Ageing Well Walk Leader, said: “I was in the house on my own and found out about Ageing Well through a friend. I joined and was welcomed with open arms.

“I was allowed to learn to lead the walks at my own pace until I felt confident. I even discovered parts of Edinburgh I never knew existed!”

Join Team Ageing Well at the 2026 Kiltwalk

Participants who sign up to walk for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the Kiltwalk registration fee, along with an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and tartan-themed snood. Walkers can choose from three distances:

  • The Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £10 registration
  • The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £10 registration
  • The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £6.50 for adults, £3.50 for children

To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure and accessing the 50% discount, visit Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2026 | Edinburgh Leisure

To find out more about the Kiltwalk, visit: The Kiltwalk | Scotland’s lowest cost fundraising event.

Connecting Generations at LifeCare

TASTER SESSION on MONDAY 20 JULY from 11am – 12pm

We have a unique and exciting taster session available for children aged 1-5 taking place on Mon 20th 11am at LifeCare in our Stockbridge hub.

Join in a fun and interactive session with some of our wonderful members of our day club.

Please register your interest by emailing sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

This is a new activity we are piloting which hopes to connect generations through play, storytelling, singing and company. Here at LifeCare we run our own day club and support older people to remain active and apart of the community.

Even if you can’t make the taster session, please let us know if you would be interested in further dates we are planning!

Madison blazes trail in construction as she celebrates birthday graduation

A student who has laid solid foundations for a career in construction has two reasons to celebrate – after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) on her birthday.

Madison Smith, from Glenrothes in Fife, collected her BA (Hons) Business Management at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh yesterday [Thursday 9 July], the day she turned 22.

As the first member of her immediate family to go to university, she has become used to blazing her own trail.

Madison’s degree has already proved to be life-changing, as a work placement at BAM Construction as part of her studies led to a full-time job with the firm.

Reacting to her graduation, Madison said: “I would not have thought I’d be here four years ago.

“There was no pressure on me to go to university, neither side of my family have.

“It was daunting because I wanted to make them proud – although that pressure was all from myself, not mum and dad.

“Seeing their faces makes it all a bit emotional. Graduating on my birthday is extra special – a two-in-one celebration.

“University has really exceeded my expectations. My lecturers were so helpful during my whole time here. Whenever I struggled, I got support. I’ve loved it.”

Madison’s role at BAM, which focuses on sustainability, has offered her on-site involvement in several major projects.

She credits her course at ENU with providing her the skills to make an impact straight away.

She added: “When I was looking at what to study, I really liked the Edinburgh Napier programme. It seemed fun and modern.

“I really liked the sustainable business development module – it’s closely linked to what I do now, so it applied by university learning to my job really well.

“I didn’t really consider that I’d end up going into construction before I started.

“It was intimidating at first as I was the only girl on site, but everyone was so lovely.

“I remember first applying to university and thinking ‘what am I actually going to do?’. I’m so glad it has worked out this way because I love my job now.”

Madison graduated alongside fellow students from The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University.

ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 8-10 July.

Action on vapes

Consultation on packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products

Views are being sought on proposals aimed at restricting the appearance of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products and how they are packaged and displayed in shops to make them less enticing to children and young people. 

The consultation fulfils a 100-day Scottish Government commitment and builds on government action to reduce preventable deaths from smoking and introduce tougher measures on vaping, including the introduction of a ban on the sale of single-use vapes last year.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Scotland has been a world-leader on a range of tobacco control measures, and while there has been a steady reduction in smoking rates, we know it still damages lives and kills more than 7,000 people a year in Scotland.

“The use of vapes has increased in recent years, particularly among children and young people – with almost one in five children saying they have tried vaping.

“We know that colourful packaging and displays are used as an enticement to children and young people, which is why we are taking action and consulting on options to address this issue.

“We urge everyone to have their say on how these products are marketed and sold in the future to help protect children and young people and reduce preventable harm in Scotland.”

Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith said: “This is a vital step to protect public health and support Scotland’s aim of a tobacco-free generation by 2034. Scotland’s ‘Tobacco and Vaping Framework and Population Health Framework’ place a strong emphasis on prevention and reducing the use of health-harming products, including tobacco and nicotine.

“Action on how these products are promoted is central to that aim, and the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 provides a strengthened legislative basis for action. This work will help reduce health harms, address health inequalities, and respond proportionately to emerging risks from vaping.”

Public Health Scotland Consultant in Public Health, Dr Garth Reid said: “Public Health Scotland welcomes the Four Nations consultation on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products.

“We strongly support the ambition to reduce the appeal, accessibility and normalisation of products that cause significant harm to population health.

“The proposals represent a timely and evidence‑informed extension of existing tobacco control measures, and they align with Scotland’s goal of achieving a tobacco‑free generation.”

The consultation will run from 10 July 2026 for 12 weeks.

Police: Cracking down on retail crime

A 19-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with shoplifting, road traffic offences and possession of a bladed weapon in Edinburgh.

This follows a report of shoplifting in the St James Square area of the city around 2.30pm on Saturday, 4 July, 2026. The woman was traced in her car in the new town area.

She is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a later date.

A 17-year-old male youth was arrested in the Chambers Street area on Wednesday, 8 July, and has been charged in connection with shoplifting offences in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a later date.

Sergeant Barry Mercer said: “We work closely with partners and retailers as part of our Shopwatch scheme where information is shared when a crime takes place or suspicious activity is seen.

“It means officers can respond quickly to ongoing incidents with the support of Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce.

“Retail crime has a negative impact on businesses and we urge anyone with information to contact us on 101.”

Strengthening Football Banning Orders

Improving match experience for all

Courts will be given tougher powers to impose Football Banning Orders (FBOs) in Scotland to include specific offences in an effort to improve the matchday experience and safety at games.

It comes as the analysis of a consultation on FBO legislation has published.

There were 903 responses to the consultation, with organisations such as the SFA, SPFL and Police Scotland supporting an extension of the use of FBOs. Whilst a majority of fans who responded expressed concerns about expanding FBOs, fans also raised concern around the increase in the use of pyrotechnics and some reported witnessing serious incidences of inappropriate behaviour.

In response, Ministers will introduce legislation in the Scottish Parliament which will include targeted and specific measures to strengthen FBOs to cover behaviour such as the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and throwing missiles.

Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “The vast majority of football fans attend matches to support their team and are a credit to their clubs.

“However, a small minority are compromising the fan experience and the safety of players, officials and all in attendance through anti-social and criminal behaviour.

“Recent high profile incidents involving pitch invasions and the continued use of pyrotechnics demonstrate the challenges the police, football authorities and clubs face and have to deal with. This is why we will give courts more effective powers through Football Banning Orders to target dangerous and abusive behaviour.

“Football is our national sport, and we want to make sure it is a safe and enjoyable environment for all and that is what we aim to achieve by introducing legislation.”

Football Banning Orders were introduced in Scotland as part of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006.

Currently in Scotland, an FBO is available to the courts when three factors are present:

  • A person is convicted of an offence which involved the person engaging in ‘violence or disorder’;
  • The offence was related to a football match; and
  • The court considers that making an FBO would help prevent ‘violence or disorder’ at or in connection with football matches

Football Banning Orders Analysis of Consultation Responses – gov.scot

Public Health Scotland: RSV Vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory illness.

It can cause severe illness and lead to people being admitted to hospital — especially babies and older adults. The vaccine is the best way to get protected.

For more information visit nhsinform.scot/rsv-adult

#RSVvaccineScot

Leith 2028: Shortlist success for UK Town of Culture

“Leith has persevered for 900 years, now is its time to step into the limelight!”

  • Fifteen towns shortlisted for the first UK Town of Culture competition
  • Shortlisted towns set to receive £60,000 to work on their full bids with the winner announced early next year 
  • Shortlist selected from almost 400 applications

Fifteen towns have been shortlisted to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, after nearly 400 places from across the country entered the landmark competition. And one of them is LEITH!

This comes as the government confirmed that it has received an incredible 398 bids from over 400 hopeful towns as part of the competition, demonstrating that culture belongs everywhere and shining a light on the many towns across the UK that are vital to our national story.

Fifteen towns will now compete for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title. The shortlisted towns are: 

  • Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward
  • Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot
  • Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham

Shortlisted towns will now receive £60,000 each to develop their full bids, which will be assessed by the independent judging panel. One finalist will then be selected from each category with the overall winner being announced early next year. 

The UK Town of Culture competition is part of the government’s ambition to restore pride in local areas in every part of Britain and deliver a decade of national renewal, following the announcement of the Pride in Place Programme last year.

Throughout this year, this competition – together with the UK City of Culture 2029 competition – will continue to shine a light on local visions and voices from across the UK to help encourage increased local investment, create a lasting sense of pride, and open doors to the arts and culture for everyone. 

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want to say a massive congratulations to the fifteen shortlisted towns and I wish them luck in the next round of the competition. 

“The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns. When I launched this competition, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life. 

“I am so glad that so many towns have applied and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community.” 

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Congratulations to Port Talbot and Pontypridd on being shortlisted for the UK’s Town of Culture. Both places have a rich heritage that should be celebrated – and I am so pleased to see them get the recognition they deserve.

“Port Talbot is renowned for producing some of the greatest actors in the country, all of whom have been inspired by the industrial heritage of the area. Pontypridd is the home of the composers of the Welsh National Anthem, which has been proudly sung at national events for many decades.

“I would love to see a Welsh town be crowned the UK’s Town of Culture and I wish both of them every success with their bids.”

Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Minister for Scotland said: “Scotland has an extraordinary cultural heritage, and the presence of three Scottish towns on the UK Town of Culture competition shortlist is a testament to the richness and diversity of communities across the country.

“From island life to historic port towns, each of these places has a unique story to tell, and I know that each bid reflects the genuine passion and pride that local people have for where they live.

“The UK Government is committed to ensuring that culture belongs everywhere, and I’m delighted that Scottish towns are so strongly represented.” 

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “Congratulations to Strabane, which has secured a place in the final UK Town of Culture shortlist, from among 400 applicants.

“I know that Strabane will take this opportunity to shine, and I wish the town good luck as they finalise their bid.”

The shortlisted towns were recommended by the independent panel chaired by Sir Phil Redmond. The other members of the panel were selected to ensure a broad range of cultural experience and regional diversity. The panel members are: 

  • Sir Phil Redmond (Chair)
  • Ruth Hollis OBE (Deputy Chair)
  • Ian Bancroft (Wales Representative)
  • Kristel Miller (Northern Ireland Representative)
  • Katy Shaw
  • Jim Tough (Scotland Representative)
  • Adipat Virdi
  • Ian Warren (England Representative)
  • Paula Williams

Chair of the independent panel, Sir Phil Redmond said: “The response to the competition has been, to say the least, overwhelming, quite literally from all four corners of the UK.

“It has been fantastic that nearly 400 towns have come forward, sharing their sense of pride, ambition and desire to demonstrate how much they have, and continue to contribute to our national story.

“That of course has made making the decision on the shortlist itself much more difficult, never mind the actual winners.

“I look forward to visiting those towns that have made the list and I am sure that, just like City of Culture, those that didn’t manage it will have found the experience of taking part worthwhile in strengthening partnerships, raising awareness and reminding us all of the depth and spread of the UK’s cultural landscape. I’d like to thank them all for that.”

The shortlisted places will now work to finalise their bids, which will explain how they would use culture to celebrate their town, showcase original storytelling, empower their local communities and provide more accessible culture in their local area. 

From these fifteen shortlisted towns, the independent panel will recommend the best small, medium and large town from the full applications they receive.

An overall winner from these three towns will be designated the “UK Town of Culture 2028” and receive a £3 million grant from the government. The additional two towns, from the other two categories, will be selected as finalists and receive £250,000 each to carry out part of their programme. 

The winner will go on to host a season of culture in 2028, which will help them to deliver a long-lasting legacy of cultural participation and local pride as has been seen in previous winners of the UK City of Culture competition; Derry-Londonderry 2013, Hull 2017, Coventry 2021 and Bradford 2025. 

The government’s ambition behind the UK Town of Culture competition is for towns to reap similar benefits from the experience of bidding and encouraging local residents to get involved in cultural events to celebrate their town.  

The benefits of cultural investment are clear. Previous UK City of Culture holders – Derry-Londonderry, Hull and Coventry – have attracted more than £1 billion in additional investment and welcomed an estimated 2 million visitors, while recent audience research from Bradford 2025 shows more than 80 per cent of attendees felt events increased their pride in the place they live. 

Investment in UK City of Culture and UK Town of Culture not only supports the delivery of exciting cultural programmes but brings a legacy of cultural regeneration.

These programmes will help to attract more visitors to places for years to come as well as encouraging creativity and skills development across local areas, growing the local economy and providing more opportunities for local people to engage with arts and culture.

In order to recognise all the towns that have bid in the first-ever UK Town of Culture competition, every bidding town was invited to submit a postcard to celebrate their bid. Last week these postcards were shared across social media and showcased by National Museums Liverpool in a digital display to celebrate each and every town that has participated in the competition. The postcards will remain within the National Museums Liverpool’s national collection. 

Further guidance for shortlisted towns to prepare their full bids for the final stage of the competition will be made available shortly. 

Susie Gray and Jenny Mungall, Bid Directors for Leith 2028, said: ““To be shortlisted as one of just 15 places from almost 400 applications is a huge moment for Leith and a testament to the passion, creativity and commitment of everyone who has been involved in shaping this bid.

“This has been a genuinely community-led effort from day one, built by people who care deeply about Leith and are ambitious for its future.

“From the very beginning, we felt strongly that this had to be about more than a competition. Whatever the outcome, we wanted this to be the start of something special; new partnerships, fresh ambitions and a shared sense of what we can achieve together.

“We are thrilled that the judges have also seen that potential in Leith.

“One of the most moving moments came when we saw the map of entries from across the UK. It was a reminder that in towns and communities everywhere, people are imagining better futures and recognising the role that culture can play in shaping them. We wish every place that put itself forward the very best in turning those ambitions into reality.

“Leith has a remarkable story to tell as it approaches its 900th anniversary in 2028. We’re excited to take the next step and continue making the case for why this proud, creative and distinctive place should become the UK’s first Town of Culture. 

“Leith has persevered for 900 years, now is its time to step into the limelight!”

Welcoming the announcement, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Leith is a place like no other, with a proud history, a vibrant cultural scene and an incredible community spirit.

“I want to thank every local organisation, community group and individual who has given their time, energy and passion to help bring this bid together. The dedication, creativity and commitment shown by everyone involved has been so remarkable. 

“Being shortlisted as one of only 15 towns from almost 400 applications is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work of everyone who has played a part in telling Leith’s story.

“I am incredibly proud of Leith and delighted to see the community’s efforts recognised on a national stage. I look forward to continuing to support the bid as it moves forward to the next stage.”

Local MP Tracy Gilbert praises community effort as Leith reaches UK Town of Culture 2028 shortlist

Leith has been named among the first-ever UK Town of Culture 2028 shortlist, marking a major achievement for the community and everyone who has helped showcase the area’s unique history, creativity and culture.

The UK Town of Culture is a new UK Government initiative celebrating the contribution towns make to the UK’s cultural identity. The inaugural competition attracted 398 applications from across the UK, with just 15 towns selected to progress to the next stage.

Tracy Gilbert MP has welcomed the announcement and praised the dedication of local organisations, community groups and residents who worked together to develop Leith’s bid.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Leith is a place like no other, with a proud history, a vibrant cultural scene and an incredible community spirit.

“I want to thank every local organisation, community group and individual who has given their time, energy and passion to help bring this bid together. The dedication, creativity and commitment shown by everyone involved has been so remarkable. 

“Being shortlisted as one of only 15 towns from almost 400 applications is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work of everyone who has played a part in telling Leith’s story.

“I am incredibly proud of Leith and delighted to see the community’s efforts recognised on a national stage. I look forward to continuing to support the bid as it moves forward to the next stage.”

As a shortlisted town, Leith will now move forward in the competition and receive a £60,000 bid development grant to help strengthen its application.