Swiftie fever at St James Quarter: Galleria set to host friendship bracelet making

As Taylor Swift arrives in Scotland to kick off her long-awaited UK Eras Tour at Murrayfield, Scottish Swifties have the chance to get Ready for It at St James Quarter, Edinburgh – whether they have a ticket or not.

The Quarter is calling on all Swifties to Shake it Off ahead of the big event on 7th, 8th and 9th June with a free Bejewelled bracelet making station. Fans can make their very own beaded creations, complete with song title, lyrics and phrases, ready to swap with other fans at the concert. 30 minute slots are bookable from 11am – 4pm each day on the St James Quarter website.

Fans can find the finishing touches to their Eras outfits in the Galleria, and on Level 1 at a pop-up beauty bar, makeup artists from MAC and Urban Decay in Boots are on hand to offer touch-ups or recreate Taylor’s signature red lip.

Over the weekend, the Quarter will be filled with feel-good tracks including Taylor’s top hits, performed by a live singer.

If you’re grabbing something to eat before the big event, there’s plenty of choice in the Quarter from Eras themed cocktails in Duck & Waffle to brunch and live DJ sets in The Botanist. The Alchemist, Ka Pao, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and Bonnie & Wild will also be embracing the Swiftie spirit.

Susan Hewlett, St James Quarter Brand and Marketing Director, said: “Swiftie fever has well and truly taken over the city and the Quarter, with fans coming to find the outfits that represent their ‘Era’.

“We’re excited to be part of the action, offering a Taylored weekend of fun and creativity before guests head to Murrayfield. And for anyone who didn’t manage to get their hands on a ticket, they can still come to meet like minded fans, make friendship bracelets and soak up the pre-concert atmosphere.”

Swifties are invited to join in the fun on Level 1 of the Quarter from 11am on 7th, 8th and 9th June. 

Bracelet making is free, however timeslots are limited and should be booked in advance on the St James Quarter website: 

https://stjamesquarter.com/event/swiftie-fever/.

Edinburgh Singers to perform Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle

TWO weeks to go until our performance of Rossini’s “Petite Messe Solennelle”, a masterful choral work that blends solemnity and grace with operatic flair.

Join us on Saturday 15th June, 7.30pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh – tickets are available here: https://www.thequeenshall.net/…/rossinis-petite-messe…

Edinburgh gets ready to welcome Taylor Swift and fans for The Very First Night

Forever Edinburgh partners with businesses to capitalise on the ‘Swift lift’

Scotland’s capital is gearing up to welcome US superstar Taylor Swift for the first time, with Forever Edinburgh announcing a programme of activity to help visitors, residents and businesses enjoy the benefits of the concert. 

Over 200,000 Swifties will descend on the city next month for the three Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour shows at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium on 7th, 8th and 9th June.

The pop icon is set to bring entertainment and economic value, coined the ‘Swift lift’, with shows in the UK expected to gross a combined £1 billion according to Barclays. This includes an average of £121 on accommodation, £111 on travel and £56 on a pre-concert meal.

That impact is already being seen in Edinburgh, with hotels reporting increased demand. 

Forever Edinburgh, the city’s destination marketing and promotions brand, which is run by The City of Edinburgh Council is looking to capitalise on this by announcing a series of experiences for those living, visiting and working in the city.

Launching on Thursday, 6th June, almost 50 local hospitality and tourism businesses have come together to create the ‘Edinburgh Taylored Taste Trail’, which was established by Forever Edinburgh.

Across the city, fans can enjoy Taylor themed sweet treats from Babyfaced Baker and MILK. Bonnie and Wild, Cold Town House, Hard Rock Café, Brewhemia, Mackays on the Mile, Mimi’s Bakehouse, and Edinburgh Street Food are offering dedicated menus including themed dishes, Taylor-themed brunches and afternoon teas. 

Themed cocktails and mocktails will be available at many of the city’s best bars including Elio’s, Copper Still, Angel’s Share, Revolve Bar, Holyrood Distillery, and the Alchemist.

Elsewhere, Camera Obscura will be hosting a Giant Kaleidosphere dedicated to the Eras musician and in Gorgie, Tynecastle Park is hosting an interactive Swiftie Bingo, open to all ages.

This unique Taylored experience will showcase the best of Edinburgh’s retail, hospitality, and food & drink scenes, encouraging fans and their friends to explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods by foot, tram, bus, or other modes of transport.

Featured prominently on Forever Edinburgh’s dedicated Swift Fan Hub, the Taylored Taste Trail will be accompanied with a Taste Trail map, a list of top tips to help fans plan ahead and make responsible choices, plus a guide to Edinburgh for Swifties.

Through The Swift Fan Hub, fans can seamlessly create the ultimate Edinburgh experience and fully immerse themselves in all the city has to offer, with a Taylor twist. City leaders have also organised a welcome gift for Swift, collaborating with a selection of Edinburgh businesses to build a hamper full of Scottish goodies. Participants include Eateaket, Edinburgh Gin and kiltmakers Kinloch Anderson, who have made three unique gifts for Taylor from a newly created Edinburgh 900 Tartan.

A personalised itinerary is also enclosed with the must-dos for Swift to visit during her stay, which was personally crafted and gifted to the star as part of the wider city gesture. This is based on her favourite things such as a visit to cat café Maison de Moggy and experiencing Edinburgh’s music scene.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker Culture said: “We’re enchanted to be welcoming Taylor to the city and to be able to bring all these businesses together to provide a fun weekend for residents and visitors alike. We aim to ignite curiosity among fans to venture across the city, spreading foot traffic and benefits throughout.

“Our goal is to cultivate a positive fan experience, fostering lasting advocacy for Edinburgh among our visitors while ensuring a positive impact on residents. It’s a great opportunity to support Edinburgh businesses and the local economy, so her visit will give a ‘Swift lift’ to the city.”

Neil Christison, VisitScotland’s Regional Director said: “Taylor Swift is a phenomenon, and her shows have created a real buzz in the city.

“We know gig tourism is a growing global trend, with fans seeking to turn their live music experience into a bigger exploration of the destination. The Edinburgh Taylored Taste Trail is an excellent way to engage with the fanbase and encourage them to explore businesses across the city.”

The fan hub can be accessed here: https://edinburgh.org/taylor-swift/

1 in 3 Scots don’t understand Low Emission Zones ahead of new charges coming into force 

  • New research from Carwow reveals almost half (45%) of Scottish motorists don’t know where the current Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are operating, while almost 1 in 4 (24%) aren’t sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant 
  • More than half (55%) of Scots also think now is the wrong time to introduce new LEZs and 59% think there are ‘better ways’ to combat air pollution
  • However, most are in support of LEZs, think EVs are the future and would buy a cleaner vehicle if they could afford to switch
  • Carwow is supporting motorists with a series of new tools to help motorists check if their car is LEZ / CAZ compliant

Ahead of the launch of three new Low Emission Zones (LEZ) inAberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh,* new data from Carwow reveals almost a third (30%) of Scottish motorists are not sure they understand LEZ rules.

Carwow’s survey also reveals that only half (55%) of drivers in Scotland are confident they know where the current zones are operating while almost one in four (24%) are not sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant or not.

Even in the cities where the LEZs are due to be introduced, understanding is low; in Dundee, for example, 29% of drivers are not sure if they know how LEZs work, rising to 33% in Edinburgh and 34% in Aberdeen while four in ten drivers in Aberdeen (44%) and Dundee (42%) – and half in Edinburgh (50%) – are not sure where the current zones are.

Furthermore, a quarter of drivers in all three cities worryingly do not know if the car they are driving is LEZ compliant, despite the fact the charging rules are coming into force in the coming weeks.

Broad support for Low Emission Zones but ‘now is not the time’

Carwow’s figures show that while the majority (52%) of Scottish drivers are in support of LEZs and think electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, most (53%) think now is the ‘wrong time’ to introduce new LEZ or expand current ones, rising to 56% of drivers in Aberdeen.

However, the data suggests that this lack of support for the imminent introduction of new LEZs is driven by cost rather than willingness; most (54%) Scottish drivers say they’d like to own an EV in the future – and 61% would switch now if they could – but can’t afford to. 

In fact, of those Scots who currently own a non-LEZ compliant vehicle, a third (33%) say they cannot afford to upgrade, rising to almost one in four (37%) drivers in Dundee.

Sally Foote, Chief Commercial Officer – Sell my Car at Carwow said: “There are two clear issues that have come to light here; firstly, that more needs to be done to educate and inform drivers about LEZs, and secondly, it is cost and not lack of willing that is preventing drivers from making the switch to cleaner vehicles such as EVs and hybrids.

“We therefore need to tackle the lack of understanding amongst motorists about Low Emission Zones in Scotland – where the current ones are, where the new ones will be and which cars are compliant, because, without better knowledge, millions of drivers are at risk of being fined.

“There is also much more that needs to be done in terms of affordability. Most drivers want to do what they can to drive more cleanly – in fact, most want to own an EV –  but it is just not economically viable at the moment.

At Carwow, we are working hard to help drivers navigate LEZ; our new range of new tools can help drivers understand LEZs and check if their cars are LEZ compliant, giving motorists confidence to drive in areas and on roads without fear of charges or fines.”

Carwow has a range of tools available to help motorists who drive in any CAZ or LEZ across the country check if their vehicle is compliant:

Low Emission Zone enforcement begins in Edinburgh tomorrow

A scheme that restricts the most polluting vehicles entering the city centre of the Capital will be enforced from tomorrow (1 June).

Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health. In Edinburgh, a two-year grace period was in place, meaning no penalty charges were issued during this time.

The LEZ ensures that all vehicles driving within Edinburgh’s LEZ must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. A map of the LEZ is available on the Council’s website.

It is anticipated that the LEZ will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen dioxide from vehicles. Furthermore, air quality improvements are expected beyond the boundary, which will further improve public health. 

LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles. Individuals can check whether their vehicle is compliant on the LEZ Scotland website.

For contraventions of the LEZ, the Council will issue Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fines, in line with Scottish Government regulations, from 00:01 on 1 June 2024. Full details of LEZ penalties are available online.

The Scottish Government is also providing £5m across Scotland to reopen the LEZ Support Fund for 2024-25 where residents and businesses can apply for support to ease the transition through retrofitting, disposal and other grants. Over the past three years people in the Edinburgh region benefited from £2.4m of grant support to prepare for the LEZ.

Changes have also been made to roads to allow drivers with vehicles that don’t meet the standards to avoid the entering the LEZ. These include key junctions in the Old Town (junction of Pleasance with Holyrood Road), and Tollcross, as well as changes to Morrison Street.

The LEZ forms part of the city’s wider ambitions under our 2030 Climate Strategy and other schemes such as the City Mobility Plan and the 2050 Edinburgh City Vision.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur said:I’m proud that we’ve reached this important milestone in our journey to become a healthier, greener, and more sustainable city. For the past two years we’ve run a positive information campaign to give people time to get ready for the LEZ, and to make sure they avoid penalties once enforcement begins.

“We have ambitious plans to achieve net zero, accommodate sustainable growth, cut congestion, and improve air quality, amongst other commitments to create a safer and more people-friendly city; and the LEZ is a key component of these.

“Public attitudes towards LEZs are improving across Scotland, with a recent poll indicating that 60% of respondents were in favour of the zones, with just 21% opposed. This is clear evidence that people are seeing the many benefits of LEZs, and how they link in with our wider aims to make our city cleaner, greener and healthier for everyone.

“Alongside Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Dundee we’re sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all.

“And as Scotland’s capital city, we have a duty to lead on these key climate issues which will define our country for generations to come.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said:I’m pleased that Edinburgh is protecting public health and improving air quality through their Low Emission Zone.  

“This bold action mirrors the decisive measures we’ve seen in towns and cities right across Europe. There are now over 320 similar schemes in effect which respond to the latest medical understanding concerning the dangerous effects of air pollution from vehicle emissions.

“To help those that need it most, the Scottish Government has provided over £16m to help people and businesses to comply with LEZs. Support remains available and I would encourage anyone who wants to know if their vehicle is compliant, or to find out more about funding, to visit www.lowemissionzones.scot.”

Consultant in Public Health at NHS Lothian, Flora Ogilvie said:Reducing air pollution has clear long and short-term health benefits for everyone but is especially important for vulnerable groups. NHS Lothian welcomes the introduction of the Low Emission Zone and wider actions to encourage walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport use.

“We encourage our staff, patients and visitors to travel sustainably wherever possible, for the benefit of their own health and that of the wider community. We have been working to get our fleet of vehicles ready and make sure our staff are aware of the enforcement date.”

Policy and Public Affairs Manager at British Heart Foundation Scotland, Jonathan Roden said: “Air pollution is a public health emergency. Our research has shown that air pollutants can have a damaging impact on people’s heart and circulatory health.

“Each year up to 700 deaths from heart and circulatory disease in Scotland are attributable to particulate matter pollution. That’s why BHF Scotland welcomes the implementation of Edinburgh’s LEZ, which will help to improve the capital’s air quality and help to protect people’s health.”

Chair of Healthy Air Scotland, and Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, Gareth Brown said: “With 1 in 5 Scots developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.

“Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future. 

“Public health focussed policies like LEZs are seen as the most effective tool, but we would like to see policies that go further, helping to clear up pollution hotspots throughout the country, not just in our four main cities. It is vitally important that we protect the lungs and health of our communities, no one should be forced to breathe in toxic air.”

1 in 3 Scots don’t understand Low Emission Zones ahead of new charges coming into force

  • New research from Carwow reveals almost half (45%) of Scottish motorists don’t know where the current Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are operating, while almost 1 in 4 (24%) aren’t sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant 
  • More than half (55%) of Scots also think now is the wrong time to introduce new LEZs and 59% think there are ‘better ways’ to combat air pollution
  • However, most are in support of LEZs, think EVs are the future and would buy a cleaner vehicle if they could afford to switch
  • Carwow is supporting motorists with a series of new tools to help motorists check if their car is LEZ / CAZ compliant

Ahead of the launch of three new Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh,* new data from Carwow reveals almost a third (30%) of Scottish motorists are not sure they understand LEZ rules.

Carwow’s survey also reveals that only half (55%) of drivers in Scotland are confident they know where the current zones are operating while almost one in four (24%) are not sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant or not.

Even in the cities where the LEZs are due to be introduced, understanding is low; in Dundee, for example, 29% of drivers are not sure if they know how LEZs work, rising to 33% in Edinburgh and 34% in Aberdeen while four in ten drivers in Aberdeen (44%) and Dundee (42%) – and half in Edinburgh (50%) – are not sure where the current zones are.

Furthermore, a quarter of drivers in all three cities worryingly do not know if the car they are driving is LEZ compliant, despite the fact the charging rules are coming into force in the coming weeks.

Broad support for Low Emission Zones but ‘now is not the time’

Carwow’s figures show that while the majority (52%) of Scottish drivers are in support of LEZs and think electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, most (53%) think now is the ‘wrong time’ to introduce new LEZ or expand current ones, rising to 56% of drivers in Aberdeen.

However, the data suggests that this lack of support for the imminent introduction of new LEZs is driven by cost rather than willingness; most (54%) Scottish drivers say they’d like to own an EV in the future – and 61% would switch now if they could – but can’t afford to. 

In fact, of those Scots who currently own a non-LEZ compliant vehicle, a third (33%) say they cannot afford to upgrade, rising to almost one in four (37%) drivers in Dundee..

Sally Foote, Chief Commercial Officer – Sell my Car at Carwow said:There are two clear issues that have come to light here; firstly, that more needs to be done to educate and inform drivers about LEZs, and secondly, it is cost and not lack of willing that is preventing drivers from making the switch to cleaner vehicles such as EVs and hybrids.

“We therefore need to tackle the lack of understanding amongst motorists about Low Emission Zones in Scotland – where the current ones are, where the new ones will be and which cars are compliant, because, without better knowledge, millions of drivers are at risk of being fined.

“There is also much more that needs to be done in terms of affordability. Most drivers want to do what they can to drive more cleanly – in fact, most want to own an EV –  but it is just not economically viable at the moment.

“At Carwow, we are working hard to help drivers navigate LEZ; our new range of new tools can help drivers understand LEZs and check if their cars are LEZ compliant, giving motorists confidence to drive in areas and on roads without fear of charges or fines.”

Carwow has a range of tools available to help motorists who drive in any CAZ or LEZ across the country check if their vehicle is compliant:

Pupils from Leith Walk Primary School become beekeepers to celebrate World Bee Day

As part of their sustainability and biodiversity initiative, Multrees Walk is home to four thriving beehives hosting over 250,000 honeybees. 

Urban beekeeping, as it’s known, aims to address the decline in bee populations while encouraging environmental regeneration within city setting communities. Multrees Walk, alongside Scottish sustainable honey business, Webster Honey, is not only contributing to this bee conservation but also creating educational opportunities for schools to learn more about the importance of urban bee keeping.

Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager from Multrees Walk said: “We are obviously well known for being home to some of the world’s most famous designer brands, but we are also proud to be home to over 250,000 honeybees.

Perched high on the roof, Multrees Walk provides the perfect setting and a safe environment for the bees. The bees can fly up to three miles, with Princes Street Gardens, Holyrood Park, Inverleith Park and the Meadows all easily accessible from the roof of Multrees Walk.”

To celebrate World Bee Day, (today, 20 May) Multrees Walk invited pupils from nearby Leith Walk Primary School to find out more about urban bee keeping from Webster Honey.  The school children started with a short talk about the importance of bees to our ecology, the threats they face, their life cycle and a bit about how beekeepers care for them.

The pupils then donned beekeeping suits to get up and close personal to the bees, trying to spot the queen bee and learning how much work a worker bee has to do to make one jar of honey. 

Meik Molitor, Head Beekeeper at Webster Honey said: “I absolutely love getting to teach children about honeybees – how important they are to our ecology and how much we need them for our food.

“But the best thing is seeing their reaction when I open the hive and how they get really engaged and involved with actually tending the hive.

“Bees thrive in a number of areas and do just as well in urban settings as they do in rural locations. By integrating rooftop apiaries into our shopping centres, we are building a deeper connection between people and the natural world.”

Honey from the hives is collected once or twice a year (after the summer months) to make delicious jars of honey.

Each hive can produce on average 20-25kg of honey (90 – 110 jars) each year but Webster Honey nly take the extra honey, leaving enough to feed the bees through the winter months.

For further information on Multrees Walk retailers, please visit:

www.multreeswalk.co.uk/whats-happening/

For further information of Webster Honey please visit:

https://www.websterhoney.com

Photo credit: Julie Howden

Council moves to address Picardy Place traffic shambles

Changes proposed to ease congestion around Picardy Place

Plans to re-introduce the left turn from Leith Walk onto London Road in Edinburgh will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (23 May).

After the completion and opening of the new Trams to Newhaven line the project team has continued to monitor a number of issues raised along the route including the lack of left turns and accessibility from Leith Walk heading east which has resulted in increased congestion in and around the Picardy Place area causing delays to public transport.

Following the period of monitoring and public feedback the report to the Committee next week proposes re-introducing the left turn which will include these measures:

  • A minimum of 10 seconds for traffic to use it
  • When the left turn goes off the ahead signal will remain on allowing pedestrian and cyclists to come over from London Road and
  • The overall time for the two stages would be the same as currently operating for the ahead only and pedestrian stage

The proposed changes are not anticipated to have any impact on Elm Row bus stops and will benefit the overall traffic flow around Picardy Place, Leith Street and Broughton Street.

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It was important for us to give the successful new tram line to Newhaven time to bed in, and, as with any major transport infrastructure project we continued to review the traffic management arrangements in the area. 

“After this monitoring process, and in response to public feedback (i.e. complaints? – Ed.) and discussions with Lothian Buses, we’re proposing to re-introduce the left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road. Importantly thanks to the plans we’re also maintaining single phase crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing over from London Road.

“The overall positive impact of these changes will support Lothian Buses and their operations while also easing congestion in and around Picardy Place and associated streets.

“The previous Transport and Environment Committee made the decision to close the turn in good faith some time ago, but it is now clear the prohibition has been detrimental to the flow of public transport through the area.”

If the plans are approved next week then the statutory process will begin under the Trams to Newhaven Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.

St James Quarter offers FREE therapy sessions to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

  • St James Quarter marks Mental Health Awareness Week with a host of wellbeing activities
  • A Listening Space will open in Quarter to make mental health support accessible
  • The activities will fundraise for St James Quarter’s two charity partners, Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, St James Quarter is hosting a programme of wellbeing activities in partnership with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid to support the community in the capital.

Making mental health support and guidance more accessible for people living in Edinburgh, Listening Spaces will open in the Quarter from 16th May. Launched by Health in Mind, the space will offer guests one-to-one time with a trained expert to talk about their mental wellbeing and receive compassionate advice, support and resources.

The free, weekly sessions will initially run for a six week period and be delivered from 2pm to 4pm in the Guest Services Lounge.

On Wednesday 15 May, Everyman Cinema will transform into a calming haven with a free mindfulness experience. Hosted by Health and Mind, the session will explore the body and bodily sensations as a source of mindful awareness. This session will end with mood and energy-boosting tips from Neom Wellbeing, leaving guests feeling relaxed and in tune with their minds. There’s limited spots which can be booked at bit.ly/3JSVbor.

In a bid to brighten guests’ days during Mental Health Awareness Week, local magician, Grant Mitchell, will be sprinkling some magic in the Quarter with mood-boosting tricks that are guaranteed to put a smile on faces on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th May. Talented musician, Dan Collins, will also entertain guests with feel-good tracks on Thursday 16th May.

The team at St James Quarter continues to show its commitment to its charity partners. On Friday, 16 members of the team will put on their walking boots to climb Ben Chonzie in support of Mental Health Awareness Week, and to raise funds to support its two charity partners, Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid.

Kerry Girdwood, Senior Services Manager (North) at Health in Mind, who will be managing the new drop-in Listening Space, said: “Around 1 in 3 people in Scotland are struggling with their mental health, and with added pressures like the cost-of-living crisis, the fallout from the Covid pandemic, pressure on public services, and conflict around the world, that number is only climbing.

“We’ve run Listening Spaces in communities around Scotland, where people can chat through their mental health difficulties, access resources, and get connected to services. Thanks to this new pilot with St James Quarter, we’ll be doing all that in one of Edinburgh’s busiest community hubs.”

Jennifer Laseen, Hospitality Director and CSR Committee Chair said, “We know how hard it can be to make the first step and reach out for support, and sometimes you just don’t know where to start.

“At St James Quarter, we’re perfectly positioned to make mental wellbeing support more accessible in the city centre and we’re really excited about this opportunity to offer a Listening Space with Health in Mind.

“The Quarter is a welcoming and supporting place for all our guests and however you’re feeling this Mental Health Awareness Week, I encourage you to join us for a mindfulness session, enjoy some feel-good entertainment, or meet the team from Health in Mind.

“It is a privilege to have two brilliant partner charities and every donation to Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind supports them to provide valuable services in the city.”

To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter, visit the St James Quarter website or download the St James Quarter App.

Activities taking place during Mental Health Awareness Week:

Monday 13 May – Magic from Grant Mitchell

Tuesday 14 May – Magic from Grant Mitchell

Wednesday 15 May – Mindfulness Session with Health in Mind

Thursday 16 May – Listening Spaces with Health in Mind & Music from Dan Collins

Friday 17 May – Team SJQ Munro Climb

For more information, please email: stjamesquarter@johndoehub.com 

New Scottish galleries reach half a million visitors since opening

National Galleries of Scotland is celebrating an incredible half a million visitors to the new Scottish galleries in Edinburgh, just seven months after opening.

The Leckie family were thrilled to be the 500,000th visitors through the doors on Friday 3 May. Victoria Leckie along with Ella, 8, and William, 7, were welcomed to the new galleries with balloons and goodie bags.

Victoria said: “I can’t believe it! I thought you were joking! We have just moved to Edinburgh from South Africa a month ago, so it feels even more unbelievable.

“We came to explore the gallery and take the kids to the Family Friday event, so this is all very exciting and unexpected.”

The highly anticipated new Scottish galleries at the National opened to the public on 30 September 2023 to rave reviews, showcasing the very best of historic Scottish art from 1800 to 1945.

A free experience for everyone to enjoy right in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, the new spaces have been a roaring success, transforming the visitor experience and making the National more accessible than ever before.

Prior to the opening of the new Scottish galleries only 19% of visitors to the National gallery made their way to the former Scottish wing. However, since the opening of the new Scottish galleries this has increased to an amazing 62% of people now enjoying the exceptional artworks on display.

With 12 breathtaking galleries to explore, visitors can dive into dramatic landscapes, encounter iconic images and be wowed by art.

Spectacular views over the city entice visitors to come in and discover their national collection of art and the pioneering Scottish artists that created them.

Whether immersing themselves in the highly Romantic paintings of the Scottish Highlands, on a day out with the family, or just enjoying the views, all are welcome to come and discover their national collection.