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.
A temporary closure will be in place for a section of the West Approach Road in Edinburgh from Monday for the next five weeks as part of planned maintenance work.
This includes repainting, general repairs and resurfacing the bridge decks.
This will affect the two-lane section between Roseburn Street and the Dundee Street flyover only. The road from Dundee Street to Lothian Road will remain open.
The section will be closed from Monday 6 May until Friday 7 June due to upgrade works being carried out on four bridges along the route. Diversions will be in place.
Transport Convener Councillor Scott Arthur said: “We realise this road closure may cause some inconvenience but it’s needed so we can carry out maintenance work to four bridges along the route.
“We’ve taken steps to minimise disruption by putting in place diversion routes, carried out a letter drop to residents to tell them of the changes and are putting in place measures to control the noise.”
The work is being carried out from next week due to restrictions on gaining access to the railway, other roadworks in the area and our embargo on roadworks from late July through to early September.
Top visitor attraction is calling for passionate storytellers to become Experience Ambassadors
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the award-winning global visitor experience in the heart of Edinburgh, has announced exciting opportunities for passionate individuals to join its renowned team.
With both part-time and full-time Experience Ambassador positions available, aspiring actors and storytellers are invited to become a part of an exceptional team dedicated to delivering unparalleled experiences to visitors from around the globe.
Ambassadors will guide guests through the venue across the many different experiences available, taking them on a journey through the story of Johnnie Walker, the single malt and single grain whiskies from which it is crafted, and through the multitude of ways whisky can be enjoyed.
Dedicated to challenging stereotypes and busting myths around Scotch, no background in whisky is required for the roles available at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Instead, applicants should be natural presenters and storytellers and have a passion for hospitality.
Successful candidates will have the chance to work in the multi-award-winning destination starting from June 3, with the opportunity to be a part of a key venue during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, work with experts in the experience and whisky field and receive extensive training and development from industry leading professionals.
Additionally, Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers staff a strong reward and benefits package with many pathways to great career opportunities across Johnnie Walker and parent company Diageo. Recognising the need for flexibility, employees can also expect a range of shift and working patterns to cater for people at all ages and stages of life.
Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said:“We are proud of the exceptional team we have built at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and we are excited to offer opportunities for new talent to be part of our award-winning visitor experience.
“If you are energetic, enthusiastic and, passionate about a career in hospitality and tourism then we want to hear from you.”
To apply for the role of Experience Ambassador at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, please visit our website here.
Taiko Drummers marked the opening of the global apparel retailer’s store on Princes Street yesterday.
UNIQLO boasts a spacious retail space spanning approximately 1,430 sq meters across two floors featuring the full collection of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies.
Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K, Erhan Demir, UNIQLO Edinburgh General Manager, cut the ribbon to UNIQLO’s first Scottish store with special guests from the Japanese Consulate, Mr Tadashi Fujiwara and Ms Minori Ishii, and UNIQLO People Campaign cast member, Aisha Fatunmbi Randall, who has been at the forefront of the restoration of Leith Theatre in her role as Marketing and Digital Coordinator.
To mark the grand opening, UNIQLO Edinburgh is hosting special promotions and events, offering customers the chance to discover the latest styles and enjoy exclusive offers.
UNIQLO app customers will be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw.
There will be limited price promotions exclusive to the Princes Street store on items such as Ultra Light Down, Extra Fine Merino sweaters, pleated wide pants and selected innerwear for both men and women.
UNIQLO currently has 19 stores in the U.K. The new Edinburgh Princes Street store opens hot on the heels of One Oxford Street in London on 18th April 2024.
The UNIQLO Edinburgh store operates during regular business hours, providing shoppers with ample opportunities to experience the brand’s renowned offerings. Whether seeking timeless classics or contemporary trends, UNIQLO invites the Edinburgh community to visit its newest location.
For more information about the new store, please visit:
UNIQLO is preparing to open the doors to its first and highly anticipated Scottish store in Edinburgh today.
Welcoming the city’s shoppers to the Princes Street store, the opening is set to regenerate the capital’s shopping scene. Boasting a spacious retail space spanning approximately 1,400 sq meters across two floors, the first Scottish store showcases the full collection of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies.
Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K said: “We are delighted to bring UNIQLO to the thriving city of Edinburgh.
“Our brand is dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality clothing that caters to the needs and preferences of diverse lifestyles. With our presence in Edinburgh, we aim to become an integral part of the local community, offering a unique shopping experience that blends style, comfort and affordability.”
Housed in the iconic, modernist purpose-built retail store, designed by Johnson-Marshall and Partners in 1965, the UNIQLO Princes Street store features a wide range of popular collections.
Customers will be able to explore linen, BLOCKTECH, the brand’s smart range of water resistant and windproof items, as well as the high-performing AIRism collection, renowned for its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that adapt seamlessly to diverse climates.
UNIQLO SS24 collection available in Princes Street store from 25th April.
Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “It’s fantastic news that UNIQLO, a global brand and one of Japan’s foremost casual wear retailers, has chosen Princes Street here in the Capital as the location for their flagship Scottish store.
“This is testament to the pull of our city to major international companies and I’m really looking forward to seeing the store open its doors. I’m encouraged to hear that UNIQLO will be partnering with local charity, Social Bite, working towards ending homelessness.
“Edinburgh is a city that is truly open for business and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Princes Street and beyond. I’m sure UNIQLO will make their mark here and I wish them every success.”
In-store Experience
The Japanese retailer’s first Scottish store focuses on experience-led features for customers including; RE.UNIQLO Studio and an in-store Japanese tearoom.
Following the success of UNIQLO UK’s first in-store café, which opened last year in the Covent Garden store, the Princes Street store will proudly unveil the brand’s second UK in-store café. Developed in partnership with Japanese tearoom, Katsute100, the space will offer customers Japanese inspired refreshments on the first floor, overlooking a picturesque view of Princes Street Gardens and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle.
Located next to the cafe is the RE.UNIQLO Studio where customers can recycle, repair or remake their favourite UNIQLO items so they can keep wearing and loving them for longer. In partnership with Scotland’s other national drink, IRN-BRU, customers can add BRU-themed embroidery pieces to their UNIQLO items for a limited time only. This is an exclusive to the Edinburgh RE.UNIQLO counter until the end of May 2024.
Limited edition designs in partnership with IRN-BRU, available for embroidery in the RE.UNIQLO Studio until the end of May.
Local partners
UNIQLO will champion local craftsmanship in the Princes Street store, featuring exclusive collaborations with Tom Fraser, Principal of the Chippendale School of Furniture and local artist Arran Rahimian, Tom’s hand-crafted benches will sit across the store’s interior, while Arran’s bespoke artworks will be found in the fitting rooms and adorned upon exclusive goody bags that will be distributed during the launch day festivities.
Other local partnerships that will be featured within the new UNIQLO store include an instore library with a curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books, giving customers an opportunity to read while in-store. Botanical studio, PYRUS has also lent its expertise, dressing the store with beautiful floral arrangements inspired by Edinburgh’s natural landscape, adding a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere upon entry to the store.
Curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books
Additionally, UNIQLO will partner with local charity Social Bite to support its mission to end homelessness. As part of this partnership UNIQLO is working with Social Bite to develop recruitment pathways by creating in-store job opportunities for the people the charity supports. Edinburgh staff will be volunteering with Social Bite and have provided clothing donations.
Opening Day Offers and Events
To commemorate the grand opening, UNIQLO Edinburgh is hosting special promotions and events, offering customers the chance to discover the latest styles and enjoy exclusive offers.
The first 100 customers through the door will receive a goody bag while UNIQLO app customers will be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw. There will be limited price promotions exclusive to the Princes Street store on items such as Ultra Light Down, Extra Fine Merino sweaters, pleated wide pants and selected innerwear for both men and women.
Fans are invited to share their excitement across social channels using #UniqloEdinburgh, when they spot the activity including the UNIQLO branded Edinburgh Trams in the wake of the opening.
UNIQLO currently has 19 stores in the U.K. The new Edinburgh Princes Street store opens hot on the heels of One Oxford Street in London on 18th April 2024.
The UNIQLO Edinburgh store operates during regular business hours, providing shoppers with ample opportunities to experience the brand’s renowned offerings. Whether seeking timeless classics or contemporary trends, UNIQLO invites the Edinburgh community to visit its newest location.
For more information about the new store, please visit:
A sculpture of legendary Edinburgh fundraiser Tom Gilzean has been unveiled on the Royal Mile to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and continue his legacy.
Tom Gilzean was a decorated war veteran and charity stalwart who sadly died in November 2019 aged 99, having raised over £1million for good causes during his lifetime.
Now, Tom’s charity Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and Central Taxis have teamed up to celebrate his memory with a dedicated statue, ‘Oor Tom’, displayed in his favourite city fundraising spot.
Tom became an iconic figure to both locals and tourists alike. Come rain or shine, he could be found on the Royal Mile or Princes Street, wearing his trademark tartan trews and shaking his collection cans to raise funds for the charity.
ECHC supports the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP). When asked why he fundraised 365 days a year in all weathers, Tom would simply say, “I just want to help the children.”
Fiona Brian, fundraiser at ECHC, said: “Tom was an exceptional and inspirational ambassador of ECHC and we are immensely proud and privileged to have been his chosen charity.
“It is wonderful to be able to bring his sculpture to the streets of Edinburgh so all those who knew and were inspired by him can remember him and ensure his legacy lives on.
“We are enormously grateful to Central Taxis, the Lord Provost and Belhaven School Pipes and Drums for helping to make the day so special.”
Oor Tom was created by local artist Chris Rutterford to honour Tom and the thousands of children and their families who have been cared for by Edinburgh’s children’s hospital. Central Taxis funded the sculpture to raise further funds for seriously ill children and donated it to the city for everyone to enjoy.
Murray Fleming from Central Taxis said: “We at Central Taxis are deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to collaborate with ECHC in commemorating the extraordinary contributions of Tom Gilzean.
“His selfless dedication to charitable causes is a testament to the spirit of community and giving that we hold dear.
“This sculpture is not just a monument; it is a call to action for all of us to continue Tom’s incredible legacy of helping those in need. We hope that his presence on the Royal Mile serves as a lasting inspiration to both residents and visitors alike.”
Oor Tom was originally on display on Princes Street as part of Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail – a nationwide art trail which raised money for Scotland’s children’s hospital charities, including ECHC.
Peacock Alley, located at the heart of The Caledonian in Edinburgh, is now serving Once Upon a Time afternoon tea, available until 2nd June.
Embark on a magical journey with Once Upon a Time afternoon tea at Peacock Alley.
A selection of sandwiches created by head chef Ryan MacFarlane feature selections such as Chilli Arran Cheddar and Scottish Smoked Salmon with Dill Crème Fraiche, followed by an enchanting array of pastries created by head pastry chef Tamara Curcic.
Selections such as the Happily Ever After (Cracked Pepper, Salted Caramel, and Burnt White Chocolate Cream Puff) and Frog Prince (Flourless Chocolate Sponge, Mint and Chocolate Chip Pepitè) are straight out of a fairy tale.
Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the enchanting Edinburgh Castle. Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, Peacock Alley represents the historic heart of the Caley.
It is imbued with the peerless style and sophistication of this famous former railway hotel, offering the perfect backdrop for your fairy tale afternoon tea.
Once Upon a Time is available in Peacock Alley, The Caledonian daily from 12:30 – 4pm, until 2nd June. Gluten free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available. Priced at £60 per adult and £30 per child. The menu can be viewed here.
“Edinburgh is a city with big ambitions” – Cllr Scott Arthur
A ‘major milestone’ in the Meadows to George Street project was reached yesterday (April 19) as the statutory orders needed to progress to the construction stage are advertised.
The scheme will improve cycling, walking, accessibility, and public spaces in some of Edinburgh’s busiest and most recognisable streets: from Teviot Place along Forrest Road before crossing George IV Bridge, The Mound, Hanover Street and finishing at George Street.
It will create a welcoming outdoor space with new high-quality cycling and walking facilities. These will include segregated cycleways, wider pavements, and pedestrian priority areas, which will make it easier for people to safely walk, wheel, and cycle as part of their everyday journeys.
The council will also be engaging with local residents, businesses and community representatives through a programme of door-to-door distribution, email, workshops, drop-in events, and information packs.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this significant stage in the Meadows to George Street project. This is a really important part of our wider plans to transform our city centre into one which enables our residents to enjoy a safe, connected, and sustainable place to live, work and spend time in.
“We’re keen to get on and deliver the changes proposed so it’s important that we take the time to re-engage with those along the route and take them along with us on this exciting journey. We understand the impact these projects can have on the local community, in particular businesses, and we will be working closely with them throughout to support them and ensure the benefits are maximised.
“Edinburgh is a city with big ambitions. Through schemes such as this we’re sending a clear signal as to the sort of Capital we’re aspiring to be.
“From reaching net zero by 2030, to enhancing our already excellent public transport networks and making sure our residents are at the heart of everything we do, I’m really excited to see what the future holds.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans said: “This is a hugely exciting time to be in Edinburgh, and a massive achievement within the context of active travel.
“The all-new walking, wheeling and cycling links Meadows to George Street is set to deliver will absolutely transform everyday journeys for thousands of people living and working in the city, not to mention those visiting every year.
“We’d like to thank the whole community for their continuing involvement and support, and for the clear ambition they have shown in pushing this project forward.”
Join Edinburgh’s Street Musicians And Make Yourself Heard!
European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) is asking members of the public to add their voice to the call for action at our Busk against Brexit event tomorrow – Tuesday 16th April.
We have a host of musicians lined up to entertain crowds on the Royal Mile, and outside Edinburgh City Chambers and the Scottish Parliament, on the 16th of April between 1pm and 4pm.
EMiS volunteers will be on hand to promote the ‘Face the Music’ campaign, which has already been supported by the iconic Proclaimers.
Later in the evening, Michelle Thomson MSP, in her capacity as the Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Music, will chair a roundtable event that brings politicians and music industry professionals together, to discuss the challenges facing the sector because of Brexit.
Ms Thompson said: “There can be no denying the impact Brexit has had on our cultural sector, and in particular on our world-class musicians.
“Any musical group who wishes to perform in Europe are now subjected to greatly increased cost and bureaucracy – some can absorb this additional red tape but most cannot and have stopped touring in the way they did previously.”
We are delighted to confirm our panel for the day:
The Scottish Government urged the UK Government soon after leaving the EU to negotiate visa-free access to the EU market for touring artists.
For example, the then Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop wrote to the UK Culture secretary asking the UK Government to work with the EU to explore where easements are possible. Nothing has changed. Touring artists are suffering because of new barriers since Brexit.
In urging the public to come along, enjoy the music and make themselves heard EMiS Chairperson David Clark said: “Music is a universal language that transcends borders, connecting people across Europe and beyond.
“The campaign is crucial as musicians now face too many barriers due to Brexit, threatening the exchange of artistic expression that defines our shared European identity.”
