Category: city centre

Scottish Portrait Awards announce shortlist for this year’s exhibition at the National Galleries of Scotland

The Scottish Portrait Awards 2026 

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait 

Exhibition will run from 18 November 2026 – 11 April 2027 

Free Admission 

Over 180 artists from Orkney to Dumfries and Galloway and beyond, including some who have never publicly shown their work before, have been shortlisted for the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026.

The selected works will go on display alongside the nation’s magnificent collection of art at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait from 18 November 2026. 

A total of 187 works were chosen from nearly 2,500 entries across three categories including Fine Art, Photography and the free to enter, Scotland Now! Phone Portrait Awards. These include nine nominations for the Young Fine Artist Award and nine nominations for the Young Photographer Award. 

Judges were wowed by the vibrance and creativity of this year’s submissions, championing the incredible talent of Scottish artists. Now in its ninth year, the Scottish Portrait Awards, Scotland’s largest awards in portraiture will be bigger than ever, as the National Galleries of Scotland partner with the Scottish Arts Trust for the first time. 

Robyn Jenkins, an animation student at Edinburgh College of Art, who at 18 is one of the youngest artists to be selected, said, ‘To walk into the Great Hall and know my work is hanging in the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait is an absolute dream. 

“After visiting the galleries so many times, it feels surreal to have my work share the space of the incredible art I’ve admired for so long.”

Shortlisted artists captured the imagination and in collaboration with their sitters, have shone a spotlight on diverse stories and experiences in today’s society.

The exhibition at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait will feature dynamic works from vibrant paintings of family members, to moving photographs of athletes, uplifting moments of celebration, unique fashion portraits and LGBTQ+ communities.

Capturing a snapshot of what it means to live in Scotland today, the exhibition will celebrate the artists who capture these moments in time.

Each shortlisted artist will have the opportunity to win the John Clark Motor Group Scottish Portrait Awards in Fine Art or the MPB Scottish Portrait Awards in Photography plus £5,000 and a commission from the National Galleries of Scotland to make a portrait for Scotland’s national collection. 

Open to anyone over 16 years, born, living or studying in Scotland, regardless of experience, the Scottish Portrait Awards brings together well-established artists as well as newcomers working in many different styles – not only in painting and sculpture but also, for the first time, animated portraits will feature in the exhibition. 

The prize-winners will be announced on the opening week of the exhibition in November during the awards events at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait before opening to the public from 18 November 2026 – 11 April 2027. 

From over 600 works submitted, 64 portraits have been shortlisted by the judging panel for the John Clark Motor Group Scottish Portrait Awards in Fine Art. 

The range of fine art media – painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture, animation and film – and materials used reflect the many approaches to making a portrait. Self-portraits, together with depictions of family, friends and admired figures, capture moments in time. 

Visitors to the exhibition will discover works exploring the passing of time, identity, relationships, vulnerability, play, the natural world and human nature.  

Judges selected 63 pictures from more than 800 entries submitted for the MPB Scottish Portrait Awards in Photography. 

More than just pictures of people, these images exemplify a broad range of approaches to photography and portraiture today. They challenge us, spark joy, create conversation, tell stories and share different points of view.

The portraits demonstrate different photographic methods and techniques, from the documentary to the surreal, and from older analogue processes to digital photography. Indicative of the scope covered by this year’s awards, the subjects represented in the exhibition range in age from a newborn baby to a centenarian. 

The awards also encouraged everyone across Scotland, aged over 16 years, to send photos taken on a phone to its free to enter competition. 60 works shortlisted for the Scotland Now! Phone Portrait Awards, will go on display on a screen in the gallery, championing the art of photography at all levels. 

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will explore themes of care, kinship and interconnectedness through the eyes of others.  

Gordon Mitchell RSW RSA RGI, Director, Scottish Portrait Awards and Fine Art Chair, said: ‘We’re bringing the country’s biggest and most prestigious portrait awards to a world-class national stage.

“Nothing compares to standing in a major gallery and experiencing the breadth and intimacy of the artworks firsthand.” 

Simon Murphy, Chair of Photography, said: ‘Showcasing established and emerging artists together in a single exhibition isn’t just about sharing gallery space, it creates a powerful dialogue and democratic opportunity.

“Add a major national collection as a backdrop and you create an electric energy that is rarely experienced.”

Anne Lyden, Director General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘Portraiture shows us what it is to be human – to connect and foster empathetic relationships. This year’s entries embody this and more, capturing life in Scotland in the most beautiful way.

“It has been inspiring and moving to experience the work of artists who have previously entered and to see how participating has furthered their practice.

“The judges were enthralled by the range of submissions and captivated by the artists skill, storytelling and personal statements. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share this with our visitors in November and hope everyone can join us in celebrating the incredible artistic talent Scotland has to offer.’ 

Since its inception, the awards have discovered and recognised almost 500 artists whose work features in the Scottish Portrait Awards online archive.

Many of the artists have continued to advance their careers with exhibitions and commissions. Previous award winners include Helen Wilson, Robin Gillanders and Graeme Wilcox. 

New exhibition explores the past, present and future of North Bridge

As part of the City Art Centre’s free Summer Exhibition programme, we tell the story of the iconic North Bridge through film, historic artworks and objects uncovered during its recent restoration.

Running from Saturday 18 July until Sunday 13 September 2026, Study for North Bridge is a new film by artists Rachel McBrinn and Jonathan Webb. Created during the bridge’s restoration, it offers a fresh perspective on one of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks ahead of its reopening in August.

Commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of the North Bridge restoration programme, the film explores not only how the bridge has been repaired, but also how we care for and remember the places that shape our city.

Following the restoration as it unfolds, the film combines real-life footage with imagined scenes to ask how today’s events become tomorrow’s history. Through the voice of a fictional art historian looking back from the future, it encourages visitors to think about how stories are recorded, preserved, and retold over time.

The title, Study for North Bridge, refers to the sketches artists often make while developing a final work. In the same way, the film focuses on the work in progress rather than the finished bridge, revealing the people, processes and hidden details that are normally out of sight.

Alongside the film, visitors can see original pieces removed from the bridge during restoration, displayed with paintings and other artworks from the City of Edinburgh’s Fine Art Collection that show North Bridge over the past 300 years.

The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of guided walking tours, delivered in partnership with Invisible Cities.

Beginning and ending at the City Art Centre, the tours explore the people, places and stories that have shaped North Bridge, bringing the exhibition to life in the streets around it.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “North Bridge is one of Edinburgh’s most important civic landmarks and has connected communities across the city for more than 130 years.

“As we look forward to the bridge reopening this summer, this exhibition offers a fascinating opportunity to reflect not only on the engineering achievement of its restoration, but also on the stories, memories and meanings attached to the structure.”

Princes Street closure progress update

DIVERSIONS IN PLACE FOR RUGBY and EDINBURGH FESTIVAL CARNIVAL

Multi-agency efforts to minimise city centre disruption and make the former Debenhams building safe continue, following a major fire on 9 July.

While Princes Street is expected to remain closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street until August, contingency planning is underway to help limit the impact on transport, businesses, the festival and other events.

This includes the rerouting of the Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still take place on Sunday and traffic diversions to aid travel to and from the Scotland v Fiji rugby match on Saturday, while changes to bus routes have been put in place to improve general traffic flow in the area.

Council teams continue to offer one-to-one advice and support to businesses affected, and it is hoped that all businesses on Rose Street will be able to reopen tomorrow (Saturday). The Council Leader has also written to the First Minister to request additional support for businesses from the Scottish Government.

Trams are currently only able to operate between the Airport and Shandwick Place but all options are being explored to re-establish operations along the full route as soon as possible.

Officers are working closely with Voi Bikes to provide additional capacity, particularly in and around Leith, and will be expanding the fleet from 800 to 1000 bikes by the end of next week. Additional bike parking infrastructure is being arranged in the city centre to accommodate those travelling into the city from Leith and Newhaven.

Complex and time-consuming work is ongoing to make the fire-damaged building safe, alongside preserving as much of its heritage value as possible.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “There is no doubt that recent events on Princes Street continue to have a major impact on the city centre and beyond, but I’m pleased to see progress being made, both in terms of preserving and making the building safe and reducing disruption in the area.

“This has involved a huge response from Council teams and a range of partners, and I’d like to thank all those involved for their hard work over the last week to secure the building, to protect its heritage and to keep the city moving.

“I’m particularly grateful to the city’s transport providers – Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams – for their swift and constructive responses to this challenging situation and I know there’s a huge amount of work going into restoring the tram to its full route as soon as possible. But I do want to stress that this can only happen when it’s safe to do so.

“We’re in regular contact with festivals and event organisers with a view to limiting disruption to our events calendar, and I’m delighted that we’ve found an alternative route for the wonderful Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still go ahead this weekend. We’re also hopeful of being able to find alternative locations for some of the events and attractions displaced from George Street.

“I’m acutely aware of the effect this is having on city centre businesses too and our teams are continuing to offer one-to-one advice and support. We’re also in touch with the Scottish Government about available support and I’ve written to the First Minister to discuss what more he can offer – as he did following the Union Street fire in Glasgow.

“This road closure is essential to protect the public while experts assess the condition of the fire-damaged building and make it safe, but we’re letting everyone know that the city centre is very much still open for business and encouraging people to check our website for the latest travel advice and information on visiting the area.

“I want to repeat my thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding and look forward to another fantastic summer festival season here in Edinburgh.”

A dedicated page on the Council website has been set up to provide up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites and a Q&A.

This will be updated regularly as and when new information becomes available.

Gilded Balloon launches ‘Postcode Pals’ with £6 Fringe Tickets for locals

EH, KY, FK and G postcode residents can enjoy more than 140 Edinburgh Fringe shows for just £6

Gilded Balloon is inviting its neighbours to experience this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe for less with the launch of Postcode Pals – a special ticket initiative offering £6 tickets to local audiences.

Running from 10am on Monday 20 July until 6pm on Friday 31 July, the limited-time offer is available exclusively to residents with EH, KY, FK and G postcodes, giving them access to more than 140 shows taking place between 5–9 August, while availability lasts.

With the cost of living continuing to impact audiences, Gilded Balloon is introducing the scheme as a way of ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy the Fringe on their doorstep.

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “As an Edinburgh-based venue, we want to encourage our neighbours to come to our shows. The Fringe is one of the most exciting times of the year, but we know that rising costs can make it harder for local people to take part.

“Postcode Pals is our way of saying thank you to the communities that support us year-round and making it easier for them to discover brilliant comedy, theatre, music, family shows and more.”

The offer covers an exciting cross-section of Gilded Balloon’s 2026 programme, including performances from Jack Docherty, Mhairi Black, Fiona Allen, Kim Blythe, Michelle Shocked, Madeleine Brettingham, Jamie Kilstein and Phil Nichol. Audiences can also enjoy acclaimed musicals including Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas, HR: The Musical and Puck Bunnies: A Heated Rivalry Musical, alongside powerful theatre productions including SLAY and CADEL: Lungs on Legs, and family shows The Kobold Show!, Mama G: The Magic Bookmark and Bring Yer Bairn Comedy  plus more than 140 comedy, theatre, music, family and spoken word shows taking part in the promotion.

How to claim the offer

Residents with EH, KY, FK or G postcodes can:

  • Log in to their Gilded Balloon account.
  • Ensure the billing address on their account includes a valid eligible postcode.
  • Use the code PALS26 when booking via the Gilded Balloon website.

The offer is valid on selected performances between 5–9 August only, subject to availability.

Offer details:

  • Booking window: 10am, 20 July – 6pm, 31 July
  • Eligible postcodes: EH, KY, FK and G
  • Ticket price: £6 (plus a booking fee)
  • Maximum 2 tickets per performance and 6 tickets per customer
  • Valid only when booking through the Gilded Balloon website
  • Available while stocks last.

Update on Princes Street closure

Princes Street is expected to remain closed into August following a major fire at the former Debenhams store in the early hours of 9 July.

Work is continuing to make the building safe while ensuring its historic features are preserved as far as possible. While timescales are not yet confirmed, these works are expected to take several weeks to complete.

Princes Street remains closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street to all vehicles and pedestrians, with diversions in place. Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams to and from the airport terminating at Shandwick Place.

With the diversions set to continue into next month, including on George Street, alternative arrangements are being put in place to limit disruption to forthcoming festivals and events.

A dedicated page has been created on the council website, which includes up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites. This will be regularly updated as and when new information becomes available.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “While, of course, I’m disappointed that Princes Street is to remain closed for weeks to come, our priority must be on the safety of the public.

“Our focus continues to be on making the building safe while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as we can. This is a painstaking process and will take time.

“I’m acutely aware that we’re now entering the busiest period of the year for Edinburgh, and there will inevitably be disruption in and around the city centre. We will continue to work with bus, tram, and other transport colleagues to keep the city moving as best we can.

“We’re also in regular contact with festival and event organisers with a view to minimising the impact on our events calendar, while ensuring those attending can easily access the latest information and guidance before travelling.

“This an ever-changing situation and we will provide further updates as and when new information becomes available, including through a dedicated page on the Council website.

“I want to thank people for their patience and understanding and have no doubt that we can still look forward to a fantastic summer of festivals here in Edinburgh.”

Assembly Festival opens Local Residents Discount for 2026

Scheme to reward Edinburgh locals returns with reduced tickets for huge shows including Jason Byrne, Scaramouche Jones, Ted Hill, Susie McCabe, Ben Hart and more 

  • Residents across the Central Belt can also access discounts
  • Discounted tickets available from 10am 14 July via www.assemblyfestival.com 

Assembly Festival has announced the return of its hugely popular Local Residents discount for 2026 with reduced tickets now available to Edinburgh locals for some of the Fringe’s biggest and best shows. 

Over 175 shows will offer £8.25 tickets for residents across Edinburgh and the Central Belt including Jason Byrne, Afrique en Cirque, Jess Robinson, Susie McCabe, Ten Thousand Hours, Scaramouche Jones and more. 

Edinburgh locals in EH postcodes will have access to discounted shows, plus the scheme opens up to Fringe fans across the Central Belt in Glasgow, Falkirk and more. Music shows and food workshops taking place at Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival from 24 July – 02 August will be included. 

Inviting locals to take a chance on something new and discover even more at the Fringe, discounted tickets will be available from 10am 14 July until 11.59pm 26 July (or until allocations run out) for Assembly Festival Fringe performances from 05 – 09 August for residents in EH postcodes FK, G, KY, ML and DG. 

Residents across the Central Belt can take advantage of the discounts with postcodes in Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, Stirling, Motherwell and Dumfries and Galloway all included in the scheme. 

Tickets available via www.assemblyfestival.com using promocode LOCALAF26. 

(T&Cs: 2 tickets per performance, max 6 tickets per transaction. £8.25 includes £1.25 booking fees Subject to availability.)

Edinburgh locals can take advantage of the offer in the Fringe’s opening days, meaning they can be amongst the first to take in shows from Ndlovu Youth Choir, Superbowl Salsa, Mythos: Ragnarök, Susie McCabe and more. 

Encompassing shows across comedy, cabaret, circus, dance, theatre, family shows and more, thousands of tickets will be available within the scheme. 

Comedy fans can see the hottest rising stars including award-winners from Australia Lizzy Hoo, Scout Boxall and Noah Szto making their Edinburgh debuts, plus some of the UK’s biggest comedy stars from Jason Byrne to Frank Skinner, Susie McCabe, Mike Wozniak and more. 

Irish comics Grace Mulvey and Gearóid Farrelly are sure to impress, whilst cult hits ‘Underground Monk Show’ and ‘Police Cops in Space’ are all included. 

Locals can bag discounted tickets for some of the Fringe’s most impressive theatre shows including ‘Scaramouche Jones’ directed by Olivier award-winning Guy Masterson, ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ starring David Westhead and directed by acting legend Stockard Channing as well as up-and-coming theatre ‘Prophets’ and ‘BearGirl’. 

Families can enjoy the last days of summer holidays with reduced tickets for all the family including the Fringe debut of ‘Ndlovu Youth Choir’ whose fans include Tom Holland of Spiderman fame and Simon Cowell, as they perform hits from ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Waka Waka’ to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Higher Love’. 

For bigger kids, families can check out jaw-dropping contemporary circus ‘Ten Thousand Hours’ and ‘By A Thread’. 

Music fans can pick up discounts for hit shows ‘27 Club’, diving into the legend and lore of famed musical icons like Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and more whilst ‘Joni Mitchell: Take Me As I Am’ is a must for fans of the Canadian singer-songwriter and more. 

For the best of the Fringe, check out ‘Frisky’s Remix Roulette’ and her incredible live band, or Reuben Kaye’s brand-new show. And for mind-bending magic enjoy discounted tickets for the Festival’s most acclaimed magicians Ben Hart, Kevin Quantum and more.

Plus, Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival events including family-friendly shows ‘Circus The Show’ , ‘Explosive Science Show’ and ‘Comedy Club 4 Kids’ will take part in the scheme as well as folk gigs from An Dannsa Dub, Breabach, Dlù and more. 

For a full list of shows included see here.

Marking the Edinburgh company’s 45th season at the world’s biggest arts festival, Assembly will return to six venue hubs with over 245 genre-spanning shows featuring international and homegrown acts from 05 – 31 August 2026. Assembly will operate across: George Square Gardens, Assembly Rooms, Assembly Hall, Assembly Roxy and Dance Base, plus Shedinburgh takes over Checkpoint in a new partnership for 2026. 

Tickets are now available at www.assemblyfestival.com. 

Sign up to the Assembly Festival mailing list for more information, exclusive offers, and all the latest news. 

Preparations ongoing ahead of Edinburgh Visitor Levy launch

TWO WEEKS TO GO

As Edinburgh prepares for the introduction of the Visitor Levy on Friday 24 July, the Council is providing ongoing support to businesses in the visitor economy.

A new Visitor Levy team has been visiting accommodation providers across the city, answering questions and helping to explain what businesses need to do to prepare for the levy. They have also been encouraging sign-ups to the online platform for submitting levy returns and making their payments, the first of which are due in October.

The Council has also prepared a range of display materials to help businesses to explain the levy to their guests, summarising key information and the benefits the scheme will bring to the city. This includes a Q&A document covering the most commonly asked questions by visitors.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “With two weeks to go until the official introduction of the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, I’m very aware of how our busy the city’s accommodation providers already are and want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to support them.

“We’ve been in regular touch with industry representatives throughout the process and I’m extremely grateful to them for their constructive feedback and support. We know their guests will have questions of their own about the levy, how it works and how the funds will be invested – and we’ve developed a range of materials to share with guests and direct them to the most up-to-date information about the scheme.

“We’re the first city in the UK to introduce a visitor levy of this scale, and we’ve built our approach around engagement and support.

“This is a big opportunity for us all to work together and enhance Edinburgh’s position as one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world.”

Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy scheme was formally agreed in January 2025.

The levy applies to paid overnight accommodation booked after 1 October 2025, if the stay takes place from 24 July 2026 onwards. It is a 5% payment on the accommodation-only cost and applies to the first 5 nights’ stay.

The scheme is projected to raise up to £50 million a year to invest in protecting, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live.

The first full set of investment programmes for funding raised by the levy was agreed earlier this year, and will be directed through three well-defined themes: City Operations and Infrastructure; Culture, Heritage and Events; and Destination and Visitor Management.

‘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.

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.”

Police: Princes Street Fire Update

Emergency services remain in attendance following a fire at a disused building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

Officers were called to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue around 3.05am on Thursday, 9 July, 2026. There are no reported injuries.

Firefighters and officers cannot enter the building as, at this time, it is deemed not safe to enter. Work is ongoing to ensure the area is made safe and enquiries are at an early stage.

The surrounding area of Princes Street remains closed, along with Rose Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed where possible.

A joint investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.