Category: city centre

Sephora UK set to open two major stores in Scotland this summer

Twice the stripes, twice as bonnie!

  • Global beauty leader will open its first Scottish “temples of beauty” in St James Quarter in Edinburgh and Silverburn Glasgow later this year.
  • A host of brands like rhode and Haus Labs will be available to shop in person for the first time on Scottish soil.
  • Sarah Boyd, Managing Director for Sephora UK: “Opening in both Edinburgh and Glasgow this summer is about bringing double the energy, double the access, and double the magic to a country that has long been calling for it”.

GLOBAL leader in prestige beauty Sephora UK has revealed it’s set to open not one, but two stores in Scotland this summer, after years of passionate calls from fans north of the border.

The LVMH-owned beauty powerhouse is bringing its signature black and white stripes to Edinburgh and Glasgow later this year, following immense demand online. 

The investment into Scotland has been hailed by members of the beauty and business communities alike, as the brand is set to open the major stores in quick succession within the same home nation for the first time. 

The Edinburgh store will be located at St James Quarter and will boast 4,961 square feet of dedicated shopping space, while the Glasgow store will open at Silverburn Shopping Centre, spanning 5,048 square feet. 

Hoardings will appear in both store locations imminently, playfully displaying the iconic black and white stripes with a Scottish nod as Sephora says, “Twice the stripes, twice as bonnie!” in both Silverburn and St James Quarter.

Both stores will be will be fully stocked with Sephora UK exclusives and selective brands, giving fans the chance to shop the likes of rhode, Haus Labs, Makeup by Mario, Merit Beauty, INNBeauty Project, Tower 28 and recent newcomer Half Magic for the first time ever on Scottish soil. 

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, said: “”The Sephora UK team and I are thrilled to finally reveal that we’re bringing our ‘temples of beauty’ to not one, but two incredible Scottish cities this summer – with fans crying out for a Scottish beauty playground.

“It has been three years since we opened our first UK store; from the very beginning we’ve been searching for the perfect locations for us to open in the region – and we are so happy to have found them in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter and Silverburn Glasgow.

“Opening in both Edinburgh and Glasgow this summer is about bringing double the energy, double the access, and double the magic to a country that has long been calling for it.

“Scotland also steps into a landmark summer, so the timing couldn’t feel more meaningful, and Sephora UK is proud to play a part in a special season that is set to make its mark in the history books.

“We know how eagerly our Scottish customers have waited while we expanded across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and we truly want to say thank you for your patience and loyalty.

“Now, Scotland, let’s get even more bonnie together!”

Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at St James Quarter, said: “The opening of Sephora’s first store in Scotland is a major moment for both St James Quarter and Edinburgh’s shopping scene.

“As one of the most influential names in global beauty, its arrival brings a new retail experience to the city and an exciting addition to St James Quarter’s growing beauty line-up.

“Sephora’s immersive concept and curated brand offer will our give customers something truly new, whether they are long-time fans or discovering the brand for the first time.”

David Pierotti, General Manager of Silverburn, added: “Sephora coming to Glasgow marks such a big moment for the city and the west of Scotland and we are so pleased to be home to its largest store in the country. 

“Our commitment to delivering an award-winning, first-class retail experience for our guests is demonstrated through our diverse offering of leading names across fashion, lifestyle and beauty.  

“I know our community in Glasgow will be very excited to see another globally recognised brand join us and we look forward to welcoming them to Sephora’s ‘temple of beauty’ here at Silverburn.”

The openings mark a major milestone in the retailer’s ambitious expansion journey, bringing its “temples of beauty” even closer and more accessible than ever to communities nationwide. 

What’s more, following the launch of its Belfast store in February, the Scottish store openings will mark a defining moment as they signify a proud presence across all four nations of the United Kingdom. 

As well as some Scottish firsts, the stores will also feature TikTok-viral favourites featured as part of the retailer’s ‘Hot on Social’ edit, including Glossier, Glow Recipe, Rare Beauty, Sol de Janeiro, Tatcha, and Kosas.

Customers at the Edinburgh and Glasgow stores will be able to enjoy personalised redeemable beauty consultations, gift-wrapping and engraving services, as well as immersive in-store experiences designed to inspire confidence and creativity. 

The new stores will also be among some of the first to introduce Sephora UK’s Beauty Scan technology, which allows Beauty Advisors to use an advanced lens to analyse a client’s skin for a more individualised consultation and personalised product recommendations, including oil and hydration levels and foundation shade matching. 

What’s more, in line with Sephora UK’s commitment to a seamless omnichannel offering, shoppers will also be able to continue the Sephora shopping experience via the Sephora UK app for exclusive product offers, as well as the MySephora loyalty programme, where clients can earn points on every purchase in-store and online, unlocking exclusive rewards, surprise gifts, early access to launches and invites to special events.

The opening of stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow respectively feed into Sephora UK’s expansion strategy to open their iconic “temples of beauty” alongside the retailer’s new, small format boutique stores, which were recently announced to debut this summer at Soho’s Carnaby Street and Shoreditch’s Old Spitalfields Market. 

This updated strategic approach to Sephora’s UK expansion is cemented in the aim to bring prestige beauty to all corners of the UK. Like the calls for stores opening in Scotland, the boutique formats were a direct response to Sephora’s highly passionate and engaged beauty community requesting for different kinds of shopping experiences with the high street shopper in mind – a testament to Sephora’s commitment to listening to its fans on how and where to best show up with their new stores as the retailer expands.

The blend of Sephora’s boutique formats and destination shops with a large sales floor aimed at discovery takes a modern approach to retail, delivering different kinds of shopping experiences for its wide-ranging clientele, reinforcing Sephora UK’s commitment to making premium beauty accessible to all.

To learn more, visit: www.sephora.co.uk

Primark expands affordable clothing repairs service with The Seam

  • The repairs service is now being trialed across three Primark stores , including Edinburgh Princes Street
  • Primark is offering local shoppers simple same-day repairs and alterations alongside more complex repairs’ services for the first time. 

Primark has announced it is expanding the trial of its clothing repairs service with The Seam to more of its stores across the UK high street. The move will give Primark shoppers the chance to try a simple, same-day repair and alterations service in store, as well as providing access to more complex services for the first time. 

The service will continue to run in Primark’s Manchester Market Street store after its first successful trial last year, and now its Bromley store in South London and Edinburgh Princes Street flagship store will also offer the service – expanding access for the first time to local shoppers in the South of England and Scotland.  

The Seam’s services will be available in all three Primark stores every Friday from now until 5 June 2026, with bookable appointments available during each store’s regular opening hours. Local shoppers can already start to pre-book their local store appointments via Eventbrite, with walk-ins also welcome subject to availability. 

The expansion of the service follows strong demand from customers in Manchester during its initial 12-week trial period in 2025, where nearly 90% of all appointments available were pre-booked in advance. For Mancunians, their most repaired items were trousers, jeans, and dresses while the most popular repairs included length adjustments and seam repairs. 

Based on feedback from customers in Manchester, The Seam will continue to offer simple same-day repairs, such as seam mending and length adjustments, as well as adding more complex services for the first time including knit repairs, zip replacements and dress reshaping, which will require a one-week turnaround.

Primark will continue to subsidise the cost of its simple same-day repairs service to offer a more affordable option to high street shoppers. 

Commenting on the service’s expansion, Vicki Swain, Product Longevity Lead at Primark, said: “Last year’s trial in Manchester shows there is demand from high street shoppers for a more simple and accessible solution to fixing their favourite pieces pieces. 

“We’re genuinely excited to see how more customers embrace this next step as we expand The Seam to three UK stores and introduce more complex repairs for the first time.” 

Layla Sargent, CEO of The Seam, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Primark to make clothing repair more accessible for customers.

“By bringing these services directly into store, we’re helping extend the life of garments while celebrating the skill of local Makers. It’s an exciting step towards making care and repair a natural part of the retail experience.” 

How to access The Seam services at Primark – Book your local appointment today: 

  1. Shoppers can book an appointment online via individual Eventbrite pages for Primark stores at Edinburgh Princes Street, Bromley and Manchester Market Street. 
  2. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability. 
  3. At their appointment, the customer will meet The Seam Maker, discuss their garment requirements. 
  4. For simple services, customers can return later in the day. 
  5. For more complex services, customers can return after 1-week when the service is available the following Friday (Please note the last available appointments will be on Friday 29th of May). 
  6. The item will then be ready to collect, freshly repaired and ready to wear. 

Primark is committed to moving towards a more circular approach to fashion that extends the life of products and materials while reducing waste over time. 

To support this, the retailer offers customers nationwide access to free repair workshops and online tutorials so they can learn how to repair their clothes at home. 

Since 2021, Primark has delivered more than 730 free repair workshops across nine markets. The expansion of The Seam into three UK stores marks the retailer’s next step towards helping more shoppers love their clothes for longer. 

The Coffee Shop That Started It All: Social Bite re-opens its original Coffee Shop after transformation

Social Bite’s Rose Street coffee shop has officially reopened following a full renovation, bringing fresh energy to the space where a job request from a Big Issue seller sparked a national movement to tackle homelessness, back in 2012.

That moment laid the foundations for Social Bite, which has since grown into a leading social business – creating employment for people facing homelessness and significant barriers to work, becoming one of the UK’s largest providers of freshly prepared free food, and delivering supportive housing and employability programmes nationwide.

Last year alone, the organisation provided almost 159,000 free food and drink items across the UK, including around 58,000 served from the Rose Street shop. Its pioneering Social Bite Village has supported almost 100 people into stable accommodation since opening in 2018, while more than 120 people have been employed through their Jobs First programme.

The newly renovated shop reopens to the public today (Friday 6 March) and will continue its Pay It Forward programme to allow kind-hearted visitors to buy a drink or a meal for someone who needs it. Additionally, the daily free food service will return to the shop from Monday 9 March.

The transformed space has created a light, bright and welcoming environment for paying and non-paying guests. With inclusivity front of mind, the space has been carefully designed to create a better experience for all by reconfiguring the layout and launching a new high quality food and drink menu for everyone to enjoy. 

A new community bookshelf, stocked with books generously donated by a corporate supporter, adds to the inclusive feel of the coffee shop, encouraging connection, conversation and a sense of belonging. The coffee shop aims to become a hub for foodies, commuters and locals with plans for a bookclub, running club and live music nights.

The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting from Sonny Murray, one of Social Bite’s first employees, alongside Social Bite Co-Founder Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Managing Director Mel Swan, and Mitchells & Butlers Retail Business Manager Maclain Wilson.

Sonny first came to the Rose Street shop back in 2013, accessing the free food service before asking staff for an opportunity to work – a chance that enabled him to secure accommodation and begin rebuilding his future.

He now works as a tour guide with Invisible Cities in Edinburgh, which trains and employs people with lived experience of homelessness to become professional guides, and his journey reflects the long-term impact of meaningful employment.

Speaking about the Rose Street shop, Sonny Murray said: “This shop means a lot to me because it’s where things started to change – it gave me a chance to help rebuild my life.

“It’s brilliant to see it refurbished and reopening, and I hope it encourages more people to come in, grab a coffee and support what Social Bite does.

“The more people who walk through these doors, the more opportunities there are for people like me to get back on our feet.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Co-Founder, said: “It’s incredibly special to stand back in the place where this all began. Rose Street is where the idea for Social Bite as we know it first took shape, sparked by a simple question about a job.

“From that moment, we set out to prove that business can be a force for good.

“To see how far we’ve come, from one small coffee shop to supporting thousands of people across the UK with food, employment and housing support and services, is something we’re immensely proud of. Reopening this space feels like both a homecoming and a reminder of why we started.”

The renovation was made possible thanks to the generous support and time of project partners including Mitchells & Butlers, Matthew Algie, Surface ID, Donaldson Construction, WHP Quantity Surveying and YCE Catering Equipment, whose collaboration has helped create a space that truly reflects Social Bite’s mission.

Visitors to Social Bite Rose Street can expect a delicious new menu featuring breakfast and lunch options, freshly baked pastries, and expertly crafted barista drinks, including special rose flavoured additions to mark the relaunch such as the Rose Matcha, Rose Latte, and Rose Mocha.

Every purchase helps to fund Social Bite’s work supporting people who have experienced and been affected by homelessness, as well as its Pay It Forward system, which helps provide free food and drink to thousands of vulnerable people across the UK each year.

Social Bite invites the local community, businesses and visitors to come along and experience good food for a good cause, where great coffee, delicious food, and community support come together to help change lives.

Find out more at Social-Bite.co.uk

Self-portrait by Scottish painter Jack Vettriano to go on display at National Galleries of Scotland

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Portrait of the Artist, Jack Vettriano

1 March 2026 –  2029

Free

Commemorating one year since the passing of celebrated Scottish painter Jack Vettriano, National Galleries of Scotland has announced it is to showcase two works by the artist.

Celebrating the life and prolific career of Vettriano, the artist’s estate will loan two self-portraits Portrait of the Artist and Homage to Fontana? over a six-year period. Portrait of the Artist will go on display on the one-year anniversary of his passing on 1 March 2026, at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait.

Free to visit, the painting will stay on display until early 2029 when it will then be swapped with Homage to Fontana?.

A self-taught painter, Vettriano was loved at home in Scotland and internationally for his evocative and timeless works that continue to captivate and inspire. His career made a huge contribution to the Scottish arts and culture scene and even broke records in the UK and Scotland.

In 2004 his painting The Singing Butler achieved a record price for a Scottish painting sold at auction and went on to become the best-selling art print in the UK. The work even inspired Banksy, whose reimagining of the painting sold in March 2025 for £4.3million. Vettriano is internationally recognised, with the likes of Jack Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Tim Rice among collectors of his work.

Portrait of the Artist, painted in 1993, is an early self-portrait by Vettriano and was painted a year after The Singing Butler. It depicts the artist taking a break from painting at his Edinburgh flat where he had a studio. A dramatic depiction of light and shade sets the scene for a moment of contemplation. The artist’s paint-splattered clothes emphasise the task at hand.

The cinematic Homage to Fontana? was painted later in 1999. The title and slashes in the painted canvas reference the Argentine-Italian artist Lucio Fontana (1899–1968) whose slashed canvases of the 1950s and 60s blurred the distinction between two and three dimensions to create ‘an infinite dimension’.

Vettriano invites us to follow his act of contemplation in relation to what lies beneath the surface and beyond. The painting returned to Edinburgh in July 2025 after its inclusion in a Vettriano exhibition at the Palazzo Pallavicini in Bologna and is the largest of three versions of this composition.

Born Jack Hoggan, Vettriano grew up in the coastal mining village of Methil in Fife. After leaving school at 15, he followed his father down the mine, working as an apprentice engineer.

He later moved on to white-collar jobs in management services, taking up painting as a hobby in the 1970s when a girlfriend bought him a set of watercolours for his birthday.

From then on, Vettriano spent much of his spare time teaching himself to paint.

He learned by copying Old Masters, Impressionists, Surrealists and a plethora of Scottish artists, taking inspiration from studying the collection at Kirkcaldy Galleries. It was his experience living near Leven Beach which prompted him to make the decision: ‘I’m going to set some paintings on beaches.’  

A figurative painter, Vettriano described his work as ‘more or less autobiographical.’ He worked from photographs of scenes he staged with models in his studio.

His paintings evoke the nostalgia of the 1940s and 50s and were often set, in the artist’s own words, in ‘sombre and sordid interiors’. Vettriano’s dramatic use of light and shade is a distinctive element of his work and heightens the stories of love, sex and betrayal in his paintings. 

In the late 1980s he moved to Edinburgh and took his mother’s last name, Vettriano. The artist’s breakthrough came in 1988 when he submitted two works to the Royal Scottish Academy’s Annual Exhibition, with both works selling within the first day.

Subsequently he was courted by several galleries, with his first solo exhibition in Edinburgh in 1992. Soon, his works began to gather international acclaim, leading to exhibitions in London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg and New York.

The first major retrospective of his work was at Kelvingrove Art Gallery in 2013 and featured Homage to Fontanna?.  The exhibition was record-breaking, attracting more than 136,000 visitors over its five-month run.

Imogen Gibbon, Head of Portraiture & Photography & Chief Curator at the National Galleries Scotland, said: ‘‘We’re thrilled to be welcoming visitors to the Portrait gallery to come and see Portrait of the Artist – by Jack Vettriano. It feels particularly significant that we are able to showcase a self-portrait to celebrate Vettriano’s contribution to Scottish culture on the anniversary of his death.

“This portrait and the subsequent work Homage to Fontana? will take their place on loan in The Modern Portrait display amongst the many other contemporary portraits of Scots who have made an impact at home in Scotland and internationally.

“National Galleries of Scotland extend our thanks to the artists estate, who came to us with this idea and supported us to make it happen’.”

Carolyn Osborne,  Director, Jack Vettriano Publishing Limited, said: ‘Jack was known as The People’s Painter and it’s entirely fitting that the public will be able to see one of his paintings in such a beautiful setting within a mile of where it was painted.’

King’s Trust ‘Enterprise for All’ event at Fruitmarket

TUESDAY 3rd MARCH from 12 – 3.30pm

@KingsTrust are hosting an event for 18-30 year olds that are interested in starting their own business speakers, discussions on the issues/obstacles, networking and refreshments

The Fruitmarket

3rd March 12pm – 3.30pm

RSVP : enterprisescotland@kingstrust.org.uk

Edinburgh stands in solidarity with Ukraine four years on

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge reflects on the Capital’s response over the last four years:

As we mark this solemn fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we also draw hope and comfort in Edinburgh’s long history as a proud, welcoming and diverse city.

Our biggest strength lies in those who live here – people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.

From our long-standing links with the Norwegians and Poles during and after the Second World War to the thousands of Ukrainians, Afghans, Syrians and other refugees and displaced families who now call Edinburgh home, we’re proud to be a city of sanctuary – welcoming all those who come here in search of a better life.

As Kyiv’s twin city, I’m incredibly proud of the role that Edinburgh’s communities have played in helping those fleeing the horrors of Russia’s illegal war, with around 3,000 Ukrainians now residing in the Capital.

Since the first days of the invasion, we’ve been working hard across our services to help assimilate Ukrainians into their new lives here. The wider collective response encompassing the public, private and third sectors represents the very best qualities of our city and our citizens.

Residents, volunteers, and colleagues have worked steadfastly to help our new arrivals, opening their hearts and in many cases their homes to Ukrainians in their hour of need.

In the first year of the conflict we worked alongside the Scottish Government and other partners to house over 1,500 Ukrainians aboard the MS Victoria at the Port of Leith.

Edinburgh continues to be the gateway for the vast majority of Ukrainian arrivals into Scotland. Since February 2022, we have had almost 12,000 Ukrainians pass through our Welcome Hub, first at Gogarburn House and now at Flassches Yard. 

On Tuesday morning, alongside representatives from the Scottish and UK Governments, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and other partners, I laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance.

My thoughts remain with those continuing to fight for freedom, those who have fallen or been injured in defence of Ukraine, and for everyone who has had to abandon their homes and lives.

Whilst this terrible war has endured for longer than any of us could have imagined, my hope remains that we will soon see peace in Ukraine.

To Edinburgh’s Ukrainian population my message is simple. This is your home. You are a valued part of our city and have our full support for as long as you need it.

Edinburgh’s month-long celebration of food & drink returns this March

A month of exceptional dining awaits as Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a month of exclusive deals, special menus and curated experiences from some of the capital’s best bars and restaurants.

Following a standout 2025 campaign, Eat Out Edinburgh 2026 will once again run for the entire month, bringing family, friends and colleagues together to support the city centre’s hospitality scene. More than 50 venues are expected to take part this year, building on last year’s momentum.

Founded in 2022 by Essential Edinburgh, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), the campaign encourages people to explore new cuisines while taking advantage of discounts and limited-time offers.

In 2025, the initiative delivered tangible results for participating businesses, with bookings up by 31% for the month of March, a 33% increase in sales, and 75% of diners going on to shop elsewhere in the BID after their meal.

Once again, Eat Out Edinburgh will showcase a diverse mix of restaurants, cafés and bars across Princes Street to George Street, St Andrew  Square and St James Quarter. Popular city favourites like Dishoom, Hawksmoor, Contini, SUSHISAMBA and more will return alongside a strong line-up of new additions for 2026.

Restaurants joining for the first time include Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral, ASSAGGINI, The Garden at The Kimpton, The Caley Bar, Miele, and Wahaca, adding even more variety to this year’s campaign.

A full list of participating venues and offers will be available soon on the Eat Out Edinburgh website, featuring exclusive menus, events and deals.

Diners are encouraged to sign up for updates and browse the latest offers at www.eatoutedinburgh.com.

Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, Essential Edinburgh, said: “Last year’s campaign really demonstrated the power of Eat Out Edinburgh, not just in driving bookings but in encouraging people to spend more time in the city centre.

“Seeing a 31% increase in bookings shows the real impact this initiative has on our hospitality businesses at a time when restaurants need the most support.

“With an exciting mix of returning favourites and new openings joining the campaign this year, we’re confident 2026 will offer something for everyone – from impromptu lunches to celebratory dinners – giving locals, workers and visitors even more reasons to explore all the experiences our city centre offers, and support our hospitality sector.”

For more information, and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: 

www.eatoutedinburgh.com 

Edinburgh Tradfest announces 2026 Music Programme

FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May 2026

The festival’s FULL programme including workshops, folk films, and  storytelling will be announced on Tuesday 17 March, thanks to support from the  National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation. 

Opening this year’s festival at Potterrow, is multi-award winning, trad music  powerhouse RURA (below) performing tunes from their 15-year-long repertoire; and Scottish newcomers Astro Bloc (Eryn Rae, Paul Jennings, Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, Gillie Ó Flaherty) playing an exhilarating mix of tunes that push boundaries to create a  thrilling new sound.  

Also headlining is ‘velvet-vocalist’ Kim Carnie; The Furrow Collective, (Lucy Farrell,  Rachel Newton, Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts) playing contemporary versions of  folk songs against a Cantastoria of visuals on a moving scroll; RANT (Anna Massie,  Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame) playing a mix of all-time favourites and  tunes from their brand new album; and the Brian Molley Quartet celebrating the  Scottish roots of jazz. 

Additionally, acclaimed singer, composer and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva presents her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian  grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.

Finally, closing this  year’s packed festival is Scottish supergroup Session A9 (Charlie McKerron, Kevin  Henderson, Gordon Gunn, Adam Sutherland, Marc Clement, Brian McAlpine, David  ‘Chimp’ Robertson) – an unmissable gig by a group reputed to be one of the best live  bands in Scotland. 

Other must-sees include: 

• Séamus and Caoimhe, beautiful blood harmony, dexterous instrumentals  and energetic Irish dancing, all from two incredibly talented young  people. 

• The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act from the  1920s looking back on the beginnings of country music, with Montreal based  songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”, a  long-lost legend of old-time music. This piece is accompanied by musicians from Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son, who combine harmony vocals, fiddles,  banjos, and sousaphone.  

• This year’s festival commission is A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter) led by  captivating singer songwriter Josie Duncan from the Isle of Lewis.

• The festival Spotlight event which gives a platform to new artists each year.  Bands for 2026 include: Curlew, Dauntless and old-time fiddle and banjo duo  Jeri Foreman and Ruth Eliza. 

Music highlights from this year’s early evening programme which kicks off at  6.30pm each night include: 

• Fiddle player Laura Jane Wilkie and folk guitarist Ian Carr 

• Master of the melodeon Tim Edey 

• The Nexus Project featuring Bede Patterson who explores contemporary  and ancient Highland Bagpipes. With creative and experimental  contributions from Dean Garrity, Ewan Johnston, and Roan Anderson.  

• Multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor  Black. 

• Deiseil: Dancing in Time – a powerful exploration of the revival of stepdance  told through fiddle, feet, Gaelic song and story. Directed by Gerry Mulgrew, with dancing by Alison Carlyle and music by Amy Geddes. This 5-star show  premiered during the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025.  

Other early evening trad/folk bands programmed for 2026, that are making waves on the international scene include: 

• Old-time stringband The Onlies a collective of Gen Z folkies originally from Seattle. 

• String trio Northern Resonance who take Scandinavian music in a new  direction with their mix of explosive rhythms and grand chamber-like  arrangements. They play viola, Nyckelharpa and Hardanger fiddle.  

• Rajasthani folk trio SAZ whose repertoire encompasses centuries-old folk  music, passed down the generations. 

• Banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater. Her music reflects  ties to the Canadian folk music scene, her college years spent in West Virginia,  and growing up in Grenada. 

In addition, we will be celebrating World Play A Strathspey Day on Saturday 2 May  with Laura Jane Wilkie, Madeleine Stewart, Sam Mabbett and Angus Lyon; and  enjoying an afternoon performance of Isla Ratcliff’s reimagining of Vivaldi’s four  seasons. 

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest  said: “It’s such a tonic for a dreich February to look forward to the warmth of May  and such a dazzling line up of trad and traditionally-inspired music at Edinburgh  Tradfest.

“We have carefully curated a programme that has something for everyone. Included are the very best musicians from Scotland who are currently carrying our traditions forward in myriad exciting ways.

“We are also delighted to be welcoming  a wide variety of touring musicians from Ireland, India, Sweden, Ukraine, Canada  and the United States. Whether you love song, tunes or beats, jazz influences,  classical inspiration or a straight ahead Strathspey, we have you covered.” 

Participating Musician Josie Duncan who is leading this year’s special  commission said: “It’s a total honour to be creating this year’s special commission.  As artists, we’re often involved in a wide range of musical projects, so having the  time and space to slow down and create something entirely new feels incredibly  special.

“I feel very lucky to be exploring the powerful work of Marie Maitland and to  be working alongside historian Ashley Douglas who has brought this work to light.” 

Participating musician and co-programmer Laura Jane Wilkie said: “Tradfest is a wonderful exhibition of the quality in folk and traditional music in all  its glorious cultures and subcultures.

“It is an inclusive and beautifully curated  festival and heralds the transition from spring to summer in the capital city. Delighted to be a part of it.” 

Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May.

Full  programme announced on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com

OMNI enters home stretch of landmark £5 million refurbishment

Edinburgh’s affordable leisure and entertainment hub, OMNi has announced its centre-wide  refurbishment is progressing well and is due to complete at the end of March 2026. 

OMNi is home to brand favourites including Vue, Boom Battle Bar, Wetherspoon, Escape  Hunt, The Glasshouse Hotel, and Edinburgh Street Food.  

The £5 million transformation, which began last summer, is delivering significant  enhancements to the public realm.

These include new flooring throughout the centre, an  upgraded and more visible main entrance, modern LED lighting, new seating zones, and  extensive internal structural improvements.

Together, these upgrades will create a more  vibrant, welcoming, and contemporary space for the local community in the heart of  Edinburgh. 

OMNi is planning a series of celebrations to mark the completion of the project, with further  details to be shared in the coming weeks. 

Neil Mackie, OMNi Edinburgh Centre Manager, said: “We’re thrilled with the progress of the refurbishment and can’t wait to reveal a revitalised  OMNi this spring. These improvements will create a more welcoming and vibrant space for  everyone who visits, works, and relaxes here in the heart of Edinburgh. 

“With the refurbishment entering its final stage, we’re now shaping our celebration plans and  can’t wait to mark the completion with our community soon!” 

International investment group Triple B acquired OMNi in April 2024 and announced its  commitment to enhancing communities and promoting positive experiences through  transformative real estate projects.

The investment will help OMNi kick-start its journey of  evolution, with locals at the heart of the project. 

Refurbishment updates will be available throughout via the OMNi website and social media  channels. OMNi Edinburgh is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening  times may vary, including Bank Holidays.

Retail crime crackdown on city centre thieves

A female was arrested on 28th of January in Edinburgh city centre wanted on multiple warrants for theft shoplifting. Working in conjunction with Essential Edinburgh, CCTV and security officers in the city centre, the female was identified in a busy shopping area and arrested.

It was confirmed that she had committed a further two theft by shoplifting offences that morning. After appearing at court, she was remanded awaiting trial for 22 outstanding charges of theft by shoplifting for high value items.

In recent weeks, the Edinburgh #RetailCrimeTaskforce have arrested 29 persons for theft by shoplifting and charged them with over 350 offences.

We will continue to work in partnership with retailers and the public to target those choose to commit retail crime as it is #NotAVictimlessCrime.

If you have any information relating to retail crime or the resale of stolen property, please report this to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at https://orlo.uk/lZlFY