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 Walksaid: “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 Honeysaid: “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:
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 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
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.
