Category: city centre

PETA Disrupts Edinburgh Gucci Store Grand Opening

Campaigners call on brand to ditch cruelly obtained reptile skins

PETA supporters holding signs reading, “Gucci: Ban Wild-Animal Skins,” crashed the grand opening of Gucci’s new Multrees Walk store yesterday to urge the luxury retailer to stop using the skins of tormented snakes and other wildlife in its collections. 

Video footage of the disruption is available here.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1837058263302480044

“Every wild animal-skin accessory, from wallets and bags to belts and watch straps, comes from a terrified animal who was beaten, tortured, and skinned – sometimes while still conscious,” says PETA Vice President Mimi Bekhechi, who is from Edinburgh.

“PETA is calling on Gucci to do right by animals by shedding reptile and other ‘exotic’ skins.”

A recent PETA exposé of python farms in Thailand that supply Gucci’s owner, Kering, revealed workers pinning struggling pythons down by the neck, bashing them on the head with a hammer, punching metal hooks through their heads, and inflating their bodies with water – even as the animals continued to move.

PETA entities have also documented how for the fashion industry, workers hack at crocodiles’ necks and shove a metal rod down their spine, chop off conscious lizards’ heads with machetes, and electrically stun ostriches before slitting their throats in full view of their terrified flockmates.

A growing number of fashion brands have dropped wild-animal skins – including Burberry, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Victoria Beckham and Vivienne Westwood – and many more are meeting the demand for sustainable animal-friendly products by offering vegan leather options made from a wide range of innovative materials such as mushrooms, apples, corn, and cacti.

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to wear” – opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk or follow the group on Facebook, X, TikTok, or Instagram.

Responsible Tourism: Join the Debate

Join The Cockburn Association and panellists for an engaging afternoon discussion on tourism, sustainability and capacity in Edinburgh and beyond. An in-person and online event.

Here is the link for the IN-PERSON tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000629258047…

And here is the link for the ONLINE tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000640581917…

Time running out to book your stall at Volunteer Fair 2024

Stallholder bookings deadline is Wednesday 18th September at 5pm

Last few days remaining to book a stall at the the fair and you can purchase a stall via our online shop here or by clicking below.

stallholder bookings

The stallholder terms and conditions are available on our website, and additional resources including a risk assessment, exhibitors guide, promotional marketing can all be found to downloaded.
There is also a range of FAQs for any of those all important queries you may have.

What to expect

The Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2024 will showcase the wide range of ways that people can get involved in volunteering with organisations big and small, local and national, who serve a diverse range of communities and causes all coming together with the common aim to attract new volunteers.

Entry is FREE to the public, and more than a thousand potential volunteers are expected to visit and experience the diverse range of ways they can become involved.

Volunteering helps people truly participate in their communities, build new skills, get a taste of different working environments, create new friendships and boost individual confidence and wellbeing. Or simply just feel good that they have done something that made a difference.

When visitors need to sit down after taking in all of this new information there is a café by Space serving delicious food and drink.

  • When? Tuesday 1st October 2024 from 10am until 5.30pm.
  • Where? St Paul’s and St George’s Church on York Place. Click here to view on a map.

Our last fair helped hundreds of people in their search for volunteering opportunities, connecting them with the organisations that needed their help. 

For lots more info please visit our New dedicated Volunteer Recruitment Fair website edvolfair.org.uk

Bold new vision for Princes Street and ‘Waverley Valley’?

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO SHABBY OLD PRINCES STREET?

‘Ambitious’ proposals to conserve and revitalise one of Scotland’s most iconic streets have been welcomed by councillors.

Designed to improve connectivity between the historic Old and New Towns of Edinburgh and target regeneration within the World Heritage Site, the Council’s draft Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy has been approved by members of the Planning and Transport and Environment Committees.

The Strategy aligns with Edinburgh’s Net Zero 2030 ambitions, City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) and City Plan 2030 to guide the long-term regeneration of Edinburgh’s city centre.

A more accessible city centre

The masterplan approved by councillors recommends guiding the area from the West End of Princes Street along to Waverley Station to become more accessible, with improvements such as additional ramp access to Princes Street Gardens, a footbridge over the Waverley Valley, more public spaces to enjoy, an improved crossing and pedestrian improvements to Castle Street, the Mound Precinct, and Waverley Bridge.

Protected green spaces

The strategy looks to integrate climate resilience and biodiversity measures to protect the existing Waverley Valley and Gardens from climate change and to plant more trees and flowers – also promoting sustainable transport options and the retrofitting of historic buildings in line with Edinburgh’s net zero aims.

A revitalised Princes Street

Working with developers, the strategy suggests improvements to Princes Street with temporary pop-up premises, building wraps and artwork and encourages mixed-uses for the prominent high street. Improvements to historic buildings, from the Ross Bandstand to Waverley Station, are also suggested to create better opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the area.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Planning Convener, said: “Princes Street and the surrounding area is the beating heart of our city and well used by Edinburgh residents, businesses and visitors from across the world. We have a great duty to protect and invest in it.

“This masterplan presents a new opportunity for us focus on how we can make sure we take care of the area going forward and guide improvements to parts of the World Heritage Site which need to be nurtured.

“There is a desire from residents and visitors to see us invest and make areas like the Gardens more accessible for everyone to enjoy, and we hear that loud and clear.

“We must balance our city’s rich heritage with the urgent need for sustainable and accessible spaces, and with new development which can make our cherished high street a thriving, welcoming place.

“This plan has the potential to breathe new life into Princes Street and the surrounding area and make sure it’s cared for and invested in for many years to come.“

Following the decisions this week of the Planning and Transport and Environment Committees, the strategy will be considered by the Culture and Communities Committee when it meets in October.

A public consultation phase will then take place to gather feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders on the draft strategy, before it is finalised in 2025.

And here was me thinking Auld Reekie was skint! Be nice for the tourists, mind …

Construction work begins on iconic Jenners building

GRAHAM appointed to reinstate one of the world’s oldest department stores

Leading construction firm GRAHAM has begun construction work on the historic Jenners building on Princes Street, to transform the location into a contemporary mixed-use space.

The development encompasses 17,500 square metres across ten floors. The plans include the restoration of Jenners and will feature its iconic atrium. The upper floors will house a new 90-room boutique hotel, along with vibrant café, bars and restaurant spaces that will complement the Jenners building’s future offerings. GRAHAM has been appointed to carry out the shell and core works.

 please see here for drone footage.

The plans for this Category A-listed structure, led by David Chipperfield Architects, focus on a sensitive restoration that will revive many original features lost over time. The Jenners building first opened in 1895 and was expanded in 1903, with further additions in the 1950s and 60s. It closed its doors in December 2020.

Gary Holmes, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building North, said: “Edinburgh is a globally renowned city with a thriving hotel and leisure sector that draws visitors from around the world.

“It is exciting to see such an ambitious development taking shape, marking a new chapter for one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings.

“GRAHAM is proud to contribute to this historic transformation. Our team’s expertise will ensure a sensitive restoration as we work to bring the new vision for this landmark to life.

“We thank the owners of Jenners for believing in us and providing us with this great opportunity”.

Roadworks in Old Town to last NINE months

The city council is improving the roads, pavements and drainage at Lawnmarket – between Castlehill and George IV Bridge – and Upper Bow. Work is due to start on 23 September 2024 and end in July 2025.

The improvement work includes the reconstruction of the existing natural stone setts on the streets, and will improve walking and road conditions, whilst enhancing road safety.

This will take place in four phases, which will be completed consecutively. Work will take place Monday to Saturday typically between the hours of 7.30am and 5pm.

Phase 1: 23 September – December 2024
Upper Bow – full length. Upper Bow will be closed. The Lawnmarket will continue to operate eastbound only.

Phase 2: December 2024 – February 2025
Lawnmarket – roundabout area. Road closed at the roundabout area with no through route for vehicles. Access may still be available from George IV Bridge. Deliveries to Castlehill will be via Ramsay Lane.

Phase 3: March – April 2025
Road closure of the eastern half with no through route for vehicles. Local access to the western half and Castlehill can be obtained via Johnston Terrace.

Phase 4: May – July 2025
Road closure of the western half with no through route for vehicles. Local access via Johnston Terrace – some access may be available from George IV Bridge.

Pedestrian access to the area will be maintained at all times, restrictions will be placed on vehicle access. Eastbound traffic will be maintained during phase 1, but Lawnmarket will be closed to through traffic from December 2024.

Access will be maintained at all times for emergency services vehicles.

Temporary parking restrictions will be introduced to make sure the work is done safely, with on-street signage providing details of specific restrictions. 

Full details on bus access, diversion routes, loading and servicing are available on our website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Maintaining and enhancing our streets is a key priority and I’m proud that we’re taking these steps to make improvements in the Lawnmarket area.

“The Old Town is world famous for its setts and cobblestones and we need to preserve these for the future. I appreciate these works may cause some disruption for our residents, businesses and visitors so I’d like to thank them for their patience.”

Throughout the works the council says it will monitor progress and keep residents and businesses updated.

City Art Centre exhibition – ‘Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland’

This autumn, Edinburgh’s City Art Centre opens a captivating new exhibition exploring Scottish printmaking.

Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland presents a fascinating selection of historic and contemporary prints from the City Art Centre’s renowned collection of Scottish art.

Over 30 different artists feature in the exhibition, including: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Muirhead Bone, D.Y. Cameron, Victoria Crowe, Anupa Gardner, Jane Hyslop, Walter Geikie, Leena Nammari, Eduardo Paolozzi, Anne Redpath, Willie Rodger, Mabel Royds, Paul Sandby and William Wilson.

Printmaking is one of the most richly diverse areas of the visual arts. For centuries, artists have employed different printmaking techniques and processes to create a variety of effects – experimenting with line, tone, texture and colour. The results range from highly detailed topographical images to vibrant abstract compositions, and from atmospheric impressions to quirky characterisations. In Scotland, this has long been recognised and embraced, with Scottish printmakers offering valuable contributions to the discipline.

Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland celebrates this versatile, ever evolving artform. The exhibition showcases examples of relief printing, intaglio printing, lithography and screenprinting, dating from the 18th century to present day.

Among the highlights are a unique woodcut print of Edinburgh Castle by Mabel Royds, an enormous linocut map of Midlothian by Jane Hyslop, and a vivid screenprint by Wilhemina Barns-Graham, produced when she was in her 80s.

Many of the artworks are new additions to the collection are on display at the City Art Centre for the very first time. These include compositions by Eduardo Paolozzi, Ian Fleming and James Munro, as well as a group of prints by Willie Rodger, donated in 2023 by the Willie Rodger Art Trust.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker said: “It’s always such a delight to see a selection of works from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection of fine art being presented for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and connect with. 

“The Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland exhibition celebrates this versatile and ever evolving artform and is a fantastic opportunity to see over 30 different artist’s work. The extensive collection of work is a mix of existing and new additions to the collection, on display for the very first time.

“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to visit our City Art Centre and explore and reflect on the variety of artwork and experience the diversity of printmaking in Scotland.”

Edinburgh City Art Centre Curator, Dr Helen Scott said: “Printmaking is such a dynamic artform – it covers an incredibly varied range of techniques and can be used by artists in so many different ways.

“There are minutely detailed landscape views by 18th century artists like Paul Sandby and Thomas Donaldson, and then there are the evocative etchings of Muirhead Bone and D.Y. Cameron in the early 20th century, with their deep contrasts of light and shadow. 

“The exhibition includes pieces by post-war printmaking innovators such as Eduardo Paolozzi and Philip Reeves. And there’s also a good selection of recent works by contemporary printmakers like Leena Nammari, Bronwen Sleigh and Adrian Wiszniewski. 

“I’m really looking forward to sharing this exhibition with visitors – revealing the creative scope of printmaking and unpicking some of the practical techniques behind the artworks.”

Admission to the exhibition is free (donations are of course most welcome to enable free access for all!) and opens on Saturday 14 September 2024 and continues until 1 June 2025.

The Force reawakens at Vue this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema’s most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

Spanning over 46 years of epic moments and ground-breaking action launched from the mind of George Lucas, every episode of the iconic science fiction franchise will be screening at Vue sites in Edinburgh this Autumn as part of the Back on the Big Screen offering, telling the tale of the rises and falls of the mystical Jedi across ten films.

Blasting off with the original trilogy of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (September 7), Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (September 14) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (September 21), heroes such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and the two loveable droids R2-D2 & C3PO must protect the universe from the nefarious Empire – led by legendary big screen villain Darth Vadar and Sith mastermind Emperor Palpatine.

Marking its 25th anniversary since its release, Star Wars Episode I : The Phantom Menace kicks off the prequel trilogy on September 28, which retells the story behind Darth Vader and how the big bad got their origin from humble beginnings learning about the Force as a young boy. Alongside Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, revisit fantastical sci-fi worlds and take part in epic battles on September 28.

The third and final ‘sequel’ trilogy will bring the most recent Star Wars films to the big screen with Episode VII: The Force Awakens (October 1), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (October 5) & Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (October 5) retuning to Vue as well.  Following the events of the original films, a new threat emerges in the galaxy and it’s up to characters such as Ray, Finn and BB-8 to take on this new threat – led by the shadowy Kylo Ren.

Rey (Daisy Ridley) in STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.

Alongside these mainline films, Vue will also be bringing the prequel Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to the big screen again on September 29.

This gripping crowd-pleaser tells the story behind the ragtag group of heroes who helped kickstart the original adventures by claiming top secret information for the Rebels about the Empire’s ultimate weapon – The Death Star.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: ‘Generations of film fans have fallen in love with the Star Wars story on the big screen over the years, so we’re hugely excited to bring this sci-fi saga back to Vue – offering a way for families and fans to enjoy their favourite Jedi and Sith moments on the big screen.

“Whether you’re a fan of the originals, the prequels or the newer titles, we welcome fans to enjoy these films as they’re meant to be seen on the big screen so they can enjoy every lightsaber duel, every spaceship battle and every loveable character at home at Vue.’

Tickets for the Star Wars Back on the Big Screen releases start from £6.99 when booked online. To find out more visit www.myvue.com

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS IN EDINBURGH: EDINBURGH TUC CONFERENCE

SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER from 10am – 1pm

at AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH, GEORGE IV BRIDGE

For further information contact:

EDINBURGH TUC – telephone 0773 491 2536

or email edinburghtradeunioncouncil@gmail.com