city centre – Page 69 – The NEN

Santa Claus IS Coming to Town!

Edinburgh’s Christmas Programme Announced

TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY

All images © Sandy Young Photography Launch of Edinburgh’s Christmas with Santa in and around Princes St. Web: www.scottishphotographer.com Blog: sandyyoungphotography.wordpress.com Mail: sandy@scottishphotographer.com Tel: 07970 268944 ***Credit should read Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com***

UniqueAssembly, the producers for Edinburgh’s festive celebrations, are delighted to unveil the programme of events for Edinburgh’s Christmas, including traditional Christmas Markets, the much-loved Forth 1 Big Wheel and a selection of festive fairground rides, a new Christmas ice rink experience and, of course, the excitement of a visit to Santa.

Opening on Friday 25 November, Edinburgh’s Christmas is set to have something for everyone with the addition of a series of fun, free festive events as part of the programme including a Nativity Carol Concert on Sunday 27 November and the Santa Fun Run on Sunday 4December.

Penny Dougherty & William Burdett-Coutts, Directors of UniqueAssembly, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Edinburgh’s Christmas to the city for both locals and visitors looking to get into the Christmas spirit.

“We really do have something for everyone with food and drinks, gift inspiration, fairground rides, and of course Santa himself ready to bring the Christmas cheer. We also have a number of free events taking place for everyone to enjoy including the Make a Wish Santa Fun Run – we really want to make it a Christmas to remember!”

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre, with stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline, Edinburgh Castle and Scott Monument, East Princes Street Gardens hosts the traditional Christmas Market with around 70 stalls, featuring some of the best local traders alongside their UK and European peers selling everything from bespoke products and gifts to tasty treats.

The top of East Princes Street Gardens will be home to the Forth 1 Big Wheel and a selection of thrill rides. At West Princes Street Gardens, visitors will find Santa Land, offering the excitement of a Christmas tree maze and a family-friendly funfair as well as an all-new Santa Stories in the Piccolo where children can enjoy a special Christmas tale, told by Santa himself along with some special guest helpers. All children will receive a gift and sittings will also include BSL, relaxed and audio described sessions.

There are even special Santa Paws sessions for the family’s best friend where you can take a pawfect photo with the big man himself. Santa Paws sessions will see a donation from every ticket supporting a local animal charity. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to Santa!

In addition to meeting Santa, children will have the chance to attend the Elf Workshop offering kid’s crafting sessions as well as view the Nativity Mural installation during their visit.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge from The City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh is one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas and this programme for 2022 promises a rich and varied programme of festive activities, events and experiences that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying it.”

George Street will be home to the spectacular Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink, in partnership with Essential Edinburgh, which this year for the first time will be under cover allowing visitors to enjoy the fun in any weather surrounded by the elegant 18^th century architecture.

Skaters and friends can warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate from the winter warming area, enjoy a ride on a vintage funfair ride before enjoying the rest of what George Street has to offer.

Roddy Smith, from Essential Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations attracts visitors from near and far. We are delighted to once again be supporting the ice rink on George Street and installing the Christmas lights in St Andrew Square, George Street and throughout Edinburgh city centre, highlighting our attractions and all the shops and restaurants both visitors to the city and residents can enjoy during the Festive period!”

Unique Events is also delighted to be back at St Andrew Square, in partnership with Essential Edinburgh, once again illuminating and playing host to Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, Tree and Gift Donation point.

Dedicated to spreading festive goodwill to those who need it most, people from all walks of life will be encouraged to help create a moment of kindness.

Donations can also be made to help provide thousands of Christmas dinners and food packs, to help with the distribution of gifts to homeless and vulnerable families, children and individuals or for shelter to those without a roof over their heads this winter.

Open seven days per week from 10am- until late, Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets, Santa Land, Forth 1 Big Wheel, and other festive rides open on the afternoon of Friday 25 November. The George Street Ice Rink opens on Saturday 26 November.

For full details of all events, and to book tickets visit www.edinburghwinterfestivals.com

Green light expected for next stage of George Street ‘transformation’ plans

A project to transform the heart of Edinburgh’s First New Town has reached a milestone moment in its delivery.

Final developed design elements for the George Street and First New Town (GNT) project, as well as an updated operational plan, have been published as part of the latest phase in the design process – Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stage 3.

If recommendations are approved, the project will be able to move to RIBA Stage 4 and, subject to securing all necessary statutory consents, construction is targeted to start in 2024.

Developed design proposals, to be considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (3 November), have been built on concept design principles approved by the Committee in August 2021.

These aim to create more welcoming, people-friendly spaces, support accessibility, walking and cycling and celebrate Edinburgh’s unique heritage.

Amongst the ‘core elements’ of the Stage 3 Developed Design are: significantly widened pavements; the creation of a European style cycling street; removal of parking bays (while retaining blue badge and essential resident parking); ‘greening’ plans for planting and shrubbery along the length of the street; and the use of natural stone suitable for the World Heritage Site.

Updated principles for the First New Town operation plan, which will support the area’s transformation, include: proposed entry times for non-essential vehicles; access windows for taxis, recognising their role in the night-time economy and protecting public safety; the maintenance of bus services in the wider First New Town; and methods for enforcing the changes. Further engagement and analysis on the plan will be carried out during the next design stage in the process, RIBA Stage 4.

Recommendations for GNT follow years of development, consultation and engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders. The latest update has been commended by the Council’s Urban Design Panel for its continued positive collaborative approach, reinforced by several recent studies and assessments.

Amongst these are a women’s safety audit, a refreshed heritage impact assessment, a business and resident operations survey and an economic impact assessment – this estimated the improvements will generate a potential £95m Gross Value Added (GVA) benefit to the Edinburgh economy.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This is a major milestone for a flagship project to transform Edinburgh’s city centre, where people will be put first and the economy will be supported. We will transform George Street from a place which is dominated by cars to one which is dominated by people.

“The latest proposals build on years of public and business engagement, all of which has improved the design. As part of this stage of development the project team has carried out a significant package of in-depth assessments to address GNT’s impact on residents, businesses, public safety and the economy, amongst other factors, and to ensure final designs take varied needs into account.

“Once complete, GNT will deliver a world-class city centre worthy of a European capital, highlighting Edinburgh’s stunning architecture and creating a safe space for people to spend time in. By supporting sustainable travel by foot and bike, as well as retaining public transport links, it’s also key to the Council’s plans to reduce travel by car and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans, said: “Sustrans is proud to be a funding partner for the George Street and First New Town transformation. The design proposals are the result of extensive public engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.

“The project will facilitate walking, wheeling, cycling and sustainable transport in Scotland’s capital. But more importantly, it will create a greener, healthier place with people at its heart, where they can relax, socialise, shop, work and enjoy Edinburgh’s beautiful surroundings.”

If recommendations are approved by Transport and Environment Committee next week, the project will progress to Stage 4, which sets out key processes required for its delivery. This includes the promotion of all necessary statutory processes, such as Traffic Regulation and Redetermination Orders, which will allow construction to commence in 2024. This stage will also deliver the final Operational Plan.

GNT is one of the first projects to be delivered as part Edinburgh City Centre Transformation and intersects with other key schemes supporting travel by foot, wheel or bike in the city centre, including Meadows to George Street (MGS) and the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL).

Core Elements of GNT Stage 3 Developed Design

Wider pavements (approx four metres) on both sides of George Street along the entire street length, increasing accessibility for pedestrians
Landscaping confined to planters and low hedges, within sensitively balanced landscaped seating areas where people can relax
European cycling street within the central carriageway of the new street, interfacing with both CCWEL and MGS to create a network of strategic cycling routes
Redesign of junctions to provide cycling and pedestrian priority while also improving the visual setting around the central statues
Integrated Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) allowing surface water to drain naturally via the creation of rainwater gardens
Material finishes of natural stone, developed in close partnership with Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland and the Cockburn Association
Designs and placemaking influenced by woman’s safety and Threat, Vulnerability and Risk assessments

Read the full report, George Street and First New Town – RIBA Stage 3 Design and Operational Plan update, online, and visit the dedicated website for more information. You can also watch a video illustrating the area’s transformation on our YouTube channel.

Watch the discussion of the recommendations at Transport and Environment committee live via webcast from 10am on Thursday (3 November).

Tomorrow: Getting to know your family history at Central Library

THURSDAY 27th OCTOBER 2 – 3.30PM at CENTRAL LIBRARY

Edinburgh Style’s back at St James Quarter

Because you kow Style when you see it

Edinburgh’s most stylish event is back as St James Quarter announces season two of its highly sought after ‘Edinburgh Style’ event, in partnership with Grazia magazine, that is set to inspire people across the city.

From Thursday 3^rd to Sunday 6^th November, Edinburgh’s fashionistas and beauty buffs can expect an explosion of unmissable events, insightful masterclasses and in-store offers and experiences.

Across the long weekend, guests can attend style sessions and workshops with the Grazia team and brands including John Lewis, Kiehl’s, Neom, designers Ro & Zo and Dyson, and immerse themselves in H beauty’s exclusive Carnival – the ultimate beauty party of masterclasses, influencer meet and greets and live performers.

And it doesn’t stop there, St James Quarter will host a series of dramatic fashion shows live from the level 5 rooftop on Saturday 5^th November showcasing seasonal trends styled by Grazia and featuring some of the most exciting and stylish brands in The Quarter.

Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can be purchased online here.

To celebrate the upcoming event, St James Quarter is placing four giant mirrored frames at some of Edinburgh’s most Instagrammable locations for you to show us your STYLE to be in with a chance of winning £250 to spend at Edinburgh Style.

The giant mirrored frames will be located at St Andrews Square, Portobello Promenade and Potterrow Plaza from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th October, while the final one will be at Calton Hill from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October.

Style icons are encouraged to share a selfie on Instagram or Facebook and tag and follow @StJamesQuarter to be in with a chance of winning the prize. The competition will run from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th October with the winner being announced on Monday 31st October.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh Style will bring an amazing line-up of fashion talks, in-store experiences and of course a spectacular fashion first catwalk show on Level 5 of St James Quarter. The event further cements the Quarter’s reputation for creating unexpected, exciting and vibrant events and experiences.

“Edinburgh is a city filled with style and we want everyone to show us their fashion creds and have some fun with our giant mirrored frames and flaunt their own individual looks ahead of the event.

“We are also thrilled to be collaborating with Grazia, inviting their team to Edinburgh and the Quarter to experience the amazing fashion and style on offer in the city. If you’re in Edinburgh from the 3^rd – 6^th November, make sure to come down and check out everything we have going on – it’s not to be missed!”

For more information on the events taking place from Thursday 3^rd November to Sunday 6^th November and to buy tickets, visit St James Quarter’s event page at: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/Edinburgh-style

T&Cs for the competition can be found on the St James Quarter social channels.

St James Quarter Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stjamesquarter/

St James Quarter Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/StJamesQuarter/

Princes Street assault: CCTV released

Police have released images of two males they believe may hold information that will assist their ongoing enquiries into an assault that occurred on Princes Street at around midnight on Wednesday 22nd December 2021.

The first male is described as mixed race, early 20s, around 5’11” in height and of slim build with a dark moustache and goatee. He was wearing a dark woollen hat, a black puffer jacket and dark trousers.

The second male is described as white, early 20s, about 5’9” in height and of slim build with short light brown hair. He was wearing a navy jumper and grey trousers.

The males or anyone who recognises them or who has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 1904 of 22nd December 2021, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

InterContinental Edinburgh The George ensures sweet dreams

· Historic city centre hotel partners with sleep specialist Donna Fairley to create a recipe for the ideal winter’s night sleep as the UK prepares for clocks to change

· InterContinental Edinburgh The George has also worked with independent Scottish perfume house, Jorum Studio, to create a new bespoke scent – featuring Scottish botanicals of lavender and gorse – to help guests drift off

· Guests will also have access to in-room yoga sessions from Hot Yoga Edinburgh, to relax the mind and body

· The room add-on service is bookable from 30 October when clocks change to Greenwich Mean Time for winter

Travellers to Edinburgh will have even sweeter dreams from October at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, as the luxury hotel launches A Moment of Tranquillity aimed at helping guests to unwind and get a great night’s sleep in time for the season changing.

The historic city centre hotel has worked with a selection of local partners to develop the ultimate relaxation package, which will launch on 30^th October to coincide with the clocks changing.

Partnering with behavioural sleep expert Donna Fairley, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist for Insomnia from Sleep Consultancy Ltd in Edinburgh, the hotel has gathered expert tips on counteracting issues that the changing seasons can bring to slumber, to create the new room add-on package.

InterContinental Edinburgh The George has also worked with Scottish perfume house Jorum Studio to develop a signature scent, which will be spritzed during a luxury turndown service.

Jorum was established in 2010 by Euan McCall as one of Scotland’s first fragrance houses. In 2019, Euan launched Jorum Studio with his partner, Chloe Mullen, and the pair have been building a new, world-class perfume making industry in Scotland from their base in Edinburgh’s charming Stockbridge. Jorum crafts everything in-house, creating innovative and eclectic fragrances with the highest quality materials.

The new sleep-inducing room spray is named after the winter Celtic Goddess Cailleach, and encapsulates the soothing scents of chamomile, jasmine, ylang ylang, lavender and raspberry. The luxurious soft musk-based fragrance also features gorse, in a nod to the Scottish landscape that has inspired much of the interiors of the luxury property.

Meanwhile, to help guest clear their minds before sleep, yoga studio, Hot Yoga Edinburgh, has provided a bespoke aromatherapy yoga class and morning wake-up routine, available for guests to view in room.

Instructor Allison Harrison will guide guests through a restorative series of gentle seated and standing positions to help clear the mind, relax the body and reduce stress levels.

Michael Martin, General Manager at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, comments: “We know that whether you are travelling for work or play, sleeping well can help you to have a far more successful and enjoyable trip.

“Our specially curated Moment of Tranquillity package will help guests relax and enable them to have the dream stay in any of our splendid rooms.

“Everyone wants to get the most from exploring beautiful, historic city destinations like Edinburgh and our new offering will allow guests to wake up refreshed after a peaceful night sleep, ready for the day ahead.”

Behavioural sleep specialist, Donna Fairley, comments: “Autumn is a wonderful time for long nights, curling up with cosy blankets and relaxing by the fire. Getting a good night’s sleep in winter should seem like no problem.

“However, for some people, winter can wreak havoc on sleep quality and quantity, particularly when we set our clocks back one hour for daylight saving time. If you’re busy and travelling, perhaps even more so.

“During the first few days after setting the clocks back, you will also notice that it’s bright outside in the mornings and becomes dark at an earlier time each evening. If you’re one of those people who finds that these colder, shorter months mean more tossing and turning at night it may be because fewer hours of daylight in the winter can have a big impact on your sleep-wake cycle.

“There is no single fix for everyone but there are great sleep hygiene tips available. These scientifically validated tips have been included in ‘A Moment of Tranquillity’ to help visitors get the best night’s sleep possible in the luxury surroundings of InterContinental Edinburgh The George.”

Donna’s top tips and strategies for practicing good sleep hygiene:

1. Establish a consistent routine, try and keep a regular bed and wake time, including at the weekend, as this can help prepare you for time changes.

2. Get sunlight exposure as soon as you get up. Get outdoors in the morning, soon after the sun comes up. If that’s not possible, try to at least sit by a window during the first few hours of daylight.

3. Caffeine should be consumed in the morning as it can enhance performance. Caffeine consumed within six hours of bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Alcohol has a sedative effect and will make you fall asleep quickly, but it has been linked to poor sleep quality and duration.

4. In the evening, dim lighting is important. The bedroom should be as dark as possible with black-out blinds and lined curtains. When you are ready to sleep, the room should be so dark you cannot see your hand.

5. The bedroom should not be too hot; the ideal temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius. A drop in room temperature should start around two hours before you go to sleep, coinciding with the release of the sleep hormone melatonin.

6. If you tend to be a worrier, factor constructive ‘worry time’ into the early evening but not too close to bedtime. Try to think about what went well that day. Have a to-do list for outstanding tasks for the following day, so that when you waken during the night, you can reassure yourself that everything is in hand. Let it go!

7. Relaxing scents and fragrances can help you unwind.

8. Have a hot bath or shower two hours before bed, using scented oils to help you unwind. This will not only help you to relax but will initially raise your body temperature which will then fall and thereby optimise the natural effects of melatonin.

9. Practice stretching before bed. Yoga has been proven to initiate and allow for a deeper, more relaxing sleep.

10.With its soothing and mildly sedative effect, chamomile tea prior to bedtime can help with sleep.

InterContinental Edinburgh The George is perfectly nestled in Edinburgh’s old town. Each of its rooms and suites sit above the city bustle with a colour palette matching the Scottish landscape of Highland glens to forest ferns and mountain heathers.

Luxury interiors with homely design touches including throws, bathrobes and black-out curtains, make it the ideal spot for a restful night this winter.

A Moment of Tranquillity is a pre-bookable luxury turndown service, using the bespoke Jorum scents and includes access to Hot Yoga Edinburgh’s evening and morning classes, Byredo bath products, and warm chamomile tea served just before bedtime to help guests fully relax.

Building on the advice from sleep expert, Donna, the hotel’s housekeeping team will pre-set the room temperature to 18 degrees for guest arrival, to help them unwind from the moment the step inside the hotel. Guests can also dd a gentle morning wake-up call.

Guests booking Moment of Tranquillity are being offered an exclusive 20% discount at Jorum Studio, to explore the perfumery during their stay, and find their ideal winter scent.

A Double Classic Room starts from £170. To arrange Moment of Tranquillity on a visit to InterContinental Edinburgh The George, email edinburghthegeorge@ihg.com.

For more information, visit: edinburgh.intercontinental.com/offers/

Vet charity appeals for volunteers ahead of South Bridge shop launch

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is calling on kind-hearted volunteers to support its life-saving work by offering a helping hand in its soon-to-be launched Edinburgh charity shop.

The store, which is set to open next month, will help to fund vital veterinary work across PDSA’s 48 Pet Hospitals – including its local centre in the city – which care for thousands of pets whose owners struggle to afford essential treatments.

Cluster Shop Manager Fiona Lawrie, who will co-ordinate the opening of the South Bridge shop, is encouraging animal lovers who can spare a few hours a week to get in touch and find out about the exciting opportunities available.

Fiona said: “The pandemic had a huge impact on PDSA’s fundraising activities which is why the support provided by the incredible people who volunteer in our shops is so important.

“We receive no government funding towards running our vital vet services and everything we do is supported by the generosity of the pet-loving public whose kind donations of time, money, and items mean we can be there for pets and their owners when they are most in need.

“Volunteering is an excellent way to assist charities and do something that makes a real difference to the lives of others, but it is also a great way to make new friends, gain confidence, and enhance your CV.

“We’re looking for friendly and dedicated people aged 18 or over to join our team at South Bridge in Edinburgh – it doesn’t matter if you don’t have previous retail experience, we provide full training and we’ll reimburse your travel expenses so you’re not out of pocket. All you need is a few spare hours a week, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.”

To find out about volunteering opportunities at the new store, please contact Fiona Lawrie by calling 07557 196831 or email lawrie.fiona@pdsa.org.uk.

Alternatively, visit the following link to apply for a role online: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/volunteer-south-bridge.

No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

PDSA encourages all supporters to sign up for Gift Aid* if they are a UK taxpayer, to help their donations go even further. Gift Aid allows PDSA to claim an additional 25 per cent of the value of each item sold.

Edinburgh’s Christmas salvaged

Councillors yesterday (10 October) approved revised plans for Edinburgh’s festive celebrations. Experienced local event producers Unique Assembly are now set to deliver both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals for 2022.

The programme, which will preserve the core festive attractions for the city this year, includes the popular Christmas Market and funfair attractions in East and West Princes Street Gardens and on the Mound; an ice rink on George Street; new lighting and projections on George Street; charity installation Festival of Kindness in St Andrew Square; and a selection of free festive events and shows for families at the Ross Bandstand, such as the traditional Nativity Carol Concert.

The contract has been awarded for one year, with the option of a one-year extension, should pre-agreed performance measures be met.

The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Council’s Finance and Resources committee, convened following the request to terminate and withdraw from the contract by Angels Event Experience (AEE), late last month. The company asked to be released from the contract when it became apparent that they were unable to deliver on the terms.

AEE’s limited involvement in the operation of the Christmas Market, as a subcontractor to Unique Assembly, will allow for celebrations to go ahead this year, while ensuring the 70 stallholders and local businesses who had been expecting to trade can still do so.

More details and timings of the programme will be announced in the coming weeks.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to find a solution so quickly, ensuring Edinburgh’s world-famous Christmas celebrations can go ahead this year.

“We will, of course, conduct a full review into why this happened but our absolute priority is to ensure that we provide high-quality festive celebrations for the city – and that these should be delivered in the spirit of the feedback received in our consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders.

“I’d like to give my thanks to Unique Assembly for reacting so quickly to our request and I’m sure we’ll enjoy many benefits by working closely with this experienced team of local event producers.

“There’s no questioning the popularity of our Winter Festivals or the benefits they bring to the Capital – the enjoyment and wellbeing of our residents, but also the economic impact for our businesses and the city as a whole.

“Crucially, the new plans will deliver on the key elements of our public consultation, including reduced use of green spaces, more accessible and family-friendly attractions, greater use of local traders and a more even spread around the city centre.

“I have no doubt Unique Assembly will help us make it yet another great festive period for our Capital city.”

A review of the contract and procurement process will take place and be brought to Councillors in the New Year.

JRA launches Edinburgh studio

New studio will be led by Angela St Clair-Ford, Associate Director
Edinburgh is the third location for the international architecture practice, adding to its established offices in central London and Poland
Studio will focus on interior design projects, as well as supporting projects outside central London, including Manchester, Birmingham, and Scotland

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John Robertson Architects (JRA), an international architecture practice which specialises in producing sustainable, and future-proof commercial, educational, and residential assets in legacy and historic buildings, has launched a studio in Edinburgh.

The studio, located on George Street in the central part of the city, adds to JRA’s existing studios in London and Lodz, Poland. It will lead on interior design projects, building upon new studio head Angela St Clair-Ford’s wide-ranging expertise in this sector. The studio will also support other JRA projects across the UK, especially those in locations outside Greater London, including in Birmingham, Manchester, and Scotland.

JRA’s decision to open a studio in central Edinburgh follows St Clair-Ford’s relocation to Scotland from London. Prior to her move, St Clair-Ford worked on a number of high-profile projects including: the refurbishment of the Strand campus for King’s College London; Skanska’s HQ at 51 Moorgate; WeWork Spitalfields; x+why, Birmingham; & YUM! Brands’ UK HQ in Woking, Surrey.

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While continuing to work on commercial refurb projects, Angela St Clair-Ford will also build upon her higher education experience and apply it to opportunities in Scotland’s rapidly expanding higher education and associated PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) sectors.

Having joined JRA in 2011, Angela St Clair-Ford’s focus has been on workplace consultancy and the fit-out of interiors for a range of commercial and educational occupiers. Her portfolio covers new-build schemes as well as the renovation of historic buildings, and she has experience of practising in both the UK and USA. She is supported by a growing team in Edinburgh, including Anna Rogowska, an Architectural Assistant, and is already actively recruiting to augment her team’s capabilities.

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Since its formation in 1993, JRA has designed and delivered buildings that have established the firm’s reputation as innovative architects who consistently realise client’s ambitions and resolve complex problems with purpose and flair.

Guided by founder John Robertson, the practice is led by Festus Moffat, David Magyar and Smita Bhat, supported by an accomplished team of associate directors. Together, they have wide-ranging project experience in the UK, EMEA and international markets, as well as in masterplanning across conceptual and detailed design stages.

JRA is currently undertaking commercial, higher education and residential projects in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

JRA’s recent completed projects include the SKA Gold rated x+why Birmingham, the BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and WiredScore ‘Platinum’ workspace Bloom Clerkenwell for HB Reavis, the prominent repositioning projects Bureau and The Ludgate, and the redevelopment and fit out of Skanska’s HQ at 51 Moorgate, which was awarded WELL ‘Platinum’ status.

Simran Creative Lab tomorrow

WORKSHOP: Tuesday 11 October 2022, 2:30 – 4:00pm at Collective on Calton Hill

Join WSWF on an amazing journey of self-discovery; bridging the gap between art, spirituality and mental health.

A wonderful journey through Sikh history and Sikh teachings.

https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/simran-creative-lab-tickets-416242822487?fbclid=IwAR3H3naPygfHvEg_YQC5tHlMBZvCdjhhu60VnRBZINAIDvZz4jGKt3Ncpyo

This creative table-based workshop is designed to help you learn how we can still our busy minds before approaching everyday tasks and challenges.

This session will help you discover Simran – a focused practice – while making some fascinating creative artworks of your own. Come and enjoy learning new ways to find focus in a busy world and have fun making some creative works with us in a group setting.

Don’t worry if you haven’t done anything like this before. You will gain valuable insights on how to use Simran before any task and use your own phrases to do so – this workshop will show you how.

This is part of a series of creative workshops designed to run alongside the Journey of the Mind exhibition, exploring how Sikh teachings can be used as tools to help anyone.

Ages 18+