The countdown to Black Friday is now on and as shoppers in Edinburgh prepare to seek out this year’s best deals, St James Quarter has revealed the unmissable discounts that will be on offer across its exciting selection of retailers.
Available throughout Black Friday weekend (from 25th – 28th November) and beyond, St James Quarter will play host to the biggest and best offers from top retailers including up to 40% off the latest fashion items at Zara (selected lines on 25th November), up to 20% off the hottest makeup, skincare and fragrance at H Beauty (between 25th – 28th November) and 50% off Neom’s ‘Night in with Neom’ Box for those who want to indulge in a little self-care (until 30th November).
For more information about all of the latest Black Friday deals on offer at St James Quarter click here.
Shoppers can also enjoy the Black Friday feeling with live entertainment between 2pm – 6pm on Friday and Saturday from The Quarter’s very own resident DJs, Fi and Mairi Buchanan, who will be filling the Galleria with sounds of the best-known Christmas classics.
Guests can shop til they drop before taking a moment to refresh with The Quarter’s impressive dining and leisure destinations including Ka Pao, The Alchemist, Lane7, Everyman Cinema and Tortilla which are open until late. The Quarter also recently welcomed back lively Alpine Village, Bar Hütte, to St James Square where visitors can enjoy a festive drink and singsong in one of its Cosy Karaoke Hüttes until 2nd January.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Black Friday marks the beginning of the festive shopping season and following the opening of some really exciting retailers this year, we expect there to be a real buzz at St James Quarter this weekend as our guests seek out the best deals and take advantage of our hospitality offering.
“November has already been a strong month for us in terms of footfall, but at a time when we know saving money is important to our guests, we’re looking forward to a busy but no doubt successful day of deal-hunting, with plenty more festive activity still to come before the end of 2022.”
With so many great deals on offer, nobody wants to be restricted by how many bags they can carry, and St James Quarter has the perfect solution with its handsfree shopping service, Dropit, which allows shoppers to drop bags at Guest Services for later collection or, have them delivered straight to their door (for guests who live in Scotland).
For those looking for a more relaxed approach to Black Friday, the St James Quarter website offers Crowd Checker, which provides shoppers with live capacity updates to help guests find quieter times to visit.
The Quarter also has a 1,600 space car park, which offers all day and overnight parking, allowing more convenience for shoppers travelling by car.
During the festive period, selected retailers at St James Quarter will also be extending their opening hours on certain days.
The lights of Edinburgh’s iconic Christmas tree on the Mound have been turned on ahead of Edinburgh’s Christmas opening later this week.
During a special ceremony earlier this evening, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge joined Natalia Antonia Golis, Deputy County Convener with other representatives of Vestland County Council and the Norwegian Consulate to do the honours.
Together they lit the lights of the tree, traditionally gifted by the citizens of Hordaland, now part of Vestland, to mark the help given by the Scots to Norway during WWII.
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of Edinburgh-based company Bernard Hunter Cranes being involved in the installation of the iconic 60ft tree and their representatives joined the special ceremony.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Capital as Edinburgh’s Christmas festival gets underway on Friday and a number of community light switch on events will be taking place across the city.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, said: “Edinburgh’s famous Christmas tree is a fixture on the Mound every winter and the switch on of the lights signals the start for the festive season for me.
“For over 30 years now, the city has enjoyed the wonderful gift of a tree from the people of Hordaland and Vestland County Council in thanks for support Scotland gave to Norway during World War II.
“It is truly a wonderful symbol of this special bond of friendship between Norway and Scotland, and I am delighted we are able to mark the start of the City’s festive period together this year in person. I would like to thank the citizens of Vestland, for their continuing generosity and friendship over so many years.”
Natalia Antonia Golis, Deputy County Convener Vestland County Council, said: “Vestland County Council and the people of Vestland are happy to present the annual Christmas Tree in gratitude to the people of Edinburgh and Scotland and as a celebration of friendship, shared history and a prosperous future.”
Edinburgh Castle welcomed visitors to experience the wonder of Castle of Light over the weekend as the iconic landmark illuminates the city’s skyline once again this winter.
At the official launch on Friday (18 November), Maurice Maguire, co-owner of Majestic Wedding Cars Edinburgh, had the honour of lighting up the night, having been nominated as a “much-loved local business” as part of Edinburgh Castle’s ‘colour of the community’ competition.
The family run business was chosen to ‘switch on’ the lights at this year’s launch event following public nominations, highlighting just why the wedding car hire company adds colour to the community.
One nominee, a previous client of Majestic Wedding Cars Edinburgh, commended the company for their incredible service, attention to detail and dedication to the job – something that every bride looks for on her big day. For that, she said: “they deserved to win!”.
Maurice Maguire, co-owner of Majestic Wedding Cars Edinburgh, said: “It is a huge honour to be selected to switch on this year’s Castle of Light event. As a family-run business we pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of professional service to all our customers and it’s wonderful to be nominated in recognition of this.
“We’re extremely passionate about our work. Having been in business for over 34 years, we still pride ourselves on bringing joy to couples on one of the most important days of their lives. And now, on behalf of the whole family and business, we would like to thank the team behind Castle of Light and the client who nominated us for giving us this unforgettable experience.”
Bursting with colour and spectacular illuminations, Castle of Light: A Kingdom of Colours offers visitors the chance to see the Castle in a whole new light, showcasing its story as ‘defender of the nation’. With historic moments dating back over 800 years displayed through state-of-the-art projects across different thematic zones, this weekend’s guests were the first to see the mesmerising trail come to life.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “With this year’s Castle of Light theme focussed on brightening up the city during the darker winter months with tales from times gone by, it was important that we also showcase those creating stories in the community today.
“As a local business which continues to brighten up people’s lives with their fantastic work, Majestic Wedding Cars Edinburgh proved to be the perfect candidate.
“Now that we’re officially open to the public, we hope our guests enjoy this year’s event as much as we enjoyed planning it.”
Castle of Light will run for six weeks over the festive period, on select dates until Friday 30 December 2022. Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.
Tickets are also available for an ‘Access’ night taking place on Thursday 8 December, tailored to those with specific access needs, including autism and dementia.
To ensure that as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour, the evening will feature a range of specific support, including British Sign Language interpretation and audio described tours, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise.
Standard adult tickets cost £20, with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members also available.
POLICE are appealing for information after a male pedestrian was struck by a black Peugeot private taxi on Hanover St, near Princes Street, at around 2.25 am this morning (Thursday 17 November 2022).
Sergeant Ross Drummond, Road Policing Unit, Edinburgh, said: “There were four male passengers in the taxi at the time of the crash.
“Unfortunately, they’d left prior to the arrival of police so we are keen to speak to them and the occupants of a white van travelling behind the taxi as they could have information that may assist our inquiry.
“Any information can be passed to officers via 101. Please quote reference number 0248 of Thursday, 17 November 2022.”
Info to officers via 101 quoting ref no 0248/17/11.
Miles Briggs MSP commented:“This mindless act of vandalism is an absolutely appalling insult towards our fallen war heroes.
“It is totally disgraceful that less than 24 hours after typically poignant Remembrance Sunday services in the capital that moronic idiots would engage in burning tributes laid for our soldiers.
“It is a show of total disrespect towards those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“Sadly attacks on war memorials like this are on the increase in Scotland, which is why the Scottish Conservatives are bringing forward plans to impose tougher penalties on those who attack war memorials to ensure they are protected for future generations.”
Several thousand people marched through Edinburgh yesterday as part of Global Day of Action for climate justice during the UN Climate Conference COP27 in Egypt.
The March was demanding action on warmer homes, better public transport and a speedy transition away from oil and gas which organisers say will help address the cost of living crisis as well as cut climate pollution.
The route through the capital took protestors past different stops highlighting the banks, polluters and governments who are driving climate breakdown.
The event also drew attention to the importance of upholding human rights in responding to the climate crisis, here in the UK and world-wide, as the issue of brutal repression of civil society in Egypt comes under the spotlight.
The march was one of over 40 events across the UK and Ireland on a Global Day of Action for Climate Justice.
Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Mary Church commented: “As world leaders gather once again to negotiate the future of humanity, thousands of people are marching to demand solutions to the climate crisis that put people and the planet first.
“The solutions to climate change are within grasp and only require the political will to deliver them urgently. Governments need to stop prioritising the demands of big polluters and start listening to the people instead.
“Putting an end date on oil and gas well within the decade, with a just transition to reliable, affordable renewables will help tackle the cost of living crisis as well as slashing emissions.
“There can be no climate justice without human rights, yet governments around the world including here in the UK are clamping down on civic space.
“We stand in solidarity with those already experiencing the impacts of climate breakdown and with the people of Egypt who are being denied their human rights by a brutal regime.
“We support the call of the Egyptian human rights movement for the release of all those who are being unjustly detained including British citizen and human rights defender Alaa Abd El Fattah who is on hunger strike in prison.”
November 12 March was organised by the Edinburgh Climate Coalition, Climate Justice Coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Global Justice Now, Extinction Rebellion Scotland, Tipping Point, BankTrack, Jubilee Scotland, Scot.E3.
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PICTURES: Neil Hanna, Colin Hattersley and Ric Lander
New cocktail menu pays tribute to nine iconic squares in Edinburgh
One Square, The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa’s award-winning bar, has unveiled an innovative new cocktail menu designed to pay tribute to the Hotel’s local neighbourhoods. Each cocktail has been curated to pay homage to nine iconic squares around Edinburgh.
From Charlotte Square to George Square, and many in between, the new menu draws inspiration from each square’s influence on Edinburgh’s modern-day and historic culture. One Square’s expert mixologists have spent months researching both flavour and infamy to curate this desirable line-up of cocktails.
This ambitious new menu launch marks the 10th anniversary of One Square Bar which has long-delighted guests with its gin speciality and unique gin-tasting masterclasses. Situated within the Sheraton Grand Hotel, One Square hosts over 120 varieties of gin and counting, including a range of Scottish, British and International Gins as well as their very own One Square Gin, distilled in partnership with local Edinburgh spirits company Summerhall Distillery.
The menu includes ‘Festival Square’, a taste sensation reflecting a modern home to arts and culture in the city. With the cocktail representing the spectacular variety of international talent Festival Square welcomes every year.
Also included in the exciting new menu is the ‘St Andrews Square’; like its location, this cocktail is one of the most desirable and fashionable drinks on the menu. Served in a vintage-style cut champagne coupe, this drink embodies the squares standing as a focal point of high-end luxury within the city. The elegant ingredients match, with this champagne-based tipple a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
Nick Durham, Director of Food and Beverage at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, explains: “With a bar and terrace that boasts enviable views of the city, it was only right that our new cocktail launch explored what the city has to offer – in somewhat of an alternative story than those told in the past!
“Our guests can be transported around our world-famous city from square-to-square, with each varying cocktail having a personality of its own and a personality that matches the square’s place in Edinburgh’s day-to-day life. We’re excited to see which square proves most popular!”
The new menu is available from today, with the bar located just off Festival Square itself on Lothian Road.
For more information and for bookings, please visit:
It’s Christmaaaas! St James Quarter has celebrated the launch of its festive season with Forth One’s Boogie, Arlene and Marty hosting its ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ event on Thursday.
They were joined by representatives from St James Quarter’s charity partners, Cash 4 Kids and Deaf Action, who pushed the big red button and declared it officially Christmas at The Quarter.
Edinburgh Rock Choir echoed joyful tunes throughout the galleria as crowds gathered to watch over 40 glowing sculptures light up and give an explosion of colourful sparkle.
To help spread Christmas cheer, St James Quarter also donated over £6,000 worth of prizes to Forth One’s Boogie in the Morning ‘Supervan’ campaign, which has raised £100,545 to support children who are disadvantaged by poverty, the rise in living costs and trauma.
The prizes, which included a £500 gift voucher, a 12-month Sky Q TV subscription, dinner for four at Maki & Ramen and a year’s membership at Everyman, were collected during the ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ event ready for the lucky winner to take home.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said:“It was fantastic to see everyone turn out for the Christmas light switch on last night, it was a true moment of togetherness and community.
“Boogie, Arlene and Marty got the crowds ready for the festive season and we are so proud that St James Quarter was able to support the Supervan campaign this year – it’s been wonderful to see the exceptional amount of funds raised to support those who need it most. We wish all of our guests in Edinburgh and across Scotland a very Merry Christmas for 2022.”
St James Quarter, Edinburgh, Christmas Light Switch on
Victoria Hendry, Charity Manager at Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids said:“We have been absolutely delighted with the donations towards our Supervan campaign from St James Quarter and the many retailers.
“Over £6,000 worth of items and experiences was an absolutely fantastic effort and what better way to celebrate than ending our Supervan journey at The Quarter by having Boogie, Arlene and Marty switching on the Christmas Lights.
“We are so grateful to be the chosen charity partner alongside Deaf Action and bringing our cause to the forefront at Edinburgh’s most incredible venue.”
Campaigners will today march through Edinburgh as part of Global Day of Action for climate justice during the UN Climate Conference COP27 in Egypt.
The March will demand action on the cost of living that also helps address the climate crisis. The route through the capital will highlight the banks, polluters and governments who are driving climate breakdown, as well as the resulting impacts on the lives and livelihoods of people around the world.
Organisers say the event will draw attention to the importance of upholding human rights in responding to the climate crisis, here in the UK and world-wide, as the issue of brutal repression of civil society in Egypt comes under the spotlight.
The family-friendly march through the city will be one of over 40 events across the UK and Ireland on a Global Day of Action for Climate Justice.
Mary Church, Friends of the Earth Scotland commented: “As world leaders gather once again to negotiate the future of humanity, thousands of people are marching to demand solutions to the climate crisis that put people and the planet first.
“The solutions to climate change are within grasp and only require the political will to deliver them urgently. Governments need to stop prioritising the demands of big polluters and start listening to the people instead. Putting an end date on oil and gas well within the decade, with a just transition to reliable, affordable renewables will help tackle the cost of living crisis as well as slashing emissions.
“There can be no climate justice without human rights, yet governments around the world including here in the UK are clamping down on civic space.
“We stand in solidarity with those already experiencing the impacts of climate breakdown and with the people of Egypt who are being denied their human rights by a brutal regime.
“We support the call of the Egyptian human rights movement for the release of all those who are being unjustly detained including British citizen and human rights defender Alaa Abd El Fattah who is on hunger strike in prison.”
Global Justice Now will join the march with protests outside HSBC bank, drawing attention to the bank’s role in charging high interest rates for debt repayments from African countries.
Countries in the Global South are currently spending 5 times more on unjust debt repayments than they are addressing the impact of the climate crisis.
Liz Murray, head of Scottish campaigns Global Justice Now said: “This profit-driven system is hurting us all – here in the UK and around the world. And countries in the global south are getting hit particularly hard.
“They’re suffering some of the worst impacts of climate change, despite having played almost no part in causing it, and they’re additionally burdened by enormous debts. Banks here in Scotland are implicated in that – with companies like HSBC and BlackRock making big profits from the interest on those debts and refusing to cancel them.”
Natasha Ion, climate campaigner at Banktrack, said their organisation would be outside Santander bank on Hanover Street highlighting the fact that world’s largest banks have pumped $4.6 trillion dollars into fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement was signed.
Natasha commented: “The climate march will tell banks that they must go beyond burning, and stop financing the extractivism that is wrecking the planet.
“The fossil fuel industry is one of the main drivers of climate change, and has been implicated in endless human rights violations, primarily against Indigenous communities and those on the frontlines of extraction in the Global South.
“Commercial banks also finance major companies guilty of mass deforestation in regions such as Latin America. The highly polluting meat and dairy industry, with massive business like JBS at the centre, has consistently encroached on indigenous lands and been active in illegal deforestation.”
Campaigners are demanding an end to new fossil fuels projects and will be focusing on the UK Government who are currently considering approving the vast new Rosebank oil field.
Mary O’Brien, a grandmother of 10 who is involved in the Stop Rosebank campaign said: “Given the urgency and seriousness of the climate emergency, it is unbelievable that we are even having to fight against new oil and gas fields like Rosebank.
“But thousands of people across the UK and around the world are coming together to stop these climate-wrecking projects and to build that better future.
“I’m doing this for my grandchildren and for future generations, so that they can have a liveable planet. Join us on the march as we demand a rapid and fair transition away from fossil fuels to reliable, affordable renewables.”
March starting point is at 12pm, Saturday 12 November at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2LL.
The route of the march will pass six points that highlight different demands for climate justice:
1. St Andrew Square – Make Polluters Pay
There will be a large installation of the ’scales of justice’, a performance by the Extinction Rebellion ‘red rebels’ as well as some stalls run by migrant/global justice groups.
2. HSBC Bank, 76 Hanover Street – Cancel all Debt to Global South Countries
There will be several people on stilts dressed as bankers who are robbing Africa, as well as banners with key messages around debt.
3. Santander Bank, 31 Hanover Street – End Fossil Finance
The theme is banks financing destructive projects across the world – specifically large scale cattle farming in the Amazon. There will be large trees and people dressed as cows.
4. East Market St – Solidarity with Egypt: Free All Political Prisoners
The street will be lined with posters and banners calling on the Egyptian government to free political prisoners, and for the UK Government not to come home without British citizen Alaa Abd El-Fattah.
5. UK Government building on Sibbald Walk – No New Fossil Fuel Projects
The theme is no new oil and gas/ and Stop the Rosebank oil field. There will be big banners and large and small roses decorating the square in front of the building.
6. Scottish Parliament – End the Cost of Living Scandal – Just Transition Now
The theme is cost of living/ energy price crisis. When the march arrives at Parliament attendees will be given placards with related demands and encouraged to form a ring around the Parliament.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at St James Quarter! The festive season kicks off with the official ‘Christmas Light Switch On’, hosted by Forth One’s Boogie and Arlene tomorrow (Thursday, 10 November) from 6pm.
Taking place on Register Square, the dazzling event is open to the public and free to attend, with representatives from charity partners, Cash 4 Kids and Deaf Action, set to push the big red button and light up The Quarter for Christmas.
St James Quarter’s retailers are also getting involved by revealing their glitzy Christmas window displays to accompany the 40 glowing star sculptures that will give an explosion of gold sparkle throughout the galleria for shoppers to admire. The Edinburgh Rock Choir will also be spreading Christmas cheer by taking to the stage and singing loud for all to hear.
This Christmas St James Quarter has donated over £6,000 worth of prizes to the Forth One Boogie in the Morning Supervan campaign which raises vital funds to support children who are disadvantaged by poverty, the rise in living costs and trauma.
The contents of the Supervan will mean the winner’s Christmas shopping is complete with a variety of experiences and goodies from businesses across Scotland.
The donations from The Quarter include a £500 gift voucher, a 12-month Sky Q TV subscription, dinner for four at Maki Ramen, a year’s membership at Everyman plus many more.
The text lines to enter will be open from 06:00 – 10:00 on Friday 11th November, for further details tune into Forth One Boogie in the Morning.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “There is no better way to mark the beginning of the festive season than joining our charity partners to switch on the shimmering stars throughout the Galleria.
“This year we are also joined by Boogie and Arlene who will no doubt be singing along to the Edinburgh Rock Choir. As the past few years have shown, this time of year is about bringing people together and enjoying the Christmas spirit. We look forward to welcoming our guests and filling St James Quarter with festive joy”.
