Category: Gyle

Gyle Shopping Centre to host major World Cup 2026 Fanzone

 • 1,000-capacity fanzone to screen Scotland matches and key World Cup fixtures

• Early bird tickets from £10 including a drink for Scotland games

• Family-friendly screenings and daytime replays so fans of all ages can enjoy the tournament

Football fans in Edinburgh will have a new destination to watch the world’s biggest sporting event this summer, as Gyle Shopping Centre prepares to host the Edinburgh World Cup Fanzone – a vibrant outdoor hub where supporters can gather to experience the tournament together.

Running from 11 June to 19 July, the fanzone will bring the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to the capital with giant screen match broadcasts, live hosts, fan competitions and a lively matchday atmosphere.

With many fixtures taking place overnight due to the tournament being hosted in North America, organisers will also introduce family-friendly daytime replay screenings, allowing younger fans and families to enjoy the biggest moments of the World Cup together in a lively shared setting.

As Scotland prepare to compete on football’s biggest stage for the first time in nearly 30-years, the tournament represents a hugely anticipated moment for supporters across the country. The Edinburgh Fanzone will provide a dedicated space for fans to come together, celebrate the national team and soak up the atmosphere of the world’s most watched sporting event.

Located at Gyle Shopping Centre, the purpose-built fanzone will host up to 1,000 supporters per screening, making it one of the largest public viewing destinations for World Cup matches in the city.

A Festival Atmosphere for Football Fans

Fans attending the fanzone can expect a lively matchday experience including:

• Large outdoor screen showing live World Cup fixtures
• Matchday hosts and special guests for Scotland games
• Licensed bars and food vendors
• Deck chair seating and covered viewing areas
• Competitions, giveaways and fan engagement
• Family-friendly replay screenings for late-night matches
• Brand activation zones and fan experiences

The venue will screen all Scotland matches, alongside the majority of tournament fixtures, ensuring supporters have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the World Cup with fellow fans.

Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now available for Scotland match screenings, with early bird tickets starting from £10, including a pint or soft drink. Capacity for Scotland games is expected to sell quickly, with strong demand anticipated from fans eager to watch the national team in a shared atmosphere.

All other fixtures will be accessible to fans throughout the tournament, making the space a welcoming hub for supporters of all nations.

The fanzone will also feature premium covered seating, allowing fans to enjoy the games in comfort regardless of the weather.

Easy Access Across the City



Located in west Edinburgh, Gyle Shopping Centre offers excellent transport connections, with direct access via the Edinburgh Trams and multiple Lothian Buses routes, making it easy for fans across the city to attend. Motorists can also benefit from straightforward road access and nearby parking facilities.

In addition, rail passengers can travel via Gateway Station, which provides a direct and convenient train link within close proximity. This strong connectivity ensures smooth access for those arriving by public transport or car.

With a lively festival atmosphere planned throughout the tournament, organisers expect the fanzone to attract between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors across the five-week event.

Tickets and Information

Tickets for Scotland games are available now, with early bird tickets starting from £10 including a drink.

Fans can purchase tickets and find more information at: https://www.citizenticket.com/all-events/?keywords=fanzone&per_page=20&venue_detailed=1&page=1

Please note this is subject to final license approval.

Further event details, special guests and sponsor announcements will be revealed in the coming months.

Have you seen Neil?

*** UPDATE ***

NEIL HAS BEEN TRACED

POLICE are appealing for help to trace 41-year-old Neil Fordyce, reported missing from the Gyle area. Neil was last seen in the North Bughtlinside area around 11.15am yesterday – Sunday, 15 March, 2026.

He is described as white, around 5ft 10in tall, of medium to stocky build, with a red beard. When last seen, he was wearing a black jacket, a black body warmer, a blue jumper, black tracksuit bottoms, and light blue trainers.

Sergeant Karen Durham said: “Concerns for Neil are growing and enquiries to trace him are ongoing.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen him to come forward.

“Anyone with information on where Neil may be is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2086 of Sunday, 15 March, 2026.”

MSP visits Gyle Centre Specsavers calling for stronger healthcare services in the community

An Edinburgh MSP has gone to Specsavers to see how local opticians and audiologists are making a difference to patients, the community and supporting the NHS in Scotland.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western and leader of Scottish Liberal Democrats chatted to the Specsavers team in the Gyle Centre store about the expert eye and hearing care services they provide to the local community.

Jonathan Bell, audiology director says: ‘It was a pleasure to welcome Alex, introduce him to our Specsavers team and talk to him about the care we currently provide to his constituents.

‘We discussed the unique partnership model that sees the Gyle Centre store – like all Specsavers services – owned and run by the audiologists and optometrists who provide expert care to patients, in the heart of their community.

‘Our team offers vital eye and hearing care services, and we are keen to change even more lives through better sight and hearing. We are well-placed and have capacity to add NHS care to our hearing offer and would encourage NHS commissioners to consider the commissioning of a community audiology service that would allow us to test and fit NHS patients with hearing devices, free of charge.’

Mr Cole-Hamilton says: ‘I was pleased to visit Specsavers, hearing about what the team already does in terms of serving our community.

“Seeing the technology and clinical expertise in store, and the ability to identify a whole range of health conditions, was a good reminder of how important it is that everyone gets their eyes tested and hearing checked regularly.

‘It was also interesting to learn more about how we could improve access to NHS care by commissioning community hearing health services. Being able to access NHS-funded hearing care on the local high street would reduce pressure on GPs and our hospitals.’

Mr Cole-Hamilton also heard how Specsavers supports community organisations and provides a range of career opportunities for local people.

Ian Hobson, optometry director at the store adds: ‘We had a valuable discussion and were able to showcase the clinical expertise and comprehensive range of eye and hearing health services we offer. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional care right in the heart of our community.’

Specsavers has more than 1,000 stores throughout the UK and is the leading provider of NHS primary care optometry services – testing more than 20 million eyes every year. It also provides more than 40% of NHS community audiology services in England, supporting more than 200,000 NHS audiology patients a year. Ear wax removal is another popular service offered by Specsavers.

Specsavers Gyle Centre is open seven days a week.

To book an appointment, visit: www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/gylecentre or call the store on 0131 317 7540.

For those that can’t leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness, Specsavers also offers a home visits service covering more than 90% of the UK – with more details available at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests.

MISSING: Have you seen Alison?

POLICE are appealing for the public’s help to trace 60-year-old Alison Gibbens who has been reported missing in Edinburgh.

Alison was last seen on North Gyle Avenue around 10.30am this morning – Monday, 26 January, 2026.

She is described as white, around 5ft 3in tall, of slim build, with brown hair. When last seen, Alison was wearing a black jacket.

Inspector Caroline Herbert said: “Concerns for Alison are growing and we are keen to trace her as soon as possible.

“We are appealing to anyone who has seen her, or has any information on where she may be, to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1103 of Monday, 26 January, 2026.