A digital exhibition imagining Edinburgh’s new green spaces

British Ecological Society is presenting a new digital exhibition as part of this year’s Science Festival.

They teamed up an artist with a scientist and each pair was asked to imagine a greener future for Edinburgh and demonstrate how problems like carbon emissions, drought, heatwaves and even social justice can be tackled with nature-based solutions in our most familiar green spaces.

https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/event-details/british-ecological-society-online-exhibition-six-predictions-for-edinburghs-future-green-spaces-

What they’ve come up with is very impressive – Leith on Sea (rising sea levels), tree-lined Nicolson Street (the most polluted street in Edinburgh and second-most in Scotland).

These visions – as well as audience’s own ideas – will directly inform the City of Edinburgh Council plans for Edinburgh’s future green spaces: Thriving Green Spaces project (see below).

As part of this year’s Edinburgh Science Festival, the British Ecological Society (BES), in collaboration with SMASH-UK, are presenting a virtual gallery of art created by local artists and ecologists, predicting the green future of Edinburgh – these visions will directly contribute to work by the City of Edinburgh Council in envisioning the future of the city’s green spaces.

This free event, running from 26 June to 11 July 2021 transports visitors to a fully explorable 3D virtual gallery overlooking the iconic Arthur’s Seat, displaying visions for Edinburgh’s future green spaces.

Exhibition artworks include a vision of Leith, successfully defending against sea level rises and extreme rain events (now ‘Leith-on-Sea’), to a resilient and renovated tree covered Nicolson St, known to the most polluted street in Edinburgh and second-most polluted in Scotland.

Local artists have collaborated with ecologists from Scottish Wildlife Trust, the City of Edinburgh Council, Nature Scot, Architecture & Design Scotland, Forest Research and Bangor University to imagine a greener future for Edinburgh and demonstrate how problems like carbon emissions, flooding, heatwaves and even social justice can be tackled with nature-based solutions in our most familiar greens spaces.

Read more about the people involved here.

Visitors to the digital exhibition will also be able to contribute their own ideas for future green spaces, which will be displayed alongside the artwork in the gallery. Their visions will also inform the Council’s plans for the future of Edinburgh’s green spaces.

Dr Chris Jeffs, Senior Education & Engagement Officer at the British Ecological Society and curator of the exhibition said: “This cutting-edge exhibition is the first-time local artists and ecologists have been brought together to envisage the future of Edinburgh’s green spaces.

“It offers a way for the residents of Edinburgh and beyond to have their say on how green spaces should look like in future, and how they can tackle environmental challenges in their local area.

“Ecologists are on the front lines in our battle against climate change, and nature-based solutions in our green spaces, like those depicted in the exhibition, offer enormous hope. We want everyone to understand the climate crisis and the role ecology and nature-based solutions can play in a greener, sustainable future.”

On the interactive element of the exhibition, where visitors can contribute their own ideas, Chris Jeffs said: “It’s important that we give people a voice in shaping their green future, so we are delighted to be working with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council, giving all our exhibition visitors the chance to share their ‘visions of future green spaces’ directly with the council to help them in their ‘Thriving Green Spaces’ project.”

Donya Davidson, Ecologist and Project Development Officer at Scottish Wildlife Trust for the ‘Thriving Green Spaces Project’ in Edinburgh’ said: “Working with local artists has been incredible.

“I think communicating through the medium of art is a really impactful way to demonstrate the work we are doing as ecologists. This exhibition has opened my eyes to how beneficial and exciting it can be to collaborate with artists and those outside of the environmental sector.

“Our work at the Scottish Wildlife Trust with the City of Edinburgh Council has shown that our existing green spaces already provide so many benefits to both people and wildlife and the right interventions in the right places can improve even more areas to provide these benefits.

“The artwork I collaborated on, Leith Walk on the Wild Side, shows Leith Walk, but not as people know it now! It is thriving with wildlife and residents are out enjoying all the new greenspace they now have on their doorsteps.

“The nationally scarce northern brown argus butterfly, previously only found in Holyrood Park, now moves freely down the street from planter to planter. Although it is an aspirational vision, I hope it is something we can see in the not-so-distant future, for a connected, biodiverse and sustainable Edinburgh.”

Sarah Hannis, illustrator of ‘Leith Walk on the Wild Side’ said: “It was great working with Donya and learning about all the green initiatives in Edinburgh. At a time when so much news is negative it has been really uplifting to be involved in this project – learning about connecting up habitats in urban areas, and the small but significant ways that local residents can contribute.

“Leith Walk is currently one of the least green parts of Edinburgh so I re-imagined it totally green! Green paths with wildflower areas lie to either side.

“Building eves are lined with swift nesting boxes and each window has its own planter with pollinator-friendly plants. Nest boxes and bug hotels hang on every wall and there’s even a small pond.

“The whole street becomes a thriving green wildlife corridor, boosting biodiversity and all the human wellness benefits that come from immersing ourselves in nature and coexisting alongside it.”

Diane Cassidy, Green Spaces Development Officer for Edinburgh’s Thriving Green Spaces Project at the City of Edinburgh Council said: “We’re excited to be part of this fantastic exhibition with the British Ecological Society.

“The artworks’ inspiring visions of nature-based solutions, combined with the voices of visitors to the exhibition will be incredibly valuable to us in our ongoing ‘Thriving Green Spaces’ project which aims to improve Edinburgh’s green spaces and ultimately the lives of local people.”

BES is planning to introduce the idea in other UK cities later this year and present the exhibition as part of COP26.

Other BES events at the Edinburgh Science Festival

Alongside the virtual gallery, the BES will be hosting five other online events and contributing to an outdoor photography exhibition, all completely free to attend.

12 June – 21 July. Human Nature exhibition. Experience giant images in the photography exhibition along the picturesque location of Edinburgh’s Portobello Promenade, featuring contributions from the BES ‘Capturing Ecology Competition’.
Tuesday 29 June. Flea Circus: the smallest show on Earth. Dr Tim Cockerill talks audiences through the history of flee circuses, a genuine spectacle, made up of live fleas pulling chariots, riding tricycles and even fighting duels with miniature swords.
Saturday 3 July. NatureCast. A family friendly interactive broadcast where participants can take part in fun activities, they can do at home or outside, while discovering fascinating connections between nature and people.
Sunday 4 July. The Big Ecology Draw-along. Join our presenter, zoologist and science communicator Sophie Pavelle, and nature-artists Hana Ayoob and Lauren Cook to learn how to draw incredible plants, fungi and animals, following their simple step-by-step tutorials.
Wednesday 7 July. ECOmedy night. An online comedy night where audiences can laugh and learn as you watch real scientists showcase their knowledge about animals, plants, and their interactions with our planet.

Thriving green spaces project

The City of Edinburgh Council is leading on a project to create a new vision for the city’s green spaces. This will be captured in a 30-year strategy which aligns with Edinburgh’s 2050 city vision.

The project is being achieved by a £899,500 grant from the Heritage Fund and the Natural Trust. They have joined together to provide funding to local authorities to develop bold, innovative and financial management solutions for their green spaces. You can read more about this on the Heritage Fund Website or see Future Parks Initiative or National Trust

What will we do

The project will run for two years until May 2021. The funding is being used to recruit a project team and buy in professional expertise to

carry out research and studies
start pilots
gather robust baseline information

which will create thriving green spaces 2050 vision and strategy for Edinburgh.

To deliver this project we are working with our project bid partners

greenspace Scotland
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh green spaces forum

who are the group for the city’s various Friends of Groups.

Our work will determine how our green spaces need to change so that they play an active role in delivering greater benefits in areas such as

health and wellbeing
active travel
biodiversity
recreation
social cohesion.

Download our information briefing for more details

Greenpeace Edinburgh volunteers target Tesco

On Friday morning, 5 stencilled messages, revealing that ‘Tesco meat = deforestation’ appeared outside the supermarket’s branches in Broughton Road, Earl Grey Street, Fountainbridge, Great Junction Street and Duke Street as part of an escalating nationwide protest before the supermarket chain’s Annual General Meeting.

Delegates arriving for Tesco’s Annual General Meeting were greeted by activists holding giant letters spelling out the words ‘FOREST CRIME’ 10 metres wide at Tesco’s Welwyn Garden City headquarters on Friday morning.

Thousands of personal, passionate and urgent pleas from Tesco customers for the supermarket to end its part in deforestation of the Amazon rainforest and other areas of Brazil were handwritten on the 1.5 metre high letters.

Two activists also read messages through loud hailers outside the meeting. In total 10,000 messages – many threatening a boycott of the supermarket if action wasn’t taken – were received by Greenpeace and delivered to Tesco as part of the peaceful direct action. A further 250,000 people have signed a petition calling on Tesco to drop forest destroyers.

Throughout May and June, Greenpeace volunteers also left stencilled messages outside more than 270 stores. More stores will be targeted with a series of peaceful direct actions over the coming months calling out Tesco’s role in deforestation and fires across Brazil to cut through the supermarket’s greenwash.

Ellie said: ‘“When you buy a chicken from Tesco Duke Street in Leith, it won’t mention the forest crime that took place to produce it. Tesco’s chicken supplier is owned by a company notorious for destroying the Amazon rainforest.

“And Tesco’s chicken is reared on soya that’s driving deforestation and fires across Brazil.

“Indigenous peoples are facing an assault on their rights as forests like the Amazon are being slashed and deliberately burned for industrial meat production. It’s killing wildlife, the risk of future pandemics is increasing and it’s playing havoc with the climate.

“10,000 shoppers have sent personal pleas for Tesco to drop forest destroyers from its supply chain – many threatening a boycott if it doesn’t. Tesco can’t afford to ignore them and we won’t stop campaigning until Tesco stops greenwashing and takes action.”

Despite Tesco claiming to have met its deforestation targets, its meat is not deforestation-free. It buys British chicken and pork from suppliers owned by notorious rainforest-destroyer, JBS.

JBS recently admitted it would accept deforestation in its supply chain for another 14 years. And Tesco continues to sell more soya-fed, factory-farmed meat than any other UK supermarket.

It has already failed to keep its promise of zero-deforestation by 2020 and its plans to buy soya ‘only from deforestation-free areas’ by 2025 are meaningless given the complete collapse in 2019 of talks involving traders like Cargill to agree protection for whole areas from soya.

Ellie continued: “Are we really willing to let Tesco get away with such blatant greenwash when doing a weekly shop? Join us to take part in the protest from home by calling Tesco’s head office to demand it stops greenwashing and drops forest destroyers from its supply chain.“

People who would like to take action at their local Tesco store can also apply for a free action pack at act.gp/tesco-pack to receive a whole host of resources to help them get Tesco’s attention.

Capital clubs combine to show Covid the red card

Mobile testing units for people without Covid symptoms are running at both Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian Football Clubs as cases continue to rise in the Capital.

The community testing centres are aimed at breaking the chain of transmission in areas where case numbers remain stubbornly high by tracing cases which haven’t produced any symptoms but could still be infectious.

Council Leaders today praised both football clubs for their role in helping stop the spread of the virus in their communities.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Just yesterday the First Minister advised that the aim is to move all parts of Scotland into Level Zero by 19 July, which is very positive news.

“We want to do everything we can to get case numbers down in Edinburgh as quickly as possible so that we can achieve that goal and enjoy fewer restrictions on our daily lives, so it’s crucial we find out where cases are – and isolate them.

“I’m delighted that both Hibs and Hearts are working closely with us and the Scottish Ambulance Service on community testing and I’d like to thank both clubs for their support and dedication to their communities’ wellbeing.”

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “As things continue to open up, it’s vital we all test ourselves regularly to check we’re not carrying the virus and unwittingly putting our loved ones and community at risk.

“It’s important to remember you can still get infected even if you’re double-vaccinated, and about 1 in 3 cases won’t show any symptoms. Well done and thank you to both our much-loved clubs for teaming up with us to show Covid the red card in Edinburgh.

The drive through testing centre at the rear of the East Stand at Easter Road opened on Tuesday 22 June.

Greg McEwan, Head of Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Hibernian Football Club, said: “Hibernian are pleased to be able to partner up with the City of Edinburgh Council in their efforts to curb the virus with a pop-up testing site at the Stadium.

“Easter Road Stadium is a prominent venue within the community and indeed Edinburgh so it’s a pleasure to offer our facilities.”

Meanwhile, a mobile testing unit has been operating beside the Wheatfield Stand at Tynecastle since last week.

Ann Park, Director for Communities and Partnershipes at Heart of Midlothian Football Club, said: “Heart of Midlothian encourage everyone to take up the offer of regular community testing and are delighted to help the continued fight against COVID-19 by hosting the mobile testing centre at Tynecastle.

“If we all get tested regularly we are able to then take the necessary action to stop the spread of the virus. If you live in the local area please drop in and do your bit to help stop the spread.”

Mobile testing units offering free PCR tests are currently available at:

Walk up mobile testing unit, Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Wheatfield Stand accessed via Wheatfield Street/Place, from Thursday 17 to Sunday 27 June, 10am to 6pm
Drive though mobile testing unit at Hibernian Football Club, in the car park behind the East Stand accessed off Albion Place/Hawkhill Place from Tuesday 22 June to Monday 28 June, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Walk up mobile testing unit, North West Locality office, 8 West Pilton Gardens until Sunday 27 June, 10am to 6pm – test pick-up available

Free Covid tests are also available without appointments at the following libraries:

McDonald Road Library from Monday 14 June to Saturday 3 July (closed Sunday 27 June) 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Gilmerton Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 3 July 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Wester Hailes Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 3 July 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available

Edinburgh Science sends Busking Bikes to schools for end-of-term STEM fun

On Tuesday children in Leith Primary saw Edinburgh Science’s Busking Bikes science shows enter their schools for an end-of-term Science lesson with a twist!

Specialist science educators surprised primary 3-7 pupils with shows filled with science experiments that included rockets, balloons and even fizzy juice – covering topics from space travel to chemistry. All of this off the back of a bike!

This year Edinburgh Science’s Generation Science programme – which aims to help children to engage with science, technology, engineering and maths subjects – has reached around 12,000 primary school children from 257 schools in Scotland.

Patrick Campbell, Project Officer (Education), said: “This year has been incredibly challenging and reaching schools in person hasn’t always been possible, it felt great to see the busking bikes in action.

“We did see 2021 as an opportunity to try out new a new format – sending out Generation Science workshops in boxes – we’ve actually been able reach more schools than ever before!”

Hannah Schlesinger, Director of Marketing and Development, added: “Now, more than ever, primary schools need our support in sharing science, technology, engineering and maths education with children in an engaging and exciting way.

“We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to do that today.”

Edinburgh Science Festival’s schools’ programme is supported by Headline Learning supporter Baillie Gifford as well as Edina Trust and Edinburgh Science’s Catalysts (individual donors).

Edinburgh Science Festival begins on Saturday 26 June. With the theme of “One World: Science Connects Us, 2021 is jam-packed with events, most are free, online or outdoors.

Find out more and book your tickets on their website:

https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/

Edinburgh Science Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Phase one of St James Quarter is officially open

Following five years of construction, the most significant transformation Edinburgh has seen, St James Quarter, opened phase one of the 850,000 sq ft shopping galleria today (Thursday 24^th June).

The completion of the first phase of the development brings a new, retail led, lifestyle district that fully integrates into and enhances Edinburgh’s City Centre providing an inspiring, attractive, and vibrant destination for locals and visitors to shop, eat and play.

Over 40 retailers welcomed the public through their doors on opening morning, many of which are debuting their brand in Scotland for the first time, including, & Other Stories, Stradivarius, Bershka, and Pull&Bear. H&M, Mango, Next – including its Victoria Secret offering, Rituals Tommy Hilfiger, Peloton, Salerno, Nordic Outdoor and many more also welcomed their first visitors to their new stores.

As part of the development plans, John Lewis opened their newly renovated store in May, boasting a range of new services and experiences.

St James Quarter will also host several new concept stores including Zara, and Superdrug who have added a showcase Skinnydip stand for lifestyle and fashion accessories along with a Beauty Studio area for professional beauty treatments.

Meanwhile Breitling opened its first standalone boutique in Edinburgh, and The Body Shop will open their first Activist Workshop store in Scotland. LEGO has unveiled to shoppers a bespoke Edinburgh themed LEGO mosaic, while IOLLA will be introducing a new experiential showroom with an interactive try on garden.

St James Quarter is committed to championing local brands – taking over Little King Street for the next 12 months are an array of local food and drink pop-ups including Harajuku Kitchen, Artisan Roast, The Mac Man and Churros, Baby? to keep shoppers energised whilst visiting the Quarter.

St James Quarter has also recently announced its exclusive partnership with Edinburgh Cocktail Week and will host a striking new al fresco Spritz Garden to kick off the opening celebrations.

With its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh, St James Quarter is set to become a welcoming, cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture, and fashion. Through long-term partnerships with Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues and the Edinburgh Science Festivals – to name a few – the opening is set to complement the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its vibrant events calendar.

The £1bn development’s hospitality and residential elements are set to complete in three further phases through to 2022.

When fully complete, St James Quarter will be a destination like no other – bringing together brands from global to local, and convenience to luxury.

It features a shopping galleria with 80 different retailers, an enticing mix of restaurants, a Bonnie & Wild food hall, Scotland’s first W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, residential apartments, and parking.

A number of brands will continue to join the line up in the coming weeks, including the Scottish foodhall, Bonnie & Wild, which opens next month, as well as Bross Bagels, The Kooples and Aeronautica.

When complete, in addition to the new shopping hub, St James Quarter will include:

· A 244-bedroom W Edinburgh. The first in Scotland, the glamorous hotel will include a W Lounge, a signature restaurant, a W Sound Suite, FIT® – the ultimate workout facility – and an AWAY® Spa.

· 152 New Eidyn apartments from Native Land. As well as stunning views from their ‘gardens in the sky’, the new homes will include a shared garden room and unparalleled residents’ services including full concierge service.

· A 75-room Roomzzz Aparthotel. Complementing the scheme’s W Edinburgh, Roomzzz is providing stylish apartments with the personal touch for adventure, business and celebration. Guests can stay for one night, a week and up to a year.

· Nine event spaces. An enviable events programme has been created across a range of new and attractive public spaces. Set to host a diverse range of pop-up fashion and music shows, the St James Quarter will link to the city’s rich cultural offering and events calendar.

· A boutique Everyman Cinema. Debuting its first Edinburgh city cinema at the St James Quarter, the cinema will feature five screens and indulgent sofa seating.

· A truly diverse dining experience with an enticing mix of restaurants. From fast food, fresh food, to family and restaurant dining, the St James Quarter boasts the first Bonnie & Wild Scottish food hall, Five Guys, @pizza and Scotland’s first The Alchemist.

Martin Perry, Director of Development for St James Quarter, said: “This is a momentous occasion for the city of Edinburgh – and this is just the beginning. The brands and experience that we have welcomed today demonstrate our commitment to delivering a curated destination for the people of Edinburgh.

“We are now looking forward to continuing on our journey to deliver a truly mixed-use destination of the future as we welcome more brands, leisure, and our new neighbours.

“The impact of the pandemic has of course had a profound impact on UK retail. However, retail required a rethink long before the pandemic. The high street was already changing, which is why we have been continually working with our partners, retailers, and the city as whole to ensure that the St James Quarter continues to be enjoyed by generations to come.

“A new normal demands a new kind of retail destination, a development that can respond to an ever-changing situation, one that serves the needs of its community as well as overseas visitors.

“It is the reason we are focusing on creating a unique experience for our customers. There is something for everyone – which is why our occupiers are still focused on the long-term journey at St James Quarter.

“We believe in Edinburgh, and we are excited to help lead the way as part of the city’s wider economic recovery. Throughout this pandemic we have never questioned our investment in not just the St James Quarter but the city itself. We’re here to stay and we’re here to help.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director for St James Quarter, commented: “Today is the day we’ve been waiting for, for a long time – it marks the moment we bring a brand-new fashion district to Scotland.

“The brands opening their doors within St James Quarter are world-class and it’s great to so many retailers debuting in Scotland for the first time. From firm fashion favourites to local gems, there’s something for everyone.

“The St James Quarter team has been working tirelessly to ensure customer safety is the number one priority, so we have ensured all relevant measures are in place to allow people to enjoy the St James Quarter experience comfortably and safely.

“We look forward to welcoming guests over the coming weeks and to share what lies behind The Quarter with everyone.”

Help stop the spread in Edinburgh

Covid cases are still rising in #Edinburgh and getting tested helps #stopthespread so we can all look forward to fewer restrictions.

There are lots of places to get a free test : https://edinburgh.gov.uk/coronavirus-4/covid-19-community-testing-people-no-covid-19-symptoms/1…

Latest test centre is @HibernianFC which is open 9.30am – 4.30pm until Sunday.

Covid Delta: Let’s Stick Together

Council Leaders have called on Edinburgh citizens to stick together and continue the effort to halt the spread of Covid cases in the Capital.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that it was highly likely restrictions would not be eased down to Level Zero from 28 June when the latest roadmap plans are confirmed next week, with cases of the Delta variant continuing to rise rapidly across the country. The expected postponement of this relaxation would, she said, allow time for vaccinations to keep ahead of the virus so that more and more people in Scotland have the highest possible protection against Covid19.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We all desperately want life to get back to normality again and it’s always frustrating when easing restrictions needs to be slowed down or paused. Cases are rising fast, though, so it’s vital we stick together on this, because collective action is how we’ll reap the rewards for all of us.

“We really need to double down our efforts now to keep the virus in check. That means getting tested or testing yourself regularly and coming for your vaccination when you’re called for it, especially the crucial second dose.

“It’s also about continuing to follow the all-important FACTS guidance that will limit the chances of person-to-person transmission, especially if you’re meeting up with more people now than in recent weeks and months. And, in the unfortunate event you do test positive, you have to self-isolate at home – remember, there’s financial support and help available if you need it.

“I want to reiterate my sincere thanks to everyone in the city who’s worked so hard to help us jointly tackle this horrendous pandemic. Your commitment, sacrifices and perseverance have been inspiring in what’s been a very, very difficult 15 months. We need to keep digging deep now to help vaccinations win the race against the virus.”

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re making it as easy as possible to get yourself tested, even if you don’t have symptoms. As many as one in three Covid cases never result in symptoms, so any of us could be carrying it at any time, and you’ll only know if you take a test.

“Pop into one of our community test centres – no appointment’s needed – or order some home testing kits online so you can test yourself regularly as recommended.

“You can also collect the free, rapid lateral flow testing kits at our McDonald Road Library and Blackhall Library test centres this week and keep an eye on our dedicated community testing web page to find out where the centres are each week as we work to locate them in areas where cases are particularly high or rising.

“If we can pick up and isolate more cases, more quickly, then we’ll be able to prevent the virus from spreading further in our communities. Breaking the chain of transmission not only keeps more people safe from the risk of illness but will help us get things under control so we can ease restrictions even further.”

A mobile testing centre, run jointly with the Scottish Ambulance Service, will be open at Heart of Midlothian Football Club from Thursday 17 to Wed 23 June, close to the Wheatfield Stand on the corner of Wheatfield Place and Wheatfield Street.

The centre will offer PCR tests for people without symptoms and will be open for walk-in appointments from 10am to 6pm daily.

Ann Park, Hearts’ Director for Communities and Partnerships said: “Heart of Midlothian is delighted to host the walk-up COVID 19 testing facility at our Wheatfield Street entrance at Tynecastle Park from Thursday 17 June.

“The Club is pleased to support this vital community service, which will help in efforts to reach Level Zero more quickly.”

Community test centres are open for people with no COVID-19 symptoms at:

Blackhall Library from Monday 7 to Sunday 20 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
McDonald Road Library from Monday 14 June to Saturday 26 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
Mobile Testing Unit, North West Locality office, 8 West Pilton Gardens until Sunday 20 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
Mobile Testing Unit, Scottish Water, 55 Buckstone Terrace, from Monday 14 June until Friday 18 June 10am-6pm [test pick-up available]
Mobile Testing Unit, Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Wheatfield Stand, from Thursday 17 June to Wednesday 23 June 10am-6pm
Gilmerton Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 26 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
Wester Hailes Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 26 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]

St James Quarter adds flurry of fashion, jewellery and cosmetics brands to line-up

The Kooples, Aeronautica Militare and Nordic Outdoor are the latest international fashion brands to sign to St James Quarter

Scottish watch designer Kartel will open its second city centre shop

St James Quarter, the 1.7 million sq ft city centre development in Edinburgh, has added The Kooples, Aeronautica Militare and Nordic Outdoor to its fashion line-up as it prepares to welcome visitors to the opening of its first phase. In addition, Kartel will extend St James Quarter’s jewellery offer.

The Kooples, Aeronautica Militare and Nordic Outdoor, which have taken 1400 sq ft, 1350 sq. ft and 900 sq ft respectively, will be situated on level 3 of St James Quarter, alongside Kate Spade, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Kurt Geiger, Carvella and Russell & Bromley. Scottish designer Kartel has taken 760 sq. ft on level 3.

Founded in 2008, famous French premium brand, The Kooples, will be offering their rock-chic and contemporary apparel, while Aeronautica Militare will bring its comprehensive Italian wardrobe for men, women and children to cater for formal and more casual styles under the emblems and logos of the Italian Air Force and Frecce Tricolori.

Scandinavian and British outlet, Nordic Outdoor, will be hosting some of the best in modern Scandinavian outdoor clothing & equipment labels with a focus on style, function and sustainability.

Local Scottish watch designer Kartel will be providing St James Quarter’s customers with durable, high-performing timepieces combining handcrafted materials with contemporary high-precision timekeeping.

Chris Pyne, head of leasing for St James Quarter, commented: “These latest retailer signings are another major boost to the mix of international shops alongside popular local brands that we have brought together.

“We look forward to welcoming them all as we prepare to open the first phase this month.”

Caspar Odqvist, Owner of Nordic Outdoor said: “Being an Edinburgh based business, we are delighted to be a part of the next chapter in the city’s journey to become a world class retail destination.

“Our new store has been designed with the modern ‘outdoors’ consumer in mind who value style, functionality and sustainability equally. As an independent we can’t wait to bring our own blend of Scandinavian Outdoors to the most exciting urban development in Edinburgh and encourage everyone to live a little more outdoors every day.”

Bobby Morrison, owner of Kartel, said: “As a Scottish brand Kartel is proud to be part of the St James Quarter opening in Edinburgh. Experiential retail is at the heart of our offering, bringing a new level of customer interaction within our store.

“The quality of retailers in the new development will make the St James Quarter a landmark destination and we look forward to welcoming our existing and new customers alike.”

A game-changing mixed-use development being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate, St James Quarter will complete the distinctive offer of Edinburgh with over 80 new brands, an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, a W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, 152 New Eidyn residential apartments, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.

Debra’s energy-saving tips to top up the Ice Cream Fund!

The smell of freshly cut grass and kids shrieking as they have their first dip in the paddling pool makes being outdoors great, but they are just a few of the hundreds of great benefits.

Debra Clason, Hub Manager of the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith, said: “Whether you’re heading to Cornwall or Portugal, or simply looking to spend more time out in your garden or local park, save money by switching off items in your home, and resetting timers where hot water might not be needed so much.

“By doing so, you’ll save what could be going towards the ice-cream fund!”

To help save energy in the home this summer, Debra’s shared the following tips:

Invest in a plug-in timer

If you’re planning a trip away, but would like to keep a light on for security reasons, consider investing in a plug-in timer, to pop the light on and off at times you choose. Doing so will save you energy whilst keeping your home looking ‘lived in’ whilst you’re away.

Eat up!

If you’re looking to be away for some time, why not be savvy with mealtimes and use up everything in your fridge freezer before you leave? You could then turn the appliance off at the plug whilst you’re away – saving precious energy.

Pull the curtains

As the weather heats up, pull the curtains and blinds before leaving the home to keep your home from heating up like a small furnace for your return. It’ll keep your home cool whilst saving you a small fortune on fans.

Switch appliances off

Keeping appliances on standby is one of the biggest ways to waste energy! Game consoles in particular are massive vampire suckers, likewise with TVs and home entertainment systems. Ensuring everything is switched off at the socket will save you a pretty penny.

Check out Utilita’s five free and easy-to-follow energy-saving tips to save £163 a year with Energy High 5: https://utilita.co.uk/campaigns/energyhigh5

Triple Point’s Heron Court Leith housing development completed

Triple Point Social Housing REIT has announced that work has completed on its major new development in Leith, which provides high-quality new homes for local people with long-term disabilities.

In April 2019, Triple Point announced its investment in the scheme, developed by HB Villages (HBV), with construction officially started by Deidre Brock, the MP for Edinburgh North and Leith.

Twenty-four new supported housing apartments have been built on West Bowling Green Street in Leith, which are specially adapted to provide long-term homes for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and other complex care requirements.

Residents will be referred to the scheme by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership based on significant local need, with care provided to residents by Lifeways, and housing management services provided by Inclusion Housing.

The £5.4m scheme, called Heron Court, is the first of its type in Scotland and has been developed by HBV, a specialist supported living developer, using funding from Triple Point.

The developers instructed an all-Scottish construction team including Edinburgh-based architects 56Three, structural and civil engineers Curtins, locally-based mechanical and electrical consultants Horizon M&E, and Alloa-based contractor Marshall Construction.

Triple Point uses private capital to acquire, or fund the development of, newly built or newly renovated housing in the community for people with long-term care needs whose rent is funded by government.

This type of housing has been shown to improve the wellbeing of people moving out of institutional care settings, while saving the government money. Triple Point’s portfolio has over 450 properties providing homes for over 3,000 residents.

Based on strong demand, Triple Point is looking to invest in more supported housing schemes like Heron Court across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Max Shenkman, Head of Property Investment at Triple Point, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of Heron Court. The development will allow people with disabilities and complex care needs to live independent lives in high-quality and carefully adapted apartments.

“Triple Point is committed to investing in projects that deliver a positive social impact, and Heron Court will provide homes in the heart of the community to support some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people. With more Scottish developments in the pipeline, we look forward to delivering further positive impact in the area.”

Oliver Carroll, development director of HBV, the supported living developer, said: “We are delighted to complete delivery of this special scheme in the heart of the community.

“We have had tremendous support from officers at Edinburgh City Council who are responsible for delivering specialist supported care across the city. Everyone we have worked with on delivering Heron Court recognises the need for modern specialist supported living accommodation for Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

“We are tremendously excited by all the interest that is being shown in this particular scheme and we are already progressing discussions with other local authorities and funding partners to deliver more like it in Scotland.”

Judith Proctor, Chief Officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The completion of this scheme – less than two miles from Edinburgh city centre and less than two years after works began – is a remarkable achievement and a great example of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“Accessibility and technology are two important features of the design of the building which will enable residents to live more independently. Many of the residents will have keys to their own front door for the first time which will be a tremendous boost to their independence and a positive impact on their lives.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, said: “This is a brilliant example of a new-build development that blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment and community not just physically but emotionally as well.

“It is important that we continue to place great emphasis on solving the housing requirements of people in Edinburgh who need extra support and give them the opportunity to live as independently as possible.”

Deidre Brock, MP, who officially started works at the site in 2019, said: “The completion of this development is another important step towards ensuring the most vulnerable in our society are well looked after in accommodation that properly suits their needs.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing folk move into the scheme over the next few months and making their home here in Leith.”