Meeting invite to turn principle into legal mechanism
First Minister John Swinney has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding his comments on the constitutional future of Scotland. The First Minister invited the PM to meet to turn the accepted principle into a legal mechanism for a referendum.
The full text of the First Minister’s letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham:
Dear Andy
I am writing with regards to your comments at Prime Ministers Question’s in response to my colleague Chris Law MP’s question.
Earlier today, you said; “on that question of a border poll, it is to be considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is a clear consensus in the country – when public opinion has changed to the point where the call has to be considered. I would say that it is exactly the same situation in Scotland.”
The Good Friday Agreement, as implemented in UK domestic law by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, makes clear that if it appears likely that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unification, a referendum should be held.
Your acceptance of the fact that majority support for independence in Scotland also means that a referendum should take place is welcome.
I am encouraged that you have reconsidered your previous comments that the democratic right of the people of Scotland to choose their own future is “off limits.”
This is a long-overdue acceptance of the reality that the people of Scotland will decide their own future, not the UK Government, and a clear endorsement of the fact that the UK must be a voluntary union.
In May, the SNP won a historic and unprecedented fifth term in office, and the people of Scotland elected more pro-independence MSPs than at any point in the Parliament’s history.
Given that, the previous refusal of the UK Government to consider Scotland’s right to decide its own future was clearly unsustainable.
You have rightly identified that there must be a discussion about where power lies across these islands.
By concluding a clear, understandable mechanism, both sides of the constitutional debate can move forward constructively in the full knowledge of an agreed process by which the Scottish people can exercise their democratic right at a time of their choosing.
Now that you have agreed the principle that Scotland should have a referendum when it is likely that people would vote for independence, it is important for us to meet to discuss how we turn that principle into an agreed legal mechanism, as exists in Northern Ireland.
I have asked my office to take forward the necessary arrangements.
I’m writing to you – a loyal RNLI supporter – following the recent events in the media that have generated deliberate misinformation and misunderstanding about the RNLI and our lifesaving work in the Channel.
Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.
The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society – they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe. Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. These actions are wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. We will take whatever steps we can to care for and protect our people and their families.
The RNLI is an apolitical organisation. We are completely independent of government, powered by remarkable, kind people like you.
For over 200 years, in all weathers, in peace and war, the RNLI and our amazing volunteers and staff have selflessly dedicated themselves to rescuing people they have never met before, without judgement, fear or favour.
When the coastguard tasks a RNLI lifeboat crew to launch to a vessel or people in distress, we will always answer the call, whoever needs our help.
It is a legal and moral obligation under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Courage is the RNLI’s currency. Dependable, loyal, service to others and our nations is our hallmark.
RNLI lifeboats were tasked by the coastguard and launched 9,058 times in 2025. 109 of those launches were to those in distress in the Channel, representing 1.2 per cent of the RNLI’s total rescue work. Nearly 95 per cent of those who crossed the English Channel in small boats last year – one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world – were picked up by the UK Border Force.
‘I am extremely proud of – and grateful for – their vital lifesaving work’
Our mission, and our tasking, is to rescue those women, children and men in danger of drowning. Anyone rescued from crossing the channel in these boats by the RNLI is immediately handed over to the UK’s immigration authorities.
While illegal immigration is a political issue, the RNLI has always existed to save lives at sea. I have seen ludicrous rumours that we house asylum seekers on RNLI premises, or that there are RNLI missions to move migrants to secret locations.
These rumours are completely baseless and untrue.
Illegal migration is a polarising subject that generates strong views, locally and nationally. But please be mindful of misinformation, the impact it has upon others, and be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people from drowning at sea.
I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 lives were saved last year; lives saved to be lives lived.
With your continued support, this charity will continue to save lives at sea all around the UK and Ireland, just as we always have. So, on behalf of everyone at the RNLI, thank you for making that possible.
Sincerely,
Peter Sparkes RNLI Chief Executive
PS. Please visit our web page for more information on this issue, and for answers to frequently asked questions.
Scotland’s colleges faced growing financial strain in 2024/25, with a rising number reliant on cash advances from the Scottish Funding Council.
Scotland’s 19 incorporated colleges reported a collective £5.6 million deficit in 2024/25. Five colleges needed a cash advance from the SFC in the same year – three more than in 2023/24. And some colleges have needed advances to be rolled forward into the next financial year.
Despite an increase of over nine per cent in Scottish Government funding for colleges in 2026, overall funding remains seven per cent lower in real terms than in 2021. It is not clear if this year’s uplift will help colleges reform. Meanwhile, the Scottish Government and its partners have been slow to progress reforms, including to how the sector is funded.
The sector has cut its workforce by 13 per cent since 2019 to reduce costs, and most colleges have limited ability to generate income. Student numbers continue to fall but the sector has proven resilient. The proportion of students successfully completing courses rose in 2024/25, and most students went on to further study, training or employment.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ‘The financial pressure on Scotland’s colleges is increasing, and their situation remains extremely challenging. Without urgent and successful reform of the sector, it’s not clear if colleges can continue to deliver for students and employers.
‘The recommendations I made in 2025 remain important, but they are still in the early stages of being addressed. The Scottish Government, Scottish Funding Council and colleges need to take action to implement them at pace.’
Musselburgh Racecourse takes on a distinctive Munich-style influence at its next race meeting this Saturday (12 September).
The popular Oktoberfest Raceday – supported by The Royal Regiment of Scotland – is now in its third year and continues to grow in popularity with thousands of racegoers embracing the famous German celebration.
Bavarian oompah bands and bratwurst will be to the fore while on the turf seven quality Flat races – including the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup – promises a thrilling afternoon of sporting action.
Live oompah band, the Jäger Maestros, will be performing a mix of classic tunes and oompah-style songs while the Oktoberfest Marquee will host a number of fun events, including a stein holding challenge, keg rolling and sing-alongs.
Inspired by the famous Munich Oktoberfest which dates from 1810 and takes place throughout September and October, the East Lothian racecourse has tapped into a rich theme and is encouraging guests to enter the spirt of the raceday by donning traditional lederhosen.
Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania has completed a soldier’s assault course at Glencorse Barracks and in return a soldier will complete a number of jockey-related challenges at the race meeting. The Regiment will also have a military stand at Oktoberfest setting out some challenges for gallus racegoers.
Street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race (scheduled for 7.20pm) the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.
The feature race of the day is the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup over 2m 2f which is supported by six other competitive races, with the first provisionally timed for 4.07pm.
Musselburgh Racecourse Oktoberfest 2025
Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing and Business Development, Aisling Johnston, said: “Our Oktoberfest meeting continues to grow each year and returning visitors love the mix of a fun German-inspired event with competitive horse racing.
“We hope guests will dust off their lederhosen and put their best Bavarian foot forward to come along for what will be a hugely entertaining afternoon and evening, topped off with seven exciting Flat races.”
Gates open on 12 September at 2pm and tickets bought in advance are reduced by £5 for a limited period. Children aged 17 years and under are admitted free with four children permitted per paying adult.
The racecourse provides a free shuttle bus service to and from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations on each raceday.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September, venues across Edinburgh’s iconic skyline will join landmarks across Scotland in lighting up green to raise awareness of suicide prevention and Samaritans’ charity.
Buildings and landmarks across Scotland will unite by shining a light on suicide prevention and the support available for people in crisis on the 10th of September. In Edinburgh, Museum on the Mound, Camera Obscura, and the Balmoral Hotel will be some of those landmarks shining green, Samaritans’ well-known colour.
Joining the venues will be Lerwick Town Hall in Shetland; Discovery Point in Dundee; Stirling Castle, Glasgow Science Centre; the Kelpies; Marischal College and King’s College in Aberdeen.
Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through human connection, and this World Suicide Prevention Day, the charity’s message to people in Scotland is that you don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life. Small, everyday interruptions and actions could help someone who is suicidal by distracting them from their thoughts.
It could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, a text or any other way of connecting with someone. It could be as simple as asking someone you’re worried about if they are OK, perhaps making a positive comment on something you notice about them (for example, their shoes or coat), or even giving them something to touch or hold, which can help to distract somebody and help them feel grounded.
For Paul, 45, an unexpected interruption from a taxi driver simply asking if he was OK was all it took to change the course of his life.
“That taxi driver probably doesn’t know the impact he had that day or how much it helped me,” said Paul. “It seems a bit dramatic to say I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that conversation, but that is the reality. It shows that anyone can save a life, just by showing that they care.”
After struggling to balance a high-pressure job and family life, Paul reached crisis point and decided to take his own life. But a passing taxi driver stopped and got out to check on him.
“I had started to feel like I was the root cause of every problem and if I removed myself, then that would fix everything. I felt tired, burnt out and broken. I decided I was going to take my own life.
“I was crossing the road when the taxi stopped me. I suspect the driver initially thought it was some idiot not paying attention, but he must’ve recognised that something wasn’t right. He got out to check if I was OK and said something like, ‘You need to talk to someone.’
“So, I called Samaritans. I don’t remember much about that call, but they helped me get through the night. They listened and allowed me to offload. It helped me go to bed and try again the next day.”
A life-saving interruption for Paul, and a reminder that an interruption can make an enormous difference when it matters.
A new survey commissioned by Samaritans revealed that almost three quarters (74%) of respondents in Scotland felt that society is increasingly being designed to avoid interaction, with just over two in five (43%) saying they interact with people less than they did five years ago.
But despite the direction of travel towards less interaction with others, people still place huge value on human connection. More people in Scotland say they would prefer to turn to a stranger (50%) than AI (23%) if they needed help – showing that we can all have a role to play in looking out for one another.
It can be difficult to know what to say or do if you think someone may be experiencing a suicidal crisis. Samaritans has put together advice suggested by people with lived experience to help guide others through these moments:
Ask them if they’ve felt like this before and what, if anything, has helped them, and then do something they’ve suggested if possible.
If you feel able to, stay with them and sit quietly, letting them know you’re there if they want to talk.
Do not coerce or force anything on the person. Meet them as they are in that moment.
Let them know they are not alone.
Let them know that an emotion or thought does not last forever. An emotion or thought does not have to define them. It does not need to lead to a decision they can’t reverse.
Ask them what things they care about and what they like.
Samaritans’ Executive Director for Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “As Scotland glows green on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded of the power of connection. Each light represents hope, a moment of support, a conversation, and the reminder that Samaritans is here to listen.
“Suicide is preventable. The more openly we talk about suicide, the easier we can make it for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to speak honestly about how they are feeling.”
“We’re urging people across Scotland not to be afraid to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal. It can be a difficult conversation, but you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. What matters is being there, listening without judgement and showing that you care.”
Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK and Ireland dies by suicide. But suicide isn’t inevitable. This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), Samaritans is encouraging everyone to be prepared to interrupt if they’re worried someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Samaritans provides a vital lifeline for people and communities across Scotland. Our helpline is available for anyone struggling to cope with suicidal thoughts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE, any time, from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. Or you can visitwww.samaritans.org.
A groundbreaking new documentary has been launched today (Thursday 10 September) to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026.
What I want you to know is a powerful film from Suicide Prevention Scotland following bereaved father Phil Wanless as he seeks to understand his son Fraser’s death.
Suicide Prevention Scotland is the community of people and organisations delivering the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
Running to 30 minutes, it gives one family’s story the space to explore some of the most difficult themes.
Ultimately, the film asks what might have been different if the people around Fraser, and Phil, had been met with time, space and compassion sooner.
Fraser was just eleven years old when he found his mum, Lisa, dead after she experienced a fatal epileptic seizure.
Phil’s journey has helped him understand that his son struggled to grieve her death. Later he turned to substance use and experienced difficult relationships.
Ultimately, the documentary challenges people to consider the principles of time, space and compassion, in every part of our lives – not just suicide prevention; that every one of us can help save lives.
Phil is joined by his partner Debbie Rowan, Fraser’s friend Darren Gallagher, Iain Corbett, a community development practitioner who has extensive experience working with young men, and John Gibson, founder of The Canmore Trust.
John and his wife Isobel lost their son Cameron to suicide in 2019.
A facilitation pack has also been launched so that a range of different groups and communities across Scotland can watch the film and talk about it together. It is designed for anyone, regardless of their experience.
In the documentary, Phil Wanless says of his son’s suicide: “Fraser and I spoke every day, whether it was a voice call or a text. I hadn’t heard from him for a day, and that was very unusual.
“I don’t believe he wanted to die. I just don’t think he wanted to live. He just didn’t want the pain any more.
“The boy that I brought up, bought his first football boots, and put his first Hearts top on, everything was gone in the blink of an eye. Part of my heart is missing. That’s the only way I can describe it. It’s not a cliché. Part of my heart is missing.
“It broke us. It took a family that was pretty close, and broke us. I wish I had the chance to tell Fraser right now how much I loved him.
“It is Fraser’s story, but it could be anybody’s story.”
The impact of Fraser’s death was profound, and was felt from as soon as Phil learned his son was gone. Eventually, he also planned to take his own life.
“There were no instructions on how to grieve. The only time anybody talked to me about my mind health was at the point of crisis. That has to be the wrong way round.
“Suicide is the end product, and it’s the permanent product. But the truth is, we want to reach anybody who’s feeling like that long before we get to crisis.
“We need to stop the idea that the first time you get to talk to anybody is when you’re thinking about taking your life. We have to treat mind health as every bit as important as physical health.”
Phil wants the principles of time, space and compassion to be taught from an early age. Only as a bereaved father has he learned about the impact of trauma.
“In my whole life nobody ever taught me about compassion, and yet it’s one of the most important things in life. I think we should be teaching it at school.”
Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, said: “I want to thank Phil Wanless and his family and friends for their courage in sharing their experiences in this powerful film.
“Losing a loved one to suicide is a tragedy beyond measure and this documentary brings home the devastating impact. It also reminds us that opening up conversations about suicide and encouraging people to seek help can save lives.
“Our work on suicide prevention is informed and guided by those with lived and living experience. I am determined that we learn from Fraser’s tragic death as we continue that work to ensure that anyone with thoughts of suicide or impacted by suicide in any way gets the help they need and feels a sense of hope.
“Our Suicide Prevention Action Plan – joint with COSLA – aims to reduce deaths by suicide whilst also tackling the inequalities that can increase the risk of suicide, and is backed by a budget of £3 million in 2026–27.”
Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said: “Phil Wanless’ story of his son Fraser’s tragic death, and of his own experiences of bereavement and suicide, is incredibly moving.
“Thank you, Phil, for sharing so openly. The documentary powerfully shows how deeply suicide is felt by friends, families, and wider communities, and is a clear call to action for all of us.
“The film is also striking in how it tells us about the complexities of Fraser’s life, with trauma, substance use, and relationships all having a significant impact. It reminds us of the importance of ensuring our work on suicide prevention in Scotland continues to address the wider factors in our lives.
“The COSLA and Scottish Government Suicide Prevention strategy and action plan sets out our vision and I am committed to ensuring that anyone who is having suicidal thoughts or is bereaved by suicide can access the support they need, when they need, and that local government does all it can to both provide support and address the wider social factors that can impact on suicide risk.
“Phil has told us what he wants us to know, and now we must all act.”
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s national delivery lead Haylis Smith says: “The film shines a light on the reality of suicide in a way that hasn’t happened before. I know Phil doesn’t think he’s extraordinary, that he’s simply a grieving father angry after the loss of his son.
“But Fraser’s death will not be in vain, because Phil, Debbie and their families have opened up their home and lives in a way that will help so many people think about how to support people who experience trauma. He is extraordinary, because Phil’s intervention will save lives. We might never know who, but it will.
“We can see in the film where there were missed opportunities for time, space, compassion. It shows what their absence feels like, how much there still is to learn about reaching people long before a crisis and how we can all play a part in supporting people at risk of, or impacted by suicide.”
A 32-year-old man and two women, aged 19 and 23, have been charged following a fatal crash on the A8 near Newbridge.
Around 9.25am on Monday, 7 September, 2026, officers were called to the crash involving four cars.
A 58-year-old woman, who was driving one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was Linda Patterson and the following statement has been released on behalf of her family:
“Linda was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who brought so much love and joy to those who knew her.
“She had an amazing ability to always look on the positive side of life and was a great support and comfort to those she loved.
“Linda was a beautiful soul whose warmth and cheery sense of humour left their mark on everyone she knew.
“She will be greatly missed.
“We are devastated by her loss, but she will be forever in our hearts.”
Sergeant Mike Thomson said: “Our thoughts remain with Linda’s family and friends at this devastating time.
“Our investigation remains ongoing, though we are not looking for anyone else in connection, and we are continuing to appeal for information from the public.
“If you have not already spoken to police and believe you know something which may assist, please get in touch.
“We would also ask anyone with dash-cam footage or private CCTV which may be relevant to contact officers and pass this along.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0756 of 7 September, 2026.
The two women and the man were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday, 9 September) and reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Join Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt: Swap your £4 meal deal to help feed hungry children
Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt is encouraging people across Edinburgh to swap their £4 supermarket meal deal to help feed hungry children.
Matt, who is one of Britain’s most recognisable chefs, having also hosted Food Unwrapped and Drop Down Menu and been a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, has teamed up with school feeding charity Mary’s Meals to promote its Meals Deals campaign.
Mary’s Meals, which started in a shed in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, provides a nutritious meal to more than three million children every school day. Working in some of the world’s poorest communities in 16 countries, including Haiti, Lebanon and Zimbabwe, the charity’s school meals bring hungry children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and look to a brighter future.
Thanks to Mary’s Meals’ low-cost approach, it costs only £19.15 to provide a child with meals in a place of education for a whole school year, just 10p a meal.
Matt is backing their Meals Deals campaign, which calls on people to swap out their £4 meal deal for a donation that will be transformed into nutritious food for 40 children at school.
The TV chef says: “We all have busy lives and it’s so easy to quickly grab a meal deal when we’re on the go – I’ll often seek out my favourite sandwich, crisps and a drink in between cooking and filming.
“But it’s incredible to think that by skipping just one meal deal and instead donating £4, you could help to transform the lives of 40 hungry children by providing them with food, education and hope.
“It’s easy to feel a bit helpless when we watch the news and see everything going on in the world. There’s so much sadness out there and you don’t know how to respond. But when I heard about the Meals Deals campaign and the simplicity of it, I loved it and had to get involved. They have a lovely line of ‘school + food = hope’, and I think that’s something we can all get behind.”
By swapping out a meal deal for a £4 donation to Mary’s Meals, you can help children like Samar.
The primary 8 student lives in South Sudan, where more than one third of all children under five years old suffer chronic malnutrition, and over 70% of primary school-age children are out of school – the highest figure anywhere in the world. Economic hardship is such that many families have to make the heartbreaking decision to send their children out to work rather than attending school.
Samar’s mother, Medina, is bringing up her daughter alone. To make money, she buys small quantities of flour to make cakes to sell; this is the family’s main source of income.
Samar explains: “When my mother has some money, we can have two meals a day. However, when there is not enough money, we may only have tea in the morning and then wait until evening to have a meal. When there is not enough food at home, I simply endure the situation.”
But thanks to Mary’s Meals, Samar can now rely on a nutritious daily meal at school. She says: “I feel happy to come to school every day because I know that I will receive a meal. Even when I do not have anything to eat at home, I know there will be food at school.”
Anna Houghton, Regional Development Officer for Mary’s Meals, says: “We’re all big Saturday Kitchen fans here at Mary’s Meals and so excited Matt has chosen to put our Meals Deals campaign in the spotlight.
“With one simple act, by saying no to a meal deal and donating just £4, you can help shape a brighter future for 40 children like Samar who face a daily battle for survival. Your spare pennies can make a tangible on-the-ground difference and be turned into happiness and hope through Mary’s Meals.”
Matt is encouraging the Scottish public to support the Meals Deals campaign today and says: “I love my trips to Scotland. It has incredible food, amazing produce, but most importantly, the most welcoming people.
“It’s no surprise that Mary’s Meals has achieved so much since its humble beginnings, fuelled by the renowned Scottish generosity and spirit.
“For me, food is always about bringing people together. And Mary’s Meals is doing that by showing that even the smallest of donations can connect people here in Scotland and hungry children across the world, by providing them with a nutritious meal and hope for a better tomorrow.”
A regular supermarket meal deal gives you a sandwich, snack and drink. But Meals Deals offers so much more. Could you help to transform a child’s life by swapping a meal deal for a £4 donation to Mary’s Meals?
***Credit should read Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com***
Watsonian Football Club has announced the introduction of Hastings 13 Lager into the Myreside pavilion in partnership with longstanding sponsor and Scottish brewery Harviestoun Brewery in honour of the life and legacy of club icon Scott Hastings.
The partnership embeds Harviestoun into the fabric of matchday culture at Myreside while paying homage to Scott, a monumental figure in Scottish rugby who passed away earlier this year having served Watsonians, Scotland and the British & Irish Lions with distinction.
Harviestoun introduced Hastings 13 lager at the recent celebration of Scott’s life, in collaboration with pavilion operator Heart of Midlothian, and now the brewery and club have introduced the lager at Myreside as part of a sponsorship deal to support Watsonian FC’s growth.
The official launch took place at Myreside before the opening home fixtures of the season, on Saturday September 5, when both the men’s and women’s 1st XVs were in action.
John McLellan, President of Watsonian Football Club, said, “Scott Hastings represented the very best of what it means to be a Watsonian and as a hugely influential character who was the life and soul of any party I’m sure he would have loved the idea of raising a glass of his own beer to the club’s future.
“Harviestoun is one of our longest-serving and most important sponsors, and the club is privileged to work with them to embed the brewery into Myreside history. Having the Hastings 13 tap permanently on the bar gives our members, players, and supporters a meaningful way to celebrate Scott’s memory and spirit every single matchday.”
Scott’s brother, former Watsonians, Scotland and Lions captain Gavin Hastings said, “Our family’s connection to Myreside runs incredibly deep and as a tireless champion of the club both on and off the field, I’m sure he would be very proud that our name will continue to be associated with celebration at Myreside, but also the future welfare of the club.
“When Harviestoun stepped up to work with Heart of Midlothian and created the Hastings 13 lager for Scott’s celebration of life, it meant a great deal to our family. Bringing this tribute permanently into the clubhouse alongside Harviestoun’s wider support is a wonderful way to connect our family, the club, and Scott’s legacy.”
Andrew McKnight of Harviestoun Brewery, commented, “It’s a real privilege to continue partnering with Watsonian FC and work alongside the Hastings family. Crafting the Hastings 13 beer to commemorate Scott was a deeply meaningful project for our team.
“We are proud to recognise the club’s past, whilst supporting the club’s future across both the men’s and women’s games, while honouring one of Scottish rugby’s true greats.”
PICTURED (top):Corey Hastings, Gavin Hastings, and Kerry-Anne Hastings
Charles Jeffrey reveals full programme for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style atWestfield St James Quarter
11-20 September 2026 | Westfield St James Quarter
To celebrate the launch of Westfield St James Quarter, officially renamed on 10 September 2026, acclaimed Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey returns home for an immersive ten-day takeover as part of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style.
Presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council, the programme forms part of Fashion Britain, a nationwide initiative celebrating the designers, communities and cultural influences shaping British fashion today.
Born in Scotland, Charles Jeffrey is internationally recognised for blending design, performance, music and culture into a distinctive creative vision.
Returning home for the takeover, he brings that world to Westfield St James Quarter across three experiences: an exclusive Listening Room built from his own archives and soundscapes; the PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products; and a full programme of talks, workshops and live performances spanning fashion, music and culture. The entire programme is curated by Jeffrey himself and features some of the most exciting, emerging names.
A particular highlight will see Jeffrey in conversation with Kirsty Hassard, Senior Curator at V&A Dundee, in a talk introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir. The conversation will explore the role research plays in shaping Jeffrey’s collections, Scotland’s rich fashion history and its influence on contemporary design, and the importance of recognising the creative talent to have come out of Scotland.
The talk will connect directly to V&A Dundee’s current Catwalk exhibition, which traces the stories, designers and cultural influences that have shaped Scottish fashion’s place on the global stage.
Guests can also expect a vibrant mix of experiences throughout the programme, including intimate one-to-one tarot card readings with the incredibly gifted Jade Mordente, an inspiring dance workshop with acclaimed choreographer Ivan Blackstock – known for his work on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl music video – and a specially curated pop-up Vinyl Lounge from local tastemakers, Umbrella Vinyl.
Charles Jeffrey said:“I’m looking forward to celebrating the people, places and cultural influences that continue to inspire my work on home turf here in Scotland and am delighted to have the opportunity to create something that feels immersive, playful and open to everyone.
“This programme is about showing how I work – the music, the references, the people I collaborate with – and putting it all in one place for ten days.
“There’s something for everyone, whether that’s catching a gig, digging through the PUNK FLEA MARKET or just spending an hour in the Listening Room.”
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quartersaid: “Charles Jeffrey is one of Scotland’s most exciting and dynamic creative voices, and there’s no better way to mark this new chapter for Westfield St James Quarter than with a programme built around his work.
“Ten days of music, fashion and ideas, right in the heart of Edinburgh- we want people to come and experience it for themselves.”
What’s On: The Full Schedule
Highlights across the ten-day takeover include:
Friday 11 September
10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room – step inside Jeffrey’s personal archive of music and memory, through curated soundscapes and exclusive content.
11:00am – Vinyl Lounge with Umbrella Vinyl – independent record store Umbrella Vinyl will be selling curated vinyl featuring a selection of the music that inspires Charles Jeffrey
3:30pm – Bikini Body: Live at The Sound of Style – electrifying five-piece Bikini Body bring their irresistible collision of post-punk, dance music and percussion to Westfield St James Quarter
5:30pm – Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY x V&A Dundee: Scottish Fashion in Conversation – Jeffrey joins V&A Dundee curator Kirsty Hassard, introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir, to discuss research, Scottish fashion history and V&A Dundee’s Catwalk exhibition.
Saturday 12 September
10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition – explore Jeffrey’s LOVERBOY archive at your own pace.
12:00pm – Live Music from Her Picture – an intimate live performance from one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists, Her Picture is the public confessional of singer Anny Tahaney, whose honest and thought-provoking songwriting is bewitching listeners in Scotland and beyond.
2:30pm – Fashion, Movement & Theatre with Ivan Blackstock – a workshop exploring the crossover between fashion, dance and performance.
Sunday 13 September
10:00am – Fashion Photography Workshop: Creating the Narrative with Claudius Ricketts – a hands-on workshop on building narrative through fashion photography.
12:00pm – Love Your Body Dance Workshop with Ivan Blackstock – a dance workshop celebrating body confidence and movement.
2:00pm – Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY: Life Drawing Workshop – life drawing inspired by Jeffrey’s own creative process.
4:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
Monday 14 September
10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition
12:00pm & 3:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
Tuesday 15 September
10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition
12:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
1:15pm – MAC Cosmetics Make-up Workshop – a make-up masterclass from the MAC Cosmetics team in Boots.
3:00pm – Lucia & The Best Boys x Neptune Studios: Petals and Frequencies – an autumn equinox bouquet making workshop while listening to Lucia & The Best Boy’s new album, Picking Petals.
Wednesday 16 September
2:00pm – Talk: Tarot, Fashion & Identity with Jade Mordente – a panel discussion on tarot’s connection to fashion and identity.
2:45pm – Tarot – Find Your Archetype with Jade Mordente – a workshop on finding your tarot archetype.
10:00am – Argonaut Books x Charles Jeffrey Bookshop Pop-Up – independent bookstore, Argonaut Books, will be selling a curated selection of books including some of Charles Jeffrey’s favourites and with an LGBTQ+ focus.
10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
3:00pm – DJ Miss Mixtape: LGBTQ+ Sounds – DJ Miss Mixtape spins an LGBTQ+ focused selection of records.
Friday 18 September
10:00am & 1:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
5:00pm – Ray Laurél – performance from Ray Laurél, where the listener finds solace and security in tales centring an identity in flux, tales of unbridled desire & a yearning for the Divine.
Saturday 19 September
10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
1:30pm – DJ Set: DJ Lu – An energetic set to soundtrack your shopping experience at Westfield St James Quarter.
3.00pm – Cocktail Making Masterclass by The Alchemist – shake, stir and sample during an interactive mixology workshop
Sunday 20 September
2:00pm – Pippa Blundell: Live at The Sound of Style – Experience Pippa Blundell’s captivating blend of folk storytelling, ambient sound and classically influenced vocals.
3.30pm – Natural Lacquer Workshop with Moleskine – Discover the beauty of East Asian lacquer art through a contemporary marbling experience
Proceeds from any ticketed workshops or masterclasses across the takeover will be donated to the Equality Network, which works for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights in Scotland and has been home to the Scottish Trans Network since 2007.
For the full programme and to book onto ticketed workshops, visit Eventbrite.
WESTFIELD St James Quarter? Maybe showing my age here, but to me it’ll always be St James Centre! – ED.
