New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April

New store marks UNIQLO’s first entrance into Scotland

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to the capital’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.

With its longstanding commitment to quality, style, functionality and comfort, UNIQLO promises to bring a fresh perspective to not only Edinburgh, but Scotland’s fashion landscape, offering a spacious store spanning approximately 1,430sq meters across two floors.

Housed in the iconic, modernist purpose-built retail store, designed by Johnson-Marshall and Partners in 1965, the location on Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, allows for scenic views of the Castle from the first floor windows.

Customers can expect to find the full women’s, men’s, kids and baby ranges alongside UNIQLO’s signature products such as linen, BLOCKTECH, their smart range of water resistant and windproof items, as well as the high-performing AIRism collection, renowned for its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that adapt seamlessly to diverse climates.

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K, said: “At UNIQLO, we are deeply committed to supporting and enriching the communities where we operate.

“The opening of our new store in Edinburgh represents an exciting opportunity to forge lasting connections with local residents, businesses and organisations. Edinburgh is a city of great cultural and historical heritage, and we are excited to partner with a few of the many people who help to make the city so vibrant.

“Together, we will show how LifeWear brings people together, transcending differences in everyday lives. We invite the people of Edinburgh to join us in celebrating the opening of our new store and to be part of this exciting milestone with us.” 

UNIQLO SS24 collection available in Princes Street store from 25th April

Edinburgh People Campaign

To mark the launch, UNIQLO is collaborating with Edinburgh natives and those who have made home in the city to showcase the city’s vibrant cultural scene, unique style and diverse creative expressions. The partnership showcases seven locals who represent Edinburgh’s vibrant spirit and embody the UNIQLO LifeWear ethos. UNIQLO LifeWear is innovative, high-quality clothing that is designed to make everyone’s life better.

Faces include Balerno-raised singer songwriter, Nina Nesbitt, and freelance music journalist, Aisha Fatunmbi-Randall, who has been at the forefront of the restoration of Leith Theatre in her role as Marketing and Digital Coordinator.

From Edinburgh’s thriving food and drink scene, Darcie Maher, Head Baker and Owner of Lannan Bakery joins the line up alongside the capital’s leading whisky expert, TJ Littlejohn, who also serves as Head of Advocacy and Experience at The Glenmorangie Company.

Completing the lineup of collaborations with Edinburgh’s locals, is artist Arran Rahimian; Dr Stacey Hunter, Design Curator and Creative Director of Local Heroes and Tom Fraser, Principal of the highly acclaimed Chippendale International School of Furniture.

From top: Nina Nesbitt, Aisha Fatunbi-Randall, Darcie Maher, Dr Stacey Hunter, Tom Fraser, Arran Rahiman and TJ Littlejohn

Opening Offers

To celebrate the Princes Street store opening, UNIQLO will be offering the first 100 customers through the door a goody bag, there will also be the exciting opportunity for app scan customers to win a trip to Tokyo, just scan the UNIQLO app with any purchase to be entered into the draw (T&Cs apply). More offers to be announced.

Fans are invited to share their excitement across social channels using #UniqloEdinburgh, when they spot the activity including the UNIQLO branded Edinburgh Trams in the run up to the opening.

UNIQLO currently has 17 stores in the U.K. This new Edinburgh store will open alongside a new store in London, One Oxford Street, in Spring 2024 and will follow the Covent Garden store that opened on 27 April 2023, taking the total number of UNIQLO stores in the U.K. to 19 once opened.

UNIQLO Edinburgh: https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/content/edinburgh.html

Woodcraft Folk announces first Scottish Camp 

FREE PLACES for young people thanks to Scotmid support

Woodcraft Folk, a leading organisation dedicated to providing empowering experiences for young people, has announced its inaugural Scottish camp will be held in West Lothian this May.

The camp will attract young people from across the country.

With funding from Scotmid, five free places are being made available for young adventurers from West Lothian to participate in this exciting event. The camp will take place from May 10th to 12th at The Craigs Campsite in West Lothian.

Woodcraft Folk’s ‘Camps for All’ initiative aims to create inclusive spaces where children aged 10-15 can develop confidence, learn about the world, and cultivate a deeper connection with nature and community.

Lauren Karstadt, Programme Manager for Woodcraft Folk, expressed her excitement, “We are looking forward to our first Scottish camp and are grateful to Scotmid for funding free places for local young people.

“Our events see young people come together, make friends, find common ground, and enjoy adventurous and fun activities. The events are beneficial for physical and mental health, being outdoors, socialising and learning new skills.”

Kirsty Connell, Membership & Communities Manager (East) at Scotmid, said, “We’re thrilled to support Woodcraft Folk’s first camp in West Lothian.

“It presents a wonderful opportunity for young adventurers to learn new skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories.”

Professionals working with young people who wish to inquire about free places are encouraged to email Woodcraft Folk directly: lauren.karstadt@woodcraft.org.uk

For more information about the camp and to book a place, please visit https://woodcraft.org.uk/projects-campaigns/camps-for-all/

Granton gasholder taking shape for future public park

New footage released by the Council shows the tank in the iconic gasholder frame has been infilled in preparation for the site to become a public park in the future.

Around 50,000 tonnes of infill material has been placed and compacted within the 11 x 78 metre tank ready for placement of the bentonite membrane. This follows the dramatic removal of the tank walls and bell last year.

Work is currently being carried out on the enormous amount of steel making up the structure with every steel member being looked at and repaired if required. This involves replacing corroded sections or filling holes. To repaint the structure the process involves blasting it with cooper ore which removes the old lead paint and corrosion, cleaning it down and prepping the surfaces then priming coats before the final paint colour.

The progress is the latest in the restoration of the site which began last year. McLaughlin & Harvey are completing the work on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council using £16.4m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and an additional £1.2 million from the Scottish Government.

The gasholder, which sits at the heart of the Council’s £1.3bn regeneration project for a new sustainable coastal town at Granton Waterfront, will become an exciting multifunctional public area.

The space within the restored gasholder is to have multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated area for permanent and temporary public art and one for relaxation, outdoor trails, and tracks for exercise as well as a large outdoor space for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions, and play. Work will also be carried out to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers improving biodiversity and local habitat in the area.

Councillor Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “It’s exciting to see this footage and the culmination of all the hard work that has already gone into bringing this fantastic project to life for the area. The transformation of the structure will give the local community a much-needed place to come together to enjoy arts, sports, and culture.

“The project forms part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the Granton area where we are unlocking brownfield land to build a new sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood. We’re continuing to work hard to ensure Granton is somewhere residents will be proud to live and I look forward to seeing progress continue throughout this year.

Graham Brown, McLaughlin & Harvey Senior Contracts Manager, said: “We are delighted to have reached another milestone on this exciting project.

“The Gas Holder tank has been dewatered, demolished and infilled alongside the ongoing structural frame refurbishment works. This has involved in-depth logistical planning to ensure both aspects of the project can progress side by side whilst ensuring the safety of our workforce.

“The finished paint surface is also progressing well under the cover of our immense scaffold structure and in the coming months we will commence the public realm works as the final phase of the project.”

Planning Minister, Joe FitzPatrick, said: “Derelict sites can be a blight on communities and often hold back development.

“The Scottish Government’s low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme is helping to unlock these sites by providing investment to create great places for people to enjoy, regenerating communities and tackling climate change.

“I am delighted that £1.2 million from the programme is supporting this transformative project on this historic site with the creation of a biodiverse, multi-use, and accessible park within the frame of the gas holder, opening it up to public access for the first time.”

TODAY: Spring Community Event at LifeCare

Enjoy lots of fun spring activities, including a bake sale, face painting, art exhibition featuring artwork from our unpaid carers classes, and our pop up play for under 5s for your littles to enjoy!

This event is free thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

All welcome, just drop by!

Free thanks to @TNLComFundScot

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Income tax changes today

People urged to check their tax code as new financial year begins

Progressive changes to Scottish income tax will raise valuable revenue for investing in public services, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison has said.  

From today (Saturday 6 April 2024) a new Advanced income tax band will apply a 45% rate on annual income between £75,000 and £125,140. An additional 1pence will be added to the Top rate of tax meaning income over £125,140 will be taxed at 48%.

There are no changes to the Starter, Basic, Intermediate and Higher tax rates for earnings under £75,000. The Starter and Basic rate bands will increase in line with inflation and the Higher rate threshold will be maintained at £43,662.

The independent Scottish Fiscal Commission estimates that overall income tax will raise £18.8 billion in 2024-25.

Scottish taxpayers are being encouraged to check to ensure the tax code on their first payslip in the new financial year is accurate. People paying Scottish income tax should have a tax code that begins with an S.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said: “Scotland has the most progressive income tax system in the UK. The new Advanced band builds on that progressive approach, protecting those who earn less and asking those who earn more to contribute more.

“Only 5% of Scottish taxpayers will pay a higher tax rate this year compared to last year and the majority of taxpayers are still paying less than they would elsewhere in the UK.

“The money raised through income tax allows people in Scotland to benefit from a wide range of services and social security payments not provided elsewhere in the UK, including free prescriptions and free higher education. Council tax is less in Scotland than in England, even before factoring in a council tax freeze for 2024-25.

“I encourage everyone to check their first payslip in April to make sure their address is correct and that their tax code starts with an ‘S’. This will ensure that people are paying the right amount of tax on their income.”

The Scottish Fiscal Commission estimates that the cumulative impact of Scottish Government income tax policy decisions since 2017 will raise an additional £1.5 billion in 2024-25, compared to the position if UK Government tax policy had been matched during that time.

The new Scottish income tax bands and rates for the financial year 2024-25 are:

 2024-25
BandRate
Starter£12,571 – £14,87619%
Basic£14,877 – £26,56120%
Intermediate£26,562 – £43,66221%
Higher£43,663 – £75,00042%
Advanced£75,001 – £125,140*45%
TopAbove £125,14048%

Policies related to National Insurance Contributions and the Personal Tax Allowance remain reserved to the UK Government. Scottish Ministers continue to call for further tax powers to be devolved so decisions affecting the people of Scotland are decided by the Scottish Parliament.

The UK Government confirmed in the 2023 Autumn Statement that the UK-wide Personal Allowance will remain frozen at £12,570.

*Under the UK Government’s Personal Allowance policy, those earning more than £100,000 will see their Personal Allowance reduced by £1 for every £2 earned over £100,000.

Unleash your creativity and tastebuds

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its Edinburgh store, giving each attendee a planter worth £30, that’s created during the event, to take home.  

Taking place on Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 April, at 3pm, this 90 minute event will combine the joy of hands-on creativity with the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea.

Guests in Edinburgh can enjoy three tiers of sweet and savoury delights, accompanied by unlimited tea and coffee refills, and the option to upgrade the drink to a latte, cappuccino, mocha, hot chocolate or speciality tea at a small additional cost.

The first tier will include a variety of freshly made finger sandwiches such as smoked salmon and cream cheese; egg mayonnaise and watercress; and ham, rocket and wholegrain mustard.

The second tier includes Dobbies’ famed scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and the third tier will feature a delightful array of sweet treats, including a rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse.

After enjoying the afternoon tea, guests in Edinburgh will take part in an interactive workshop led by a member of Dobbies’ gardening team.

They will offer top tips and answer questions on how to plant up a container from scratch, and each attendee will have the chance to plant up their own, with a terracotta pot, seasonal bedding plants, hederas and heathers.

Adam Veysey, Dobbies’ Head of Food Development, said: “We’ve only just launched our brand new afternoon tea options and it’s fantastic that we’re able to offer this with an exclusive and new planting event for our customers in Edinburgh.

“We love creating a vibrant community at Dobbies where people of all ages and experiences can come together to give gardening a go, and having afternoon tea with a planting experience is the ideal combination.

“Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, everyone is welcome.”

Tickets for this new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience are priced at £40 per person (with the planter valued at £30).

To making a booking visit: www.dobbies.com/events

Stress Awareness month: Experts share tips on reducing stress levels through small, positive actions

April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK, which since 1992 has sought to raise awareness of the causes and dangers of stress.

Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure or feeling threatened. It is very common and can help people to work hard and achieve their goals. However, too much stress can have a negative impact on your physical, emotional and mental health. 

The theme for this year’s month is Little By Little, focusing on the impacts of small, consistent and positive actions. To mark the month, the learning experts at online training provider High Speed Training have shared some tips to help identify and effectively manage stress at home.

Stress is a normal part of life, and everyone will experience it at some point. There are many causes of stress and they will be different for everyone. Some common sources of stress include:

  • Feeling under lots of pressure. 
  • Facing big changes in your life.
  • Being worried about something or someone. 
  • Not having control over the outcome of a situation. 
  • Having overwhelming responsibilities.
  • Not having enough work or having too much work.
  • Experiencing discrimination, hate or abuse.
  • Going through a period of uncertainty. 

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning & Development at High Speed Training, said: “A key part of managing stress is being able to recognise when you are stressed and responding appropriately. This is crucial as preventing and managing long-term stress can lower your risk for other conditions such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and depression.

“There are many sources of stress in our everyday lives. For many, stressful situations occur in the workplace or due to our jobs. All employers must ensure the health and safety of their employees, including minimising the risk of stress-related illness, so if you are experiencing stress at work, you should try and speak to your employer.”

Know the signs

There are many symptoms of stress, from feeling anxious and angry to physical manifestations, such as headaches, difficulty breathing and muscle aches. 

When you’re stressed, your muscles can contract and become tense, leading to neck pain, headaches, back ache and cramps. Physically relaxing your muscles can help to alleviate these feelings. 

Trying to control your breathing can also help. Try taking a deep breath through your nose, holding it for 5-6 seconds and breathing out through your mouth. Repeating this three times can help increase the amount of oxygen to your brain and reduce your heart rate.

Take Some Time and focus on rest

Taking some time out of your daily routine is essential if you are going to relax your mind and body fully. Activities such as reading, walking, doing a hobby or spending time with friends can all help alleviate stress and allow you to focus on a positive activity.

Sleep is also essential to our wellbeing so you should aim to get a full night’s sleep every night. Most people need around 7-8 hours’ sleep a night, though some people can manage on 6. 

To get a better night’s sleep, try going to bed and getting up at similar times each day to stabilise your body clock, and try to complete a relaxing activity before you go to sleep. It’s also important to ensure your bedroom is sufficiently dark and quiet, and if possible, avoid using electronic devices in bed.

Eat healthily

Dr Anderson said: “Without a balanced diet your body may be more susceptible to stress-related illnesses, so it is vital that you continue to eat healthily when you are feeling stressed. Always eat breakfast and keep hydrated throughout the day to stop yourself running out of energy and feeling tired.

“Eating foods from the 5 key food groups at every meal, consisting of a large amount of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods, a moderate amount of protein and dairy and a small amount of fats and sugars, will help to keep you happy and healthy.

“Try to cut out as many saturated, high-calorie foods as possible, such as pies, pastry, cakes, biscuits and crisps, as these can make you feel sluggish and will be detrimental to your mood.”

Get moving

Exercise is a great way to prevent stress and anxiety and a good way to release tension. Whichever fitness activity you choose to do, even if it’s just for 20 minutes a day, it will help to decrease blood pressure and lower your heart rate: two of the worst physical symptoms of stress.

When you exercise, endorphins are released in your body (as opposed to the adrenaline and cortisol released when you are stressed) which help to produce feelings of well-being and calmness.

Dr Anderson continues: “Everyone will experience stress at some point in their lives. It’s clear that long-term or prolonged periods of stress can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.

“Identifying the causes of your stress and regularly engaging in stress management activities will help you to respond effectively.”

For more information on managing stress, and for lots more practical advice, please visit the High Speed Training Hub.

Community Grants Fund: Applications now open

Do you have an idea that will make a difference to your local community? Applications are now open for a grant of up to £5,000 to make your idea a reality.

The Council set up the Community Grants Fund in 2007 to kickstart projects that benefit local communities. It is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and fostering grassroots initiatives.

There are 13 local funds, each covering a different area of the city. If you’re part of a community group with a project in mind, apply to your local Community Grant Fund today.

The total amount of funding available in your local fund depends on how many people live in your area. If there’s any money left over after this round, we’ll open another round of applications later this year.  Unlike previous years, grants will be awarded a maximum of 3 times a year.

We want to make sure that the projects we fund are the ones that matter most to you. That’s why our funding panels are made up of local community representatives, such as Ward Councillors, Community Councillors, and representatives of community organisations.

If you’re in Leith, keep an eye out for a chance to vote on your favourite projects in January 2025 – information will be available for Leith applicants in the autumn.

The Community Grants Fund has supported some fantastic projects in the past, such as ‘Place to Pause’ at The Eric Liddell Centre and the Broomhouse Street Party. Your project could be next!

For the best chance of securing a grant, apply by the deadline of May 20, 2024. We’ll review all applications in June and let you know if you’ve been successful.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “Our communities are the lifeblood of our city and we’re committed to ensuring that they have the resources to bring their ideas to life.   

“From the Pentlands to Portobello and beyond I’m really excited to see the projects that apply for funding during this round of applications.”