Clean heating and energy efficiency grants to get to Net Zero

£11 million grant funding confirmed for public sector bodies

Leisure centres, schools and university campuses will be transformed by a government fund designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of public sector properties, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.

The University of Edinburgh, Fife Council and Edinburgh Napier University are among the first seven projects to share grants for clean heating and energy efficiency improvements totalling £11 million from the £20 million Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund.

The funding, to support the ambition to reach net zero by 2045, is the first time direct grant awards have been made to public sector bodies instead of loans.

A recent Scottish Government consultation on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill asked for views on a possible requirement for all buildings owned by a Scottish public authority to move to clean heating systems by the end of 2038. There are currently around 23,000 buildings in public ownership.

Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie (well, he was until this morning, anyway – Ed.) said: “Heat from our homes and buildings is responsible for around a fifth of Scotland’s overall emissions so there is no route to delivering Net Zero by 2045 without tackling this.

“Not just our homes but our schools, universities, offices, hospitals and libraries also need to improve their energy efficiency and make the move to clean heating.

“We are absolutely committed to addressing Scotland’s reliance on direct emission heating systems that produce greenhouse gas emissions when we use them, which is why we have consulted on ambitious proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill which we intend to bring forward during the current Parliament.

“We have made clear that we want all public sector buildings to have moved to clean heat by the end of 2038. We expect the public sector to demonstrate leadership in this area and I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm these first awards from the Fund. Further awards will be confirmed shortly.”

The funding is part of £200 million already committed to the public sector for energy efficiency and renewable heating over the next five years – part of the wider plan to spend £1.8 billion during the current parliamentary session on decarbonising Scotland’s buildings.

The University of Edinburgh will receive £2.08m to support the reduction of heat demand at its King’s Buildings campus, home to the College of Science and Engineering, including through fabric insulation and pipework insulation upgrades.

The project will also take steps towards the decarbonisation of heat supply. A heat recovery pump will recycle waste heat from one of the University’s data centres and upgrade it for use within a local district heating network.  

Catherine Martin, Vice Principal Corporate Services, University of Edinburgh said: “The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges we are facing.

“The University of Edinburgh has a clear commitment to take positive action to address our impact on the climate and ultimately reach our institutional goal of being net zero by 2040.

“We need a coordinated approach to these activities and the funding from the Scottish Government will support our efforts to generate solutions and sustainably adapt the way we operate.”

Grants have been confirmed for the following projects:

RecipientGrant awardedProject
University of Edinburgh£2,079,459 King’s Buildings campus – to support the reduction of heat demand and take steps towards decarbonisation of heat
Fife Council£2,404,911 St Andrew’s RC High School and Beacon Leisure Centre – installation of a combination of air-to-water heat pumps and water source heat pumps as the primary heat source for both, plus heat demand reductions at St Andrew’s RC High School
Scotland’s Rural College£387,130 Barony Campus, Dumfries – retrofitting insulation including on the grade II listed Kirkmichael House
Perth & Kinross Council£324,546 Auchtergaven Primary School, Bankfoot – upgrading the existing heating supply via the installation of two air source heat pumps and the installation of a building management system
North Lanarkshire Council£2,345,176.00 Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre – whole building retrofit, redesign and extension as part of revelopment into Net Zero Health Hub
Edinburgh Napier University£1,241,966.00 BE-ST A Lab – Removal of gas-based fossil fuel heating system as part of retrofit including Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, a sustainable innovative curtain wall system, a solar PV integrated roof system and a sustainable LED ready lighting control system
Dumfries and Galloway Council£2,500,000Dumfries Ice Bowl – replacement of the mains gas system with a low emission water source heat pump with heat recapture technology to allow heat generated from the refrigeration system to be recovered, plus energy efficiency measures

Parliament Committee backs Bill which would introduce safe access zones around abortion services

After carefully considering views from a broad cross-section of stakeholders, the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has agreed to the general principles of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill.

The recommendation comes as part of the Committee’s Stage 1 report. The Committee say the evidence it has gathered has led it to conclude that the creation of safe access zones around abortion services are necessary to protect women’s rights so they can access healthcare services without experiencing harassment and undue influence. 

At the same time, the report acknowledges evidence on the potential impact the Bill will have in restricting the human rights of those who engage in anti-abortion activity outside abortion services. The Committee says it recognises the right to protest and private thought are cornerstones of a free democracy, but concludes that the restrictions on human rights imposed by the Bill are proportionate to achieving its aims.

The report highlights a difference in views amongst the Committee on the issue of silent prayer. It says it could be difficult for the police to decide whether a law has been broken by people silently praying and that this issue requires further consideration.

The Committee stress that the Bill’s implementation needs to be subject to ongoing post-legislative review to ensure that these restrictions continue to be proportionate and kept to a necessary minimum, as well as being subject to continuing parliamentary scrutiny. The Committee has made several recommendations to strengthen the Bill to ensure the provisions reflect this and said any future changes to safe access zones should be subject to additional human rights considerations.

The Committee also say it is vital that individual cases are assessed according to their particular circumstances and that how the legislation is enforced will have a critical role to play in ensuring its appropriate implementation.

Speaking on the publication of the report, Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our Committee is united in backing the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill.

“We recognise the strong views it has generated and that not all are in favour of its introduction. But ultimately we believe the creation of safe access zones around abortion services is necessary to enforce the principle that everyone should be able to access healthcare free from intimidation or harassment.

“We understand there are competing human rights at play but we have concluded this Bill strikes an appropriate balance.

“We held extensive discussions on the issue of silent prayer and while some Members felt this should be exempt from the provisions in the Bill, other Members felt an exemption would fundamentally undermine its purpose and that silent prayer can be intimidating to those accessing services. This will need further consideration if the Bill proceeds to Stage 2.

“We’d like to thank all who shared their views with us and helped inform our recommendations.”

Some of the other key conclusions in the report include:

  • The Committee has concluded that, due to the very clear and narrowly defined scope of the current Bill, there is no potential for its provisions to be applied more widely to anything other than abortion services. 
  • The Committee seeks further explanation as to why the default radius of safe access zones has been set at 200m when evidence suggests a radius of 150m would be sufficient for all but one protected premises currently providing abortion services in Scotland.
  • The Committee say they are satisfied that the penalties in the Bill are appropriate and proportionate to achieving the aims of the Bill. 
  • The Committee has called on the Scottish Government to put in place the necessary funds for Police Scotland to develop and deliver specialist training on the enforcement of offences created by the Bill, and that the financial memorandum be updated to reflect that commitment.

Read the report: 

Stage 1 report on the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill

Appeal to trace witnesses after man seriously assaulted in Granton

Police are appealing for information following the serious assault of a 70-year-old man, which took place in West Granton Road.

The incident was reported to police on the evening last night (Wednesday, 24 April), having taken place around 4.10pm that afternoon.

The victim exited his black Renault Scenic and was attacked by a member of a group of six men.

Members of the public came to his assistance and he was driven to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, after which police were contacted.

Detective Sergeant John Dunn said: “We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or may have been in the area on the afternoon of Wednesday, 24 April, to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to trace the man who drove the victim to the hospital, as he may be able to assist our enquiries. He is described as an Irish man, who went by the name ‘Paul’. If you are this man, or believe you know him, please get in touch.

“You can contact police on 101, quoting incident 3511 of 24 April, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Chancellor marks military support for Ukraine on visit to Kyiv

Chancellor tells President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Britain will stand with Ukraine for “as long as it takes”

  • Mr Hunt discussed £500 million of new funding and munitions for the country in its fight against Putin’s Russia with the President and counterpart Sergii Marchenko.
  • Boosts Britain’s military aid for Ukraine to £3 billion this year and by at least as much each year going forward, alongside its commitment to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence spending by 2030.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv yesterday to reaffirm Britain’s support for Ukraine for as long as is required to its leaders.

The Chancellor met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko to offer his support and hear how Ukraine plans to utilise new equipment due from the UK. During their meeting, President Zelenskyy told Mr Hunt that the “crucial” support was “very important” to Ukraine.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the £500 million of new military aid for Ukraine this week, alongside the UK’s largest ever donation of critical munitions like missiles and air defences.

It takes Britain’s military support for Ukraine to £3 billion this financial year, on top of the £4.6 billion already committed since Russia’s illegal invasion began. That level of support will be sustained for as long as is required.

Speaking from Kyiv, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “War in Ukraine has raged on for longer than many feared, but today I saw that the resolve of its people remains absolute.

“The onus is now on its friends to pile the pressure on Putin and help restore peace and prosperity in Europe – we’re determined to play our leading part. 

“Ukraine’s security is our security, and the billions in funding and equipment Britain has provided to date is just the start of a longer-term commitment to supporting them in their struggle with Russia for as long as it takes.”

During their meeting, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine told Mr Hunt: “I want to thank you, your team, government, Prime Minister, Parliament and people of the United Kingdom that you are with us – with Ukraine – from the first days of full-scale war. We count on you. We are real partners.“

Whilst on the ground, the Chancellor visited Saint Michael’s Square with Minister Marchenko and laid flowers at the memorial to the soldiers killed in Russia’s war of aggression. He also visited St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery and lit a candle in their memory.

The UK has consistently been a first-mover in its support for Ukraine and the government has this week moved to shore up the support Ukraine needs for the long-haul, with a new assurance to maintain current levels of support for as long as is necessary. This represents the longest-term commitment of any other nation, coming on top of the 100-year alliance forged by the UK-Ukraine Security Pact.

That started with the £500 million of new military funding for Ukraine being unveiled by the Prime Minister on his visit to Warsaw on Tuesday, where he met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss support for the country. The funding will support the highest priority capabilities, including scaling of UK drone innovation and support so the UK becomes the largest provider of drones to Ukraine. 

With the economy turning the corner and inflation near its lowest level in two-and-a-half years, it was also announced that the government will steadily increase defence spending to £87 billion a year at the end of the decade, thereby hitting 2.5% of GDP by 2030. It secures Britain’s place as the largest defence power in Europe and second biggest contributor to NATO by some margin.

If all NATO partners matched that commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, our collective spending would increase by over £140 billion. Mr Hunt used his visit to Ukraine to urge allies to step up and match that benchmark.

Commitments made this week mean the UK’s total military, humanitarian and economic support for Ukraine now totals over £12 billion since the advent of war in February 2022

The record donation of military equipment to Ukraine being made by the Ministry of Defence includes:

  • 60 boats including offshore raiding craft, rigid raiding craft and dive boats as well as maritime guns.
  • More than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, as well as additional Storm Shadow long-range precision-guided missiles.
  • More than 400 vehicles, including 160 protected mobility ‘Husky’ vehicles, 162 armoured vehicles and 78 all-terrain vehicles.
  • Nearly 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition.

Film Screening at CAMRA’s Members’ Weekend

An exclusive screening of ‘Desi: A Pub Story’ directed by Zaki Solosho will take place Friday 26 April at the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Members’ Weekend, AGM & Conference 2024

Desi: A Pub Story, a new documentary film directed by Zaki Solosho, made for CAMRA’s educational Learn & Discover platform, will make its debut at CAMRA’s Members’ Weekend for a special viewing.

The film is a fascinating guide to British-Indian pubs and a celebration of our modern multi-cultural country. A poignant and human story of pubs becoming the heart of their communities, the documentary tackles the ugly history of racial segregation in British pubs and the story of resistance which led to the rise of the desi pub. 

Desi: A Pub Story features interviews with publicans, pubgoers and very special guests including radio DJ and TV presenter Bobby Friction, plus lots of food, history and culture.

Desi: A Pub Story expands upon CAMRA’s award-winning Desi Pubs book by beer writer David Jesudason. 

The screening will start at 7pm this Friday and will be followed by a Q&A with the director himself. This session is free to attend, and the audience can bring a drink down from the Members’ Bar to enjoy during the film.

Register to attend CAMRA’s Members’ Weekend here and book your spot at this exclusive screening here.

Along with the private showing at Members’ Weekend, public premieres in both Birmingham and London will feature later in the year. More news about these events will follow shortly.

Zaki Solosho is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of London-based creative video production company Element Move. You can view his showreel and portfolio here: https://www.zakisolosho.com/

To celebrate 50 years of CAMRA in Scotland, the Campaign group is returning to the beautiful Caird Hall in Dundee for its Members’ Weekend, AGM & Conference 2024 between 26-28 April.

CAMRA’s Members’ Weekend, AGM & Conference is held annually in April and is open to all CAMRA members. Not only is it a chance to discuss motions at Conference, but it also gives members the opportunity to socialise in the onsite bar, attend information sessions and explore the beer scene of the host city.

Alongside the screening of Desi: A Pub Story, there a many more organised trips and fringe events, including presentations and brewery tours.

SNP to go it alone as coalition collapses

Bute House Agreement is OVER

The Scottish Government’s formal co-operation agreement with the Scottish Green Party has ended, First Minister Humza Yousaf has confirmed.

Mr Yousaf met Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater this morning and, following a meeting of the Scottish Cabinet, the First Minister informed them formally of the end of the Bute House Agreement, and their tenure as Ministers, with immediate effect.

The full text of the First Minister’s letter:

Patrick, Lorna

I am writing to confirm the decision taken by Cabinet today to bring the Bute House Agreement to an end.  This decision is effective immediately.

As per the terms of the Bute House Agreement, this development also marks the end of your tenures as ministers. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your service to the Scottish Government and for your evident commitment to improving the lives of the Scottish people. The Bute House Agreement delivered bold action on pressing social issues, including securing a better deal for tenants and action to tackle poverty and inequality.  We have worked together, too, to accelerate our transition to net zero, with a focus on fair work, green jobs and more support for active travel and the launch of free bus travel for under 22s. 

We can all be proud of our work together to build a greener, fairer and independent Scotland and for the role you played in working collaboratively to find solutions for the problems confronting the world today.

This spirit of co-operation and consensus-building is in keeping with the founding principles of our Scottish Parliament.  Those principles will continue to guide my Government’s approach and to be innovative in the ways we serve the people of Scotland. 

The cessation of the Bute House Agreement should not be a barrier to our parties continuing to work together to make progress on the policies Scotland needs to thrive; not least our shared commitment to securing independence for Scotland and to giving people the right to choose our country’s future.

Thank you once again for all you have done to deliver for the people of Scotland.  I wish you well for the future.

HUMZA YOUSAF

The Greens have called the decision to end the Bute House agreement ‘an act of political cowardice’ and have accused the First Minister of weakness.

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater MSP accused the SNP of selling out future generations by walking away from the Bute House Agreement. 

Confirming the end of the cooperation agreement she said: “This is an act of political cowardice by the SNP, who are selling out future generations to appease the most reactionary forces in the country. 

“Voters deserve better, Scotland deserves better. Scottish Green voters certainly deserve better. 

“They have broken the bonds of trust with members of both parties who have twice chosen the co-operation agreement and climate action over chaos, culture wars and division. They have betrayed the electorate. 

“And by ending the agreement in such a weak and thoroughly hopeless way, Humza Yousaf has signalled that when it comes to political cooperation, he can no longer be trusted. 

“In just a few weeks’ time our own members were to have a democratic say on endorsing the co-operation agreement. We are confident they would have supported us in continuing our work for Scotland, as they have done at every turn. 

“Neither they nor SNP members will have that opportunity. Instead, the most reactionary and backwards-looking forces within the First Minister’s party have forced him to do the opposite of what he himself had said was in Scotland’s best interests. 

“By contrast we as co-leaders of the Scottish Greens were prepared to put our own political careers on the line with our members, to defend our achievements in government, despite enduring all that SNP backbenchers and others threw against us. 

“What a pity he didn’t have the fortitude or the bravery to do the same. If they can’t stand up to members of their own party, how can anyone expect them to stand up to the UK Government at Westminster and defend the interests of Scotland? 

“We want, we demand, a fairer greener Scotland. We believed the Bute House Agreement would speed up that process, only to be let down by the SNP time and time again – on council tax, on oil and gas, on 2030 and most obviously, again today. 

“I appeal to those SNP members who do care about climate, trans rights, independence and our country to consider if they are in the right party for their values, or if their home should be with us as we prepare to step up our defence of the planet in opposition. 

“Finally, to all those who will feel hurt and betrayed today, know this: our resolve is absolute, we will not abandon you as the SNP have, we will fight for your future with every breath we take. “

Climate campaigners have said that the end of the BHA ‘does not change the fact’ that the Scottish Government needs to get its climate plans back on track.  

A Friends of the Earth Scotland spokesperson said: “The end of the Bute House Agreement does not change the fact that the First Minister must take responsibility for getting Scotland’s climate plans back on track, strengthen the desperately weak policy package offered last week and recommit to bringing down climate pollution in line with our 2030 legal targets. 

“The announcement that the Scottish Government wants to scrap its critical 2030 climate target has caused huge anger and concern amongst people who, regardless of their political persuasion, clearly recognise that we need urgent action this decade.” 

“The government must urgently clarify how they will deliver the vital climate legislation that will bring down pollution and improve lives through both the Circular Economy Bill and the Heat in Buildings Bill, both of which were being overseen by Green ministers.”  

ALBA MSP Ash Regan commented: “48 hours ago I put a motion of no confidence in against Patrick Harvie, today the Government have agreed.

“I am glad to see the extremely unpopular politics of the Greens have been abandoned and the SNP have found a backbone.”

SNP MP Joanna Cherry has also welcomed the ‘divorce’: “If true this would be excellent news.

“The Scottish Greens have brought nothing transformative to the table on climate change that was actually viable, their science denying response to the #CassReport was disgraceful & their identity politics are toxic.

“Out with identity politics & virtue signalling, in with policies to tackle the bread & butter issues that our constituents bring up on the doorsteps.”

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie said: “The government is falling apart before our eyes.

“Humza Yousaf is too weak to hold his own government together. Three years into the Bute House Agreement the promises the SNP and Greens made have been torn to shreds.”

The Scottish Conservatives said: “The SNP-Green deal was only ever about one thing – their shared nationalist obsession.

“Humza Yousaf may have been forced to end this disastrous pact before the Greens quit but nothing will really change. He will continue to put his independence obsession above your priorities.”

Tory MSP Craig Hoy said: “The collapse of this toxic coalition is an utter humiliation for Humza Yousaf, who hailed it as ‘worth its weight in gold’ – and continued to back it to the hilt right until the end.

“It beggars belief that the Greens were invited into government in the first place.”

LATEST: At First Minister’s Questions Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has announced that his party will lodge a vote of no confidence in Humza Yousaf’s government

Cash-first approach to help with infant food insecurity

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A toolkit for people working with families with infants at risk of food insecurity is promoting cash first responses to allow them to safely, responsively and appropriately feed their babies and helping towards reducing the need for food banks.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville and Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited Cranhill Development Trust’s Baby and Toddler group in Glasgow yesterday to see the help on offer to families with infants who may be facing financial pressure.

They met with local families attending the group to hear about the impact of cross-Government support for families in the cost of living crisis.

Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “All children have the right to the best possible health and an adequate standard of living, which includes appropriate nutrition to meet their developmental needs. These resources are aimed at ensuring that no baby in Scotland is left without the food they need to grow and thrive.

“We continue to allocate around £3 billion each year to a range of actions which help to tackle poverty and mitigate the impacts of the cost of living crisis on households.

“We will do all we can to reduce child poverty while mitigating UK Government austerity – but we could go much further if policies made at Westminster were not actively working against us.”

UNIQLO opens today on Princes Street

UNIQLO is preparing to open the doors to its first and highly anticipated Scottish store in Edinburgh today.

Welcoming the city’s shoppers to the Princes Street store, the opening is set to regenerate the capital’s shopping scene. Boasting a spacious retail space spanning approximately 1,400 sq meters across two floors, the first Scottish store showcases the full collection of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies. 

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K said: “We are delighted to bring UNIQLO to the thriving city of Edinburgh.

“Our brand is dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality clothing that caters to the needs and preferences of diverse lifestyles. With our presence in Edinburgh, we aim to become an integral part of the local community, offering a unique shopping experience that blends style, comfort and affordability.” 

Housed in the iconic, modernist purpose-built retail store, designed by Johnson-Marshall and Partners in 1965, the UNIQLO Princes Street store features a wide range of popular collections.

Customers will be able to explore linen, BLOCKTECH, the brand’s 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.

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

Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “It’s fantastic news that UNIQLO, a global brand and one of Japan’s foremost casual wear retailers, has chosen Princes Street here in the Capital as the location for their flagship Scottish store.

“This is testament to the pull of our city to major international companies and I’m really looking forward to seeing the store open its doors. I’m encouraged to hear that UNIQLO will be partnering with local charity, Social Bite, working towards ending homelessness.

“Edinburgh is a city that is truly open for business and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Princes Street and beyond. I’m sure UNIQLO will make their mark here and I wish them every success.” 

In-store Experience

The Japanese retailer’s first Scottish store focuses on experience-led features for customers including; RE.UNIQLO Studio and an in-store Japanese tearoom.

Following the success of UNIQLO UK’s first in-store café, which opened last year in the Covent Garden store, the Princes Street store will proudly unveil the brand’s second UK in-store café. Developed in partnership with Japanese tearoom, Katsute100, the space will offer customers Japanese inspired refreshments on the first floor, overlooking a picturesque view of Princes Street Gardens and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle.

Located next to the cafe is the RE.UNIQLO Studio where customers can recycle, repair or remake their favourite UNIQLO items so they can keep wearing and loving them for longer. In partnership with Scotland’s other national drink, IRN-BRU, customers can add BRU-themed embroidery pieces to their UNIQLO items for a limited time only. This is an exclusive to the Edinburgh RE.UNIQLO counter until the end of May 2024.

Limited edition designs in partnership with IRN-BRU, available for embroidery in the RE.UNIQLO Studio until the end of May.

Local partners

UNIQLO will champion local craftsmanship in the Princes Street store, featuring exclusive collaborations with Tom Fraser, Principal of the Chippendale School of Furniture and local artist Arran Rahimian, Tom’s hand-crafted benches will sit across the store’s interior, while Arran’s bespoke artworks will be found in the fitting rooms and adorned upon exclusive goody bags that will be distributed during the launch day festivities.

Other local partnerships that will be featured within the new UNIQLO store include an instore library with a curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books, giving customers an opportunity to read while in-store. Botanical studio, PYRUS has also lent its expertise, dressing the store with beautiful floral arrangements inspired by Edinburgh’s natural landscape, adding a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere upon entry to the store.

Curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books

Additionally, UNIQLO will partner with local charity Social Bite to support its mission to end homelessness. As part of this partnership UNIQLO is working with Social Bite to develop recruitment pathways by creating in-store job opportunities for the people the charity supports. Edinburgh staff will be volunteering with Social Bite and have provided clothing donations.

Opening Day Offers and Events

To commemorate the grand opening, UNIQLO Edinburgh is hosting special promotions and events, offering customers the chance to discover the latest styles and enjoy exclusive offers.

The first 100 customers through the door will receive a goody bag while UNIQLO app customers will be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw. There will be limited price promotions exclusive to the Princes Street store on items such as Ultra Light Down, Extra Fine Merino sweaters, pleated wide pants and selected innerwear for both men and women.

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 wake of the opening.

UNIQLO currently has 19 stores in the U.K. The new Edinburgh Princes Street store opens hot on the heels of One Oxford Street in London on 18th April 2024.

The UNIQLO Edinburgh store operates during regular business hours, providing shoppers with ample opportunities to experience the brand’s renowned offerings. Whether seeking timeless classics or contemporary trends, UNIQLO invites the Edinburgh community to visit its newest location.

For more information about the new store, please visit:

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

Book your stall at Corstorphine Community Centre’s Summer Fete

We are getting better with age …

Get involved in the best community Fete in Corstorphine!

Stalls and sites are limited. Booking is open from TODAY 23.04.24 until 14.05.24

Don’t delay in making your booking – first come, first served at this bustling sell out event!

Demystifying Death event at St Columba’s Hospice

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

💇‍♀️💈Calling all hairdressers and barbers!

We know that you hear people’s life stories, their triumphs, trials and tribulations pretty much all day every day, and that some of those conversations can be pretty tough.

Well, to help you navigate these chats, and to help you help those who might be experiencing grief, change or bereavement, we’d like to invite you to a FREE event!

As well as providing a delicious buffet, we will provide you with resources and opportunities to learn more about how to help those who are in need.

To sign up- call our Wellbeing team on 0131 551 1381.

*** Please note, this event is reserved for hairdressers & barbers only. ***