The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 760 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

UK Government introduces bill to ‘fix’ the Northern Ireland Protocol

Scottish Government: Northern Ireland Protocol legislation “reckless”

bill ‘ensures the delicate balance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement is protected in all its dimensions and provides robust safeguards for the EU single market‘
introduces durable solutions to fix the four key issues with the Protocol
legislation will remove unnecessary costs and paperwork for businesses

The government has introduced legislation to fix parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol – making the changes necessary to restore stability and ensure the delicate balance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement is protected.

The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill will allow the government to address the practical problems the Protocol has created in Northern Ireland in 4 key areas: burdensome customs processes, inflexible regulation, tax and spend discrepancies and democratic governance issues.

These problems include disruption and diversion of trade and significant costs and bureaucracy for business. They are undermining all 3 strands of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and have led to the collapse of the power-sharing arrangements at Stormont. The UK government is committed to seeing these institutions back up and running so that they can deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.

Following 18 months of discussions with the EU, the UK’s preference remains for a negotiated solution to fix these problems which are baked into the Protocol. But the EU must be willing to change the Protocol itself. Ministers believe that the serious situation in Northern Ireland means they cannot afford to delay.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “This Bill will uphold the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and support political stability in Northern Ireland. It will end the untenable situation where people in Northern Ireland are treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom, protect the supremacy of our courts and our territorial integrity.

“This is a reasonable, practical solution to the problems facing Northern Ireland. It will safeguard the EU Single Market and ensure there is no hard border on the island of Ireland.

“We are ready to deliver this through talks with the EU. But we can only make progress through negotiations if the EU are willing to change the Protocol itself – at the moment they aren’t. In the meantime the serious situation in Northern Ireland means we cannot afford to allow the situation to drift.

“As the government of the whole United Kingdom, it is our duty to take the necessary steps to preserve peace and stability.”

The legislation enables the government to bring forward durable solutions in each of the 4 key areas. The solutions are:

green and red channels to remove unnecessary costs and paperwork for businesses trading within the UK, while ensuring full checks are done for goods entering the EU
businesses to have the choice of placing goods on the market in Northern Ireland according to either UK or EU goods rules, to ensure that Northern Ireland consumers are not prevented from buying UK standard goods, including as UK and EU regulations diverge over time
ensure Northern Ireland can benefit from the same tax breaks and spending policies as the rest of the UK, including VAT cuts on energy-saving materials and Covid recovery loans
normalise governance arrangements so that disputes are resolved by independent arbitration and not by the European Court of Justice

These changes are designed to protect all 3 strands of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, including North-South cooperation, and support stability and power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

They will provide robust safeguards for the EU Single Market, underpinned by a Trusted Trader scheme and real-time data sharing to give the EU confidence that goods intended for Northern Ireland are not entering its market. The legislation also ensures goods moving between Great Britain and the EU are subject to EU checks and customs controls.

The UK’s proposals protect the elements of the Protocol that are working, such as the Common Travel Area. It also contains a provision for it to be replaced by a negotiated settlement, if one is agreed with the EU.

It is consistent with international law and further information on the government’s legal position has been published today.

The government has today also published a ‘problems and solutions’ explainer document setting out each of the proposals in detail.

The UK has engaged extensively with the EU to resolve the problems with the Northern Ireland Protocol over the past 18 months. In the recent intensive discussions between October and March, the negotiating team held more than 300 hours of official and ministerial discussions and spent hundreds more examining the EU’s non-papers in detail.

However, it has become clear the EU proposals don’t address the core problems created by the Protocol. They would be worse than the status quo, requiring more paperwork and checks than today. The EU have said they will not allow changes to the Protocol within its current negotiating mandate.

Scottish Ministers are calling on the UK Government to withdraw legislation aiming to abandon parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiated with the European Union.

Following the publication of the legislation, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has reiterated the danger that disregarding parts of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement could lead to a trade war when the UK is already close to recession and in the middle of a cost of living crisis.

Mr Robertson said: “It is extremely reckless and frustrating that the UK Government has decided to bring forward this legislation. The UK Government has deliberately set itself on an entirely avoidable collision course with the EU.

“Brexit is forecast to cause more harm to the economy than COVID, and this action by the UK Government could trigger significant additional damage to our economy when we are already facing the worst cost of living crisis seen for decades.

“Scotland has direct interests at stake in the Protocol, particularly in trade and border control, and yet the UK Government has shown no willingness to engage us on these issues. It is also directly impacting other Scottish interests, such as participation in the flagship Horizon Europe research programme.

“We have repeatedly called for the UK Government to step back from this confrontational approach and focus instead on dialogue with our European partners, who stand willing to work in partnership to find a negotiated solution. Those calls have also been ignored.

“We urge the UK Government to return to the negotiating table and withdraw this Bill. It is inconceivable to think that the Scottish Government would recommend legislative consent for a bill that would negatively impact Scotland’s economy, that could be deemed to break international law and could risk sparking a trade war with our fellow Europeans, which is in no one’s interests.”

The TUC and NIC-ICTU yesterday issued a joint statement to condemn the UK government’s “reckless” decision to unilaterally suspend its obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The union federations warn the decision will threaten the peace process in Northern Ireland and lead to a potentially damaging trade war.

Commenting on the new legislation, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “It says everything about ministers’ warped priorities that in the middle of a cost-of-living emergency, they announce legislation that could provoke a trade war and cause prices to skyrocket further.

“Working people must not pay the price for this reckless move.

“The government must drop this bill, honour the agreement they signed up to and put practical solutions ahead of posturing.

“Ministers need to get back around the table with the EU as soon as possible and come to an agreement that protects jobs, rights and the Good Friday Agreement.

“The government must show that it respects international agreements to repair its now-trashed reputation as a trading partner.”

ICTU Assistant General Secretary Owen Reidy said: “We all accept that there are practical issues with the protocol that must be addressed in the interests of all of the people of Northern Ireland.

However, the only credible way to do this is for the UK government to start to engage with the EU in good faith, as opposed to taking unilateral action which makes an agreement on the implementation of any protocol more challenging and difficult.”

The full joint statement from the TUC and NIC-ICTU reads:

We are deeply concerned that the UK government has stated an intention to unilaterally suspend its obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Trade unions played a critical role in the development of the Good Friday Agreement – but the government’s actions now threaten peace.

It is essential that the Good Friday Agreement is protected.

This reckless action also risks provoking a trade war with the EU.

In the middle of cost-of-living crisis, it is appalling for the UK government to suggest it will take actions that could see prices skyrocket even further.

Working people must not pay the price of the government’s reckless actions.

UK ministers must honour the international agreement they signed and put practical solutions ahead of ideological posturing.

They need to get back around the table with the EU as soon as possible and come to an agreement that protects jobs, livelihoods and the Good Friday Agreement.

And they must act in good faith to repair the UK’s reputation as a trading partner.

Collective exhibition: The Beast

Exhibition

25 Jun – 18 Sep

Open: Tue – Sun, 10am—5pm

Afternoon Launch

Sat 25 Jun, 2—5pm
Drop-in event. Free

Join us on Saturday 25 June from 2—5pm to celebrate the opening of The Beast, a new work by Ruth Ewan.

Ruth Ewan presents an unearthly moral tale centred on the obscured history of the iconic Scottish/American steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. This new installation tells the story of Carnegie’s ruthless accumulation of wealth and the place he bought in history via an uncanny encounter with his palaeontological namesake, Diplodocus carnegii.

The Beast comprises of a new animation and archival material which explores intersecting ideas around ecology, extinction, wealth, power, time and the history of capitalism.

The script for the new animation has been developed with Marxist magician Dr Ian Saville. The conversation – featuring the voices of Dave Anderson as Carnegie and Keeley Forsyth as Diplodocus carnegii – reveals a provocative and layered history.

This is an open event and all are welcome. Much of the event will take place outdoors in our ‘Play Shelter’ so please dress for the weather! Numbers inside the exhibition will be monitored so a short wait may be required. Drinks are generously provided by our neighbour Bellfield Brewery.

The Beast by Ruth Ewan was commissioned and produced by Collective, with funding and support from the University of Edinburgh Art Collection.

Free, drop-in event. No booking required.

Serve up the perfect Father’s Day breakfast with Aldi Scotland’s ‘Big Man’ square sausage

Aldi has transformed Scotland’s most-loved breakfast food into something even better with its Big Man Square Sausage, which is double the thickness of a regular square sausage.

Guaranteed to have Dads across the country clearing their plates, the Big Man Square Sausage is ideal for an indulgent Scottish fry up or in a morning roll.

Aldi worked with award-winning Scottish Butcher, We Hae Meat, to create the Lauchlan Burn Big Man Square Sausage, which makes for the perfect addition to a Father’s Day breakfast feast.

Aldi shoppers can pick up the tasty breakfast item, which is available at Aldi stores across Scotland from 16^th June, for just £1.49 for a pack of two (260g), while stocks last.

Scottish Space Industry experts called to UK-wide networking event

Event is set to accelerate one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors

A NETWORKING event is calling on space experts in Scotland to share knowledge and expertise with businesses looking to level up within the sector.

The networking event – which will be taking place on June 24^th – seeks to strengthen connections between space value chain companies and those interested in the sector’s opportunities in Northern Ireland, as well as facilitating new collaborations for those businesses across the wider UK.

Delivery partners for the event include the UK Space Agency and strategic space marketing firm AstroAgency, which is based in Edinburgh.

The event has been organised by the Space Research and Innovation Network for Technology (known as ‘SPRINT’), while the Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) research group at Queen’s University Belfast is hosting the event.

SPRINT provides unprecedented access to the expertise and facilities at top UK space universities to help businesses accelerate the development of their products and services through the commercial exploitation of space data and technologies.

The UK’s space industry is targeting significant growth within the next decade, with the publishing of the National Space Strategy last year specifying an objective to level up the country’s space economy through supporting regional activity across the United Kingdom.

The ‘SPRINT Space Sector Update and Speed Networking Event’ is free to attend and has been shaped to ensure participants leave with knowledge on the latest market updates and a broad understanding of recently launched or upcoming initiatives, including funding support, from several speakers throughout the morning and early afternoon.

After lunch, a tour of the on-site facilities will then be followed by a speed networking session, organised by strategic space guidance firm AstroAgency, allowing participants to maximise their time at the event through quick-fire introductions, ensuring direct collaboration opportunities are presented and new connections forged.

National SPRINT Head of Programme, Dr Rain Irshad, said: “We’re excited about running this event and providing businesses in Northern Ireland with key updates on the sector’s progress, as well as enabling new commercial partnerships to be formed with companies from the rest of the UK in order to support the sector’s growth.

“As the UK moves quickly to achieve its ambitions in becoming a leading space nation, there is a huge role for businesses across the entire country to play that aligns well with the levelling up agenda”.

While the global space economy is projected to grow from an estimated £270 billion in 2019 to £490 billion by 2030, the recently published Size and Health of the UK Space Industry 2021 report highlighted that UK space-related organisations produced £16.5 billion in income in 2019/20.

In terms of employment, space activities supported a total of approximately 190,000 jobs across the value chain, growing 6.7% from 2018/19 and demonstrating the exciting potential of a sector that covers satellite manufacture, launch vehicle and spaceport developments, cutting-edge scientific research and the analysis of data from space to support environmental protection, the economy and society at large.

With further growth projected as more companies move to capture their share in the market via supply chain opportunities and collaborations with universities, the UK space sector represents a huge opportunity for businesses to secure additional revenue streams and new insights to enhance the competitiveness of their commercial offering from a unique, ‘out of this world’ viewpoint.

Chris McQuire, Head of Local Growth at the UK Space Agency, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to forge valuable partnerships in the fast-growing space sector.

“Strengthening connections across the space value chain is a vital part of our mission to catalyse investment, and this event will promote new and exciting opportunities for regional collaboration within Northern Ireland, while extending links between Northern Irish businesses and those in the rest of the UK.”

The SPRINT Space Sector Update and Speed Networking Event will also offer a ‘hybrid’ format, allowing those who cannot join in person to log-in remotely and engage online with participants and speakers from the likes of the Satellite Applications Catapult and industry group ADS.

Registration is free and places at the session can be secured at:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sprint-space-sector-update-and-speed-networking-event-tickets-266675512637

Tesco Bank supports local communities with new charity partnerships

Tesco Bank has announced two new major charity partnerships with The Trussell Trust and cancer support charity, Maggie’s.

The charities were voted for by Tesco Bank colleagues who were keen to focus their latest charity partnerships on supporting local communities as well as health and social causes. Colleagues are now looking forward to raising much-needed funds and volunteering across the UK for their chosen charities.

This latest announcement comes after Tesco Bank colleagues raised £245,000 for The People’s Kitchen, The Beatson, and LifeCare Edinburgh following a successful partnership with the charities.

Funds raised by Tesco Bank will help Maggie’s to continue providing free support online and in centres to people with cancer as well as their family and friends across the UK, and the Trussell Trust provide emergency food and support to people living in poverty.

Lynne Rennie-Smith, Director of Colleague Experience at Tesco Bank,said; “It’s important to recognise the life-saving work of charities such as The Trussell Trust and Maggie’s. Tesco Bank has a proud record of supporting the communities in which we operate, and I’m delighted these charities will benefit from our colleagues’ passion for fundraising for worthy causes.

“Thanks to these important partnerships, our colleagues are inspired to continue making a tangible difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable within our communities.”

Sophie Carre, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Trussell Trust, said; “We are hugely grateful to Tesco Bank for choosing the Trussell Trust as one of their new charity partners. This partnership will help to support thousands of people facing financial hardship across the UK as we work to achieve our vision to end the need for emergency food in the UK.

“As the nation faces a rapid rise in the cost of living, too many families on the very lowest incomes are being forced to the doors of food banks to get by. No one should be unable to afford the essentials – and while we work to tackle the reasons why people don’t have enough money in their pockets, we hugely value the support of partnerships like this to ensure food banks are able to support people who are facing hunger right now.”

Sharon O’Loan, Fundraising Director at Maggie’s, said; “We are delighted that Tesco Bank has chosen Maggie’s as one of their new charity partners. Maggie’s support has never been more needed, as the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer treatment continues to be felt and the cost of living crisis becomes overwhelming for many people with cancer.

“The funds raised through this partnership will help us provide free support and information on everything from treatment options, psychological advice and benefits advice to thousands of people with cancer and their families across the UK.

“We’re excited about our new partnership with Tesco Bank and everything we’ll achieve together.”

As well as supporting Maggie’s and the Trussell Trust Tesco Bank is proud to utilise its ATM network to support a number of national causes including the NSPCC, The British Heart Foundation and the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Tesco Bank has offered customers the opportunity to make charitable donations of up to £300 through its network since 2012 and has since raised over £750,000 for good causes.

Men’s Health Week: A quarter of UK men have never checked themselves for testicular cancer

46% of 18–24-year-olds have never checked themselves
Nearly a quarter (23%) of men don’t recognise lumps as a symptom of cancer
Leading GP gives her step-by-step guide on how to check for signs

This week is Men’s Health Week, and research has found that, shockingly, more than a quarter (26%) of UK males have never checked themselves for signs of testicular cancer, while another 15% only check themselves once a year or less.

A new study, commissioned by health experts at Livi, the online GP service, has found that surprising numbers of men are not checking themselves for testicular cancer, despite it becoming increasingly common, with an increase of 24% since the 90s¹.

Younger generations appear to be significantly less likely to check their testicles, with nearly half (46%) of 18–24-year-olds admitting that they had never checked themselves for cancer. This is particularly concerning as testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst young men, particularly those in their early 30’s².

However, older generations appeared to be significantly more likely to check themselves. Those aged 25–34 years old were found to be the most likely, with only 21% stating they had never checked their testicles.

The survey also revealed which signs of the cancer men are most likely to recognise, with over three quarters (77%) of men recognising lumps as a symptom, but only a third (34%) identifying heaviness in the scrotum and a difference in appearance between the testicles (33%) as potential signs.

The 5 most recognisable signs of testicular cancer

1. Lumps – 77% knew this was a sign

2. Enlargement of testicles – 58%

3. Pain or discomfort in testicles – 46%

4. Heaviness in scrotum – 34%

5. Difference in appearance between testicles – 33%

Additionally, many men incorrectly identified unrelated symptoms as signs of cancer, including sexual impotence (18%) and discomfort in the penis (21%).

Dr Rhianna McClymont, Lead GP at Livi, provides a step-by-step guide for checking for signs of testicular cancer:

· The best time to check yourself is during, or after a warm bath or shower. This helps to relax the testicles and make them easier for you to examine.

· Hold your testicle in your palm and gently examine each one with your thumb and forefinger.

· You’re looking for any type of abnormality, or difference in feel. Your testicles should feel smooth and firm, but not hard.

· Make sure you check yourself regularly and if you notice any lumps, or hardness in the testicles, get yourself checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Dr. McClymont adds: “Testicular cancer, like any form of cancer, can strike at any age, but it’s more common in younger people, so we recommend beginning checks in puberty.

“If you notice any lumps or difference in the feel of your testicles, then it’s important to speak to a doctor to get checked out immediately. These symptoms are not a guarantee you have cancer, but they can be indicators, so it’s always vital to see a medical professional if you spot any signs.”

For more information on how to spot testicular cancer, visit: https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/testicular-cancer-how-to-spot-the-signs/

Appeal: Please help stop harrassment outside abortion facilities

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service is appealing to the public to support a Members Bill to outlaw protests outside abortion clinics.

Details below:

How-to-respond-BPAS-and-Back-off-Scotland-guide Download

Please respond to the Scottish Government Consultation on buffer zones.

Sending a response only takes 10 minutes.

The DEADLINE to respond is 10th August 2022 Gillian Mackay MSP has launched a Private Member’s Bill for Safe Access Zones, or buffer zones, outside abortion facilities across Scotland.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

This is a really important step in the move for buffer zones. You can access the consultation here www.bufferzones.scot Y

ou can access a ‘suggested response’ guide here https://images.bpas-campaigns.org/…/How-to-respond-BPAS…

Please share widely. We need as many people as possible to submit a response. Help make buffer zones a reality.

World’s longest inflatable assault course opens at Conifox

Thrilling Tartan Titan challenge for all the family

Conifox Adventure Park is taking family fun to another level with an exhilarating and globally unique assault course experience.

Billed as the world’s longest and best continuous inflatable assault course, the Tartan Titan is an immersive interactive adventure, propelling participants into the realms of their favourite game shows – Ninja Warrior, Total Wipeout and Gladiators.

At a whopping 560metres, it is almost 65metres longer than the current world record course and packed full of challenges for all ages. The whole family can climb, crawl, jump and bounce their way to glory, with dedicated time slots for adults and younger children to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.

Conifox is currently seeking Guinness World Records verification to confirm the Tartan Titan’s official status as the longest inflatable assault course in the world.

Open to everyone taller than 1.1metre, the new attraction features 50 sections of obstacles including the Corkscrew, Wipe Out, Ninja Run, Ladder Challenge, Tidal Wave and Everest Slide. There will also be special Challenge Days when visitors can attempt to set a record time on the course with a prize for the winner of the #TitanChallenge 2022.

The spectacular course is the latest addition to Conifox Adventure Park, at Kirkliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, which recently invested £2million in a new Activity Centre.

James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “This is just the most exciting time for us all at the park.

“ We’re constantly looking for new ways to up the fun factor here, for both children and adults, and we’ve come up with something thrilling that really fits the bill. It’s an action-packed adventure, accessible for the whole family to enjoy.

“The Tartan Titan is unique worldwide – only available at Conifox – and it’s set to be an absolute blockbuster for us. We’re sure it is going to prove fantastically popular with visitors who are up for a challenge and a lot of fun.

“We’re especially looking forward to real enthusiasts taking up the Titan Challenge and encouraging super-fit celebrities and sports stars to join in and help raise the bar. So come on down and take on the Titan!”

Bookings are now open for the Tartan Titan. Please visit:

https://www.conifox.co.uk/whats-on/

To find out more about Conifox Adventure Park visit https://www.conifox.co.uk/

Fleurs de Villes at St James Quarter

From June 24th to July 3rd, experience a free 10-day public event of fresh floral couture by local florists at St James Quarter – all in celebration of remarkable women.

World-renowned bespoke floral show Fleurs de Villes, is thrilled to announce the launch of its very first public showing in Scotland, in partnership with St James Quarter – Edinburgh’s chicest retail destination.

The show is open to the public from Friday June 24th, exactly one year on since St James Quarter opened its doors, when guests will be able to tour the self-guided exhibit until Sunday, July 3rd.

The FEMMES exhibition will showcase a series of fresh floral mannequins celebrating remarkable women around the world. Fleurs de Villes is proud to be working with local floral talent who will create these tributes based on an inspirational photo or painting of each woman.

Participating florists include Amanda Coghill, Border Blooms by Gail Watson + Bluebells Florist Crieff, Cassia Salvona Floral Design, Farima Perry Florals & Events, Floral Ambitions, Fruit Salad Flowers, Gillytree Studio, In Bloom Studio, KDM Event Styling & Floral Design, Narcissus Flowers, Ollie + Ivy, Penelope Fleur by KDM, Petals by the Shore, Quate & Co., Rogue Flowers, Rose & Ammi Flowers, Simpsons Florist, Wild Flowers, and Wildflower & Willow.

Visitors to St James Quarter can also shop for fresh blooms at a pop-up flower market on Saturday June 25th and visit the Fleurs de Villes JARDIN area that will host floral demonstrations and talks from Friday June 24th to Sunday June 26th.

The public are encouraged to vote for their favourite mannequin, and to enter a ‘snap and share’ social media contest for a chance to win tickets to “My Fair Lady” at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

(L-R: Frida Kahlo, Oprah Winfrey and Audrey Hepburn displays from past Fleurs de Villes FEMMES city exhibitions – Photo Credit: Fleurs de Villes)

Fleurs de Villes FEMMES at St James Quarter will feature these fifteen remarkable women of cultural significance and historical impact:

Annie Lennox – Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox is one of the most successful celebrated artists of her generation. From her time in ’80s synthpop duo Eurythmics to her solo career, she has sold millions of records around the world, and is also known for her social activism and philanthropic works.
Isobel Wyley Hutchison – sponsored by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Scotswoman Isobel Wylie Hutchison overcame the constraints that her age, gender and class placed upon her, to become a solo Arctic adventurer, an accomplished botanist and a successful poet and writer.

Mary Queen of Scots – Perhaps the best-known figure in Scottish royal history, Mary Queen of Scots’ life, marital decisions, political actions including an alleged plot against Queen Elizabeth I, and subsequent execution has established her as a divisive and widely romanticised historical character, depicted in culture for centuries.
Karen Gillan – sponsored by FUSE. Scottish actress Karen Gillan has gained recognition for her work in film and television, including “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Avengers”, and “Doctor Who.”
Eunice Olumide – Born in Edinburgh, Eunice Olumide is an international supermodel, broadcaster and curator who in 2017, was awarded an MBE for her contribution to Arts, Broadcasting and Charity work.
Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady mannequin – sponsored by Edinburgh Playhouse. This FEMME is inspired by the much-loved Cockney flower seller Eliza Doolittle played by the iconic Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 musical film. The Lincoln Center Theater’s multi-award-winning production of “My Fair Lady” will be playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse from December 14th 2022 to January 7th 2023.
Rose Ayling-Ellis – sponsored by Deaf Action. British Sign Language user Rose Lucinda Ayling-Ellis is best known for playing Frankie Lewis in BBC soap EastEnders, and her groundbreaking Strictly Come Dancing win with Giovanni Pernice in 2022.
Flora MacDonald – sponsored by Clarendon Fine Art Gallery. One of the most romantic characters in Scottish history, Flora Macdonald is best known for helping Bonnie Prince Charles Edward Stuart evade government troops after the Battle of Culloden in April 1746; since becoming immortalised in the famous 19th century “The Skye Boat Song” that narrates the getaway.
Megan Beveridge – sponsored by Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Megan Beveridge of the British Army made history by becoming the first serving female Lone Piper at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh in 2016.
Marilyn Monroe – Actress, singer, and model Marilyn Monroe became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, and is still one of the world’s most enduring iconic figures.
Mary Somerville – Scottish science writer and self-taught polymath Mary Somerville became the first female member to be elected to The Royal Astronomical Society at a time when women were largely absent in scientific circles and their participation was discouraged.
Frida Kahlo – Possibly the most well-known female painter of modern times, Kahlo is famous for her ground-breaking self-portraits and works inspired by the nature and artefacts of her native Mexico.
Queen Victoria – Queen Victoria was the first English-born monarch of Great Britain to share her love of Scotland. Throughout her reign of 63 years she visited the country many times, and even inspired a trend for tartan and tweed across the kingdom.
Empress Xiaozhuangwen – The mother of the first Emperor of the Qing Empire, Empress Xiaozhuangwen proved to be a critical stabilising figure in her young son’s reign, remembered for her wisdom and insight.
Cleopatra – For almost 3 decades, Cleopatra VII served as the dominant ruler in her co-regencies. Her romantic liaisons, military alliances and supposed powers of seduction has earned her an enduring place in history and popular myth.

Audiences of all ages, cultures and genders will be able to learn more about these fascinating women by scanning the QR codes on signs adjacent to each floral sculpture that will link visitors to their incredible stories.

Proud sponsors of these FEMMES include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Clarendon Fine Art Gallery, Deaf Action, Edinburgh Playhouse, FUSE, Cash for Kids and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Other highlights of the FEMMES exhibition within St James Quater include a selfie-invoking swing adorned with blooms, a floral cocktail menu at The Alchemist raising funds for charity Cash for Kids, a “flower-bombed” Maserati MC20, and ornate floral doorways at retailers Reiss, Miele, Juliet Rose, Thai Express, IOLLA and Clarendon Fine Art Gallery.

(L-R: Malala Yousafzai, Carline Astor,  Grace Kelly displays from past Fleurs de Villes FEMMES city exhibitions – Photo Credit: Fleurs de Villes)

The partnership is part of St James Quarter’s ongoing commitment to provide a cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and offer opportunities for the local community to get involved with unique experiences. This activity follows on from a number of successful events over the last year including Edinburgh Style, Love Beauty and a seafood festival.

Visitors to St James Quarter will be able to view the floral exhibition in the main Galleria area while shopping with luxury retailers such as H beauty and Reiss or before a refreshment stop at cocktail bar and restaurant The Alchemist or food hall Bonnie & Wild. Guests will also be able to see other retailers unleash their inner botanist as stores get involved with the event with their own floral displays.

“We felt that this was the ideal time to launch Fleurs de Villes FEMMES as people are starved for in-real-life, tactile and inspirational experiences that they can enjoy safely with friends and family. The exhibit will offer the opportunity to learn about these important women who have left their mark on history and what better backdrop than a unique venue like St James Quarter,” says co-founder Tina Barkley.
Co-founder Karen Marshall adds: “We are very excited to bring our event to Edinburgh for the very first time and to launch the new exhibition FEMMES at the iconic St James Quarter. Each of our shows is an entirely different experience, celebrating the local community and made possible by local partners like St James Quarter which support Fleurs de Villes events being freely and most beautifully open to the public. With such a diverse group of local florists and creative talents, we can’t wait to spread joy and tell the stories of these women, en fleurs, to honour each as truly remarkable.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, says: “We are delighted that Fleurs de Villes FEMMES is coming to Scotland for the first time and there’s no better place to showcase the series than St James Quarter, the hub of the capital city.

“We could not be more pleased to have Fleurs de Villes FEMMES grace our Galleria and celebrate inspirational women from across the globe in such a spectacular fashion.”