Easter boost for Make 2nds Count

Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity 

Breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Easter boost courtesy of Dalkeith Country Park. 

The organisation, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is the visitor attraction’s charity partner for 2023 and benefits from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of visitors. 

Easter provides the latest chance to support the work of Make 2nds Count, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people. 

And Dalkeith Country Park, just outside Edinburgh, has a cracking Easter calendar of events including a fashion show, Easter cookie decorating workshops and its first Duck Race

Fashionistas can get an exclusive preview of the Restoration Yard’s new spring and summer collection on the evening of March 30. The boutique shopping event, featuring fizz, a goody bag and styling tips straight from the catwalk, also includes a charity raffle for the Karen Henderson Charity Fund, in aid of Make 2nds Count. 

A couple of days later, April 1 sees the staging of the inaugural Duck Race when a flock of yellow birds will vie for position on the River Esk, and throughout April 2-14 kids can take part in a hands-on Easter biscuit decorating workshop. 

Then on May 4, the Inception Art Show returns to Dalkeith Palace, showcasing a curated collection of artists until May 14. This year, Dalkeith Country Park is delighted to have Anderson Strathern on board as the headline sponsor. The exciting, sales-led contemporary art exhibition launched in 2021. This year 35 modern and contemporary artists, sculptors, photographers and painters have been invited to ‘take over’ The Palace. 

As part of the 10-day programme, an online charity art auction will run in partnership with The Auction Collective creating an enticing event when buyers have the chance to bid for works from many of the Inception artists, painters & photographers, whilst supporting Make 2nds Count.  

Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, secondary breast cancer is incurable, although it can be treated. Make 2nds Count patient champion, the late Karen Henderson, was a visitor to The Park and is fondly remembered there.   

Remko Plooij, Managing Director of Dalkeith Country Park says: “Make 2nds Count was chosen as our charity partner in recognition of the connection between Dalkeith Country Park and Karen Henderson, who was a dearly loved visitor.

“The tireless work that the charity does to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer is outstanding, and we are thrilled to be part of their efforts for this coming year.” 

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count: “We rely so heavily on fundraising and donations and are thrilled that Dalkeith Country Park is supporting us.

“It’s wonderful that, at this special time of year, visitors to The Park can also share their fundraising ethos and help make such a difference in the lives of patients and their families.” 

St James Quarter brings styles off the rack and onto the track

Fashion ‘flashmob’ comes to the capital ahead of Edinburgh Style Weekend 

Edinburgh’s iconic tram played host to a fashion flashmob as St James Quarter celebrated the launch of its Edinburgh Style Weekend (3rd – 6th November), taking this season’s must have styles off the rack and onto the track. 

Commuters who surprisingly found themselves on the FROW were given a sneak peek of the runway looks from this weekend’s fashion shows, with models styled in stylish, sparkly, attention grabbing looks from brands including Reiss, John Lewis & Partners, & Other Stories, Bershka, Stradivarius and Superdry – it was definitely an unexpected moment. 

Those who missed out will have the chance to see all the looks and more on the runway at this weekend’s Edinburgh Style taking place on the Quarter’s Level 5 rooftop, with epic views of the city as well as being projected through the Quarter and beyond.

The shows will feature looks styled by the Grazia fashion team as well as an evening Gala show featuring an additional show by flagship store John Lewis & Partners. 

Edinburgh Style will feature styling sessions with the Grazia team, as well as workshops with some of the Quarters’ best loved brands including John Lewis, Kiehl’s, designers Ro & Zo and Dyson. Events include: 

  • Hair Styling Masterclass with Dyson 
  • Christmas Gifting with Grazia 
  • H Beauty Carnival 
  • Stylish Interiors with Skela Studios 
  • Sleep Workshop with Neom 

Beauty lovers are invited to immerse themselves in this season’s trending makeup looks by visiting H beauty’s exclusive Carnival – featuring a line-up of tutorials, workshops and influencer masterclasses hosted by Love Island superstar Paige Turley  

Specially branded Edinburgh Style taxis will also be out and about in the city all weekend, offering complimentary rides to St James Quarter for any lucky fashion lovers who hop on board.

Those travelling by car can also take advantage of reduced parking prices when they stay for three hours or more. 

Susan Hewlett, Brand & Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter is all about embracing bold and exciting design, launching our first ever catwalk show on one of Edinburgh’s iconic trams was the perfect way to kick off this year’s Edinburgh Style event and give a taste of what’s to come.  

“We can’t wait to welcome Scotland’s Fashionistas to Edinburgh Style. If you’re looking for advice on how to upgrade your wardrobe this season, or even a sneak peek at our expert’s must-have items, make sure to grab your ticket – it’s sure to be a great weekend!   

For more information on the events taking place from Thursday 3rd November to Sunday 6th November and to buy tickets, visit St James Quarter’s event page at: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/edinburgh-style 

St Columba’s Fashion Show at Ocean Terminal

Join us on 21 Aug, 2pm @ The Wee Hub brought to you by The Living Memory Association in @Ocean_Terminal for a fun-raising fashion show in aid of the Hospice!

We’ll be celebrating our volunteers and showcasing a selection of bridal gowns and evening wear.

Entry is free!

Stand Up to Cancer: some tickets still available for Charity Chic Catwalk event

Last push for ticket sales for the Stockbridge Stand Up To Cancer Fashion Show. Help us raise more funds to beat cancer. 

Catwalk, shopping, bar, cupcakes, Xmas shop and amazing raffle prizes including meals for two at Taisteal and Zest and also bottle of Glenmorangie and £100 Staters Menswear! There will also be additional special raffles for a weekends hire at Lexus Scotland and a visit to One Spa from Sheraton Hotel.

You don’t want to miss this amazing evening at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus!

fashionABLE: platform soles?

AUTUMN FASHION SHOWCASE:  “fashionABLE” AT WAVERLEY STATION

CATWALK AT PLATFORM 2

Events run at 12.00 and 2.00pm on Friday 23 September

Stacy Paris 1

Coming up this month on the Scottish Fashion scene, “fashionABLE” – a new fashion event demonstrating that diversity in life does not mean exclusion from the catwalk and designs. Continue reading fashionABLE: platform soles?

Student fashion show raises funds for charity

Edinburgh College students organise fundraising fashion show for people with dementia

Megan Fairley, Laura Presly, Sara Penn and Zoe Fraser.

Edinburgh College events management students have staged a fashion show featuring people with dementia as models to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland.

Service users, carers, staff and volunteers at the charity’s Fife Dementia Resource Centre in Kirkcaldy strutted the catwalk as models at the event, which was organised by a team of four college students -Sara Penn, Laura Presly, Zoe Fraser and Megan Fairley.

The team raised more than £700 for Alzheimer Scotland with the fashion show, which formed part of their coursework for their BA (Hons) Event Management. The four students named their project team Icon Events and organised the show with the support of their lecturers.

BHS, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and New Look provided clothes for the fashion show, while a local salon donated handbags and accessories.

Edinburgh College events students have organised 37 events this year, each raising vital funds for a variety of charities.

Team member Sara suggested Alzheimer Scotland as their charity as she regularly volunteers at the Resource Centre alongside her mother and grandmother. Both Sara and Laura’s family members have been affected by the disease, which affects more than 86,000 people in Scotland.

DSC_0119Alzheimer Scotland’s deputy regional manager for Fife and the Forth Valley Anne Buchanan said: “This is a great example of inter-generational working and will help to raise awareness of dementia, as well as raising funds for us so we can continue to provide the range of activities, advice and support for people living with dementia and their friends, families and carers.”

Alzheimer Scotland is the leading dementia organisation in Scotland. The charity campaigns for the rights of people with dementia and their families, and provides an extensive range of innovative and personalised support services. The Fife Dementia Resource Centre provides information and support to carers and service users including drop-in information cafes and day care.

Edinburgh College offers a range of events management courses from introductory level to the BA (Hons) course, the last year of which is delivered by Queen Margaret University.  Applications are currently invited for these courses and more than 900 other courses across the curriculum offered by Edinburgh College and starting in August on its four campuses.

See www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk for more information on how to apply.