Multrees Walk and Edinburgh College of Art announce second year of fashion collaboration with ambitious design programme
More than 20 Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) fashion students are being challenged to take their designs from concept to manufacture as Multrees Walk launches the second year of its industry collaboration with ECA.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural project, the collaboration is set to be even more ambitious this year, with the design element at its heart. Students will be challenged to create a 6-outfit collection for Spring/Summer 2027, that is both commercially aware and fashion-forward, with the strongest shirt and trouser co-ord from their collection developed through to final manufacture.
To launch this year’s programme, the students were invited to Multrees Walk to be introduced to the mentors and retailers involved in the programme. As part of their academic journey, students will have access to experts in marketing, buying and design, and will learn about brand positioning, target audiences and pricing.
The project will culminate in a stylish student exhibition at Genesis Studios at Multrees Walk, showcasing a selection of the students’ final designs and providing them with an opportunity to present their work within a professional retail setting.
Professor Mal James, Programme Director, BA (Hons) Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Multrees Walk and to be able to offer our new cohort of students this invaluable professional insight into the different disciplines that sit behind some of the world’s leading fashion businesses.
“Last year we saw just how much the students benefitted from the experience and are thrilled to be able to offer this year’s class a more ambitious and enhanced project.”
The collaboration reflects Multrees Walk’s ongoing commitment to supporting creativity and emerging talent in Scotland, while providing ECA students with meaningful opportunities to connect their academic studies with the wider fashion and retail industry.
Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager at Multrees Walk,said: “Last year we were blown away with the talent and creativity from the 2nd year students, demonstrating just how much can be achieved when education and the retail industry come together.
“And this year we want to build on that success even further. Defined by its calm luxury atmosphere, Multrees Walk is one of Scotland’s leading destinations for luxury retail and lifestyle, and we are delighted to provide the students with the opportunity to experience professional mentorship and expertise from a range of global luxury brands.”
Edinburgh College of Art student Megan Atkinson took part in last year’s programme and her final design “Inscribed in Tartan” was selected as the standout piece at the 2025/2026 showcase exhibition.
Megansaid: “Having access throughout our course to some of the world’s best-known luxury brands was truly amazing. The experience gave us a better understanding into the industry as a business, and how fashion works from a commercial perspective.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to develop our ideas and of course to see our designs come to life in the end of term exhibition.”
The 2026/27 programme will run throughout the academic year, with students receiving mentoring and industry engagement throughout, before the chosen final designs are presented at the Genesis Studios Edinburgh Showcase Exhibition.
In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation takes place TODAY – Friday 18 September – as part of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style
Westfield St James Quarter will bring together four Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) fashion alumni on Friday 18 September, who have gone on to build careers across independent fashion, illustration and bespoke tailoring, for a conversation on what it takes to forge a career in the fashion industry.
In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation is one of the closing events of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style, the ten-day fashion and music takeover curated by Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey to mark the centre’s rebrand to Westfield St James Quarter on 10 September.
Hosted by Professor Mal James, Personal Chair of Fashion at ECA, the panel brings together:
Samantha McCoach, Founder and Designer of Le Kilt, the Leith-born, Scottish-made label stocked at Dover Street Market, Matches and Selfridges. In 2025, Le Kilt joined forces with COS for a capsule collection rooted in craftsmanship and heritage, which was sold at COS in the Quarter.
Rosie Baird, Founder of BAIRD, a Scottish clothing brand launched in 2025 exploring modern Scottish identity through craft and storytelling. Rosie was also responsible for the tartan created for St James Quarter in 2022.
Katie Braid, fashion illustrator, educator and FIDA Award winner, whose work has been exhibited internationally and shown at V&A Dundee.
Alistair Nimmo, Head Cutter and Managing Director of Kathryn Sargent Bespoke Tailoring’s Edinburgh atelier, and a 2025 Walpole Powerlist honouree.
Together, the four alumni represent very different routes into the fashion industry, from launching independent Scottish labels to working as an illustrator and building a career in the highly specialised world of bespoke tailoring.
The panellists will discuss the transition from studying at ECA to building careers across ready-to-wear, illustration and bespoke tailoring, offering practical advice on portfolios, creative practice and navigating the industry after graduation. A Q&A and informal meet-the-panellists session will follow the discussion.
Professor Mal James, Personal Chair of Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, said: “One of the most valuable things we can offer the next generation of fashion talent is an honest insight into what comes after graduation.
“There is no single route into the industry, and our alumni have gone on to build careers across very different areas of fashion, from independent labels and illustration to the highly specialised world of bespoke tailoring.
“Bringing them together at Westfield St James Quarter gives students and emerging creatives the chance to hear directly about those journeys, the challenges they have faced and the opportunities they have created for themselves.”
Presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council as part of the nationwide Fashion Britain initiative, Westfield Days: The Sound of Style has run from 10 to 20 September and included Charles Jeffrey’s own Listening Room installation, built from his personal archive and soundscapes, and the PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time pop-up of archival LOVERBOY pieces and accessories, alongside a wider programme of talks, workshops and live music.
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quarter, said: “Fashion careers rarely follow a straight line, and this conversation with four ECA graduates who’ve built such different paths – from bespoke tailoring to independent Scottish labels – feels like the right way to bring Westfield Days: The Sound of Style to a close. It’s a reminder that Edinburgh doesn’t just watch the fashion industry, it produces it.”
The event is free to attend and is aimed at students, emerging creatives and anyone interested in pursuing a career in Scotland’s fashion industry.
The conversation reflects Westfield Days: The Sound of Style’s focus on connecting fashion, music, creativity and emerging talent, while highlighting Edinburgh’s contribution to the wider UK fashion industry.
Event details In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation Date/ Time: Friday 18 September, 3:30pm–4:15pm Venue: Listening Rooms, Level 3, St James Quarter, Edinburgh Booking link: here.
Designer Charles Jeffrey brings Westfield Days: The Sound of Style to Edinburgh
Rock band swim school headlined a night of live performance, DJ sets and Scottish design at Westfield St James Quarter on Thursday night (10 September), as the centre officially became Westfield St James Quarter with the opening of ten days of cultural programming curated by Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey.
The evening was one of three UK events held on the same night for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style, presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council, with sister events at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City.
In Edinburgh, guests were treated to a headline set from swim school, a performance from drag act Jonbers, a DJ set from Jungle Hussi with guests piped down to the stage by trans piper, Malin Lewis.
Westfield Days centres around Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room, an immersive installation built from his own archive and soundscapes, and his PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products. Guests got a first look at both ahead of the wider ten-day programme, which runs at Westfield St James Quarter until 20th September.
Born in Scotland, Jeffrey is internationally recognised for blending design, performance, music and culture into a distinctive creative vision.
Returning home for the takeover, he said: “I’m looking forward to celebrating the people, places and cultural influences that inspire my work, on home turf here in Scotland.
“This is ten days of everything that’s shaped me – the music, the people, the chaotic creativity of it all – and I want Edinburgh to feel like it’s part of that story, not just watching it happen.”
Alice Johnson, singer with swim school said:“Headlining the opening night of Westfield St James Quarter was brilliant, and playing alongside everything Charles Jeffrey’s put together for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style made the night feel like something genuinely different for the city.
“Westfield St James Quarter feels buzzing – and we’re proud to have been a part of the launch.”
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quarter, said:“This is what the new chapter for Westfield St James Quarter looks like – bold and built around real creative talent.
“Becoming Westfield St James Quarter is an exciting evolution for this destination, and we wanted the launch to feel like that. Ten days of music, fashion and ideas from Charles Jeffrey, one of Scotland’s most exciting creative voices, is exactly the statement we hoped to make.”
Highlights of the Westfield St James Quarter launch included:
An exclusive Listening Room and soundscapes built from Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey
The opening of Jeffrey’s PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products
A headline performance from rock band swim school, alongside drag performer Jonbers, DJ Jungle Hussi and piper Malin Lewis
Guests to Westfield St James Quarter can experience a full programme of talks, workshops and live performances continuing at each centre as part of the wider Fashion Britain initiative.
Highlights include:
Fri 11 Sept, 5.30-6.15pm: Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY x V&A Dundee: Scottish Fashion in Conversation. Charles Jeffrey and V&A Dundee’s Kirsty Hassard discuss Scottish fashion history, introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir.
Sun 13 Sept, 10-11.30am: Fashion Photography Workshop: Creating the Narrative with Claudius Ricketts. A hands-on session on building a fashion image from concept to shoot, with real models. Ages 16+.
Sun 13 Sept, 12-1pm: Love Your Body Dance Workshop with Ivan Blackstock. An energetic Hip Hop-rooted movement session from the choreographer behind Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl. Ages 16+.
Wed 16 Sept, 2-2.30pm: Talk: Tarot, Fashion & Identity with Jade Mordente. Jade Mordente explores tarot and fashion as parallel tools for self-expression.
Full programme of activity is available to view here.
Charles Jeffrey reveals full programme for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style atWestfield St James Quarter
11-20 September 2026 | Westfield St James Quarter
To celebrate the launch of Westfield St James Quarter, officially renamed on 10 September 2026, acclaimed Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey returns home for an immersive ten-day takeover as part of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style.
Presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council, the programme forms part of Fashion Britain, a nationwide initiative celebrating the designers, communities and cultural influences shaping British fashion today.
Born in Scotland, Charles Jeffrey is internationally recognised for blending design, performance, music and culture into a distinctive creative vision.
Returning home for the takeover, he brings that world to Westfield St James Quarter across three experiences: an exclusive Listening Room built from his own archives and soundscapes; the PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products; and a full programme of talks, workshops and live performances spanning fashion, music and culture. The entire programme is curated by Jeffrey himself and features some of the most exciting, emerging names.
A particular highlight will see Jeffrey in conversation with Kirsty Hassard, Senior Curator at V&A Dundee, in a talk introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir. The conversation will explore the role research plays in shaping Jeffrey’s collections, Scotland’s rich fashion history and its influence on contemporary design, and the importance of recognising the creative talent to have come out of Scotland.
The talk will connect directly to V&A Dundee’s current Catwalk exhibition, which traces the stories, designers and cultural influences that have shaped Scottish fashion’s place on the global stage.
Guests can also expect a vibrant mix of experiences throughout the programme, including intimate one-to-one tarot card readings with the incredibly gifted Jade Mordente, an inspiring dance workshop with acclaimed choreographer Ivan Blackstock – known for his work on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl music video – and a specially curated pop-up Vinyl Lounge from local tastemakers, Umbrella Vinyl.
Charles Jeffrey said:“I’m looking forward to celebrating the people, places and cultural influences that continue to inspire my work on home turf here in Scotland and am delighted to have the opportunity to create something that feels immersive, playful and open to everyone.
“This programme is about showing how I work – the music, the references, the people I collaborate with – and putting it all in one place for ten days.
“There’s something for everyone, whether that’s catching a gig, digging through the PUNK FLEA MARKET or just spending an hour in the Listening Room.”
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quartersaid: “Charles Jeffrey is one of Scotland’s most exciting and dynamic creative voices, and there’s no better way to mark this new chapter for Westfield St James Quarter than with a programme built around his work.
“Ten days of music, fashion and ideas, right in the heart of Edinburgh- we want people to come and experience it for themselves.”
What’s On: The Full Schedule
Highlights across the ten-day takeover include:
Friday 11 September
10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room – step inside Jeffrey’s personal archive of music and memory, through curated soundscapes and exclusive content.
11:00am – Vinyl Lounge with Umbrella Vinyl – independent record store Umbrella Vinyl will be selling curated vinyl featuring a selection of the music that inspires Charles Jeffrey
3:30pm – Bikini Body: Live at The Sound of Style – electrifying five-piece Bikini Body bring their irresistible collision of post-punk, dance music and percussion to Westfield St James Quarter
5:30pm – Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY x V&A Dundee: Scottish Fashion in Conversation – Jeffrey joins V&A Dundee curator Kirsty Hassard, introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir, to discuss research, Scottish fashion history and V&A Dundee’s Catwalk exhibition.
Saturday 12 September
10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition – explore Jeffrey’s LOVERBOY archive at your own pace.
12:00pm – Live Music from Her Picture – an intimate live performance from one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists, Her Picture is the public confessional of singer Anny Tahaney, whose honest and thought-provoking songwriting is bewitching listeners in Scotland and beyond.
2:30pm – Fashion, Movement & Theatre with Ivan Blackstock – a workshop exploring the crossover between fashion, dance and performance.
Sunday 13 September
10:00am – Fashion Photography Workshop: Creating the Narrative with Claudius Ricketts – a hands-on workshop on building narrative through fashion photography.
12:00pm – Love Your Body Dance Workshop with Ivan Blackstock – a dance workshop celebrating body confidence and movement.
2:00pm – Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY: Life Drawing Workshop – life drawing inspired by Jeffrey’s own creative process.
4:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
Monday 14 September
10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition
12:00pm & 3:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
Tuesday 15 September
10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition
12:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
1:15pm – MAC Cosmetics Make-up Workshop – a make-up masterclass from the MAC Cosmetics team in Boots.
3:00pm – Lucia & The Best Boys x Neptune Studios: Petals and Frequencies – an autumn equinox bouquet making workshop while listening to Lucia & The Best Boy’s new album, Picking Petals.
Wednesday 16 September
2:00pm – Talk: Tarot, Fashion & Identity with Jade Mordente – a panel discussion on tarot’s connection to fashion and identity.
2:45pm – Tarot – Find Your Archetype with Jade Mordente – a workshop on finding your tarot archetype.
10:00am – Argonaut Books x Charles Jeffrey Bookshop Pop-Up – independent bookstore, Argonaut Books, will be selling a curated selection of books including some of Charles Jeffrey’s favourites and with an LGBTQ+ focus.
10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
3:00pm – DJ Miss Mixtape: LGBTQ+ Sounds – DJ Miss Mixtape spins an LGBTQ+ focused selection of records.
Friday 18 September
10:00am & 1:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
5:00pm – Ray Laurél – performance from Ray Laurél, where the listener finds solace and security in tales centring an identity in flux, tales of unbridled desire & a yearning for the Divine.
Saturday 19 September
10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room
1:30pm – DJ Set: DJ Lu – An energetic set to soundtrack your shopping experience at Westfield St James Quarter.
3.00pm – Cocktail Making Masterclass by The Alchemist – shake, stir and sample during an interactive mixology workshop
Sunday 20 September
2:00pm – Pippa Blundell: Live at The Sound of Style – Experience Pippa Blundell’s captivating blend of folk storytelling, ambient sound and classically influenced vocals.
3.30pm – Natural Lacquer Workshop with Moleskine – Discover the beauty of East Asian lacquer art through a contemporary marbling experience
Proceeds from any ticketed workshops or masterclasses across the takeover will be donated to the Equality Network, which works for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights in Scotland and has been home to the Scottish Trans Network since 2007.
For the full programme and to book onto ticketed workshops, visit Eventbrite.
WESTFIELD St James Quarter? Maybe showing my age here, but to me it’ll always be St James Centre! – ED.
Nine years after thousands of beauty fans flocked to The Centre, Livingston to see Scottish beauty star Jamie Genevieve at a live make-up masterclass, her beauty brand VIEVE is now coming to the shopping centre, which is a full-circle moment in her incredible journey from a make-up artist to an international beauty entrepreneur.
Back in 2017, Jamie was already a major name in the beauty world, sharing make-up tutorials in her own relatable, down-to-earth style with around 800,000 Instagram followers, and close to half a million YouTube subscribers.
Since then, she has built an impressive loyal fanbase around the world, with over two million Instagram and YouTube followers and partnered with various global brands, including L’Oréal Paris.
She has also collaborated with MAC on a special-edition lipstick, which led to her launching her very own product range in 2020, attracting high-profile fans including Claudia Winkleman, Dua Lipa and Nicole Kidman and opened her own store in Glasgow in 2024.
Her collection is also available in retailers like Space NK and Sephora.
Although Jamie, who has just welcomed the arrival of her second child, won’t be appearing at The Centre, Livingston this time, her team of Pro Makeup Artists will be on hand to give people expert advice to help find their perfect shade and try out their award-winning products. Shoppers who spend £99 will also be invited to take part in a ‘Spin the Wheel’ competition to win lots of beauty treats.
The VIEVE ‘Tour de Face’, which is part of a Scotland-wide tour, will only be in the shopping centre from 10th – 13th September, located in front of New Look.
It also forms part of a 50th anniversary Fashion & Beauty event taking place in the shopping centre on the 12thand 13th, to help raise funds for its Charity Partner CHAS, (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland), whichprovides specialist palliative care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
Shoppers will have the opportunity to get a free mini colour analysis and Autumn/Winter style tips from resident stylist Leigh Maybury, located in front of M&S, with donations optional for CHAS, and check out some iconic styles dating back the last five decades.
There will also be model scouting and live music with tunes from the past 50 years, and some lucky shoppers will be in with a chance of winning prizes in the ‘Guess the Fashion Year’ quiz.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “The arrival of the VIEVE beauty brand at The Centre, Livingston feels like a very special full-circle moment, going back to when we welcomed Jamie into the shopping centre nine years ago.
“Her live make-up masterclass will go down as one of our most incredible and well-attended events of all time, with people travelling as far as Newcastle and Aberdeen to meet her.
“It feels even more extra special for us as we mark our 50th anniversary to have her team join in our 50thanniversary celebrations at our Fashion and Beauty Event.
“Shoppers can not only get beauty tips but also an insight into Autumn/Winter fashion trends with our fantastic resident stylist, Leigh Maybury, and a colour analysis. They can also check out some outfits which were trending over the past 50 years and enjoy live music too with tunes covering each decade.”
The Centre, Livingston, which is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, has over 150 stores and restaurants, spanning one million sq. ft. and welcoming over 15.8 million visitors a year.
These include M&S, Flannels, H&M, MINISO, Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger, the country’s largest JD Sports store, Nando’s, Wagamama, Wingstop and the first ArrowHeadz store in Scotland.
National Museums Scotland is launching a public call out for personal stories and garments by Jean Muir, Bill Gibb and Zandra Rhodes. A major new exhibition, A Fashion Odyssey (1 Jul – 12 Nov 2028), will explore the work of these trailblazing British designers in the centenary year of Muir’s birth.
It is hoped the public can help locate treasured garments by these designers and share memories and photographs from those who wore and loved their clothes. There is particular interest in stories that demonstrate the impact of Muir, Gibb and Rhodes in Scotland. Members of the public are encouraged to get in touch with the exhibition’s curators by emailing fashion@nms.ac.uk.
The exhibition will examine the personal design identities of Jean Muir (1928 – 95), Bill Gibb (1943 – 88), and Zandra Rhodes (1940 – ).The designers were brought together in the ‘Odyssey’ room in Fortnum & Mason London in 1970.
Between them they shaped a modern concept of fashion that embraced imagination, identity, innovation and difference. These designers provided an alternative version of what fashion could be at the dawn of the 1970s, a moment of pivotal societal change and a time of political activism and liberation.
A Fashion Odyssey:Jean Muir, Bill Gibb, Zandra Rhodes will bring the trio’s work together again, almost 60 years later. It will reveal how these British iconoclasts presented the public with choice, rather than following the fashion of the day, how their individual design statements were enthusiastically embraced by actresses, artists and pop performers, and how they continue to inspire and influence a new generation of designers.
Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “Opening just weeks before what would have been Jean Muir’s 100th birthday,
“A Fashion Odyssey will reflect on a pivotal moment in her early career and in the history of British fashion. Reuniting Muir with Gibb and Rhodes will illustrate how each crossed over into the others’ design territories, and how they interpreted themes within fashion in their own unorthodox and individual ways.
“We’re asking the public to help bring this exhibition to life. We know there are beloved garments by these designers hanging in the back of cupboards in Scottish homes, and wonderful stories to be told.”
National Museums Scotland’s internationally significant fashion and textiles collection includes the Jean Muir archive. The archive consists of around 18,000 objects which fully document the design, making, and promotion of her collections from 1962 to 1995.
The collection includes paper patterns, sketches, fabric samples, jewellery and accessories, as well as around 400 finished garments, including some of her personal clothing.
A Fashion Odyssey: Jean Muir, Bill Gibb, Zandra Rhodes Saturday 1 July – Sunday 12 November 2028 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Musselburgh Racecourse’s most popular meeting of the year has been confirmed as another capacity sell-out, the East Lothian course has announced.
Ladies Day, in association with Champagne Pommery, will welcome more than 8,000 guests on Friday 7 August, with all hospitality packages and general admission tickets sold out with still more than one week to go.
A packed entertainment programme will see rapper, singer and songwriter Tinchy Stryder join the line-up as a special guest, while top DJ and The Voice presenter Reggie Yates hosts the Ladies Day After Party.
Fashion as always dominates the high-summer occasion, with more than £4,000 in prizes available in the Champagne Pommery sponsored Style Awards to the best dressed racegoers on the day, including the first prize of holiday travel and accommodation to the famous Maison Pommery estate in Reims, France.
Stylish men will also take to the main stage to compete in a new Best Suit Award sponsored by Slater Menswear, while Edinburgh milliner Sally-Ann Provan is supporting the Best Hat Award which is always hotly competed.
Musselburgh Racecourse Ladies Day
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Ladies Day continues to be a winner with racegoers of all ages and we are delighted to announce the 2026 edition is sold out.
“By continually investing in the experience, entertainment and fashion elements, we’ve created an event that appeals to both returning visitors and first-time racegoers and the stage is set for another fantastic afternoon of competitive Flat racing on track and gorgeous glamour off track.
“Champagne Pommery returns as our headline partner, reinforcing the premium feel of the occasion, and our guests couldn’t be in better hands for celebrating in style. The course and the grounds are in fantastic shape and our staff are ready to put on another day to remember.”
Adaptive fashion is clothing designed to be on trend while including features that make dressing easier and more comfortable, including for people with disabilities.
Edinburgh College curriculum team manager, Kim Gunn, said: “We have seen some amazing transformations.“This project showcases exactly what can be done with imagination, creativity and flair.
“I’m proud of the students, of their focus on sustainability and their enthusiasm. It’s been great to collaborate with Cancer Research UK. So many families are touched by cancer so it’s a charity close to all our hearts.”
HND student Calder Ferguson, 35, designed a two-piece skirt and top by combining a dark windbreaker, a pair of blue leggings and a high-vis vest.
His focus was on creating an eye-catching outfit that would make dressing easier for someone with limited mobility. He was inspired by a student he met while on work placement in Brazil.
Calder said: “The client has low finger dexterity so magnet closures and an elasticated waistband were chosen to avoid fiddly fastenings.
“I’ve really enjoyed working on the project and it’s great to see the outfits on show in the shop. I lost my uncle to brain cancer and I know so many families are affected by the disease. It’s good to be able to give something back.”
Freyja Lavender, 19, from Portobello, created a maternity outfit by repurposing a trench coat, a pair of men’s trousers and summer hiking shoes.
Freyja said: “The outfit is designed to make the wearer feel confident, sleek and comfortable all the way through their journey with pregnancy and I hope they’d be able to wear it after the baby was born too.
“Sustainability is important. There are so many clothes already out there in the world. It’s much better for the environment to repurpose clothes rather than buying new clothes all the time. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect the environment.”
Mature student Sandra Cameron of Edinburgh made an adaptive garment, specially designed for people with dementia.
The outfit was in memory of her mum, Lily Bathgate who died from dementia in March 2025. It was created using a handbag, shoes, jacket and trousers.
Sandra said: “Dementia robs people of so much of their personality and dignity. “My mum was a vibrant lady who loved colour.
“The clothing items I was given were dark so the first thing I wanted to do was put colour back in by dyeing them. I used magnetic buttons to make the outfit as accessible as possible.”
In Scotland, around 34,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year*.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years.
Money raised in the charity’s shops helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Cancer Research UK shop manager, Suzy King, said: “We’re excited to showcase these designs in our Stockbridge shop.
“The students have shown creativity turning donated items in to something special.”
Last year Cancer Research UK spent more than £38m in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
For more information about Cancer Research UK’s shops, visit: www.cruk.org/shops or follow @CRUKShops on Instagram.
‘Preemark’ signs and window displays appear overnight in all 21 of the retailer’s stores across Scotland.
Scottish shoppers can enjoy the rebrand from today until Sunday 24th August as the retailer marks 50 years on the Scottish high street this summer.
The celebrations were inspired by Primark’s viral Instagram post earlier this year, designed to settle the debate once and for all on how to pronounce its iconic name.
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
To mark 50 years of Primark on Scotland’s high streets in style with both customers and colleagues, the retailer is tipping its hat to celebrate with a ‘Preemark’ rebrand, which has appeared in all 21 of its Scottish stores overnight.
The full ‘Preemark’ store takeovers are now live in Hamilton, Edinburgh Princes Street and Glasgow’s Argyle Street, alongside fun ‘Preemark’ themed window activations in its remaining 18 Scottish stores up and down the country.
Scots can enjoy the retailer’s significant milestone in every store until Sunday 24th August. The celebrations are a ‘wee nod’ to how most Scots pronounce the popular brand name as ‘Pr-EE-mark’.
This comes after the retailer tried to settle the debate about how to pronounce its brand in an Instagram post that went viral earlier this year. The ongoing speculation ranges from how most people know it, ‘Pr-EYE-mark’, to ‘Pr-AYE-mark’ and the favoured Scottish ‘Pr-EE-mark’.
Gavin O’Reilly, Area Manager for Primark Scotland West and Cumbria, who currently oversees Primark’s first store in Hamilton, Scotland, said: “Our loyal Scottish shoppers have been instrumental to our success over the last 50 years, so we thought it was high time we acknowledged it in true Primark style.
“It’s a proud moment for all our stores to be celebrating our milestone together with a fun ‘Preemark’ nod, which is simply what we know our Scottish shoppers and colleagues are calling us every day anyway!”
Today, Primark has 21 stores covering over 755,000 sq. ft of retail space across Scotland’s much-loved towns, city centres and retail parks, and employs over 2,637 retail colleagues nationally.
From day one, Primark was a hit with Scottish shoppers who initially queued up for its “unbeatable” opening offers in its first store in Hamilton, during the summer of 1975, including women’s tweed coats for £9.50, printed crepe blouses for 99p and briefs for 25p.
Across menswear, V-neck Shetland sweaters were sold for £2.85, poly-cotton shirts for 99p and socks for 23p. Children’s clothing highlights included slacks for 99p, ‘car coats’ for £1.99 and pinafore dresses for £1.65.
Over the years, some of its most popular products in Scotland include velour tracksuits – popular in the early 2000s – as well as a gold sequin dress and Saltire beach towels. Made exclusively for Scottish shoppers, the retailer has produced a line of Scottish pyjamas, Edinburgh-themed t-shirts from £3.00 and more recently its Scotland Euros t-shirts.
From its first and smallest store in Hamilton at just 9,300 sq. ft to the largest store on Edinburgh Princes Street, covering 73,900 sq. ft with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, Primark has continued to grow in size and scale. Its in-store experience has evolved to now feature beauty studios, nail salons and a wide choice of destination cafes – including its popular evolving cafés in Edinburgh and Braehead.
Over the past three years, Primark has invested over £20 million in its stores which includes significant upgrades to stores in Clydebank, Hamilton, Stirling and Irvine so far this year. It has also introduced self-service checkouts and its popular Click & Collect service to all stores in Scotland.
Now every Primark shopper can access the full range, ordering online and collecting more easily and conveniently from their local store in just two days. Looking ahead, the retailer has confirmed it plans to invest a further £9 million in its Scottish stores over the next two years as it reaffirms its commitment to Scottish retail.
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, said:“The high streets and fashions have changed a lot over five decades in Scotland, and Primark has been there every step of the way.
“As we’ve evolved to meet this change in demand, our commitment to offering people great quality clothing at affordable prices is stronger than ever. There is such pride in our stores in Scotland and our customers feel it too, so it’s fantastic to be celebrating such an important milestone together.
“Over the last three years we’ve invested more than £20 million in our stores across Scotland and we’ve a further £9 million planned over the next two years to improve our stores and support the future of Scottish retail.”
Across the UK, Primark operates 197 stores, including 21 in Scotland, and employs 30,000 colleagues. Meanwhile, 2.3 million people every week cite Primark as the main reason for visiting their local high street, and for every £10 spent in a Primark, shoppers spend an additional £3.60 which produces a positive economic ripple effect for local high streets*.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
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Preemark Edinburgh
Timeline of Primark’s stores in Scotland
August 1975 – Hamilton, 29 Quarry Street, ML3 7AW
June 1995 – Motherwell, 20-26 Brandon Place South, ML1 1RB
September 1999 – Clydebank, Unit 2, 117 Sylvania Way, G81 2RR
March 2001 – Stirling, Goosecroft Road, FK8 2EA
April 2001 – Braehead, Unit 1a, Braehead Shopping Centre, G51 4BS
May 2001 – Aberdeen, 152 Union Street, AB11 6BH
June 2001 – Dundee, 40 High Street, DD1 1TU
April 2002 – Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3ER
April 2003 – East Kilbride, Unit 4, Plaza Shopping Centre, G74 1LW
June 2006 – Ayr, Unit 8, Taran Walk, Kyle Street, KA7 1TU
September 2006 – Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8AG
October 2006 – Park Head, Glasgow, G31 4EB
October 2006 – Inverness, 16-18 Bridge Street, IV1 1HG
November 2006 – Greenock, Oak Mall Shopping Centre, PA15 1JW
December 2006 – Dunfermline, 127-137 High Street, KY12 7DR
March 2007 – Irvine, Unit 46, Rivergate Centre, KA12 8EH
November 2010 – Perth, 134-148 High Street, PH1 5UH
December 2011 – Livingston, The Centre, EH54 6HR
December 2011 – Edinburgh Princes Street, The Centre, EH54 6HR
December 2015 – Fort Kinnaird, The Centre, EH54 6HR
More than 8,000 glamorous racegoers enjoyed a sun-kissed start to the weekend at Scotland’s most stylish race day.
Musselburgh Ladies Day, in partnership with Champagne Pommery, rolled out the red carpet for another sell-out event combining horseracing and high fashion, which was rounded off with an After Party hosted by DJ and former JLS band member Marvin Humes.
The Style Awards fashion show, sponsored by Tiger Lily Boutique and hosted by River City star and BBC Scotland present Grant Stott, drew huge crowds around centre stage as the best-dressed ladies and gents competed for more than £6,500 in prizes.
Winner Erika Paterson (TOP, CENTRE)was judged to be the best attired and returned home to Peterhead with a £5,000 trip to France to visit the Champagne Pommery Domaine, £1,500 in spending money and a voucher for Tiger Lily Boutique.
The judging panel for the Best Hat Award, sponsored by Sally-Ann Provan Millinery, included the first winner of TV’s hit show The Traitors, Meryl Williams.
The judges put their faith in winner Jayne Kirk from Dundee who collected a £300 voucher for Sally-Ann Provan Millinery, a bottle of Champagne Pommery and a cut, colour and styling session at Edinburgh’s Charlie Miller Salon.
Musselburgh Racecourse Ladies Day
Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “Everyone makes a huge effort for Ladies Day and that was borne out again this year with many stunning racegoers taking the opportunity to dress to the nines.
“So many of our Ladies Day guests return year in year out and that is great testament to the popularity of the event which has sold out for more than 20 years, but we are not complacent and always try to freshen things up and improve the offering.
“Erika was a worthy winner of the Style Awards but the lovely thing is the effort that all racegoers have gone to dress up for the day. It was a hugely successful day and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2026.”
