Fort Kinnaird is inviting families to get involved with its schedule of fun activities throughout the Easter break (3rd – 20th April), including free Easter and spring themed sustainability workshops at the Leith Collective, and a range of great discounts and offers across the centre.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We love seeing families and friends spend quality time together at the centre over the Easter period and, this year, we’re pleased to be back with a whole host of seasonal activities and offers, with everything from Easter workshops to bath bombs on the agenda!”
Egg-citing Easter fun at Fort Kinnaird includes:
Leith Collective workshops: From 3rd – 6th April, Leith Collective is inviting families to its free Easter workshops where children can use recycled materials to make bird feeders and wildflower planters or paint Easter eggs. On Easter Saturday and Sunday, there will also be an egg hunt in store. For more information, head to Leith Collective’s Instagram.
Easter bath bomb parties at Lush: Lush is hosting a calendar of Easter parties between 3rd and 17th April, with visitors who sign up via Eventbrite able to make their own exclusive bath bomb, get involved in Easter-themed games, and take home a goodie bag including an exclusive product and samples, for £15 per person.
Kids eat free at Frankie & Benny’s: Between 30th March and 17th April, Frankie & Benny’s is offering a children’s main, two sides, a drink, and a dessert for free with every adult main purchased. Full information can be found on the website here.
Fort Kinnaird’s opening times will remain the same as usual over the Easter weekend, however opening hours at individual retailers may vary and visitors are encouraged to check with specific venues ahead of their trip.
Good Friday (Friday 3rd April): 9am – 9pm
Easter Saturday (Saturday 4th April): 9am – 6pm
Easter Sunday (Sunday 5th April): 9am – 6pm
Easter Monday (Monday 6th April): 9am – 9pm
For more information and to plan an Easter visit to Fort Kinnaird, go to:
PROTESTERS gathered outside Edinburgh Pets At Home (Pets At Home Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird) today and called on newly appointed CEO, James Bailey, to stop live animal sales at all of the chain’s stores.
Live animals are sold in the majority of Pets At Home stores; rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, fishes, insects and reptiles.
Newly appointed Pets At Home CEO James Bailey, will start work in the new role on March 30th 2026.
Campaigners representing Rescue Not Retail are calling on James Bailey, the former Waitrose boss, to end the sale of live animals in all Pets At Home stores.
Protestors wore masks and signs were held outside the front of the shop that said “Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop!’ Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!”, “Hamsters are not toys! Just like us!”. “Fishes are not decorations! Just like us!”. “Snakes are not hobbies! Just like us!”.
The protest was part of a nationwide week of action organised by campaign group Rescue Not Retail. Other protests are happening in Edinburgh, Derby, Dorchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton
The week of action has followed an open letter written by Rescue Not Retail to Pets at Home asking for an end to animal sales. The letter was endorsed by Chris Packham, Dame Joanna Lumley, Gail Porter, Peter Egan and other notable figures, including 29 veterinary professionals and 25 animal rescues.
Over the past 6 months, Pets At Home have seen their profits dive, a 25% drop in share price, and their CEO depart with an interim currently in place.
Rival pet store chain Jollyes removed live animals from all of their stores earlier this year, receiving praise from animal rescues.
The UK is in a rescue crisis, exacerbated by the fallout of Covid and the rising cost of living, with an estimated 184,000 small animals given up every year.
LOCALS protested for two hours outside Pets At Home (Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird) calling for new CEO James Bailey to stop selling live animals. With rescue centres across the country at bursting point and facing funding issues, campaigners are addressing the root cause of this crisis.
Many pet store chains have already stopped selling live animals, James Bailey and Pets At Home are simply being asked to follow suit. A growing number of people are boycotting Pets At Home stores completely due to the conditions the animals are kept in there, likely contributing to the recent slump in profits of the business.
Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must end the abuse of animals in shops by halting animal sales across all stores.
“We’re saying loud and clear: ‘Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop! Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!“
Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said:“James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must take immediate action to end this abuse by halting animal sales across all stores.
“Pets at Home is acting irresponsibly by encouraging the objectification of animals and enabling impulse purchases. There is a troubling lack of transparency within the pet industry—we do not know exactly where the animals sold at Pets at Home come from. Pet mills operate as factory farms supplying animals for the trade.
“Snakes, fishes, and hamsters are thinking, feeling beings with distinct personalities and complex needs. They are not decorations or toys to be bought on a whim and discarded when they become inconvenient. Pets at Home should instead promote adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis..“
Chris Rhodes, animal advocate, from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the new CEO of Pets at Home, must end the sale of animals and stop reinforcing the idea that animal exploitation is acceptable.
“Fishes, snakes, and hamsters are sentient beings with the capacity to think and feel. Animals are not objects, decorations, or toys to be purchased for human gratification. Pets at Home should instead champion adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis.
“Fishes are not decorations! Hamsters are not toys! Snakes are not ‘hobbies’. Rabbits are not ‘for children’.”
Rescue Not Retail is a campaign group raising awareness of animal suffering in the pet industry.
The organisation’s first aim is getting Pets At Home to stop selling live animals on their shop floors. All animals are complex individuals who have specific care needs that can be very difficult for the average household to meet.
Misinformation during sales leads to many people finding themselves responsible for an animal they cannot properly care for, so the animal ends up either neglected, passed on to a rescue, or abandoned.
In response to the campaign’s recent open letter, naturalist Chris Packham said:“It’s time we stopped treating sentient, feeling animals as products on a shelf. Every small animal sold in a shop is an individual, not a toy or decoration.
Like ourselves, each hamster, rabbit, guinea pig and so on has just one life to live and they deserve not to be commodified. Keeping animals on shop floors encourages people to buy them on a whim, which is fuelling a rescue crisis in the UK.
“If we truly love animals we must end the sale of them in stores.”
New GRIDSERVE Electric Super Hub has arrived at Fort Kinnaird
Includes 12 ultra-rapid 400kW-capable EV charging bays
Visitors to Fort Kinnaird can now charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at speed while shopping, thanks to the opening of a new GRIDSERVE Electric Super Hub.
Located next to the A1 in Newcraighall, south-east Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird is one of the UK’s largest outdoor retail destinations with over 70 shops, restaurants and leisure options, making it a hugely popular destination for the region.
The new Electric Super Hub features 12 ultra-rapid charging bays, located near Caffè Nero, equipped with the latest 400kW-capable chargers and powered by 100% net-zero carbon energy.
Plug in and the latest electric vehicles will be able to add more than 100-miles of range in less than 10 minutes. To make charging even more convenient, all chargers are available 24/7, accept contactless payment and feature an improved user interface with large screen that displays the vehicle’s real-time charging status.
Electric Super Hubs are a vital part of GRIDSERVE’s nationwide EV charging network, the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, and Fort Kinnaird is one of five retail parks owned by British Land that GRIDSERVE is supporting with the fastest, most reliable and most convenient EV charging provision.
Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Officer at GRIDSERVE, said:“It’s fantastic to bring ultra-rapid charging to Fort Kinnaird combining speed with convenience.
“This location underlines GRIDSERVE’s commitment to expanding super-fast, reliable EV charging infrastructure across Scotland and the UK, making it easier than ever for EV drivers to charge confidently as part of their everyday journeys.”
Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, added: “Introducing electric vehicle charging at Fort Kinnaird is an important step forward for us.
“More of our shoppers from the local community and beyond are choosing to use EV or hybrid cars, so we need to make it as easy as possible for them to make greener travel choices. It’s about keeping pace with how people want to travel, while doing our bit for the environment.”
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
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Classrooms across Edinburgh are closed next week (16th – 20th February) as children enjoy February half term. To help families spend quality time together without breaking the bank, Fort Kinnaird has shared a collection of great deals and offers.
From bargain blockbusters to money-saving menus and creative sessions for kids, there’s something for all ages and interests to get involved with this half term.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Half term is always a busy time at Fort Kinnaird, and we love seeing families making a day of it.
“Whether that’s catching a film at Odeon, getting creative at Hobbycraft, browsing the shops or sitting down for a family meal. So, it’s great to see a range of offers available across the centre, helping to make keeping the young ones entertained that bit easier over the break.”
February half term offers at Fort Kinnaird include:
Big screen experience: There’s fun for the whole family at ODEON this half term, with adults paying child prices on the Family Ticket offer. Whether it’s two adults and two children or one adult and three children, families can enjoy big-screen favourites and new releases such as GOAT and The Bad Guys 2, with screenings running daily throughout the half-term break. Terms and conditions apply, with more information here.
Meal & movie savings:Frankie & Benny’s is giving diners 30% off mains when they show a same-day cinema ticket – perfect for pairing a trip to the big screen with a family meal out. Terms and conditions apply, with more information here.
Hands-on creative sessions: Hobbycraft is running a programme of in-store workshops for children, giving little ones the chance to get crafty and make something to take home. Sessions include fun activities like painting, seasonal crafts and simple DIY makes, with step-by-step guidance from the Hobbycraft team. Places are limited, so booking is recommended, with more information here.
Free pizza for kids: Pizza Hut is offering a Kids Eat Free deal, with children able to enjoy a free kids’ meal when an adult purchases a main meal (dine-in only). It’s a great way to save on a family meal out, with favourites like pizza, pasta and sides on the menu. More details can be found here.
For more details and to plan day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening hours, giving shoppers plenty of time to pick up last-minute gifts, make the most of a festive day out at the centre, and even enjoy the post-Christmas sales.
This includes some stores extending their opening hours in the days leading up to Christmas to give visitors more time to get what they need.
Fort Kinnaird’s festive opening hours are:
Monday 22nd December: 9am – 9pm
Tuesday 23rd December: 9am – 9pm
Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm
Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed
Friday 26th December (Boxing Day): 9am – 6pm
Saturday 27th December: 9am – 6pm
Sunday 28th December: 9am – 6pm
Monday 29th December: 9am – 9pm
Tuesday 30th December: 9am – 9pm
Wednesday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): 9am – 5pm
Thursday 1st January (New Year’s Day): 9am – 6pm (limited store openings – check with individual retailers)
Opening times may vary by store, particularly on bank holidays, so visitors are encouraged to check with individual retailers before travelling to the centre.
Fort Kinnaird’s festive programme is already well underway, with the Winter Village, which includes a Christmas Market, fairground rides and two Circus shows, open until Sunday 28th December, as well as festive film character appearances as part of the centre’s seasonal line-up.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know the festive period can be a really busy time, so we want to make it as easy as possible for our visitors to get everything they need.
“Our extended opening hours throughout the Christmas week give shoppers plenty of flexibility, whether they’re picking up last-minute gifts or planning to spend a festive day out with loved ones.”
With more than 70 shops, restaurants and a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Fort Kinnaird offers everything needed for a full festive day out – combining entertainment, food and Christmas shopping all in one place.
For more details and to plan your festive day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
A Fort Kinnaird jeweller has traded treats for festive spirit and gifted lucky shoppers with a free gift card – simply for spreading a little Christmas cheer.
Beaverbrooks, at Fort Kinnaird Shopping Park rewarded festive visitors in each of its 57 stores who showed off their seasonal spirit by wearing a Christmas jumper, bringing mistletoe, or belting out a Christmas classic.
The retailer rewarded up to five festive visitors in each of its 57 stores with a Beaverbrooks gift card worth £50, to be spent on jewellery, diamonds, or watches – perfect for ticking off Christmas shopping lists.
The one-day-only event was designed to bring a little extra magic to Fort Kinnaird in December, encouraging customers to support their local high street and experience the warm, personal service in the Fort Kinnaird Beaverbrooks store which the family-owned jeweller is known for.
For those who may have missed the one-day event, Beaverbrooks is running a Spend and Save offer from Friday 12 December in-store and online, for a limited time only. Shoppers can save £20 off £100 on all full-priced jewellery, using code SAVE20.
Fiona House, Branch Manager at Beaverbrooks Fort Kinnaird, said: “We love seeing the high street come to life at Christmas, and this year we were delighted to do something that adds even more sparkle to the festive shopping experience.
“Our Christmas Cheer event was all about spreading joy, celebrating the little moments that make this time of year so wonderful – and maybe treating yourself or a loved one to something truly special along the way.
“We loved seeing how our customers got involved and brought plenty of festive fun in-store! The whole day was truly special and perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.”
For more information about the Christmas Cheer event, visit:
Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.
From Buddy the Elf discovering Fort Kinnaird for the first time to the mean, green one causing mischief and the much-loved Frozen sisters greeting shoppers, there’s something to help visitors of all ages get into the festive spirit.
Starting today (Friday), visitors can meet the festive favourites in 30-minute intervals between 12pm and 5pm close to the Christmas Markets.
The line-up includes:
Friday 5th December – Buddy the Elf
Friday 12th December – The Mean Green One & Cindy Lou
Friday 19th December – The Frozen Sisters
Open until 28th December, the Winter Village has transformed the centre into a festive hub, shoppers can explore more than 20 artisan market stalls offering handmade gifts, personalised decorations and festive treats – as well as a range of and family-friendly funfair rides.
Visitors can also enjoy two different circus shows each day under the big top. Santa’s Mystical Christmas brings a festive pantomime twist packed with aerial performances, stunts and audience participation, while Freestyle Circus delivers high-energy acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts, including the famous Globe motorcyclists.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many visitors enjoying the Winter Village this year and it’s brilliant to add even more festive fun with the much-loved characters over the next few weeks. I have no doubt they’ll be popular for the whole family!
“Whether you’re here for Christmas shopping, a bite to eat or simply to take in the atmosphere, Fort Kinnaird is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and make special memories.”
With more than 70 shops, restaurants and a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Fort Kinnaird offers everything needed for a full festive day out – combining entertainment, food and Christmas shopping all in one place.
For more details and to plan your festive day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas, with almost one in five (18 per cent) saying they expect to feel lonelier this year than they did last Christmas.
The research, conducted by Fort Kinnaird in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, also found that more than half (53 per cent) of people in Edinburgh said they wouldn’t know where to turn for help when struggling with loneliness or isolation.
Worryingly, almost half (49 per cent) also said they don’t feel comfortable confiding in someone they trust about how they feel – a tendency that increases with age.
In response, Fort Kinnaird has teamed up with Edinburgh-based charities Cyrenians and Edinburgh Young Carers to help raise awareness of the support they can provide for vulnerable groups experiencing feelings of loneliness, including people who are homeless and young carers.
Cyrenians works to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness, including social isolation, by offering prevention, early-intervention and supported-housing services.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Young Carers provides respite and support to young people who care for somebody at home. They aim to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness, offering emotional and practical support and by giving each young person the opportunity to take a break from their caring role which can be very isolating.
Fort Kinnaird will be donating advertising space to both of the local charities, helping to signpost the vital support for those who need it most, while also encouraging donations. Adverts promoting the charities will feature across its digital screens, on posters and bathroom mirror vinyls, as well as on social media and the centre’s website during the festive period.
Later this month, the centre will also bring back its popular Letters of Hope initiative for the second year, where shoppers are encouraged to share messages of support that will once again be distributed by Cyrenians to vulnerable members of the community, helping to combat social isolation over the festive period.
Shoppers will also be able to make a voluntary donation to Cyrenians through a donation point located next to the ‘Letters of Hope’ Mailbox.
To support young people experiencing loneliness, the centre will also be hosting digital workshops run by animation and film makers D Fie Foe, in partnership with Edinburgh Young Carers. The workshops will aim to provide young people with useful skills in digital filmmaking, whilst using creativity as a platform to connect and collaborate with others.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“The festive period is a truly special time for us at Fort Kinnaird, bringing people from across the community together to enjoy our Christmas markets and festive activities, but sadly we know that it can be a lonelier time for some.
“Having worked closely with Cyrenians over the past year, we’re acutely aware of the impact that social isolation and loneliness can have and wanted to build on our partnership to increase our support for those in need this Christmas.
“We’re proud to be partnering Cyrenians and Edinburgh Young Carers to raise awareness of the local support available, whilst creating opportunities for meaningful moments of connection this Christmas.
“We look forward to seeing the messages of festive joy shared by our visitors through Letters of Hope, whilst raising valuable donations for Cyrenians.”
Alexa Knight, Director of Policy and Influence for the Mental Health Foundation, said: “We can all feel lonely at times, but when loneliness lasts for a long period, it can have a profound impact on our mental health.
“At Christmas, this can feel even harder because the portrayal of the season as full of joy and togetherness can deepen feelings of isolation if we are lonely.
“Working with Fort Kinnaird allows us to shine a light on an issue that is often hidden, encourage open conversations, and connect people with the support and understanding they need this Christmas and beyond.
“It’s important to note that loneliness isn’t something individuals should have to fix alone; we all have a role to play. Taking time to check in with people around us, offering a listening ear, or creating spaces where others feel welcome can make a real difference.”
The research also revealed that whilst loneliness is often associated with older generations, younger people are increasingly struggling too, with more than a third (34 per cent) of 18–24-year-olds anticipating greater feelings of loneliness this year.
Social media also emerged as a key influence, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) of people saying that online platforms make them feel more alone at Christmas, whilst financial pressures (43 per cent), being physically distant from family and friends (29 per cent) and the recent loss of a loved one (27 per cent) and were the key reasons behind feelings of disconnection.
Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Young Carers,said:“Edinburgh Young Carers are delighted to be working with Fort Kinnaird on this campaign in the run up to the festive period.
“Young carers take on incredible responsibilities for their loved ones throughout the year, and Christmas can often be an isolating and difficult time.
We hope this campaign will highlight the support that young car”ers and young adult carers have a right to access – including a break from caring and a chance to have fun and spend time with friends.”
Throughout the festive period, Fort Kinnaird will also be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.
The Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force launched its first day of action last week in the North East of the city, focusing on Leith Walk and Fort Kinnaird.
This initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Crimestoppers Scotland , aims to tackle shoplifting and violence against retail workers.
The operation combined two key approaches – Prevent and Pursue:
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
High-visibility patrols visited retailers to offer reassurance, crime prevention advice, and act as a visible deterrent.
Retailers have welcomed this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership to address prolific shoplifters.
PC Sarah Brotherston, who led the operation, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We know the harm it causes to retailers and staff, and we’re committed to reducing theft and bringing offenders to justice.
“This day of action is just one piece of work that the Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force are involved in. Further days of action and targeting of those who are repeatedly involved in shoplifting will be taking place in the run up to Christmas”
If you have information about shoplifting or stolen property, report it anonymously at https://orlo.uk/3Fp70 or call 0800 555 111.
Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.
Elodie was one of 115 pupils from the local primary school to take part in the contest, with Fort Kinnaird choosing her hand-drawn design to be printed on the labels.
As part of Fort Kinnaird’s longstanding partnership with Scottish homelessness charity, Cyrenians, the jars of honey featuring Elodie’s design will be donated to food redistribution service, FareShare, helping to give back to the local community. FareShare aims to reduce food waste while also tackling food inequality across the country.
Elodie and the five runners up, Elena, Kamsi, Layah, Lola, and Ella celebrated with a visit from the Cyrenians team and Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, who awarded them with vouchers to enjoy a well-deserved shopping spree at the centre in recognition of their winning designs.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“It’s been great to see the children of Niddrie Mill Primary School get involved in our competition. We were really impressed by the creativity of all the designs, but Elodie’s really stood out to us.
“We’re proud that our beehives are having such a positive impact on our local community, not just in terms of sustainability by promoting biodiversity but also by providing an opportunity for us to support the vital work of Cyrenians through donating to their FareShare service and ensuring the honey is put to good use.”
Judith Hughes, Director of Income Generation, Marketing and Communication at Cyrenians, said: “We’re really pleased to be part of this community initiative with Fort Kinnaird and Niddrie Mill Primary School.
“Our FareShare initiative provides vital support to people across Scotland, and we think that the honey complete with Elodie’s lovely design will bring a smile to those using our service.”
Cheryl Miller, Sustainability Lead at Niddrie Mill Primary School, said: “Our students really enjoyed being involved in Fort Kinnaird’s competition and it’s great to know that their work will have a positive impact on our community, which is so important to us as a school.”
The competition follows pupils from Niddrie Mill visiting the beehives at Fort Kinnaird back in June, during which they learned all about the world of bees – including how they are essential to the local environment, how hives function, and what it takes to care for bees first-hand.
Fort Kinnaird runs the beehives in partnership with Colin Mackie, a local beekeeper who has tended to the beehives since they were established in May 2024.
For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
