Tag: Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird launches free book club in partnership with Musselburgh Library

Diverse aged group of people reading books together

Fort Kinnaird has partnered with Musselburgh Library to launch a free book club that will bring the community together over the joy of reading. 

The club will be hosted at the centre by the Musselburgh Library Team, with participants encouraged to bring along the book they’re currently reading or favourite novel to discuss and take inspiration from others.

Launching in Caffè Nero on Thursday 25th April, from 10am – 11am, the book club will meet on the last Thursday of every month. Booking is not required, and a free hot drink will be available for all attendees of the first session.

The new book club coincides with the relaunch of the centre’s popular book swap, which saw over 300 books exchanged by the community last year.

This year, in addition to the ‘Little Library’ of children’s books in the play area to exchange for free, there will also be a dedicated area for novels for all ages to swap in Caffè Nero. Both book swaps will be available from Thursday 25th April onwards.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “From our long-term partnership with the National Literacy Trust, we know how important access to books and reading is for children, not only for literacy development but also mental wellbeing – which is why we launched our book swap initiative last year.

“But we know reading is equally valuable to adults and it’s brilliant to be able to take our support even further with the launch of the book club, bringing the local community together to socialise and chat over a good book, or several!

“A special thank you goes to Musselburgh Library and Caffè Nero for providing their expertise and a venue.” 

Wilma Porteous, community librarian at Musselburgh Library, said: “We are so passionate about the benefits of reading, both for wellbeing and education, and were delighted when Fort Kinnaird approached us to work on this book club together.

“Whether you’re into thrilling crime novels or prefer a literary classic, the book club is the perfect excuse to while away an hour with fellow readers.”  

For more information, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/news/free-book-club

To plan your day out at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com

New Home Bargains store to open at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird has announced that a brand new Home Bargains store is set to join the centre later this year.

The variety store chain will bring its wide selection of discounted items and brands to the centre, including household goods, food, clothing and toys.

The popular chain will be opening its new 18,500 sq ft space next to Superdrug.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re really pleased that Home Bargains has chosen Fort Kinnaird as the location of its next store opening.

“We know the retailer is a firm family favourite with so many staples at an affordable price and I’m sure it’ll prove popular with our shoppers.”   

Home Bargains will join a range of other retailers at Fort Kinnaird, including M&S, NEXT and JD Sports.

For more information and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Fort Kinnaird to host employment training course next week

·       Fort Kinnaird Recruitment & Skills Centre is hosting a free one-week Retail and Customer Service course for 16- to 24-year-olds, starting on Monday 11th March.    

·       The course will help participants develop the skills needed for a successful career in retail, as well as giving them the chance to speak directly with Fort Kinnaird employers about current vacancies and opportunities.  

·       Everyone who completes the course will also receive the Customer Service: Principles and Practices Award at SCQF level 5.  

·       For more information or to register, individuals should contact the team at enquiries@rscfortkinnaird.co.uk or call 07934485859.   

Kenny Hall, Integrated Employer Engagement Manager at Fort Kinnaird Recruitment & Skills Centre, said: “Our Retail and Customer Service course aims to support young people in the local community into roles within the fast-paced, exciting industry that is customer service.  

“Not only does the course offer the opportunity to learn new skills and grow in confidence, but those who complete it will take home a formal qualification to set them apart when applying for future roles.” 

Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Courses like this one at our Recruitment & Skills Centre are so valuable in helping individuals to grow in confidence and capability.    

“It’s also a great opportunity for young people to build their network and meet with retailers from across the centre, so I’d encourage anyone in the local area looking for a new opportunity to get involved and kickstart their next adventure!”  

Fort Kinnairs hosts local charity for festive film screening

Fort Kinnaird has partnered with local charity Magdalene Community Education Centre to treat young people in the city to a free screening of the newly released Wonka film and bring a smile to their faces this festive season.

Twenty children, aged between six and fourteen, were invited to see the highly anticipated movie and were also treated to popcorn and a range of other goodies to tuck into.

Magdalene Community Education Centre offers a weekly programme of activities for children, teenagers, adults and older people who face social and economic barriers, helping to bring local people together.

The centre plays a vital role in supporting the East of Edinburgh community and is run in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council.

Rab Hogg, Senior Youth & Children’s Work Organiser at Magdalene Community Education Centre, said: “There were lots of happy faces as our young people enjoyed a trip to Fort Kinnaird’s Odeon cinema to see the new Wonka movie.

“Like many across the country, the families we work with are experiencing enhanced financial pressures at this time of year, so it is very important to have established partnerships like this to help take the pressure off those struggling in the community and spread some festive joy.”

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Supporting our local community and giving back to those that work tirelessly to help make it a better place is extremely important to us.

“It was fantastic to welcome Magdalene Community Education Centre to Fort Kinnaird and work together with our partners at Odeon Cinema to put on a fun day out for the young people and volunteers.”

For more information on Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com/

Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

For those looking to get a last-minute gift, or head to the sales after Christmas, Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening times over the festive period.     

The centre will be open from 9am – 9pm in the week leading up to Christmas (Monday 18th – Friday 22nd December), 9am – 6pm on Saturday 23rd December and from 9am until 5pm on Christmas Eve (Sunday 24th December).   

Opening days and times will vary by store, especially on Bank Holidays, so it’s always recommended that visitors check with individual retailers before setting off to avoid disappointment. 

Fort Kinnaird’s full opening times throughout the Christmas week are:  

·         Sunday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm 

·         Monday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed 

·         Tuesday 26th December (Boxing Day): 9am – 6pm  

·         Wednesday 27th December: 9am – 9pm 

·         Thursday 28th December: 9am – 9pm  

·         Friday 29th December: 9am – 9pm   

·         Saturday 30th December: 9am – 6pm 

·         Sunday 31st December (New Years Eve): 9am – 5pm  

·         Monday 1st January (New Years Day): Selected stores open from 9am – 6pm  

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know that Christmas can be a really busy time of year for everyone, so we want to give our visitors plenty of time to get everything they need whilst getting into the festive spirit.  

“We’re open right up until Christmas Eve, and we’re open again from Boxing Day for people looking for a reason to head out in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve.” 

For more information and to plan a festive day out at Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas  

Coca-Cola truck spreads Christmas cheer at Fort Kinnaird

Shoppers at Fort Kinnaird were treated to a very special visit from the Coca-Cola Christmas truck on Saturday as part of its tour of the UK.  

The festive experience offered a whole host of fun for all the family, including ‘elfie selfie’ photo opportunities and food huts serving delicious seasonal treats, as well as free personalised cans of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar given out to mark the occasion.

Visitors were also able to snap their all-important photo in front of the famous truck with the iconic image of Father Christmas on the side. 

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Christmas is a really special time for us, and we were thrilled to be chosen as one of the locations on the tour, bringing the famous truck to Edinburgh.

“It was great to see so many visitors from across the region join us on Saturday for some festive fun as the countdown to Christmas officially begins.”   

Find out more about Christmas at Fort Kinnaird here: 

www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas.  

Locals urged to help families this Christmas by donating decorations and treats

The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange

As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, many families across Edinburgh are facing a crisis this Christmas.

The choice between heating and eating is an all too real dilemma for many, which means this Christmas will be one of sacrifices and shortages for those struggling to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience the spirit of Christmas. 

Friday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics.

Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. Because it’s the little things that can make all the difference and lift the spirits of families in need at this time of year. 

All items will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, and Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked. 

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why the Christmas tree and festive food exchange is so necessary; “We’ve heard a lot of talk this year about people ‘feeling the pinch’ of rising costs, but from what I’ve seen, that’s a massive understatement.

“There are people genuinely struggling to survive. Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas”.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families – and the festive season will be no different.

“Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”

Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours.

It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those that have can help those that don’t, which is after all what Christmas is all about.

Major Black Friday deals at Fort Kinnaird

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Christmas has come early at Fort Kinnaird as retailers reveal a range of exclusive, money-saving Black Friday deals for shoppers in Edinburgh – with many discounts already available in stores now. 

Savvy shoppers can discover offers including up to 50% off in store at Mamas & Papas, up to 60% off at Mountain Warehouse, up to £250 of saving per booking with TUI, up to 50% at H.Samuel and a range of tech deals at Currys, with more still set to be revealed.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Black Friday can be a great opportunity to tick off some of your Christmas list, or maybe even treat yourself ahead of the festive season, and lots of our retailers will be offering a wide range of exclusive deals. 

“A number of retailers are launching bigger deals than ever before, and with many offers also running until the end of the month there are plenty of opportunities for shoppers to take advantage of savings.”

A full list of the Black Friday offers currently available at Fort Kinnaird can be found here, with more still to be added.

*Please see individual retailer websites for terms and conditions. 

Fort Kinnaird is open from 9am – 9pm on weekdays, and 9am – 6pm on weekends.  

Lush Snow Fairy has landed at Fort Kinnaird this weekend

Fort Kinnaird has announced that the Lush Snow Fairy Tour will be visiting the centre this weekend.   

The 2023 Lush festive collection is designed around ‘Out of this world Gifting’. Shoppers at Fort Kinnaird will be able to visit the themed pop-up to browse products from both the Lush Snow Fairy and Intergalactic ranges, including body sprays, bath bombs, and the biggest ever Snow Fairy gift set. The space will also have a photo opportunity and ‘kindness wall’.    

Lush sells one Snow Fairy product every 5 seconds on average during the festive period (October – December), so visitors need to be quick to get their hands on this year’s must-have festive gifts.  

16NOV23 Lush Snow Fairy Tour at Fort Kinnaird.

The pop-up will be located next to the play park and near Caffè Nero and a full breakdown of its opening times can be found below.    

For more information about Christmas at Fort Kinnaird and to plan your festive day out, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas   

Lush Snow Fairy pop-up opening times:  

Friday 17th November: 09:00 – 19:30 

Saturday 18th November: 09:00 – 18:00 

Sunday 19th November: 09:00 – 18:00 

Monday 20th November: 09:00 – 19:30 

16NOV23 Adan Bpwland. . Lush Snow Fairy Tour at Fort Kinnaird.

FOUR SPOOKY SHOWINGS AT FORT KINNAIRD ODEON THIS HALLOWEEN

The Exorcist: Believer

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When two girls disappear into the woods and return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, the father of one girl seeks out Chris MacNeil, who’s been forever altered by what happened to her daughter fifty years ago.

Saw X

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Set between the events of SAW I and II, a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer – only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.

A Haunting in Venice

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In post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.

Five Nights At Freddy’s

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The film follows a troubled security guard as he begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. While spending his first night on the job, he realises the night shift at Freddy’s won’t be so easy to make it through.

For more information, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/cinema