Fort Kinnaird confirms popular fashion brand, Mango, has opened at the centre
Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, continues its expansion and brand consolidation plan in the UK with a new store at Fort Kinnaird. The new 5,600 sq ft store will offer Mango’s women’s line exclusively, including accessories and footwear.
The fit out is based on a Mediterranean-inspired concept, New Med, which showcases the brand’s spirit and freshness. Sustainability and architectural integration are key in the new design, which conceives the Mango store as a Mediterranean home with different rooms with a predominance of warm tones and neutral colours, combined with traditional, handcrafted, sustainable, and natural materials.
Mango is a global company with design and creativity at the centre of its offering. The brand offers a unique design proposal that incorporates Mediterranean style and culture.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“We’re really excited to bring Mango to Fort Kinnaird. As a leading fashion brand for style-conscious shoppers, we know just how popular it will be with visitors looking to update their wardrobe for the summer season.”
To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com
New report reveals reading for enjoyment is at it’s lowest in nearly 20 years
More than 190 Edinburgh children have taken part in storytelling sessions designed to inspire a love of reading, as new research reveals that reading for enjoyment among 8 – 18-year-olds in the UK is at its lowest since 2005 – for almost two decades.
According to the National Literacy Trust, reading for enjoyment is proven to build a child’s confidence as well as make them feel happy and relaxed, yet only 41.5% of children and young people from Scotland say they enjoy reading in their free time.
The events have been organised by Fort Kinnaird as part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative between its co-owner British Land and the National Literacy Trust, that aims to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.
Storyteller Luke Winter joins P3, P4 and P5 for Young Reader’s Programme at Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh.
Children from Castleview, Niddrie Mill, and Brunstane primary schools enjoyed a performance from a professional storyteller and took part in a range of fun activities including a bookmark making workshop. Each child was also given a book of their choice to take home for free, the third book this year gifted as part of the wider programme.
2024 marks the thirteenth year of British Land’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and since the programme launched at Fort Kinnaird, it has supported more than 2,700 school children and seen more than 8,200 books donated across Edinburgh.
P4 – Young Reader’s Programme comes to P3, P4 and P5 at Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh.
The Young Readers Programme is especially designed to provide additional support and help with the development of children in under privileged areas by giving them better access to books.
The National Literacy Trust research revealed that fewer young people who received free school meals (FSM) said they enjoyed reading when compared to their peers who did not receive free school meals (39.5% FSM vs 43.8% non-FSM).
P4 – Isla 8 and Marcie 8.
Young Reader’s Programme comes to P3, P4 and P5 at Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh.
Liam Smith, centre manager at Fort Kinnaird,said: “Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, so we are incredibly proud of the Young Readers Programme and all the local children and families we have been able to support over many years.
“It’s such a rewarding initiative, hearing how the children are inspired by the stories and activities and seeing just how excited they are to take their own book home. This is a programme that really makes a difference and we’re so pleased to be a part of it for another brilliant year.”
Storyteller Luke Winter joins P3, P4 and P5 for Young Reader’s Programme at Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh.
Martin Galway, Head of School Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: “Sparking a love of reading can change a child’s life. It can inspire children’s imagination, provide comfort and escape, build confidence, and support improved literacy skills which are the foundation for all learning.
“Through the Young Readers Programme, we have partnered with British Land for the last 13 years – giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting storytelling events, and to choose and keep books that speak to their interests and passions.
“Our goal is to inspire a love of books and reading that will stay with them forever, which in turn will provide them with essential literacy and life skills they need to succeed and reach their own goals.”
To celebrate the arrival of the hotly anticipated Eras Tour in Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird is welcoming a Taylor Swift performer to the centre for an afternoon of sparkles and style.
If you missed out on tickets, the event will help you ‘Shake It Off’, with the chance for Swifties to visit the centre on Friday 7th June and enjoy a free live performance from the superstar impersonator.
‘Taylor’ will be at the centre from 12pm – 4pm, performing songs including Shake It Off, You Belong With Me, and Love Story. Glitter tattoos and meet and greet opportunities will make the event every fan’s ‘Wildest Dream’.
The performance will take place across the centre, starting outside ODEON, and booking is not required but there will be crowd management in place on the day.
Lisa Hawkins, Marketing Manager at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know just how excited our community is for the Eras Tour to visit Edinburgh and we wanted to continue the celebrations at the centre with our very own Taylor Swift experience.
“Whether you’re a Fearless fan or an Evermore enthusiast, this is the perfect opportunity to get together with likeminded Swifties and have some fun. Fans going to the tour can even finish off the day with some last-minute shopping for their perfect outfit.”
For more information and to plan your day out at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
The Big Kid Circus spectacle is set to land at Fort Kinnaird for the first time this week – with each performance guaranteeing thrills, excitement and laughter.
From tomorrow – Wednesday 5th June – Sunday 9th June, the big top will be pitched in the car park at Fort Kinnaird, with several performances taking place each day.
The show, called ILLUMINATION, celebrates the extraordinary abilities all circus performers have and includes the first ever all-female ‘globe of death’ act in Europe.
Andrew Kinross, Outdoor Commercialisation Manager at Space and People, which has organised the event, said:“Customers have absolutely loved visiting the Big Kid Circus at other venues across the UK and we are thrilled to host the Big Kid Circus at Fort Kinnaird.
“I’m in awe at how talented the performers are, I can’t wait to see what tricks they have up their sleeves this year. They’ve promised lots of surprises so I’m sure it will live up to its mayhem theme.”
Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re always looking for new and different experiences for our visitors and Big Kid Circus is just that. It will be a great summer’s day out for all of the family to enjoy and we look forward to welcoming everyone in the local area to see the show.”
Fort Kinnaird has advised walking or taking public transport to and from the event where possible. If travelling by car, please be aware that the car parks are likely to be busier than normal.
The Big Kid Circus will officially kick off tomorrow – on Wednesday 5th June at 7pm. Following this, the dates and showtimes are as follows:
Thursday 6th June at 4.45pm and 7.30pm
Friday 7th June at 4.45pm and 7.30pm
Saturday 8th June at 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm
Sunday 9th June at 12.30pm and 3pm
The Box Office is open on site from 10am – 8pm from Monday 3rd June.
Tickets range in price from £12.99 for adults, £10.99 for children and people aged 60+, while children under two can attend for free*.
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from the box office at the circus, subject to availability. Wheelchair users and visitors with disabilities should call 07766552211 to discuss access arrangements and to book tickets in advance.
Terms and conditions about tickets and the event itself are also available via the Big Kid Circus website www.bigkidcircus.co.uk/events
*Adults are 16+ and children are between 2 – 16 years old.
Fort Kinnaird has launched a brand-new monthly book club, bringing the community together over the joy of reading.
In partnership with Musselburgh Library, the free sessions are hosted in Fort Kinnaird’s Caffè Nero, with participants discussing their current reads and all-time favourite novels while taking inspiration from others and enjoying a free hot drink.
The club meets on the last Thursday of every month, with the next session at Caffè Nero on Thursday 30th May, 10am – 11am.
The book club launch coincided with the return of the centre’s popular book swap, which saw over 300 books exchanged by the local community last year.
This year, in addition to the ‘Little Library’ of children’s books in the play area to exchange for free, there is also a dedicated area for novels for all ages to swap in Caffè Nero, with both book swaps available now.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re so pleased to launch our new book club – it’s a pleasure to be able to bring the local community together to socialise and chat over a good book.
“A special thank you goes to Musselburgh Library and Caffè Nero for providing their expertise and a venue. We’re looking forward to the next session!”
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
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Wilma Porteous, community librarian at Musselburgh Library, said: “We are 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.”
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.”
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.
· 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 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.”
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.”
