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:
This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.
Running from 21st November until 28th December, the Winter Village offers families, friends and couples the perfect festive day out.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s brilliant to bring the Winter Village to Fort Kinnaird for the first time, creating a space for our community to come together and celebrate the season.
“Whether you’re visiting to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, catch a festive classic at the cinema or simply soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a wonderful way for families and friends to get into the festive spirit and make special memories.”
Market magic
The Winter Village will be complete with over 20 artisan market stalls providing visitors with plenty of options when browsing for gifts for loved ones or even treating themselves to something special this Christmas.
Grab a bite as you wander, with plenty of sweet and savoury options to keep you fuelled – such as tasty dishes from Salt and Chilli Street Food, and classic pick ’n’ mix treats to take home.
Gift hunters can browse baubles and handmade luxury decorations that make ideal keepsakes. There will also be a range of personalised gifts on offer that are customisable while you wait, making the gift buying process as simple as can be.
Big‑top thrills:
Two dazzling circus shows will be brought to life under the big top, providing festive entertainment for all the family.
Santa’s Mystical Christmas:
Step into a festive circus pantomime packed with aerial acts, daring stunts, seasonal music and audience fun. When Santa arrives at the circus bearing gifts, a mischievous witch casts a spell that traps him inside the big top. With Christmas hanging in the balance, Santa and his trusty Elf must outsmart their foe, restore the magic and save the season.
Freestyle Circus
For something with more adrenaline, Freestyle Circus delivers high-energy acrobatics, precision choreography and jaw-dropping stunts. Expect the famous Globe motorcyclists, the nerve-testing Wheel of Death, and a soundtrack that mixes hip-hop beats with street-style swagger.
Fun for all ages
From family-friendly spinners and mini-coasters to faster attractions for older visitors, there will be something for everyone at Fort Kinnaird’s Christmas funfair – the perfect dose of seasonal adrenaline.
Glitter tattoos and face painting are also on offer to help visitors look the part this festive season.
Availability can vary throughout the season, and some rides carry height restrictions, so it’s worth checking boards on the day.
Make a full day of it
The Winter Village sits at the heart of Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh’s largest retail and leisure destination. With more than 70 shops and restaurants and a seven‑screen Odeon cinema, it’s easy to spend a full day out that blends festive fun with gift shopping and a bite to eat.
The Winter Village will run at Fort Kinnaird from Monday 21st November until Friday 28th December.
The market is free to explore, with a small fee for the funfair rides and other activities like face painting. The two circus shows are ticketed events.
Over 115 local primary school students aged between five and 11 years old are due to take part in a competition run by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the jars of honey produced by its resident beehives.
The centre has teamed up with Niddrie Mill Primary School to host the contest, with pupils tasked with creating a label for the 100 jars of honey created by the beehives located in the service area.
Students are encouraged to put their creativity to the test, with the winner set to win a £100 voucher to spend at Fort Kinnaird and a £20 gift card for five runners up.
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.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Since our beehives were installed back in May 2024, they’ve provided fun and educational opportunities for our community and nearby schools like Niddrie Mill, while the centre’s wildflower areas support biodiversity by creating habitat for pollinators.
“We’re pleased to be continuing this with the competition and can’t wait to see all the designs the pupils of Niddrie Mill create – bringing to life the importance and impact of bees on our local environment.”
For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Fort Kinnaird has announced a major transformation that will bring a host of much-loved retailers to the centre, with some set to open in time for Christmas.
The centre’s Eastern Terrace is getting a fresh new look, with premium beauty brand Rituals and popular card and gifting retailer Clintons confirmed to be joining the line-up – with a third high-profile brand set to be announced shortly.
A number of much-loved stores already based at the centre will also be getting a design refresh. Specsavers has already reopened in its newly refurbished space, with a revamped Costa Coffee set to launch inside Next in the coming months, providing the opportunity to take a pause while shopping with family or friends.
It’s all part of a wider refurbishment of the centre which will deliver more than 20,000 sq ft of upgraded space – allowing even more great stores for shoppers to explore.
Liam Smith, centre direct at Fort Kinnaird, said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Fort Kinnaird. We’re continuing to invest in the centre to bring even more of the brands our visitors love, alongside giving some of our most popular retailers a fantastic new look.
“Whether you’re coming to the centre for everyday essentials or planning a full day out, these changes are all about creating the best possible experience – with more choice, more style, and more reasons to visit time and time again. We can’t wait for shoppers to enjoy what’s coming next.”
This announcement follows a successful year at Fort Kinnaird, during which the park unveiled nine new retailers, totaling 36,200 sq ft, with an additional 37,000 sq ft currently under offer.
Recent additions include European fashion powerhouse Mango, global sportswear leader Adidas, and family-focused crafts and stationery brand The Works. The line-up will also soon be joined by popular chicken chain Popeyes, which was recently announced.
A phased reopening of the redeveloped Eastern Terrace will commence in October 2025 with the works due to fully complete in Spring 2026.
Conveniently located off the A1, Fort Kinnaird offers 2,600 free car parking spaces, Shopmobility and over 70 shops and restaurants, ensuring an enjoyable and varied shopping experience for all visitors.
A Fort Kinnaird jewellery retailer celebrated International Charity Day with a landmark achievement for charitable giving, after donating £25 million from company profits to charities and communities since 2000.
Beaverbrooks Fort Kinnaird located in Fort Kinnaird Shopping Park has contributed to the total by supporting a variety of fundraising activities – including Payroll Giving, with every donation matched by the business to amplify the impact.
The store team has also taken part in volunteering for local charity, Edinburgh Cat & Dog Home. Alongside this, each colleague receives £100 each year to donate to a cause close to their heart.
As part of Beaverbrooks’ core purpose of enriching lives and making a difference, the business donates 20% of its retained profits each year and has supported more than 500 charities over the past 25 years.
It also leads the way in Payroll Giving, with 45% of colleagues regularly donating through their pay – far above the national average of 6% – which has earned Beaverbrooks a Diamond Quality Award for the past seven years.
Fiona House, Store Manager at Beaverbrooks Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re so proud to be part of this £25 million milestone. Giving back is what Beaverbrooks is all about – and our Fort Kinnaird team love supporting causes that really matter in our community.
“Whether it’s fundraising, volunteering, or simply lending a hand, it’s amazing to see the difference we can make together.”
To mark the occasion, Beaverbrooks stores will be offering fizz and sweet treats from Friday to Monday, with a special thank you for customers who join the Beaverbrooks Club – including £25 off when spending £100 or more.
To find out more about Beaverbrooks’ charity and community work, visit:
Oasis fans flocked to Fort Kinnaird last weekend to enjoy a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.
The event allowed fans who missed out on tickets to the Murrayfield shows to still join in the fun and the gig saw the group perform classics such as Wonderwall, Live Forever, and Don’t Look Back in Anger
Oasis fans of all ages turned up for the tribute, including families and little ones proudly sporting iconic bucket hats
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“There’s so much excitement around the Oasis reunion gigs at Murrayfield, so it was only right that we brought a bit of that buzz to Fort Kinnaird too.
“Oasus are a brilliant tribute act, and their free show was the perfect chance for Oasis fans of all ages to get involved in the action. It was a great way to spend a Sunday – with attendees grabbing a bite, enjoying the music, and making a proper day of it with friends and family.”
The event was just one of the free events that took place at Fort Kinnaird this summer, designed to offer visitors of all ages memorable, free experiences. The centre also hosted character visits inspired by popular blockbuster films including Wicked and Lilo & Stich.
Back-to-school season is here, and Fort Kinnaird has teamed up with its very own Chief Fun Officer, six-year-old Ruari, to reveal what children really want in their school bags this August and help make back-to-school shopping trips that much easier.
Tasked with testing trends and giving his official stamp of approval, Ruari has rounded up the coolest must-haves for the new term.
From school shoes with football charms to fun pencil cases, his edit of back-to-school buys is packed with personality – and available now at Fort Kinnaird from stores including The Works, M&S, Clarks, Next and Primark.
Here are Ruari’s favourite picks:
Pencil cases featuring Nintendo favourites and bold designs – fun, functional and guaranteed to stand out on the school table.
Cool stationery sets – from gaming-themed rulers to funky pens.
School shoes with a football theme – built for comfort and perfect for playtime goals.
Fresh uniform staples and comfy shoes – perfect for all-day comfort and classroom confidence.
Personalised keyrings and backpack tags – the little extras that make school bags harder to loose.
Ruari said: “I had so much fun getting ready for back to school at Fort Kinnaird. There were loads of new school shoes with footballs on them – they were my favourite!
“There was also lots of cool stationery to choose from, like colourful pens and fun pencil cases. I loved choosing it all, and we had such a great day – now I can’t wait for the new term to start so I can use it all!”
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“We know back-to-school shopping can feel like a big task, so we’ve made it easy, enjoyable and all in one place. With Ruari’s help, we’ve captured the trends kids are genuinely excited about – turning the trip into something families can enjoy together.”
Families can make a full day of back-to-school shopping this weekend, with a whole host of entertainment, dining and exclusive discounts on offer at Fort Kinnaird.
Kids eat for less at family-friendly favourites including Pizza Express and Frankie & Bennys. And when it’s time to wind down, head to Odeon for a bit of movie magic to finish the day in style.
To find out more about Ruari’s back-to-school essentials, visit here.
For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
