Tag: Fort Kinnaird

Letters of Hope: Fort Kinnaird and Cyrenians call on local community to help spread festive cheer

Fort Kinnaird is calling on customers to help spread festive cheer in the community this Christmas. 

The centre has teamed up with Cyrenians, an Edinburgh-based charity that tackles the causes and consequences of homelessness, to launch a ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, as part of the charity’s winter appeal to combat social isolation.

The local community are being asked to write their warm wishes in a Christmas card or letter and post without an envelope in its ‘Letters of Hope’ mailbox free of charge. The initiative will then see these heartfelt Christmas cards distributed to those at risk of homelessness in and around Edinburgh.

There will also be a contactless donation point where shoppers can tap to donate £3, £5 or £10 as well as a QR code displayed on the side of the post box where visitors will be able to tap to make donations and support the charity’s vital work in the city.

The initiative is part of Cyrenians’ Winter Appeal which launched earlier this week to support the charity’s services to stop homelessness in its tracks. The city is facing significant housing challenges, and the funds raised will help Cyrienians reach more people this winter, while providing a little light through initiatives like the Letters of Hope mailbox.  

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “While Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, we know that the winter months, and especially the festive season, can be challenging for those experiencing homelessness.  

“It’s our visitors who make Christmas so special for us here at Fort Kinnaird, so we know we can count on them to spread some cheer to those who need it most.

“We hope our ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, and the fundraising support for Cyrenians, will help to bring a few more smiles over the seasonal period.”

Sophie Bell, Fundraising Manager at Cyrenians, said: “Winter is dark enough, so we are delighted to be partnering with Fort Kinnaird this season to bring a little light to those who need it most. 

“Cyrenians works across the community to break the cycle of homelessness. With services across addiction recovery, family mediation, supported housing, food distribution and more, we will provide vital support to many people who are struggling this Christmas. Thanks to Fort Kinnaird and their customers, we can work to tackle homelessness together.”

Letters and cards can be posted into the special post box – located outside ODEON Cinema – from now until 20th December when they will be distributed by Cyrenians in plenty of time for Christmas.

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

For more information on Cyrenians, please visit: https://cyrenians.scot/

Spread joy this season by donating decorations and messages of hope

The Leith Collective launches annual Christmas tree exchange
with an extra personal touch this year

A shocking 14% of people said they would throw away their artificial Christmas tree rather than reuse it next year*. With the planet facing an environmental emergency and people facing a continuing cost of living crisis, one local Community Interest Company is determined to put an end to this mindless waste and send a message of hope to those in need in the process.

Sunday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its annual Christmas tree exchange across its four Scottish stores, and this year it’s adding an extra personal touch. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Instead of sending them to landfill, they can drop them off at The Leith Collective stores where they will be passed on to those in need.

The Leith Collective is also calling on Christmas shoppers to take time out of their present hunting to stop and think of others by writing messages of hope on decorations which will be hung on these pre-loved Christmas trees to lift spirits and spread joy this season. 

Last year, The Leith Collective re-homed almost 500 Christmas trees and demand is expected to be just as high this year.

Speaking ahead of the Christmas tree exchange launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, said; “We want people to stop and think of others this Christmas. Passing on trees and Christmas decorations is not only good for the planet, but it’s also a lovely way of adding a little festive joy to the lives of those less fortunate.

!And by taking the time to write a thoughtful message to accompany each tree, we hope it will help people to connect with others. To those receiving these trees and personalised decorations, we hope it offers them comfort to know people are thinking of them this Christmas.” 

Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal and Waverley Market stores, as well as Dundee’s Overgate store, during opening hours completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked. 

*2017 survey, quoted by PHS Wastekit

A job like no other: Fort Kinnaird launches search for Chief Christmas Officer!

In the lead up to the festive period, Fort Kinnaird is on the hunt for its first ever Chief Christmas Officer (CCO)! 

The lucky young recruit will bag their dream role, with the opportunity to try out the wealth of retailers and experiences at the centre for free, indulging in tasty festive treats and bagging plenty of Christmas goodies all in exchange for their review.

The new CCO will spend a big day out at the centre from seeing one of the latest movies at ODEON Cinema to reviewing the new festive menu at Frankie & Benny’s, with Fort Kinnaird’s newest and littlest recruit rating their experience to make sure it’s fit for a fun-filled festive season.   

What’s more, the CCO will also get the chance to sample the new festive hot chocolate and treats at Hotel Chocolat and test out this year’s most popular toys and gadgets at Menkind, with the lucky individual getting to take one home.

The ideal candidate for the role will be a fun-loving adventurer who loves trying new experiences and must be aged between six and twelve.  

To apply for the opportunity of a lifetime, youngsters should ask their parent or guardian to email fortkinniard.CCO@citypress.co.uk with their name, age and why they’d be the perfect candidate, by Monday 2nd December at 23:59.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “At Fort Kinnaird, we’re constantly working to improve the experience of our visitors, and launching the quest for our new Chief Christmas Officer does just that – helping one lucky family to make unforgettable memories while ensuring our festivities are up to scratch!

“Whether you’re shopping for a new Christmas outfit, sampling the latest festive menus or catching a much-loved family-favourite on the big screen, Fort Kinnaird is the perfect place to enjoy a family day out, and our CCO’s suggestions will help us to make sure we’re giving visitors the best possible festive season.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a child to become our new Chief Christmas Officer will be the ultimate test to see how we shape up, and we can’t wait to welcome the lucky recruit to the centre!”

For more information and to find out whether the CCO role is for you, please see the full job description and terms & conditions, here.

For more information on the stores available at Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/  

Free winter coat exchange launches at Fort Kinnaird tomorrow

The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird is launching its annual winter coat exchange tomorrow (Tuesday 1st October) to provide the local community with access to pre-loved coats for free during the colder months.

The independent store, located between Mango and WHSmith, is inviting local residents and businesses to donate good quality winter coats they no longer need, with men’s and children’s coats in highest demand.

Members of the local community will then be able to browse the collection of coats instore and pick up one up for themselves and their family, completely free of charge, with no questions asked.

The initiative builds on last year’s success, where more than 10,000 coats were donated and distributed across the region.

Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective, said: “People often discard their old coats or leave them hidden at the back of a wardrobe when they are still in perfectly good condition and could provide someone else warmth over the winter months.

“A comfortable winter coat is a basic necessity, but for families that have been continually stretched, it can be yet another essential item that they are having to sacrifice, so we invite anyone who needs support to make use of the service this year.

“We’re also very grateful to everyone who donated last year, and hope people are able to support again this year, our only ask is that the coats donated are still in a good quality condition and that all personal belongings have been removed from the pockets.”

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with The Leith Collective and the hugely important initiatives Sara and the team run all year round to benefit our local community – and the winter coat exchange plays a huge part in this.

“Not only has it provided valuable support to those who need it most for three years running, it also offers shoppers the opportunity to make sustainable choices for pre-loved coats that they no longer need. I look forward to seeing the impact I’m sure it will have again this year.”

The Leith Collective showcases the work of more than 300 artists and makers from all over Scotland, brought together by a common aim to reuse, recycle, and reclaim. It resells items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill and all of its stores also host a range of creative workshops focused on sustainability.

For details on participating in this year’s coat exchange or The Leith Collective’s creative workshops, email Info@theleithcollective.com or visit www.leithcollective.co.uk.

For more information about Fort Kinnaird: www.fortkinnaird.com

Do YOU have a talent? Join the line-up for Fort Kinnaird’s first ever Summer Live event!

Scotland’s largest outdoor shopping centre, Fort Kinnaird, is on the lookout for local performers to step into the spotlight as part of its inaugural Summer Live event.

Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2nd August – 18th August between 12-5pm, the centre is giving all type of performers from musicians, dancers and actors, to uplifting choirs, spoken word poets and solo singers the chance to showcase their talents to hundreds of local people.

The Summer Live stage will be set up near Hotel Chocolat, with a seating area for visitors to enjoy acts, and performers will be allocated a 30-minute time slot.

Fort Kinnaird is also partnering with East Lothian Arts Service – a council run programme supporting the arts – to host a series of workshops and performances from local community groups across the three weekends.

This will include sessions from The Brunton’s Performing Arts Network, East Lothian Youth Music Forum (ELJam), Sistema and Tinderbox Collective. Separately there will also be a variety of performances from The Theatre School of Scotland.

And as part of the centre’s commitment to supporting the arts, Fort Kinnaird will also be donating £1,000 to Tinderbox Collective to support an ongoing initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries, so people can borrow them for free – just like taking out a book – which is currently operated locally within Craigmillar and Moredun libraries.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “With a series of city-centre events hosting Edinburgh’s talent across the summer, we wanted to get involved to support even more local performers and groups to share their talent with the local community.

“We also hope our donation to Tinderbox Collective will help more people discover or continue to pursue their musical talents.

“We’re incredibly excited for our first ever Summer Live event. If you would like to take part, or even just find out more information, we’d encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible as we expect the line-up to fill up pretty quickly.”

Fancy taking part? All you need to do is contact info@fortkinnaird.com with the following:

  • Your stage name and type of performance
  • How many people are in your group (maximum is 30)
  • What times/days you are available and how long your set is
  • Details on if an electrical supply is required
  • The equipment you would like to bring*

For more information visit: Got talent? Take part in Summer Live | Fort Kinnaird Shopping in Edinburgh

To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com

*Please note that all electrical equipment must be PAT tested.

Giant immersive whale to wash up at Fort Kinnaird

A huge life-sized whale is set to beach at Fort Kinnaird tomorrow (Thursday 25th July), with visitors welcomed to venture inside the stomach of the giant sea creature for a free, captivating storytelling session all about the environment and ocean. 

The interactive adventure will be led by a group of engaging storytellers and actors and will educate children and their families on plastic pollution and recycling, all while surrounded by a mesmerizing seascape.

Six shows – suitable for children over three – will take place throughout the day, with 30 spaces available on a first come, first served basis. Booking isn’t required but families are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.  

The 25 minute sessions will run at 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, and 2.30pm, with the whale located next to Smyths Toys and Wagamama.  

The event will be supported by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful who work to combat climate change, tackle litter and waste, restore nature and biodiversity and improve places.

Its ambassadors will be at the event, providing free activity sheets to take home to keep the conversation going, including a scavenger hunt that educates little ones on the rubbish and wildlife found in rivers across Scotland. These activities form part of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Upstream Battle initiative, an award-winning campaign to tackle marine litter at its source.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Sustainability is a key focus for us at Fort Kinnaird. We champion biodiversity by planting wildflowers and installing beehives to encourage pollination and have committed to sending zero waste to landfill since 2018 – recycling more than 260 tonnes in the process.  

“Educating others on the importance of sustainability is part of the pathway to a net zero future, and we’re pleased that we can play a small role in that with this event. Not only is it eye catching, but it provides families with a free activity during the summer holidays – that’s also educational. A win, win!”

Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns and Social Innovation Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support this great initiative at Fort Kinnaird. We know that 80% of marine litter comes from land and the damage it causes.

“It is crucial that young people know the impact the litter emergency is having on our waterways and the importance of protecting them. Fun and engaging activities like this are a great way to get children involved and we can’t wait to see everyone.”

For more information, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/event/the-whale

Adidas to open first UK pulse store at Fort Kinnaird this Friday

Popular sports brand, adidas, is set to open its doors at Fort Kinnaird this Friday (28th June).

The new 11,000 sq ft store, located near to TK Maxx, Hotel Chocolate and Pandora, is the brand’s first ‘The Pulse’ store in the UK, giving visitors the chance to shop a broad range of adidas’ most popular products.

This includes everything from trainers and gym wear to running gear and accessories. The new Pulse store reflects commercial demand and consumer need. From uplifting design treatments to digital content, Pulse sets a new benchmark across the adidas retail store landscape without compromising on the well sought after product our consumers love.

The grand opening of our new store promises to be a memorable experience, with a lively atmosphere featuring a DJ to entertain shoppers. Consumers can enjoy branded snacks and receive branded bags upon purchase while having the chance to win exciting prizes and gift vouchers.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s incredibly exciting that adidas has chosen Fort Kinnaird as the first location in the UK to open its new Pulse store.

“It’s no secret how popular the brand is and we have no doubt the store will prove to be successful with our shoppers – whether they’re looking for a pair of new trainers or getting some of the latest gym wear.

“It’s a really exciting time for us, with Mango also opening recently, our different options for fashion are really growing.”

adidas will join Next, Pandora, H&M and JD Sports already based at the centre. To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com  

Mango opens at Fort Kinnaird

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

Fort Kinnaird hosts storytelling events at local schools

 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.” 

It’s a Love Story: Taylor Swift experience comes to Fort Kinnaird

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:

 www.fortkinnaird.com