Tag: Fort Kinnaird

Student discounts at Fort Kinnaird

Stores and restaurants across Edinburgh are celebrating the return to university with a range of exclusive discounts and promotions for students across the city. 

From Monday 20th to Monday 27th September, students visiting Fort Kinnaird will be able to make the most of offers from brands including New Look, Schuh, ProCook and many more. 

Here are all some of the great student discounts that will be on offer throughout the week: 

·       Boots – students can receive 10% discount all year round and can take advantage of the below offers from Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September including: 

o   Clarins – three complimentary samples to every student 

o   Bare Minerals – free seven-day sample of the new foundation 

o   Benefit – free fun size mascara when purchasing two products 

o   Mac – free 10-day foundation sample 

·       Pizza Express – 30% off food and drinks every Sunday – Thursday all year round with a valid UniDays ID   

·       Office – 20% off full price items (Monday 27th September to Sunday 3rd October) 

·       ProCook – 10% off (Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September)  

·       River Island – 20% off (Monday 20th September – Thursday 3rd October)  

·       Schuh – students receive 20% off (Monday 20th – Monday 27th September), there will also be a ‘spin-to-win’ station (while stocks last) 

·       The Perfume Shop – students receive 15% off (Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September) 

·       Trespass – 15% off (Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September) 

·       Fat Face – 20% off (Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September) 

·       Accessorize – 10% off all year round  

·       New Look – 10% off all year round  

·       Tessuti – 10% off all year round  

Valid student ID will be required. 

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

People in Edinburgh set to be more spontaneous!

Capital’s citizens plan to make up for lost time

Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of people in Edinburgh promise to be more spontaneous now that restrictions have eased, as they say they’re more likely to live life in the moment, and over two thirds (68 per cent) want to make lots of plans while they can.

New research by Fort Kinnaird reveals that people in Edinburgh are planning to make the most of the rest of the summer, having missed out on what is estimated to be almost a month of non-stop quality time with family and friends since the pandemic began last year.

While many admit they took the simple things for granted before lockdown, such as the freedom to go out when they wanted (44 per cent) and spending time with friends (34 per cent), people in Edinburgh are ready to start enjoying some of their favourite things again.

Over half (51 per cent) put spending time with friends at the top of the list of things they’re going to enjoy the most now that restrictions have eased and over a third (39 per cent) said enjoying more days out.

Meanwhile, for over a third (35 per cent) going to the beach or on a staycation is high on the list of priorities, along with going to the pub (28%), eating indoors with friends (24%), going on a shopping spree (19%) and going to the cinema (17%).

Surprisingly, throwing a party (12 per cent) and seeing an unlimited group of people (16 per cent) are lower on the priority list even after restrictions have eased, suggesting people are looking to spend more quality time with those closest to them.

The research also revealed what those in Edinburgh missed the most when non-essential shops and indoor dining were closed. The top three things most missed about shopping in real life were picking up what you need when you need it rather than waiting for an online order to arrive (34 per cent), the joy of window shopping (28 per cent) and having a big shopping day out with friends (27 per cent).

Meanwhile, when it came to indoor dining, having an evening meal out with friends and family (43 per cent), eating food that has been cooked by a professional (33 per cent) and having someone serve your meal to your table (26 per cent) were the things respondents missed the most.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Our research shows that people are gearing up to make up for lost time with loved ones. 

“We’ve seen lots of families and groups of friends visiting the centre to enjoy a day or evening out since restrictions started to ease and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors.” 

Fort Kinnaird continues to have extra measures in place to help visitors feel safe. It remains mandatory for visitors to wear a face covering in all indoor settings if they can, and hand sanitising stations remain throughout the centre along with enhanced cleaning regimes.

ProCook unveils new store opening at Fort Kinnaird

The UK’s leading kitchenware brand ProCook has announced its latest store launch at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, opening today (Thursday 5th August).

ProCook is renowned for its extensive range of high quality, best-selling cooking and dining essentials which are sold through over 50 own-brand stores across the UK, its ecommerce site procook.co.uk and also in a growing number of European markets.

Andy Kerr, Retail Director at ProCook, said: “We strongly believe in the continued benefit of in-store physical retail as part of our multi-channel offer and Fort Kinnaird is the perfect proposition as we continue our expansion into retail parks this year.

“We can’t wait to welcome customers from Edinburgh and surrounding areas.”

Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “ProCook coming to Fort Kinnaird is very exciting, and will certainly be well received by those shoppers who are budding amateur chefs and love to spend time in their kitchen.

“The addition of ProCook also fits in with our commitment to bring exciting new brands and experiences to the city, ensuring there is something for everyone who visits Fort Kinnaird.”

To browse the latest cookware, kitchenware and diningware from ProCook, visit the store at Fort Kinnaird from today.

About ProCook

ProCook is the UK’s leading specialist kitchenware brand. The business offers a direct-to-consumer proposition, designing, developing and retailing a high-quality range of cookware, kitchenware and tableware which provides customers with significant value for money. The brand sells directly through its website, procook.co.uk, and via over 50 own-brand retail stores, located across the UK.

Founded over 25 years ago as a family business, selling cookware sets by direct mail in the UK, ProCook has grown into a market leading, multi-channel specialist kitchenware company, employing over 700 colleagues and operating from its Head Office in Gloucester.

About Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird is Edinburgh’s leading retail and leisure destination, with over 70 shops and restaurants. 

It is situated just off the A1 and is easily accessed by car with 2,600 free car parking spaces, and public transport available. Fort Kinnaird also offers a Shopmobility service which provides powered scooters and manual wheelchairs to our visitors. 

Retail stores include Boots, Marks and Spencer, H&M, Primark, HomeSense, TK Maxx and River Island. Fort Kinnaird’s leisure offering includes a seven-screen Odeon, Five Guys, PizzaExpress, Nando’s, Chiquito, TGI Friday’s and Caffe Nero.

Recent big-name openings include Swarovski, Wilko, Schuh and Schuh Kids, while Starbucks, JD and Curry’s PC World all recently upsized their presence at Fort Kinnaird.

If you’d like to keep up to date with everything that’s going on at Fort Kinnaird, including all of the latest offers and events, visit www.fortkinnaird.com, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. 

Read More, Feel Better: Fort Kinnaird launches summer holiday reading campaign to support children’s wellbeing

Fort Kinnaird has partnered with the National Literacy Trust to launch a new summer holiday reading campaign, as new research reveals that almost half of children (45%) in Scotland claim that reading makes them feel better.

The ‘Read More, Feel Better’ campaign is designed to help children across the community to continue reading for fun over the summer holidays, with a selection of top tips and advice for parents on the Fort Kinnaird website, including how to create an effective reading space at home and the best books for supporting children’s wellbeing.

Fort Kinnaird and the National Literacy Trust will also be hosting a live storytelling session for children in August, with two expert storytellers sharing exciting and engaging tales for children aged 5 – 11 years. Parents will need to register for the Zoom session in advance – keep an eye on Fort Kinnaird’s social feeds for all the details.

The centre has also donated 100 books to Venchie as part of the campaign. This follows a series of donations the centre has made to local foodbanks and charities throughout the pandemic.

‘Read More, Feel Better’ is being delivered as part of the award-winning Young Readers Programme, an initiative run by Fort Kinnaird’s co-owner, British Land, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Our research shows that almost half of children across the country said that reading helps them relax and feel better. 

“Not only does this campaign help to support children’s wellbeing, it’s also a great way to ensure their continued literary development in a period of their education which has been so disruptive.”

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Read More, Feel Better campaign is a great initiative.

“The events of the last 15 months have meant that we wanted to go even further to provide some support for parents over the summer holidays, and to highlight how doing little things can have such a positive impact.”

School ‘Booknic’ events hosted by Fort Kinnaird to inspire children to read

More than 180 school children across three schools in Edinburgh have taken part in a celebratory ‘booknic’ event organised by Fort Kinnaird in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

The ‘booknic’ involved children enjoying a picnic and a book while also taking part in a range of fun reading-themed activities.

Schoolchildren from St Francis RC Primary School, Castleview Primary School and Niddrie Mill Primary School took part in the event, with each child also able to take a book of their choice home.

The ‘booknic’ was part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative sponsored by Fort Kinnaird’s co-owner British Land and run in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, designed to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.

The initiative also gave the schools access to virtual interactive storytelling sessions and a literary quiz.

British Land and the National Literacy Trust celebrates its 10th year in partnership this year. Since the programme launched in Edinburgh, it has supported more than 2,000 schoolchildren and seen more than 6,100 books donated across the city.

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children who own their own books are six times more likely to read above the level expected for their age and three times more likely to enjoy reading.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Supporting our community is so important to us and the Young Readers Programme plays a massive part in that. It’s a brilliant initiative which we look forward to every year and it’s great to see the children celebrating at our booknic event.

“Thanks also needs to go to the National Literacy Trust for their hard work on this event and over the years. They’ve helped us to ensure that the additional support and books go to those who need them most.”  

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Encouraging children to develop a love of reading from a young age can have a tangible impact on their literacy skills, mental wellbeing and futures.

“Yet hundreds of thousands of children across the UK are missing out on these benefits simply because they don’t have a book of their own to read at home.

“The Young Readers Programme, with support from British Land, tackles this and we’d like to thank them for all their support over the years.”

Fort Kinnaird joins the Great British Spring Clean

Volunteer litter pickers from Fort Kinnaird recently joined the Keep Britain Tidy Great British Spring Clean in a bid to help tidy up Edinburgh.

A team of nine volunteers joined forces on Thursday 10th June for its first community litter pick, where they conquered the stretch from Fort Kinnaird to The Jewel.

In a team effort, William Grigg, Lindy Watson, David Overton, Liam Smith, William Urban, Colin McEwen, Kevin Dargavel, James Stevenson and Alan Mcgoldrick from the Fort Kinnaird team collected 15 bags of mixed waste and bottles.

Following the success, volunteers from Fort Kinnaird will continue with their community litter picks on a monthly basis, as the centre continues its commitment to minimising the impact it has on its local community.

Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re really proud to be participating in this year’s Great British Spring Clean, joining thousands of people across the UK to clear litter from our streets, parks and benches.

“It’s been great to help tidy up our local area and to give back to our local community in Edinburgh.”

Fort Kinnaird gives back to the community with charity donations

Fort Kinnaird has donated £5,000 to help some of the charities and organisations most impacted by the pandemic across the capital’s Niddrie and Craigmillar areas.

The local grassroots charities have each received £1,000 from a dedicated fund set up by Fort Kinnaird owners British Land and were selected due to the key role they play in supporting the local community.

Venchie Children & Young People’s Project, Thistle Foundation, Craigmillar Now, Richmond’s Hope and Caring in Craigmillar are among the charities to receive support from Fort Kinnaird.

Venchie Children & Young People’s Project provides play, recreation, and issue-based youth work to school children from across Niddrie, with access to activities including drama club, residentials, and breakfast and after school clubs.

Thistle Foundation is a charity supporting those with long-term health conditions and disabilities, enabling them to live independently in their own homes, while Craigmillar Now brings the local community together through art with a host of different exhibitions throughout the year.

Richmond’s Hope provides support for children and young people dealing with bereavement by offering a safe space for children to work through their grief, helping them to preserve memories of their loved one, explore their feelings, and provide them with coping strategies for handling their loss.

Caring in Craigmillar is a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for vulnerable older people with complex care needs, preventing them from becoming isolated and encouraging community integration.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The past 12 months have been an incredibly challenging time for local charities who have seen funding disrupted by the pandemic. Our commitment to our community has never been more important, and I’m so pleased we can support some of those organisations that need it most.

“The chosen charities do such amazing work across our immediate local communities of Niddrie and Craigmillar and we hope our donation goes some way in helping them to continue to do so.”

This initiative is part of Fort Kinnaird’s wider programme of work in the community which included the launch of its Giving Box installation, designed to encourage visitors to make small donations while at the centre to help support local organisations.

Attempted murder at Fort Kinnaird: Can you help?

Detectives are appealing for information following an attempted murder which occurred in the Fort Kinnaird area of Edinburgh on Thursday (3 June).

Around 5pm a group of four men were standing at Fort Kinnaird when they were approached by two men on a motorcycle.

A short chase took place and one of the men was stopped nearby on Whitehill Road, where the pillion passenger on the bike assaulted him with a bladed weapon.

The two suspects then made off along Whitehill Road.

The 31-year-old victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

The suspects are described as follows – driver dressed in all black clothing with a black helmet while the passenger was wearing a jacket with a red body and grey sleeves, with a dark cap and a snood/ dark face covering. They were travelling on a distinctive off road/trials/scrambler bike which was mainly blue in colour, with red and white livery.

Detective Inspector Clark Martin from Gayfield CID said: “We believe this incident was targeted towards the group of men standing at Fort Kinnaird and the victim has been left with extremely serious injuries.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened, or noticed the suspects in the area, to please come forward.

“The motorcycle they were using was very distinctive and I would also urge anyone who thinks they may have seen it in the Edinburgh area on Thursday to pass this information on to the police.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 2632 of Thursday, 3 June. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Fort Kinnaird gifts hundreds of books to local charity

Fort Kinnaird has gifted £1,250 worth of books to Venchie Children & Young People’s Project to be given to children and young people in the South East of Edinburgh.

Venchie’s Children & Young People’s Project helps children and young people in Niddrie with a range of play, recreation, and issue-based youth work.

The donation means that the charity has been able to gift a diverse range of books covering a variety of genres and themes for different age groups, providing local youngsters with stories to read for enjoyment at home.

The books have been delivered by Venchie’s alongside special art boxes by to enable youngsters in the local area to keep being creative during lockdown.

The initiative has been led by Fort Kinnaird’s owner, British Land, and the National Literacy Trust through their ongoing partnership which is now in its tenth year.

This latest contribution is part of the shopping centre’s broader work in the community, which included the donation of 300 books during the first lockdown last year, as well as the installation of a Giving Box at Fort Kinnaird where visitors can make contactless donations to support local charities.

Susan Heron, Manager at Venchie Children & Young People’s Project, said: “The pandemic has impacted the families we help in all kinds of ways, and we’re incredibly thankful for all of the support Fort Kinnaird has given to us.

“These book donations have helped children of all ages across our community who might not have had access to them otherwise.”

Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh. April 15 2021

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’ve been supporting Venchie’s Children & Young People’s Project for many years, and know they do an incredible job supporting youngsters in the local area.

“The past twelve months have been challenging for all charities, so it’s now more important than ever to keep supporting them as they continue to give back to those most in need.”

Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We know that 1 in 11 disadvantaged children do not have a single book at home and that this can be hugely detrimental to their development.

“Initiatives like these ensure local families have books to enjoy at home, and children’s imaginations and literacy skills can continue to thrive.”

Fort Kinnaird extends support for local charity

Fort Kinnaird has announced that its popular giant giving box, originally installed for Christmas, will now be a permanent feature at the centre in a bid to help raise funds for its charity partner, Venchie Children & Young People’s Project.

Located outside Tony Macaroni and Boots, visitors can use contactless payment to easily donate £3, £5 and £10 to the charity.

Venchie Children & Young People’s Project is a grass-roots charity located in Niddrie and is committed to improving the lives of children and young people in the local area.

The charity operates within a purpose-built centre and offers local youngsters a range of play, recreation and issue-based youth work, along with an all-weather pitch, a basketball area and swings and a sand play area for them to enjoy.

It is one of the oldest adventure-play charities in Scotland and has been supporting local children for over 60 years.

The giving box at Fort Kinnaird raised over £1,545 for Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas campaign and the centre hopes that it will continue to be as successful for Venchie’s Children and Young People’s Project this year.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Our Christmas Giving Box was very popular and we have decided to make the box a permanent feature at the centre to support our newly nominated charity, Venchie Children & Young People’s Project.

“The charity plays an important and much valued role in the local community. Now shoppers can help us to support this wonderful organisation continue to grow their incredible work with the tap of a card or phone.”

Fort Kinnaird is now welcoming visitors back after it reopened its non-essential stores last week. The centre continues to have extra social distancing measures and hand sanitising stations in place to help everyone enjoy a safe shopping experience.