Tag: Princes Street

Pupils’ cards bring festive cheer to Princes Street

A set of 12 ‘Season’s Greetings’ cards designed by Edinburgh school pupils will brighten up Princes Street, with winning designs displayed on JCDecaux digital screens from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December.

Three of the young winning artists; Eshaal Ahmed (Drummond High School), Elsie Smith (Bruntsfield Primary School) and Lilia Walas (Braidburn School), joined the City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day on Thursday to unveil their designs at a bus shelter on Princes Street.

In addition, winning card designs by Eshaal Ahmed (Drummond High School), Elsie Smith (Bruntsfield Primary School), Lily Stokes (Parsons Green Primary School), Suri Pirani Carrasco (Drummond High School) and Mark Downie (Pilrig Park School) have been selected to feature on the official festive greetings cards for the City of Edinburgh Council.

The Season’s Greetings competition is an annual event, with 2024 marking the eighth year that JCDecaux UK has offered lucky Edinburgh pupils the chance to have their designs shown on digital Out-of-Home screens on Princes Street.

Council leader Cammy Day said: “The standard of artwork in this year’s competition made it really difficult to narrow down the entries to just 12 to feature on digital screens on Princes Street.

“I want to thank the teaching staff at schools across the city who have encouraged their pupils to get involved in the competition, and congratulate the youngsters who have had their creative artworks recognised.”

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge added: “Every year I am blown away not only by the number of entries we receive to the Seasons Greetings’ competition but by the standard of creativity from children and young people across the city.

“It’s amazing for pupils and their families to see their artwork on display on Princes Street, and I know that the designs will delight shoppers this weekend.”

Mike MacLennan, New Business Development & Partnership Manager at JCDecaux UK, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this wonderful artwork competition once again, working with The City of Edinburgh Council to showcase the talent and creativity of young artists in Edinburgh.

“This annual display on digital bus shelter screens brings festive cheer to people out and about on Princes Street.”

The winning designs will be displayed on all JCDecaux digital screens on Princes Street from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December.

Have your say on ‘ambitious vision’ for Edinburgh’s city centre

Residents, businesses and other interested groups in the Capital are being asked to comment on a strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider ‘Waverley Valley’ to be more vibrant and welcoming.

The new vision will guide the long-term regeneration of this part of the city centre, providing a mix of shops and services for residents and visitors, attracting investment and jobs and supporting businesses within an exceptional historic and climate resilient environment. 

A 12-week consultation on the Council’s draft Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy began this week. It aligns with Edinburgh’s Net Zero 2030 ambitions, City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) and City Plan 2030.

The Princes Street and Waverley Valley draft strategy is part of our bold plans to transform the city centre. The ECCT was approved in 2019 and includes the George Street and First New Town, Meadows to George Street projects. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/citycentretransformation

As well as Princes Street the Waverley Valley area covers East and West Princes Street Gardens, Waverley Station, Waverley Market and East Market Street. 

 The draft strategy aims to:

  • Create a more accessible city centre

The masterplan for comment recommends guiding the area from the West End of Princes Street along to Waverley Station to become more accessible, with improvements such as additional ramp access to Princes Street Gardens, a footbridge over the Waverley Valley, more public spaces to enjoy, an improved crossing and pedestrian improvements to Castle Street, the Mound Precinct, and Waverley Bridge.

  • Protected green spaces

The strategy looks to integrate climate resilience and biodiversity measures to protect the existing Waverley Valley and Gardens from climate change and to plant more trees and flowers – also promoting sustainable transport options and the retrofitting of historic buildings in line with Edinburgh’s net zero aims.

  • Revitalise Princes Street

Working with developers, the strategy suggests improvements to Princes Street with temporary pop-up premises, building wraps and artwork and encourages mixed-uses for the prominent high street. Improvements to historic buildings, including the Ross Bandstand, are also suggested to create better opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the area.

  • Make improvements to Waverley Station

Shape the future of Waverley Station and the area around it. Its key position between the Old and New Towns makes the station a vital connection between the Old and New Towns. Network Rail’s Waverley Masterplan recognises the need to restore and modernise the station.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Planning Convener, said: “We have published a draft ambitious vision for the Capital’s iconic Princes Street and surrounding area which sits within our internationally renowned World Heritage Site.

“I’d encourage everyone living in or interested in our beautiful Capital city to comment on it by answering the questions we’re asking around accessibility and public space in area, the future of the Gardens and the area in and around Waverley Station.

“As we put together the draft vision we listened to views about all of these important sites for Edinburgh. And as we move forward developing it, we need to make sure we balance our city’s rich heritage with the urgent need for sustainable and accessible spaces, and with new development. This will allow us all to continue to appreciate the charm of our city centre as well as the facilities it provides.

“The area is well used by Edinburgh residents, businesses and visitors from across the world and we plan to breathe new life into it, protecting and invest in it, to make sure that this will be the case for many years to come.”

GRAHAM’s Christmas Crane

GRAHAM has enhanced Edinburgh’s skyline with some festivity as the contractor progresses with the transformation of the historic Grade-A listed Jenners building on Princes Street.

Draped in colourful lights, the crane has become a striking feature of the city’s celebrations, towering over the city’s magical Christmas Market in the Princes Street Gardens.

For more information about the ongoing transformation of the Jenners Building, please visit: 

https://www.graham.co.uk/about-us/news/construction-work-begins-jenners

M&S Edinburgh colleague celebrates 50 golden Christmases

Susan Jack, a shining star at Marks & Spencer’s Princes Street store in Edinburgh is celebrating a half-century of holiday magic this year.

Sales Advisor for Jaeger and Womenswear at Marks & Spencer Princes Street, Susan is celebrating her 50th Christmas working for the high-street retailer and is particularly excited about this year’s range of sparkling dresses and skirts, perfect for any festive occasion.

Susan’s M&S career began just before Christmas in 1974 at the Princes Street store, just in time for the holiday rush in the ‘Ladies Fashions’ department.

With 50 years retail experience now under her belt, Susan has witnessed incredible innovations, from the evolution of tights to the affordability of cashmere and to the sparkle of the modern-day beauty counter, particularly at Christmas. She has always been fascinated by the changing trends in customer shopping habits.

From 1994 to 1999, Susan left the Princes Street store to join the opening team at the Gyle Shopping Centre. Remarked as one of Susan’s proudest moments, she thrived in training the new store team before returning to Princes Street as a Section Manager for Womenswear.

For Susan, the Christmas season is a magical time, she reflected: “Christmas is always special, particularly watching customers come in for their Christmas food shop. It brings so much joy to the store.” 

She fondly looks back on the annual ‘turkey trot’, a term the team has coined for when Edinburgh shoppers collected their turkey and cranberry sauce! 

The Turkey ordering service was soon introduced in 1982 to enhance convenience for customers. 

As for Susan’s favourite turkey, she reveals: “The British Oakham Turkey Breast Joint is my favourite, we get it every year as it carves like a dream!”.

Susan has cherished celebrating Christmas with her colleagues over the years. From being amongst the first to sample the Christmas range as soon as it’s released, to attending January Christmas parties (a retail tradition), she has seen it all.

Reflecting on her five decades working for the retailer, Susan Jack, says: “More than anything over the years, M&S has given me confidence; I was very shy when I started, but my time at M&S has taught me how to be outgoing, reassuring me in my skills.

“I’d like to thank all my colleagues for creating such an enjoyable working environment and M&S for all the opportunities I’ve had over the last 50 years. The friendships I have made over the past five decades are truly irreplaceable and will last a lifetime.

“Watching their children grow up and become parents themselves is something I am forever grateful for.”

Store Manager Jon Cameron added; “I am immensely proud of the incredible dedication and achievements Susan has made over the past 50 years. Her unwavering commitment, exceptional service, and the positive impact she has on both our team and customers are truly inspiring.

“We are honoured to celebrate this remarkable milestone and look forward to many more years working alongside Susan.”

Princes Street robbery: Do you know this man?

Police Scotland have released images of a male they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at around 5pm on Princes Street.

Officers believe the male in the images could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the male himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.

The male (pictured) is described as a white male, aged between 30-40 years old, slim build, brown facial hair and spoke with a Glasgow accent.

The male was wearing a white hooded top, black trousers and a black beanie hat.

Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2725 of 14 May 2024.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.

Bold new vision for Princes Street and ‘Waverley Valley’?

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO SHABBY OLD PRINCES STREET?

‘Ambitious’ proposals to conserve and revitalise one of Scotland’s most iconic streets have been welcomed by councillors.

Designed to improve connectivity between the historic Old and New Towns of Edinburgh and target regeneration within the World Heritage Site, the Council’s draft Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy has been approved by members of the Planning and Transport and Environment Committees.

The Strategy aligns with Edinburgh’s Net Zero 2030 ambitions, City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) and City Plan 2030 to guide the long-term regeneration of Edinburgh’s city centre.

A more accessible city centre

The masterplan approved by councillors recommends guiding the area from the West End of Princes Street along to Waverley Station to become more accessible, with improvements such as additional ramp access to Princes Street Gardens, a footbridge over the Waverley Valley, more public spaces to enjoy, an improved crossing and pedestrian improvements to Castle Street, the Mound Precinct, and Waverley Bridge.

Protected green spaces

The strategy looks to integrate climate resilience and biodiversity measures to protect the existing Waverley Valley and Gardens from climate change and to plant more trees and flowers – also promoting sustainable transport options and the retrofitting of historic buildings in line with Edinburgh’s net zero aims.

A revitalised Princes Street

Working with developers, the strategy suggests improvements to Princes Street with temporary pop-up premises, building wraps and artwork and encourages mixed-uses for the prominent high street. Improvements to historic buildings, from the Ross Bandstand to Waverley Station, are also suggested to create better opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the area.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Planning Convener, said: “Princes Street and the surrounding area is the beating heart of our city and well used by Edinburgh residents, businesses and visitors from across the world. We have a great duty to protect and invest in it.

“This masterplan presents a new opportunity for us focus on how we can make sure we take care of the area going forward and guide improvements to parts of the World Heritage Site which need to be nurtured.

“There is a desire from residents and visitors to see us invest and make areas like the Gardens more accessible for everyone to enjoy, and we hear that loud and clear.

“We must balance our city’s rich heritage with the urgent need for sustainable and accessible spaces, and with new development which can make our cherished high street a thriving, welcoming place.

“This plan has the potential to breathe new life into Princes Street and the surrounding area and make sure it’s cared for and invested in for many years to come.“

Following the decisions this week of the Planning and Transport and Environment Committees, the strategy will be considered by the Culture and Communities Committee when it meets in October.

A public consultation phase will then take place to gather feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders on the draft strategy, before it is finalised in 2025.

And here was me thinking Auld Reekie was skint! Be nice for the tourists, mind …

Construction work begins on iconic Jenners building

GRAHAM appointed to reinstate one of the world’s oldest department stores

Leading construction firm GRAHAM has begun construction work on the historic Jenners building on Princes Street, to transform the location into a contemporary mixed-use space.

The development encompasses 17,500 square metres across ten floors. The plans include the restoration of Jenners and will feature its iconic atrium. The upper floors will house a new 90-room boutique hotel, along with vibrant café, bars and restaurant spaces that will complement the Jenners building’s future offerings. GRAHAM has been appointed to carry out the shell and core works.

 please see here for drone footage.

The plans for this Category A-listed structure, led by David Chipperfield Architects, focus on a sensitive restoration that will revive many original features lost over time. The Jenners building first opened in 1895 and was expanded in 1903, with further additions in the 1950s and 60s. It closed its doors in December 2020.

Gary Holmes, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building North, said: “Edinburgh is a globally renowned city with a thriving hotel and leisure sector that draws visitors from around the world.

“It is exciting to see such an ambitious development taking shape, marking a new chapter for one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings.

“GRAHAM is proud to contribute to this historic transformation. Our team’s expertise will ensure a sensitive restoration as we work to bring the new vision for this landmark to life.

“We thank the owners of Jenners for believing in us and providing us with this great opportunity”.

Lord Provost opens new state-of-the-art hearing centre

Scotland’s first state-of-the-art hearing stores open in capital 

  • Edinburgh has welcomed its first-ever World of Hearing store by Boots Hearingcare
  • Almost a fifth of people admit they may have a hearing loss but don’t wear a hearing aid
  • The new store gives customers an immersive experience in order to see which hearing aid is best for them. 

On Monday (29 July), Edinburgh welcomed Scotland’s first World of Hearing store from Boots Hearingcare.

The store is not a regular hearing test centre. It offers an impressive high-tech immersion room designed to revolutionise the way people think about hearing care. 

The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, officially opened the store, with councillors including Hal Osler, Lezley Marion Cameron, and Claire Miller in attendance, as well as representatives from the Lions Club and Deaf Action.

With approximately 11 million people in the UK living with an untreated hearing lossii, it is the UK’s second most common disability.  

The new World of Hearing store offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings – such as a busy restaurant or concert.

This helps people get a feel for what it would be like to have a hearing aid fitted in real life.  The new store supports Boots Hearingcare’s mission to break down old fashioned stigmas around the use of hearing aids and demonstrate first-hand how transformational life can be when you reconnect with the sounds you love.  

The store also allows customers to trial hearing aids before purchasing, enabling them to experience the benefits first hand. 

Jack Lovie, Hearing Aid Audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, said: “The team and I are very excited to be part of the first World of Hearing store in Scotland.

“This state-of-the-art experience will provide a new perspective on hearing aid technology and hearing aids, by providing new and innovative ways for the people of Edinburgh to discover how their hearing, confidence and overall quality of life can be significantly enhanced through the use of modern hearing solutions. 

“Regular hearing tests are crucial not only for ear health but also for mental well-being, as hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and reduced social participation. By ensuring that hearing health is actively monitored, individuals can enjoy those special moments more with family and friends.” 

According to Boots Hearingcare research: 

·         35% of hearing aid users in Scotland lived for five years with an untreated hearing loss before taking action, with 44% of people living in denial of their hearing loss. 

·         32% of Scottish hearing aid users began to socialise less frequently as a result of not being able to hear, with 26% who began to dread social situations and / or family occasions.  

·         Almost half (47%) of people missed out on socialising with friends as a result of living with an untreated hearing loss due to feeling anxious about not being able to hear and finding the listening effort too tiring.  

·         Over half (56%) of Scottish hearing aid users coped with an untreated hearing loss by turning up the volume on the TV and by guessing what was being said during conversations.  

·         53% of hearing aid users in Scotland believe there is some stigma associated with hearing loss and/or wearing hearing aids. 

·         74% of Scottish hearing aid users have loved being able to chat with friends and family more easily since being fitted with hearing aids, with 56% of those loving this the most about the hearing aids. 

Echo Lu, Managing Director of Boots Hearingcare said: “We are delighted to be opening the World of Hearing store in Edinburgh, the first of its kind in Scotland, providing customers with an immersive state-of-the-art environment to solve their hearing problems. 

“On average, it takes ten years for someone to address they have a hearing problem. We hope this new innovative format can help remove the stigma associated with hearing loss and encourage more people to act on their hearing loss and to experience the joy of better hearing and better quality of life, with the latest technology and great customer care from Boots.” 

The store is located inside of the Boots UK store on Princes Street. 

Boots Edinburgh Princes Street store reveals exciting refurbishment

  • Boots on Princes Street unveils fresh, new and updated look for customers
  • It incorporates a renewed beauty hall packed with new premium beauty and haircare brands
  • Reinvented healthcare area includes new private consultation rooms to offer more services 
  • Scotland’s very first World of Hearing area opens within the store 
  • A celebratory event is taking place this weekend, with giveaways, sampling, DJ and refreshments

Boots is today unveiling a new look, fully refurbished store on Princes Street in Edinburgh. Packed with a host of new brands, the store has been completely transformed and redesigned to create the very best shopping experience for customers. 

The store refit, which was completed earlier this month, features an extensive beauty hall with new and updated beauty counters. It is also now home to 12 exciting new Premium Beauty and Haircare brands including Kylie Cosmetics, Sol de Janerio, Caudalie, Philip Kingsley, Fenty Beauty and many more, as well as all of the much-loved beauty brands that customers enjoy shopping for at Boots, such as No7, Liz Earle, Soap & Glory and Boots own brand. The store also offers five Boots Beauty Specialists that are on hand to offer beauty advice and guidance to customers. 

The healthcare space in the store has also been reinvented, with a new look pharmacy. Located on the first floor, the new healthcare area includes a new dispensary and two new private consultation rooms, that will allow the store to offer more healthcare services than ever before, including covid vaccinations, chickenpox vaccinations, HPV vaccinations, NHS Pharmacy First services and Blood Pressure Checks.

Kirsten Darling, Store Manager said: “We are delighted to unveil our new and refurbished store to the local community.

“The store really is a one stop shop for health and beauty at the heart of Edinburgh, and we are so proud to continue serving the community on such an iconic and well-known street. The store has a lot of history, having originally being built in 1912, and now this refit will see us fit to serve into the future. 

“We have lots of exciting new beauty brands, revamped health and beauty areas, as well as expert advice and services available. I’d like to say a huge thank you to my store team who have been amazing throughout the whole refit process and we hope customers love the new look store as much as we do.”

The store is now also home to Scotland’s first World of Hearing area, which offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings; by impersonating what it would sound like if they were in a busy restaurant or at a concert. This helps people living with hearing loss to experience the benefits of having a hearing aid fitted in real life situations. 

The store is holding a celebration event this weekend with customers invited to visit the store throughout Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July. They can enjoy product sampling, a DJ, plus cupcakes and refreshments. The weekend event kick-starts with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am on Friday. 

The first 200 customers to visit the store from 9am will receive an exclusive tote bag from Scottish beauty brand BYOMA, including minis of its best-sellers; the Creamy Jelly Cleanser and Moisturising Gel Cream. 

Youth arrested and charged following city centre chase

Around 7.50pm on Wednesday, 17 July, 2024, police officers observed a stolen vehicle being driven in the West Port area.

It failed to stop, and a short pursuit took place on Lady Lawson Street towards Lothian Road where it was cancelled for safety reasons.

Shortly afterwards, the same vehicle then struck a female pedestrian on Princes Street, before continuing onto South Saint David Street where it crashed into another vehicle.

A 17-year-old male was arrested on Market Street by officers following a short foot chase. He has been charged in connection with road traffic offences and released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Emergency services attended, and the female pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle wasn’t injured.

One lane of Princes Street was closed near the Scott Monument for around three hours as enquiries were carried out, which caused some disruption to public transport.

Police would like to thank members of the public who assisted officers in tracing the male.