Cinnabon, the makers of the world’s most famous icing covered cinnamon rolls, which started out it in Seattle in 1985 and is now in over 48 countries, is set to open its first site in Scotland in The Centre, Livingston this summer.
The American bakery specialises in freshly baked large and mini Bons, which come in a variety of flavours, including the original roll which is the Classic Cinnabon with Makara cinnamon and signature frosting, ChocoBon and Carmel PecanBon.
Visitors to The Centre, Livingston, which is one of the largest in Scotland with over 150 shops and eateries, will also be able to enjoy various drinks to accompany their Cinnabon sweet treats, including espressos and Chillatas milkshakes at the new kiosk which will be located in the heart of the shopping centre.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to the arrival of Cinnabon, which is guaranteed to be a big hit with fans and those yet to try them out, and we are delighted to be the first site in Scotland to welcome them.
“This is a very exciting time for us at The Centre, Livingston with the recent opening of Rituals and Cinnabon coming soon, which are both great additions to our existing portfolio of fantastic places to shop and dine out.
“We are planning to announce the arrival of even more fantastic new brands to The Centre, Livingston which will really enhance the overall experience for our visitors.”
The Royal Highland Show, running from June 20th – 23rd 2024, promises to offer an unforgettable experience with a wide array of trade stands featuring everything from artisanal crafts to cooking demonstrations and agricultural machinery. With over 800 exhibitors spread across the 110 acre site, it is set to surprise and delight show-goers with this year’s theme being ‘acres of epicness’.
For the foodies:
Stuffed full of food and drink, the show offers boundless opportunities to sample Scotland’s finest produce. There are also cookery demos on offer in the Food for Thought Cookery Theatre, with some of the country’s top chefs including Head Chef at The Globe Inn, Fraser Cameron, FutureChef Winner, Phoebe Lawson, and Head Chef at Benugo, Emma Clark-Szabo, to name a few. There will also be a huge choice of food vendors serving everything from haggis neeps and tatties to freshly prepared fish and chips and from lobster rolls to Greek gyros.
With Scottish staples such as Mrs Tilly’s, Mackies of Scotland, Innis and Gunn and Highland Park, there are options for those with a sweet tooth or looking for a tipple to tide them over. The world-renowned Johnnie Walker whisky will have a pop-up bar showcasing their vintage truck, ensuring the taste of Scotland’s quintessential whisky is shared with visitors. There will also be a Taproom Bar from Innis & Gunn.
For the shopaholic:
For the avid shoppers, a vast range of retail opportunities await, spread across numerous shopping villages, offering clothing, shoes, crafts, gifts, pet supplies, art, toys and a range of premium shopping outlets which can be found at the Countryside Village. Event attendees also might be surprised to find the Renewable Village, offering a variety of sustainable products and services including wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal, biomass companies and more.
This year the Home and Gift Hall has had a layout revamp and now includes the Scottish Handcrafts Championships. There will be a number of notable clothing retailers available such as Beaumont & Bear, Elm of Burford and Lanx Shoes. Hoggs of Fife, known for its hand welted country footwear, will also be offering a 20% discount on all items for RHASS members.
For music lovers:
For those wearing their dancing shoes, the West Stage line-up is not to be missed. Performances to suit all music tastes from folk rock and swing to reggae and opera will take place in addition to daily ceilidh sessions.
Additionally, tickets are available to purchase for the Royal Highland Hoolie presented with Farmer’s Bash which is back with eight live folk and country music acts performing on the evenings of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June. From viral sensation Nathan Evans, Scottish folk pioneers Tide Lines and the eclectic sounds of the Peatbog Faeries, the diverse range of sounds offers a little bit of something for everyone.
For families:
Experience a world of fun and creativity at the Royal Highland Show, where kids go free! Explore and discover activities linked to food, farming and the working countryside under one roof at the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Discovery Centre. Circa Alba’s exciting mix of movement and circus skills, including juggling, parkour, capoeira, along with professional face painting and Annie the alpaca and her family from the Alpacas Trekking Centre, will let little imaginations soar. Dive into abstract art where kids can engage in animal-themed arts and crafts, creating personalised keepsakes to take home.
For the farmers:
The Royal Highland show offers farmers the chance to see some of the best livestock and machinery available up close and personal! As well as the latest labour, time and money-saving gadgets being on display at the RHASS Technical Innovation Awards.
The Scottish Association of Young Farmers (SAYFC) will also be present throughout the show, with visitors encouraged to stop by and experience what it means to be part of Scotland’s largest rural youth movement.
David Tennant, Head of Royal Highland Show, said:“This year’s Royal Highland Show is bigger and better than ever and it’s all thanks to the wide variety of exhibitors. The diverse array of trade stands is a true celebration of everything Scotland has to offer in agricultural heritage, artisan crafts and rural communities.
“We are on track for a sold-out show, so if you’d like to experience a mix of entertainment, sample Scotland’s wonderful larder and see the very best in livestock, from the traditional to the unexpected, it’s worth purchasing your tickets now. It’s not to be missed!”
Explore a wide variety of products and services at the Royal Highland Show. Mark your calendars for June 20-23, with limited tickets available please visit https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/ to book your spot.
Programmes for the show can be purchased from the Official Royal Highland Show Merchandise Shop opposite the Main Ring clock tower or from roving sellers throughout the site.
Please drink responsibly – UK Chief Medical Officers recommend men do not regularly exceed 3-4 units daily and women, 2-3 units daily.
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
It’s ‘app-y hour’ all day long at Poundland as shoppers at its 62 stores in Scotland are given access to the ‘Poundland Perks’ app for the first time.
Poundland Perks is Poundland’s pilot rewards app that has been on trial in 43 stores on the Isle of Wight and in Northern Ireland and now is available across Scotland.
To bring the functionality to Scottish shoppers, Poundland has invested £13m in the roll-out of state-of-the-art tills that enable customers to use the app on the phone when purchasing their favourite items.
The app can be used by customers to earn, save and play.
Customers can earn points for every purchase in the store, use those points to get reward vouchers that save them even more, and also play on the app to earn prizes through ‘spin to wins-day’.
To celebrate the launch, Poundland’s mascot, Poundhound, ambled over to Glasgow’s Argyle Street store to give the app his paw print of approval — all while donning a stylish custom kilt and flanked by a rousing bagpiper.
With ‘Poundland Perks’, Scotland shoppers can now get their hands on offers that deliver up even better value – up to 25 per cent – off favourites such as Haribo Starmix, Pringles and Irn Bru, items that the discounter already sells at market-leading prices.
Also included in the rewards scheme at launch are offers for Huggies Wipes, Colgate Triple Action, Zoflora and Bakers Sizzlers Dog Treats Bacon.
The same offers are available on Poundland Perks in existing pilot stores in Northern Ireland and on the Isle of Wight.
Poundland’s Director of Digital, Tom Hill, and Head of Digital Loyalty and Engagement, Emma Collins, stopped by the Argyle Street store to mingle with customers who were downloading the app for the first time.
Poundland Perks Launch
Tom said: “Poundland Perks allows us to offer shoppers the chance to save, earn and play through their smartphone, making shopping with us even more fun.
“We’re creating an app that’s convenient and easy for people to use in store, with reward vouchers that help customers save even more.
“We know from our experience in Northern Ireland just how popular Poundland Perks has been and it’s been brilliant to see the reaction here today in Glasgow.”
To download the Poundland app, search in the Google or Apple play stores for Poundland Perks.
This will be the 39th annual showcase for the renowned institution with expectations high for an extraordinary display of fine furniture crafted by this year’s graduating cohort of talented makers.
From Thursday 13 June to Saturday 15 June 2024, visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to witness an array of exceptional pieces meticulously crafted by those on the intensive 30-Week Professional Course.
Known for its international reputation for kickstarting the careers of skilled woodworkers, the Chippendale School’s Professional Course equips aspiring furniture makers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the industry, covering everything from design techniques to marketing strategies.
The 2023/24 course cohort boasts 30 exceptionally talented students hailing from all over the world, from the Dominican Republic to Germany, Holland, France, Canada and the USA.
Among the spotlighted makers is Kevin Tronel from France whose matching pair of mid-century easy chairs and vinyl record cabinet, both made from Oak, are a perfect example of the joy in putting a contemporary twist on a traditional style.
Also gracing the exhibition is Maria Hensley from the UK, presenting her hallway bench in Oak and Danish woven cord. Attendees can also marvel at the striking fluted column cabinet in Sycamore made by Chlomo Hutcheson from Edinburgh.
Tom Fraser, Principal, commented: “Our annual Graduate Exhibition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our Professional Course students.
“Year after year, we are inspired by the creativity and ingenuity displayed in their final designs.
“This event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the finest emerging global furniture design talent and even take home a piece that captivates them.”
Pizza and coffee on the day will be provided by local Edinburgh and North Berwick businesses Pizza Geeks and Steampunk Coffee. Admission to the exhibition is free, with advance booking of time slots required.
With beauty subscriptions more popular than ever, Lidl has announced its very own Lidl Beauty Box, worth over £70
Each glow-rious box is filled to the brim with over 20 coveted beauty products that rival well-known luxury brands
The Lidl Beauty Box, featuring Cien, will be available to purchase for £2 from 9th May 2024 via www.lidlbeautybox.co.uk – but be quick!
Lidl has just dropped the latest must-have in beauty; a brand-new beauty box set to rival the likes of Liberty and Glossybox, yet at a fraction of the price. For just £2*, beauty buffs can get their hands on the Lidl Beauty Box worth over £70 – that’s beauty without the beastly price tag!
Launching on a trial basis, beauty aficionados can expect a carefully curated collection of on-trend wellness treasures from Lidl. The box includes a range of over 20 full size products across skincare, haircare and more, all wrapped in a beautifully designed floral-print gift package and delivered straight to beauty aficionado’s front doors.
As part of the premium selection inside the box, skincare lovers can level up their routine with beauty must-haves Cien Myramaze Premium Face Day Cream (50ml), Cien Micellar Cleansing Milk (250ml) andCien Facial Scrub (150ml). For days that require some extra TLC, theCien Tissue Face Masks (17ml) and Livarno Quartz Facial Roller allow unboxers to lean into the latest craze to depuff the skin and improve blood flow to the face**.
It doesn’t stop at skincare – the Lidl Beauty Box also includes a range of irresistible fragrances, recently recommended by the likes of Adele, Shakira and Chris Pratt***. From Suddenly Femelle Perfume (75ml), to Eau de Parfum for Men – Deep (75ml), shoppers will look and smell scent-sational.
Whether shoppers are seeking wellness treasures that rival high-end brands such as The Luxury Collection Black Diffuser in Leather & Cedar (100ml), or simply seek a great deal on beauty essentials, the Lidl Beauty Boxis the answer to premium products without the hefty price tag!
Shoppers will need to be quick to get their very own Lidl Beauty Box featuring Cien for just £2*. Purchasing will go live via www.lidlbeautybox.co.uk from 10.00AM 9th May, launching as a one-off box as part of a trial service.
All of Lidl GB own brand cosmetic products listed in stores (and in Lidl’s Beauty Box) are approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme.
Aldi has launched a new nationwide initiative to pinpoint prime locations for new store openings.
Recognising the invaluable input of its customers, the UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket is calling on the nation to help it identify where in Britain needs new Aldi stores most.
The areas which have the most suggestions will then be considered as part of Aldi’s commitment to build hundreds of new stores across Britain.
Aldi has been on a rapid expansion drive in recent years and has seen its popularity soar as shoppers switch to the supermarket for its lower prices and great quality amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The retailer currently has more than 1,000 stores – including 19 across Edinburgh & the Lothians – and is committed to continuing towards its long-term target of over 1,500 stores across the UK.
Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said:“We want to make high-quality food accessible to all, but there are still some areas that either don’t have an Aldi or have potential for more stores.
“We’ve identified some key places where there is demand for more stores already, but now we are calling on the public to share their views. This will be used to help inform our property search over the coming years.”
Those wanting to put their town forward to be considered should contact the supermarket by emailing NextNewStore@Aldi.co.uk, clearly stating their postcode and why they believe their area needs a new Aldi store.
Aldi is asking for suggestions to be submitted by 31 May 2024, with the supermarket planning to update customers on the results and its latest priority ‘wish list’ later this year.
For more information on Aldi’s nationwide site requirements, visit:
The owners of Ocean Terminal have confirmed they have signed a deal which will bring a Tesco Express to the Leith waterfront development as part of multi-million pound plans to regenerate the site.
The addition of the supermarket to the retail section of the redevelopment is expected to create up to 20 jobs as part of a major investment in Leith’s waterfront. The 4,700 sq ft ground floor unit will look out over a new public realm and future residential development.
The announcement is the latest in a chain of positive developments on the site, including the relocation and upgrade of the 24/7 PureGym to a brand new unit earlier this month.
Last year Ocean Terminal revealed it had agreed a long-term lease with Level X, the gaming and immersive entertainment provider, which will see a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art leisure venue open at the centre adjacent to a brand new Club 3000 Bingo venue which promises to be one of the best clubs ever developed in the UK, enhancing the leisure offering at the new look centre.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said:“We are delighted to confirm a fifteen-year lease with Tesco which will bring significant benefits to the Leith waterfront development, cementing our commitment to ensure this project delivers for the local and wider community.
“The addition of a new major retailer is a huge boost to the project and our longer term vision to to regenerate this waterfront area into a thriving, sustainable development creating an outward-looking, mixed-use town centre here in Leith.
“We’re thrilled to have Tesco fully on board, which further enhances the multi-use, dynamic offering within the leisure space at the Ocean Terminal site.”
Head of Campaigns for Tesco, Tony McElroyadded: “We are excited to be opening a new Tesco Express in Ocean Terminal, as part of our ongoing investment and job creation plans across Edinburgh.
“We look forward to serving our customers and supporting local community groups through our Stronger Starts and Community Food Connection initiatives.”
UNIQLO is preparing to open the doors to its first and highly anticipated Scottish store in Edinburgh today.
Welcoming the city’s shoppers to the Princes Street store, the opening is set to regenerate the capital’s shopping scene. Boasting a spacious retail space spanning approximately 1,400 sq meters across two floors, the first Scottish store showcases the full collection of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies.
Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K said: “We are delighted to bring UNIQLO to the thriving city of Edinburgh.
“Our brand is dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality clothing that caters to the needs and preferences of diverse lifestyles. With our presence in Edinburgh, we aim to become an integral part of the local community, offering a unique shopping experience that blends style, comfort and affordability.”
Housed in the iconic, modernist purpose-built retail store, designed by Johnson-Marshall and Partners in 1965, the UNIQLO Princes Street store features a wide range of popular collections.
Customers will be able to explore linen, BLOCKTECH, the brand’s smart range of water resistant and windproof items, as well as the high-performing AIRism collection, renowned for its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that adapt seamlessly to diverse climates.
UNIQLO SS24 collection available in Princes Street store from 25th April.
Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “It’s fantastic news that UNIQLO, a global brand and one of Japan’s foremost casual wear retailers, has chosen Princes Street here in the Capital as the location for their flagship Scottish store.
“This is testament to the pull of our city to major international companies and I’m really looking forward to seeing the store open its doors. I’m encouraged to hear that UNIQLO will be partnering with local charity, Social Bite, working towards ending homelessness.
“Edinburgh is a city that is truly open for business and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Princes Street and beyond. I’m sure UNIQLO will make their mark here and I wish them every success.”
In-store Experience
The Japanese retailer’s first Scottish store focuses on experience-led features for customers including; RE.UNIQLO Studio and an in-store Japanese tearoom.
Following the success of UNIQLO UK’s first in-store café, which opened last year in the Covent Garden store, the Princes Street store will proudly unveil the brand’s second UK in-store café. Developed in partnership with Japanese tearoom, Katsute100, the space will offer customers Japanese inspired refreshments on the first floor, overlooking a picturesque view of Princes Street Gardens and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle.
Located next to the cafe is the RE.UNIQLO Studio where customers can recycle, repair or remake their favourite UNIQLO items so they can keep wearing and loving them for longer. In partnership with Scotland’s other national drink, IRN-BRU, customers can add BRU-themed embroidery pieces to their UNIQLO items for a limited time only. This is an exclusive to the Edinburgh RE.UNIQLO counter until the end of May 2024.
Limited edition designs in partnership with IRN-BRU, available for embroidery in the RE.UNIQLO Studio until the end of May.
Local partners
UNIQLO will champion local craftsmanship in the Princes Street store, featuring exclusive collaborations with Tom Fraser, Principal of the Chippendale School of Furniture and local artist Arran Rahimian, Tom’s hand-crafted benches will sit across the store’s interior, while Arran’s bespoke artworks will be found in the fitting rooms and adorned upon exclusive goody bags that will be distributed during the launch day festivities.
Other local partnerships that will be featured within the new UNIQLO store include an instore library with a curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books, giving customers an opportunity to read while in-store. Botanical studio, PYRUS has also lent its expertise, dressing the store with beautiful floral arrangements inspired by Edinburgh’s natural landscape, adding a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere upon entry to the store.
Curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books
Additionally, UNIQLO will partner with local charity Social Bite to support its mission to end homelessness. As part of this partnership UNIQLO is working with Social Bite to develop recruitment pathways by creating in-store job opportunities for the people the charity supports. Edinburgh staff will be volunteering with Social Bite and have provided clothing donations.
Opening Day Offers and Events
To commemorate the grand opening, UNIQLO Edinburgh is hosting special promotions and events, offering customers the chance to discover the latest styles and enjoy exclusive offers.
The first 100 customers through the door will receive a goody bag while UNIQLO app customers will be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw. There will be limited price promotions exclusive to the Princes Street store on items such as Ultra Light Down, Extra Fine Merino sweaters, pleated wide pants and selected innerwear for both men and women.
Fans are invited to share their excitement across social channels using #UniqloEdinburgh, when they spot the activity including the UNIQLO branded Edinburgh Trams in the wake of the opening.
UNIQLO currently has 19 stores in the U.K. The new Edinburgh Princes Street store opens hot on the heels of One Oxford Street in London on 18th April 2024.
The UNIQLO Edinburgh store operates during regular business hours, providing shoppers with ample opportunities to experience the brand’s renowned offerings. Whether seeking timeless classics or contemporary trends, UNIQLO invites the Edinburgh community to visit its newest location.
For more information about the new store, please visit:
New store marks UNIQLO’s first entrance into Scotland
Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to the capital’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.
With its longstanding commitment to quality, style, functionality and comfort, UNIQLO promises to bring a fresh perspective to not only Edinburgh, but Scotland’s fashion landscape, offering a spacious store spanning approximately 1,430sq meters across two floors.
Housed in the iconic, modernist purpose-built retail store, designed by Johnson-Marshall and Partners in 1965, the location on Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, allows for scenic views of the Castle from the first floor windows.
Customers can expect to find the full women’s, men’s, kids and baby ranges alongside UNIQLO’s signature products such as linen, BLOCKTECH, their smart range of water resistant and windproof items, as well as the high-performing AIRism collection, renowned for its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that adapt seamlessly to diverse climates.
Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K, said: “At UNIQLO, we are deeply committed to supporting and enriching the communities where we operate.
“The opening of our new store in Edinburgh represents an exciting opportunity to forge lasting connections with local residents, businesses and organisations. Edinburgh is a city of great cultural and historical heritage, and we are excited to partner with a few of the many people who help to make the city so vibrant.
“Together, we will show how LifeWear brings people together, transcending differences in everyday lives. We invite the people of Edinburgh to join us in celebrating the opening of our new store and to be part of this exciting milestone with us.”
UNIQLO SS24 collection available in Princes Street store from 25th April
Edinburgh People Campaign
To mark the launch, UNIQLO is collaborating with Edinburgh natives and those who have made home in the city to showcase the city’s vibrant cultural scene, unique style and diverse creative expressions. The partnership showcases seven locals who represent Edinburgh’s vibrant spirit and embody the UNIQLO LifeWear ethos. UNIQLO LifeWear is innovative, high-quality clothing that is designed to make everyone’s life better.
Faces include Balerno-raised singer songwriter, Nina Nesbitt, and freelance music journalist, Aisha Fatunmbi-Randall, who has been at the forefront of the restoration of Leith Theatre in her role as Marketing and Digital Coordinator.
From Edinburgh’s thriving food and drink scene, Darcie Maher, Head Baker and Owner of Lannan Bakery joins the line up alongside the capital’s leading whisky expert, TJ Littlejohn, who also serves as Head of Advocacy and Experience at The Glenmorangie Company.
Completing the lineup of collaborations with Edinburgh’s locals, is artist Arran Rahimian; Dr Stacey Hunter, Design Curator and Creative Director of Local Heroes and Tom Fraser, Principal of the highly acclaimed Chippendale International School of Furniture.
From top: Nina Nesbitt, Aisha Fatunbi-Randall, Darcie Maher, Dr Stacey Hunter, Tom Fraser, Arran Rahiman and TJ Littlejohn
Opening Offers
To celebrate the Princes Street store opening, UNIQLO will be offering the first 100 customers through the door a goody bag, there will also be the exciting opportunity for app scan customers to win a trip to Tokyo, just scan the UNIQLO app with any purchase to be entered into the draw (T&Cs apply). More offers to be announced.
Fans are invited to share their excitement across social channels using #UniqloEdinburgh, when they spot the activity including the UNIQLO branded Edinburgh Trams in the run up to the opening.
UNIQLO currently has 17 stores in the U.K. This new Edinburgh store will open alongside a new store in London, One Oxford Street, in Spring 2024 and will follow the Covent Garden store that opened on 27 April 2023, taking the total number of UNIQLO stores in the U.K. to 19 once opened.
