Customers at Scotmid stores across Scotland are set to benefit from clearer product pricing and information thanks to investment by the convenience retailer into new electronic shelf labels (ESLs)
The integrated technology, which will display accurate pricing and promotion details – as well as extended information such as allergens and country of origin – allows customers to make easy and fully informed decisions on their product purchases.
Customers and staff at stores involved in the trialling of the ESLs, experienced increased efficiency, reduced paper wastage and an enhanced store team morale. Scotmid now plans to install the digital labels in further stores across its estate.
The investment comes at a time when Scotmid is looking to drive store change through technology and adopt sustainable practices that reduce the need for paper usage.
Allan Robertson Programme Manager, Innovation and Change at Scotmid said: “As a retailer based in the heart of communities we serve, we continually look for innovative solutions which will deliver genuine benefits for our customers as well as our colleagues.
“These electronic labels look tidy and modern and mean that we can present our price and product information more clearly for customers.”
Steven Cannon, Branch Supervisor of a trial store, said: “The feedback from our team and customers has been fantastic. Overnight updates mean the store is customer-ready as soon as we switch the system on each morning.
“Without manual price and promotion tasks to complete and check, we have more time to assist and serve customers.”
The technology is manufactured by SoluM, a Samsung invested company, with the supply and installation carried out by Cambridge based Technology Integrator Herbert Retail.
Scotmid and Herbert Retail are members of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
HR & Recruitment had the biggest bounce back in jobs compared to July last year
Job opportunities in HR & Recruitment swelled to more than triple the average increase for all sectors
The Transport/ Logistics/ Warehouse industry saw the second highest increase
The HR & Recruitment industry has seen the greatest increase in job opportunities over the past year, new research has revealed.
The study, conducted by advertising experts N.Rich, analysed official job advertisement data from the ONS and Adzuna, comparing the year-on-year increase in job ads across 29 different industries between July 2020 and July 2021.
Results indicated that HR & Recruitment boasts an annual increase of 544% jobs advertised – more than three times the average increase for all UK industries (171%).
The Transport / Logistics / Warehouse industry has seen the second highest increase in job opportunities, with a 437% annual increase.
Rounding out the top three of highest annual increase of jobs advertised via Adzuna job boards were those for the Catering/ Hospitality industry, with a 425% improvement compared to the same date last year.
Other industries starting to recover include Manufacturing, which has a 420% annual increase in job adverts, putting it in fourth place. Fifth place belongs to the Marketing/ Advertising/ PR industry, with an annual increase in job adverts of 359%.
The lower half of the Top 10 features industries such as Management/ Exec/ Consulting industry (357% annual increase), Constructions/Trades (352%), and Admin/ Clerical/ Secretarial jobs (329% increase). Rounding off the top 10 are the Sales and Wholesale/Retail industries, with increases in job adverts of 292% and 290% respectively.
At the other end of the scale, Healthcare and Social Care saw the lowest increase in openings, going up by just 29% compared to a year previously, while Education also saw a relatively small rise of 52%.
Year-on-year comparison of job adverts across UK by industry – top 10, July 2020 – July 2021
Industry
Year-on-Year percentage increase
1. HR and Recruitment
544.94%
2. Transport/ Logistics/ Warehouse
437.74%
3. Catering and Hospitality
425.21%
4. Manufacturing
420.93%
5. Marketing/ Advertising/ PR
359.00%
6. Management/ Exec/ Consulting
357.13%
7. Construction/ Trades
352.44%
8. Admin/ Clerical/ Secretarial
329.41%
9. Sales
292.32%
10. Wholesale and Retail
290.53%
Average across all industries
171.8%
In addition, the study analysed how job opportunities have changed across the UK’s regions, with the East of England seeing an increase of 242% when comparing the week commencing 16 July 2021 with the same week in 2020.
In second place is the North East with a 223% increase in job adverts, while third place belongs to the West Midlands with a 210% increase in jobs advertised.
London has seen the lowest increase in job opportunities by region compared to July last year, at 134%. North West comes in behind at 167%, followed by the South East with a 168% increase in job adverts.
Year-on-year comparison of job adverts across UK by region, July 2020 – July 2021
UK Region
Year-on-Year percentage increase
1. East of England
242.1%
2. North East
223.2%
3. West Midlands
210.9%
4. East Midlands
205.7%
5. Yorkshire and The Humber
194%
6. South West
171.8%
7. South East
168.7%
8, North West
167.5%
9. London
134.2%
All Regions
171.8%
Year-on-year comparison of job adverts across UK by country, July 2020 – July 2021
UK Region
Year-on-Year percentage increase
1. Northern Ireland
232.5%
2. Wales
180.6%
3. England
176.2%
4. Scotland
159.9%
A spokesperson for N.Rich said, “It is exciting to see that a number of industries are recovering after a gruelling couple of years. It just goes to show that – despite fears of an economic downturn post lockdown – the UK job market remains resilient and robust.”
The study was conducted by N.Rich, which offers a rich array of intent data and ad inventory that enable marketers to drive awareness and lead generation effectively.
Superdry has announced the opening of its first concept store in Scotland. The new 8219 sq ft store will open in St James Quarter on Monday, 9th August.
Superdry is built on style. Characterised by quality fabrics, authentic vintage washes, unique detailing, world leading hand-drawn graphics and tailored fits with diverse styling. The new concept store will host Superdry’s five style choice collections: Original & Vintage, Studios, CODE, Sport Performance and Superdry X – the only store in Scotland to house five all collections under one roof.
Superdry will join level two of the £1bn shopping district and will create over 20 new job opportunities in the capital. Superdry is the latest addition to the enviable list of world-renowned brands who have recently joined the St James Quarter family, including Aesop, Hamleys, The Kooples and Maki & Ramen.
To celebrate the opening, the first 100 customers who spend £50 or over will receive a free organic cotton gift and Superdry tote bag.
“The Superdry opening next week continues to underscore Edinburgh’s global appeal and further bolsters the St James Quarter retail offer. We’re excited to welcome guests to the new store next week.”
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.
The summer holidays just got a whole lot better as St James Quarter announces the upcoming opening of iconic toy store, Hamleys, in the coming weeks.
Transforming into a magical land for kids, the new store will feature everything from its instantly recognisable collection of Hamley bears, to speed racing car toys, as well as flying drones and giant floating bubbles.
Known as ‘The Finest Toy Shop in the World’, Hamleys will join the 1.7 million sq ft shopping district occupying over 2,475 sq ft within the Galleria and will create 10 new job opportunities in the capital.
Hamleys, who have been a household name for over 260 years, is dedicated to ‘bringing toys to life’ for children and families by enthusiastically encouraging fun and play within their store and offering engaging experiences through their expert toy demonstrators.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “It’s really exciting to be welcoming another iconic brand to the St James Quarter family. We want to ensure that every visit to The Quarter is a delightful and memorable experience for the entire family and we really think that between the new Hamleys, and the already opened LEGO store, parents and children have lots to enjoy.
“Hamleys is so much more than just a toy shop, the brand focuses on bringing their games and toys to life adding an exciting experiential element to any shopping trip. Guests can celebrate birthdays and special occasions in style, and we are of course already eagerly anticipating what the festive season will bring with Hamleys!”
Mr. Sumeet Yadav, Chief Executive Officer – Global Retail Business, Reliance Brands Limited added:“We are delighted to open soon at St James Quarter. Every year more than 10 million families visit us across the world for a unique Hamleys experience where we bring to life many Worlds of Play.
“Every visit to Hamleys is a reward in itself, the toy purchase is a bonus for the child. I am sure children will build lasting memories of fun and joy while adults will relive memories of their childhood at Hamleys in Edinburgh.”
This latest signing at St James Quarter, which recently opened the first phase of its retail, dining and leisure elements in June this year, underscores the Scottish capital’s global appeal and further bolsters the St James Quarter leisure offer.
A game-changing mixed-use development being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate, St James Quarter completes the distinctive offer of Edinburgh with over 80 new brands, an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, and will add a W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, 152 New Eidyn residential apartments, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.
Complementing an unrivalled shopping offer, which includes a host of brands including & Other Stories, Mango, Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Russell & Bromley, Miele, Next, H&M, JD Sports, John Lewis, and many more, St James Quarter is a premier food and drink destination.
Providing a truly diverse offer – from fast food, fresh food, to family and restaurant dining including Bonnie & Wild’ new concept food hall to the development. The offer will be available over a number of locations throughout St James Quarter, each with its own unique look and feel.
Edinburgh’s St James Quarter is extending its enviable line for visitors once again, as it announces a further four new openings taking place this month.
French fashion retailer, The Kooples, and global skin care brand, Aesop, are both joining the 1.7 million sq ft city centre development at the end of the month.
And that’s not all, local independent Maki & Ramen and Bonnie & Wild both opened their doors earlier this week, adding some firm foodie favourites to the already mouth-watering line up of eateries within The Quarter – ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy morning, noon and night.
Bonnie & Wild (above) is Scotland’s largest single food and drink site that offers a variety of locally sourced produce, served by some of Scotland’s best restaurants and award-winning chefs.
Whilst Maki & Ramen which offers authentic Japanese dishes, served with a side of Instagrammable interiors, including a large Cherry Blossom tree in the centre of the restaurant, and a brand-new cocktail menu exclusive to St James Quarter customers.
The Kooples, known for their rock-chic and contemporary apparel, will open on 23rd July, followed by Aesop, which will open its second Edinburgh store on 30th July.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing a further four retailers who are opening their doors this month, two of which are allowing us to extend our already incredible food and beverage offering within the Quarter.
“Our goal is to provide visitors with an enjoyable and memorable experience with something new to see, do, and experience every time they come back to The Quarter.
“Bonnie & Wild, Maki & Ramen, The Kooples and Aesop are four incredible brands that each have something different and unique to offer, and I look forward to seeing them thrive over the coming months.”
Following five years of construction, the most significant transformation Edinburgh has seen, St James Quarter, opened phase one of the 850,000 sq ft shopping galleria today (Thursday 24th June).
The completion of the first phase of the development brings a new, retail led, lifestyle district that fully integrates into and enhances Edinburgh’s City Centre providing an inspiring, attractive, and vibrant destination for locals and visitors to shop, eat and play.
Over 40 retailers welcomed the public through their doors on opening morning, many of which are debuting their brand in Scotland for the first time, including, & Other Stories, Stradivarius, Bershka, and Pull&Bear. H&M, Mango, Next – including its Victoria Secret offering, Rituals Tommy Hilfiger, Peloton, Salerno, Nordic Outdoor and many more also welcomed their first visitors to their new stores.
As part of the development plans, John Lewis opened their newly renovated store in May, boasting a range of new services and experiences.
St James Quarter will also host several new concept stores including Zara, and Superdrug who have added a showcase Skinnydip stand for lifestyle and fashion accessories along with a Beauty Studio area for professional beauty treatments.
Meanwhile Breitling opened its first standalone boutique in Edinburgh, and The Body Shop will open their first Activist Workshop store in Scotland. LEGO has unveiled to shoppers a bespoke Edinburgh themed LEGO mosaic, while IOLLA will be introducing a new experiential showroom with an interactive try on garden.
St James Quarter is committed to championing local brands – taking over Little King Street for the next 12 months are an array of local food and drink pop-ups including Harajuku Kitchen, Artisan Roast, The Mac Man and Churros, Baby? to keep shoppers energised whilst visiting the Quarter.
St James Quarter has also recently announced its exclusive partnership with Edinburgh Cocktail Week and will host a striking new al fresco Spritz Garden to kick off the opening celebrations.
With its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh, St James Quarter is set to become a welcoming, cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture, and fashion. Through long-term partnerships with Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues and the Edinburgh Science Festivals – to name a few – the opening is set to complement the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its vibrant events calendar.
The £1bn development’s hospitality and residential elements are set to complete in three further phases through to 2022.
When fully complete, St James Quarter will be a destination like no other – bringing together brands from global to local, and convenience to luxury.
It features a shopping galleria with 80 different retailers, an enticing mix of restaurants, a Bonnie & Wild food hall, Scotland’s first W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, residential apartments, and parking.
A number of brands will continue to join the line up in the coming weeks, including the Scottish foodhall, Bonnie & Wild, which opens next month, as well as Bross Bagels, The Kooples and Aeronautica.
When complete, in addition to the new shopping hub, St James Quarter will include:
· A 244-bedroom W Edinburgh. The first in Scotland, the glamorous hotel will include a W Lounge, a signature restaurant, a W Sound Suite, FIT® – the ultimate workout facility – and an AWAY® Spa.
· 152 New Eidyn apartments from Native Land. As well as stunning views from their ‘gardens in the sky’, the new homes will include a shared garden room and unparalleled residents’ services including full concierge service.
· A 75-room Roomzzz Aparthotel. Complementing the scheme’s W Edinburgh, Roomzzz is providing stylish apartments with the personal touch for adventure, business and celebration. Guests can stay for one night, a week and up to a year.
· Nine event spaces. An enviable events programme has been created across a range of new and attractive public spaces. Set to host a diverse range of pop-up fashion and music shows, the St James Quarter will link to the city’s rich cultural offering and events calendar.
· A boutique Everyman Cinema. Debuting its first Edinburgh city cinema at the St James Quarter, the cinema will feature five screens and indulgent sofa seating.
· A truly diverse dining experience with an enticing mix of restaurants. From fast food, fresh food, to family and restaurant dining, the St James Quarter boasts the first Bonnie & Wild Scottish food hall, Five Guys, @pizza and Scotland’s first The Alchemist.
Martin Perry, Director of Development for St James Quarter, said: “This is a momentous occasion for the city of Edinburgh – and this is just the beginning. The brands and experience that we have welcomed today demonstrate our commitment to delivering a curated destination for the people of Edinburgh.
“We are now looking forward to continuing on our journey to deliver a truly mixed-use destination of the future as we welcome more brands, leisure, and our new neighbours.
“The impact of the pandemic has of course had a profound impact on UK retail. However, retail required a rethink long before the pandemic. The high street was already changing, which is why we have been continually working with our partners, retailers, and the city as whole to ensure that the St James Quarter continues to be enjoyed by generations to come.
“A new normal demands a new kind of retail destination, a development that can respond to an ever-changing situation, one that serves the needs of its community as well as overseas visitors.
“It is the reason we are focusing on creating a unique experience for our customers. There is something for everyone – which is why our occupiers are still focused on the long-term journey at St James Quarter.
“We believe in Edinburgh, and we are excited to help lead the way as part of the city’s wider economic recovery. Throughout this pandemic we have never questioned our investment in not just the St James Quarter but the city itself. We’re here to stay and we’re here to help.”
Nick Peel, Managing Director for St James Quarter, commented: “Today is the day we’ve been waiting for, for a long time – it marks the moment we bring a brand-new fashion district to Scotland.
“The brands opening their doors within St James Quarter are world-class and it’s great to so many retailers debuting in Scotland for the first time. From firm fashion favourites to local gems, there’s something for everyone.
“The St James Quarter team has been working tirelessly to ensure customer safety is the number one priority, so we have ensured all relevant measures are in place to allow people to enjoy the St James Quarter experience comfortably and safely.
“We look forward to welcoming guests over the coming weeks and to share what lies behind The Quarter with everyone.”
Premium German appliance manufacturer Miele is to open an Experience Centre within the exciting new district of St James Quarter tomorrow ( 24 June).
This will be the third Miele Experience Centre in the UK after London and Oxfordshire, and its 100th worldwide.
The purpose of the Experience Centre is to bring Miele products to life and to provide customers with the opportunity to fully interact with live appliances and experience new technology.
Whether a customer is looking for a replacement washing machine or researching a full suite of appliances for their new dream kitchen, knowledgeable sales consultants and home economists can help guide them on the products that are right for them.
John Pickering, managing director for Miele GB says: “We are thrilled to be opening a Miele Experience Centre within the new St James Quarter in Edinburgh.
“Our mission is to create quality products that improve our customers’ lives, that are designed, built and tested to last – many for up to 20 years. We are looking forward to helping customers from all over Scotland make informed decisions about buying new sustainable appliances and ensuring they get the absolute most out of them.”
The new Edinburgh Miele Experience Centre will be a ‘destination of discovery’, where a range of sustainable appliances will be on display including laundry, cooking, dishwashers and floorcare.
Carefully curated interactive ‘Discovery Classes’ will also be introduced from September to help customers to see and feel why Miele products are different.
The classes will cover everything from key product features and benefits, quality of design and manufacture through to cooking and recipe demonstrations.
The new Experience Centre will be managed by Ewan Laing who will be supported by a team of sales consultants and home economists.
The new store creates eight new jobs and is centrally located in St James Quarter, which is set to be a vibrant new shopping and food destination attracting 20 million visitors per year.
The opening tomorrow will have a carnival theme with a spectacular floral installation created by Edinburgh-based Wild Flowers.
The award-winning and renowned private chef, Mark Heirs will be in store from the 24 June – 1 July, giving cookery demonstrations and serving up ‘street food’ style bites and treats.
And there will be an exclusive in store ‘Spin the Drum’ competition which will run from 24-27 June, to give visitors the chance to win one of 100 prizes in celebration of the opening of Miele’s 100th Experience Centre worldwide.
Prizes include a washing machine, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner and £25 or £50 vouchers.
The new Miele Experience Centre can be found at 243 St James Crescent, EH1 3AD. Doors open at 9am tomorrow (24 June 2021).
For more information about Miele visit miele.co.uk
Family-run jewellers Laings has unveiled its vision for the future, with ambitious new plans to strengthen its presence across the United Kingdom.
After celebrating 180 years of trading in 2020, Laings is now looking ahead to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches with extensive expansion plans set to be unveiled, aimed at enhancing the client experience across its key locations.
Through six generations of family ownership, Laings has grown to become a leading independent luxury jeweller, with six showrooms across four locations – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Southampton and Cardiff.
Laings offers a curated selection of fine jewellery and watches from some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe, as well as bespoke design and repair services by the in-house team of master watchmakers, goldsmiths and jewellery designers.
Now, expanding its retail strategy while staying true to the heritage of the business, the jewellers has announced it will be investing £10 million into the company over the next two years. The investment will see Laings transform its showrooms and workshops, reimagining the customer experience while ensuring traditional jewellers’ crafts are kept alive for generations to come.
The first in a series of transformations will be unveiled this Autumn with work already underway to treble the size of Laings’ St David’s Centre Cardiff showroom, allowing the company to introduce Swiss watch brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe to its Welsh clientele.
An investment which demonstrates the trust Laings holds with luxury horology’s most prominent brands, who have existing relationships with Laings having worked together for years in other cities.
Stuart McDowell, Retail Director at Laings, says: “The expansion in Cardiff is in response to our client’s enquiries – catering to the watch collectors of Wales who might not have Laings at the forefront of their minds now, but hopefully they soon will.
“The showroom is right in the heart of the capital city and our expanded presence means we can give the brands we represent the stage to shine. No longer will Cardiff clients need to travel outside their home city to access these brands, they can enjoy having them on their doorstep – with Laings.”
Laings is also revolutionising the way its Welsh customers experience diamonds and jewellery with the introduction of private viewings.
The expanded showroom is set to include dedicated diamond and jewellery areas so that clients can view the carefully curated collections in private, with a glass of champagne served by Laings’ refreshments partner Lanson. Despite the changes, clients can expect the same warmth, expertise and attention that they have become accustomed to at Laings.
Laings’ workshops in Scotland will also see significant investment, marking the beginning of a new client experience. For the first time in the company’s history, clients will be invited to join the watchmakers and goldsmiths behind the benches to see their skills in action when completing services, drawing back the curtain on the artisan crafts and allowing the team to take centre stage.
Upon opening, the workshops will play host to client immersion sessions, luxury events and meet the makers demonstrations to showcase expertise, allowing clients to see the intricacies of every service first-hand.
Laings also hopes that breathing new life into the workshops will attract visibility to the industry and inspire a new generation of talent to train in the field. With a recruitment plan spanning all areas of the business, Laings aims to grow its team by up to 25 per cent, providing opportunities for both apprentices and existing watchmakers and goldsmiths in locations where there have traditionally been less positions available, safeguarding these artisan skills for the future.
Laings CEO, Joe Walsh, says: “The workshops create a special experience for our customers. Not only will they be able to talk to the watchmakers and see them working, they’ll also be able to attend events where they can gain a deeper insight into the craft – taking watches apart, seeing how the mechanics work and putting them back together. People are looking for experiences now and that’s what we want – to deliver a new form of retail that captures the imagination of our clients.”
These developments signal the start of a longer-term growth plan for Laings. Over the next 24 months, the company will embark on a journey of evolution to challenge jewellery and watchmaking retail experiences – bringing innovation to every area of the business, while never forgetting the deep-rooted heritage that anchors the Laings story.
Edinburgh’s skyline was filled with an array of dazzling light last night as an incredible illumination marked one week to go until St James Quarter officially opens its doors.
You can view the highlights of the lightshow here.
The countdown is on for St James Quarter’s’ much-anticipated phase one opening, and the new fashion district was officially welcomed to the city by some of the capital’s most famous landmarks. From the Balmoral and Edinburgh Castle to Forth Ports and the EICC, all roads led to St James Quarter as the whole of the night sky was illuminated- a symbol of this new city centre integration.
With its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh, St James Quarter is set to become a welcoming, cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture, and fashion.
Through long-term partnerships with Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues and the Edinburgh Science Festivals – to name a few – the upcoming opening is set to complement the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its vibrant events calendar.
Inspired by the spirit of Arthur’s Seat and the meeting of tectonic plates, the light show represents the awakening of St James Quarter, after five years of development. Together with festival, tourism and cultural venues across the city, the display is a celebration of connectivity, bringing together landmarks throughout Edinburgh city centre, all leading to St James Square.
Over 500 light fixtures were placed around the ribbon building with accompanying projections and a soundtrack featuring local sound designer, Keith Fortune.
Mick Hay from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo took centre stage, 55m meters from the ground, conducting the soundtrack with the unmistakable sounds of the drums, as lasers of light travelled across the city in all directions.
Rochelle Weir, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “As we near the opening of phase one, the anticipation around the city is palpable.
“We wanted to bring this feeling to life, connecting with other landmarks, businesses, and partners across the city to mark our opening and cement our place on the iconic Edinburgh skyline.
“Our phase one opening is a significant moment in Edinburgh’s history, and we’re incredibly excited for the people of Edinburgh and beyond to see what lies behind the quarter. Last night’s display was just the beginning.”
