‘Fashion Brand with a purpose’ Scamp & Dude celebrates opening weekend at St James Quarter

Scamp & Dude celebrated its official opening in Edinburgh at the weekend with a VIP event, live entertainment, hosted by brand founder and CEO Jo Tutchener-Sharp who formally cut the ribbon and welcomed excited shoppers through the doors on Saturday 9th September. 

Adding a pop of neon to the capital’s lifestyle district, St James Quarter, this is Scamp & Dude’s first store to open in Scotland and comes after a year of expansive growth for the brand, which will also see the opening of a store in Battersea Power Station, London this weekend. 

On Friday 8th September Scamp & Dude hosted a vibrant launch event with more than 180 of the city’s key influencers,media and over 100 members of the brand’s supportive Scottish community. Guests were treated to a limited-edition special Edinburgh-opening-only tote bag, thoughtfully designed, and packed with amazing Scamp & Dude and beauty must-haves. 

Engaging with the brand’s tight-knit community, the event was attended by more than 100 ‘Duders’. Dressed in head-to-toe Scamp & Dude attire, and full of anticipation and excitement, the ‘Duders’ were seen first in line creating the party atmosphere. Once inside, guests had the opportunity to explore the new store, try on new styles and press the exclusive interactive Superpower Button, to receive their very own boost of Scamp & Duder Superpowers.  

Exclusively unveiled at the launch was the Scamp & Dude ‘Bolt Room’, An exclusive shopping experience in the store, where customers can book to have
use of a private fitting room for a group of friends to try on the brand’s latest styles, all whilst relaxing with a glass of bubbly and a Scamp & Dude stylist on hand for advice. 

The official public launch of the vibrant new store at St James Quarter began on Saturday, September 9th, with eager shoppers beginning to gather as early as 7:45am in anticipation of this exciting addition to the Quarter.

The first 50 shoppers were gifted with a complimentary Scamp & Dude gift. Shoppers were entertained over the launch weekend with performances from a brass band that filled the Galleria with feel good tunes.  

The newly opened store proudly presents Scamp & Dude’s collection of women’s and children’s clothing, alongside their charitable product offerings. Situated in a location that resonates with the brand’s dedicated and swiftly expanding Scottish following, referred to as ‘Duders,’ it serves as the perfect hub for this community. 

‘Edinburgh Style’ returns to St James Quarter

‘Edinburgh Style’ is back at St James Quarter this September for its third season, bringing showstopping fashion to Edinburgh’s lifestyle district in partnership with Grazia magazine.  

From Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st October, St James Quarter will play host to an array of must-attend events, curated for the fashion lovers and beauty aficionados of Edinburgh. 

Across the stylish long weekend, guests can attend an exciting lineup of free fashion talks, styling workshops, and beauty masterclasses featuring world renowned brands. For those prepping their wardrobe for Autumn / Winter, the fashion team at Grazia will be hosting a series of intimate styling sessions, sharing their fashion and accessory must-haves for the season ahead. 

And that’s not all, St James Quarter will be hosting two iconic catwalk shows on Saturday 30th September at 4pm and 6pm on Level 3 in the Galleria.

Models will be taking to the runway, showcasing the newest looks fresh off the rails from retailers including John Lewis, H&M, & Other Stories and BOSS, as well as Harvey Nichols on Multrees Walk.

For those seeking a truly VIP experience, the closing show, which will be styled by the Grazia team also offers live entertainment. While tickets are not essential, guests can reserve their free spot via the St James Quarter app.  

Over the course of the weekend, John Lewis will be hosting its very own fashion and beauty events as part of its MYJL Members’ Week in collaboration with top influencers Nadine Baggott, Clarissa Rae and Nicole Ocran.  

Also part of the weekend schedule, H Beauty is bringing back its H Beauty Carnival, including everything from expert sessions on how to perfect the ultimate glowing look with the Charlotte Tilbury team to how to get runway ready with the experts from Pat McGrath.  

The H Beauty Carnival will also feature special appearances from the likes of social media it girl Emily Shak and celebrity makeup artist Neil Young who will be revealing their ultimate style and beauty tips. For more information and to book a free ticket, visit the H Beauty website here.  

Don’t forget to download the St James Quarter app to stay in the loop with all things Style.  

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: This year, we’re bringing some of the most trusted voices in the fashion and beauty world straight to St James Quarter with the return of Edinburgh Style.

“Over the course of the weekend, we will be hosting an array of exclusive fashion workshops, beauty masterclasses, immersive in-store experiences, and not one, but two runway presentations.  

“This is the second year we’ve partnered with Grazia, and we can’t wait to show the fashion team all that the stylish city of Edinburgh has to offer.

“We’re inviting everyone to enjoy our packed schedule of unmissable events and celebrate their own unique style. Make sure you clear your diaries!” 

For more information on the free events that will be taking place across the weekend and to secure your fashion show seats, please visit the St James Quarter app here, or alternatively visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/events 

St James Quarter Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stjamesquarter/  

St James Quarter Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/StJamesQuarter/  

Flight Club is coming to Edinburgh

Stunning interiors, delicious cocktails and Social Darts … the perfect line-up for an unforgettable night out!

Flight Club, famous for making Social Darts a memorable night-out with friends, is opening a brand new and long-awaited venue in Edinburgh this November.

This will mark the 15th UK opening for Flight Club and the second in Scotland, closely following the opening of Flight Club Glasgow this October, and destined to be a highlight in everyone’s social calendar this autumn.  

Flight Club’s unique Social Darts concept promises to deliver a social experience like no other, loaded with unexpected, ridiculous, joy, and designed to bring people together through multiplayer games, show-stopping cocktails and tasty bites.

Flight Club will add a technology-charged twist to Edinburgh’s social scene and welcomes first-timers and fanatics alike. Automated scoring eliminates any need for counting and will seamlessly guide players through fast-paced, exciting games, whilst handy ‘push for service’ buttons will ensure not a moment of epic gameplay is missed when refreshments are required. 

Flight Club blends the nostalgia and warmth of a pub with the energy and excitement of a fairground in its atmosphere and decor; offering the ultimate escape from winter weather.

The new venue located in St James Quarter, the lifestyle district at the centre of Scotland’s capital, will give players the chance to discover an impressive 10 oche playing areas and will be neighbouring some of the biggest names in retail and hospitality.

The venue will celebrate the city’s heritage with a large mural featuring historical landmarks, and a model Victorian railway running throughout the height of the bar, calling at thoughtfully designed streets and stations.

If Prosecco and bottomless pizza sounds like more of a winning combination, Flight Club Edinburgh will be offering an incredible Brunch Social every Saturday & Sunday. Delivering on all those crispy base, ultra-cheesy cravings, the paddle board pizzas come with a variety of toppings and can be tailored to suit dietary requirements, whilst each guest will receive a bottle of Prosecco.

Located in the bustling St James Quarter, Flight Club Edinburgh is a one-stop destination for all group sizes, from groups of friends to corporate events, catering for up to 250 guests. Groups of 37 + can join Flight Club for an industry-leading Social Darts Tournament hosted by an expert Gamesmaster. Multiple oches are effortlessly connected for an immersive experience, perfect for team building, Christmas parties or company socials!

CEO, Steve Moore, said: “We love the atmosphere in Edinburgh and the existing hospitality and nightlife scene, so we are beyond excited to be opening a Flight Club in St James Quarter this autumn.

“It’s a busy and evolving city, and we will be bringing something a little different to the area, and can’t wait to see friends and colleagues celebrating every occasion with us.

Booking enquiries HERE.

Open to book from 7th September. 

Scamp & Dude opens at St James Quarter this Saturday

Scamp & Dude, the renowned British purpose-led fashion womenswear brand, has announced it will be opening its newest retail location in the lifestyle district of Edinburgh, St James Quarter, on Saturday (9th September). 

Scamp & Dude was established with a clear mission: to bring accessible fashion, joy, and vibrancy into every wardrobe, whilst using its big heart to give back to those going through difficult times. Beyond just serving as a retail outlet, the new premises also doubles up as a friendly, supportive environment to welcome new and existing consumers which celebrates the power of community. 

The opening of the new 2,939 sqft store in Edinburgh comes after a year of expansive growth for the brand, which will also see the opening of a store in Battersea Power Station, London. Scamp & Dude’s only store in Scotland will be situated on Level 3 in St James Quarter, which is home to some of the best and most exciting brands the city has to offer. 

To kick off the Edinburgh store’s grand opening this weekend, Scamp & Dude will be hosting immersive and fun activities and will be giving away an Edinburgh-exclusive Scamp & Dude tote bag to all shoppers that spend £100* or more over launch weekend. The tote bag has been designed in a new floral leopard print and cannot be purchased in other stores or online. (*one per customer, whilst stocks last) 

The new store will showcase Scamp & Dude’s stylish collection of womenswear, kids wear as well as charitable products and will be a fitting location for the brand’s loyal and rapidly growing community in Scotland, who known as the ‘Duders’.

The retail space will also serve as a venue for the brands ongoing charity campaigns and events, which Scamp & Dude are renowned for and will continue to run at the new St James Quarter store.

This includes the #SuperScarfMission which for every scarf sold, another is donated to a woman starting chemotherapy. To date, over 23,000 have been donated via hospital partners with a mission to reach 63,000 by next year (the approx. number of women who start chemotherapy per year).

In addition, the new Scamp & Dude store will also be home to an interactive Superpower Button, a first for the brand, which will give shoppers the chance to be assigned their very own superpower at the touch of a button. 

Scamp & Dude founder and CEO, Jo Tutchener-Sharp, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Scamp & Dude to Edinburgh as our first Scottish location as we feel there is already a real flavour for the brand here in Scotland.  

“Being located in St James Quarter alongside so many other great brands is an honour, and we cannot wait to officially launch on the 8th of September. Our loyal community of ‘Duders’ has grown rapidly, with many located here in Scotland.

“We are looking forward to bringing the store to where our community has expanded to and providing a physical space for customers to experience the Scamp & Dude magic in person.” 

Music artists celebrate the finale of St James Quarter Sessions

St James Quarter Sessions artists celebrated the finale of St James Quarter Sessions – a free live music event series that took place at St James Quarter throughout August.

With an impressive line-up of over 60 live performances and DJ sets, the Quarter transformed into a music festival site with guests reserving tickets to enjoy exclusive sets from talent including Russell Stewart, Grace and the Flat Boys and Super French.

St James Quarter, Summer Sessions Fringe Busking event
St James Quarter, Summer Sessions Fringe Busking event
St James Quarter, Summer Sessions Fringe Busking event

Louis Vuitton expands its Multrees Walk store in Edinburgh

Multrees Walk, Edinburgh’s most stylish destination, announces the expansion of the designer retailer Louis Vuitton, in Edinburgh. Louis Vuitton – the world’s leading high-quality products group – has been extended from 3,072 square feet to over 6,500 square feet, doubling in size.

Opening in Edinburgh over 20 years ago, Louis Vuitton was the second store to open in Multrees Walk. Over the last 2 decades, the retailer has established a loyal clientele throughout both Edinburgh and Scotland. Coupled with the added benefit from the recovery in international travel and tourism and a demand from international students, the Edinburgh store has gone from strength to strength. 

The solid growth for the brand and outstanding performance and demand for the fashion and leather goods, has granted the retailer the opportunity to double in size.

Commenting on the expansion, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen said: “Multrees Walk has become home to many leading and exclusive fashion brands, and we are proud to announce the next chapter for Louis Vuitton. 

“As one of our first retailers to open, to see Louis Vuitton trade so successfully to the point where they decided to upsize their store and expand their product offering in Edinburgh is fantastic and testament to the strong trading environment offered by Multrees Walk.

“We look forward to continuing to evolve the retail offering by welcoming further High-End Luxury retailers in the near future.”

Offering a prime location, Multrees Walk provides a luxury shopping experience in the heart of Edinburgh and houses many exclusive fashion brands including Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton, Edinburgh is the only store in Scotland and has cemented its reputation as the destination for designer leather goods.

St James Quarter Sessions brings live performances, busker performers and so much more!

  • Official launch event to take place on 4th August. 
  • Over 30 FREE performances scheduled to take place throughout August from artists including Chef the Rapper, Fright Years and Lewis McLaughlin 
  • Free tickets are now available to book via the St James Quarter app here

This Festival Fringe, St James Quarter is bringing a diverse programme of emerging music talent and street performances straight to the heart of Scotland’s capital with ‘St James Quarter Sessions’.  

Taking place throughout August, The Quarter will provide a unique addition to this year’s Fringe programme. Inviting music lovers to a month-long festival held in the lifestyle district of Edinburgh, guests attending St James Quarter Sessions can sit back, under cover and enjoy music from the comfort of their very own deck chair on the Galleria without a muddy field in sight. 

The free music festival runs from the 5th to the 27th of August and will fill The Quarter with the sound of the best music across two main stages – the Canopy Stage on Level 4 and The Yellow Stage on Level 3 – as well as in key outlets. Artists that will be taking the stage include Chef The Rapper, Lubana, SHEARS and Russell Stewart.

As well as established artists, St James Quarter will be providing an all-important platform for 33 buskers taking part in the Edinburgh Fringe Street Events programme with the support of Essential Edinburgh, helping showcase their talent to large audiences.   

Top dining destinations, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and Bonnie & Wild will host free ticketed events, showcasing performances from artists including Amy Duncan, Brodie Barclay and Alice Faye to name a few, with tickets bookable via the St James Quarter app. Keeping the festival spirit going, Sofar Sounds will be coming to a secret location within The Quarter on Sunday 20th August at 6:00pm with a lineup of 3 incredible artists. Tickets are available to purchase through the Sofar Sounds website here

To mark the launch of the programme, St James Quarter will be hosting the Launch Event at Everyman Edinburgh on Friday 4th August from 7.30pm till late, featuring performances from dynamic rock duo Midnight Ambulance and Chef The Rapper, a rising star in the music industry. Tickets for the launch event are limited and can be purchased through the St James Quarter app.  

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, St James Quarter – “We are excited to be bringing such a diverse line-up of amazing music performers to this year’s festival, the ‘St James Quarter Sessions’  will offer our guests an undercover musical experience in luxurious surroundings. 

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society again after such a great 2022 and are delighted to be supported by Essential Edinburgh. Partnering with the Fringe goes beyond entertainment, as it is an incentive for tourism and a boost for the city of Edinburgh. 

“At St James Quarter, we love bringing entertainment to elevate guests shopping experiences, which is why we are delighted to welcome some of the best up-and-coming talent that Edinburgh has to offer and bringing some of that renowned festival atmosphere to our Galleria and eateries.”  

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive, Essential Edinburgh – “We are delighted to be supporting the ‘St James Quarter Sessions’ music programme taking place during August. 

“This time of year is so important to the city as welcome our residents and visitors into the city centre to enjoy the fantastic arts and culture on offer.  It will be great to see some of our local talent playing in the St James Quarter as well as giving the audiences a chance to combine great entertainment with the retail and hospitality available.” 

Secure your tickets online now to be a part of the launch event, which will welcome VIP guests from the music industry. For the full event programme, tickets, additional details, and exciting updates about the Fringe, download the St James Quarter app here

For mobile users, download the St James Quarter app here.  

The Botanist: Opening date announced

MORE THAN FIFTY JOBS CREATED

The countdown is on for acclaimed bar-and-restaurant The Botanist to open its doors at St. James Quarter in Edinburgh.

Cocktail lovers will be able to get their hands on the venue’s famous innovative drinks from Monday 7th August, when the venue is set to welcome in guests for the first time. 

The brand is looking for a full team to run operations at its new venue, with 50-60 roles available including both front and back of house staff, from Chefs to Servers to Bartenders, and encourages creativity, individuality and personal flair from its employees. Roles are also advertised for a Duty Manager and Sous Chef to join the growing team.   

Edinburgh’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s fresh seasonal flavours, reviving botany-inspired cocktails and signature hanging kebabs that they’ll want to keep going back for. 

Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social space, ideal for family meals, after-work drinks, sophisticated evenings with friends and celebrating special occasions.  

The interior fit-out of the space is currently underway and the brand is renowned for its grand botanical-inspired interiors.  

Guests can expect to enjoy beautiful installations of greenery and exposed brick walls adorned with impressive hand painted artwork whilst they drink and dine. The bar will also feature a dedicated outdoor seating terrace.   

Rachel Guy, Operations Manager at New World Trading Company said, “Our stunning new flagship venue brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals join us. Joining the business at the start of our journey means you’ll be bringing our unique brand to life in Edinburgh with the help of award-winning training.    

“Our in-house Management Academy & Future Managers programme offers transparent career pathways and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.”  

To find out more about the opportunities available and apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/edinburgh-roles.   

To stay up to date with The Botanist Edinburgh’s opening and be the first to know about, sign up to its newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive invites and offers for the opening week.  

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society announces street events activity for Fringe 2023

The popular street events programme is back for 2023 across three key city centre sites

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce details of the Fringe 2023 street events programme, a popular element of the festival experience. In 2022 56% of Fringe audiences watched street events performances, with iconic street scenes shared around the world across social media.

On the Royal Mile, family-friendly performers will take to the spaces of the High Street from 11:00 every day. Professional street performers from home and abroad will delight with a mix of theatre, comedy and circus skills.

In busker pitches dotted around the area, magic, music and sideshows will engage with audiences, with over 500 buskers performing over the festival. Living statues will deliver a range of surprises to those wandering by, with young children enthralled by the vibrant costumes while often confused by the seemingly impossible positions and shapes they take!

In a tradition dating back decades, each day at 10 am a street events draw will define the performances which will take place that day. A list of those performing will then be published on edfringe.com and shared across Fringe social media channels.

Working towards making the Fringe more accessible, the Fringe Society are again working with the team at Deaf Action, and BSL interpreted street performances will take place on various days throughout the Fringe, at the stage in West Parliament Square. 

On the Mound Precinct this year the Fringe Society are delighted to welcome Belhaven Brewery to the festival as a new sponsor. The Belhaven team will be running a bar within this popular space, for audiences to enjoy their award-winning beers while watching nearby performers.

A large circle pitch will be central to this space, for daily street performance across a huge range of artforms. The popular Taster Stage for Fringe acts will also return this year, with an opportunity for local community groups to perform over three days of the festival.

St James Quarter will once again be joining the street events programme this year following a successful debut in 2022. Supported by Essential Edinburgh, they will be showcasing Fringe artists by programming 33 busker performances during the festival.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: “The street events programme is a must-see for residents and visitors alike, when these iconic streets of Edinburgh are host to street artists and buskers from all over the world; whether they’ve been performing for decades or a first timer, the Fringe street events showcases a range of talents, skills and styles guaranteed to lift your day!

“Bring the family, enjoy the sights and sounds, Fill Yer Boots, and don’t forget to tip performers!”

The return of the street events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate), and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “As one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural assets, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting this year’s street events programme as it gets set to transform Edinburgh’s historic streets into a vibrant playground of creative energy and diverse imagination once again. 

“The street events provide a wonderful opportunity for both visitors and locals to sample a slice of something new, whilst enabling performers to showcase their incredible talent. They are a key part of Scotland’s portfolio of events and further strengthen the country’s position as a world-leading events destination”.

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The street events programme is one of the most anticipated parts of the Festival Fringe and I am delighted to see it return for 2023.

“For a month the bustling streets of the capital are transformed by buskers and artists from around the world including family friendly performers who each bring a unique and exciting performance to all who pass by.

“The programme has something for everyone so make sure to take advantage of the array of talent on offer during the festival period”.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, St James Quarter said: “We are delighted to once again partner with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society by hosting a curated selection of buskers to support our ‘St James Quarter Live’ music programme in August.

“We know our guests love to be entertained whilst they are in the Quarter and look forward to welcoming some of Edinburgh’s best unplugged music talent to the Galleria. The Fringe is Just Around the Quarter.”

The street events will be delivered by Unique Events, who are managing the programme on behalf of the Fringe Society, for the third year.

St James Quarter announces two-year charity partnership with Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind

As part of St James Quarter’s commitment to putting the local community at its heart, Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid have been named as the Quarter’s charity partners for 2023 – 2025.

Throughout the two-year partnership, St James Quarter will work closely with the charities, putting a spotlight on their important work, raising awareness of their services and the support they offer, hosting fundraising activities and events, and dedicating time to volunteering, to make a difference in the local community and beyond.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid provides support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse, helping over 2,000 women and 250 children each year. Through the partnership, St James Quarter aims to raise awareness of issues relating to domestic violence and the incredibly valuable services the charity offers, including, employability support, legal support, safe refuge and support groups to promote positive wellbeing and recovery.  

Health in Mind is a leading Scottish mental health charity based in Edinburgh, with a vision that everyone in Scotland should have positive mental health and wellbeing, and can access high-quality support if, when and how they need it.

Recognising the far-reaching impact of mental health, St James Quarter hopes that this partnership will shine a light on the many resources and support services that Health in Mind offer, and the real difference they can make to people’s lives.

Alex McGinness, Technical Services Director and Corporate Social Responsibility Chair at St James Quarter says, “St James Quarter is committed to supporting charities that do incredible and valuable work in the city and beyond and we’re extremely proud to be partnering with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid for the next two years.

“We will support each organisation’s charitable initiatives and work together on exciting events and activations to raise awareness or funds. The partnerships will also open up training opportunities for our employees on important matters relating to mental health and domestic abuse. The charities are truly doing transformative work and it’s a privilege to be partnering with them”.

Wendy Bates, Chief Executive of Health in Mind says, “Health in Mind has been promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in communities across Edinburgh since 1982 and we’re pleased that now includes the St James Quarter community – from its staff to those who visit. 

“St James Quarter is a key venue in Edinburgh and our partnership will have a lasting impact in raising awareness for mental health and wellbeing and our available Health in Mind support.”

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Women’s Aid says, “In our 50th anniversary year, we are absolutely delighted to be partnering with St James Quarter.  Both Edinburgh Women’s Aid and St James Quarter are key actors in life in Edinburgh. 

“This amazing partnership creates an opportunity for us to jointly signal that supporting women and children to live safely and free from abuse is at the heart of Edinburgh’s community values.”

Both charities will also provide guidance and training to enhance the skills of the St James Quarter team, equipping them to identify and sensitively deal with issues surrounding domestic violence or mental wellbeing in the workplace.

St James Quarter will also leverage its existing partnership with retail and hospitality academy, FUSE, to offer support and to individuals who benefit from the charities and are looking to get into work.

To keep up to date with the latest news and events, download the St James Quarter app here.