Miles Briggs visits British Gas Post Office Pop- Up in Waverley Mall

Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, visited the local British Gas Energy Trust Post Office Pop-Up in Waverley Mall yesterday.

It was launched to provide free money and energy advice in person to those struggling with energy debt over winter.

The Edinburgh pop-up comes as data from the British Gas Energy Trust shows 40% of people in Edinburgh say that certain cut-backs they’ve made due to cost of living have negatively impacted their mental health.

Other findings include:

  • 34% of people in Edinburgh have limited their usage of household appliances and 39% are reluctant to use heat or electricity within the home making the cold months daunting.
  • The rising cost of energy has caused 40% of people in Edinburgh a fair amount of additional stress with 28% of people thinking they’ll struggle to pay their energy bills in the coming year
  • 34% of parents have cut down on their own food consumption to be able to feed their children. 

Rolling out across the country, the British Gas Energy Trust is bringing its pop-ups to Edinburgh for the public to visit on 29th & 30th January and at a second Edinburgh location on the 5th & 6th February (14a Westside Plaza, EH14 TSV) – helping people seek money and energy support and advice through the support of locally funded projects.

This includes checking eligibility for energy grants of up to £1,500 for all customers, regardless of energy supplier.

Drop-in clinics available across Lothian for winter vaccines

Waverley Mall and Ocean Terminal units open every day

Vaccination clinics across Lothian are now welcoming drop ins from all adults who are eligible for this year’s winter vaccines.

Until Thursday 22nd December 2022, adults who are eligible for a flu vaccine and/or a COVID-19 winter booster can get their vaccinations without an appointment.

So far, over half a million winter vaccines have been delivered in Lothian, protecting hundreds of thousands of people from the latest strain of flu and topping up their protection against COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine on offer in Lothian is a Spikevax bivalent booster vaccine, which is proven to protect from the Omicron variant as well as older strains of the virus.

For those who are eligible for both vaccines, getting these at the same time is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection over the winter months.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care for NHS Lothian, said: “The flu virus is always changing and COVID-19 protection can fade over time, so it’s important we keep ahead of these viruses and top up our protection when offered.

“Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you can get it again and vaccination is still the best way of protecting yourself and those around you against severe COVID-19 illness.

“If you’re an eligible adult and are yet to get your vaccinations, I’d urge you to take up this offer and drop in to one of our clinics before Christmas.

“For more information on these clinics, and details of how children and teenagers can get their vaccines, please visit our website.”

You may have to wait to be seen if you drop-in.

If you are required to queue and have mobility issues, or need any support or assistance, please make yourself known to a member of staff.

You are welcome to bring a carer, family member or friend along if you wish.

If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Drop-in clinic details can be found on NHS Lothian’s website. Please visit NHS Inform to find out more about the winter vaccines.

If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

AreaSiteDaysDrop-in times
East LothianHaddington Corn ExchangeMonday to Sunday8.30am – 12pm1pm – 4pm
EdinburghOcean TerminalMonday to Sunday9am – 6.30pm
EdinburghWaverley MallMonday to Sunday10am – 5.30pm
MidlothianRosewell SteadingMonday to Sunday8am – 5pm

*Please note the main car park will be closed between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday 4th December for the switching on of the Christmas lights. On street parking will be available.
West LothianLivingston Designer OutletMonday to Wednesday and Friday9.30am – 5pm
Thursday9.30am – 6pm
Sunday10.30am – 4.30pm
West LothianCarmondean Health CentreMonday and Tuesday9am – 12pm1.15pm – 4.30pm
West LothianWest Calder Health CentreWednesday and Friday9am – 12pm, 1.15pm – 4.30pm
West Lothian
Strathbrock Partnership Centre 
Monday to Sunday
9am – 6pm 

Winter Vaccine Drop-Ins available

Drop-in clinics

Until Thursday 22nd December, anyone aged 65 or over and anyone aged 12 or over with an eligible health condition can drop-in to a vaccination clinic (listed below).

Please be advised that there may be a wait to be seen if you drop-in.

If you are required to queue and have mobility issues, or need any support or assistance, please make yourself known to a member of staff.

You are welcome to bring a carer, family member or friend along if you wish.

If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

AreaSiteDaysDrop-in times
East LothianHaddington Corn ExchangeMonday to Sunday8.30am – 12pm1pm – 4pm
EdinburghOcean TerminalMonday to Sunday9am – 6.30pm
EdinburghWaverley MallMonday to Sunday10am – 5.30pm
MidlothianGorebridge Community CentreMonday to Friday8.30am – 12pm1pm – 4pm
MidlothianPenicuik YMCA/YWCAMonday to Friday8.30am – 12pm1pm – 4pm
West LothianLivingston Designer OutletMonday to Wednesday and Friday9.30am – 5pm
Thursday9.30am – 6pm
Sunday10.30am – 4.30pm
West LothianCarmondean Health CentreMonday and Tuesday9am – 12pm1.15pm – 4.30pm
West LothianWest Calder Health CentreWednesday and Friday9am – 12pm1.15pm – 4.30pm
​West Lothian​Strathbrock Partnership Centre ​Monday to Sunday​9am – 6pm 

Pan-Asian Noodle Chain Gets Ready To ‘Wok’ & Roll

Situated at Waverley Mall, Princes St, Edinburgh, EH1 1BQ, the revamped store, which is part of the brand’s continuing Scotland expansion, has seen a number of new features added, including a living wall, sparkling star lights and a timber clad counter, with the decor reflecting the quirky and fun nature of the Chopstix brand. 

Wok Masters can be seen creating fresh Chopstix dishes, all served from an eye-catching wok station, ready to ‘wok and go’. Customers will once again be able to delight in a host of Pan-Asian flavours including Salt ‘N’ Pepper Chicken, as well as Chopstix favourites Chicken Katsu Curry and Caramel Drizzle Chicken.

Speaking on the Edinburgh revamp, Rob Burns, marketing director for Chopstix said: “We’re thrilled to reveal the new look for Chopstix Edinburgh Waverley.

“Scotland has always been a favourite for Chopstix and we have an amazing loyal customer base here so we’re excited to welcome back customers new and old to delight in our quick and tasty offering.

“We’d also love to extend the invitation to the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon to come and click her sticks with us.” 

The noodle bar’s popular dishes are also available to order from Deliveroo with Just Eat and Uber Eats. Orders are permitted from within the postcode area of the store.

Chopstix is focused on delivering a faster, fresher, tastier alternative to the high street. Wok Master chefs deliver nourishing noodles, wholesome chicken, beautiful beef and perfect prawns with fresh vegetables and superb sauces to make Chopstix the ‘go to guys’ for boxed fresh flavour. You can find us in over 60 locations throughout the UK.

 For more information please visit: www.chopstixnoodles.co.uk

Final Waverley Sessions of 2019 this weekend

Waverley Mall, Edinburgh and The Youth Radio Network are set to host the final Waverley Sessions of 2019 this weekend – Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd December 2019.

The popular monthly music event, which is a collaboration between the busy city centre shopping centre and youth music organisation, The Youth Radio Network, has been gaining traction over the last 12 months.

This weekend will see a selection of some of the best acts they have seen throughout the year, taking to the stage across the weekend. The event will run from 11am – 4pm on Saturday and 12pm-4pm on Sunday.

Acts taking to the stage this weekend include 14-year-old Lewis Capaldi fan  Evie McDonald from Grangemouth and 21-year-old pop and country singer Liv Dawn from Loch Lomond. Others include Leigh Tiley, Euan Russell, Nicole Carlin, Blair Gilmore and Rebecca Swallow.

Customers are promised a weekend packed with toe-tapping tunes, some festive specials and a fabulously Christmassy atmosphere throughout the Waverley Mall food court as the musicians get them in the mood for Christmas.

Keiran Harvey and the team of volunteers from The Youth Radio Network will be hosting the weekend’s entertainment and while there is no age limit, with the support of the team from The Youth Radio Network, young artists in particular are offered the opportunity gain public performance experience and increase their sense of self confidence.

The Youth Radio Network’s vision is to empower, teach and entertain young people, aged 13 to 25 years, through the power of music and digital technology, opening doors to the broadcast industries, and to become more employable helping them to get the best start in life.

Their role includes teaching young people the ropes of the broadcast industry and helping to prepare them for employment through CV preparation, mock interviews and confidence building.

Through their work with Waverley Mall they are empowering young people – giving them opportunities, skills and equipment as well as hands on experience in a real life setting for a future in the music / broadcast industry.

By providing a platform to perform, Waverley Mall is building on this opportunity with the chance to build personal confidence in performing in public.

Jacquelyn Stewart, General Manager, Waverley Mall says: “We’re looking forward to singing out 2019 in style with the final edition of The Waverley Sessions this year.

“It will be great to see so many familiar faces taking to the stage across the weekend to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

Keiran Harvey, CEO, The Youth Radio Network says: “It has been incredible to work with Waverley Mall on The Waverley Sessions this year.

“We’ve uncovered such a huge variety of artists this year, who have done nothing but surprise us with their talent, enthusiasm and energy throughout their stint on our stage.”

All you want for Christmas at Waverley Mall

Waverley Mall is treating its customers to a fabulous array of festive treats, FREE entertainment, competitions and more this Christmas.

They have kicked off the season’s celebrations with the installation of their giant illuminated star on the centre’s roof from 12th November. The star, which proved an incredibly popular attraction with visitors throughout its debut last festive season, provides the perfect photo opportunity for couples, families and friends visiting the city centre.

To add to the festive cheer, Waverley Mall will be giving shoppers the chance to win a £200 gift card to spend in a store of their choice at Waverley Mall, when they break into festive song under the star.

To enter, participants simply need to sing their rendition of their favourite Christmas song under the giant star and film it, before uploading the video to Facebook or Instagram along with #starunderthewaverleystar.

The competition runs until 15th December 2019 with a winner being chosen in time to enjoy their prize for Christmas.

This will be followed by the first of two festive editions of their popular monthly live music event, ‘The Waverley Sessions’ in partnership with The Youth Radio Network, which will see dozens of young and aspiring musicians taking to the stage across the weekend of 30th November and 1st December.

The second event will take place across the weekend of 21st and 22nd December, with customers promised a variety of festive merriment across both weekends.

In a move to spread festive cheer and good will even further, Waverley Mall has offered a variety of local schools, choirs, charities and community groups the opportunity to use space within the centre for carol singing and festive performances to raise funds for a cause of their choice.

Organisations that have jumped at the opportunity include Edinburgh based mental health charity – Health in Mind who will be carol singing in the centre between 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Thursday 5th and Wednesday 11th December and award-winning women’s barbershop and a cappella chorus ‘Forth Valley Chorus’ who will perform at 30 minute intervals from 1pm – 3.30pm on the afternoon of Sunday 8th December to raise funds for cancer care charity ‘Maggies Centre’.

On Friday 13th December, the centre will welcome a group from Broughton High School to raise funds for their musical and on Saturday 14th, Armdale Academy will be raising funds for their school show.

On Sunday 15th December, Dunedin Wind Band will be playing to raise funds for Crisis – the national charity for homeless people. More groups are yet to be added to this fabulous line up.

Visitors to the city centre are encouraged to come down to Waverley Mall and show their support for these fantastic groups as they soak up the festive atmosphere.

As an extra special treat this year, Waverley Mall will be dishing out a variety of free treats throughout the festive season – customers should keep an eye on the centre’s social media channels to find out about the latest freebies and where and when to find them. 

Jacquelyn Stewart, General Manager, Waverley Mall says: “We wanted to make Christmas a little bit special this year, full of the anticipation, fun and surprises of the festive season, while raising awareness of those less fortunate and doing a little bit to help.

“As well as offering a little ‘thank you’ to our customers by way of a few free treats.”

This weekend: showcasing Scottish talent at Waverley Mall

Waverley Mall is set to continue its monthly live music showcase with the October edition of ‘The Waverley Sessions’ in partnership with The Youth Radio Network.

This popular event is set to take place on the weekend of 19th and 20th October with a fantastic line up of Scottish talent taking to the stage across the weekend. Continue reading This weekend: showcasing Scottish talent at Waverley Mall