Dazzling light show marks one week countdown to St James Quarter opening

Edinburgh’s skyline dazzled with a special light show to mark one week to go until St James Quarter officially opens its doors.

Spectacular light show marks one week countdown to St James Quarter opening

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The ribbon hotel and some of the Capital’s most famous landmarks were illuminated in the display to welcome the city’s largest development in a generation.

From the Balmoral and Edinburgh Castle, to Forth Ports and the EICC, the whole of the night sky was illuminated as the seven day countdown kicked off for St James Quarter’s’ much-anticipated phase one opening.

The skyline was illuminated to mark the seven day countdown

Inspired by the spirit of Arthur’s Seat and the meeting of tectonic plates, developers said the light show was a nod to ‘the awakening’ of St James Quarter, after five years of development.

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.

St James Quarter is set to become a hub for art, culture, and fashion. The new 1.7 million sq ft centre will be home to John Lewis, Everyman Cinema, a mix of new restaurants, cafés and bars, Scotland’s first W Hotel – W Edinburgh and a luxury aparthotel.

Through 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.

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.”

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