Katie Collier

Radley London is closing its website at midnight on August 19 after entering administration in May. Gordon Brothers acquired the brand, intellectual property and some assets through a pre-pack deal, but not Radley’s 21 UK retail stores. Reports indicate the stores could close by the end of August, with 42 jobs already lost and clearance discounts of up to 70% being offered on handbags. The potential closures form part of broader deterioration on the UK high street, with several other retailers also entering administration or shutting stores.

Mothercare has warned of material uncertainty over its future after reporting a 42% revenue decline to £22.4 million, a £4.3 million pre-tax loss and rising net debt of £6.4 million. Auditors said the company may not remain a going concern without new funding if trading conditions worsen or cost and cash management do not improve. The downturn was linked to weaker international franchise sales, partly because of conflict in the Middle East, and the loss of its exclusive distribution agreement with Boots. Mothercare closed its last UK stores in 2020 and now operates primarily through international franchising and supply arrangements, while other UK retailers are also facing administration, liquidation or widespread closures.

Travellers from Edinburgh to Italy are warned that jaywalking can result in fines of approximately £22.25 to £87.28 when they cross within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing without using it. Foreign Office guidance also advises caution around busy roads, poorly lit areas and vehicle tunnels, and recommends using only officially licensed taxis. The article lists Italian destinations served from Edinburgh Airport.

More than one million British passports may fail to meet some overseas entry requirements because 705,904 have less than three months’ validity remaining and 347,268 were issued more than 10 years ago. UK travellers visiting Schengen Area destinations such as France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain generally need a passport valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure and issued within the previous 10 years. Travellers flying from Edinburgh Airport are advised to check destination-specific rules, renew passports early where necessary, and review travel-insurance cover for lost or stolen documents.

Edinburgh Airport now allows passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage without removing them, thanks to updated security scanners. Liquids can be split across containers under two litres, and metallic or insulated containers must be empty before screening. Items such as gels, pastes, lotions and baby food are included under liquid rules, and airlines provide specific guidance on cabin‑bag size and weight requirements.

Ryanair warns that passengers travelling from Edinburgh Airport to 16 European destinations should expect long delays caused by the EU’s Entry Exit System, which requires biometric checks for non‑EU travellers. Airline officials urge the EU to extend temporary flexibilities to allow airports time to fix malfunctioning equipment and increase staffing. The upcoming ETIAS pre‑authorisation scheme has been delayed until 2027 due to technical issues and the ongoing challenges with EES implementation.

UK travellers face significant delays at Portuguese airports as the EU’s new Entry Exit System causes long queues, with reports of waits exceeding six hours in Lisbon and Faro. Major airlines urge postponing the system’s rollout until after summer, while travel advisers recommend avoiding peak times and considering alternative airports such as Porto. Families are advised to use assisted lanes, and travellers are encouraged to plan ahead due to ongoing border delays and luggage handling strikes.

British travellers flying from Edinburgh Airport to Spain face updated entry rules in 2026, including increased financial requirements linked to Spain’s minimum wage and upcoming implementation of the EU Entry and Exit System. Spain now requires visitors to show at least €122.10 per day or a minimum of €1,089.90 for entry, with specific forms of proof accepted. Additional travel alerts include a new smoking ban on selected Antalya beaches, part of an environmental initiative aiming to protect marine ecosystems, with fines ranging from 1,764 to 5,000 Turkish Lira. Travellers are further advised to prepare for the launch of ETIAS later in 2026, which will require UK passport holders to obtain paid authorisation for short stays in 30 European countries.