As Edinburgh prepares for the introduction of the Visitor Levy on Friday 24 July, the Council is providing ongoing support to businesses in the visitor economy.
A new Visitor Levy team has been visiting accommodation providers across the city, answering questions and helping to explain what businesses need to do to prepare for the levy. They have also been encouraging sign-ups to the online platform for submitting levy returns and making their payments, the first of which are due in October.
The Council has also prepared a range of display materials to help businesses to explain the levy to their guests, summarising key information and the benefits the scheme will bring to the city. This includes a Q&A document covering the most commonly asked questions by visitors.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “With two weeks to go until the official introduction of the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, I’m very aware of how our busy the city’s accommodation providers already are and want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to support them.
“We’ve been in regular touch with industry representatives throughout the process and I’m extremely grateful to them for their constructive feedback and support. We know their guests will have questions of their own about the levy, how it works and how the funds will be invested – and we’ve developed a range of materials to share with guests and direct them to the most up-to-date information about the scheme.
“We’re the first city in the UK to introduce a visitor levy of this scale, and we’ve built our approach around engagement and support.
“This is a big opportunity for us all to work together and enhance Edinburgh’s position as one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world.”
The levy applies to paid overnight accommodation booked after 1 October 2025, if the stay takes place from 24 July 2026 onwards. It is a 5% payment on the accommodation-only cost and applies to the first 5 nights’ stay.
The scheme is projected to raise up to £50 million a year to invest in protecting, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live.
A giant sculpture of a newborn baby by artist Ron Mueck is on display from today at Modern One in Edinburgh.
Measuring over five meters in length, A Girl, captures a newly delivered baby as she takes her first glimpse of the surrounding world. Free to visit, this is just one of over 50 fascinating works from the nation’s spectacular collection of modern and contemporary art that have just gone on show.
It has been fourteen years since A Girl was last exhibited in Edinburgh, having travelled around Europe including to Denmark, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Last on display at Modern One in 2012, visitors flocked to see the impressive fibre-glass sculpture.
Visitors will once again be wowed as they get a chance to experience the extraordinary size of Mueck’s hyper-realistic portrayal of a newly born baby, rendered in painstaking detail.
Australian artist Mueck (born 1958) uses scale as an expressive device to enhance and bring to the fore both the trauma and the miracle of birth. His sculptures deliberately stir emotions and encourage viewers to consider the human body in new ways.
While visiting Modern One, families can book a free basket full of art goodies and spark their own creativity. This year’s Family Art Baskets look to A Girl and other art works from the modern and contemporary collection for inspiration, with each one packed with materials, ideas, and sensory art prompts to help families explore the galleries and their surroundings in new and playful ways.
Free baskets can be booked in advance here, and are available every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the Scottish school holidays, and can be collected on the day between 2pm-3pm.
Visitors will also be able to explore other new captivating displays at Modern One this summer. Discover recently displayed works, such as Flora Yukhnovich’s mesmerising large-scale painting, A World of Pure Imagination (2024) which recently joined the national collection.
This painting, full of colour and movement, can be seen in a room with Scottish artist Gwen Hardie’s monumental painting, Fist I (1986). Discover Scottish artists of the early 20th century as you explore a major selection of exquisite drawings and paintings by James Cowie, Edward Baird, William McCance, Charles Cameron Baillie and William Crosbie.
Come face to face with people from all walks of life in the powerful and intimate works of influential American photographer Diane Arbus.
As well as the all-new displays there is even more to discover at Modern One, which is home to the nation’s outstanding holdings of modern and contemporary art. Encounter Louise Bourgeois’s giant Spider (1994), standing at an impressive three metres high.
With over 40 surrealist works on display, find bizarre creatures and weird machines, eerie landscapes and curious spaces. Also spot works by Pablo Picasso, Bridget Riley, Sarah Lucas and over 120 more artists. And that’s just inside!
On arrival at Modern One enjoy you will be in awe of the spiralling earth sculpture Landform, designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks.
Pick up a free copy of the sculpture trail for kids or download it before you arrive and enjoy it on your device as you set off to discover sculptural works around the grounds by other major artists including Barbara Hepworth, Joan Miró and Tracey Emin.
With a special trail for all ages and stages – they’ll get your family exploring the galleries, inside and out.
Pack a lunch and take in the stunning grounds of the Moderns, or if the weather isn’t on side, our drop-in picnic and play area, Art Space One, can be found on Level 2 in Modern One.
You can help yourself to art books, big blocks and plenty of materials to make your own works of art – or just take a moment to chill out and eat your snacks.
Anne Lyden, Director General at the National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘We are thrilled to have Ron Mueck’s A Girl back at Modern One, it is always such a hit with visitors, and we love seeing their reaction to the scale and intricate details of the sculpture. It’s really quite spectacular!
“There is something for everyone at Modern One this summer, whether enjoying the grounds in the sun or discovering and re-discovering Scotland’s magnificent collection of Modern and Contemporary art! Families can also get stuck in with trails, Family Art Baskets and artist weekends.
“We want the galleries to be a welcoming environment that everyone feels comfortable in, whether coming with young children, teenagers, friends, family or on your own, this is your collection to discover!’
Iconic characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and many more are making their way to the big screen this summer at Vue in Edinburgh to commemorate the 50th anniversary of legendary British animation studio Aardman.
A trailblazer in stop-motion animation, Aardman became a household name for British families with the release of beloved duo Wallace & Gromit in 1989’s A Grand Day Out, which saw a cheese-loving Yorkshire man and his heroic, silent dog Gromit set off on a space-faring adventure to the moon.
It is fitting, then, that Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out and crime caper Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers will kick-start the Aardman 50th anniversary season at Vue, combining the two short films into one animated double bill exclusively for the big screen from 10 July.
The dynamic duo continue their adventures on 18 July with a double bill of Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, which introduces fan favourite Shaun the Sheep, and Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death, where Gromit must uncover the identity of a deranged assailant targeting bakers before they can cause more harm.
Their first feature-length release, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, wraps up the duo’s animated adventures at Vue on 1 August, as they face off against the fluffiest monster around after a series of carrot catastrophes threatens the village’s annual giant vegetable competition.
It is not just Wallace & Gromit in the spotlight, though, as other popular features from Aardman are also returning. Shaun the Sheep’s big-screen adventures, including 2015’s Shaun the Sheep Movie from 28 August and 2019’s A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon from 5 September, will also return to Vue.
Families can follow everyone’s favourite woolly rascal as he gets involved in everything from an action-packed day out in town to dealing with an alien invasion. These laugh-out-loud family films are not to be missed.
Other iconic Aardman releases returning as part of the anniversary season include Chicken Run from 24 July, Flushed Away from 7 August, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! from 14 August and Early Man from 21 August.
This summer, Vue is also inviting families to make the most of the summer holidays with the launch of its new Summer Family Passport Book, designed to encourage young film fans to enjoy more big-screen moments throughout the season.
Families and children can collect stamps in their Summer Family Passport Book when visiting Vue for the latest family releases, including all of the Aardman classics returning to the big screen. They are also encouraged to share photos of their passport books and adventures on a dedicated Vue Facebook post for the chance to win a £25 Vue gift card.
Vue has also introduced discounted kids’ tickets in partnership with the Great British Summer Savings scheme, meaning children aged 14 and under can enjoy big-screen escapes for less, providing a fantastic way to keep the family entertained over the holidays.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “Aardman Animation and its beloved characters have charmed UK audiences since the very first adventure of Wallace & Gromit, and we’re thrilled to be able to mark the studio’s 50th anniversary by bringing its most iconic stories back to the big screen this summer holidays.
“Whether you’ve seen these films before or are new to the stop-motion worlds of Aardman, this back-on-the-big-screen season is guaranteed to provide plenty of moments and memories for families to treasure.”
Aardman 50th Anniversary Back on the Big Screen Season
Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out/The Wrong Trousers – From 10 July
Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave/A Matter of Loaf & Death – From 18 July
Chicken Run – From 24 July
Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit – From 1 August
Flushed Away – From 7 August
THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS! – From 14 August
The Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF) is delighted to announce the return of its Films of Scotland competition, inviting young filmmakers from across the country to capture contemporary Scotland through the power of film.
Following the outstanding success of its inaugural competition in 2024, Films of Scotland returns for a second edition, offering young Scots, aged 26 and under, the opportunity to document the places, people, culture and stories that define today’s Scotland.
SYFF Patron Jack Lowden has recorded a special call out to young Scots asking them to send in their entries. It can be seen on SYFF’s social media channels and on the Films of Scotland website – www.filmsofscotland.com
Inspired by the historic Films of Scotland initiatives, which created an invaluable moving image record of Scottish life from the 1930s until the 1980s, the competition encourages participants to produce original short films that reflect their own unique perspectives on modern Scotland.
By reimagining this much-loved concept for the 21st century, the Scottish Youth Film Foundation hopes to build a lasting archive of young people’s views of the nation during a period of significant social, cultural and environmental change.
The competition officially launched on 8 July 2026, with entries accepted until 31 January 2027. Winners will be celebrated at a special prize-giving ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, in March 2027, where outstanding films will be screened and prizes awarded.
The competition is delivered by the Scottish Youth Film Foundation in partnership with National Museums Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, and VisitScotland.
Heather Bowry, General Manager of the Scottish Youth Film Foundation said: “The response to the first Films of Scotland competition exceeded all our expectations. The films submitted in 2024 demonstrated remarkable creativity, insight and passion for Scotland’s communities and landscapes.
“We’re excited to launch the competition once again and to see a new batch of films about our incredible country.”
Full competition details, eligibility criteria and entry guidance is available at www.filmsofscotland.com
SEPHORA UK has officially arrived in Scotland with the opening of its first-ever Scottish store at Edinburgh’s St James Quarter.
The landmark opening kicks off ‘Sephora Summer’, a major period of UK expansion that will see four new stores open in just eight weeks.
Spanning 4,961 sq ft, the Edinburgh store is Sephora UK’s 15th UK location and the third opening of 2026, with Glasgow Silverburn set to open in August.
London’s Carnaby Street and Old Spitalfields Market will also open in the coming days. Together, the openings represent Sephora UK’s biggest period of physical expansion since returning to the UK in 2023.
Thousands of beauty fans queued to be among the first through the doors, before Sephora UK Managing Director Sarah Boyd officially cut the ribbon to open the retailer’s first Scottish store.
The moment was celebrated with a parade through St James Quarter, featuring homegrown talent including DJ Lu, drag artist Sally Saint Scott and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director, Sephora UK, said: “Scotland has been one of the most requested locations from our community, so opening our first Scottish store is an incredibly exciting milestone for Sephora UK.
“Edinburgh is a city with an amazing beauty community, incredible creativity and visitors from all over the world, making it the perfect place to continue our UK expansion.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both local customers and visitors into the Sephora experience for the very first time.
“This opening also marks the beginning of a hugely exciting summer for Sephora UK as we continue expanding our footprint across the country with both destination stores and new boutique formats, allowing us to bring prestige beauty to more communities than ever before.”
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director for St James Quarter, said: “The opening of Sephora’s first-ever Scottish store is a landmark moment for both the brand and St James Quarter.
“It’s exciting to see Sephora mark this significant milestone with a memorable launch event, from the ribbon-cutting ceremony to the performances taking place throughout the day.
“Welcoming such an internationally recognised beauty retailer to the Quarter further strengthens the destination’s appeal and gives visitors the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most sought-after beauty brands right here in Scotland.”
Christina Hill, 40 from Fife travelled to the store launch with her husband, Kenny. She said: “This is the first time that I’ve ever been in a Sephora store but I have always wanted to visit.
“It’s amazing they’re finally here – I’ll be travelling into Edinburgh to shop here all the time now”
Her husband Kenny (50) was enjoying himself too: “This is quite an experience, I didn’t know what to expect.
“I enjoy a wee face mask now and then, so who knows, I might buy something as well as my wife.”
Chloe Hicks, 24, from Harthill and Paige McNaught, 19, from Breich got up at 4am to get glam for the store launch – but say it’s all in a day’s work for them.
Chloe said: “We’re both cabin crew and so make-up is an essential part of routine – in fact, I was on call this morning for work and I was so worried I’d get called up and miss this launch. We’ve been so excited about it.”
Paige continued: “It’s so brilliant to finally have Sephora here because we can finally go and see products that have never been in Scotland before.
“It’s been such a party atmosphere today, it feels like a party, everyone is dancing and singing.”
Following yesterday’s official opening (Thursday 9 July 2026), customers visiting throughout the weekend can enjoy a packed programme of exclusive experiences, entertainment and giveaways celebrating Sephora’s long-awaited arrival in Scotland.
Highlights include:
● A tartan-themed photobooth.
● The chance to feature on a digital billboard outside the store by sharing queue selfies.
● Surprise brand moments from Scottish-born brand BYOMA, as well as Inde Wild, Le Monde Gourmand, Kayali, Sephora Collection and more.
● Treats for customers from Wingstop, Oakberry and local charity Coffee Saints.
As part of the celebrations, customers making any purchase between Thursday 9 July and Sunday 12 July 2026 (or while stocks last) will receive a Beauty Bonus Card, giving every customer an equal chance to instantly win prizes including goodie bags, Sephora merchandise, complimentary beauty services, exclusive products and discounts.
For the first time, Scottish beauty lovers can shop many of Sephora UK’s most sought-after and exclusive brands in person, including rhode, Haus Labs, Makeup By Mario, Merit Beauty, Half Magic, Yepoda and Tower 28, alongside viral favourites such as Tatcha, Tarte, Summer Fridays and Kosas.
The Edinburgh store will also feature Sephora’s latest Beauty Scan technology. Powered by an advanced lens attached to a Beauty Advisor’s phone, the service analyses hydration levels, oil levels and foundation shade matching to deliver personalised product recommendations tailored to each customer’s individual skin needs.
Customers can also enjoy Sephora UK’s growing range of redeemable beauty services, alongside access to the MySephora loyalty programme, which offers free delivery for every member, points on every purchase, early access to launches, exclusive rewards and invitations to special events through the Sephora UK app.
Today’s opening marks the beginning of ‘Sephora Summer’ – Sephora UK’s biggest period of expansion since returning to the UK in 2023.
Following Edinburgh, the retailer will open a second Scottish store at Glasgow Silverburn before launching its first-ever UK boutique stores at Carnaby Street and Old Spitalfields Market later this month, bringing the Sephora experience to even more beauty lovers across the UK.
Fundraising drive aims to raise £7,000 to support vital Ageing Well project tackling isolation and inactivity
Edinburgh Leisure is calling on people across the city to lace up their walking shoes and join Team Ageing Well at the 2026 Edinburgh Kiltwalk, helping older adults stay active and connected.
Taking place on Sunday, 13 September 2026, the Edinburgh Kiltwalk is a chance to enjoy a memorable day out one of Scotland’s most uplifting mass participation events while raising vital funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well project. The charity is aiming to raise £7,000 this year to help sustain the service amid growing demand and limited resources.
Ageing Well is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities project and supports older adults through welcoming, inclusive physical activity sessions designed to improve health, confidence and social connection. The project particularly supports people experiencing long-term health conditions, isolation, inequalities and financial hardship.
Last year, Edinburgh Leisure’s Kiltwalk team raised over £4,000, helping to keep Ageing Well sessions running across the city. With no external funding currently supporting the project, fundraising initiatives such as the Kiltwalk are essential to safeguarding its future and enabling more people to benefit.
Rachael McCrea, Head of Funding at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“Ageing Well is about so much more than staying active – it helps older adults feel connected, confident and part of their community.
“The sessions offer a welcoming space where people can move at their own pace, meet others and build friendships. Everyone walking with Edinburgh Leisure at this year’s Kiltwalk is helping us protect that sense of belonging and make sure more older adults across the city can continue to benefit.”
Liz, Ageing Well Walk Leader, said:“I was in the house on my own and found out about Ageing Well through a friend. I joined and was welcomed with open arms.
“I was allowed to learn to lead the walks at my own pace until I felt confident. I even discovered parts of Edinburgh I never knew existed!”
Join Team Ageing Well at the 2026 Kiltwalk
Participants who sign up to walk for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the Kiltwalk registration fee, along with an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and tartan-themed snood. Walkers can choose from three distances:
The Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £10 registration
The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £10 registration
The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £6.50 for adults, £3.50 for children
This is a new activity we are piloting which hopes to connect generations through play, storytelling, singing and company. Here at LifeCare we run our own day club and support older people to remain active and apart of the community.
Even if you can’t make the taster session, please let us know if you would be interested in further dates we are planning!
A student who has laid solid foundations for a career in construction has two reasons to celebrate – after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) on her birthday.
Madison Smith, from Glenrothes in Fife, collected her BA (Hons) Business Management at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh yesterday [Thursday 9 July], the day she turned 22.
As the first member of her immediate family to go to university, she has become used to blazing her own trail.
Madison’s degree has already proved to be life-changing, as a work placement at BAM Construction as part of her studies led to a full-time job with the firm.
Reacting to her graduation, Madison said: “I would not have thought I’d be here four years ago.
“There was no pressure on me to go to university, neither side of my family have.
“It was daunting because I wanted to make them proud – although that pressure was all from myself, not mum and dad.
“Seeing their faces makes it all a bit emotional. Graduating on my birthday is extra special – a two-in-one celebration.
“University has really exceeded my expectations. My lecturers were so helpful during my whole time here. Whenever I struggled, I got support. I’ve loved it.”
Madison’s role at BAM, which focuses on sustainability, has offered her on-site involvement in several major projects.
She credits her course at ENU with providing her the skills to make an impact straight away.
She added: “When I was looking at what to study, I really liked the Edinburgh Napier programme. It seemed fun and modern.
“I really liked the sustainable business development module – it’s closely linked to what I do now, so it applied by university learning to my job really well.
“I didn’t really consider that I’d end up going into construction before I started.
“It was intimidating at first as I was the only girl on site, but everyone was so lovely.
“I remember first applying to university and thinking ‘what am I actually going to do?’. I’m so glad it has worked out this way because I love my job now.”
Madison graduated alongside fellow students from The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University.
ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 8-10 July.
Consultation on packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products
Views are being sought on proposals aimed at restricting the appearance of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products and how they are packaged and displayed in shops to make them less enticing to children and young people.
The consultation fulfils a 100-day Scottish Government commitment and builds on government action to reduce preventable deaths from smoking and introduce tougher measures on vaping, including the introduction of a ban on the sale of single-use vapes last year.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Scotland has been a world-leader on a range of tobacco control measures, and while there has been a steady reduction in smoking rates, we know it still damages lives and kills more than 7,000 people a year in Scotland.
“The use of vapes has increased in recent years, particularly among children and young people – with almost one in five children saying they have tried vaping.
“We know that colourful packaging and displays are used as an enticement to children and young people, which is why we are taking action and consulting on options to address this issue.
“We urge everyone to have their say on how these products are marketed and sold in the future to help protect children and young people and reduce preventable harm in Scotland.”
Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith said: “This is a vital step to protect public health and support Scotland’s aim of a tobacco-free generation by 2034. Scotland’s ‘Tobacco and Vaping Framework and Population Health Framework’ place a strong emphasis on prevention and reducing the use of health-harming products, including tobacco and nicotine.
“Action on how these products are promoted is central to that aim, and the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 provides a strengthened legislative basis for action. This work will help reduce health harms, address health inequalities, and respond proportionately to emerging risks from vaping.”
Public Health Scotland Consultant in Public Health, Dr Garth Reid said: “Public Health Scotland welcomes the Four Nations consultation on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products.
“We strongly support the ambition to reduce the appeal, accessibility and normalisation of products that cause significant harm to population health.
“The proposals represent a timely and evidence‑informed extension of existing tobacco control measures, and they align with Scotland’s goal of achieving a tobacco‑free generation.”
The consultation will run from 10 July 2026 for 12 weeks.
A 19-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with shoplifting, road traffic offences and possession of a bladed weapon in Edinburgh.
This follows a report of shoplifting in the St James Square area of the city around 2.30pm on Saturday, 4 July, 2026. The woman was traced in her car in the new town area.
She is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a later date.
A 17-year-old male youth was arrested in the Chambers Street area on Wednesday, 8 July, and has been charged in connection with shoplifting offences in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a later date.
Sergeant Barry Mercer said: “We work closely with partners and retailers as part of our Shopwatch scheme where information is shared when a crime takes place or suspicious activity is seen.
“It means officers can respond quickly to ongoing incidents with the support of Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce.
“Retail crime has a negative impact on businesses and we urge anyone with information to contact us on 101.”
