Every Primary School in Scotland to receive free singing resource as The National Youth Choir of Scotland celebrates 30 years

The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) is marking its 30th anniversary by launching an ambitious initiative designed to help bring singing back into classrooms across the country. 
 
Arriving in schools from September, NYCOS Singing Time is a free online resource that will be gifted to every primary school in Scotland, providing teachers with accessible, engaging singing materials developed by one of the country’s most influential music education organisations. 
 
Created as the centrepiece of NYCOS’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the initiative brings together three decades of expertise in youth singing, musicianship and music education. Featuring 15 songs and accompanying singing games, the resource is designed to help children experience the joy of singing while developing musical understanding through play. The films were directed and edited by Lewis Landini and feature three young presenters – Connor Going, Holly Clelland, and Tawana Maramba. 
 
The launch comes at a time when many teachers report feeling less confident about teaching singing and music in the classroom, while opportunities for young people to sing together have declined. NYCOS Singing Time aims to remove those barriers by providing a free, easy-to-use resource that can be accessed by any primary school, regardless of musical experience or budget. 
 
Based on the Kodály principles that have shaped NYCOS’s educational approach for three decades, the resource uses games, movement and age-appropriate repertoire to help children absorb musical concepts naturally and joyfully. The songs span a range of traditions and languages, including English, Scots and Gaelic, reflecting both Scotland’s cultural heritage and NYCOS’s belief that singing should be open and accessible to all. 
 
More than simply a teaching resource, NYCOS Singing Time represents what the organisation describes as a “gift to Scotland” as it celebrates a milestone birthday. 

Founded in 1996 by conductor Christopher Bell, NYCOS was created at a time when opportunities for young singers at regional level were disappearing across Scotland due to local government reorganisation.

What began as a single national youth choir has grown into a nationwide organisation that supports thousands of young people every year through regional choirs, national ensembles, schools’ programmes, teacher training and creative learning initiatives. 
 
Over the past 30 years, NYCOS has helped shape Scotland’s singing culture at every level. Its national choirs have performed on some of the world’s leading stages, from the Edinburgh International Festival and BBC Proms to major international tours, while its regional choir network has enabled young people across Scotland to experience the social, educational and artistic benefits of singing close to home. 
 
The organisation’s influence extends far beyond music. For three decades, NYCOS has championed the well-documented benefits of singing for confidence, self-esteem, communication, social connection, literacy and learning.

Thousands of young people have passed through its choirs, many going on to careers in music and the arts, while others have taken the skills, resilience and friendships they developed through singing into every walk of life. 

As NYCOS enters its fourth decade, the organisation believes the need for collective singing among young people has never been greater. Alongside NYCOS Singing Time, the charity is marking its anniversary year with a series of major initiatives designed to widen participation and create new pathways into singing. 
 
On 16 September, NYCOS will launch a new Glasgow Regional Choir, expanding its network of regional choirs and creating opportunities for even more young people to sing regularly in their local communities. 
 
Earlier this year, the organisation launched the NYCOS BSL Youth Choir bringing together Deaf and hearing young people from across Scotland in what is believed to be the first ensemble of its kind in Scotland.

Developed in partnership with leading accessible music practitioner Paul Whittaker OBE, the choir enables young British Sign Language users aged 14-18 to experience the creativity, connection and shared expression of choral performance through sign language. The ensemble made its debut at the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament on 27th June 2026. 

The anniversary programme also includes, for the first time, Full Circle, an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of choral leaders in Scotland. Accomplished former NYCOS singers are invited to train as musicianship teachers, enabling them to return to the organisation’s regional choirs and support the next generation of young singers.

Led by internationally respected Kodály specialist and NYCOS Creative Learning Director Lucinda Geoghegan, the first cohort of 21 participants have undertaken intensive training before being placed within regional choirs across Scotland, where they have observed classes, taught alongside experienced staff and begun leading their own musicianship sessions.  

The celebrations culminate with NYCOS’s 30th anniversary tour and a landmark gala performance at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on 13th September.

At the heart of the programme is Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a work that holds a special place in NYCOS history as the first major piece performed by the choir when it was founded in 1996, then comprised of only 60 singers.

In August 2026, the choir performed the work in Paisley, Aberdeen and Perth alongside regional choirs from across the country.

The gala performance at Usher Hall will bring together 170 young singers with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. 

Christopher Bell, Founder and Artistic Director of NYCOS, said: “Thirty years ago, we set out with a very simple belief: Scotland needs a National Youth Choir to develop and showcase the talent of its young singers. Since then, we have expanded beyond our dreams and have created one of the largest and most dynamic youth organisations in Europe.  

“Thousands of young people have sung with us over the last three decades. We have seen singing transform confidence, create lifelong friendships and open doors that many young people never thought possible.

“NYCOS Singing Time is our gift to Scotland as we celebrate this anniversary year. We want every child, in every primary school, to have the opportunity to sing.

“If we can help bring singing back into more classrooms, then we can help another generation discover the same joy, confidence and sense of belonging that singing has given so many young people over the last 30 years.

“When young people sing together, something remarkable happens. They learn to listen, to communicate, to work together and to express themselves. Those benefits extend far beyond music, and that is why this work remains so important today.” 
 
NYCOS Singing Time is available online at https://nycossingingtime.co.uk/ 

Court fight launched over West End development

Case “raises bigger questions over Scotland’s planning system”

A COURT of Session challenge has been launched against the Scottish Ministers’ decision to approve a controversial 544-bed visitor accommodation development in Edinburgh’s historic West End.

The Statutory Appeal seeks to have the Scottish Government Reporter’s decision quashed, arguing that serious errors were made in the way the application was considered.

The legal challenge relates to plans to transform four Category A-listed Georgian townhouses at 14-17 Atholl Crescent, within Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, into high-density pod-style visitor accommodation.

Philip Flockhart, conservation architect and spokesperson for the residents, said: “The decision to pursue a Court of Session challenge has not been taken lightly and the legal arguments will now be considered through that process.

“The wider issue, which goes beyond one development, is that this was an exceptionally large and complex proposal and Edinburgh’s elected Development Management Sub Committee never had the opportunity to consider it.”

The application was taken to the Scottish Government after the council’s deadline for reaching a decision had passed, before it had reached Edinburgh’s Development Management Sub-Committee. As a result, locally elected councillors never had the opportunity to vote on the proposals.

Concerns about the way the application moved through the planning process have been raised by elected representatives from across the political spectrum.

In a written response to Cllr Adam Nols-McVey, who raised deep concerns about the situation surrounding the Atholl Crescent development, Cllr Hal Osler, convener of Edinburgh’s Development Management Sub-Committee, said she was “deeply disappointed” that the committee had not been given the chance to determine the application.

She said: “This was an extremely complicated application that required both planning permission and listed building consent. The statutory decision-making timescale for both applications is set at two months.

“Prior to the agent exercising their right to appeal non-determination, the officer sought to agree an extension of time with the agent to allow submission of additional information to support the assessment.”

The case comes amid wider pressure on Edinburgh’s planning system. Council figures show that 2,434 applications, 54% of those determined between August 2024 and July 2026, were decided after the point at which applicants became entitled to appeal on grounds of non-determination.

Residents have stressed that their concern is not with Edinburgh’s planning officers, who are dealing with significant workloads and pressure on resources. Instead, they believe the case raises a wider question about whether the current system gives councils enough time and support to properly consider particularly large and complex applications before an applicant becomes entitled to take the matter to appeal.

Mr Flockhart added: “We have sympathy with planning officers working under enormous pressure. The question is whether the current system gives councils and communities sufficient protection when major applications reach a statutory deadline before local democratic scrutiny has taken place.

“Edinburgh needs investment and it needs places for visitors to stay. This is not about opposing appropriate development or tourism. It is about making sure people can have confidence in how major planning decisions are made.”

More than 280 objections were lodged against the proposals, which were also opposed by all four local ward councillors and the area’s MP, Dr Scott Arthur.

The Cockburn Association previously warned that the development would cause “substantial and irreversible harm”, while the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland raised concerns about the “scale and intensity” of the proposed use.

Dr Scott Arthur MP said: “I remain deeply disappointed by the decision to approve this development. The scale and 24-hour nature of the proposal raises legitimate concerns around residential amenity, noise, safety and the impact on the surrounding area.

“I respect the planning process and the role of the Reporter, but I continue to stand with residents who have raised serious and reasonable concerns about this development.”

Cllr Claire Miller, Green councillor for the city centre ward, said: “While the planning decision was extremely disappointing, I’m really pleased that the community is pulling together and I’ll be supporting their decision to lodge a Statutory Appeal.

“Our planning system is skewed in favour of developers and so I believe it’s important to support local residents to have their say when it comes to large applications like this hostel and that local decision making is respected.”

Cllr Finlay McFarlane, SNP councillor for the city centre ward, said: “I am certainly impressed at the resolution of the residents that they are continuing to take this forward.

“For them not to have had their say through the planning process is an absolute betrayal and I wish them well.”

Cllr Jo Mowat, Scottish Conservatives councillor for the city centre ward, said: “It is disappointing that residents are having to take the further action in this matter but encouraging that they are now able to make their case legally.

“Such decisions are best made locally, not by distant bureaucrats, and this whole episode epitomises the much wider issue of local democracy and planning reform which the Scottish Government urgently needs to address. ”  

Liberal Democrat spokeperson and former City Centre councillor Charlie Dundas, said: “My main concern is the by-passing of local democracy by going straight to the national reporter.  Local voices need to be heard and the Council should be able to do its job. This feels like a loophole which needs to be closed.”

Among the further issues raised in the Statutory Appeal is the scale of the development itself. Although the proposals have consistently been presented as providing approximately 544 beds, the appeal argues that the planning permission contains no restriction on the number of beds or pod units which could ultimately be provided.

The Reporter concluded that the number of beds within a Class 7 hotel could not be controlled through the planning process. The appeal argues that conditions restricting the number of beds, pods and rooms containing pods could have been imposed and that without them there is no restriction on the development’s overall bed capacity.

Jocelyn Cunliffe, of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, said: “This case raises a wider question about whether Scotland’s planning system is equipped to protect historic buildings and local communities when dealing with increasingly intensive uses.

“If the number of beds cannot be controlled through the planning process, it is reasonable to ask how the intensity of use of a historic building can be properly assessed and managed. That is an issue which goes far beyond Atholl Crescent.”

The appeal also raises questions about the assessment of the impact on nearby residents and refers to previous decisions involving much smaller short-term visitor accommodation proposals in the surrounding area.

It additionally argues that the Reporter considered the expired 2017-2022 World Heritage Site Management Plan rather than the current 2025-2035 plan, as well as raising questions over the assessment of infrastructure contributions towards Edinburgh’s tram network.

The Statutory Appeal asks the Court of Session to consider a series of questions of law, including whether the Reporter erred in law, failed to have regard to material considerations, failed to interpret development plan policy properly and whether the decision should be quashed.

NORTH EDINBURGH TRAM HITS THE BUFFERS

South Edinburgh first: Next phase of tram network expansion agreed

Plans to extend Edinburgh’s tram network took another step forward today, with the immediate priority being the southern section of the route.

The Strategic Business Case (SBC) to build a new tram route, from Granton in the north to the Edinburgh Bioquarter in the south, was approved by the Transport and Environment Committee this afternoon (Thursday 10 September).

The next step will be to position the plans within the findings of SEStransit, a study for transport in the South East of Scotland region, which is expected to be delivered in the autumn of next year.

This work will also be aligned with the feasibility study on the potential reintroduction of passenger services on the South Suburban Railway line, currently being undertaken by Transport Scotland and Network Rail.

In prioritising the southern section of the route as a first phase, councillors were also clear on the need for further work to be done on taking trams from Granton to the city centre as part of a future phase of the project.  

Advisory work on funding and financing options with the National Wealth Fund (NWF) will also continue, alongside a wider benefits realisation study for Trams to Newhaven, which is expected to be considered later this year.  

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “This is a key milestone in our ambition to expand Edinburgh’s tram network.

“Let’s not forget why we’re developing these plans. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, growing at twice the rate of Glasgow, in the fastest growing region in the country.

“Whilst this trend brings exciting opportunities, inward investment, and economic growth, it also presents real challenges on housing, education, and of course on our transport infrastructure. Doing nothing in the face of these significant issues is simply not an option.

“From our groundbreaking £1.3 billion development at Granton Waterfront, through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond – our overarching vision remains to effectively link the whole of Edinburgh, and the wider region, for the benefit of all.

“We only need to look at the success of the existing route and, in particular, Trams to Newhaven, and the new lease of life that this connection has breathed into communities across Leith and the north of the city, to see the potential.

“Whilst we’re prioritising the southern section of the planned expansion, I’m clear that the whole city should ultimately enjoy the many benefits of a truly integrated public transport system.

“One of the key questions around this project is rightly on funding. To progress not only to the next phase of the business case but potential future construction costs, we need to demonstrate clearly how our plans will positively impact our region and Scotland as a whole. While I’m in doubt that this is the case, it makes good sense to wait for the wider SEStransit study to conclude next year.

“To be clear, this is one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking schemes in the country and represents huge potential benefits not only for Edinburgh, but regionally and nationally.

“My focus remains on making the positive case for Edinburgh’s future and ensuring that we’re ready to meet the challenges ahead. We need to be bold and create a better, more sustainable and connected city, rather than putting our heads in the sand and hoping for the best.”

Bright Horizons marks International Literacy Day

Children at Bright Horizons Cramond in Edinburgh are being encouraged to explore stories, songs, rhymes and language through everyday play and interactions, helping to build the foundations for literacy from an early age.

Literacy begins long before a child learns to read or write, and International Literacy Day is an opportunity to highlight how parents can support their child’s language and literacy development through simple activities at home.

Zoe Austen, Director of Education at Bright Horizons Cramond, said: “Literacy begins long before a child learns to read or write. From the moment babies have their first interactions with others, hear their first stories, songs and rhymes, they are building the foundations for literacy.

International Literacy Day gives us a great opportunity to remind parents that some of the most important steps in this journey happen through simple, everyday interactions at home.

“The best way parents can support early literacy is by making language a part of everyday life, without it feeling like a lesson. Talking, singing, sharing stories, rhymes and play can all help develop their vocabulary and confidence.

“Babies and young children are constantly tuning into the rhythm and patterns of our speech, as well as our facial expressions, tone and gestures. It all helps them to understand language and build connections with the people around them.

“Giving children plenty of opportunities to interact, listen and explore language in a fun, pressure-free way helps build their confidence and encourages them to see literacy as something enjoyable, rather than something they must learn.

“These positive early experiences can lay the foundations for a lifelong love of reading and learning.”

Swinney writes to Prime Minister on Scotland’s right to decide

Meeting invite to turn principle into legal mechanism

First Minister John Swinney has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding his comments on the constitutional future of Scotland. The First Minister invited the PM to meet to turn the accepted principle into a legal mechanism for a referendum.

The full text of the First Minister’s letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham: 

Dear Andy

I am writing with regards to your comments at Prime Ministers Question’s in response to my colleague Chris Law MP’s question.

Earlier today, you said; “on that question of a border poll, it is to be considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is a clear consensus in the country – when public opinion has changed to the point where the call has to be considered. I would say that it is exactly the same situation in Scotland.”

The Good Friday Agreement, as implemented in UK domestic law by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, makes clear that if it appears likely that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unification, a referendum should be held.

Your acceptance of the fact that majority support for independence in Scotland also means that a referendum should take place is welcome.

I am encouraged that you have reconsidered your previous comments that the democratic right of the people of Scotland to choose their own future is “off limits.”

This is a long-overdue acceptance of the reality that the people of Scotland will decide their own future, not the UK Government, and a clear endorsement of the fact that the UK must be a voluntary union.

In May, the SNP won a historic and unprecedented fifth term in office, and the people of Scotland elected more pro-independence MSPs than at any point in the Parliament’s history.

Given that, the previous refusal of the UK Government to consider Scotland’s right to decide its own future was clearly unsustainable.

You have rightly identified that there must be a discussion about where power lies across these islands.

By concluding a clear, understandable mechanism, both sides of the constitutional debate can move forward constructively in the full knowledge of an agreed process by which the Scottish people can exercise their democratic right at a time of their choosing.

Now that you have agreed the principle that Scotland should have a referendum when it is likely that people would vote for independence, it is important for us to meet to discuss how we turn that principle into an agreed legal mechanism, as exists in Northern Ireland.

I have asked my office to take forward the necessary arrangements.

John Swinney MSP

Boosting neurodevelopmental support for children in Scotland

Investment to help children and families access support

Children, young people and their families will benefit from £7.6 million funding to strengthen and expand local neurodevelopmental support.
 
The Scottish Government funding, which will be distributed to local councils, will mean more flexible support is provided to children, young people and their families to get the help they need, when they need it, informed by local circumstances.
 
It is part of wider work by the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA and partners to improve neurodevelopmental support for young people across health, education, local government and the third sector, as set out in the new Programme for Government. 
 
This includes the work of the Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce, alongside other action to improve support and services. 

Announcing the funding on a visit to Windygoul Primary School in East Lothian, Minister for Mental Wellbeing Maree Todd said: “Demand for neurodevelopmental support has increased significantly in recent years and I want families to access the help they need, when they need it.
 
“This £7.6 million investment will help local areas build on existing services and further invest in the support that works for their communities. 
 
“There is no single action that will solve all the challenges people face in getting timely and consistent support.  This investment is just one part of the wider work to improve neurodevelopmental support.
 
“Through our continued partnership with local government, health services and the third sector, we will ensure a more joined-up, sustainable system of support for neurodivergent children, young people and their families.”
 
COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “Along with our wider partners, Local Government has seen rising demand for support for children and young people’s neurodevelopmental needs both pre, post and regardless of diagnosis. 

“We very much recognise the value of early, neuro-affirming support  for children, young people and their families in preventing the negative impacts caused where children’s needs are not met and  helping them achieve their full potential.  

“A whole system response is essential to support children and young people with neurodevelopmental needs and their families . We look forward to continuing to work with our cross sector partners to deliver improved outcomes as this work progresses.”

Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD. 

A statement from the RNLI Chief Executive

I’m writing to you – a loyal RNLI supporter – following the recent events in the media that have generated deliberate misinformation and misunderstanding about the RNLI and our lifesaving work in the Channel.

Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.

The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society – they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe. Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. These actions are wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. We will take whatever steps we can to care for and protect our people and their families.

The RNLI is an apolitical organisation. We are completely independent of government, powered by remarkable, kind people like you.

For over 200 years, in all weathers, in peace and war, the RNLI and our amazing volunteers and staff have selflessly dedicated themselves to rescuing people they have never met before, without judgement, fear or favour.

When the coastguard tasks a RNLI lifeboat crew to launch to a vessel or people in distress, we will always answer the call, whoever needs our help.

It is a legal and moral obligation under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Courage is the RNLI’s currency. Dependable, loyal, service to others and our nations is our hallmark.

RNLI lifeboats were tasked by the coastguard and launched 9,058 times in 2025. 109 of those launches were to those in distress in the Channel, representing 1.2 per cent of the RNLI’s total rescue work. Nearly 95 per cent of those who crossed the English Channel in small boats last year – one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world – were picked up by the UK Border Force.

‘I am extremely proud of – and grateful for – their vital lifesaving work’

Our mission, and our tasking, is to rescue those women, children and men in danger of drowning. Anyone rescued from crossing the channel in these boats by the RNLI is immediately handed over to the UK’s immigration authorities.

While illegal immigration is a political issue, the RNLI has always existed to save lives at sea. I have seen ludicrous rumours that we house asylum seekers on RNLI premises, or that there are RNLI missions to move migrants to secret locations.

These rumours are completely baseless and untrue.

Illegal migration is a polarising subject that generates strong views, locally and nationally. But please be mindful of misinformation, the impact it has upon others, and be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people from drowning at sea.

I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 lives were saved last year; lives saved to be lives lived.

With your continued support, this charity will continue to save lives at sea all around the UK and Ireland, just as we always have. So, on behalf of everyone at the RNLI, thank you for making that possible.

Sincerely,

Peter Sparkes
RNLI Chief Executive

PS. Please visit our web page for more information on this issue, and for answers to frequently asked questions.

Colleges’ financial challenges increase

Scotland’s colleges faced growing financial strain in 2024/25, with a rising number reliant on cash advances from the Scottish Funding Council.

Scotland’s 19 incorporated colleges reported a collective £5.6 million deficit in 2024/25. Five colleges needed a cash advance from the SFC in the same year – three more than in 2023/24. And some colleges have needed advances to be rolled forward into the next financial year.

Despite an increase of over nine per cent in Scottish Government funding for colleges in 2026, overall funding remains seven per cent lower in real terms than in 2021. It is not clear if this year’s uplift will help colleges reform. Meanwhile, the Scottish Government and its partners have been slow to progress reforms, including to how the sector is funded. 

The sector has cut its workforce by 13 per cent since 2019 to reduce costs, and most colleges have limited ability to generate income. Student numbers continue to fall but the sector has proven resilient. The proportion of students successfully completing courses rose in 2024/25, and most students went on to further study, training or employment. 

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ‘The financial pressure on Scotland’s colleges is increasing, and their situation remains extremely challenging. Without urgent and successful reform of the sector, it’s not clear if colleges can continue to deliver for students and employers.

‘The recommendations I made in 2025 remain important, but they are still in the early stages of being addressed. The Scottish Government, Scottish Funding Council and colleges need to take action to implement them at pace.’

nr_260910_scotlands_colleges_2026_erDownload
nr_260910_scotlands_colleges_2026Download

Step forward for Princes Street and ‘Waverley Valley’ as design approach is agreed

‘AMBITIOUSLY PRAGMATIC’?

Councillors at yesterday’s Planning Committee have voted in favour of an ‘ambitious pragmatic’ option for the development of Princes Street and Waverley Valley.

Plans incorporate a range of enhancements to Princes Street, the Gardens and surrounding area, including:

Improved accessibility

  • Widened pavement by 1.5m at the southern footway of Princes Street, with new high-quality stone pavement installed – reducing congestion for those walking and wheeling
  • Improved accessibility for Princes Street Gardens with new ramps or potentially lifts installed
  • Upgrade and refurbishment work to the Ross Bandstand and amphitheatre – making it more accessible to meet the needs of audiences and performers

New features and facilities

  • Shelters in Princes Street gardens repurposed for use as small cafes and potential community use
  • New or improved public toilets and drinking fountains installed
  • Princes Street Gardens extended opening hours, with new lighting to highlight the cityscape
  • New landscaping to include public seating and rest points 

Transport efficiency

  • A new cycle hub at Waverley Station with safe cycle access and improved cycle parking along Princes Street
  • Narrowing of the carriageway at the south side to make more space for walking and wheeling, maintaining it as two lanes in each travel direction for bus and tram services
  • Potential introduction of a new bus gate at the east end of Princes Street as part of measures to reduce congestion and delay along the thoroughfare

The design approach is based on the outcome of discussions at a workshop in June where Councillors, officers and representatives from partner organisations including Historic Environment Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Essential Edinburgh, Network Rail and Edinburgh Access Panel, among others, met to hear proposals and share feedback.

Individual project plans including designs and costs for the works will be taken forward at Transport and Environment, and Finance and Resources committees.

The option being taken forward is aligned with current approved Council strategies and plans, supporting delivery of adjoining projects and the existing transport network.

It was also agreed that a revised Princes Street and Waverley Strategy will come back to Committee in early 2027.

Planning Convener, Cllr Joan Griffiths, said: “Princes Street is already going through considerable change and improvement, attracting millions pounds of new investment – but we know there’s still more to be done.

“The way forward we’ve agreed today is a positive step forward – and my thanks to officers for their hard work in getting us to this point. This is a sensible and pragmatic approach that takes on board much of what we heard during the public consultation, particularly around improving accessibility.

“Crucially, this differs from previous plans in that it is affordable and deliverable, and we have the resources to take forward these improvements immediately.

“I have no doubt these changes will improve how residents and visitors experience Princes Street and the Gardens and look forward to seeing these plans develop further in the future.”