Albany House: Planning Application submitted for 102-bedroom Hotel

Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate has submitted a planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) to transform a sandstone office building on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town into a sustainable 102-bedroom city centre hotel.

The current occupiers of Albany House, located at 58 Albany Street on the corner of the capital’s Broughton Street, are relocating to new offices in the city centre later this year.  The five-storey building was constructed in the 1980s and was designed to reflect the adjacent Georgian neoclassical town houses along Albany Street.

Artisan have agreed terms with Whitbread to operate the completed hotel under its popular hub by Premier Inn brand.  The proposals will retain much of the external structure of the building whilst replacing the top floor facade with a contemporary new cladding and finish to meet current building standards.  

Internally, the hotel’s design specification will meet high environmental and sustainability standards, with air-sourced heat pump technology replacing the existing fossil fuel water system.

Artisan Real Estate has an established track record of delivering innovative hotel development in architecturally sensitive city centre locations.

This includes three hotels as part of the award-winning New Waverley development in the heart of the Edinburgh’s Old Town – including partnering with Whitbread to deliver a Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn.

Most recently, the developer has completed the transformation of Glasgow’s historic Clydeside Custom House into a new hotel quarter.

Welcoming the submission of the planning application, Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater, said: “This design proposal will bring continued interest and investment to a vibrant corner of Edinburgh’s eastern city centre.

“The existing sandstone building is well-suited to hotel development with high levels of natural daylight and an established entrance area.

“We are pleased to be once again working with Whitbread to create a modern and contemporary interior providing the high levels of insulation and energy technology, delivering both a sustainable and attractive addition to Edinburgh’s successful hospitality sector.

“Albany House is the latest in a succession of high-profile planning proposals delivered by Artisan in Edinburgh’s city centre during the last 12 months and reinforces our stated commitment to bring substantial investment coupled with high quality development to the heart of Scotland’s capital.”

Whitbread currently welcomes close to a million visitors to its established network of hotels within the City of Edinburgh Council area. The business calculates its guests staying at these hotels generate more than £32 million in visitor expenditure to the Edinburgh economy every year.

Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread, added: “Premier Inn has been part of Edinburgh’s hospitality scene for more than 30 years. 

“We’re incredibly proud to have built a network of popular, good-value hotels across the city, and we see great potential for further investment given that budget hotels like Premier Inn account for just 20% of the city’s bedroom stock.

“The hub by Premier Inn brand is designed to appeal to budget, short-stay travellers.  It offers all the comfort, consistency, and reliability of Premier Inn, but with a smaller bedroom, and the format allows us to offer great-value rooms in the most connected and interesting city centre locations.

“Albany House is an excellent location for us, and I am very pleased to be working with Artisan to expand our footprint in the city in a sustainable way through the proposed conversion of the 1980s office building.”

Artisan Real Estate was founded in 2009 as an independent, entrepreneurial, values-led property developer and investor operating primarily in key regional city centre locations across the UK – including Scotland and the north of England.

During the last 16 years, Artisan has established itself as one of the UK’s most progressive and respected commercial and residential developers, specialising in transforming complex sites in sensitive urban locations into residential, commercial, leisure and mixed-use quarters.

The Albany House planning proposal follows Artisan’s successful application to transform the city’s historic Caledonian Brewery into a new residential neighbourhood which received planning consent from CEC in May 2025.

The developer is also progressing with the homes-led regeneration of a vacant office block on the city’s Ferry Road, to the north of the city centre.

For more information about Artisan Real Estate, visit: www.artisanrealestate.co.uk

Creating a healthier Scotland

LONG-TERM FOCUS ON PREVENTION AND SERVICE RENEWAL

Supporting people to lead longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives will be at the heart of two new ten-year plans published today to create and maintain good health, prevent disease and reform health and social care services.

The Population Health Framework aims to tackle the root causes of poor health and outlines a wide range of actions, including giving greater access to green spaces and opportunities for sport and active recreation.

Addressing these underlying factors can increase life expectancy, reduce the gap between the most deprived communities and the national average and prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease which disproportionately affect those in more disadvantaged areas.

The Population Health Framework includes legislating to make the balance of foods available on promotion healthier and to restrict the location of less healthy foods in stores and on websites. 

Targeting the location and promotion of foods high in fat, salt or sugar will focus on those foods of most concern for childhood obesity, which mirrors the current policy in England and Wales.

The Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework aims to ensure health and social care services are sustainable, efficient, high quality, and accessible – which includes being able to expect faster and fairer access to care.

It empowers people to be more involved in and in charge of their own care and includes measures to improve access to treatment in the community; enhance preventative services and maximise the opportunities of digital innovation.

There will also be a new national body called NHS Delivery, created by bringing together NHS National Services Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland.

This will provide a focal point for training, digital and support to other health boards, with scope to deliver more national support to local services in future.

Health Secretary Neil Gray visited Blackburn Partnership Centre in West Lothian with COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly before launching the frameworks in the Scottish Parliament.

The centre includes a GP practice and community centre which promotes weight loss and healthy living through exercise and low-cost, nutritious food.

Mr Gray said: “Too many lives are cut short in Scotland because of illness that is preventable. We know health is not determined solely by what happens within the walls of hospitals or care homes and we want to create an environment in which everyone can live a healthy life.

“Through action on early years, jobs, income and building powerful communities the Population Health Framework builds the conditions to help people thrive and prevent poor health.

“Addressing the problem of obesity and helping people eat well and maintain a healthy weight is a public health priority. We are taking wide-ranging action to support people to make healthier food choices, recognising the contribution which poor diet makes to worsening health trends.

“Through the Service Renewal Framework we will take action to deliver care closer to home, support people to better manage their own treatment and build on innovation, digital and treatment advances.

“This will help shape an efficient health and social care system that is focused on prevention and early intervention, and delivers high quality care at the right time in the right place. The creation of a new national body, NHS Delivery, will help to support that journey.

“Refocusing the whole system towards preventing ill-health from occurring or escalating can help us ensure the sustainability of our National Health Service. I am determined to ensure the measures outlined are delivered effectively and as quickly as possible as we work to transform the health of the nation.”

Cllr Kelly said: “Health is created in the communities in which we live, go to school or work, and access essential services. It is at the local level where we find the key levers to tackle the root causes of health problems and ensure people live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. Local Authorities, working with key partners, are uniquely placed to shape our communities. 

“The Population Health Framework sets out action across every building block of health. Committing to this preventative approach requires whole system working in order to intervene as early as possible and provide support to people in all aspects of their lives.

“Currently, people from deprived communities have less access to affordable, nutritious food. The Population Health Framework sets out a priority to improve the food environment and ensure access to a healthy, balanced diet is accessible and affordable to all.

“Alongside this, Local Government is committed to improving public services across the whole system, and the Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework sets out our high level ambition for improving the sustainability of the system and services people may need in order to help them live healthier, fulfilled lives.”

Obesity Action Scotland Chair Andrew Fraser said: “Obesity Action Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to taking progressive measures on retail food and drink promotions.

“They will improve the food environment and protect consumers from in-store choices that encourage people to purchase food that is high in fat, sugar and salt.

“Promotions result in over-consumption of calories, and make it easy to gain weight; measures that counter this pressure on consumers will contribute to the prevention of overweight and obesity that we want to see.”

Population Health Framework

Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework

Appeal to trace missing person Adeddamola Adebayo

POLICE are appealing for information to help trace 16-year-old Adeddamola Adebayo, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

Adeddamola was last seen on Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh on Monday, 9 June, 2025 and is believed to have travelled to Easter Road, Edinburgh.

He is described as 6ft 4ins tall, of slim build, with black hair. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black jogging bottoms and carrying a red duffle bag.

Inspector Alan Healy said: “Our enquiries to trace Adeddamola are ongoing, and I am appealing to anyone who has seen Adeddamola or who has any information about his whereabouts to contact us.

“We’re concerned for Adeddamola’s welfare and are keen to trace him as soon as possible to ensure he is safe.

“I would also appeal to Adeddamola directly – if you see this, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 2724 of 10 June, 2025.

Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh coming to Edinburgh this Christmas

  • Scottish premiere of immersive experience which brings Monet’s impressionist masterpieces thrillingly to life
  • Spectacular seasonal treat for art lovers in the Scottish capital

Edinburgh art lovers are being given the opportunity to enjoy not one but two stunning multimedia experiences this Christmas.

Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh come to the Scottish capital from Saturday, 29 November 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026 – with Edinburgh hosting the Scottish premiere of the experience which brings the works of ‘Father of Impressionism’ Claude Monet to life in thrilling fashion.

The immersive spectaculars will be staged on different days throughout the five-week run at the Royal Highland Centre,

Tickets for both go on pre-sale at 9am today. 

People are being encouraged to sign up for the chance to be the first to secure tickets on www.beyondvangogh.co.uk/edinburgh

General sale opens on Wednesday, 18 June at 10am.

And there are a range of entry ticket options including special family tickets and ‘parent and child’ tickets which offer great savings on individual prices.

The Royal Highland Centre is Scotland’s biggest indoor and outdoor venue. Located at Ingliston to the west of Edinburgh city centre, it welcomes more than one million visitors a year and delivers some of the biggest events in Scotland.

It makes it the perfect location for Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh, with both multimedia extravaganzas featuring an immersive room which is 10,000sq ft in size.

The centre is also perfectly positioned with good transport links including the A8, the motorway network and Edinburgh Airport.

Produced by Annerin Productions and Paquin Entertainment Group, Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience celebrates the groundbreaking work of the ‘Father of Impressionism’ in mesmerising and colourful fashion.

In the immersive impressionist extravaganza, cutting-edge technology breathes new life into more than 400 of the legendary French painter’s canvases, taking visitors on a spectacular and unforgettable audio-visual journey through his captivating and colourful world.

Beyond Monet brings together some of the artist’s most famous paintings – including Poppies, Impression: Sunrise and his exquisite Water Lilies series – with lesser-known works which all swirl around the space, offering a fresh and exciting new look at much-loved masterpieces and a deeper connection with Monet, his subjects and his innovative technique.

Taking inspiration from Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, the designated home of Monet’s works, visitors can freely roam the Infinity Room where they are transported inside the paintings themselves to the accompaniment of a moving original score.

Meanwhile, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience brings together more than 300 of the post-Impressionist icon’s paintings blended with cutting-edge technology and a specially curated musical soundtrack to tell the story of one of history’s most influential artists, with people able to wander through iconic works – including The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Terrace of a Café at Night – as they came alive around them.

This is Annerin Productions’ third visit to Scotland following Beyond Van Gogh at Glasgow’s SEC in 2024 – where it won critical acclaim and was seen by 50,000 visitors, and the same experience’s residency at the P&J Live in Aberdeen this summer.

It is the first time the entertainment company has staged anything in Edinburgh.

Anna Parry, UK Business Development at Annerin Productions, said today: “I’m absolutely delighted we’re bringing Beyond Van Gogh to Edinburgh this Christmas, particularly after the very warm welcome Scottish art lovers have already given the experience in Glasgow and the demand for tickets for this summer’s Aberdeen run.

“I’m also excited to be able to present a very special Scottish premiere – Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience – in the city. Edinburgh was at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment and art has always played a hugely important role in its cultural landscape.

“Beyond Monet is a stunning show packed with many of his most important and most powerful artworks, immersing art lovers in his revolutionary impressionist world and accompanied by a wonderfully evocative soundtrack.

“With both experiences running throughout December and into the New Year, they’re an ideal festive gift for the art lover in your life, as well as being a great day out for families looking to do something together in the run up to and over the Christmas holidays.

“The Royal Highland Centre is the perfect venue for both Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet and I’m excited to work with the team there who have been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic about our vision.”

Mark Currie, Director of Venue at Royal Highland Centre, said: “Being able to host such unique and immersive events like Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet at the Royal Highland Centre is testament to the truly unique space we have here at Ingliston.

“As Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue, we have an extremely versatile space, and we can’t wait to see these art masterpieces come to life in such an exceptional way for those across the city and beyond to enjoy!”

Website –  www.beyondvangogh.co.uk

Facebook – Beyond Van Gogh UK | Beyond Monet UK

Instagram – @beyondvangoghuk | @beyondmonetuk

Man jailed for eight years for serious sexual assault in Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for the serious sexual assault of a teenage girl in Edinburgh. Valentin Tica, 24, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 to eight years in prison, backdated to November 2023.

He previously pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 20 May, 2025. Tica was also given a non-harassment order for an indefinite period.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “Tica will now face the consequences of his despicable actions in prison.

“I would like to commend the victim for her strength during the investigation, and I hope today’s sentencing brings some sense of closure.

“We would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of violent or sexual offence, regardless of when it happened, to report it to us.

“We will investigate thoroughly and have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”

New Show Home unveiled at Cruden Homes’ luxury retirement development in Barnton

Cruden Homes has launched a striking new show home at The Avenue, its award-winning luxury retirement development located in the prestigious Edinburgh suburb of Barnton.

Designed exclusively for retirees, this boutique-style community offers discerning buyers the chance to experience the refined lifestyle on offer in one of the capital’s most desirable locations.

Set amid landscaped grounds overlooking the Royal Burgess Golf Course, The Avenue comprises a carefully curated collection of energy-efficient apartments, penthouses, and executive villas.

Each property features between one and three bedrooms, all finished to a high specification with quality fixtures and fittings as standard. With generous ceiling heights and expansive windows, homes are bathed in natural light and designed to maximise space and comfort.

The newly opened show home – a beautifully appointed two-bedroom apartment – showcases The Avenue’s hallmark blend of understated luxury and thoughtful design.

The interior, styled by Get Fully Furnished, features a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area ideal for entertaining, a spacious master suite with en-suite bathroom, a stylish guest bedroom, and a contemporary main bathroom.

Elegant finishes and premium materials lend the home the sophisticated air of a boutique hotel.

Beyond individual homes, residents benefit from a range of lifestyle-focused amenities including stylish communal areas, established gardens, a residents’ lounge, guest suite for visitors, and a concierge service – all designed to promote ease, connection, and independence.

Further enhancing the living experience, Cruden Homes has partnered with The Senior Move Partnership and Glenmore Mobility to support new residents.

Buyers can access a complimentary two-hour relocation consultation, alongside tailored in-home mobility assessments and product recommendations to ensure continued comfort and accessibility.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “The Avenue offers a truly unique lifestyle for independent retirees, combining the luxury and convenience of a boutique hotel with the independence of your own home.

“It’s been a joy to watch this community flourish. This stunning new show home offers a glimpse of the exceptional design, quality and vibrant community spirit that make The Avenue so special.”

Private viewings of the new show home are now available by appointment.

Alternatively drop-ins appointments are available Tuesday to Friday, from 11am – 5pm.

For further information or to arrange a visit, contact the Cruden Homes sales team or visit: www.theavenuebarnton.co.uk

Rise in school leavers in positive destinations

Growing numbers in Higher and Further Education in 2023-24

The number of young people in work, training or further study nine months after they left school has increased.

The proportion of school leavers in a positive destination was 93.1% in 2023-24, up from 92.8%, according to the annual Summary Statistics for Follow-up Leaver Destinations. This is now at a similar level to the pre-pandemic peak of 93.3% in 2017-18.

The increase over the latest year has been driven by increases in school leavers reaching Higher education (from 37.1% to 38.1%) and Further education (from 21.2% to 21.9%).

Over the longer term, the proportion in positive destinations is up from 85.9% in 2009-10.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “These figures show the proportion of Scotland’s young people achieving positive destinations is almost back to pre-pandemic levels and at a near record high.

“The increase among those in Higher and Further Education is hugely encouraging and testament to the hard work of those young people and the extraordinary support provided by Scotland’s teachers, lecturers and other support staff.

“The gap in positive destinations between young people from our most and least deprived communities has more than halved since 2009-10, but this latest data shows we still have more to do. We also know this cohort of young people faced significant disruption to their education during the pandemic.

“A range of support, including from careers advisers and the Developing the Young Workforce network, is available for young people considering their options after school. I am determined to ensure young people can access the right help they need to enable them into a positive destination and this Government will continue to invest in opportunities for young people across Scotland.”

Summary statistics for follow-up leaver destinations, no. 7: 2025 edition – gov.scot

CashBack for Communities: Apply Now

CashBack for Communities is now open for applications.

The next phase will run from April 2026 to March 2029. Up to £26m is available and organisations can apply for grants of between £150,000 and £1,500,000.

Find out more and apply:

https://cashbackforcommunities.org/funding

SCOTLAND TO SCRAP THE CAP

Scottish Government scrapping the two child limit to help end child poverty

The Scottish Government will effectively scrap the impact of the two-child limit from 2nd March 2026, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed.

On a visit to Busy Bees Bellfield parent and toddler group in Portobello, Ms Somerville said the introduction of the Two Child Limit Payment will mean 20,000 fewer children will be living in relative poverty in 2026-27, according to Scottish Government modelling.

Speaking ahead of a statement to parliament on the publication of the annual report on Best Start, Bright Futures, the Scottish Government’s child poverty strategy, Ms Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has consistently called on the UK Government to end the two-child cap.

“Reports suggest that they are looking at the impact it is having. But the evidence is clear and families and Scotland can’t wait any longer for the UK Government to make up its mind to do the right thing and scrap the cap once and for all.

“The Two Child Limit Payment will begin accepting applications in March next year. At less than 15 months from when we announced this in the Scottish budget, this will be the fastest that a Scottish social security benefit has been delivered.

“This builds upon the considerable action we have taken in Scotland, including delivering unparalleled financial support through our Scottish Child Payment, investing to clear school meal debts, and continuing to support almost 10,000 children by mitigating the UK Government’s Benefit Cap as fully as possible.

“However, austerity decisions taken by the UK Government are holding back Scotland’s progress. Modelling published in March makes clear that if the UK Government act decisively on child poverty, they could help to take an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty this year.”

The two child limit cap was introduced by the UK Conservative Government in 2017. Since their Westminster victory last year Keir Starmer’s Labour government has refused to scrap the cap.

Resilence Fund support for city’s small third sector organisations

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 4 JULY 1pm

Phase 2 of the City of Edinburgh Council Resilience Fund aims to provide short-term support to small and medium third sector organisations in Edinburgh that work to end poverty.

Grants: Up to £10,000

Deadline: Fri 4 Jul, 1pm

Phase 2 aims to provide short-term support to small and medium third sector organisations in Edinburgh that work to end poverty. The fund helps organisations facing financial difficulties maintain their services and financial stability during 2025/26.

Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible for this funding organisations must

  • deliver activities which address or prevent poverty and which align with the city’s End Poverty in Edinburgh framework (further details about this can be found in the fund specification)
  • be headquartered in Edinburgh
  • have registered charitable status or be a non-profit distributing organisation
  • have a gross annual income of less than £500k
  • be experiencing financial challenges, for example
    • an unexpected drop in grant funding or other income
    • an unexpected increase in running or delivery costs, or
    • an unexpected increase in service demand
  • not be in receipt of funding from the Council through Phase 1 of the Third Sector Resilience Fund or the Income Maximisation Grant Programme.

Organisations can apply for up to £10,000 from this phase of funding. Funding can be used to support core costs or to maintain service delivery where this is at risk from the loss of expected grant funding, increased costs or unexpected increases in demand.

You will find detailed information in the Third Sector Resilience Fund Specification and a summary in our Frequently Asked Questions.

How to apply

To apply, please complete our online form.

Before submitting your application, you will need to confirm that you have read

Please attach a copy of your most recent years Annual Accounts via email to policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Applications close at 1pm on the 4th of July 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk