Edinburgh: a ‘vibrant capital city’?

Economy Committee Convener Cllr Gavin Barrie: ‘the city has much to be positive about’

Edinburgh continues to be the most prosperous UK city outside London and has the fastest growing population in the UK, with the exception of Manchester, according to the latest Edinburgh by Numbers.

The Economy section highlights that the Capital has the lowest unemployment of any major UK city in each of the last ten calendar years. It also adds the greatest value to the economy, has the highest average disposable income per resident and has created the highest number of jobs through foreign direct investment of any UK city outside of London.

The percentage of the Edinburgh workforce with a degree level qualification or equivalent also remains higher than any other major UK city at 55%, according to the online document’s Education section. Edinburgh has the highest satisfaction rates with public transport among other Scottish cities at 89%

These are just some of the many fascinating facts about the city in Edinburgh by Numbers, produced by the City of Edinburgh Council for investors, entrepreneurs and anyone else with an interest in Edinburgh. It also includes sections on people, environment, work, social economy, tourism, travel and connectivity, and property and includes new and more detailed information on localities.

Some other facts:

• More waste was recycled in Edinburgh from January to December 2015 than any other major Scottish city. (note: 2016 data released end of Sept 2017)
• Edinburgh has more green flag parks than any other major UK city and has 41% of all the green flag parks in Scotland.
• 8 of the top 12 visitor attractions in Scotland for 2016 are based in Edinburgh.
• Almost two-thirds (65%) of people in Edinburgh use the internet on the move.
• Edinburgh has the highest number of Michelin awarded restaurants than any other major UK city.

Cllr Gavin Barrie, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “Yet again, the facts and figures in this popular annual document demonstrate that the city has much to be positive about. It shows that Edinburgh is a vibrant capital city with a diverse economy, an increasing population and strong investment potential. Our visitor numbers continue to rise and we even have a higher number of Michelin awarded restaurants than any other major UK city.

“Our education and green credentials remain strong as the percentage of the Edinburgh workforce with a degree level qualification or equivalent is still 55% and we continue to have almost half of all the green flag parks in Scotland. Our recycling rates continue to improve and were higher in 2015 than any other major Scottish city.

“On a lighter note from May to July 2017 there was even 10% more sunshine than the same time in the previous year!

“The document is an essential resource for anyone looking to invest in the city or simply looking for key facts and figures about the capital. Going forward, the more detailed localities information will be extremely useful in setting policy in a number of areas.”

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “The latest Edinburgh by Numbers makes for extremely interesting reading, not in the least with regard to transport use in the Capital. It’s no surprise that we’re bucking the national trend when it comes to public transport use, with our award-winning Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses services continuing to see excellent satisfaction amongst customers.

“As the population continues to rise these figures demonstrate the importance of a world-class, integrated public transport system for Edinburgh, which we hope to build upon by extending the tram to Newhaven.

“We’re also committed to encouraging active travel as a sustainable, healthy mode of transport, and it’s clear that more and more people are choosing to go by foot or by bike to make journeys around our compact city. By investing in quality cycle routes, improvements to public realm and, of course, by rolling out 20mph speed limits across the city, we want to make leaving the car at home an attractive and viable option, reducing congestion and cutting pollution in the long run.

“As Edinburgh by Numbers shows, the number of people coming into the city from around the world is also on the rise, which is another reason for ensuring our transport links are as safe, comfortable and efficient as possible.”