Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Reel Memories: Muirhouse Housing Association supports dementia-friendly film screenings

Muirhouse Housing Association has thrown its support behind a new “dementia friendly” film club which involves the magic of the silver screen!

It is being led by “Community Link” based at North Edinburgh Arts Centre who approached the Association  for funding from its “Community Chest Fund” to help the film project and promote the Club locally. 

The first screening takes place today (Thursday) following a consultation led by Community Link. It found a clear need emerged for a dementia-friendly film club which creates a welcoming, inclusive space where people with dementia and their carers or family members can enjoy a film screening together and connect with others.  

The project is launching at the North Edinburgh Arts Centre in a purpose-built 96-seater theatre with the showing of the 1969 classic movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The free screening is further evidence of Muirhouse’s deep-rooted engagement with the community it serves in north Edinburgh.

Muirhouse’s Community Chest Fund is available for community groups to apply for a grant to carry out projects which benefit tenants and the local community.

Special measures will be taken during the film to meet the needs of people with dementia such as dimmed – but not entirely dark – lighting to reduce anxiety and prevent confusion. 

The cinema will not be entirely filled to avoid the presence of a large crowd. There will also be a short interval with light refreshments served.

Based loosely on fact, the film tells the story of two wild west outlaws who are on the run from a crack US law enforcement posse after a string of train robberies.

The film, starring two Hollywood idols – played by the late Paul Newman and sidekick Robert Redford – was an instant hit when it was released and remains a screen classic.

Susan Bell, Chief Executive of Muirhouse Housing Association, said: “Everyone likes a trip to the cinema. So we were delighted to link up with North Edinburgh Arts Centre to deliver this dementia-friendly screening in what is  first from Muirhouse

“Dementia friendly screenings are now expected to take place every month. We are thrilled to be supporting such an innovative way to engage members of the community.

“Apart from these dementia-friendly screenings the advent of a cinema in our community, when previously the nearest one is 3.5 miles away, is to be greatly welcomed.”

Earlier this summer, Muirhouse’s community engagement was recognised when it excelled in the Tenant Participation Service (TPAS) Scotland National Good Practice Awards scoring a win in the keenly-contested category for Community Involvement – tenant/community group.

Its triumph centred on the inclusive “Come Dine With Us” initiative – a recurring Muirhouse event offering a free meal and companionship to local residents aimed at tackling isolation and loneliness.

Balamory’s coming back!

Filming begins on new series to premiere on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer next year

  • Blending familiar faces with a host of new characters, the new series will offer preschoolers a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures

CBeebies and Lion Television Scotland have released a first-look picture showing Miss Hoolie (Julie Wilson Nimmo) as filming gets underway on location in Tobermory, the real-life Isle of Mull town that inspired the show’s iconic setting.

The new series will blend familiar faces with a host of new characters, offering preschoolers a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures.

At its heart remains the charming fictional town of Balamory and its lively inhabitants, where brightly-coloured houses cluster around a scenic harbour and life revolves around the nursery school and its caring teacher.

Original stars of Balamory, Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie) are set to reprise their roles when the revamped series airs next year on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.

The new series will blend familiar faces with a host of new characters, offering preschoolers a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures. At its heart remains the charming fictional town of Balamory and its lively inhabitants, where brightly-coloured houses cluster around a scenic harbour and life revolves around the nursery school and its caring teacher.

Brand new characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts (played by Danielle Jam), the Harbour Master (William Andrews) and local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer) who lives with his two children.

Originally produced from 2002 to 2005, Balamory became a staple of early childhood entertainment. Now, more than two decades later, it’s being lovingly reimagined for today’s families, retaining its original spirit while introducing fresh elements to captivate young viewers.

Filming will take place both in studio in Glasgow and on location in Tobermory, the real-life Isle of Mull town that inspired the show’s iconic setting.

Kate Morton, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 0-6 BBC Children’s and Education says: “It’s wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together.

“This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly.”

Commissioned for two new series (10 x 14-minute episodes each), the show will continue its tradition of home-grown storytelling about the much-loved nursery school and the small island community that surrounds it. Families can look forward to exploring the world of Balamory once again from 2026.

Produced by Lion Television Scotland, an All3Media company, the return of Balamory promises to be a joyful celebration of community, curiosity and colourful characters.

Lisa Hazlehurst, Head of Lion Television Scotland, is the Executive Producer, Adrian Mead is Director and Jacqueline Sinclair is the Series Producer. The series was commissioned by Kate Morton for BBC Children’s and Education. Mark Barton is the BBC Commissioning Executive.

Support for integration service for refugees and people seeking asylum

Investment to help people settle in Scotland’s communities

A service to help refugees and people seeking asylum integrate into their local areas is being supported with £8 million in funding over the next two and a half years.

Delivered by the Scottish Refugee Council, the Scotland-wide integration support service will provide advice, information and resources to help people fleeing war and persecution settle into their new home.

This will build on the success of the previous grant-funded Refugee Support Service for 2024/25 which supported more than 10,000 people from 113 countries to rebuild their lives here.

The new multi-year funded contract will run until March 2028 with an option to extend for a further two years, enabling more people to be supported.

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Our Programme for Government commits to a multi-year funded service so refugees and people seeking asylum can access the support they need, when they need it.

“Refugees and people seeking asylum are welcome in Scotland and this service will support them to start rebuilding their lives here.

“The Scottish Refugee Council has already provided incredible support to refugees and people seeking asylum to help them work, study and live in Scotland. I’m very pleased that these efforts can continue through the service we’re funding.”

 Scottish Refugee Council chief executive Sabir Zazai said: “We’re delighted that our approach to building a better future with refugees in Scotland has been recognised with this investment, which will enable us to continue reaching those who need our help, wherever in Scotland they are based.

“Last year, we worked with people seeking safety in 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and connected hundreds of communities across the country, helping them work together to support and welcome New Scots.

“We’re looking forward to building on this work and reaching even more people seeking refugee protection in Scotland, providing them with essential information, multilingual advice and practical support.”

Tuning into YouTube: UK’s media habits revealed

  • Gen Alpha turn to YouTube first on their TV set at home, while over 55s double their time on the service
  • Fewer than half of 16-24-year-olds watch broadcast TV weekly
  • Despite declines, traditional broadcasters’ content still makes up majority of in-home viewing

YouTube is leading the charge in the streaming takeover of TV sets, with the service now the first place younger viewers go as soon as they switch on, according to Ofcom’s annual report on the nation’s media habits.

Overall people spent an average of 4 hours 30 minutes per day watching TV and video content at home in 2024. And while broadcast TV still accounts for the majority of in-home viewing (56%), audiences are increasingly turning to YouTube. The platform is now the second most-watched service in the UK, behind the BBC and ahead of ITV.

At home, people spent 39 minutes on YouTube per day in 2024, with 16 minutes of this via the household’s TV set. Younger adults aged 16-34 are driving this trend, watching 18 minutes of YouTube a day on TV, while one in five (20%) children aged 4-15 head straight to the app as soon as they turn the set on.

But it’s not just Gen Z and Alpha driving this trend. Over 55s are now watching nearly double the amount of YouTube content on their TVs compared to the previous year (11 minutes per day in December 2024, up from just 6 minutes in January 2023).  Last year, 42% of all YouTube viewing by this age group was on a TV set (up from 33% in 2023).

YouTube content evolving

The content audiences are watching on YouTube has evolved too. Half of the platform’s top-trending videos now more closely resemble traditional TV, including long-form interviews and game shows. This shift positions YouTube as a direct competitor to ad-supported TV services, while offering broadcasters a way to reach wider and younger audiences.  

Some broadcasters are increasingly offering  their own programmes on YouTube, for example ITV and Channel 4 make full length programming available on their channels, retaining control over adverts. Ofcom has identified these sorts of partnerships, making public service content available and prominent on online platforms, as critical to sustain the future of public service media in its recent report, Transmission Critical.

Public service broadcasters (PSBs) are seeing success with their online services, especially the BBC. For the first time, people are watching more online programmes from broadcasters than they are recorded programmes.

Ed Leighton, Ofcom’s Interim Group Director for Strategy and Research, said: “Scheduled TV is increasingly alien to younger viewers, with YouTube the first port of call for many when they pick up the TV remote. But we’re also seeing signs that older adults are turning to the platform as part of their daily media diet too.

“Public service broadcasters are recognising this shift – moving to meet audiences in the online spaces where they increasingly spend their time. But we need to see even more ambition in this respect to ensure that public service media that audiences value survives long into the future.”

Generational divide

Overall, people spent 4% less time watching broadcast TV in 2024 than the previous year, with average viewing dropping to 2 hours 24 minutes a day on TV sets. This trend was particularly driven by young adults (16-24), who watched just 17 minutes of live TV daily. Only 45% of this age group tuned into broadcast TV weekly, down from 48% in 2023.

Less than a quarter of 16-24s’ in-home video viewing is now to broadcaster content, versus 90% for those aged 75 and over.

Overall, people watched content from video-on-demand platforms for an average of 40 minutes per day. Netflix continues to be the most popular service, watched for an average of 22 minutes per day, and accounting for more than half of all viewing on streaming platforms.

Festive favourites top the list of most-watched moments

But broadcasters proved they can still bring the nation together for shared major TV moments, with the BBC and ITV boasting the top three most-watched shows of 2024.  

Gavin and Stacy: The Finale (18.6 million) was the most watched programme last year, followed by Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (16.9 million), with the fourth episode of Mr Bates vs The Post Office (14.7 million) coming in third. The top two most-watched programmes both aired first on Christmas day.

The Spain v England Euro 2024 final was the most-watched live sports event of the year across the BBC, ITV and STV, with 19.8 million people tuning in on the day.

Netflix’s Adolescence was the most-watched TV event in the first quarter of 2025 with 12.2 million viewers until the end of March. This marked the first time a streaming title topped weekly TV ratings [2]. 

Picture2Podcasts eat up audio diets

Our Media Nations Report also has its ear to the ground on how the nation’s listening habits are evolving. More than nine in ten UK adults (93%) listen to some form of audio content each week, increasing to 98% of 16-34-year-olds. YouTube (47%) and Spotify (36%) are the most popular online audio services, while BBC Sounds is the most popular from a radio broadcaster (24%).

Music streaming and podcasts continue to be an important part of our audio diets, particularly for younger people. People aged 15-34 now spend more than half of their weekly listening time with streamed music and podcasts (58%, up from 40% in 2019), which is close to double the amount for the average listener (30%) [3].

Podcasts are also increasingly available in video as well as audio form. Platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Global Player now regularly host video versions of UK podcasts, helping creators engage with broader audiences.

More top trends from our Media Nations reports are available on our news centre.

Improving access to healthcare in Scotland … and Africa

Initiative to tackle health inequality in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia

A Scottish Government-backed initiative to improve access to healthcare for people in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia has been launched.

The new health partnership programme will help the three countries and Scotland strengthen their health systems by creating networks through which healthcare professionals can share skills, experience and knowledge.

Grant funding will subsequently be made available to organisations working to improve healthcare.

The launch marks the 20th anniversary of Scotland’s international development programme and builds on the success of the NHS Scotland Global Citizenship programme, which supports NHS staff to engage in health work around the world.

Previous work in Malawi funded through the Scottish Government’s International Development Fund includes knowledge exchange on between Malawi and Scotland, the development of an Adult Emergency and Trauma Centre and a disability hearing initiative in Zambia.

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “At a time when healthcare systems around the world are under great pressure from the lasting impact of pandemics and accelerating impact of climate change, the power of partnership has never been more important.

“These are not isolated issues. Illness and diseases do not stop when they meet a border. So we cannot think of Scotland’s NHS simply as a national institution, it is a global partner in the fight for health equality.

“This new programme launches at a critical moment for global health as major donors cut aid and builds on Scotland’s proud record of international development. By deepening our partnerships with Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia and combining the expertise of Scottish health professionals with the insights and leadership of partners overseas, we can learn through sharing together and deliver real improvements in health for people in Scotland and abroad.”

Global Health Partnerships CEO Ben Simms said: “We are thrilled to have been invited to partner with the Scottish Government on the Scottish Global Health Partnership programme.

“In its international development programme and through its Global Citizenship programme, Scotland has set a standard as a progressive, globally engaged country over many years, and this programme will celebrate and build on this track record in ways that deliver benefits both overseas and across the Scottish health system.”

The Scottish Government will invest £3 million over the next three years from its International Development Fund in the programme, which will be delivered by health charity Global Health Partnerships.

The initiative will support and align with the existing NHS Scotland Global Citizenship programme, which recognises the benefits global citizenship and international volunteering bring to Scotland’s health service and communities such as fostering leadership and driving innovation.

Health was identified as a priority in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic and through discussions with African partner countries and confirmed in the Scottish Government’s International Strategy.

Six years for ‘terrorist’ teenager who planned to attack Edinburgh school

Felix Winter, aged 18 years, has been sentenced to six years in prison for Terrorism offences, at the High Court in Glasgow.

The court heard Winter committed the offences between June 2022 and July 2023, when he was aged between 15 and 16. Winter had made known to others ‘desire and plans to carry out acts of violence involving firearms, explosive devices and poison against pupils and teachers at the school’.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “This was an extremely complex and fast-moving investigation, and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the diligence and hard work of the officers who worked tirelessly to gather the evidence and bring the perpetrator to justice.

“The inquiry also underlines the advantages of working closely in partnership as part of the Prevent programme, which promotes early intervention through tailored, diversionary support to individuals who may be susceptible to supporting or committing terrorism to help keep our communities safe.”

Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment

Improving access to support for disabled people

A landmark independent review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has called for a simplified and more accessible application process, urging the Scottish Government to protect and improve access to support for disabled people.

Led by experienced charity leader, Edel Harris OBE, the review highlights that while Adult Disability Payment is significantly more compassionate than the UK benefit it replaced, some people still face barriers, complexity and distress when applying for the benefit.

While the review notes that there are several welcome changes such as the cessation of DWP-style assessments and recognises the compassionate approach of Social Security Scotland staff, it concludes that there is still more that can be done to deliver a truly human-rights based approach.

Edel Harris, Chair of the Adult Disability Payment Review, said: “Adult Disability Payment has been described by many as a step change – kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing.

“I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal.

“This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible. The recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to making Adult Disability Payment work better for everyone who needs it.”

The review engaged extensively with disabled people and the organisations that support them. It drew on evidence from a public consultation, written submissions, in-person and online events, and the lived experience of an advisory group made up of third sector representatives, disabled people and people with long-term health-conditions.

Over the course of the review, Edel Harris also met with stakeholder groups, third sector organisations, and officials from the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland to understand a variety of experiences of Adult Disability Payment.

The review makes over 50 recommendations including:

  • Enhancing the client experience and embedding trauma-informed, stigma-free approaches.
  • Simplifying the application form and improving the decision-making process.
  • Training, guidance, and clearer communication for staff and clients.
  • Reviewing eligibility criteria and improving fairness in decision-making.

A key recommendation from the review is that eligibility should be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities. It also recommends that the application process should be made easier for those with fluctuating conditions and mental health problems and take into consideration the environment in which the person lives.

The report also calls for sustainable funding for welfare advice services, more inclusive communication, and automatic entitlement in some circumstances.

Edel visited Inspire by Community Integrated Care an Aberdeen-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs. The visit offered an insight into the role of social security in promoting independence, inclusion, and dignity.

Community Integrated Care’s Managing Director for Scotland, Sara Murphy, said: “It was a privilege to welcome Edel to our Inspire by Community Integrated Care service and show how financial support like Adult Disability Payment can make a visible difference in people’s lives.

“As a care provider, we see every day how inclusive, person-centred support enables people to build confidence, develop skills, and live more independently.

“We welcome the review’s call for a system that truly listens to disabled people and reflects their real-life experiences. We hope it leads to meaningful change that makes accessing support fairer, simpler, and more empowering for those who need it.”

The full report is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836918912

The review was commissioned by the Scottish Government in February 2024 to examine the first year of Adult Disability Payment delivery, with the aim of identifying improvements to the eligibility framework, decision-making process and client experience.

Festival venue takes bold step towards greener Fringe

Sustainable souvenir scheme tackles single-use cup waste

FRINGE-GOERS picking up a drink at one of the capital’s busiest venues are being asked to make a small change with a big impact – as part of a bold new drive to reduce waste and support charitable causes.

In a new initiative Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has introduced a £2 reusable cup policy, replacing throwaway plastic with souvenir-style cups that support good causes.

Customers pay a one-time £2 charge for a reusable cup, which is theirs to keep. When returning for another drink, they’ll receive a fresh, clean replacement cup at no extra cost.

Surgeons Quarter has a longstanding reputation for leading with innovation through environmental initiatives and investing heavily in the wellbeing of its staff.

Ten Hill Place Hotel, part of the Surgeons Quarter portfolio, was first awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2008 and has proudly retained this accolade for 17 consecutive years.

One of the hotel’s many sustainable efforts has been the removal of single-use plastic bottles from guest bedrooms. It’s a change which has saved over 100,000 bottles to date. In their place, guests are gifted Scottish wildflower seed packets to take home, encouraging biodiversity in their own gardens and extending memories of their stay at the hotel.

Other green initiatives have included a £20,000 investment for installation of EV charging stations at the hotel, as well as a £60,000 investment in new staff members uniforms made from

recycled plastic bottles with each uniform preventing 45 bottles from reaching landfills or oceans.

But sustainability is only part of the picture. Surgeons Quarter also goes above and beyond for its team.

Recognised by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF), it ensures all staff, regardless of age, are paid above the LWF Living Wage. In addition, all employees contribute at least 12% of their salary toward their pension, with 7.5% of that contributed by the employer, more than double the required minimum.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter said: “We’re always looking at how we can help improve the planet, improve the guest experience and also improve the working environment for our team.

“That’s why we continually invest in initiatives prioritising long-term sustainability and staff wellbeing. We believe these aspects go hand in hand.”

The reusable cup policy reflects this commitment. Surgeons Quarter invested over £20,000 in the upfront cost of the cups, making the £2 charge fair and necessary, so it can continue running operations that pay staff fairly, reduce environmental impact and maintain the support for its local charity partners.

Scott added: “This step is a part of a wider commitment to doing what’s right, even when it costs more. That’s why we’re asking the public to support the reusable cup chaange as it helps us improve standards across the board.”

Some of the reusable and dishwasher safe cups feature the striking silhouette of the iconic Playfair Hall, while others are branded with the logos of theSpaceUK, which hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the Festival Fringe, and Surgeons Quarter itself.

The variety of designs provides visitors with eye-catching tangible reminders of their Festival experience as well as supporting the drive to reduce single-use waste.

Scott said: “After testing the concept in 2024, we’ve streamlined the system and are excited to launch the full initiative.

“We’re trying to shift the mindset. Rather than something disposable, we want people to see these as souvenirs that do good.

“We know some will be resistant to change but when it’s a minimal cost for an item that supports local and global causes, we hope people will get on board.’’

A portion of proceeds from cup sales will support three key causes: carbon offsetting initiatives through Ecologi; a special Supper Soirée hosted by Surgeons Quarter in support of Cyrenians, the homelessness charity tackling isolation and homelessness; and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s global efforts to improve patient outcomes around the world.

Under the new guidelines, festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own clean reusable cups for wine, spirits, bottled beer and soft drinks only — provided the cup is visibly clean.

However, if the cup is not SQ-branded, it is your responsibility to ensure it is hygienic, as staff are unable to wash or handle personal cups. Single-use plastic cups, including supermarket-style cups, will not be accepted.

Scott added: “This isn’t about jumping on a trend. It’s a long-term commitment to reducing our footprint and boosting our social impact.

“A single-use plastic cup has an impact of 0.07kg CO2e, and a reusable equivalent has an impact of 0.0084kg CO2e per use. Every cup that isn’t thrown away is a small win for the environment and every cup that helps someone in need makes that win even sweeter.”

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus.

These include facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, and weddings, as well as its own four-star hotel, Ten Hill Place, Café 1505, and SQ Travel.

To find out more about Surgeons Quarter, visit: 

https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/festival-fringe-2025/

Friends of Corstorphine Hill: Volunteers Needed!

🍀 ️Corstorphine Hill Tower – Volunteers needed! 🍀

We are looking to increase our pool of volunteers who kindly give a few hours as often as it suits them, to help us open the Corstorphine Hill Tower every Sunday, 2pm – 4pm, for visitors.

Unfortunately our volunteer numbers are running low, which means we may not be able to continue with this popular event on a weekly basis, unless we are able to recruit some additional volunteers.

This fun and interesting role would be to:

🌿 Meet at the tower on agreed dates (could be once a month, could be twice a season. Up to you!)

🌿 Meet the regular volunteers who will give you an overview of what happens and what you can do (it’s very relaxed, no prior knowledge of the tower or hill required!)

🌿 Chat to visitors to the tower! (If they ask any questions, our website has a lot of info and is an easy reference for answers!)

🌿 Enjoy yourself, and learn something about the hill!

If you might be interested in supporting FoCH, learning more about our wonderful Hill and the tower on it, and supporting the work we do in conservation of the Hill, then we would love to hear from you!

Please email fochcontact@gmail.com

Thanks,

Friends of Corstorphine Hill Committee

ASSC calls out lack of government and council guidance as Visitor Levy deadline looms

As the countdown begins to the introduction of Edinburgh’s visitor levy on 1 October 2025, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is expressing serious concerns over the lack of official guidance and support for accommodation providers.

Since the introduction of the short-term let licensing legislation, the ASSC worked tirelessly to support Scottish operators through the transition, offering practical, reliable information and hands-on assistance where government failed to engage.

In 2022, ASSC CEO Fiona Campbell MBE and licensing solicitor Joanna Millar launched a nationwide Regulations Roadshow to help demystify the legislation and empower operators to comply, delivering 26 such events and partnering with many local councils, reaching nearly 10,000 people.

The ASSC also developed a suite of comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions, now in Version 7, which was widely adopted by VisitScotland.

The ASSC had intended to replicate this model – achieved without meaningful support or funding from the Scottish Government – to help operators in advance of the Visitor Levy going live in Edinburgh.

However, with less than 10 weeks to go, this has proved impossible due to the complete absence of guidance from either the Scottish Government or Edinburgh Council.

The outstanding issues include:

  • No business-specific guidance – only deficient guidance intended for local authorities
  • No clarity on VAT status
  • No method of calculation
  • No confirmed exemptions framework
  • No timing confirmed for collection (e.g. at booking, on arrival, or departure)
  • No detail on how the Levy aligns with the Digital Markets Act
  • A delayed National Portal, not due until March 2026
  • No consumer-facing communications strategy.

This lack of preparedness raises serious questions about how the scheme can be implemented fairly, consistently, or without negative consequences for businesses. 

The ASSC is calling for immediate clarity from both the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council, and remains ready to support a pragmatic and effective rollout of the Visitor Levy – if and when the necessary tools are put in place.

Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the ASSC, said: “We were fully prepared to run another national roadshow to support our members and the wider accommodation sector through this significant change – but we simply cannot provide clarity where there is none.

“It is unacceptable that, with just weeks to go, businesses still have no official guidance on the most basic operational aspects of the Visitor Levy. Once again, industry is left to pick up the pieces. 

“We are committed to constructive engagement and practical solutions, but we cannot continue to operate in an information vacuum.

“Scotland’s accommodation providers and guests deserve better than this. The clock is ticking and the Scottish Government and Edinburgh Council need to act now.”