North Bridge fully reopened last night (Friday 31 July), with final completion of the project expected later this year.
Both pavements and traffic lanes will be brought back into use in time for the peak festival season in August, which starts next weekend.
Work on the North Bridge began in 2018 and since then the Category A Listed structure has undergone a complete restoration.
This has included grit blasting and repainting all structural steelwork, restoring and hand finishing the cast iron façade, and installing a permanent access platform for future monitoring and care of the bridge.
The project has also brought significant social benefits through partnerships with local schools and universities, collaboration with charities and community groups, alongside careers support for young people, ex-offenders and people with disabilities.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:“Iâm delighted that weâve reached this key milestone in the project. This reopening is all the more welcome given the busy time of year, and the wider travel disruption weâre currently experiencing as a result of the fire on Princes Street.
“Make no mistake, this has been one of the most complex and ambitious projects the Council has ever undertaken. When work first began, some areas of the bridge hadnât seen the light of day in over a century, and few couldâve imagined the scale of the challenge we faced.
“Iâm conscious that this has taken longer, and cost more than we initially anticipated. Our residents, businesses and visitors have my sincere thanks for their patience during this time. However, Iâm incredibly proud that weâve successfully preserved and enhanced this cornerstone of Edinburghâs history, and key transport corridor, for future generations of our city.
“To see the bridge back to its former glory, with the new façade shining in the summer sun, is something we can all celebrate together.”
Rory McFadden, Project Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “The reopening of North Bridge to both traffic and pedestrians marks a major milestone in this complex restoration project and is a significant step towards returning this iconic structure to the heart of Edinburghâs transport network.
“While there is still work to complete in the months ahead, it will be incredibly rewarding to see residents, visitors and businesses once again utilising the bridge and benefitting from this vital transport link.”
Direct Scottish Government support to help address the ongoing impact of the fire on Princes Street, including potential financial support, will be discussed during talks with City of Edinburgh Council leaders next week.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has acknowledged the âmajor difficultiesâ being faced in the capital as a result of the blaze at the former Debenhamâs store on July 9th.
Ms Gilruth will visit the site of the fire next week and meet with the head of the local authority to clarify what action is required to assist with the recovery.
The Deputy First Minister said: âI am acutely aware of the major difficulties faced by city centre commuters, businesses and tourists in the aftermath of the fire â particularly as Edinburgh prepares for the August Festivals.
âThe Scottish Government has been working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver the immediate priorities of ensuring the publicâs safety while minimising and reducing disruption. I welcome the quick action taken to support festival organisers given the diversions along George Street.
âI am firmly committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery in what is the heart of the capital.
âI will also be meeting with the council leader next week to make clear what further support ministers can provide, including financial assistance, to help alleviate the situation.â
Edinburgh’s summer festivals oficially begin next weekend, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the capital.
4th August at Bird & Blend stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow
Bird & Blend Tea Co. Celebrates Tea-rrific A-Level and GCSE Results Days in Scotlandwith a Free Iced Matcha Worth £5.25 for Students and Teachers on 4th August at Bird & Blend Edinburgh & Glasgow
Itâs time to sip back and relax â A-Level and GCSE results day has arrived!
To celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievements of the Class of 2026, Bird & Blend Tea Co. is treating students and their hard working and deserving teachers to a free iced Superstar Matcha, worth ÂŁ5.25, on A-Level and GCSE Results Day.
Whether you’re celebrating smashing your goals or simply making it through the exam season, Bird & Blend believes every student and their teachers deserve a moment to pause, refresh and celebrate. Pop into your nearest store and enjoy a matcha on us.
Date & Time
Tuesday 4th August 2026 11:00am â 5:00pm
Location
Bird & Blend Tea Co. stores:
Edinburgh, 89 Rose Street, EH2 3DT
Glasgow, 215 Byres Road, G12 8UD
Offer Details
Claim a free iced Superstar Matcha latte, worth £5.25, by showing your A-Level & GCSE results and valid student ID at the till, or TRN/school staff badge.
Offer is for an Iced Superstar Matcha only.
One free drink per person.
The offer is available at all Bird & Blend Tea Co. stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Terms & Conditions
Offer available at all Bird & Blend Tea Co. In-store only.
Redeemable between 11:00am and 5:00pm on Tuesday 4th August 2026 only.
No cash alternative. Drink choice subject to availability. One free drink per person.
A-Level & GCSE results and valid student ID, or a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) or school staff badge must be presented to redeem the offer.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguard Service, a lifeguard installation is being installed in St Andrew Square today – Lifeguard Appreciation Day, (Friday 31st July 2026).
Launching in 2001, following a successful pilot scheme in South-West England, over over 245 beaches are now patrolled by RNLI lifeguards.
RNLI lifeguards were first introduced in Scotland on Coldingham Bay in 2013, and the team has been expanding ever since. They can now be found on 8 Scottish beaches throughout the summer season.
Since the service began in Scotland, RNLI lifeguards have saved 8 lives, aided more than 3,500 people, responded to over 2,400 incidents and carried out more than 560,000 preventative actions.
RNLI lifeguards are best known for rescuing people in difficulty in the water, but much of their work takes place before an incident ever develops.
Around 95% of a lifeguard’s role is prevention, from advising swimmers about rip currents and changing conditions to helping families stay safe on the beach and reuniting lost children with their parents.
Lachlan Edwards, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, says: “International Lifeguard Day is an opportunity to celebrate our fantastic and dedicated lifeguard team, both past and present.
“We have a team of around 40 lifeguards, including volunteer lifeguards, who help keep the public safe and well informed. They not only work across our eight beaches, providing casualty care, support and carrying out rescues, they also work in local primary schools and help educate communities on water safety at events throughout the year.
“Having been part of the team since 2015 I have seen first-hand how the service in Scotland has grown and the impact our lifeguards have had is remarkable. We look forward to growing the team further and continuing to provide this lifesaving service.”
Owen McQueenie is a senior lifeguard who joined the service in 2019, inspired by his dad, Martin, and older sister, Tamsin, who were both RNLI lifeguards.
Owen says: âBeing part of the lifeguard team is incredibly rewarding. I have always loved being in and around the water and surfing with my family, so being able to do this as a job, while helping to protect the public is really awesome.
âI was inspired by my dad and sister to get involved with the RNLI lifeguard team. Itâs great to work in the same field as my family and be able to share our experiences after our shifts. They were a huge support when I became a senior lifeguard, and I’m proud to follow in their footsteps.â
Owen recently assisted two girls who were caught by the wind on their paddleboard at Coldingham Bay and safely guided them back to the shore.
As families continue to enjoy the coast this summer, the RNLI is encouraging people to choose a lifeguarded beach whenever possible and to swim between the red and yellow flags.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit rnli.org/lifeguardedbeach.
WORK EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST THREE MORE WEEKS
Work is expected to continue on site for at least three weeks, during which time this section of Princes Street will remain closed.
Securing the front façade of the building is one of the key tasks being undertaken. Structural engineers have concluded that the buildingâs fragile state means vehicles, including trams, should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a serious risk to public safety.
Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the façade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeksâ time, if wind speeds remain low. Work is weather dependent and cranes cannot operate once wind speeds exceed safe limits. The safety of the operatives carrying out this complex work is a key factor.
Good progress has been made on the eastern end of the building, and it is hoped the cordon on Princes Street will be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend.
It has also emerged that the original Victorian staircase and the stained-glass windows memorial to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, at 111-112 Princes Street, have survived relatively unscathed.
These two key features from the 1880âs will now be examined to assess if any further work is required.
Trams will continue running from the Airport and terminating at West End (Shandwick Place stop), with buses being diverted via George Street.
Check our dedicated webpage for detailed information and travel advice.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Whilst I understand how concerning this news will be to everyone, I want to reiterate that weâre doing everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as itâs safe to do so.
“The complexity of the remedial work cannot be overstated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.
“Iâm acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, and Iâll repeat my thanks to the public for their continued patience during this incredibly difficult time. The city is very much open, and Iâd encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as we enter the August festival season.
“Weâre continuing to work alongside our partners, particularly Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses, to keep Edinburgh moving.
“A part-tram service and full bus services continue citywide, but please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. Weâve also increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available across the city, helping people to get around easier.
Itâs positive that the cordon is being reduced, and the fact that these key historical features of the site have survived is a rare silver lining in this terrible event.
“From tram and bus drivers working overtime to the engineers on site, Council colleagues and many more, Iâd like to thank everyone who has been involved in the response so far.
“Despite these trying circumstances Iâve no doubt we can all enjoy a fantastic summer here in the worldâs cultural capital.”
The recent fire on Princes Street has had a significant impact on our city.
@on_lothianbuses and @EdinburghTrams‘ Chief Operating Officer, Willie Hamilton, thanks our colleagues and customers for their support during this challenging time.
The first international exhibition from the world-renowned Legacy Museum arrives in Scotland for a limited run at Edinburgh International Festival from 8 to 30 August
This August, UK audiences will have a rare opportunity to experience one of the most powerful cultural exhibitions ever created about slavery, racial injustice and their continuing legacy.
Opening on 8 August, The Legacy of Slavery brings the work of the internationally acclaimed Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama to Scotland – and marks the first occasion the Museum has created a major exhibition outside the United States.
Presented by Edinburgh International Festival in the spectacular surroundings of the Playfair Library Hall in one of Scotlandâs great civic institutions, the exhibition coordinated by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) invites visitors to confront the history of slavery across the Atlantic world and consider how its consequences continue to shape modern society.
The Legacy of Slavery is an immersive, hour-long experience. Visitors travel through centuries of history, from the transatlantic slave trade and the economics of enslavement to segregation, racial terror, mass incarceration and contemporary inequalities within systems of justice.
Founded by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), the Legacy Museum has become internationally recognised for transforming public understanding of slavery and racial injustice through rigorous historical research and powerful storytelling.
The exhibition is guided by the work of Bryan Stevenson, founder of the EJI and one of the world’s most influential advocates for justice and human rights.
Through decades of legal advocacy, Stevenson has challenged wrongful convictions, overturned death sentences and sparked international conversations about how societies reckon with difficult histories.Â
Bryan Stevenson said:Â âWe are thrilled to bring a part of the Legacy Sites to Edinburgh for this exciting festival.
“The relationship between art, music, and justice is deep, profound, and ancient. So much of the world’s most extraordinary creative works have been shaped by eras of inequality, bigotry, and injustice.
“The Legacy Museum documents and explores a painful part of America’s history, which should deepen visitors’ appreciation of the extraordinary music and creative expression this history has inspired.â
Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti said:Â “The Edinburgh International Festival was founded in 1947 as an act of reconciliation, built on the belief that art and dialogue together could help humanity reckon with its darkest chapters and find a way forward.
“That is what this work with The Legacy Museum offers: a chance to bring the International Festival’s tradition of ideas and conversation into direct contact with one of the most searching acts of historical reckoning being made anywhere today. Hosting the first ever international exhibition of The Legacy Museum is a profound expression of our founding purpose.
“With this year’s International Festival we are placing a particular spotlight on the United States, and this exhibition sits at its heart. Running from the 8th to the 30th of August, it will sit alongside performances and works that explore the same history from different artistic angles, from theatre works Angels in America and HANG TIME to Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra performing Duke Ellington’s monumental symphony Black, Brown and Beige.
“Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative have created something that demands our attention, our honesty and our willingness to sit with discomfort in the service of truth. This exhibition is free and open to everyone, and we hope as many people as possible will come and see it.”
The exhibition, which is focused on the Legacy of Slavery in the US, also includes some context on Scotland’s connections to transatlantic slavery. The exhibit explores the evolution of slavery in America using multiple forms of immersive content and material documenting the past all the way to the present.
Presented within the Edinburgh International Festivalâs 2026 programme, which marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, The Legacy of Slavery sits at the heart of the Festivalâs wider examination of freedom, hypocrisy and the contradictions that have shaped the modern world.
A 21-year-old man has been sentenced today, Monday, 27 July, 2026, to five years in prison for the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh in May last year.He was also given an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).
Aaron Strachan pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 4 December, 2025.
The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, 25 May, 2025 in the city centre.
The court previously heard how Strachan walked the girl at knife point from Princes Street to a basement on York Place, where he subjected her to a violent and terrifying attack.
He also pleaded guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.
Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburghâs Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: âThis was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.
âI hope this sentence brings her some sense of closure.
âThe other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.
âI would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.
âPolice Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. Iâd encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.
âWeâll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.â
The UKâs first city-wide visitor levy scheme will officially apply to paid overnight stays in Edinburgh starts today – Friday 24 July 2026.
The ‘Tourist Tax’ levy is projected to raise up to ÂŁ50 million a year to invest in sustaining, supporting and enhancing Edinburghâs worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live.
A 5% fee will now apply to the cost of all paid overnight accommodation in Scotlandâs capital city, capped at five nights in a row. The levy is charged at the same rate every day of the year.
The scheme was formally agreed in January 2025 and has applied to all advance bookings made since 1 October 2025 for stays taking place on or after 24 July 2026.
Worth over ÂŁ90 million over the next three years, the initial programmes fall under three well-defined themes:
City Operations and Infrastructure;
Culture, Heritage and Events; and
Destination and Visitor Management.
The Council will receive the first levy receipts in October and November of this year.
Several âearly winâ projects have already started, including:
A ÂŁ132,000 contribution towards Edinburghâs Festival Carnival and Mardi Gras events, which took place over the weekend of 18/19 July, providing an early demonstration of the Councilâs intent to reinvest the levyâs funds into experiences that everyone can enjoy, whether they are visitors or residents.
Funding ten festival city ambassadors to help visitors find their way around the capital this summer, and work alongside the Councilâs partners to make sure Edinburgh remains a vibrant and inclusive place.
Other key initiatives to be delivered in the next three years include, but are not limited to:
A ÂŁ2m Participatory Budgeting (PB) programme to fund local neighbourhood projects in all 17 of the cityâs electoral wards, chosen by residents via a new online voting portal, while also encouraging visitors to explore Edinburghâs many hidden gems.
Funding to ensure the cityâs streets and open spaces are clean and kept to a high standard, including a ÂŁ100,000 per year upgrade and replacement programme for bins in high footfall areas, ÂŁ500,000 per annum to expand work to tackle graffiti through extra support for private businesses and ÂŁ1.3m on additional operations services for the city centre (waste, cleansing, patrols).
Ambitious projects to renew and restore principal areas of Edinburgh, including investments in town centre high streets, ÂŁ3m for public realm improvements in Hunter Square and ÂŁ2m and ÂŁ2.5m respectively towards transforming the cityâs key coastal visitor attractions at Cramond foreshore and Portobello Promenade.
ÂŁ5m contribution to restore Leith Theatre and create a year round culture and live music space, expanding cultural opportunity beyond the city centre.
ÂŁ3m towards transforming the iconic Old Royal High School into a world class, national centre for music open to all.
ÂŁ3.85m to speed up the setted streets renewal programme and ÂŁ3m for new and upgraded public toilets to maintain Edinburghâs streets, public spaces and public infrastructure to an accessible and world-class standard.
Investing in premier parks across the city to create improved spaces where the highest footfall and impact on the environment is experienced â and increases to the parks repairs budgets, while doubling the number of park rangers across the city.
Programmes to green the city with additional investment in planting, such as floral gateways, to improve the look and feel of the cityâs green spaces as well as the overall visitor experience.
In the run up to the levyâs formal introduction, the Council has been providing ongoing support to businesses in the visitor economy. This has included providing materials to help businesses communicate the scheme to their guests, summarising key information on how itâs paid and the benefits it will bring to the city.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“This is such an important moment for our city â and for our residents and visitors. Itâs the result of a huge amount of work over many, many years and I am proud to be the first local authority in the UK to push ahead with a city-wide visitor levy scheme. We now have a unique opportunity to invest more in the things that make our city so special.
“We know that the cityâs popularity comes at a cost through the pressure it puts on our services and on the people who live and work here all year round. This small new contribution from overnight visitors will help improve the services and public spaces we all depend on, while better managing the effects of tourism and major events.
The levy has also opened the door to exciting new projects right across the city – helping to make Edinburgh a cleaner, greener and more welcoming place. Weâll soon be able to invest more into our many parks and greenspaces, and bring much-loved cultural venues such as the Royal High School and Leith Theatre back into use for the first time in decades â and much more.
“Weâve always said this is a city-wide fund and spending decisions need to be taken with the whole city in mind â and weâre very grateful to Edinburghâs businesses and residents for their constructive feedback and support throughout the process.
“Iâm very aware of how busy the cityâs accommodation providers are at this time of year and weâre continuing to do everything we can to support them as the scheme comes into effect.
“This is a big opportunity for us all to work together and enhance Edinburghâs position as one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world.”
Chair of the Edinburgh Visitor Levy Advisory Forum, Julie Ashworth said: “The Forum is here to continue to put forward the views of the city to ensure they are fairly and accurately represented as the investment projects begin to take shape.
“We all want Edinburgh to remain a world class destination in a way that works for everyone, and the levy is now ready to deliver transformative investment that will protect its unique heritage and support its future success.
“Weâve continued to work closely with Council officers to provide robust feedback on the investment projects and ensure the levy delivers real, visible improvements and supports both the visitor experience and everyday life for residents.
“From revitalised public spaces to better visitor infrastructure and experiences, weâre confident the levy can help Edinburgh stay welcoming, resilient and successful.”
ASSC Demands Fair, Transparent Implementation in Edinburgh
Edinburghâs visitor levy will take effect from today (24th July), marking the start of what the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is calling “the real test” for the policy. The launch of the levy comes as new figures confirm that the city is already one of the most expensive in Europe to visit, before the new tax is even added to the bill.
According to the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer 2026, Edinburgh now ranks as the third most expensive city break destination in Europe, behind only Oslo and Copenhagen, and is the most expensive city on the continent for two nights’ accommodation [1]. The findings will add to concerns from the self-catering sector that the levy risks compounding an affordability problem that already sets Edinburgh apart due to its onerous short-term let licensing and planning regime.
While much of the tourism industry opposed the plans, with the ASSC remaining critical of the percentage model, the leading trade body says the focus must shift to implementation, ensuring it is implemented fairly, transparently and with the minimum possible burden on businesses. The Council must be laser-focused on the evidence through honest monitoring and adjusting the charge if the data shows unintended consequences.
From tomorrow, accommodation providers become responsible for collecting the levy â this adds administration, software changes, staff training, and compliance work to businesses that are often small and micro-enterprises.
The ASSC has repeatedly raised concerns that national guidance arrived too late for businesses to prepare with confidence, and that the National Digital Portal does not resolve VAT treatment, booking system compatibility or day-to-day guest communications.
Moreover, the ASSC emphasises that the levy is not simply a charge on overseas tourists. Around 70% of Scotland’s tourism comes from the domestic market, meaning the levy will also be paid by Scottish families, UK visitors, people attending weddings and funerals, those visiting friends and relatives, and people travelling for medical appointments.
The Association is urging the Council to judge the scheme’s success not by how much revenue it raises, but by its impact on visitor numbers, occupancy, spending, employment and Edinburgh’s overall competitiveness. It wants any levy income to fund additional investment in the visitor economy â not to replace existing council spending or fill funding gaps â with full transparency over how every pound is spent.
Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented:“Edinburgh already tops the table as one of the most expensive cities in Europe to stay in and that’s before a single pound of this levy has been charged.
“The real test isn’t the day the levy starts, it’s what happens next. Businesses will readily comply under difficult circumstances, but they need the Council to hold up their end of the bargain with clear guidance, honest monitoring of the evidence, and absolute transparency about where the money goes.
“Overall, we want to see a scheme that is fair, proportionate, transparent and evidence-led, one that supports the visitor economy rather than undermining the businesses that help make Edinburgh one of the world’s great destinations.â
The works will be on display until Friday 31 August 2026 to mark the 240th anniversary of publication
Printed in Kilmarnock by John Wilson during the summer of 1786 and published on 21 July 1786, the Kilmarnock Burns is regarded by many as one of Scotlandâs most important books. The collection introduced readers to many of Robert Burnsâ best-loved poems and songs, including the enduring classic To a Mouse.
The volume is in a fine red leather binding created in the 1880s by distinguished London bookbinder Francis Bedford. Over the following decades it passed through the hands of several notable owners, principally in the United States, before eventually returning to Scotland and joining Dr Zachsâ collection at the Blackie House Library and Museum.
Originally printed in a run of just over 600 copies, only around 90 copies are known to survive today and each copy is different.
The copy on display at the Writersâ Museum, generously loaned by renowned Burns expert and scholar Dr William Zachs, contains a particularly interesting inscription on its title page: âHelen Montgomerie From her Friend J.S.â
The inscription dates from around the time of publication. The initials âJ.Sâ may refer to Burnsâ friend James Smith of Mauchline, who purchased 40 copies of the book on 8 August 1786 and was the inspiration for Burnsâ poem To J.S., which appears in the volume. Alternatively, the inscription may refer to Jean Smith, Jamesâ sister and one of Burnsâ celebrated âBelles of Mauchlineâ.
The identity of Helen Montgomerie, however, remains a mystery.
 Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “As we mark 240 years since the publication of this remarkable book, Iâm delighted that visitors to the Writersâ Museum will be able to experience first-hand one of Scotlandâs greatest literary treasures.
“We are extremely grateful to Dr William Zachs for generously lending this extraordinary copy to the museum and helping us share this important piece of Scotlandâs cultural heritage with residents and visitors alike.
“Perhaps one of our visitors may even be able to help solve the mystery of who Helen Montgomerie was.”
Dr Bill Zachs said: “240 years on, the poems in Burnsâ first publication remain not only a landmark in the history of Scottish literature but an enduring expression of creative genius.
“Seeing the original printing of such timeless pieces as âThe Cotterâs Saturday Nightâ and âTo a Mouseâ brings us closer to the world and wonder of Scotlandâs National Bard.”
To celebrate the loan, the Writerâs Museum will host a special event on Friday 28 August from 2-4pm, featuring live music and readings of Burnsâ poetry.
The museum is free to visit and is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Exhibition will run from 18 November 2026 â 11 April 2027
Free Admission
Over 180 artists from Orkney to Dumfries and Galloway and beyond, including some who have never publicly shown their work before, have been shortlisted for the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026.
The selected works will go on display alongside the nationâs magnificent collection of art at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait from 18 November 2026.Â
A total of 187 works were chosen from nearly 2,500 entries across three categories including Fine Art, Photography and the free to enter, Scotland Now! Phone Portrait Awards. These include nine nominations for the Young Fine Artist Award and nine nominations for the Young Photographer Award.Â
Judges were wowed by the vibrance and creativity of this yearâs submissions, championing the incredible talent of Scottish artists. Now in its ninth year, the Scottish Portrait Awards, Scotlandâs largest awards in portraiture will be bigger than ever, as the National Galleries of Scotland partner with the Scottish Arts Trust for the first time.Â
Robyn Jenkins, an animation student at Edinburgh College of Art, who at 18 is one of the youngest artists to be selected, said, âTo walk into the Great Hall and know my work is hanging in theâŻNational Galleries Scotland: PortraitâŻis an absolute dream.âŻ
“After visiting the galleries so many times, it feels surreal to have my work share the space of the incredible art Iâve admired for so long.”
Shortlisted artists captured the imagination and in collaboration with their sitters, have shone a spotlight on diverse stories and experiences in todayâs society.
The exhibition at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait will feature dynamic works from vibrant paintings of family members, to moving photographs of athletes, uplifting moments of celebration, unique fashion portraits and LGBTQ+ communities.
Capturing a snapshot of what it means to live in Scotland today, the exhibition will celebrate the artists who capture these moments in time.
Each shortlisted artist will have the opportunity to win the John Clark Motor Group Scottish Portrait Awards in Fine Art or the MPB Scottish Portrait Awards in Photography plus £5,000 and a commission from the National Galleries of Scotland to make a portrait for Scotlandâs national collection.Â
Open to anyone over 16 years, born, living or studying in Scotland, regardless of experience, the Scottish Portrait Awards brings together well-established artists as well as newcomers working in many different styles – not only in painting and sculpture but also, for the first time, animated portraits will feature in the exhibition.Â
The prize-winners will be announced on the opening week of the exhibition in November during the awards events at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait before opening to the public from 18 November 2026 â 11 April 2027.Â
From over 600 works submitted, 64 portraits have been shortlisted by the judging panel for the John Clark Motor Group Scottish Portrait Awards in Fine Art.Â
The range of fine art media â painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture, animation and film â and materials used reflect the many approaches to making a portrait. Self-portraits, together with depictions of family, friends and admired figures, capture moments in time.Â
Visitors to the exhibition will discover works exploring the passing of time, identity, relationships, vulnerability, play, the natural world and human nature. Â
Judges selected 63 pictures from more than 800 entries submitted for the MPB Scottish Portrait Awards in Photography.Â
More than just pictures of people, these images exemplify a broad range of approaches to photography and portraiture today. They challenge us, spark joy, create conversation, tell stories and share different points of view.
The portraits demonstrate different photographic methods and techniques, from the documentary to the surreal, and from older analogue processes to digital photography. Indicative of the scope covered by this yearâs awards, the subjects represented in the exhibition range in age from a newborn baby to a centenarian.Â
The awards also encouraged everyone across Scotland, aged over 16 years, to send photos taken on a phone to its free to enter competition. 60 works shortlisted for the Scotland Now! Phone Portrait Awards, will go on display on a screen in the gallery, championing the art of photography at all levels.Â
Throughout the exhibition, visitors will explore themes of care, kinship and interconnectedness through the eyes of others. Â
Gordon Mitchell RSW RSA RGI, Director, Scottish Portrait Awards and Fine Art Chair, said: âWeâre bringing the country’s biggest and most prestigious portrait awards to a world-class national stage.
“Nothing compares to standing in a major gallery and experiencing the breadth and intimacy of the artworks firsthand.”Â
Simon Murphy, Chair of Photography, said: âShowcasing established and emerging artists together in a single exhibition isn’t just about sharing gallery space, it creates a powerful dialogue and democratic opportunity.
“Add a major national collection as a backdrop and you create an electric energy that is rarely experienced.”
Anne Lyden, Director General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: âPortraiture shows us what it is to be human â to connect and foster empathetic relationships. This yearâs entries embody this and more, capturing life in Scotland in the most beautiful way.
“It has been inspiring and moving to experience the work of artists who have previously entered and to see how participating has furthered their practice.
“The judges were enthralled by the range of submissions and captivated by the artists skill, storytelling and personal statements. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share this with our visitors in November and hope everyone can join us in celebrating the incredible artistic talent Scotland has to offer.âÂ
Since its inception, the awards have discovered and recognised almost 500 artists whose work features in the Scottish Portrait Awards online archive.
Many of the artists have continued to advance their careers with exhibitions and commissions. Previous award winners include Helen Wilson, Robin Gillanders and Graeme Wilcox.Â
