Category: city centre

‘Imagine if…’ anniversary exhibition by Granton P4s opens tomorrow 

Children from Granton Primary school have put together a colourful exhibition of their artwork to mark the 30th anniversary of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in Edinburgh.

The birthday celebration commemorating three decades since the Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1995 has been used as inspiration for 28 artworks beautifully painted and mounted by the pupils themselves.

They feature historic landmarks and buildings such as Edinburgh Rooftops, The Royal Mile, White Horse Close, the Mercat Cross and many more.

The class of primary four pupils worked with local artist Stephanie Walker on their ‘Imagine if…’ project. Stephanie helped the children put together artwork using the Old Town to help spark excitement and curiosity for the world around us. The aim of the project is to create a connection and a sense of wonder for the valuable heritage Edinburgh is so famous for.

The exhibition is to open in the Museum of Edinburgh running from Saturday 10 October until Sunday 10 January next year.

Local artist Stephanie Walker said: “It’s so exciting to see the ‘Imagine if…’ project come together. It’s about to open now and the children are so excited to see their work professionally displayed.

“They put so much hard work into their designs and final paintings following a series of art sessions to help them imagine and create their work.

“We visited the World Heritage Site twice and the children brainstormed and shared ideas about what they had seen. They used the areas historic features such as the cobbled streets and listed buildings as visual aids to start their paintings. After some time sketching they all settled on their favourite scene. They should be so proud of the colourful and vibrant work they have created.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing this project brought to life in the Museum of Edinburgh in the heart of the city’s World Heritage Site.

“The children have put so much effort into the paintings we are going to display. ‘Imagine if…’ is both creative and educational as it has allowed the pupils from a different area of the city to use art to help bring to life different aspects of the World Heritage Site such as the buildings and skylines that they find inspirational.

“It is important that we preserve our World Heritage Site for future generations and I’m hoping this experience, seeing their work so beautifully displayed, means they will remember it and will value passing on their knowledge about what they have learned about how special the site is to others in the future.”

Photography enthusiasts are also being encouraged to enter a competition to celebrate the 30 years milestone running until the end of October.

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

Captions for the artwork in the exhibition

Edinburgh Rooftops                            

Sima

In class I enjoyed learning about old people from Auld Reekie, especially the caddies.

The Fantastic Royal Mile                   

Jumana

I liked how we could decorate our art folders and draw fascinating artefacts like statues and paintings.

The Mercat Cross                                 

Georgia

My favourite artefact in the museum was the sedan chair because it was interesting learning about who would travel in it.

The Adventures of Auld Reekie       

Sophia

Thank you for helping me with the amazing art project. I liked the ancient artefacts because they were marvellous.

Edinburgh World                                  

Nicolas

Thank you for helping me with my art. I liked the Royal Mile.

Nelson’s Sedan Chairs                      

Andikan

My favourite part was when we looked at Canongate Kirk because there was a place where we could sketch the Nelson Monument.

 White Horse Close                              

Mason

Thank you for inviting my class to the Museum of Edinburgh. It was a splendid time. I loved learning about the artefacts.

The Skyline of Edinburgh                  

Jasiu

My favourite part about the art project was the Gelli printing and the acetate.

Auld Reekie Buildings                        

Ava

On the trips to the museum I loved exploring the incredible objects and sketching them because I found them remarkable and fascinating.

The Royal Mile                                       

Isabella

My favourite thing to do at the museum was when we were sketching someone or something.

The Great Firework Party                  

Amelia

My favourite artefacts are the stag’s head, the Greyfriars Bobby statue and the Great Fire picture. I’m very proud and happy with my work.

The Oldest Building in Town            

Julia

My favourite artefact to learn about was Greyfriars Bobby because it’s impressive he sat on his owner’s grave for 14 years!

The Grand Colour                                

Prerak

It was amazing to visit the Museum of Edinburgh. It was wonderful exploring and I enjoyed learning about Auld Reekie. It was so fun.

The Sunset in Edinburgh                   

Sammy

It was delightful to visit the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. I liked learning about Auld Reekie.

Hidden Edinburgh                               

Isla

Thank you for helping us with art. In class I liked painting on the Gelli mat.

The Castle Wall and Bakehouse Close          

Liam

In class I liked the drawing and acetate and Gelli printing. Thanks for taking us to the Museum of Edinburgh.

Fireworks at the Royal Mile              

Jake

I was very excited to go to the Museum of Edinburgh but my favourite part was when we did the sketching.

The Golden Castle and Tower         

Lily

My favourite artefact was Greyfriars Bobby because he is very cute and adorable. I love Greyfriars Bobby!

Golden Old Reekie                              

Joey

Thank you for inviting our class to be part of the impressive art project. It was remarkable to visit the Museum of Edinburgh.

Beautiful Edinburgh                            

Ellie

Thank you for letting us do the activities. I felt proud and happy.

Auld Reekie City                                   

Tony

My favourite part was when we did the Gelli printing. In class I liked the rolling because it was satisfying.

Castle Fireworks                                  

Dantie

Milhelmina The Countess                 

Millie

The Caddie and the Castle               

Jack

A Castle                                                   

Ragnar

Jailbreak from Edinburgh Dungeon  

Chase

Edinburgh Castle                                 

Youssou

The Old-Fashioned Road                   

Eylem

Popeyes® announces their third Edinburgh restaurant

Edinburgh… get excited! The legendary crunch, the Louisiana spirit and the chicken sandwich that broke the internet are returning to the city centre, because Popeyes® has confirmed it’s opening a brand new restaurant at 46 North Bridge.

Since landing in the UK in 2021, Popeyes® has been on a mission to bring bold New Orleans flavour to every corner of the country, and Brits have been loving it. 

Locations nationwide have seen queues around the block as fried chicken fans race to get their hands on Popeyes®’ signature Shatter Crunch Chicken Sandwich. Following a warm welcome from fans across Edinburgh, Popeyes® is continuing its expansion in the Scottish capital with another exciting city centre location.

Tom Crowley, Popeyes® UK CEO said: “Edinburgh has given Popeyes® such an incredible welcome, so we’re delighted to be growing our presence in the city with a new North Bridge restaurant.

“Whether you’re a local, commuting through the city or visiting Scotland’s capital, we can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors to enjoy our famous Louisiana hospitality and unmistakable Popeyes crunch.”

The new restaurant will serve everything Popeyes® is known and loved for, from its hand marinated chicken to those iconic buttermilk biscuits, all made fresh every day and inspired by the heart of Louisiana.

Located on North Bridge, just a five minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station, the new restaurant will bring Popeyes® even closer to commuters, tourists and local residents in the heart of the city.

Featuring 60 covers, the restaurant will provide a vibrant new dining destination in one of Edinburgh’s busiest locations.

While full details about opening plans are yet to be revealed, one thing is certain – Edinburgh is about to get another taste of Popeyes®’ southern charm.

To stay updated, visit the Popeyes® UK website or follow the brand on Instagram at @PopeyesUK or TikTok at @PopeyesUK.

Frozen Festive Fun returns to Edinburgh!

Edinburgh’s Christmas Polar Ice Bar on sale now, with new Viking theme from Hamilton Ice Sculptors

The Polar Ice Bar with Icelandair – a bar where everything from the tables and chairs are sculpted from ice by experts Hamilton Ice Sculptors – returns with a brand-new theme for 2026, with spellbinding hand-carved Viking themed ice sculptures in the magical Edinburgh’s Christmas attraction on George Street.

The hugely successful Family Ice Experience with Icelandair is back by popular demand, with more family-friendly sessions in the Polar Ice Bar this year than ever before. This year’s ice bar, which sits at a cool minus 8 degrees, will be Viking themed, featuring dazzling hand carved sculptures and fire and ice elements.

The Polar Ice Bar welcomes guests with jackets and gloves on arrival and complimentary mocktails or cocktails served in a glass made of ice.

Visitors can enjoy 30 minute slots for frozen festive fun at the coolest bar in town and then warm up at The Coorie Inn just next door – inspired by luxury Highland lodges, the free-to-enter Coorie Inn will serve up piping hot drinks, festive warmers and host a programme of live music, quizzes and craft workshops.

Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience tickets are available from edwinterfest.com.

Drag Queen launches Pay What You Can Tickets for must-see exhibition Catherine Opie: To Be Seen

Drag Queen Mystika Glamoor surprised visitors to National Galleries Scotland: National to celebrate the launch of Pay What You Can for Catherine Opie: To Be Seen at the Royal Scottish Academy building, with tickets from £5.

Handing out moustaches and offering playful commentary on Scotland’s art, they helped spread the word about this must-see exhibition by one of the world’s greatest living photographers.

Open now, Catherine Opie: To Be Seen celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, telling stories of identity, family, love, belonging and community.

Featuring 80 striking portraits the exhibition places Opie’s powerful photographs alongside historic works from the national art collection, creating new narratives and challenging audiences to consider who is seen, celebrated and overlooked in art.

Limited Pay What You Can tickets from £5 are available now for 5-7 and 12-14 October dates only.

Multrees Walk and Edinburgh College of Art announce fashion collaboration with ambitious design programme

Multrees Walk and Edinburgh College of Art announce second year of fashion collaboration with ambitious design programme

More than 20 Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) fashion students are being challenged to take their designs from concept to manufacture as Multrees Walk launches the second year of its industry collaboration with ECA.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural project, the collaboration is set to be even more ambitious this year, with the design element at its heart. Students will be challenged to create a 6-outfit collection for Spring/Summer 2027, that is both commercially aware and fashion-forward, with the strongest shirt and trouser co-ord from their collection developed through to final manufacture.  

To launch this year’s programme, the students were invited to Multrees Walk to be introduced to the mentors and retailers involved in the programme. As part of their academic journey, students will have access to experts in marketing, buying and design, and will learn about brand positioning, target audiences and pricing. 

The project will culminate in a stylish student exhibition at Genesis Studios at Multrees Walk, showcasing a selection of the students’ final designs and providing them with an opportunity to present their work within a professional retail setting.

Professor Mal James, Programme Director, BA (Hons) Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Multrees Walk and to be able to offer our new cohort of students this invaluable professional insight into the different disciplines that sit behind some of the world’s leading fashion businesses.

“Last year we saw just how much the students benefitted from the experience and are thrilled to be able to offer this year’s class a more ambitious and enhanced project.”

The collaboration reflects Multrees Walk’s ongoing commitment to supporting creativity and emerging talent in Scotland, while providing ECA students with meaningful opportunities to connect their academic studies with the wider fashion and retail industry.

Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager at Multrees Walk, said: “Last year we were blown away with the talent and creativity from the 2nd year students, demonstrating just how much can be achieved when education and the retail industry come together.

“And this year we want to build on that success even further. Defined by its calm luxury atmosphere, Multrees Walk is one of Scotland’s leading destinations for luxury retail and lifestyle, and we are delighted to provide the students with the opportunity to experience professional mentorship and expertise from a range of global luxury brands.”

Edinburgh College of Art student Megan Atkinson took part in last year’s programme and her final design “Inscribed in Tartan” was selected as the standout piece at the 2025/2026 showcase exhibition. 

Megan said: “Having access throughout our course to some of the world’s best-known luxury brands was truly amazing. The experience gave us a better understanding into the industry as a business, and how fashion works from a commercial perspective.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to develop our ideas and of course to see our designs come to life in the end of term exhibition.”

The 2026/27 programme will run throughout the academic year, with students receiving mentoring and industry engagement throughout, before the chosen final designs are presented at the Genesis Studios Edinburgh Showcase Exhibition. 

The Nook from SAMH to bring free, accessible mental health support to Edinburgh

A transformational mental health hub will open in Edinburgh next year, bringing free, accessible mental health support to anyone in the capital and its surrounding areas. 

The Nook, a groundbreaking initiative from SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), will launch on Lothian Road in early spring 2027. 

The Nook in Edinburgh will be a flagship service for SAMH, which operates more than 70 services across the country, and is the charity’s response to the national mental health crisis, which sees tens of thousands of people wait too long for the help they need.    

Designed to be a welcoming, friendly and accessible space, The Nook operates on a walk-in basis, removing the need to book appointments or receive a referral from a GP.  

It will offer non-clinical, stigma-free mental health support for adults, young people and their families, so that anyone can ask once and get help fast with their mental health. 

Scotland’s national mental health charity has a unique relationship with the capital, which was home to SAMH’s first ever service, a horticultural project that opened in 1983.  

This legacy is continued by longstanding SAMH services including Redhall Walled Garden, based on Lanark Road, and the Hive Activity Centre at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. 

The choice of location for The Nook, at 142 Lothian Road, will make mental health and wellbeing support available in the heart of the city, and easily accessible to people across Edinburgh and beyond. 

David Arbuthnott, 60 from South Queensferry, who attended SAMH’s The Changing Room at Tynecastle Park after experiencing the loss of his sister, said: “Deciding you need help and asking for it can be the most difficult things for people suffering from mental health challenges. 

“Barriers can make people feel like they aren’t worthy of help and that they don’t deserve it, pushing them further away. Accessing help easily in Edinburgh, without having to jump through hoops and overcome barriers, will help so many people.” 

Shona Littlejohn, Chair of SAMH, said: “The Nook will bring innovative, accessible mental health support to anyone in and around Edinburgh.

“As I know from experience, mental health challenges can happen to us all and have a devastating impact on individuals, families, communities and workplaces.   

“Scotland’s mental health system is in crisis, with too many people failed by long waiting lists and the need for referrals. Change has been too slow, and lives are being lost and blighted. The Nook brings hope, compassion and practical support designed and delivered by Scotland’s leading mental health charity.”   

The Nook is the largest mental health charity initiative in Scotland’s history and is funded by SAMH’s first major appeal, which seeks to raise £10 million to revolutionise mental health support across the country.

The Scottish Government has also committed to supporting some of The Nook’s operating costs and SAMH is working closely with government officials to clarify the level of support.  

June Pennykid, Managing Director at insurance broker Keegan & Pennykid, and a longstanding supporter of SAMH, said: “The Nook is by far the most ambitious undertaking by SAMH in its 103-year history. It is also arguably the most essential one.   

“Poor mental health is increasing at a higher rate than any other health condition, including among children and young people. That in itself is reason enough for delivering The Nook throughout Scotland, to ensure that everyone can access the mental health support they need, when they need it.    

“As The Nook comes to Edinburgh, I’d urge my fellow business owners to get on board and support the appeal. After all, you never know when you or someone you love might need it.” 

This will be the third Nook in Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health hubs, with the first Nook opening in Glasgow last year and the second in Aberdeen in June.

Last week, it was announced that 10,000 people have already visited the two existing Nooks, demonstrating clear demand and trust in the walk-in model.  

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “The Nook is the largest charitable mental health initiative in Scotland’s history and we’re thrilled to be able to bring it to Edinburgh.

“With more than 10,000 people having already visited Nooks in Glasgow and Aberdeen, we already know that The Nook is needed, and that it’s giving people the help they need, fast.  

“We hope The Nook will quickly become the go-to place for immediate mental health support in Edinburgh, while working closely with local partners in the mental health system and beyond.”  

More information is available on The Nook website. 

Same Dance, Different Song: New portraits address underrepresentation of the disabled community in Scotland’s national art collection

SAME DANCE, DIFFERENT SONG 

FREE 

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait 

Indepen-dance exhibition event at The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh with fine art photographer Flannery O’Kafka. Photographer and dancer Dylan Lombard with fine art photographer Flannery O’Kafka’s who has mentored him.

Over 20 inspiring photographs by artist Flannery O’kafka representing Scotland’s disabled community have been acquired for the nation. Made in collaboration with Glasgow-based Indepen-dance over several months these photographs capture the vibrant energy of Indepen-dance and the personalities of the individual dancers.

A selection of 10 photographs by O’kafka are now on show in the Modern Portrait rooms at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in a free-to-visit display. Indepen-dance visited their proudly displayed photographs for the first time at a special event this week at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh.  

National Galleries of Scotland commissioned the work after recognising a lack of representation of the disabled community in the nation’s photography collection. Inspired by statistics from Scotland’s census, the photographs aim to explore the notion of identity.

What do we have in common, and what makes us unique? 

With support from Art Fund, O’kafka spent months with Indepen-dance to create the Same Dance, Different Song series. She got to know the dancers, hearing their stories and dancing with them, ensuring she could authentically capture and celebrate who they are in their portraits.

The result is 21 vibrant and playful photographs, capturing each dancer’s individuality and fearlessness in dancing. The remaining 11 from the series will be swapped at a later date, allowing visitors the opportunity to experience the full collection of photographs. 

Indepen-dance exhibition event at The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh with fine art photographer Flannery O’Kafka.

The final selection of photographs acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland was made in collaboration with Indepen-dance staff and dancers. Seeing their portrait for the first time one dancer said “Photographs have really helped me to see myself as a beautiful person”. Another said “I think they look amazing, I like them all, I can’t pick one.” 

Indepen-dance is an award-winning inclusive dance company for disabled and non-disabled people to enjoy, express, and fulfil their potential through dance. Marking Indepen-dance’s 30th anniversary, this project is a visual representation of the positive impact they have had on providing opportunities for disabled and non-disabled dancers.  

Flannery O’kafka is an artist living and working in Glasgow. Their work is mostly photographic and often autobiographical, with a focus on examining how disability is pictured. Central to O’kafka’s practice is offering agency to bodies which have historically been marginalised by photography.  

During their time with Indepen-dance O’kafka mentored a young photographer Dylan Lombard who was also part of the Indepen-dance group. With a passion for photography and dance, Dylan had the opportunity to collaborate with O’kafka and develop his own skills as a photographer through the project.

Indepen-dance exhibition event at The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh with fine art photographer Flannery O’Kafka.

Speaking on the positive impact photography has had on him, he said: “Photography gives me so much joy. Photography has changed me and helped me to become more positive about myself and about life.”

Dylan’s own photographs are also available to view for free at the Portrait gallery, with a dedicated display in the Connections gallery on the ground floor. 

Indepen-dance exhibition event at The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh with fine art photographer Flannery O’Kafka.

Karen Anderson MBE, founder of Indepen-dance said: “Seeing our dancers represented in the National Galleries of Scotland is a really special moment for Indepen-dance, particularly as we celebrate 30 years of the organisation.

“These photographs are about so much more than dance or disability they are about people, personality, identity and the freedom to be seen for who you are. 

“For me, this project is also about changing the way disabled people are seen and represented. Our dancers should be part of Scotland’s cultural story, not on the edges of it. To have these photographs acquired for the national collection and displayed for everyone to see is an important recognition of that.

“I’m incredibly proud of our dancers and Dylan, and grateful to Flannery and the National Galleries of Scotland for creating something that celebrates them so authentically. It is wonderful to see their images taking their place in our national collection.” 

Indepen-dance exhibition event at The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh with fine art photographer Flannery O’Kafka. Photographer and dancer Dylan Lombard with fine art photographer Flannery O’Kafka’s who has mentored him.

Louise Pearson, Curator (Photography) and Ailbhe Turley, Outreach Coordinator said: “It has been brilliant to collaborate with the dancers and staff of Indepen-dance and artists Flannery O’kafka and Dylan Lombard on this project.

“Their generosity in sharing their knowledge and experiences has transformed how we think about access and inclusivity when collecting and commissioning artworks at the National Galleries of Scotland.

“We would also like to thank Art Fund for their generous support which has allowed us the time and resources to create this important body of work.” 

More people than ever using Edinburgh’s bike lanes

More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk

  • More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk, Edinburgh
  • 67,572 cycle journeys recorded on Leith Walk in the month of May, a 25% increase on May 2025
  • Record share of journeys on York Place being made by bike

New traffic data analysed by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, shows the continuing success of high-quality cycle lanes, with record levels of cycling seen on key routes in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Over a 48-hour period in May 2026, traffic surveys recorded 5,653 bike journeys on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk – a record at this location.

Cycle journeys accounted for 11% of all methods of travel on Leith Walk, with more bikes than cars counted during one morning rush hour period (8-9am, Wednesday 13th May) – the first time this has been observed on an on-street cycle route in Edinburgh.

On nearby York Place, where protected cycle lanes now connect the City Centre West East Link route to Leith Walk, 2,018 bikes were recorded over the 48-hour period, amounting to 4.7% of all travel methods recorded, both marking new records for the location.

This cycling modal share is a significant increase on the first survey conducted on York Place in May 2021, when bikes accounted for only 2.1% of journeys – a sign of the growing impact of the new cycling infrastructure.

In addition to results from this 48-hour traffic survey, a permanent cycle counter on Picardy Place at the top of Leith Walk has been recording its highest levels of cycle traffic in 2026. 67,572 cycle journeys were recorded through all of May 2026 compared with 54,193 throughout May 2025 (an increase of 25%).

Great Junction Street in Leith saw a record 2,043 bikes counted over the two days, with a cycling modal share of 4.4%. This follows the recent completion of Leith Connections project, with a new protected cycle lane connecting Leith Walk to Commercial Street.

At all of these locations, strong peaks in cycling were seen at morning and evening rush hours, indicating that more people are travelling by bike for everyday journeys, like commuting to and from work.

Analysis of traffic levels also shows that long-term increases in cycling modal share at these locations are primarily due to more people cycling, rather than any corresponding decrease in vehicle traffic.

Traffic surveys carried out by Cycling Scotland, in partnership with local authorities, involve a temporary camera counting all passing traffic at more than 50 locations across Scotland. The surveys count all travel modes including pedestrians, bikes, cars, buses, vans and larger goods vehicles.

Conducted biannually each May and September, with funding from Transport Scotland, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “I am pleased to see Cycling Scotland’s latest figures on cycle lane use in Edinburgh. The record levels of use across the city particularly on Edinburgh’s City Centre West-East Link demonstrates the infrastructure we are providing is helping more people than ever travel by bike for everyday journeys.
 
“Active travel is pivotal in helping people save money, improve their health and reduce transport emissions – walking, wheeling and cycling is transformational for both people and planet.
 
“We are investing £226 million in active and sustainable travel this year, and the evidence shown by these figures highlights how this funding is creating safer and easier routes that will lead to more people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”

Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh City Council Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These new figures speak for themselves.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen city cycling records being consistently broken. This is a direct consequence of our commitment to creating and improving cycling infrastructure across Edinburgh, as part of our City Mobility Plan.

“We’ve also seen the overwhelming popularity and success of our cycle hire scheme, delivered by Voi, providing a convenient and economic way for people to get around.

“It’s never been easier to cycle in the Capital, so I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to give it a try.”

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “What we see clearly from the data is where Edinburgh invests in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, more people are travelling by bike.

“The high volumes of cycling that we continue to see around morning rush hour tells its own story, with people evidently using these new routes to make everyday journeys by bike, including to work. We’re also seeing signs of a strong network effect, as routes begin to join together and make more journeys possible.

“Altogether, more people cycling is a net benefit for everyone, for our health, for reducing harmful pollution and reducing congestion on our streets. We need more safe cycling routes, to bring these advantages to more people across Edinburgh and Scotland.”

Seven new culture, heritage and infrastructure projects to benefit from Visitor Levy investment

Councillors have agreed to proceed with seven additional Visitor Levy-funded projects to protect and enhance heritage and cultural spaces across the city.

Following approval at Thursday’s Full Council meeting, transformative projects involving Leith Customs House, the Tron Kirk and the Portobello Kilns will be funded through the Levy’s Culture, Heritage and Events investment programme.

Meanwhile The Causey, Access to the Lost Shore and Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, City Centre Public Realm (including George Street and Princes Street), and developing a network of nature footpaths and walkways across the city will proceed under the Visitor Levy’s City Operations and Infrastructure programme.

Together, these projects are set to strengthen Edinburgh’s cultural offering, protect and revitalise nationally significant heritage buildings and public spaces, and improve access to natural and historic destinations across the city.

The seven projects were originally proposed at the special Visitor Levy budget meeting of the Council in February, where councillors agreed an overall funding package worth over £90 million over the next three years to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable destinations in the world.

As with all of the other projects agreed under the Visitor Levy’s investment programmes, the proposals have been developed by Council officers, informed by feedback from public consultation and industry engagement, elected members and other stakeholders.

The independent Edinburgh Visitor Levy Advisory Forum has also been consulted and provided feedback on the projects.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Our Visitor Levy is already beginning to strengthen the services and spaces that make our city so special and supporting these additional initiatives shows how we can continue to invest in projects that support a safer, more accessible and more welcoming Edinburgh for residents and visitors alike. 

“Feedback from our partners and community groups across Edinburgh has played a central part in shaping these new proposals. From restoring the Portobello Kilns to improving public transport access to the Lost Shore and EICA, we’re confident these investments in our culture and heritage will deliver lasting benefits, encouraging visitors to see more of Edinburgh beyond our city centre.

“The projects reflect our ambition that the levy is a city-wide fund and spending decisions must be taken with the whole city in mind. We’re making sure Edinburgh continues to thrive and that the Visitor Levy delivers visible improvements for everyone who lives and works here all year round.”

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS OVERVIEW

Leith Customs House

Funding will support the development phase of restoring Leith Customs House, Scotland’s oldest Custom House and a Category A‑listed building.

The investment will enable essential preparatory work to progress the building’s transformation into an accessible community and creative hub, including delivering a proof‑of‑concept exhibition and an economic impact assessment to support future funding.

Tron Kirk

Investment has been approved towards the major restoration of the Tron Kirk, a landmark 17th‑century building on the Royal Mile that has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2023.

The funding will support a coordinated programme delivered by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, linking the restoration of the Tron Kirk with the redevelopment of Hunter Square.

The combined programme will repair and future‑proof the building, improve accessibility, protect vulnerable historic features and create new opportunities to develop local heritage skills and enhance visitor experiences.

Portobello Kilns

Investment has been approved to rebuild the 1906 Portobello Kiln, one of the last surviving industrial pottery kilns in Scotland and a key feature of the Portobello Conservation Area.

The project will restore the kiln to its original form alongside the previously conserved 1914 kiln, fulfilling the Council’s statutory obligations under scheduled monument consent and preventing further deterioration of this nationally significant heritage asset.

The project will be delivered in partnership with Portobello Heritage Trust and will be developed alongside wider proposed improvements to the Portobello Promenade through the Visitor Levy’s City Transformation Fund investment programme.

Nature Footpaths and Walkways

Funding has been approved to develop and improve nature footpaths and walkways across Edinburgh, encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond the city centre such as the Pentland Hills, Cramond Foreshore and the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho.

The investment will support with developing designs, community engagement and works to create accessible, inclusive routes that enhance biodiversity, improve visitor experiences and deliver benefits for local communities.

The Causey

The Causey will transform West Cross Causeway into a people‑first public square with wider pavements, traffic calming measures and segregated cycling routes. Once complete, it will host performances, markets, art installations and community events.

The first phase will deliver core infrastructure improvements, while the second phase will extend upgrades towards Nicolson Street to improve connections with the wider area and improve public spaces.

Lost Shore & EICA Bus Services

A new six‑month trial bus service is providing direct links between the city centre, Lost Shore, EICA and Ratho. The trial will gather data on who uses the service to inform future decisions on a permanent service.

The amount of Visitor Levy funding supporting the service will be reviewed following the trial stage, reflecting the results of the data showing the proportion of visitors using the service.

City Centre Public Realm (Princes Street / George Street)

Funding will support potential work on major public realm upgrades across Princes Street and George Street to create more accessible, attractive and pedestrian‑friendly streets.

A report on the overall project will be brought to the Transport and Environment Committee outlining the need for public realm investment within the city centre, including both Princes Street and George Street.

These projects sit alongside those previously agreed in February to be delivered over the next three years, including (but not limited to):

  • Ambitious projects to renew and restore principal areas of Edinburgh, including investments in our town centre high streets and £2m and £2.5m respectively towards transforming the city’s key coastal visitor attractions at Cramond foreshore and Portobello Promenade.
  • £5m to restore Leith Theatre and create a year round culture and live music space, expanding cultural opportunity beyond the city centre.
  • £3m towards transforming the iconic Old Royal High School into a world class, accessible national centre for music, shaped by community engagement and open to all.
  • £2.75m to create a Market Street Arts Hub, reinvigorating the City Art Centre and creating a new arts and learning destination at one of the city’s major visitor gateways.
  • £3.85m to speed up the setted streets renewal programme and £3m for new and upgraded public toilets to maintain Edinburgh’s streets, public spaces and public infrastructure to a world-class standard.
  • Funding to ensure the city’s streets and open spaces are cleaned and kept to a high standard, including a £100,000 per year upgrade and replacement programme for bins in high footfall areas, £500,000 per annum to expand work to tackle graffiti through extra support for private businesses and £1.3m on additional operations services for the city centre (waste, cleansing, patrols).
  • Investing in our premier parks across the city to create improved spaces where the highest footfall and impact on the environment is experienced – 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 city’s green spaces as well as the overall visitor experience

In accordance with the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act (2024), funds raised by the levy must be reinvested in local facilities and services substantially used by business and leisure visitors. All investment streams will be formally reviewed alongside the overall scheme in 2029.

Edinburgh College of Art alumni to share career journeys at Westfield St James Quarter

In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation takes place TODAY – Friday 18 September – as part of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style

Westfield St James Quarter will bring together four Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) fashion alumni on Friday 18 September, who have gone on to build careers across independent fashion, illustration and bespoke tailoring, for a conversation on what it takes to forge a career in the fashion industry.

In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation is one of the closing events of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style, the ten-day fashion and music takeover curated by Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey to mark the centre’s rebrand to Westfield St James Quarter on 10 September.

Hosted by Professor Mal James, Personal Chair of Fashion at ECA, the panel brings together:

  • Samantha McCoach, Founder and Designer of Le Kilt, the Leith-born, Scottish-made label stocked at Dover Street Market, Matches and Selfridges. In 2025, Le Kilt joined forces with COS for a capsule collection rooted in craftsmanship and heritage, which was sold at COS in the Quarter.
  • Rosie Baird, Founder of BAIRD, a Scottish clothing brand launched in 2025 exploring modern Scottish identity through craft and storytelling. Rosie was also responsible for the tartan created for St James Quarter in 2022.
  • Katie Braid, fashion illustrator, educator and FIDA Award winner, whose work has been exhibited internationally and shown at V&A Dundee.
  • Alistair Nimmo, Head Cutter and Managing Director of Kathryn Sargent Bespoke Tailoring’s Edinburgh atelier, and a 2025 Walpole Powerlist honouree.

Together, the four alumni represent very different routes into the fashion industry, from launching independent Scottish labels to working as an illustrator and building a career in the highly specialised world of bespoke tailoring.

The panellists will discuss the transition from studying at ECA to building careers across ready-to-wear, illustration and bespoke tailoring, offering practical advice on portfolios, creative practice and navigating the industry after graduation. A Q&A and informal meet-the-panellists session will follow the discussion.

Professor Mal James, Personal Chair of Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, said: “One of the most valuable things we can offer the next generation of fashion talent is an honest insight into what comes after graduation.

“There is no single route into the industry, and our alumni have gone on to build careers across very different areas of fashion, from independent labels and illustration to the highly specialised world of bespoke tailoring.

“Bringing them together at Westfield St James Quarter gives students and emerging creatives the chance to hear directly about those journeys, the challenges they have faced and the opportunities they have created for themselves.”

Presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council as part of the nationwide Fashion Britain initiative, Westfield Days: The Sound of Style has run from 10 to 20 September and included Charles Jeffrey’s own Listening Room installation, built from his personal archive and soundscapes, and the PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time pop-up of archival LOVERBOY pieces and accessories, alongside a wider programme of talks, workshops and live music.

Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quarter, said: “Fashion careers rarely follow a straight line, and this conversation with four ECA graduates who’ve built such different paths – from bespoke tailoring to independent Scottish labels – feels like the right way to bring Westfield Days: The Sound of Style to a close. It’s a reminder that Edinburgh doesn’t just watch the fashion industry, it produces it.”

The event is free to attend and is aimed at students, emerging creatives and anyone interested in pursuing a career in Scotland’s fashion industry.

The conversation reflects Westfield Days: The Sound of Style’s focus on connecting fashion, music, creativity and emerging talent, while highlighting Edinburgh’s contribution to the wider UK fashion industry.

Event details In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation
Date/ Time: Friday 18 September, 3:30pm–4:15pm
Venue: Listening Rooms, Level 3, St James Quarter, Edinburgh
Booking link: here.