Category: city centre

Police Scotland: Early success for City Centre Policing Unit

49 ARRESTS IN FIRST MONTH OF OPERATION

Almost 50 people have been arrested by officers from our new City Centre Policing Unit during their first month of operations.

From 1 to 31 July, a total of 49 individuals were arrested and 114 charges brought against them for a range of offences within the city centre during proactive patrols and reactive responses undertaken by the unit.

The CCPU officially launched on 2 July 2026, supported by funding from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Visitor Levy.

Over the last month over 2,300 hours of patrols by CCPU officers have taken place to engage with members of the public and businesses within the city-centre, respond to intelligence relating to criminal activity and provide a high-visibility presence to deter offending.

In addition to the arrests, two Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued for antisocial behaviour and a further 20 Recorded Police Warnings were handed out for incidents that did not require arrests to be made.

A total of 208 youth interactions were carried out to engage with young people visiting the city centre and build strong relationships with this demographic to help deter offences such as antisocial behaviour.

Extensive work has also been done to tackle street drinking in the Hunters Square area, with alcohol seized on 47 occasions.

Throughout August, CCPU officers will play a pivotal role in policing the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe to offer reassurance to the increased number of people within the city-centre and respond to any incidents that arise during this time.

Inspector Stephen Quinn, who leads the City Centre Policing Unit, said: “Our first month has been immensely challenging but extremely rewarding, as CCPU officers set about providing benefit to Edinburgh’s city centre.

“Extensive support from the CCPU was provided to staffing the cordons required to keep the public safe following the significant fire on Princes Street and this meant that resources that would previously have been required from other parts of the city were able to continue with their normal duties.

“Despite the demands of the fire, we have also been successful in tackling some of the key issues affecting the city-centre, including shop theft, antisocial behaviour and disorder.

“Working alongside key partners such as our colleagues at the Retail Crime Taskforce, Simon Community Scotland, Street Assist and representatives from the night-time economy, we continue to tackle hotspot areas and improve confidence in the policing response to ongoing problems.

“We’re under no illusion that more work needs to be done and we will continue to build on the success of our first month as we strive to make Edinburgh’s city-centre as safe as possible for all of those who live, work and visit the area.”

Edinburgh to celebrate 180 years of Scott Monument

PICTURE: Culture Edinburgh

One of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks is celebrating a major milestone this summer, with visitors invited to join in the celebrations.

From 10 to 17 August, the Council is marking the anniversary with 12 free tickets available each day for visitors wishing to climb the famous monument. Tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Those who complete the climb of 221 steps will receive a special commemorative certificate to mark the occasion.

Completed in 1844 and opened in 1846, the Scott Monument was built in memory of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s best-loved writers and the author of Waverley and many other classic novels. Scott, who died in 1932, played a pivotal role in promoting Scotland’s history and culture through his writing.

Affectionately known by many as the “Gothic Rocket”, the monument is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Designed by architect George Meikle Kemp following a competition in 1838, it is adorned with statues of writers, poets, and characters from Scott’s novels. Tragically, Kemp died before seeing his masterpiece completed, drowning in the Union Canal shortly before construction finished.

At its base sits John Steell’s statue of Sir Walter Scott alongside his faithful dog, Maida, overlooking Princes Street that remains at the heart of the city Scott helped to celebrate through his work.

Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and a much-loved part of our city’s heritage.

“I’m delighted to be celebrating its 180th anniversary by giving more people the chance to experience the monument, whether that’s climbing to enjoy its spectacular views or learning more about the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott.

“We hope residents and visitors alike will join us in marking this special milestone.”

Find out more about the Scott Monument on the Culture Edinburgh website.

National Galleries Scotland: Revised opening hours this month

UPDATE ON INDUSTRIAL ACTION

The Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents some of our visitor facing colleagues, has announced industrial action this month.

Our colleagues, visitors and the art in our care are our highest priorities, so we have made some changes to when our galleries open in August:

– Saturday 8 August: Our summer exhibition, Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, will open as intended from 10am – 5pm at the Royal Scottish Academy. The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, shops and cafés will be closed.

– Wednesday 12 August: The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, including shops, cafés and the Royal Scottish Academy building, will be closed.

– Sunday 16 August: The Tea Green Summer Market, café and shop will be open at the Portrait gallery. The National and Modern galleries, the upper floors of the Portrait gallery, the Royal Scottish Academy building and our shops and cafes will be closed.

– Thursday 20 August: The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, including shops, cafés and the Royal Scottish Academy building, will be closed.

The grounds and car parks at Modern One and Modern Two will be open as normal throughout.

Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, will open from 10am – 5pm on Saturday 8 August, then closed on Wednesday 12 August, Sunday 17 August and Thursday 20 August.

Gwen John: Strange Beauties will be closed on Saturday 8 August, Wednesday 12 August, Sunday 17 August and Thursday 20 August.

Between these dates, all our Galleries will be open for you to enjoy.

Thanks for your patience, we hope to see you soon.

£5 million for Princes Street recovery

Deputy First Minister visits site and meets council leader

Up to £5 million will be made available to help support recovery from the fire on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth met with City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher yesterday following a tour of the site of the blaze at the former Debenhams store which broke out on 9 July.

The funding will be administered by the council and include support for a number of areas to assist the recovery from the fire, including support to incentivise and assist with travel around the city, acknowledging the concerns of businesses facing reduced footfall after the closure on Princes Street, in particular along the tram route to Leith and Newhaven.

It will also provide assistance to help secure the site and make the building safe to facilitate the reopening of Princes Street, as well as support for festival operators forced to relocate.

The Deputy First Minister has also confirmed that work is underway with Highland Council to finalise the financial support that the Scottish Government will provide for recovery from the Cairngorms fire.

Ms Gilruth said: “This fire has caused widespread difficulties in Edinburgh, not just in the city centre but extending north into Leith and Newhaven, as business and commuters adjust to the disruption caused by the fire.

“The Scottish Government has been determined from the start to ensure that we are ready to support the council in assisting those affected and the funding being set out today will help to keep the city moving and to adapt, while also enabling long term recovery.

“The impact in the capital has been significant at a time when the August festivals are getting underway. The Scottish Government is committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery, including the reopening of Princes Street as soon as is safely possible.” 

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “This is a significant step in our city’s recovery from the Princes Street fire, and I wholeheartedly welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement today.

“Whilst I remain acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city every day, I hope that this news can bring some comfort to our residents, businesses and visitors. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as the festivals begin later this week.

“We’re continuing to do everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so. The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.

“I’d also urge people to continue to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

“I was encouraged by my conversations with the Deputy First Minister today and we’ll continue to work alongside the Scottish Government and our partners in our collective response to this incredibly difficult issue.”

The fund will be administered by the Council and divided into the following sections –

Building Works:

The Council is incurring substantial daily costs to progress work on the site, including making the building safe and the retention of heritage features, alongside associated security costs. This support will go towards covering these in the short to medium term.

Ultimately, the Council will still attempt to recover appropriate costs from the owners under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.

Business Recovery: The Council recognises the impact that this has had on businesses across Edinburgh, particularly in Leith and the north of the city due to tram disruption. This funding will be used to encourage people to visit local businesses through a communications campaign, creating a local events fund and further incentivising patronage.

Festivals Support: The fire has resulted in some events by festival partners in the immediate vicinity being relocated at short notice. Bookings have also been impacted. Requests for funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Public Transport Support: Edinburgh Trams has experienced increased costs and a loss of income due to disruption on the network. As a large section of the tram network has been offline since the fire, this fund would be used specifically to help mitigate this ongoing impact on both Edinburgh Trams and the Council.  

Princes Street City Dressing: Funding will support the installation of dressing at any vacant units or construction sites, including the former Debenham’s building, while works are ongoing, to maintain a positive image for Princes Street.

‘Getting Around Town’ Communications Campaign: Work has already commenced on a campaign to help residents and visitors get around the city.

Work is taking place to finalise arrangements for the support package which will be made available to the council. 

Due to serious concerns about the structural integrity of the building a substantial exclusion zone was established and remains in place around the affected section of Princes Street.

For the latest advice and updates on Princes Street please visit the Council’s dedicated webpage.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh to Host Hard Rock Rising, Global Music Competition for Emerging Artists

The grand prize: a Coke Studio recording session, $10,000, a Hard Rock Orlando performance and more

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is inviting Scotland’s emerging music talent to take centre stage as it hosts Hard Rock Rising, the global music competition launched by Hard Rock International and Coca-Cola.

Spanning 34 countries and 64 Hard Rock Cafes, the competition gives singer-songwriters, bands and DJs the opportunity to perform live, build a local following and compete for a career-launching global prize package.

For more than five decades, breakthrough artists and legends have taken the stage at Hard Rock Cafes. Coca‑Cola has built a global platform for musicians through Coke Studio L.A. Live. Now, the two brands are joining forces to help singer‑songwriters, bands and DJs launch their careers. 

Hard Rock Rising unfolds as a series of live performances at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh. Local fan votes advance artists round by round. The Coke Studio team then selects one grand prize winner who earns a recording session, $10,000, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando and more. 

Artist submissions are open now through August 18th, with four live competition rounds running 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd September. The global winner will be announced 5th October. 

Nick Chiverton, General Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh has a long-standing reputation for championing live music and emerging talent, so we’re thrilled to bring Hard Rock Rising to the city.

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity for local singer-songwriters, bands and DJs to perform in front of live audiences, grow their fanbase and compete for an incredible global prize package, including a recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando and $10,000.

“We can’t wait to discover the next generation of Scottish talent and showcase them on the global stage.”

Multi‑platinum, GRAMMY‑ and Juno‑nominated executive producer Rob Rettberg leads the Coke Studio team. The Los Angeles facility houses a professional recording studio built for career‑launching sessions, giving the winning singer‑songwriter, band or DJ a genuine industry platform. 

“This partnership taps into Hard Rock’s unparalleled reach and iconic stages while leveraging Coke Studio’s production expertise to transform talented musicians into the next generation of recording artists,” said Rettberg 

The competition is amplified by a full Hard Rock Rising lineup, from a limited-time menu with cocktails made with Coca-Cola products for fans watching the live performances, to collectible merchandise available at Rock Shops® and shop.hardrock.com.  

Extending the competition’s celebration of music and self-expression beyond the stage, Hard Rock is partnering with Cult of Individuality, the streetwear brand renowned for its deep roots in music culture and strong connection to today’s artists and fans. Together, the brands will launch a limited-edition Hard Rock Rising tee and an exclusive co-branded apparel collection, bringing the spirit of emerging music talent into fashion.   

The Search Is On

Every performance is a chance for friends, family and new fans to champion local artists, helping emerging talent build a real following in their own hometowns. 

The competition kicks off in September. Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will host up to nine acts across four live rounds, with singer‑songwriters, bands and DJs all welcome. In every round, the audience becomes the judge, voting in real time via a mobile app. Fans score each artist on Musicianship, Fan Support, Vocal Talent, Originality and Stage Presence. 

In the fourth and final round, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will crown a local winner with a cash prize. Every local champion then advances to the global round. There, the Coke Studio team reviews recorded performances from all 64 Cafe winners and names the grand prize winner on October 5th. 

 The selected artist will receive a career-launching package: 

  • World-class recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, including flights and accommodation 
  • Music distribution across all major streaming platforms 
  • Performance at Hard Rock Orlando  
  • Two-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando with passes to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure 
  • $10,000 cash prize 
  • An exclusive assortment of Marshall amplifiers and accessories  

A Menu to Match the Moment

From August 17th to September 30th, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will serve a limited‑time menu for fans to enjoy while cheering on local artists.

Perfect for bringing a crew to cheer on fan-favourite bands, these shareable bites and vibrant cocktails are designed to bring the excitement of the evening and the victory celebrations that follow. 

  • Thai Peanut Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in a ginger and soy gastrique, finished with crushed peanuts, toasted sesame and scallion  
  • BBQ Pulled Beef Sliders: Slow-braised pulled beef piled high on soft buns with tangy coleslaw, crispy onions, pickled Fresno peppers and house BBQ sauce 
  • Lemon & Lime Black Pepper Wings: Jumbo wings glazed in charred citrus, served with pickled onions and fresh cilantro  
  • Barbacoa Beef Queso: Braised barbacoa beef folded into creamy house queso, topped with pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños and scallions 
  • Cheesecake Dip: A decadent whipped cheesecake dip with a brown-butter graham crumble, served with cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites, seasonal fruit and whipped cream  

The menu also features a selection of exclusive cocktails and mocktails featuring Coca-Cola products, including: 

  • Last Call Guava-rita: A vibrant tequila and triple sec cocktail with dragon fruit syrup, shaken with fresh strawberries and blackberries, topped with Sprite 
  • Orange Cream Soda: A creamy, nostalgic mocktail made with Orange Fanta, vanilla syrup and cream 
  • Spiced Jack & Yuzu Soda: A citrus-forward whiskey cocktail made with Coca-Cola, yuzu purée and spiced brown sugar; also available spirit-free 

34 Countries, One Iconic Tee

Limited‑edition Hard Rock Rising merchandise arrives at select Rock Shops® and shop.hardrock.com on 17th August. The collection centers on a campaign tee with the Hard Rock logo on the front and all 34 participating country names on the back. It also includes exclusive apparel and a collectible pin. 

Project Holy Moly to visit The Royal Lyceum Theatre in July 2027

Ahead of bringing his brand-new stand-up show Project Holy Moly to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde announces a nationwide tour, visiting The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July 2027.  

“a sensational start to the Festival…the most topically incisive impersonator on the block…exemplary in its vocal accuracy and political acumen. It’s laugh-a-minute stuff, underpinned by the kind of wisdom and natural resilience our leaders could learn from. He was always impressive, but he deserves his inevitable standing-ovation as never before.”
Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph ★★★★★

“flying the flag for satire…succeeds in seamlessly weaving together the personal and the political in a meaty hour of impressions, gags and reflections. Forde is brilliant…so much to admire here. But you come away admiring the man as much as the performer”
Mark Wareham, Mail On Sunday ★★★★★

“An outstanding hour…nobody else serving up party-political humour at this level…the greatest set piece of the evening, perhaps the best routine in town. Stunning.”
Dominic Maxwell, The Times ★★★★

Ahead of bringing his brand-new stand-up show Project Holy Moly to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde (The Royal Variety Performance, Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You, British Scandal) announces a nationwide tour running from 19th March to 4th July 2027, visiting The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July 2027. 

Following its Fringe run at The Pleasance, Beyond from 5th- 30th August at 8pm, Matt will take Project Holy Moly to over 40 theatres across the UK, including London’s Bloomsbury Theatre on 24th April and a homecoming gig at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal on the 21st May. 

As the UK welcomes its seventh Prime Minister in ten years, Matt’s new hour will see him embark on a mission with impossible odds: find joy amid the domestic and global political turmoil, the rising tide of populism, and his own ongoing health challenges – several years on from a bone cancer diagnosis. 

Tickets can be found at lyceum.org.ukand full tour listings at mattforde.com

Since launching in 2013, Matt’s Political Party podcast has brought Parliament to life through stand-up and lively debate with some of politics’ most powerful figures, including Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, Zack Polanski, Tony Blair, Nicola Sturgeon, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Rayner, Michael Heseltine, Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Brown, and Gary Neville.  Matt is set to extend his West End live Political Party podcast residency for the fifth time through June 2027, returning to The Duchess Theatre on 9th November 2026 with Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall kicking off the new season. The podcast has amassed over 14 million downloads, earned multiple nominations from award bodies including the British Podcast Awards and Chortle Awards, and is regularly featured in the press.  

Elsewhere in audio, Matt recently completed the second series of his ARIA Award-nominated BBC Radio 4 political comedy show The Matt Forde Focus Group, in which he is joined by politicians, comedians and subject experts to discuss current issues and the ideas shaping them. He also co-hosts the British Podcast Spotlight Award-winning British Scandal podcast with Alice Levine, and Down The Dog with Jon Richardson, alongside hosting Absolute Radio’s Rock ’n’ Roll Football Show.   

Matt hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several nominations at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Spitting Image (ITV/BritBox), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two). 

What The Press Said About Matt’s Stand-Up:

“our foremost satirical stand-up…Whatever your politics, you’ll find excellence here”

★★★★ Stephen Armstrong, The Sunday Times

“tremendous performance, encapsulating the politics of modern day Britain”

★★★★★ Lewis McKenzie, The Herald

“the excellent Matt Forde…even more accurate than Starmer’s needling voice”

Lloyd Evans, The Spectator

“Is there a better political comic than Matt Forde currently working in the UK? I can’t think of another to touch him”

★★★★½ Jay Richardson, Chortle

“Matt Forde never fails with his state-of-the-nation address, a mix of bang-on-the-money political takedowns and spot-on impressions”

★★★★ Mark Wareham, Mail On Sunday

“Matt Forde is the consummate political comedian”

★★★★ Tim Cornwell, The Scotsman

Tattoo performers answer the call

From Doha to Washington D.C., performers from across the world have answered the call and arrived in Edinburgh ready for the start of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026.

From Friday 7 August, more than 800 performers from the Germany, New Zealand, Qatar, United Kingdom, USA and beyond will take to the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for a month-long celebration of music, military tradition, and the power of connection.

Performers from the German Army Band (Heeresmusikkorps) Koblenz, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force, New Zealand Army Band, Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, United States Army Field Band, and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performers join forces on Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile ahead of the 2026 show, A Call To Gather, map in hand, and ready for the adventure ahead.

For more information and tickets please visit the website here.

One month remaining of Summer Savings at Camera Obscura

Families have just a few weeks left to enjoy discounted tickets at Which? UK’s third best tourist attraction, with five floors of interactive illusions, family-friendly experiences and panoramic rooftop views waiting to be discovered.

With the school summer holidays in full swing and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival bringing the city to life in August, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is inviting visitors to make the most of their Edinburgh adventure with all tickets reduced as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Initiative.

Families, friends and curious explorers can save on admission while stepping into a world where nothing is quite as it seems from shrinking rooms and gravity-defying illusions to mesmerising light displays and spectacular views across the capital.

After exploring more than one hundred interactive exhibits, visitors can unwind away from the festival crowds with panoramic views of Edinburgh from the attraction’s latest rooftop bar, with refreshments available to purchase including cold soft drinks, snacks and ice cream.

With extended summer opening hours and a location on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, Camera Obscura offers the perfect addition to a summer day in the city.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions welcomes families of all needs. To support visitors with sensory needs, they can borrow Sensory Backpacks containing items such as ear defenders, sunglasses, a torch, an activities sheet and sensory toys, alongside a sensory map of the building to help families plan and enjoy their visit.

Discounted tickets are now available via the Camera Obscura’s website and available for walk-up admissions and will continue to be until September 1. A family of four visiting during the summer holidays could save more than £10 compared to standard admission prices.

Reduced ticket prices include:

  • Adult tickets reduced from £24.95 to £21.85
  • Senior/Student tickets reduced from £21.95 to £19.20
  • Child tickets reduced from £17.95 to £15.70
  • Children under 5 go FREE 

Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura said; “The response to the Summer Savings initiative has been fantastic so far, and we are delighted to be supporting an initiative that helps people discover and enjoy what UK attractions have to offer.

“The summer holidays can be a financially stressful time for many families, which is why we are pleased to be offering discounted rates and helping visitors make the most of the summer season, especially as the city comes alive with activity.

“Our latest addition to the rooftop offers the perfect place to take a break from the festival crowds, enjoy a soft drink or an ice cream and soak up some of the best views overlooking Edinburgh.”

Edinburgh artist prepares for National Galleries showcase

An Edinburgh artist who transforms local landscapes and architecture into stunning prints has been selected to showcase his work at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait.

Callum Russell, who completed a Masters in Contemporary Art at the Edinburgh College of Art after studying Illustration at Falmouth School of Art, specialises in paper cutting and lino printing, creating prints inspired by the distinctive landscapes, industrial buildings and green spaces in and around the city and beyond.

Next weekend, Callum will join over 40 of Scotland’s leading independent makers, artists and designers at the Tea Green Events Summer Market at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait. Open to the public and free to attend, the two-day event runs on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August (10am – 5pm).

Now in its 12th year, Dundee-based Tea Green Events, owned by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen, has become one of Scotland’s leading platforms for independent designers, attracting thousands of visitors to markets across the country. The Edinburgh event will feature everything from artwork, textiles and ceramics to jewellery and stationery.

Callum, who creates his work from a home studio in Edinburgh, has also exhibited at Tea Green markets at V&A Dundee and Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

He said, “Initially I got into printmaking purely as a way of making copies of my papercut images, but I soon fell in love with lino cutting and printing as a process in itself. I have always been inspired by cities, urban and industrial settings, from black-and-white, almost cinematic images of the cranes at Leith Docks to the shadows and commuters of Waverley Railway Station. 

“However, I’m fortunate to live in a city with so many natural and colourful landscapes like Holyrood Park, Greyfriars Bobby, Arthur’s Seat and The Meadows so I’m increasingly incorporating these spaces, which have a different appeal.”

Joanne said, “We are excited to once again be returning to National Galleries: Portrait, a truly spectacular space and the perfect backdrop to show off the cream of Scotland’s creative talent, including many designers and makers who, like Callum, live, work and take their inspiration from the capital and its surroundings. 

“Due to the large number of tourists visiting Edinburgh over the summer, the market also takes Scotland’s talent to a global level, celebrating the very best of Scottish craftsmanship.”

Callum added, “It’s always a delight to exhibit at Tea Green markets and a genuine privilege to be considered amongst other creatives at such a high standard.

“They are so well curated, held in some of Scotland’s most stunning spaces and, as a result, attracting visitors with a genuine interest in art and creativity, which really adds something to the event. And more than ever, it’s a real joy to interact with the public, to talk to them about my work and to get feedback on what I do.”

Lord Provost officially opens iconic Floral Clock for 2026

The Lord Provost has officially unveiled Edinburgh’s Floral Clock in West Princes Street Gardens, revealing a striking new design celebrating the 20th anniversary of Trellis.

Joined by representatives from the charity, the Lord Provost marked the completion of the display, which took a team of three gardeners six weeks to create.

Comprising around 35,000 colourful flowers and plants across a 200-square-metre display, this year’s Floral Clock has been co-designed with Trellis to celebrate the charity’s work improving mental and physical wellbeing through gardening, plants and connecting with nature.

For the past 20 years, Trellis has supported people to recover from ill health, overcome adversity and build confidence through therapeutic gardening. In the last year alone, the charity has helped more than 1,000 people across Edinburgh and the Lothians improve their health and wellbeing, while supporting communities to create green spaces in hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, prisons, and other community settings.

The 2026 design highlights the positive impact of gardening for wellbeing, inviting visitors to pause, reflect and connect with nature in the heart of the city.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “The Floral Clock is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured landmarks, delighting residents and visitors alike for more than 120 years. Every year, it showcases the incredible talent and dedication of our Parks team while celebrating the people and organisations who make a positive contribution to our city.

I”t is particularly fitting that this year’s design recognises Trellis and the life-changing work they do to improve health and wellbeing through gardening.

“I hope everyone visiting West Princes Street Gardens takes a moment to enjoy this beautiful display and reflect on the power of nature to bring people together.”

Fiona Thackeray, chief executive at Trellis, said: “Through our work, we have seen first-hand the transformative changes that can be achieved by connecting with nature, creating something beautiful and unique outdoors, and meeting other people taking action to manage their own health and wellbeing.

“Over the last 20 years we have supported over 15,000 people across Edinburgh and the surrounding area through therapeutic horticulture. Alongside those we have directly supported, the wider impact is far-reaching.

“From the communities benefiting from the gardens and greenscapes created, to the families of those supported, the impact of the work Trellis does is ever growing, thanks to the support from our donors and funders.

“Receiving this recognition from the City of Edinburgh Council to commemorate the incredible work done by our volunteers and team members is absolutely incredible and we hope it will allow us to continue supporting people in need in the future.”

First created in 1903 by Edinburgh’s then Parks Superintendent, John McHattie, the Floral Clock is the oldest of its kind in the world.

Originally featuring only an hour hand, a minute hand was added in 1904, followed by the famous cuckoo mechanism in 1952. Operated mechanically and wound by hand until 1972, it has celebrated charities, organisations and notable individuals through its annual designs for almost 80 years.

Previous themes have honoured the Girl Guides Association, Robert Louis Stevenson and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to mark her Golden Jubilee. In its centenary year in 2003, the Floral Clock received a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.