A powerful art exhibition, to raise awareness of the one in seven women in Scotland who will be impacted by breast cancer in their lifetime, was unveiled today at the Scottish Parliament by acclaimed Scottish artist Nicola Cairns.
In collaboration with The House of Hope, Scotland’s first wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer and their families, the striking portraits feature members of the charity’s breast cancer community,* and invite people to look beyond the diagnosis and recognise and celebrate the individuality of those impacted by breast cancer.
The vibrant portraits in the ‘I’m Still Me’ exhibition, remind people that breast cancer can impact women or men at any life stage and emphasise how important wellbeing support is for those going through a breast cancer journey, to help them feel like ‘me’ again.
Emma Bird, 30 whose portrait is included in the exhibition said: “When you get a breast cancer diagnosis it’s absolutely devastating and you almost lose a part of yourself with it. My painting reminds me of what I love most about life and empowers me to live every day to the max.
“It’s hard to put into words how important the House of Hope has been during my breast cancer journey. I’ve benefitted from the workshops, exercise and relaxation classes and more importantly made friends with people going through a similar experience, which has really helped me move forward in my life.”
The exhibition marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and runs until 29th October at the Scottish Parliament.
Artist Nicola Cairns said; “It was an honour to paint the portraits for the House of Hope’s ‘I’m Still Me’ art exhibition.
“I was fortunate enough to meet and learn more about the people I was painting and their stories of strength and resilience were truly inspiring. While the exhibition carries a serious message, it also celebrates and captures the vibrant personalities and real people behind a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Following its showcase at the Scottish Parliament, the portraits will go on display in Edinburgh-based the House of Hope, before being auctioned to raise vital funds for the wellbeing services available at the House of Hope.
House of Hope, Centre Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “We know how important our wellbeing services are in the lives of those going through a breast cancer journey, and that’s why we wanted to put our community at the heart of the exhibition to celebrate their lives and how incredibly inspirational they are.”
Visit houseofhope.org.uk for further information about the exhibition, its wellbeing services and ways to get involved with or fundraise for the House of Hope.
Edinburgh will host the start of the 2027 Tour de France on Friday 2 July next year, with the route for the historic opening stage from the Scottish capital to Carlisle officially unveiled in Paris.
The 184km opening stage of the Grand Départ will take riders from Edinburgh through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, before continuing through Dumfries and Galloway to Carlisle. It will mark the first time the Tour de France has visited Scotland, bringing one of the world’s biggest sporting events to the country.
The Edinburgh leg of the route will begin at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then: Royal Mile – North Bridge – Princes Street – The Mound – Lawnmarket – Castle esplanade – Johnston Terrace – Castle Terrace – Lady Lawson Street – Grassmarket – Victoria Street – George IV Bridge – Chambers Street – South Bridge – Newington Road – Cameron Toll – Liberton Road – Gilmerton Road – then on to Midlothian.
Council Leader Jane Meagher attended today’s official route reveal in Paris, alongside students from Portobello High School who have been taking part in the Girls Cycling Programme.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Hosting the Grand Départ is a huge moment for Edinburgh and for Scotland. Our city has built a strong reputation for delivering major international events, and the Tour de France gives us another incredible opportunity to show the world what makes Edinburgh such a special place.
“But this is about more than the race itself. We want people across our communities to feel part of the occasion and to benefit from the opportunities it brings. From celebrating our city on the international stage to inspiring more people to get on their bikes, I’m confident the legacy of the Tour will go well beyond the opening day.
“We’ll be working with national active travel partners and local community organisations to create opportunities for people to get involved and discover how cycling can play a bigger part in their everyday lives. The Girls Cycling Programme is a great example of how we can help more young people, particularly girls, build confidence and enjoy the benefits of cycling.
“As we look ahead to next July, our priority is to make this a moment that Edinburgh’s people can share in and feel proud of, while striking the right balance between welcoming visitors and meeting the needs of those who live and work here all year round.”
Further details on community activities and preparations for the Grand Départ will be announced in the coming months.
Young explorers can learn about our planet and become Polar Protectors, as they journey to meet Santa at Dynamic Earth
Families are being invited on a unique Arctic Adventure to Santa’s Grotto this December, as Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth brings the magic of Christmas together with science, discovery and a mission to protect our planet.
Returning for the festive season, Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure will see children become Polar Protectors and join Dynamic Earth’s resident Elf on an important Christmas mission – to uncover where a mysterious lost penguin has come from and help get him safely home to Antarctica in time for Christmas Eve.
Taking place on selected dates from Saturday 5 to Wednesday 23 December, the immersive experience will take families on a guided adventure with festive storytelling and plenty of opportunities for young explorers to discover more about the Earth’s polar regions.
Rather than simply heading straight to Santa, families will begin in Santa’s Post Room, where they will be recruited as Polar Protectors before setting off to investigate clues and discover more about polar animals along the way.
The adventure finishes at the icy landscape of Santa’s Grotto, where families will meet Santa, reunite a new lost friend with his family, and have an opportunity to capture a festive family photograph.
Each child will also receive a special gift token to redeem in the Dynamic Earth gift shop following their adventure, allowing them to choose their own cuddly polar protector.
The experience builds on the success of Dynamic Earth’s previous festive offering, which saw strong visitor engagement and sold-out experiences, while introducing a new adventure-led format for 2026 with a greater focus on exploration and storytelling.
This year’s programme has also been created to ensure it’s accessible to all, with relaxed sessions designed for those who would benefit from a calmer adventure featuring smaller group numbers and fewer transitions between locations. A British Sign Language (BSL) session, with two BSL interpreters present throughout, will also take place on December 6th.
The festive fun goes beyond the grotto, with Dynamic Earth offering a wider programme of seasonal activities throughout December. Young scientists can take part in special winter-themed sessions of Dino’s, Dynamos and Dynamites Science Clubs, while families can settle in beneath the stars for festive Planetarium screenings including Frozen (sing-along), Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Arthur Christmas.
For adults looking for a festive night out with a difference, Planetarium Lates will return for over-18s, combining the immersive surroundings of the Planetarium with screenings of Love Actually, Scrooged, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Stargazing Late & Live.
Together, the programme offers families, young science enthusiasts and adults the chance to experience Dynamic Earth in a different light this winter – bringing together festive atmosphere, imagination and entertainment with a distinctly scientific sense of curiosity.
Suzie Holligan, Director of Visitor Experience and Events, said: “Christmas is all about imagination, curiosity and a sense of adventure, so we wanted to create an experience that captures that magic while giving children the chance to discover something new.
“Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure is much more than a traditional grotto. Our young visitors become Polar Protectors and have an important mission to complete, learning about the Arctic and Antarctic and the incredible animals that call these environments home along the way.
“We’re really excited to welcome families back to Dynamic Earth this Christmas and give them a festive experience they’ll remember – with a little bit of science and discovery along the way.”
Santa’s Grotto: An Arctic Adventure runs on selected dates from 5 to 23 December at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. The experience lasts approximately 35 minutes and costs £25 per child, with up to three accompanying adults able to attend free of charge per booking. Admission to Dynamic Earth’s core galleries is not included.
Relaxed sessions will take place on 5, 6, 12 and 13 December, while BSL sessions will take place on 6 December at selected times.
There’s just one week to go before the world’s largest celebration of storytelling begins…
Pic Neil Hanna
The 37th Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s packed programme of over 200 events, taking place in Edinburgh and all across Scotland, kicks off next Wednesday 21 October, thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Expanded Festivals Fund, Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding and the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (21 October to 31 October 2026) organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), is the world’s largest annual celebration of storytelling.
Over the 11 days of the festival, in true cèilidh tradition, some of Scotland’s finest storytellers will share the stage with guest storytellers and musicians to explore stories about the natural world through this year’s theme Bird and Beast.
One of the main highlights, kicking off the festival, will be the arrival of this year’s guest storytellers from Canada, England, Ireland,Türkiye, and Italy.
Over 20 storytellers and musicians will arrive from other nations, including Dawne McFarlane previous Artistic Director of the Toronto Storytelling Festival from 2019-2021; Drut’syla traditional storyteller Shonaleigh; festival favourite Peter Chand with more hilarious tales from the Indian subcontinent and beyond; Muslim storyteller Jumana Moon; Irish storytellersGráinne Holland andSinéad O’Brien who will be part of an epic retelling of the Ossian cycle;Turkish storytellers Roza Erdem and Nazlı Çevik Azazi from the SEIBA International Storytelling Centre in Istanbul and leading expert on Intangible Cultural Heritage ICH (Living Heritage) Prof Dr Evrim Ölçer Özünel.
With support from the Italian Cultural Institute in Edinburgh the festival also welcomes members of two storytelling companies: Paola Balbi and Davide Bardi from Raccontamiunastoria Storytelling Company based in Rome, who will present a poetic and musical tale about the early years of Leonardo Da Vinciwith Italian singer-songwriter, producer and priest Mario Costanzi; and Bologna’s Fraternal Compagnia APS who specialise in Commedia dell’Arte and mask making.
They will present Dario Fo and Franca Rame’s reinterpretation of the myth of Dedalus and Icarus in recognition of the centenary of Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo, promoted by the Fondazione Fo Rame.
This year also sees 15 new pieces of work presented across the programme including Riikka Palonen sharing tales from the cow sheds of Finland with cow call ‘kulning’ teacher and musician Satu Lankinen; Lithuanian storyteller Daiva Ivanauskaitė-Brown blending folklore, family legacy, and history in Bird of Truth, accompanied by Edinburgh’s Sutartinės Lithuanian folk singers; and Ailsa Dixon sharing fascinating historical tales of feral, seaweed eating sheep on the Isle of North Ronaldsay who live within a 13 km area hemmed in by a dry stane dyke.
Adding to the festival’s cèilidh style approach to hosting events, including its popular Open Hearth and year-round Guid Crack sessions; will be this year’s new series of ‘Circles’. These include Morning Circle events where audiences will have the opportunity to kick start their festival day with a relaxed story sharing and networking led by some of the festival’s finest storytellers including Dawne McFarlane, Donald Smith, Beth Cross,Orcadian Tom Muir, Fergus McNicol, and Dr Robert Fell from Art27 Scotland; a Song Circle led by the North Atlantic Song Convention (NASC) at Waverley Bar in Edinburgh; an informal Story Circle where storytellers can bring along a story to share; and the festival’s Closing Circle where ideas for the future and a reflexion on the festival can be shared.
Daniel Abercrombie, Scottish International Storytelling Festival Director, said: “Wi’ one week to go until the full festival kicks aff, we cannae wait to welcome audiences, storytellers and visiting guests to join in wi’ the story cèilidh.
“There are already family events beginning to happen and story sessions around the country in our Go Local programme, so now’s the perfect time to delve intae this wonderful programme and ink some plans intae the diary, as we celebrate and explore our Bird and Beast theme. ‘Mon in!”
Culture Cabinet Secretary Màiri McAllansaid: “Over nearly four decades, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival has celebrated our nation’s rich storytelling traditions, bringing together voices from across Scotland and around the world.
“Backed by multi-year funding from Creative Scotland and the Expanded Festivals Fund, the Scottish Government is proud to support this outstanding, globally significant cultural event.
“As we mark 20 years of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, this year’s programme theme, Bird and Beast, captures the deep connection between our stories and the natural world we share.
“The largest ever Go Local programme underlines the importance the festival places on community, and bringing people together, through events in towns and villages across Scotland.
“I’d encourage everyone to explore this year’s programme and discover storytelling’s power to connect us with each other and the world around us.”
For details of the full programme, visit sisf.org.uk
Over 65s go FREE at Dynamic Earth this Silver Sunday!
On 4th October, adults over 65 visit free at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s only Science Centre & Planetarium.*
Explore immersive galleries, uncover the story of our planet and experience a presenter-led show or spectacular dome film beneath our 360° Planetarium.
Whether you’re discovering the forces that shape Earth or exploring the wonders of space, there’s something for curious minds of every age.
Simply visit our Ticket Desk on the 4th of October to claim the offer in person with our team.
Unique Assemblyhas announced the addition of world-renowned sexy circus cabaret La Clique to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas line-up as the city’s festivities cross the bridge into the historic Old Town, marking the first time a Spiegeltent will take residence in Bristo Square.
Providing a glamorous cabaret option for the festive season, La Clique Noël will light up the stage in the Palais du Variété’s new home of Bristo Square, for seven weeks of Sexy, Funny and Dangerous Christmas Kabaret.
Brand new for 2026’s season, La Clique Noël joins a packed line-up for Edinburgh’s Christmas with Santa’s Stories, LNER Big Wheel and the Around the World Starflyer already on sale. The world-famous traditional Christmas markets will once again pop up in Princes Street Gardens in the capital’s New Town from 14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, hosting beautifully decorated chalets selling gifts, decor and festive food.
Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, La Clique has gained international acclaim as the original trailblazing Spiegeltent cabaret show performing all over the world from Edinburgh to London, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, New York, Paris and more.
The Olivier Award winning show will take over its new home in Bristo Square for six nights a week, with matinees on weekends, kicking off on Friday 20 November at 7.30pm. Plus, a host of more festive announcements to come from Edinburgh’s Christmas.
La Clique Noël will once again host the best of the best boundary pushing performers set to entertain Christmas crowds with dazzling acrobatics, razor-sharp wit, sights and sounds you will never forget in the intimate setting of the Palais du Variété fusing cabaret, circus, and sideshow burlesque for a specially curated festive show.
This year’s cast includes Heather Holliday, renowned sword swallower and firebreather; David Pereira, award-winning ‘shaving cream’ acrobat and sublime aerialist; Mario Queen of the Circus, a showman comic known for his crowd surfing, juggling and much more.
With sold out seasons and critical acclaim from around the world under its belt, La Clique’s Christmas edition is sure to add an extra touch of magic to Edinburgh’s Christmas this year under the warm glow of the Spiegeltent. The perfect festive night-out for party-goers and groups looking for the perfect Christmas Cabaret experience.
La Clique’s David Bates said:“Christmas and Hogmanay feel like the perfect time for La Clique to return to its birthplace in Edinburgh. This very special cast are delighted to be in town for 7 weeks – resident in the perfect environment which itself is the star of the show – the Palais du Variété Spiegeltent in Bristo Square.
” La Clique has played to millions of folk in its 22 years but none more special than the audiences in its Auld home toon! Fresh, New, Cutting Edge – La Clique is a reinvention of itself and this year will be no exception. Strap yourself in, leave your troubles at the door and escape with us!”
Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburgh’s Christmas said:“Unique Assembly are delighted to welcome back ‘La Clique’ to Edinburgh for festive fun guaranteed to get you on Santa’s naughty list. “
“La Clique was born in Edinburgh and has grown into an international smash-hit, celebrated around the world as well as the city we pride ourselves on representing.
“Unique Assembly has made Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay some of the most celebrated events in the world, which last year welcoming over 3M visitors to world-class attractions, making both events accessible to local and international audiences.’’
La Clique Noël takes place from Friday 20 November until Sunday 3 January.
Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations spread across the city for seven weeks of festive fun, with more events still to be announced.
As part of its famous Polar Gallery exhibition, Dynamic Earth has launched a new exhibit in conjunction with Edinburgh start-up Earthwave, who have recently come on board as a Gallery Engagement Partner.
The exhibit, entitled ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’, gives visitors, for the first time in the UK, real-time information on the sad reality of how quickly many glaciers are disappearing across the world.
The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and marked the 21st March as World Day for Glaciers. ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’ is part of a global campaign to raise awareness about the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system and the economic, social and environmental impacts if they disappear completely.
The ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’ signpost represents a real glacier and shows the year scientists expect it could mostly disappear if the world continues with its 2026 climate policies.
Earthwave is a key provider of glacial data structures and satellite tracking of glaciers. Their high-resolution satellite observational data and mass balance calculations are required to accurately predict and visualise when these glaciers will disappear.
Dynamic Earth’s ‘Goodbye Glaciers?’ signpost includes a QR code linking to the global Signposts – Goodbye Glaciers!? website, featuring photos and three-dimensional projections that predict the future under 1.5°C and 2.7°C global warming.
“We are very proud to partner with Dynamic Earth. The message is clear, we must remain on target with ambitious emissions reductions if we are going to preserve glacier volume globally,” said Dr Livia Jakob, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Earthwave.
Helen Chomczuk, Marketing and Fundraising Director, added: “Our data mapping shows how global warming affects glaciers and that they will vanish in the coming decades. We’re delighted to be able to showcase this important work to Dynamic Earth visitors.
“The Signposts – Goodbye Glaciers!? exhibit is also produced in partnership with a range of academic institutions, including the University of Innsbruck, further strengthening Dynamic Earth’s close relationship with science and bringing the latest information to Edinburgh.
“Developing partnerships with the scientific community is a vital part of how we keep Dynamic Earth’s finger on the pulse of the latest global developments. As a world-class science centre and planetarium, we are committed to ensuring that everyone leaves us feeling better informed and inspired, and showing how scientists play a crucial role in helping us protect the natural world.
“Our Polar Gallery has always been a focal point at Dynamic Earth, featuring a real, touchable iceberg and an immersive sensory experience of the Earth’s extreme polar regions – and Earthwave’s work is a perfect example of the vital role that scientists play in helping us better understand these environments.
The winners of the Scots Language Awards 2026, organised by Hands Up for Trad, have been revealed at a sold-out ceremony at Dundee’s Discovery Point, following a record public vote.
The awards honour the individuals, organisations and communities who actively use Scots – one of the three indigenous languages of Scotland – in their everyday work and life, helping preserve and promote a core pillar of the nation’s heritage and identity.
The eighth edition, expertly hosted by Scots singer and storyteller Lynne Campbell alongside writer and performer Taylor Dyson, saw a 49-strong shortlist from across the worlds of literature, performing arts, education and business vie for 13 awards.
Ten of these awards were decided by members of the public, drawing an unprecedented 7,000 votes – almost double the number received in 2025 and a testament to the nationwide revival of the Scots tongue.
It was a triumphant afternoon for Edinburgh-based arts organisation and venue Scottish Storytelling Centre who took home the Scots in Business award for their continual programming of and support for the Scots leid.
Other winners from across Scotland included Inverurie’s Lucy Beth for Scots Writer o the Year award, sponsored by National Library of Scotland.
Her recent credits include solo show Ma Name is Isabelle, performed at The Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, and a spoken-word poem celebrating the 120th anniversary of His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.
The award for Scots Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Book Trust, was presented to Wirds o Banff: A Doric Glossary o the Wild – a year-long collaboration written and illustrated by pupils at Banff Academy in celebration of the natural world around them.
Scots Bairns’ Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Government,went to Doric Books’ Awa Doon e Toonwritten by Julia Lynch with illustrations from Caitlin Moffat. The book tells the amusing tale of a young boy whose attempts to head into town on different modes of transport are repeatedly thwarted by the unpredictable Scots weather.
In the performing arts, actress Olivia Caw was named Scots Performer of the Year, sponsored by TRACS, for her role as Bonnie McKay in the hit one-person play Common Tongue, while Scots Stage Production of the Year went to Through the Shortbread Tin by the National Theatre of Scotland, described as a ‘poetic, poignant and playful exploration of the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves’.
Multi-day residential immersion event, Doric Bootcamp in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire was crowned Scots Community Project o the Year for its achievements in helping people build confidence in speaking, reading and writing in Scots leid.
In secondary education, Antonia Cant from Peterhead Academy was awarded Scots Teacher o The Year, sponsored by Qualifications Scotland, for championing the relevance of the Scots leid in the present day and helping youngsters practice their skills in real-world contexts.
Banff Academy, meanwhile, took home the trophy for Scots Schuil of the Year, having incorporated Scots skills lessons into the curriculum to great effect.
The inaugural Scots Language in the Media award, sponsored by Corrie Campbell Communications, went to Millie Graham whose TikTok account, whatsername1.0, has attracted over 3m followers and rising.
A further highlight of this year’s ceremony, which followed the successful daytime format introduced in 2025, was the unveiling of the judges’ choice awards which saw a trio of Scots ambassadors crowned.
Renowned singer and advocate for traditional music Sheena Wellington received the Janet Paisley Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Creative Scotland, for her significant contribution to the Scots language over the decades.
The judges’ award for Scots Champion, sponsored by the Rubric Foundation, was presented to Dr Clive Young, creator of one of the first websites dedicated to the Scots language and author of Unlocking Scots: The Secret Life of the Scots Language.
In recognition of emerging talent in the language, Young Scots Writer o the Year, sponsored by Education Scotland, was awarded to budding talent Innes Ingram for his impressive tale End o’ the aul ways.
Attendees also welcomed news of an inaugural Scots Language Week, which will be hosted from 6 – 11 September 2027. Modelled on the success of World Gaelic Week, the nationwide language initiative supported by the Rubric Foundation, will celebrate the importance, prevalence and uniqueness of the Scots leid.
Adding to the atmosphere throughout, attendees were treated to live performances by Scots singers Iona Fyfe and Scott Gardinar.
Yvonne Tait and Hugh Macmillan – both recipients of the Wee Grants for Creativity in the Scots Leid initiative, supported by Creative Scotland and Rubric Foundation – also shared rousing recitals from their funded work.
The celebrations continued into the evening with a Blether at Elfie Picket Theatre and ceilidh at the Dundee Fringe.
Simon Thoumire of Scots Language Award organisers Hands Up Trad, said:“The sheer variety o work and activities celebratit at these awards is as inspirin as it is impressive.
“Fae literature and the performin airts, tae education and business, the Scots leid is woven through sae mony pairts o everyday life, which is jist braw tae see.
“Oor congratulations gang tae aw oor worthy nominees and winners, alang wi oor heartfelt gratitude. It’s thanks tae dedication like theirs that oor mither tongue remains truly thriving and relevant in Scotland the day.”
The Scots Language Awards are one of several flagship national events and community outreach activities that Hands Up Trad are involved in to help celebrate, promote and increase the profile of Scottish traditional culture.
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.
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.
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