Holyrood will see a mass gathering of citizens on bicycles, tandems, hand-cycles, cargo bikes, recumbent cycles and trikes, riding a closed route from the Meadows to the Scottish Parliament calling for a cycle-safe Scotland.
Riders will join the mass demonstration from ‘feeder rides’ leading in from all over the city, with many supporters coming in from across the country by train and bus with their cycles in tow.
Returning for its fourteenth action since its inception in 2012, Pedal on Parliament has consistently called for safer conditions for walking and cycling in Scotland through mass rides in Edinburgh and beyond, demonstrating the demand and scale of support for everyday cycling.
Their renewed manifesto for 2026 calls for a wide range of interventions for cycling and road safety, ranging from adequate funding allocation and building on the successes of protected infrastructure already built, to calls for greater enforcement powers for police to tackle unsafe driving, and presumed liability for motorists in the event of collisions.
Alex Robertson, Pedal on Parliament co-organiser, said:“Cycling for everyday journeys can be an accessible and healthy option for folks young and old alike, provided action is taken on adequate funding, protected infrastructure and addressing road dangers.
“More people choosing to travel by cycle provides all manner of benefits: for mental and physical wellbeing, taking pressure off our health service; enabling quicker and more enjoyable commutes; but also in reducing congestion, wear on our roads and air pollution along the way.
“We know from the Scottish Walking and Cycling Index that many people would like to cycle more, but nearly half of those surveyed didn’t believe their local area was safe enough. And in the countries and cities where these matters are addressed, real economic and social benefits are being realised that Scotland is currently missing out on. We think everyone should have a real choice in how they travel.”
The ride will end outside the Scottish Parliament with a gathering on the grass to hear speeches from MSPs and organisers, along with the departure of other cycle rides and a fundraising bake sale.
POLICE have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh.
The incident occurred around 2.30am on Sunday, 12 April, 2026, outside a nightclub in Niddry Street when a man was seriously assaulted.
Officers are keen to speak to the man in the image as he could hold vital information which could assist their enquiries. He is described as aged between 25 and 35 years old, with a medium build and short, dark hair. He was wearing a green-coloured long sleeve top and gilet, blue jeans and black and white trainers.
Detective Constable Mark Richmond said: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information about the incident or if you recognise the man in the image, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 4130 of 12 April, 2026. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given
Fruitmarket opens an exhibition championing the creativity of Edinburgh primary school pupils
Fruitmarket’s Creative Connections exhibition marks the culmination of a pioneering three-year programme that places artists in schools to embed creative learning in the classroom. This year’s Creative Connections exhibition will be open to the public on 29.05.26–31.05.26 from 11am–6pm at Fruitmarket, Edinburgh.
The exhibition features artwork inspired by Fruitmarket’s programme, created by Primary 5–7 pupils across six primary schools in South Edinburgh: Craigour Park, Gracemount, Gilmerton, Liberton, Prestonfield and St Catherine’s R.C. Primary.
Since 2023, Fruitmarket has worked in close partnership with classes across the six primary schools in South Edinburgh. The schools have been paired with practising visual artists who have been in residence at the schools, working with pupils on creative projects supported by regular visits to the gallery.
The six artists are Alice Dansey-Wright, Coral Brookes, Georgie Fay, Greer Pester, Kate Temple and Lorna Gallagher. Through regular professional development sessions, Lead Artist Louise Fraser has supported teachers to develop new skills and the confidence to embed arts pedagogy in the classroom across the three years.
Creative Connections was created by Fruitmarket, in close collaboration with participating schools, in response to a demand for creative provision in Primary schools and a focus on pupil wellbeing and confidence following the Covid-19 Pandemic. The project was made possible at this scale and depth through a multi-year grant from Paul Hamlyn Foundation and now has set a benchmark for educational visual arts programmes in Scotland.
Over three years, 757 pupils aged 8 – 11, 23 classroom teachers and six headteachers have participated.
Artists worked with the same classes across the academic year, providing consistent mentoring for pupils and ongoing support for classroom teachers. At the end of each year, pupils showcased their work in a public exhibition celebrating achievement and strengthening connections between schools, families and the gallery.
This year’s cohort has drawn inspiration from recent Fruitmarket exhibitions including What Is Us and What Is Earth, by Glasgow-based artist Ilana Halperin and Wilding, by the Indigenous American artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.
One Headteacher said: “I think what’s really made the difference in this project is the fact that we have had the opportunity to work over a number of years. It is not unusual for us to be able to have a project that comes in for a term or a couple of lessons and children enjoy it and they go away afterwards, but it’s that sustainable impact that we don’t necessarily see to the same degree.
“The chance to build up a relationship with an actual artist, to build up a relationship with a gallery has a huge impact for the staff, for the school, also for the children as well, who really, I think, feel that the Fruitmarket is their gallery because of this extended time they’ve had together.
“That depth of the project has been something I’ve not actually seen that before in a project I’ve worked with in my 30 years in education.”
Fiona Bradley, Fruitmarket Director, said: “Over the course of three years, though our ongoing project evaluation, we have seen how working closely with artists in the inclusive context of contemporary art spaces –where there are no right or wrong answers – can help both pupils and teachers express themselves and grow in confidence.
“The annual exhibitions of pupils’ and teachers’ work at Fruitmarket are something we look forward to every year and give our audiences the opportunity to share in a moment of pride with pupils, teachers and families.
“We are very proud that the project has become so valued by the schools, and we have committed to continue to deliver the programme in the new school year in a sustainable form. We are actively fundraising for the continuation of the project and we are very grateful to the funders who are already help make this possible.”
Kevina Khan, Grants Manager, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said: “Creative Connections shows the incredible things that can happen when artists, teachers and pupils collaborate.
“Through the programme, artists-in-residence and teachers have been building meaningful relationships and finding ways to bring the expressive arts into the curriculum for excellence.
“The impact on children’s educational outcomes, confidence, wellbeing and engagement is powerful.
“The professional learning element of the programme means that these creative approaches to teaching and learning will have a lasting legacy.”
A FREE exhibition, exploring the story of Edinburgh’s long-lost Trinity Collegiate Church, is now open at the Museum of Edinburgh.
Reviving the Trinity Stones marks the culmination of a two-year project led by Jill Harrison, founder of the Trinity Network. The project has sought to trace, identify and catalogue medieval stones dispersed after the demolition of the once-magnificent 15th-century Trinity Collegiate Church in 1848, which made way for the construction of Waverley Station.
Founded more than 560 years ago by Queen Mary of Guelders, the Trinity Collegiate Church was among the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Scotland. Despite its former grandeur and royal significance, much of its physical legacy was scattered and largely forgotten until now.
The exhibition brings this remarkable story back to life, exploring who built the church, how it was used, why it was demolished, and how parts of it were later reconstructed. Visitors will also discover how the search for these lost stones has evolved into a modern-day treasure hunt, piecing together fragments of Edinburgh’s medieval past.
Featuring rare images, archival material and newly uncovered insights, the exhibition highlights the importance of preserving these fragile remnants before they are lost forever. It also aims to inspire renewed public interest and support for their protection.
A programme of free talks and guided walks will accompany the exhibition, offering visitors further opportunities to engage with the history and ongoing discoveries.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “I’m delighted that the Museum of Edinburgh is hosting another outstanding exhibition. Reviving the Trinity Stones tells the fascinating story of the Trinity Collegiate Church – one of medieval Edinburgh’s forgotten royal masterpieces.
“This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore how the church was celebrated, demolished and rediscovered. With an excellent programme of free talks alongside it, there truly is something for everyone, and I would encourage people of all ages to visit.”
Jill Harrison, Founder of the Trinity Network, said:“The story of the trinity stones continues to capture the imagination of heritage organisations, community groups, residents and visitors alike.
“This project has already contributed valuable new knowledge about one of Edinburgh’s oldest medieval buildings, and I hope it will spark further interest, research, and discussion.
“It is an especially exciting time, as new stones continue to be discovered, and more people become involved in uncovering this hidden history.”
The City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist John Lawson said:“It has been fantastic working and supporting Jill and her colleagues on this project over the last few years.
“Her research and investigations have brought to light the fate of what happened to parts of this medieval church after it was taken with pieces scattered across Edinburgh.
“We are delighted that the project has allowed us to receive, as a donation from NHS Lothian, of three important stone bosses which ended up in the Astley Ainslie Hospital.
“This includes the unique ‘Passion Stone’ carved with the marks of the Passion the last surviving of six. This is on show as part of this exhibition.”
The project has been funded through a Jean Guild Grant from the Old Edinburgh Club. The exhibition and its accompanying outreach programme are supported by the City Council.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was joined by incoming MSPs, the Presiding Officer, and representatives from Scotland’s faith and belief communities at the Kirking for the Seventh Session of the Scottish Parliament in St Giles’ Cathedral last night (Wednesday 13 May).
The service in Edinburgh traditionally takes place on the evening before the first sitting of a new parliamentary term.
The Kirking is a ceremonial tradition that reflects on the responsibilities of leadership in public service, while recognising Scotland’s wide range of religious and non-religious beliefs.
It also provides an opportunity for organisations from across Scotland, including participants from civic society, the diplomatic corps, academia, business, industry and charities, to meet with the newly elected MSPs.
The ecumenical service was led by The Reverend Dr Scott Rennie, The Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, with the Sermon being delivered by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, The Right Reverend Rosie Frew.
This, together with readings by the Presiding Officer and the Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, is intended to encourage thoughtful reflection on serving others.
The congregation heard performances from the Choir of St Giles’ and the National Youth Choir of Scotland as well as from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland traditional Scottish music duo Stella Rose McIntyre (clàrsach) and Naomi Priestnall (fiddle). Interfaith blessings also featured.
The seventh session of the Scottish Parliament will formally begin today when MSPs will be sworn in by the Presiding Officer in the Holyrood Chamber.
An election will then be held to choose a new Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officers.
National Theatre of Scotland announces programme for Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the company’s 20th anniversary year
The acclaimed Through the Shortbread Tin, written and performed by Martin O’Connor at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the Made in Scotland programme.
One Hundred Voices – a new immersive installation, bringing creative insight into living in the care system, opening at the Scottish Parliament and running during the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics. Part of Caring Scotland, a major project documenting the lives of care experienced people in Scotland.
Marking 20 years of NTS Edinburgh Festival presentations, with 42 productions across the Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, from Black Watch to Make it Happen.
National Theatre of Scotland presents
Through the Shortbread Tin
Written and performed by Martin O’Connor
Remount directed by Joanna Bowman Original production directed by Lu Kemp
With Josie Duncan and Iona Mairead
Musical Director and Composer – Oliver Searle, Sound and Video Designer – Rob Willoughby, Set and Costume designed by Emma Bailey and Rachel O’Neill, Lighting Designer – Michaella Fee, Gaelic Consultant – Alasdair Whyte
At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 at the Scottish Storytelling Centre from 7 to 31 August at 4.45pm with a preview performance on 6 August 2026.
Opening press performance at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Friday 7 August 2026 at 4.45pm.
Part of the Made in Scotland Showcase
The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time.
Returning to the stage following a critically acclaimed and award-nominated Scotland-wide tour in 2025, Martin O’Connor’s Through the Shortbread Tin is a poetic, poignant and playful show, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity.
“Fierce, Funny and Challenging” The Scotsman ★★★★
“an entertaining and intelligent investigation into the illusions and inconsistencies of Scottish history, culture and identity.” The Stage ★★★★
“A tartan wrapped gift of a show” The Herald ★★★★
Through the Shortbread Tin will open in Edinburgh at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the Made in Scotland Programme at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Friday 7 August 2026.
Twenty years since the internationally acclaimed production of Black Watch premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Through the Shortbread Tin marks National Theatre of Scotland’s 42 productions at the Edinburgh festivals, including last year’s Edinburgh International Festival sell out success, Make It Happen.
Through the Shortbread Tin is remounted for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe by Joanna Bowman, whose previous productions include the award-winning Tron Theatre Company production of Escaped Alone; Doubt: A Parable (Dundee Rep) and most recently, Sweat (Citizens Theatre and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh). Joanna won the 2024 CATS Award for Best Director.
In 1760 Scottish poet James Macpherson set the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spread far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but was it built on a deception?
In 2026 Scottish poet Martin O’Connor decides to revisit Macpherson’s epic and begins to question his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie?
Imagine that you were telt tae ignore the myths?
Imagine you didnae know anything about the country you came fae?
But imagine you started askin questions?
Imagine that you could jist replace wan myth wi another?
Martin will be joined on stage by Josie Duncan and Iona Mairead, distinctive Gaelic choral singers, singing original songs composed by Oliver Searle.
Audiences are invited to join Martin and Macpherson on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves.
A tour to sited venues in Scotland in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland will be announced at a later date.
Through the Shortbread Tin was nominated for Best New Play in both the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2025 and the UK Theatre Awards 2025.
Through the Shortbread Tin is part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s 20th birthday programme, marking twenty years of game-changing theatre.
National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to be part of the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s 20th anniversary celebrations, as well by being part of their specially curated Festival Fringe programme, the centre piece of their year’s anniversary offering.
BACKGROUND TO OSSIAN
In 1760 Highlander Macpherson published Fragments of Ancient Poetry to great critical and commercial acclaim. The poems were collected from oral sources around Scotland and were presented as the work of a third century bard, Ossian, soon dubbed The Homer of the North. There soon followed two other publications, Fingal and Temora, and together they set the Scottish and European literary world alight. The ‘Ossian effect’ soon saw a rise in interest in Scottish and Highland ways of life and an increase in tourism and cultural interest. The impact of Ossian was immediate and permanent, even if the individual poems eventually fell out of fashion. But soon after publication, debates over Ossian’s aesthetic and moral ‘legitimacy’ surfaced, which plagued the writer and the impact and legacy of the work.
Martin O’Connor is an award-winning theatre-maker, performer and poet from Glasgow. He is interested in exploring ideas of voice and identity through theatre and poetry, with particular interest in Scots, Gaelic and verbatim. Martin won Scots Performer of the Year Award at the Scots Language Awards 2024.
He was granted a Gavin Wallace Fellowship in 2018, hosted by Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and the Lyceum Theatre, marking the first stage in his research into James Macpherson and Ossian.
He makes work for solo performance as well as with, and for, other people. He was the National Theatre of Scotland Writer in Residence in 2020. Previous projects include Turntable (MJ McCarthy/Red Bridge Arts), Mark of the Beast (Martin O’Connor/Platform), Togail Nàisean/ Building a Nation (Glasgow Life).
This remount of Through the Shortbread Tin is directed by Joanna Bowman. Joanna has directed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Citizens Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, Tron Theatre, Dundee Rep Theatre, Perth Theatre, and Òran Mór. Previous productions include the award-winning Tron Theatre Company production of Escaped Alone, Doubt:A Parable (Dundee Rep) and most recently, Sweat (Citizens Theatre and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh). She was Associate Director of the Tron Theatre between 2022 and 2025 and is Associate Artist with the Citizens Theatre. Joanna won the 2024 CATS Award for Best Director.
The original production of Through the Shortbread Tin was directed by Lu Kemp, a theatre director and dramaturg with a distinctive reputation for her work in new writing. Lu was Artistic Director of Perth Theatre between 2016 to 2023. Her tenure was notable for supporting the creation of new work by Scottish artists and community engaged productions. As a freelance director, Lu has worked for The Citizens, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland, Artangel, London, The Tricycle, Almeida and The Royal Shakespeare Company.
Josie Duncan is a folk-inspired songwriter and award-winning singer from the Isle of Lewis. Her songs have been showcased worldwide from the Hebridean Celtic Festival Opening Concert to the National Celtic Festival Australia. Josie’s music features in National Theatre of Scotland’s Carry Me Home – A Ferry Tale, an award-winning short film directed by Seth Hardwick.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Dates: Thursday 6 August (Preview); Friday 7 August to Monday 31 August (no shows on Wed 12, Sat 15, Wed 19, Wed 26 August)
One Hundred Voices interactive installation opens at the Scottish Parliament as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics 2026 before touring Scotland alongside the Ten Portraits photographic exhibition, as part of Caring Scotland
One Hundred Voices and Ten Portraits at the Scottish Parliament from 12 to 28 August and during the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics 2026 on 27 and 28 August
Then touring across Scotland from 2 September to 10 October 2026: Citizens Theatre, Studio Theatre and exhibition wall; Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries; Millenium Centre, Stranraer; Reid Hall, Forfar; Hall B, Rothes Halls, Glenrothes.
A National Theatre of Scotland project in partnership with Who Cares? Scotland and the National Library of Scotland, funded with an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Lead Artist and script by Nicola McCartney
Designer - Karen Tennant, Lighting Designer - Kai Fischer, Sound Design - Niroshini Thambar and Dramaturg - Roxana Cole
Artist Facilitators: Kevin Gilday, Jo Mango, Roxana Cole, Sara Shaarawi and Mal Fraser
Ten Portraits Exhibition Photographer - Chris Scott
Opening in Edinburgh at the Scottish Parliament and part of the Festival of Politics in August 2026, One Hundred Voices is an interactive installation responding to real life stories of care experienced people.
The stories were recorded for Caring Scotland, a three-year listening project, led by acclaimed playwright Nicola McCartney documenting and recording the lives of care experienced people in Scotland.
One Hundred Voices is created by a leading team of Scottish artists and theatre-makers with design by Karen Tennant, lighting design by Kai Fischer, sound design by Niroshini Thambar, script by Nicola McCartney and dramaturgy by Roxana Cole.
“Good. You’re here. Well, come on in… We understand that for many of you, this journey will be a new experience for you. We want you to feel safe with us.”
The audience is led through the installation by an audio guide. Each room presents an intimate landscape of memory, resilience and imagination, drawn from the lives of one hundred voices from Scotland’s care experienced community. Fragments of stories unfold through sound, light, and space.
This interactive installation transforms oral history into artistic encounters and asks the audience to imagine together a more compassionate Scotland where every child is cherished, every voice amplified, every future honoured. It serves as an artistic act of recognition and celebration of the one hundred testimonies recorded through the Caring Scotland project.
The experience is audio narrated by Scott Kyle and Genna Allan. Both are actors who are also involved in the wider Caring Scotland project. Scott Kyle is one of the Ten Portraits subjects and Genna worked in the project team during the story collection phase. Both are care experienced.
The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics takes place in the home of Scottish politics on 27 and 28 August; and will feature over 30 events tackling some of the big political, cultural and social issues of the day.
Ten Portraits exhibition, by Caring Scotland photographer in residence Chris Scott, opened at Inverness Museum on 05 May ahead of touring to Shetland, Aberdeen and Edinburgh as well as touring alongside the One Hundred Voices installation at the Scottish Parliament and beyond.
The Sound Collection –a collection of stories forms part of the audio archive of the National Library of Scotland with short excerpts also available on the NTS website.
The Sound Collectionextracts can be listened to here.
Supported by The Weir Charitable Trust and The Rayne Foundation
The Sound Collection, Ten Portraits and One Hundred Voices are the public culmination of Caring Scotland, a three-year listening project led and inspired by the practice of playwright and socially engaged theatre-maker, Nicola McCartney, documenting the lives of care experienced people in Scotland since 2024.
The project is a unique partnership between National Theatre of Scotland, Who Cares? Scotland and the National Library of Scotland and is funded with an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Ten Portraits is a touring photographic exhibition of photographs captured by Chris Scott, inspired and informed by the Caring Scotland listening project. Chris is a Scottish photographer with a care experienced background, whose style is contemporary with a dramatic and atmospheric feel. Chris’s unobtrusive photography style captures the essence and personality of the people he photographs. He has taken individual portraiture photographs of ten of the personal story contributors during the project.
The Sound Collection – all stories gathered from the listening project have been safely deposited in a new Caring Scotland oral history audio archive, housed in perpetuity at the National Library of Scotland for public access as well as excerpts being made available online via the NTS website.
A team of multi-disciplinary artists worked with Nicola on the research into Caring Scotland. Artists Kevin Gilday (poet), Jo Mango (musician & songwriter), Roxana Cole (director) and Mal Fraser (filmmaker) and Sara Shaarawi (playwright), engaging with care experienced people from across Scotland, collecting their stories for this unprecedented oral history audio archive.
Lead artist, Nicola McCartney, has worked on many artistic projects with the care experienced community, and has worked within the system as a member of the Children’s Panel and a foster parent.
Caring Scotland is a continuation of her creative practice and her ongoing research into the care system in Scotland. Previously, in 2021, Nicola was commissioned by National Theatre of Scotland to create Holding/Holding On as part of their Care in Contemporary Scotland – A Creative Enquiry programme.
Nicola’s practice of active listening enables participants to take control of their narratives. Caring Scotland empowers the care experienced community by offering members a platform for their voices to be heard by the people of Scotland.
Nicola McCartney, lead artist, said: “It has been an honour and a challenge to lead such a large project, documenting the lives of Care Experienced people in Scotland in their own words.
“We look forward to now sharing these stories with the nation in many different and innovative ways. The testimonies we have listened to of how the Care system has impacted on people’s lives are a vital and often overlooked part of what Scotland’s story was, is now and what we can become.”
With The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support, the project has been open to all members of the care experienced community across Scotland to contribute to and take part in.
One Hundred Voices and Ten Portraits at the Scottish Parliament as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Wed 12 to Fri 28 August 26; Festival of Politics, Thu 27 to Fri 28 August 26 then touring to
Citizens Theatre, Studio Theatre and exhibition wall, Wed 2 to Sat 12 September 26;
Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, Thu 17 to Sat 19 September 26;
Millenium Centre, Stranraer, Thu 24 to Sat 26 September 26;
Reid Hall, Forfar Thu 1 to Sat 3 October 26;
Hall B, Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, Thu 8 to Sat 10 October 26.
Tickets are Pay What You Decide pricing.
Ten Portraits touring to Inverness Museum, Tue 5 to Fri 29 May 26;
Mareel, Shetland, Tue 2 to Fri 26 June 26;
Aberdeen Music Hall Gallery Space, Wed 1 to Fri 31 July 26;
Gallery Space, Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, Sat 10 to Friday 30 October;
Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, presented with Tonic Arts, Sun 1 November 26 to Sat 27 February 27.
More details on the Caring Scotland project can be found here.
A major public discussion on the future of tourism in Edinburgh will take place at the City Chambers on 12 May, bringing together European experts, local practitioners, and community voices to address one of the most pressing issues facing historic cities today.
Hosted by the Cockburn Association as part of the Festival of Europe, Homes or Homecomings? Managing Tourism Tensions with European Partners will explore how cities can balance the economic benefits of tourism with the needs of residents.
Tourism remains central to Edinburgh’s economy and identity, but increasing visitor numbers have placed growing pressure on housing, infrastructure, and everyday life in the city centre. The event will present new research on tourism impacts in Edinburgh while drawing on European case studies to examine how other historic cities are responding to similar challenges.
Speakers include academics and practitioners working across the UK and Europe, alongside representatives from business and community-led organisations. The discussion will consider issues such as short-term lets, housing availability, and how to sustain living communities in globally recognised heritage destinations.
The event is open to the public and will bring together policymakers, researchers, residents, and those working in tourism and heritage.
Event details:
Date: Tuesday, 12 May
Venue: City Chambers, Edinburgh
Host: The Cockburn Association
Part of: Festival of Europe programme
Tickets and further information are available via Eventbrite.
On Europe Day, Saturday 9 May 2026, a free drop-in event for 16–35-year-olds will take place in Edinburgh, offering practical opportunities to study, work, travel, and volunteer across Europe.
The Connecting Europe Fair will be hosted at the French Institute on the Royal Mile from 10:00 to 16:30. Part of the wider Festival of Europe Scotland (7–17 May), this Fair is all about sharing exciting European connections that are accessible to as many people as possible.
Visitors will have the chance to meet with key organisations offering access to European opportunities, including the British Council, Erasmus Student Network, International Voluntary Service, the University of Edinburgh’s Languages for All programme, and the EU–UK Parliamentary Liaison Office.
The Fair will also feature exciting activities, such as:
Prize Draw: Win Interrail passes
Photo Booth Competition: Get creative for a chance to win Amazon vouchers
Europe Day Quiz – to test your knowledge about Europe and learn something new!
Following the UK’s rejoining of Erasmus Plus, the Connecting Europe Fair offers a timely opportunity to explore education, volunteering, and travel across Europe once again. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, pop by the Fair and in-person connect with experts who can help you unlock European experiences.
Organiser Niamh Donnellan explained: “The Fair aims to open doors and highlight accessible ways for young people in Scotland to engage with Europe, whether through study, volunteering, or cultural exchange.”
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:30
Location: French Institute, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RN (Step-free access via George IV Bridge)
We’ll guide you through the basics and show you how to navigate Ancestry and British Newspaper Archive, two brilliant resources for family history and both free to use in all Edinburgh Libraries. The session ends with a short tour of the physical genealogical resources held in the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection.
