Category: Old Town

New exhibition explores the past, present and future of North Bridge

As part of the City Art Centre’s free Summer Exhibition programme, we tell the story of the iconic North Bridge through film, historic artworks and objects uncovered during its recent restoration.

Running from Saturday 18 July until Sunday 13 September 2026, Study for North Bridge is a new film by artists Rachel McBrinn and Jonathan Webb. Created during the bridge’s restoration, it offers a fresh perspective on one of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks ahead of its reopening in August.

Commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of the North Bridge restoration programme, the film explores not only how the bridge has been repaired, but also how we care for and remember the places that shape our city.

Following the restoration as it unfolds, the film combines real-life footage with imagined scenes to ask how today’s events become tomorrow’s history. Through the voice of a fictional art historian looking back from the future, it encourages visitors to think about how stories are recorded, preserved, and retold over time.

The title, Study for North Bridge, refers to the sketches artists often make while developing a final work. In the same way, the film focuses on the work in progress rather than the finished bridge, revealing the people, processes and hidden details that are normally out of sight.

Alongside the film, visitors can see original pieces removed from the bridge during restoration, displayed with paintings and other artworks from the City of Edinburgh’s Fine Art Collection that show North Bridge over the past 300 years.

The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of guided walking tours, delivered in partnership with Invisible Cities.

Beginning and ending at the City Art Centre, the tours explore the people, places and stories that have shaped North Bridge, bringing the exhibition to life in the streets around it.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “North Bridge is one of Edinburgh’s most important civic landmarks and has connected communities across the city for more than 130 years.

“As we look forward to the bridge reopening this summer, this exhibition offers a fascinating opportunity to reflect not only on the engineering achievement of its restoration, but also on the stories, memories and meanings attached to the structure.”

FREE event – What can people in Scotland learn from the Indian Left?

FREE event – What can people in Scotland learn from the Indian Left?

Sunday 26th July, 11am – 2pm

Room 2.14 St Leonard’s Land (University of Edinburgh: EH8 8AQ)

Lunch Provided

Places Limited – Book Here

The Student’s Federation of India (Edinburgh branch) and Cat’s Cradle are putting on a workshop which takes participants through the history of the post-independence Indian Left and explores the influence of student movements and protests.

From protests during the 1975–77 Emergency through economic liberalisation in the 90’s and the rise of Hindutva politics, we provide an overview of the development of student activism in India while also asking the question: Where is the Left now and what next? And what can people in Scotland learn from this?

Everyone is very welcome – whether you have no knowledge about Indian history and politics at all, or whether you have an encyclopedic knowledge. 

During the workshop, participants will also work in small groups with historical materials to re‑enact pivotal moments, an interactive exercise designed to show how protest is made in India. 

Gilded Balloon launches ‘Postcode Pals’ with £6 Fringe Tickets for locals

EH, KY, FK and G postcode residents can enjoy more than 140 Edinburgh Fringe shows for just £6

Gilded Balloon is inviting its neighbours to experience this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe for less with the launch of Postcode Pals – a special ticket initiative offering £6 tickets to local audiences.

Running from 10am on Monday 20 July until 6pm on Friday 31 July, the limited-time offer is available exclusively to residents with EH, KY, FK and G postcodes, giving them access to more than 140 shows taking place between 5–9 August, while availability lasts.

With the cost of living continuing to impact audiences, Gilded Balloon is introducing the scheme as a way of ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy the Fringe on their doorstep.

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “As an Edinburgh-based venue, we want to encourage our neighbours to come to our shows. The Fringe is one of the most exciting times of the year, but we know that rising costs can make it harder for local people to take part.

“Postcode Pals is our way of saying thank you to the communities that support us year-round and making it easier for them to discover brilliant comedy, theatre, music, family shows and more.”

The offer covers an exciting cross-section of Gilded Balloon’s 2026 programme, including performances from Jack Docherty, Mhairi Black, Fiona Allen, Kim Blythe, Michelle Shocked, Madeleine Brettingham, Jamie Kilstein and Phil Nichol. Audiences can also enjoy acclaimed musicals including Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas, HR: The Musical and Puck Bunnies: A Heated Rivalry Musical, alongside powerful theatre productions including SLAY and CADEL: Lungs on Legs, and family shows The Kobold Show!, Mama G: The Magic Bookmark and Bring Yer Bairn Comedy  plus more than 140 comedy, theatre, music, family and spoken word shows taking part in the promotion.

How to claim the offer

Residents with EH, KY, FK or G postcodes can:

  • Log in to their Gilded Balloon account.
  • Ensure the billing address on their account includes a valid eligible postcode.
  • Use the code PALS26 when booking via the Gilded Balloon website.

The offer is valid on selected performances between 5–9 August only, subject to availability.

Offer details:

  • Booking window: 10am, 20 July – 6pm, 31 July
  • Eligible postcodes: EH, KY, FK and G
  • Ticket price: £6 (plus a booking fee)
  • Maximum 2 tickets per performance and 6 tickets per customer
  • Valid only when booking through the Gilded Balloon website
  • Available while stocks last.

Assembly Festival opens Local Residents Discount for 2026

Scheme to reward Edinburgh locals returns with reduced tickets for huge shows including Jason Byrne, Scaramouche Jones, Ted Hill, Susie McCabe, Ben Hart and more 

  • Residents across the Central Belt can also access discounts
  • Discounted tickets available from 10am 14 July via www.assemblyfestival.com 

Assembly Festival has announced the return of its hugely popular Local Residents discount for 2026 with reduced tickets now available to Edinburgh locals for some of the Fringe’s biggest and best shows. 

Over 175 shows will offer £8.25 tickets for residents across Edinburgh and the Central Belt including Jason Byrne, Afrique en Cirque, Jess Robinson, Susie McCabe, Ten Thousand Hours, Scaramouche Jones and more. 

Edinburgh locals in EH postcodes will have access to discounted shows, plus the scheme opens up to Fringe fans across the Central Belt in Glasgow, Falkirk and more. Music shows and food workshops taking place at Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival from 24 July – 02 August will be included. 

Inviting locals to take a chance on something new and discover even more at the Fringe, discounted tickets will be available from 10am 14 July until 11.59pm 26 July (or until allocations run out) for Assembly Festival Fringe performances from 05 – 09 August for residents in EH postcodes FK, G, KY, ML and DG. 

Residents across the Central Belt can take advantage of the discounts with postcodes in Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, Stirling, Motherwell and Dumfries and Galloway all included in the scheme. 

Tickets available via www.assemblyfestival.com using promocode LOCALAF26. 

(T&Cs: 2 tickets per performance, max 6 tickets per transaction. £8.25 includes £1.25 booking fees Subject to availability.)

Edinburgh locals can take advantage of the offer in the Fringe’s opening days, meaning they can be amongst the first to take in shows from Ndlovu Youth Choir, Superbowl Salsa, Mythos: Ragnarök, Susie McCabe and more. 

Encompassing shows across comedy, cabaret, circus, dance, theatre, family shows and more, thousands of tickets will be available within the scheme. 

Comedy fans can see the hottest rising stars including award-winners from Australia Lizzy Hoo, Scout Boxall and Noah Szto making their Edinburgh debuts, plus some of the UK’s biggest comedy stars from Jason Byrne to Frank Skinner, Susie McCabe, Mike Wozniak and more. 

Irish comics Grace Mulvey and Gearóid Farrelly are sure to impress, whilst cult hits ‘Underground Monk Show’ and ‘Police Cops in Space’ are all included. 

Locals can bag discounted tickets for some of the Fringe’s most impressive theatre shows including ‘Scaramouche Jones’ directed by Olivier award-winning Guy Masterson, ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ starring David Westhead and directed by acting legend Stockard Channing as well as up-and-coming theatre ‘Prophets’ and ‘BearGirl’. 

Families can enjoy the last days of summer holidays with reduced tickets for all the family including the Fringe debut of ‘Ndlovu Youth Choir’ whose fans include Tom Holland of Spiderman fame and Simon Cowell, as they perform hits from ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Waka Waka’ to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Higher Love’. 

For bigger kids, families can check out jaw-dropping contemporary circus ‘Ten Thousand Hours’ and ‘By A Thread’. 

Music fans can pick up discounts for hit shows ‘27 Club’, diving into the legend and lore of famed musical icons like Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and more whilst ‘Joni Mitchell: Take Me As I Am’ is a must for fans of the Canadian singer-songwriter and more. 

For the best of the Fringe, check out ‘Frisky’s Remix Roulette’ and her incredible live band, or Reuben Kaye’s brand-new show. And for mind-bending magic enjoy discounted tickets for the Festival’s most acclaimed magicians Ben Hart, Kevin Quantum and more.

Plus, Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival events including family-friendly shows ‘Circus The Show’ , ‘Explosive Science Show’ and ‘Comedy Club 4 Kids’ will take part in the scheme as well as folk gigs from An Dannsa Dub, Breabach, Dlù and more. 

For a full list of shows included see here.

Marking the Edinburgh company’s 45th season at the world’s biggest arts festival, Assembly will return to six venue hubs with over 245 genre-spanning shows featuring international and homegrown acts from 05 – 31 August 2026. Assembly will operate across: George Square Gardens, Assembly Rooms, Assembly Hall, Assembly Roxy and Dance Base, plus Shedinburgh takes over Checkpoint in a new partnership for 2026. 

Tickets are now available at www.assemblyfestival.com. 

Sign up to the Assembly Festival mailing list for more information, exclusive offers, and all the latest news. 

Summertime Streets changes return

With the summer festivals season just around the corner, the city council is making temporary changes to the way some of our city centre streets operate between Sunday 19 July and Monday 7 September 2026.

During this busy period the population of our city effectively doubles, which brings challenges for our residents, businesses and visitors.

These temporary changes, which include removing or restricting vehicle traffic, are designed to make our streets easier and safer to walk around.

George Street and several streets in the Old Town will be impacted. A full list of streets along with further information is available on the council’s website.

There is also specific advice for blue badge holders, home deliveries, loading and services for businesses, places of worship and special arrangements.

You can find more information and advice on events in the city over the summer on the Council’s website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “We’re ready to welcome the world back to the Capital, and as always, we’re making sure that these higher visitor numbers are managed properly.

“These temporary changes to our city centre streets have proven very successful for many years and I’m sure that this summer will be no different. The planned full reopening of the North Bridge in time for the festivals will also be a great boost for people getting around the city.

“Our residents and businesses have my thanks for their understanding and patience as we prepare to showcase and enjoy our city’s unparalleled cultural offering once again.”

Local Heroes celebrate State Opening of Scottish Parliament

CHILDREN AT THE HEART OF HOLYROOD EVENT

The programme for the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament, taking place on Saturday 27 June, has been announced today.

Their Majesties The King and Queen attended the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament yesterday, formally marking the beginning of the Seventh Session of the Holyrood Parliament.

The day start with The Crown of Scotland being escorted from Edinburgh Castle. Along with the Elizabeth Sword, the Crown of Scotland was processed into the Scottish Parliament through a guard of honour made up of young people from across Scotland.

Following the arrival of The King and Queen, the event in Holyrood’s Debating Chamber began with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble performing a Fanfare composed by Sir James McMillan KT CBE and conducted by John Logan.

The Mace was carried by Robert White, an administrator at the Scottish Parliament. Three Team Scotland athletes who are competing in the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games were also be part of the procession.

Boxer Nicholas Devlin will carry the Elizabeth Sword accompanied by para-athlete Joanna Robertson who will be racing on the athletics track and Beth Riva who is competing in Bowls.

The Officers of Arms was accompanied by young people from Young Scot, the Scottish Youth Parliament, RNIB Scotland (Haggeye), the John Smith Centre Parliamentary Internship Programme, sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport panel and the Young Women’s movement.

The Crown of Scotland will be borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

The event, which was broadcast live, included opening remarks from the Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP. His Majesty The King then make an address to the Chamber and First Minister John Swinney MSP responded to His Majesty’s address.

The event also celebrated the special anniversaries of two of Scotland’s cultural organisations with specially commissioned performances.

The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and members of the NYCOS Edinburgh Regional Choir and NYCOS BSL Youth Choir performed Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum.

National Theatre of Scotland presented As Others See Us written and directed by Martin O’Connor, incorporating a poem to celebrate their 20th anniversary and an excerpt from their acclaimed production Through the Shortbread Tin and performed by members of The Lyceum Youth Theatre.

Scotland’s Makar Pàdraig MacAoidh [Peter Mackay] also delivered a poem in Gaelic called Let This Hall be Full of Noises.

Ae Fond Kiss, by Robert Burns was be performed by Rachel Groves (clarsach) and Ellie Beaton (vocalist), who are the current and previous winners of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.

The Parliament’s piper Stuart McMillan MSP then played Bonnie Dundee and A Hundred Pipers from the Members’ Garden to close the event.

Their Majesties then went on to meet Local Heroes, who have been nominated by MSPs for their extraordinary contribution to their local communities.

The King and Queen departed the Scottish Parliament through a Guard of Honour made up of young people.

Hope Keating, 5, from Girlguiding Scotland presented a posy to The Queen.

Edinburgh charity shortlisted for national awards

This Small Charity Week, an Edinburgh chaity has been announced as a finalist for a prestigious national award, recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the small charity world. 
 
Grassmarket Community Project, which supports those furthest from employment, has been nominated for a Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Award.  
 
The CSJ Awards seek out the top charities nationwide, highlighting those that excel in innovation and effectiveness in the fight against poverty. The diverse panel of judges includes David Gandy, BAFTA-Winning Actor Toby Jones, and past CSJ Award winners along with cross-sector experts that come together to select the winners.
 
The Awards celebrate the best of the small charity sector who are providing innovative policy solutions to address the root causes of poverty across the UK.
 
Grassmarket Community Project exists to support people facing multiple causes of poverty in Edinburgh. The charity offers a long-term, strengths-based community for approximately 450 people each year offering mainstream support to build relationships, develop skills, and create pathways to long-term change.
 
Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of Grassmarket Community Project, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a finalist in the 2026 CSJ Awards. At Grassmarket Community Project, we are an open door to anyone experiencing social isolation and poverty in Edinburgh and beyond. 
 
“We see every day the extraordinary potential that exists when our members are given the opportunity and support to thrive through our huge programme of activities and social enterprises. To be recognised by the Centre for Social Justice is a tribute to them, staff, our volunteers and supporters across Edinburgh.”


 
Chris Murray MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said: “‘It is fantastic to see the Grassmarket Community Project named as a finalist for the 2026 CSJ Awards. The Project is a true cornerstone of our community, providing vital space and services that support so many people.

“It stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose to make a positive difference.”


 
Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, said: “While political uncertainty continues at home and global challenges mount, there’s an army of small charities in some of our most deprived communities across the UK quietly rolling up their sleeves and changing lives.
 
“The CSJ Awards are the Oscars of the small charity sector where we celebrate the very best of those unsung heroes who rarely get the recognition they deserve.
 
“Today we are proud to announce our twelve 2026 finalists. We will be revealing the winners at our CSJ Awards ceremony in the heart of Westminster this November.”

Granton pupils bring 30 years of Capital’s heritage to life

Granton Primary School children using the 30th anniversary of the Old and News Towns World Heritage Site in Edinburgh as inspiration to create an exhibition to help mark this important milestone.

The children’s artwork will be displayed in a special exhibition for residents and visitors to view in the Museum of Edinburgh later this year to celebrate three decades since the Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1995.

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

 Local artist Stepanie Walker said: “The project has been designed to guide the children through a series of art sessions to help them imagine and create their final piece to display on canvas.

 “Before our visit to the World Heritage Site we explored what we know about Edinburgh. The children brainstormed and shared ideas about famous buildings and drew them to create a class exhibition.

 “We visited the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile and learnt about why the city has a World Heritage Site, explored artefacts in the museum and shared what we had discovered.

 “We visited the Site twice walking around the cobbled streets and narrow closes in and around the Royal Mile. The children looked carefully at the old buildings, monuments and skylines as well as all the nature we found in the historic area. We visited the Canongate Kirk, and I encouraged the children to imagine what the people who lived there long ago were like.

 “The pupils then made sketches and used water colours to create paintings of their favourite scenes, buildings and objects to use as reference material for the final piece they will put together back in the classroom.”

 Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “This project is both creative and educational as it allows pupils from a different area of the city to use art to help bring to life different aspects of the World Heritage Site such as the buildings and skylines that they find inspirational.

“It’s wonderful to see the work they have produced and I’m very much looking forward to the final exhibition in the Museum of Edinburgh later this year. It’s important that we teach children the value of preserving our World Heritage Site for future generations to come.

“I’m hoping this class of primary four pupils will remember the project in years to come holding onto what they’ve learned about what’s special about the history of their city and will pass this on.”

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

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

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

Edinburgh Festival Carnival’s back!

We are thrilled that this year’s Edinburgh Festival Carnival will return to the streets!

Thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Visitor Levy, the 2026 Carnival will see over 1,000 performers parading down The Mound and along Princes Street in a breath-taking display of music, dance and carnival costumes from local, national and international artists.

Following the parade, the party continues with performances across West Princes Street Gardens.

More information coming soon!