Green councillor for Southside/Newington, Steve Burgess, will ask Edinburgh’s Planning Committee tomorrow (Wednesday 11th November) to bring forward a Place Brief for Summerhall, recognising the “cultural, creative and community space” that thrives there.
Summerhall is home to more than 100 small businesses, hundreds of artists and performers, and one of the Fringe’s leading venues.
Its owner has chosen a preferred bidder, who is consulting on plans for partial demolition and new hotels, student flats and serviced apartments alongside a reduced arts centre.
Councillor Burgess is urging the council to establish a Place Brief to recognise its artistic and cultural value.
Councillor Burgess said: “On Wednesday, Greens are calling on every party on the Planning Committee to protect Summerhall. Planning guidance must be strengthened so that any future development takes account of the hundreds of artists, performers and small businesses who make Summerhall what it is.
“With artistic and cultural spaces at St Margaret’s House and Argyle House already lost, the city can’t afford to lose another. It has the power to save Summerhall, but it must act now rather than let developers preside over its destruction.”
A Place Brief is a set of high-level planning principles, drawn up by the local authority, to guide the development, design and use of a specific site.
The Astley Ainslie Place Brief, on which the Council is currently consulting, is a recent example.
Building on the success of our established Rock Up & Ride programme, Scottish Cycling is expanding into Edinburgh through a new partnership with the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and We Play Together SCIO at the Crags Community Centre.
The Rock Up & Ride project in Edinburgh will help to introduce young people to cycling, not only as a sport and recreational activity, but the programme will also help develop the confidence and practical skills needed to cycle independently.
The ambition is to encourage participants to see cycling as an option for everyday journeys, helping make active travel a more accessible choice within their local community.
The ambition of the programme goes beyond simply providing opportunities to ride. The young people involved in the programme will be supported to build confidence and develop their skills, with opportunities to progress into local cycling clubs or explore volunteering and coaching. The project will also help local staff and volunteers gain experience and qualifications, strengthening the Crags Community Centre’s ability to support cycling in the longer term.
SEStran has been a crucial partner in supporting the project, recognising the role cycling can play in creating healthier, more connected communities. With their support, the project will promote the benefits of active travel, helping young people build the confidence to use a bike both for enjoyment and everyday journeys.
Additional support has been provided through from the Scottish Cycling Tour de France Grand Départ Social Impact Programme. The programme aims to use the profile of the Grand Départ to create lasting opportunities for local communities, with Rock Up & Ride Edinburgh being one example showcasing the impact that the legacy of a major sporting event can have on the local community.
With Project Coordinator Erin Finnigan already in post, Rock Up & Ride in Edinburgh is building on the strong relationships We Play Together SCIO has established with young people in the local area around the Crags Community Centre. Erin will coordinate the programme, bringing opportunities directly to the community and ensuring that activities reflect the interests and needs of local young people.
The programme will introduce participants to different cycling disciplines, including BMX, mountain biking and track cycling, with a particular focus on BMX, utilising the “Skelf” pump track adjacent to the Crags Community Centre.
The programme will be supported by a group of experienced coaches alongside a fleet of bikes and equipment to help remove the cost and barriers that can sometimes prevent young people from getting involved.
Speaking about the impact of the programme Nick Rennie, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, said: “We’re delighted to be furthering the reach of our flagship participation programme, Rock Up & Ride, as it expands into Edinburgh ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ next summer.
“We’re already feeling the buzz that the Tour de France is creating, so this is a wonderful opportunity to use that to get more people on bikes and build their confidence and competence, so that they regularly use cycling as a form of active travel, or a past time.
“The expansion of the programme into the capital wouldn’t be possible without some fantastic partnership working, so I extend a big thank you to SEStran, We Play Together and the Scottish Government for helping bring it to life, and I can’t wait to see it flourish over the coming months and years.”
Sally Pattle, Chair of the SEStran Partnership Board, commented: “We’re delighted to support Scottish Cycling’s Rock Up and Ride initiative in Edinburgh through our People and Place programme.
“The sessions with We Place Together at the Crags Community Centre are giving local young people and their families the chance to build their cycling skills and confidence in a fun and inclusive environment, helping make cycling a more accessible option for leisure and everyday journeys.”
The Rock Up & Ride programme at the Crags Community Centre presents an exciting opportunity to turn the excitement of the Tour de France Grand Départ arriving in Edinburgh next year into a lasting, positive impact for the local community.
By bringing cycling opportunities directly to young people and giving them the support and confidence to get involved, the ambition is to inspire a new generation to discover the joy of cycling and the role it can play in their everyday lives.
Live music, festive performers and the launch of a new après-ski social hangout spot will accompany the venue’s Christmas lights switch-on on Friday 6 November.
Santa is heading to Teviot on Friday 6 November, bringing his elves and some four-legged friends for a Christmas celebration filled with music, creativity and festive spectacle.
The Teviot Lights Switch-On event previously drew 1,000s of spectators to Bristo Square, and this year marks the events return following a three-year break while the historic building was closed for renovations.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone. Come along early to enjoy festive food and seasonal specials at Edinburgh University’s Student Association-run Union Social, the Library Bar and Gallery Café, Teviot and Baristo, Potterrow, which will all be open throughout the day.
The festive programme begins at 4pm, with the Brass Band, carol singers and Jazz Band performing traditional favourites and Christmas covers. Live reindeer will join the celebrations, with Santa hats and candy canes being given away to help visitors get into the spirit.
At 7pm Santa and his elves will lead the countdown to the Christmas lights switch-on joined by stilt performers and musicians in a parade-style celebration.
Once the lights are on, the evening continues with opportunities for visitors to get photographs with Santa, take part in Christmas karaoke in Union Social and enjoy the DJ’s musical entertainment in Union Social Garden which takes on a whole new vibe.
From Friday 6 November, Après Ski Social, a brand-new concept bringing the spirit of an Alpine hangout arrives at Union Social Garden. Swapping the slopes for Edinburgh’s city centre, the new winter social spot is designed for catching up with friends and making an evening of the darker nights throughout the winter months.
Vice President Activities & Services 2026/27, Vasil T, said:“Teviot has always been about bringing people together and we can’t wait to welcome students, families and our Edinburgh neighbours, to join and celebrate the start of the festive season with us.
“It’s a chance to enjoy the talents of our student musicians, support local creativity and share that special moment when the Christmas lights come on.
“We’re also excited to launch Après Ski Social, giving everyone another reason to get together in the garden this winter. Bring your friends, bring your family and help us give the festive season a brilliant start!”
The much-loved Scottish Christmas Songbook will be putting musical friendships and collaboration centre stage in Edinburgh this December as a cast of Scottish folk stars unite to spread a hearty dose of festive cheer.
The high-spirited Christmas show brings together some of the finest voices and performers in Scottish folk and contemporary traditional music, as they take their special brand of seasonal spirit to Queen’s Hall on Saturday 19, Sunday 20th and Tuesday 22 December 2026.
Originally fronted by Phil Cunningham, the Christmas Songbook has grown into one of Scotland’s best-loved festive musical gatherings.
The 2026 edition will see the spirit of camaraderie and togetherness that has long been the defining feature of the annual tradition, warmly embraced in this next chapter as the Scottish Christmas Songbook.
Treasured singers Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson, renowned fiddle and whistle player John McCusker, beloved Orcadian roots star Kris Drever, Irish accordionist Alan Kelly, guitar virtuoso Ian Carr, and sought-after double bassist Kevin McGuire, will once again join forces, accompanied by the Scottish Christmas Songbook Brass Ensemble, for an on-stage Christmas party to remember.
Harmony, joy, warmth and some intangible Christmas sparkle will be dished out as the seven performers – all world-class musicians in their own right – fill Concert Halls up and down the country with a mix of uplifting festive pop songs, moving carols and unique takes on some Christmas classics.
The performance, which perfectly blends an upbeat, feel-good atmosphere with nostalgic, heartwarming moments, will showcase soaring vocals, rich melodies, playful storytelling and exquisite musicianship.
Karen Matheson said:“The Christmas Songbook is truly one of my favourite parts of the year – getting to tour with this group of close friends and collaborators, making space for joy and reflection, and then getting to share all of that with audiences, is such an honour.
“2026 has been a particularly tough year for many so it’s really important to us that we’re able to share some seasonal spirit in musical form, extend a hand of friendship and lift others up this December. Come away in, leave the world outside for a wee while and let us bring some Christmas magic your way.”
John McCusker said:“Christmas Songbook has always been an incredible collaborative effort and this year we are celebrating the good pals, great tunes and generosity of spirit that bind us together.
“Everyone brings something different to the party, which is a big part of the fun, and there’s an unmistakable warmth at the heart of it which will be palpable this year.
“The run of the Scottish Christmas Songbook nights in Edinburgh are sure to be merry and bright, and a bit like Santa and his sleigh, we can’t wait to hit the road this December!”
The Scottish Christmas Songbook will stop off at Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh onSaturday 19, Sunday 20 andTuesday 22 December.
Join us for the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People’s Memorial Service.
Families, friends and all who wish to remember and celebrate the lives of children who have died are warmly invited to attend our annual Memorial Service.
Sunday 29 November 2026
Doors open: 2.00pm
Service begins: 2.30pm
Refreshments available
Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR
This special service provides an opportunity to come together in remembrance, reflection and support.
POLICE are appealing for information following a report of a firearm discharge in Edinburgh.
Around 9.15pm last night (Friday, 23 October, 2026), a report was received a firearm had been discharged towards a window at a bar on Gilmerton Road.
One person suffered an injury, which was treated at the scene.
Officers attended and carried out a search of the area, but no one was traced and an investigation into the circumstances are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “I understand that this will be concerning for the community, but I would like to reassure them that extensive enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
“At this stage we are treating the incident as targeted but any actions like this are extremely reckless and put the safety of the public at risk.
“I am appealing to anyone who has any information, or saw something suspicious in the area, to come forward and speak with officers.
“We would also be keen to speak with anyone who has dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area which captures anything of note.
“A police presence will be in the area as our enquiries progress and anyone with concerns or information is encouraged to approach our officers.
“You can also call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3277 of 23 October, 2026 or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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.
Plus new Kick Off Concert, return of community tickets and free events at the Ross Bandstand
Free tickets to be distributed to communities across Edinburgh and Lothians
Edinburgh’s Winter Festival producers Unique Assembly have today announced software management company Halo as new title sponsor of both Edinburgh’s Christmas & Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events.
The partnership will see Halo visible throughout Edinburgh’s festive celebrations, lighting up the capital and presenting a brand-new Kick Off Concert to start next month’s festivities, plus the return of a free programme of events at the Ross Bandstand.
The inaugural free Edinburgh’s Christmas Kick Off Concert at the Ross Bandstand on 14 Nov marks the beginning of seven weeks of Edinburgh’s Christmas with Halo celebrations and will be headlined by the bagpipe supergroup Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
The concert, supported by new headline partner Halo, kickstarts the programme of free community focussed and family-friendly events at the Ross Bandstand, spanning five weekends across the Christmas season.
The Ross Bandstand Programme will also include Edinburgh’s Christmas supporting Edinburgh Diwali to deliver Diwali celebrations on Sun 15 Nov, Light Night on Sun 22 Nov, a weekend of St Andrew’s Day celebrations on Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov complete with free outdoor ceilidh, and the Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws in aid of charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star on Sun 6 Dec, plus much more…
Edinburgh’s Winter Festival welcomes Halo as the event’s new headline partner, allowing Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay to join the line-up of Scottish events supported by Halo, including Scottish Rugby and the Scottish FA, as Halo commit to supporting large scale sporting and cultural events across Scotland.
On joining Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay, Halo said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay is one of the great winter celebrations in the world, and we’re proud to be part of it.
“Founded in the Highlands, Scotland has always been special for Halo, and through our sporting partnerships that connection is as strong as ever. We believe in supporting the moments that bring people together, and there are few bigger than Hogmanay in Edinburgh, welcoming locals and visitors from every corner of the globe. We can’t wait to see the city light up this winter.”
Also announced today, Edinburgh’s Christmas community tickets initiative is back after a hugely successful year in 2025. Giving out tickets to community groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the community initiative offers free tickets to attractions including the LNER Big Wheel, Family Ice Experience with Icelandair, Around the World Star Flyer and much more.
Applications for community tickets are open now, Tue 20 Oct and close Wed 04 Nov. The Community Tickets initiative is intended to give back to the communities that host Edinburgh’s Christmas, and supports tickets for free-to-attend community-funded outreach groups and charities in and around Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Christmas, West Princes Street Gardens, Santa Stories, Lightnight Concert
On the community tickets initiative, Unique Assembly said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of our Community Tickets initiative, this year supported by our new headline partner Halo.
“We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the communities that host us, and to give out festive treats to those who need it most!”
Edinburgh Christmas, West Princes Street Gardens, Santa Stories, Lightnight Concert
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “It’s fantastic to see another event being added to an already packed festive programme, giving people even more to look forward to as the festive season gets underway.
“With tickets being made available to local communities and charities, I’m delighted that more residents will be able to experience the magic and atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Christmas.
“It’s also a lovely way to recognise and thank the organisations that make such a positive difference to people’s lives throughout the year.
“I’d encourage community groups and charities to put forward an application and take advantage of this opportunity.”
The full Ross Bandstand programme can be found on edwinterfest.com with more events still to be announced.
A cargo bike carnival in the Meadows on Sunday launched a report about cargo bike use across Edinburgh, and the importance of bike libraries, hubs and other lending schemes for normalising cargo bike use across the city and the country.
Organisers hope that the biggest gathering of cargo bikes in Edinburgh ever, will meet on the Meadows for games, stalls, a play about the history of the bicycle, and a mass bike ride.
Cargo bikes combine the relatively low environmental impact of cycling with greater carrying capacity and practicality. By enabling the transportation of loads that would be difficult to carry by conventional bicycle, including children, shopping, and equipment, they can play an important role in reducing car use.
These cargo-carrying electric bikes are currently most popular amongst families with young children as they are a fun and practical way to carry children and their stuff from school to club to family outing in a fast and easy manner. They have become a much more common sight out and about in Edinburgh in the last few years.
The Scottish government had a target of a 20 per cent reduction in car kilometres by 2030 which is currently being revised. At the moment, it is off track to meet such a target – so anything that encourages a move away from private car use is valuable.
The report: ‘Carrying change: Unlocking the potential of cargo bike use in Edinburgh and the Lothians’ focuses on the different uses people have made of cargo bikes hired from the various bike libraries and hubs across the city.
It suggests how the government can support the city-wide growth in cargo bike use by taking inspiration from schemes and infrastructure development in other European cities.
Lothians Cargo Bike Network is a newly formed informal coalition of organisations that hire out cargo bikes.
Data from this group was used to write the report that has been funded by the cycle campaign organisation Spokes.
The coalition have worked together to organise Sunday’s family day out in the Meadowsand are encouraging cargo bike owners to attend and enter the ‘best dressed car.
Sasha Taylor, Bike Station CEO said: ‘Cities across Europe demonstrate how cargo bikes can be part of the solution to sustainable travel in our cities. This report has been written to capture where Edinburgh is compared to other cities and sets out recommendations to realise the potential of cargo bikes in our city.
As proud custodians of Cargo Bike Movement’s mission and vision, The Bike Station is one of many local groups providing cargo bikes within our city. This report was compiled by Calum Glen, Impact and Data Officer for The Bike Station.’
Carol from Banzai Bikes – a cargo bike library in Bruntsfield said: ‘The Cargo Bike Carnival was a fun event showcasing all the different ways cargo bikes are being used across Edinburgh right now, by families, small businesses and community organisations.
“The versatility of cargo bikes and the incredible variety of loads, equipment and of course passengers that can be transported will surprise people! As well as trying the bikes you can take part in lots of fun activities including bike games, performances, a circus bike and a big bike ride, and find out about bike lending schemes across the city.’
Jane from Porty Community Energy, that has a cargo bike library on Porty prom said: ‘Our cargo bike library on the prom is very well used throughout the year, most commonly by families looking for a fun day out.
“Hiring out a cargo bike offers a fun alternative to an outing in the car with so many great cycle routes away from the roads now available in Edinburgh. It’s great exercise, and good for every family’s health and well being.
“We have had such good feedback from our library, that we think it’s a no-brainer that government funding should be used to support such schemes’
A special charity dinner and ceilidh in Edinburgh this November will bring together two organisations with a shared ambition: giving children, young people and families the support they need to build brighter futures.
The Charity Dinner and Ceilidh in aid of Pregnancy Counselling & Care Scotland (PCCS) and Scran Academy will take place at Greyfriars Charteris Centre,138–140 Pleasance, Edinburgh, on Friday 20th November, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
The evening will combine a Scottish-themed two-course dinner prepared by young people from Scran Academy with live music from The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, raising funds for two charities whose work complements each other in a uniquely powerful way.
PCCS supports people at the very beginning of the journey providing practical and emotional support during pregnancy, early parenthood and times of loss. Its Baby Bank provides essential items and equipment for babies and children up to the age of two, while its counselling service supports people experiencing challenges around fertility, pregnancy, birth, loss and early parenthood.
Scran Academy picks up the journey as those babies turn into young people, supporting those aged 11–25 who may face barriers to success. Through food and cooking young people develop confidence, practical skills, qualifications and meaningful work experience, helping them engage in education, employment and greater independence.
It is this connection that makes the two charities such a natural partnership.
“Together, PCCS and Scran Academy represent support at two crucial ends of a young person’s journey, from giving babies the best possible start and helping families through the early years, to supporting young people as they develop the confidence, skills and opportunities they need for adult life.” – Lucy Aitchison CEO of PCCS and Will Bain, CEO of Scran Academy.
PCCS has supported individuals and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians for almost 50 years. Its Baby Bank helps families facing financial hardship and other challenges to access essentials for their babies and young children, while its counselling service provides a safe, non-judgemental space at some of life’s most difficult moments.
Scran Academy takes a similarly holistic approach to young people. Its youth-led catering social enterprise uses food as a vehicle for learning, development and opportunity. Young people are involved in preparing food, running catering operations and developing their skills, gaining experience that can help them take their next steps in education, training or employment.
The result is a partnership that tells a bigger story about what communities can do when they invest in people from the earliest stages of life through to adulthood.
The fundraising ceilidh will also put that ethos into practice, with Scran Academy’s young people preparing the evening’s Scottish-themed meal demonstrating first-hand the skills, confidence and opportunities that support from the charity can create.
The event is an opportunity not only to raise vital funds, but also to celebrate community, food, music and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.
Guests are invited to bring their dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of food, live music and community spirit. The event is BYOB and there will also be a raffle on the night.
Sunday 29 November 2026
Doors open: 2.00pm
Service begins: 2.30pm
Refreshments available
Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR
