The conferences and meetings are expected to bring nearly 54,000 delegates to the city and include several multi-year bookings extending through to 2031.
Medical conferences led the way, accounting for more than £17 million in economic impact during the period. This milestone is particularly significant in 2026, as the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh celebrates its 300th anniversary. Finance and Investment, Charity, Education and IT & Technology events also featured strongly among the new bookings.
Major events confirmed to take place at the venue include the International Marine Conservation Congress 2026; World Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Conference 2026; and The Aerosol Society – Drug Delivery to the Lungs, which has been a client of the venue for more than 21 years, has now booked a multi-year event from 2029 until 2031.
Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive Officer of the EICC, said: “We are hugely encouraged by the venue’s strong performance over the last six months.
Every business event we welcome to the EICC represents more than a booking; it brings together delegates from around the world to enable knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, generate economic impact and showcase Edinburgh on a global stage.
“This continued momentum reflects the confidence our clients place in both the EICC and Edinburgh, demonstrating the city’s enduring strengths as a destination for business events and the value these events create for our economy, our innovation ecosystem and our global reputation.
“We are incredibly grateful to our clients for that confidence and to our team for delivering the high standards and trusted partnerships that make it possible.”
Since opening in 1995, the EICC has delivered more than £1 billion in total economic impact to Edinburgh supporting jobs, investment, knowledge exchange and commercial opportunities created by world-class events.
Today marks one year since the opening of Scran Café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP), the largest café operated by youth-led social enterprise Scran Academy.
In just 12 months, the café has become a valued and welcoming space for patients, families, NHS staff and visitors, while creating life-changing opportunities for young people across Edinburgh through real-life enterprise experience and Scran Academy’s youth programmes.
This year the café has made over 33,758 meals and 15,305 coffees, welcoming more than 37,540 customers, that’s over 200 NHS staff, patients and family members served each day, who are supporting Scran Academy’s mission to see every young person, regardless of background or barrier, realise their full potential in learning, work and life.
The RHCYP café represents this mission in action. Since opening, it has provided 8 young people with Living Wage employment, alongside work placements and volunteering opportunities, with young people making up the majority of the café team.
For many, it is their first experience of paid employment, giving them the chance to develop workplace skills, confidence and independence in a busy healthcare environment.
This impact has resulted in the café team gaining national recognition, with Scran Café becoming a finalist at the National Youth Work Awards 2026.
Reflecting on their first year, the young team at RHCYP shared: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. We are also thankful to all the people who made this possible, who have been leading and supporting us in this newly opened space.
“We have also built great friendships along the way, and we are so proud of what we have created.”
Founder and Chair of Scran Academy, John Loughton BEM, said: “This year we’ve watched young people graft, grow in confidence and build something pretty special.
“Yet again, they proved what I believe to my core: Back young people and they will amaze you.
“To NHS Lothian, our customers, partners and every person who has championed us this year, thank you for believing in young people with us.”
COSLA has responded to the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation for a severance scheme for councillors:
The COSLA President has written to the Deputy First Minister to express COSLA’s ‘profound disappointment’ in the Government’s position that a severance scheme for elected members cannot be implemented ahead of the 2027 local government election.
Commenting on the Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation, Cllr Morrison said: “The Scottish Government’s position represents a significant departure from the expectation created by the Scottish Local Authorities Renumeration Committee (SLARC) recommendation and by the Scottish Government’s own acceptance of the recommendation.
“COSLA is clear that a severance scheme for elected members, which would bring councillors in line with what is already available for MSPs and MPs, is a key part of removing barriers to elected office and increasing the diversity and representation of local government.
“COSLA remains committed to delivering the SLARC recommendations, which includes severance, and working constructively with the Scottish Government to deliver this important reform.
“Scotland’s councillors now require a formal commitment by the Scottish Government detailing how they will take forward this recommendation in future.
“Such clarity would help provide reassurance regarding the Government’s continuing commitment to strengthening local democracy and removing barriers to elected office.”
Would also save the NHS and social care services over half-a-billion pounds
Research shows that 100% take up of key benefits would cut numbers of pensioners in poverty by 280,000
Due to health impacts, full take-up would also save the NHS and social care services in England £790 million a year
Independent Age recommends the UK Government publish a take-up strategy for financial entitlements to ensure all older people are receiving everything they should be
New research from national charity Independent Age shows that full take-up of three key financial entitlements could lift 280,000 older people out of poverty across the UK, reducing pensioner poverty by 15%.
This includes Pension Credit, pensioner Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. The analysis was carried out by the research agency Public First.
The report released today, entitled ‘The only way is up: The impact of improved entitlement take-up on pensioner poverty and healthcare spending’ also shows that increasing take-up of these entitlements to 100% could help improve older people’s health, leading to a reduction in health and social care public spending by up to a colossal £790 million a year in England.
Independent Age is calling on the UK Government to publish an all-entitlements take-up strategy for the UK. This should include a strong commitment and targets to increase take-up.
The number of older people in poverty in the UK is rising, with around 1.7 million in relative poverty in 2024/25, which is an increase of 200,000 compared to the year before. Another one million live close to the poverty line.
Despite this, the charity says that too many eligible older people are missing out on money set aside for them. Over one in three (38%) of those eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving it, and around 230,000 older households are missing out on Housing Benefit.
Official take-up figures of Council Tax Reduction are not produced, however the report analysis indicates that over a million pensioner households could be missing out on this vital support.
The organisation is also calling for the Pensions Commission to agree on what an adequate income in later life looks like, and the UK Government to commit to ensuring everyone receives this.
Concerningly, full take up would also provide an additional 770,000 older people with more vital income, but they would still remain in poverty, indicating that financial entitlements and the State Pension alone is not always adequate to live on.
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Agesaid: “Our social security system was designed as a safety net for all of us but the evidence is clear, it is failing older people in poverty. Money that has been set aside is not reaching the older people who need it and at a time with increasing costs, the impact of this is devastating.
“Through our helpline, we hear often from older people who are having to skip meals or only wash once a week to make ends meet. This is unacceptable.
“Older people on a low income have been left to struggle for too long. That’s why we urgently need a strategy to ensure everyone receives the support they are entitled to and an agreement on what an adequate income looks like in later life for all of us as we age.
“With the upcoming changes in leadership, this is a golden opportunity for the UK Government to reverse the worsening picture of poverty in later life.”
Independent Age’s report found that three groups especially benefitted from increased take-up of these entitlements. These were: older people living alone, older renters and those on the old State Pension. This is due to a combination of likely higher initial costs such as housing or energy, and a lower income.
Valerie’s Story
Valerie, 68, from the Isle of Wight
“Once the rent was paid, along with Council Tax – more than £150 a month even with the single person discount – there wasn’t enough left. I had to cut back on everything. I lived on £1 meals from Iceland because they were cheap and filling, even though I knew they weren’t very nutritious.
I relied on a local community pantry where £5 bought roughly £15 of food. I couldn’t afford to put the heating on. My house is all electric and it was simply too expensive. I spent winters wrapped in blankets, drinking cups of instant soup to keep warm, and sometimes slept downstairs so I didn’t have to walk through cold rooms at night.”
Valerie called Independent Age and, while she wasn’t eligible for Pension Credit, an adviser supported her to start receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, which she hadn’t previously been aware of.
After starting to receive these entitlements, Valerie described the impact this had on her life:
“Life is so much better now. I still budget carefully, but I’m not living on my credit card anymore. I can buy fresh vegetables, cook proper meals and freeze portions so food lasts longer.
“I can travel to the mainland to see family, and I enjoy the things that matter to me, such as going to the local theatre and being part of the choir.
“I called the Independent Age Helpline at a time in my life when I didn’t know where to turn. The support I received has made a dramatic difference to my daily life. I nearly didn’t make that call – but I’m so glad I did.
“Before that call, I was surviving day to day. Now, I feel like I’m living again.”
Very High risk of wildfire warning for Central Highlands, Southern and Eastern Scotland: 15-20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) have issued a wildfire warning for some parts of Scotland:
Central Highlands, Southern and Eastern Scotland: from Wednesday, 15 July to Monday, 20 July, there will be a very high risk of wildfire.
SFRS’ Wildfire Tactical Advisor, Kevin Dingwall, said: “A very high wildfire risk is forecast across central highlands, southern and eastern Scotland later this week and into the weekend.
“We know many people will want to enjoy the warmer weather. If you’re spending time outdoors, please do so responsibly and take simple steps to prevent fires from starting.
“Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of wildfire across Scotland. Even if a warning is not in place where you live, we ask everyone to stay vigilant.
“Wildfires can destroy property, landscapes and wildlife. That’s why it’s so important that everyone takes extra care during these conditions.
“Avoid lighting outdoor fires or barbecues in affected areas, and remember that a single spark can cause significant damage. There is no such thing as a harmless fire.
“You can help by sharing wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and any visitors.”
If you see a large outdoor fire, call 999 immediately. Give the location and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.
Princes Street is expected to remain closed into August following a major fire at the former Debenhams store in the early hours of 9 July.
Work is continuing to make the building safe while ensuring its historic features are preserved as far as possible. While timescales are not yet confirmed, these works are expected to take several weeks to complete.
Princes Street remains closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street to all vehicles and pedestrians, with diversions in place. Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams to and from the airport terminating at Shandwick Place.
With the diversions set to continue into next month, including on George Street, alternative arrangements are being put in place to limit disruption to forthcoming festivals and events.
A dedicated page has been created on the council website, which includes up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites. This will be regularly updated as and when new information becomes available.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“While, of course, I’m disappointed that Princes Street is to remain closed for weeks to come, our priority must be on the safety of the public.
“Our focus continues to be on making the building safe while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as we can. This is a painstaking process and will take time.
“I’m acutely aware that we’re now entering the busiest period of the year for Edinburgh, and there will inevitably be disruption in and around the city centre. We will continue to work with bus, tram, and other transport colleagues to keep the city moving as best we can.
“We’re also in regular contact with festival and event organisers with a view to minimising the impact on our events calendar, while ensuring those attending can easily access the latest information and guidance before travelling.
“This an ever-changing situation and we will provide further updates as and when new information becomes available, including through a dedicated page on the Council website.
“I want to thank people for their patience and understanding and have no doubt that we can still look forward to a fantastic summer of festivals here in Edinburgh.”
A Glasgow mum is urging young people to come forward for vaccination against meningococcal group B (MenB), after her son became critically unwell with meningitis in 2023.
The MenB vaccine, which helps to protect against meningitis and sepsis (inflammation throughout the body) caused by meningococcal group B bacteria, is now being offered for young people in clinics across Scotland.
The programme aims to protect young people who are at higher risk of infection, especially those who are preparing to start university or college in the 2026/27 academic year, where close contact and shared living arrangements can increase the risk of meningococcal disease.
Gaynor Simpson, mum to Ross who fell ill with meningitis during his first year at university in 2023, said:“Ross became critically unwell after just feeling a bit under the weather. It quickly escalated into a situation where it was unclear whether or not he would survive.
“To see your healthy, thriving 18-year-old child go from feeling a bit off colour to fighting for his life in ICU within the space of a few hours is a feeling that we, as parents, will never forget.
“We are immensely grateful that despite the severity of the infection, he is still with us. It is a very long road to recovery from meningococcal disease and as we have seen from recent outbreaks in the UK, others are not so lucky.
“It is a cruel and unforgiving disease that takes effect at terrifying speed. Given our experience, I can’t stress enough to young people and to their parents how important it is to take up the full two-dose offer of the MenB vaccine.
“It could save your child’s life.”
The MenB vaccine is being offered to:
young people born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year, regardless of future education plans
undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students
college entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students.
It’s essential to receive two doses of the MenB vaccine, at least 28 days apart, for full protection. Ideally, both doses should be completed before starting college or university.
All health boards in Scotland are offering the vaccination by either appointment or drop-in clinic, or a combination of these. To find out how to get your MenB vaccine in your area, visit www.nhsinform.scot/menb-youngpeople
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said:“Immunisation is the most effective way of preventing illness from meningococcal disease.
The roll out of the MenB vaccination programme is an opportunity for all eligible young people to receive vital protection from such a serious and life-threatening disease. We encourage all those who are eligible to take up the offer, and to ensure both doses are received for full protection.”
Two Edinburgh charities supporting vulnerable children and families have received a funding boost from the Miller Homes Community Fund.
Hearts & Minds and Home Link Family Support have been awarded £2,000 each through the initiative, which supports charities and community organisations located close to Miller Homes developments.
Hearts & Minds will use the funding to support its Clowndoctors programme at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. The programme brings moments of play, laughter and connection to children facing serious illness, helping to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing during hospital stays.
Meanwhile, Home Link Family Support will use its funding to help sustain specialist Stay & Play sessions for families of young children with additional support needs or neurodivergence. The sessions provide practical support, reduce isolation and help families build vital peer networks.
Neil Gaffney, Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, said: “Both of these organisations are making a profound difference to families across Edinburgh, often during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
“Whether it’s bringing joy to children in hospital or providing vital support for families navigating additional support needs, the impact of their work is truly inspiring. We’re delighted to be able to support both charities through our Miller Community Fund.”
Sean Donnelly, from Hearts & Minds, said: “A smile can be incredibly powerful, especially for a child facing a hospital stay. This funding will help our Clowndoctors continue creating moments of laughter, connection and comfort when children and their families need them most.
“We’re hugely grateful to Miller Homes for helping us bring a little more joy into hospital wards across Edinburgh.”
Paula Swanston, from Home Link Family Support, said: “Many of the families we support are facing long waits for assessments and often feel isolated while trying to find the right help for their children.
“This funding will help us continue providing a welcoming space where parents can access practical support, share experiences and feel less alone. We’re incredibly thankful to Miller Homes for recognising the importance of this work.”
Miller Homes’ Community Fund is a bi-annual initiative that supports charities, community groups and local organisations located near its developments across the UK.
