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.
A coalition of animal charities is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce compulsory microchipping for cats.
Currently around 69% of owned cats in Scotland are microchipped, and the charities believe the most effective way of achieving a significant increase is by making microchipping compulsory.
The coalition, which includes Cats Protection, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home, Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, has written to the newly-re-elected Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, asking him to commit to bringing in compulsory microchipping.
Compulsory microchipping for pet cats was introduced in England in 2024, putting them on a par with dogs.
Cats are naturally curious and can easily become lost, injured or inadvertently trapped in vehicles. Even cats that are kept exclusively indoors can slip outside unnoticed. A microchip significantly increases the chances of a lost or injured cat being safely reunited with its owner.
Cats Protection Scotland Cat Centre recently took in a pregnant stray whose friendly personality showed she had clearly once been a much-loved pet. Striking Ragdoll Mattel was not microchipped so, despite extensive efforts, an owner could not be traced, and she was eventually rehomed to a new family.
Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager for Cats Protection said: “Around 260,000 cats in Scotland remain un-microchipped.
“Every year, animal welfare organisations take in friendly stray cats that are clearly someone’s pet, but without a microchip identifying their owner can be extremely difficult.
“This places avoidable pressure on rehoming services, occupies valuable pen space that could be used for cats in genuine need, and can ultimately result in cats being rehomed unnecessarily while their owners are left never knowing what happened to them.”
The coalition welcomed the recommendation by the Scottish Welfare Commission that microchipping and registration of owned cats is made compulsory and has offered support to the Scottish Government to enable this.
Microchipping also supports trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR) programmes by enabling owned cats to be identified quickly, allowing efforts to focus on genuinely unowned populations. This contributes to effective feral cat management and supports the conservation of the Scottish wildcat by reducing opportunities for hybridisation and disease transmission.
Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager for Cats Protection added: “There’s clear public appetite for compulsory microchipping, with 76% of people in Scotland supporting its introduction.
“As well as helping reunite more cats with their owners, mandatory microchipping would bring benefits for veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations too. We urge the Scottish Government to place this legislation high on its agenda during the current parliamentary session.”
Join us on Friday 17th July from 12:00pm for a fantastic day of fun, entertainment, and community!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Selling tables
Home baking
Delicious food & snack bar
Tombola
Dance performances
Singers & live bands
Mini Kids’ Party
Kids Club Fashion Show
NEW for this year – Silent Disco!
FREE ENTRY –
Silent disco, snack bar, hair station, selected items from Food station, Susan’s table and crafting station are all ticketed please purchase tickets at our reception or from our balloon sellers.
Bring your family and friends and come along for a fun-filled day. We can’t wait to see you at LIFTFEST!
Find thousands of restaurants, cinemas, theatres and other attractions near you offering customer discounts following the Chancellor’s summer tax cuts.
Nando’s, Bill’s, Las Iguanas, ODEON, and the Edinburgh Dungeon are among the eateries and attractions that could be showing discounts in your local area if you enter your postcode.
This is part of action from the Government to help families enjoy the little treats and days out that make the summer holidays special.
In just a few clicks, every family in the UK can now find cheaper days out and children’s meals in restaurants closer to home via the Great British Summer Savings website which has now gone live.
To help all families enjoy a day out for less this summer during a cost-of-living squeeze, the Chancellor cut VAT from 20% to 5% on eligible activities including family tickets to the cinema, admission tickets for both children and adults to amusement parks, and children’s meals in restaurants from 25 June to 1 September.
Nando’s, Bill’s, Las Iguanas, ODEON, and The London Eye are among the eateries and attractions that have joined the Government’s scheme to pass on these savings to customers, and feature on the new website so people can easily find them.
Families who live in Edinburgh can enter their postcode and will see discounts being offered at the Edinburgh Dungeon and The Cameo.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “Thanks to our tax cuts, families will be able to enjoy more of the little treats and days out that make the British summer holidays so special.
“Our new website will make it easier for them to take advantage of Great British Summer Savings and help afford the moments that matter.
“That’s alongside the wider action we’re taking to cut household energy bills and boost working people’s wages by hundreds of pounds.”
All families need to do is follow these easy steps online:
Adjust the dial to select how far you want to travel from home
Optionally search by type of attraction or food offers you are looking for
Click the ‘Find offers’ button
See a list of businesses in your areas offering discounts and their location on the map
When you see a restaurant or attraction that’s best for your family, all you need to do is book a table or buy a ticket as you usually would and your discount is automatically taken off your price
In total, over 1,700 businesses’ offers can be found on the website and the Government is engaging daily with businesses not yet supporting the Great British Summer Savings scheme to encourage them to join.
All the following activities are eligible to be part of the scheme:
Children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises
Children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions
Admission tickets, for both children and adults, to a range of attractions, including amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.
The UK Government is also taking the long-term decisions for a stronger and more secure economy in the future.
Action to take £117 off household energy bills and increases to the national minimum and living wage comes alongside investing billions of pounds to unlock our homegrown, clean energy supplies. That will increase our national resilience to shocks and reduce bills in the years to come.
The recent fire in Edinburgh serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage, professionalism and dedication of Scotland’s firefighters (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).
I want to pay tribute to every member of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all emergency responders who worked tirelessly, often in extremely dangerous conditions, to protect lives, homes and businesses.
Their commitment to serving our communities is nothing short of remarkable. Every day firefighters put themselves in harm’s way without hesitation, responding to fires, road traffic collisions, flooding, hazardous incidents and many other emergencies. They deserve not only our admiration and gratitude but also our full support.
Throughout my time as a Member of the Scottish Parliament, I consistently championed the work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and repeatedly raised concerns about the impact that funding reductions and resource cuts could have on public safety.
I firmly believed then, as I do now, that public safety should never be compromised. Investment in our Fire and Rescue Service is not an expense. It is one of the most important investments any government can make.
One issue I campaigned strongly on was the proposal to remove the turntable ladder from Crewe Toll Fire Station. After meeting firefighters and hearing first hand about the operational implications, I publicly opposed the proposal, supported the Fire Brigades Union’s #CutsLeaveScars campaign and lodged a Parliamentary Motion calling on the Scottish Government to reverse the planned £11 million reduction in funding to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The turntable ladder is a vital specialist appliance used for tackling fires in high rise buildings and carrying out complex rescues. At the time, I warned that removing this capability would leave more than 50 high rise buildings across north and west Edinburgh with reduced emergency cover.
My concern was always straightforward. Every community deserves the highest level of protection possible and firefighters deserve the equipment they need to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
My work in Parliament also focused heavily on firefighter welfare and safety.
Following the serious fire at Breadalbane Street in Edinburgh, I submitted a series of parliamentary questions seeking detailed information from the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
These questions covered firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants, decontamination procedures following major incidents, the availability of specialist personal protective equipment, and the measures in place to protect firefighters from the long term health risks associated with repeated exposure to toxic smoke and hazardous materials.
Firefighters willingly put themselves in dangerous situations to protect others. It is only right that we do everything possible to protect them in return.
Throughout my parliamentary career, I believed it was my responsibility to scrutinise decisions affecting emergency services, ask difficult questions where necessary and ensure that the voices of frontline firefighters were heard in Parliament.
The challenges facing the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to evolve. Climate change has increased the frequency of wildfires and severe weather events. Our cities continue to grow with more high rise developments and increasingly complex infrastructure.
Firefighters now respond to a far wider range of emergencies than ever before. These changing demands make sustained investment in staffing, training, specialist equipment and modern technology more important than ever.
The recent fire in Edinburgh once again demonstrates why we cannot afford to become complacent about public safety.
Our firefighters repeatedly show extraordinary bravery, professionalism and compassion under immense pressure. They run towards danger when everyone else is being told to run away.
They deserve modern equipment. They deserve appropriate staffing levels. They deserve continued investment. Above all, they deserve to know that the public and our governments stand behind them.
I remain incredibly proud to have supported Scotland’s firefighters throughout my time in Parliament. I consistently argued for greater investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service because I recognised that every decision on funding has real consequences for frontline services and for the safety of our communities.
Over the years I raised these issues in parliamentary debates, lodged motions, submitted written parliamentary questions and met directly with firefighters and their representatives to better understand the challenges they faced.
My commitment was always to ensure that those risking their lives on behalf of others had the resources, equipment and support they deserved. I hope this latest incident serves as a reminder to all decision makers that investing in emergency services saves lives. We should never wait for tragedy before recognising the importance of properly funding those who protect us every single day.
My thoughts remain with everyone affected by the fire. I wish those who have lost their homes or businesses every strength during this difficult time. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to every firefighter, police officer, paramedic and emergency service worker involved in bringing this incident under control.
Scotland owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude, and I will continue to support calls for sustained investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service so that firefighters can continue protecting our communities safely and effectively for generations to come.
Foysol Choudhury MBE
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament
Former Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe & International Development.
Businesses, charities and innovators are being invited to compete for a share of up to £60 million to transform how disabled people and those with health conditions are supported into work, the Government has announced today [14th July].
Businesses, charities and organisations to bid for up to £60 million to fund innovative ideas to support disabled people move closer and into work.
Expert panel – including Paralympian Tanni Grey Thompson – to help design the fund and shortlist best ideas
Comes as part of £3.5 billion employment support package to knock down barriers to opportunity for disabled people and those with health conditions.
The Government’s Pathways to Work Innovation Fund is a ‘call to action’ for the private, voluntary and public sectors to come forward with the most ambitious, creative ideas to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into and on at work.
The Fund will open for bids in September, with organisations across the UK invited to compete for funding to test genuinely new approaches to employment support.
With 2.8 million people currently out of work due to ill-health, and the Keep Britain Working review estimating economic inactivity caused by health conditions costs the UK economy £212 billion a year, the Government is looking to work alongside business, charities, tech innovators and disabled people themselves to tackle the issue and improve employment support.
The Fund forms part of the Government’s commitment to break down barriers to opportunity for disabled people backed by £3.5 billion in tailored employment support. This includes intensive, one-to-one job help from specialist advisers in their own communities, meeting people where they are, alongside a joined-up work and health offer.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “We inherited a welfare system which has locked too many disabled people and those with health conditions out of work.
“We’re determined to ensure no talent is left behind, and that people are given the support they need. Through our £3.5 billion Pathways to Work employment support offer, we’ve seen that personalised support can be life-changing.
“Now we’re calling on business, disabled people and charities to work with us, and bring forward their ideas to transform employment support.”
An expert panel – including Paralympian Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson – will help shape the fund’s design and advise on which bids should be funded, ensuring the voices and experience of disabled people are placed at the very heart of the process.
It comes as the Department is embracing innovation by using technologies including AI and machine learning to deliver more efficient services, modernise systems and support more people into work, including a new tool to help people into jobs.
Paralympian and Member of House of Lords, Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson, said: “I am delighted to be joining this expert panel at such an important moment. Finding and sustaining work matters enormously – not just for individual wellbeing and independence, but for society as a whole.
“We know that with the right support, disabled people can and do thrive in the workplace.
“The world is changing rapidly, and the systems that support disabled people must keep pace with that change. This Fund is a real opportunity to back the bold, creative ideas that can make that happen.”
To mark the launch, the Work and Pensions Secretary will today visit TechUK, the UK’s leading technology trade association, where he will meet with their members at a tech and innovation showcase to see cutting-edge innovation in action and discuss how technology can help transform people’s working lives.
The new approach comes alongside wider Government action to help people into work and fulfil their full potential, as part of reforms to the broken welfare system this government inherited, including:
Rebalancing Universal Credit to remove the perverse incentives that push people away from work.
Introducing a Right to Try Work Guarantee, giving everyone who can work the chance to do so without fear of losing their benefits.
Investing £3.5 billion in tailored employment support for sick or disabled people.
Increasing face-to-face assessments for health benefits.
Tackling fraud and error in the benefits system, saving £14.6 billion over this Parliament
Alan Milburn is due to bring his final recommendations later this year on tackling the barriers young people face, and the Timms review is looking at how to make sure PIP is fit and fair for the future.
Antony Walker, Deputy CEO of TechUK, said: “The announcement that the Department for Work and Pensions is investing into an Innovation Fund is very welcome. Thousands of disabled people and those with health conditions are locked out of the workforce, not for lack of talent, but because of barriers that persist across many careers.
“Our members are already developing and deploying innovative technologies that are breaking down those barriers, helping people to find work, stay in work and thrive in their careers.
“This investment has the potential to build on that success, accelerating the adoption of proven solutions and supporting even more disabled people to access rewarding employment while helping employers tap into a wider pool of talent.”
The Pathways to Work Innovation Fund will open for bids in September 2026. Full details on how to apply will be published in due course.
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
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.
(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.
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.
