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.”
Early bird tickets available as landmark exhibition featuring world-famous artefacts opens at the Royal Highland Centre this November
Tickets are on sale now for the Edinburgh debut of the UK’s biggest travelling Titanic exhibition, with Titanic Exhibition opening at the Royal Highland Centre on 28 November 2026 for a limited run until 14 February 2027.
White Star Heritage has announced that Titanic Exhibition will make its Edinburgh debut this winter, opening at the Royal Highland Centre on 28 November 2026 and running until 14 February 2027.
Following hugely successful exhibitions in Aberdeen and Glasgow, which recorded some of the strongest opening-week ticket sales anywhere in the UK, the exhibition will arrive in the capital for the first time for its biggest Scottish run to date, featuring new displays and at least eight artefacts never before displayed in Scotland, giving returning visitors fresh reasons to experience the exhibition.
Visitors will experience one of the country’s most significant collections of Titanic artefacts, assembled over years by White Star Heritage.
Highlights include an original deckchair from R.M.S. Titanic – one of only a handful to survive, alongside a fragment of the aft Grand Staircase recovered from the surface of the sea shortly after the disaster, a genuine Titanic lifeboat plaque, and four fragments of metal, glass and ceramic brought up entirely by accident from a Second Class cabin during a scientific expedition.
Also on display will be the expedition jumpsuit of the late Paul-Henri Nargeolet, the celebrated French Navy commander who completed more than 35 dives to the wreck before losing his life in the Titan submersible implosion of June 2023.
The immersive exhibition traces Titanic’s complete story – from its construction at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, through its ill-fated maiden voyage, to its rediscovery on the ocean floor – told through authentic artefacts, powerful personal accounts and vivid set pieces. At the start of their visit, every visitor receives a boarding pass for a real passenger or crew member who sailed on Titanic, and discovers their fate at the end.
Tom Rudderham, Director of White Star Heritage, said: “Scotland has always given this exhibition a wonderful welcome, and bringing it to Edinburgh for the very first time is something we have wanted to do for a long while.
“We cannot wait to welcome visitors aboard this winter.”
Mark Currie, Managing Director of the Royal Highland Centre, said:“We’re delighted to welcome Titanic Exhibition to the Royal Highland Centre for its Edinburgh debut.
“This is exactly the type of large-scale, immersive experience our venue is designed to host. With the space to showcase internationally significant collections and welcome thousands of visitors, the Royal Highland Centre provides the perfect setting for an exhibition of this scale and ambition all year round. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Scotland throughout the winter.”
Originally set up as an enthusiast’s passion project, Titanic Exhibition has grown into the UK’s biggest travelling Titanic exhibition. Led by Titanic historian, collector and exhibition designer Tom Rudderham, alongside event manager Joe Levy, whose background in archaeology and social history has helped shape the visitor experience, the exhibition combines rare artefacts with compelling storytelling to bring one of history’s most famous voyages to life.
Titanic Exhibition: Edinburgh opens at the Royal Highland Centre on 28 November 2026 and runs until 14 February 2027.
Tickets are on sale now at titanicedinburgh.com, with early bird prices available until midnight on 31 August 2026.
The Stand Comedy Club in partnership with The List Magazine and The Comedy Unit is proud to launch a brand-new Edinburgh Fringe award for 2026: The McTavish Award.
The McTavish Award will recognise the most outstanding Fringe show by a Scottish or Scottish-based act. The prize is sponsored by W Edinburgh and will include a £2.5k prize, a fringe run or tour in our venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Newcastle plus development mentoring with The Comedy Unit for TV or radio.
We’re incredibly excited to launch this award, however we need your help to make it happen!
We’re looking for a team of passionate comedy fans to come onboard as volunteers and help us create a longlist of shows to support our industry panel in choosing the winner. If you love live comedy and think you’d be a great at reviewing shows, apply now via the link in our bio!
This award has been established in memory of Paul Sneddon, better known to audiences as Vladimir McTavish.
Paul built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most original and fearless comedians, and was renowned for his kindness and generosity. He championed Scottish talent throughout his career, and The McTavish Award has been created to honour that legacy by recognising and celebrating exceptional Scottish comedians.
All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year.
Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.
Under ADT, flights from the Highlands and Islands to airports in the rest of the UK will remain exempt, including via connecting flights.
Speaking as analysis of ADT consultation responses was published, Ms Gilruth also confirmed the levy will pave the way for the introduction of a Scottish Private Jet tax from April 2028.
The Deputy First Minister said: “This is the latest step in our mission to ensure Scotland’s devolved tax system works for every corner of the country.
“These ADT exemptions recognise the particular connectivity challenges faced by the people and businesses who have made the Highlands and Islands their home, and will help support communities to thrive.
“Our progressive approach to taxation helps the Scottish Government to provide the best cost of living support available in the UK, such as free university tuition, free prescriptions and our plans for a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland.
“A private jet tax will ensure those who contribute significantly higher emissions per person compared to commercial flights will pay more for the privilege.”
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.”
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 includingDoris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas, HR: The Musical and Puck Bunnies: A Heated Rivalry Musical, alongside powerful theatre productions including SLAYand 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.
The fifth annual World Drowning Prevention Day event returns to Loch Lomond Shores on Saturday July 25, 2026
The family‑friendly programme is designed to raise awareness of water safety and support national efforts to prevent drowning.
Event supported by Scottish Water, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, the Darcey Sunshine Foundation, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and Scottish Canals.
Water Safety Scotland will host its annual World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, on Saturday 25 July, 2026, offering a free, family‑friendly programme designed to raise awareness of water safety and support national efforts to prevent drowning.
Now in its fifth year, the event coincides with the launch of Scotland’s new Drowning Prevention Strategy, marking an important step forward in national efforts to prevent drowning.
The event is supported by Scottish Water, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, the Darcey Sunshine Foundation, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and Scottish Canals.
Attendees can look forward to a packed programme of hands‑on, family‑friendly activities, including:
Discovering essential, life‑saving skills through the Water Safety Code
Live rescue demonstrations from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs
Paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions led by Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures
A variety of interactive stands, offering engaging activities and practical safety advice.
The event runs from 11.00am to 3.00pm and is open to all, with families, young people and community groups especially encouraged to attend.
Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and Head of Policy at RoSPA, said:“Raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives.
“With Scotland’s new Drowning Prevention Strategy launched, World Drowning Prevention Day gives us a vital opportunity to help people understand simple actions that can keep them and others safe around water.
“We want everyone to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful waterways, but to do so safely. Events like this offer a fun, supportive way to learn the skills and knowledge that make a real difference.”
Community Safety Minister, Kirsten Oswald, said:“The Scottish Government remains committed to promoting water safety and preventing accidents in our waterways.
“As we enjoy the summer, one that has been particularly warm, heading into the water often feels inviting, so I urge anyone planning to be in or around water to exercise caution and follow the safety advice available.
“The Water Safety Code sets out three key steps: stop and think, spot the dangers; stay together, stay close; and in an emergency, call 999.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it’s particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water.
“We’re delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.”
With Scotland’s abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.”
Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said:“We are pleased to support World Drowning Prevention Day once again and to welcome partners and communities back to Loch Lomond Shores for this important event.
“This year’s gathering comes as Scotland strengthens its national approach to drowning prevention with a new national Drowning Prevention Strategy, highlighting the importance of working together in places like the National Park, where millions of people visit every year.
“Even on the warmest days, Loch Lomond and other open water across the Park remain cold enough to trigger cold water shock, and hidden hazards or sudden changes in depth can impact the strongest swimmers. That’s why planning ahead, understanding local conditions and following the Water Safety Code remain essential for anyone spending time in or around our lochs and rivers.
“We look forward to encouraging people to respect the Loch Lomond Byelaws, to follow simple lifesaving guidance such as ‘Float to Live’, and to look out for one another. We want everyone to enjoy the National Park this summer, but to do so safely and responsibly.”
Anthony Mallon, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander and Community Safety Engagement for Prevention said:“We want people of all ages to be safe around water by understanding the risks and knowing how to prevent drowning.
“Education and drowning prevention remain central to our work to help communities safe. Our firefighters and Community Action Teams engage with community groups throughout Scotland, sharing practical advice on staying safe near water and what to do in an emergency.
“The key message for everyone is to follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and think, stay together, and in an emergency, float.”
Crimestoppers has launched a national campaign to expose the hidden exploitation of children linked to county lines and encourage the public to speak up safely and anonymously.
County lines involves grooming and controlling young people. Children are targeted, manipulated and exploited to transport drugs, money and weapons, often far from home and while facing violence, intimidation and isolation.
*New figures highlight the scale of the issue. Police estimate that up to 11,600 children are at risk of county lines exploitation, with many going missing repeatedly. In the past year alone, more than 2,600 children were identified as linked to county lines activity, though the true number is believed to be significantly higher.
Going missing is one of the clearest warning signs. Each year, there are around 200,000 reports of missing children, many involving repeat episodes that increase the risk of harm. Within county lines networks, young people may be sent to unfamiliar areas and feel unable to seek help because of fear or coercion.
Violence is often part of this exploitation. Young people can be pressured into carrying weapons in the belief it will keep them safe, when in reality it puts them in greater danger.
The impact and harm extends beyond individuals. Communities may experience increased violence and antisocial behaviour, while vulnerable adults can also be exploited, including through “cuckooing”, where their homes are taken over.
Crimestoppers is urging the public to recognise the signs of exploitation and act early. Unexplained gifts, new clothes or phones, secrecy, or frequent absences can all indicate that a young person may be at risk.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “County lines exploitation is often hidden in plain sight and can affect any family or community. Children are being manipulated and placed in dangerous situations, while those responsible remain in the background.
“We know people may feel unsure about coming forward, but you can tell us what you know whilst staying completely anonymously. No names, no statements, just information that could help protect a young person from harm.”
Anyone with information about county lines activity, or concerns about a young person, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity. We never ask for your name or personal details, and your information cannot be traced.
You will not be speaking to the police or have any involvement with the courts with you contact Crimestoppers or Fearless.org.
