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YOU, ME, TOGETHER: Educating young people about abuse and coercive control in their relationships

Police Scotland and Education Scotland have come together to deliver YOU, ME, TOGETHER, a resource for secondary school pupils to make them aware of domestic abuse and the wider issue of violence against women and girls.

A video has been released on our social media channels after an event on Thursday, 28 November, 2024, when teachers at Loudoun Academy in Galston and officers provided young people with information about domestic abuse, including themes of coercive control, inappropriate relationships and peer pressure.

Teachers have a number of a resources to work with to help facilitate open and safe discussions about what can be an emotive subject for young men and women. The package includes a short film (add hyperlink to trailer) which follows a story line of coercive control between young people in a school setting and shows the warning signs to look out for.

YOU, ME, TOGETHER demonstrates that if we all work together, we can tackle domestic abuse. The emphasis being on victims, friends, family, supporters, partner agencies, professionals and police all working together.

Detective Inspector Phillip Kennedy said: “This programme is aimed at young people at an age when they are starting to form relationships.

“Domestic abuse can be a problem at any age but You Me Together aims to address any issues and promote positive behaviours.

“The programme talks about healthy relationships but also about the warning signs when things are not right. It is about empowering young people, giving them advice and information, and helping them make a choice and take action when something doesn’t feel right.

“By helping to educate young people, we hope that in the longer term this will reduce the likelihood of abusive behaviour developing and reduce incidents of domestic abuse.”

Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council’s Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities said: “I was very pleased to join with Police Scotland and Head Teacher David Falconer for the launch of the new resource You, Me, Together at Loudoun Academy.

“East Ayrshire schools were involved in the development of the resource through the pilot project in 2022 and are proud to have had a role in shaping its development.

“I am also pleased that this took place during the 16 Days of Action campaign, which continues to be so important. It brings people together to work towards eliminating gender-based violence and encourages us all to take action to support women and girls in our communities.

“Last year, the Police recorded 1552 reported incidents of domestic abuse in East Ayrshire. There is no doubt that action is required to reduce the number of women and children affected by domestic violence, but we all understand that there is also no quick fix. Education is essential and resources like You, Me, Together take a long-term approach with the aim of encouraging positive behaviours among our young people that they will take into adulthood.”

The resource was initially piloted in 2022 in schools across Scotland reaching more than 1000 pupils, with feedback supporting the enhancement of the resource to meet the needs of students.

In 2023 all high schools in Ayrshire supported the delivery of the resource which has now been developed into a more accessible online interactive format to support national delivery to students in all areas of Scotland. It will be delivered within the existing personal and social education curriculum (PSE).

Police Scotland is committed to tackling gender-based violence and abuse, as highlighted in our prevention campaigns including the recent That Guy campaign and our support for the annual 16 Day of Activism campaign.

A key part of this work is building relationships with partners and working with them on a regular basis to highlight and make people aware of their messages too.

NEVER AGAIN

The Prime Minister visited Auschwitz on Friday, accompanied by his wife Victoria Starmer

Nothing could prepare me for the sheer horror of what I have seen in this place. It is utterly harrowing. The mounds of hair, the shoes, the suitcases, the names and details, everything that was so meticulously kept, except for human life.

As I stood by the train tracks at Birkenau, looking across that cold, vast expanse, I felt a sickness, an air of desolation, as I tried to comprehend the enormity of this barbarous, planned, industrialised murder: a million people killed here for one reason, simply because they were Jewish.

My visit today has also shown me more clearly than ever before, how this was not the evil deeds of a few bad individuals. It took a collective endeavour by thousands of ordinary people who each played their part in constructing this whole industry of death.

To build the tracks, drive the trains, extract the hair and teeth, conceive the method of mass murder – each stomach-churning step rooted in the hatred of difference. The lessons of this darkest of crimes are the ultimate warning to humanity of where prejudice can lead.

My wife was equally moved by what she saw today. It was her second visit, but no less harrowing than the first time she stepped through that gate and witnessed the depravity of what happened here.

Time and again we condemn this hatred, and we boldly say “never again”. But where is never again, when we see the poison of antisemitism rising around the world in aftermath of October 7th? Where is never again, when the pulse of fear is beating in our own Jewish community, as people are despicably targeted once again for the very same reason, because they are Jewish.

The truth that I have seen here today will stay with me for the rest of my life. So too, will my determination to defend that truth, to fight the poison of antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, and to do everything I can to make “never again” mean what it says, and what it must truly mean: never again.

National Insurance funding ‘vital for councils’

Finance Secretary calls for clarity as local authorities set their budgets

The employer National Insurance increase must be fully funded to ensure local authorities have the resources they need to serve their communities, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

Ahead of an appearance before the local government committee next week, Ms Robison again called on the UK Government to provide urgent clarity over the funding to help the Scottish Government and local authorities finalise their budgets.

The Finance Secretary said: “Scotland’s public services face a bill of more than £700 million as a result of the UK Government’s increase in employer National Insurance Contributions.

“There have been indications of likely funding reported in the media, but these fail to take account of the fact that we have a larger public sector per person than other parts of the UK, leaving us some £300 million short.

“It feels like Scotland is now being punished for having decided to employ more people in the public sector and to invest in key public services.

“We know local authorities are already under significant financial pressure. This will only continue to build unless the UK Government reimburses us in full for their tax increase. Councils are in the process of setting their Budgets now, so the sooner we have clarity over this issue the better – this is needed urgently.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with COSLA to press the UK Government to provide the funding needed to support public services in Scotland.”

The First Minister and President of COSLA wrote to the Chancellor on 3 January, supported by 48 public and voluntary sector organisations to raise concerns at the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance contributions and to seek clarity on funding.

National Insurance Contributions: public sector costs – gov.scot

Celebrating a Score: East Neuk’s 20th Festival programme announced

Dates: Wednesday 25th – Sunday 29th June 2025

East Neuk Festival has announced full details of its 20^th Festival programme of live music.

This 5-day music festival, taking place in some of East Fife’s most stunning seaside locations, offers an unmissable line-up of classical, jazz, folk, and experimental music, performed by some of the world’s leading musicians.

Scottish Chamber Orchestra which has played at every festival since it began and will play the opening concert on Wednesday 25 June. Photo credit Christopher Bowen

Among those returning, are festival favourites Diyang Mei (Principal Viola of the Berlin Philharmonic) and Sergio Pires (Principal Clarinet of the London Symphony Orchestra), who first performed at East Neuk when they were young rising stars; four of the world’s finest string quartets: Elias Quartet, The Pavel Haas Quartet, Castalian Quartet and the Belcea Quartet; the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) who have performed at every festival since its inception; and guitarist Sean Shibe who first came to the festival in 2012 and has since toured globally, won a string of awards, and earned the admiration of musicians and audiences from all over the world.

Plus, among those making their festival debut this year are celebrated tenor Mark Padmore and baritone James Newby, and in jazz and folk, the legendary Kathryn Tickell with her band The Darkness, and rising star of the London jazz scene, saxophonist Tom Smith with his septet.

Guitarist Sean Shibe who will perform with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at this year’s opening concert, and play three solo concerts for lute, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar. Photo courtesy East Neuk Festival.

This year’s 20^th anniversary programme highlights include:

The opening concert with Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze directing the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on a journey through rural Sweden, royal Spain and imperial Vienna, joined by guitarist Sean Shibe who performs one of the most famous and popular of all works for guitar – Rodrigo’s Concierto d’Aranjuez. Manze’s programme culminates with Schubert’s Symphony No 6 in C major – a piece he himself entitled ‘The Great’.

All five of Beethoven’s late quartets performed by four of the world’s finest: Elias Quartet, The Pavel Haas Quartet, Castalian Quartet and the Belcea Quartet. Between them they will perform these often mysterious but also humorous, searing and moving works, pairing each of them with music by Mozart, Schubert, Ades and Beamish.

Beethoven’s Septet which was the piece first performed in Elie Church more than 20 years ago in a taster event that led to the creation of the Festival. Some of the original players (Ursula Leveaux and Alexander Janiczek) will be joined by a hand-picked line-up of colleagues, including principals of the SCO, Berlin Philharmonic and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, and the Nash Ensemble.

Guitarist Sean Shibe performing three solo concerts in Anstruther, spanning five centuries in the evolution of the guitar from lute to electric guitar. Scottish and French lute music collected in manuscripts from over five centuries ago; music by Bach and Thomas Ades on acoustic guitar; and his own joyous rendition of Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint on electric.

His performances will be followed by the return of celebrated Oud player Nizar Rohana with a rare solo performance on this ancient mesmerising instrument that is the ancestor of all European guitar-like instruments.

Schubert has been one of the most regularly performed composers at ENF over the past 20 years and this festival we will feature his three marvellous song cycles performed by celebrated tenor Mark Padmore and baritone James Newby, and pianist Joseph Middleton. Schubert’s String Quintet, (one of the most regularly requested discs on Desert Island Discs) will also be performed as part of The Pavel Haas Quartet’s concert.

To close this 20^th festival, all four quartets join forces to form a ‘mega-star’ chamber orchestra and play Sibelius’s Andante Festivo alongside the world premiere of Field of Stars by Sally Beamish commissioned specifically for these 16 players and inspired partly by the many nations from which they come.

The Pavel Haas Quartet. Photo credit Neil Hanna

Anstruther hosts a weekend of jazz and traditional music concerts including legendary folk artist Kathryn Tickell with her band The Darkening; the Euan Stevenson Trio sharing tunes from Ellington and Evans; and rising star, award-winning saxophonist Tom Smith with his talented septet playing a bluesy, joyful set of jazz tunes.

A grand gathering of Fife community musicians join forces in the Bowhouse for the premiere of a new piece by composer and harpist Esther Swift. Musicians of all ages from StAMP (St Andrews Music Project), Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra, and East Fife Community Ensemble will join Esther and artist Esme McIntyre to devise and perform this piece, telling of stories of the Zulu fishing boats that once thronged the harbours of East Neuk, and their journeys far and wide.

ENF Founder and Chair, Donald MacDonald CBE, said: “I am delighted that we have such a packed programme of incredible musicians joining us in East Neuk to celebrate our 20^th year.

“I find it utterly humbling that we have so much talent at our festival year-on-year, and it brings me so much joy to know that some of these musicians were at the very beginning of their careers when they first performed at the festival, and have since gone on to play in some of the greatest concert halls in the world.

“However, none of this would have been possible without the generous support of all our supporters and funders who dig deep year-on-year, so a huge thank you goes to them all.”

ENF Director Svend McEwan-Brown who has directed the festival since its inception said: “In the past 20 years we have seen so much change, in the world – of course – but specifically in music.

“Undoubtedly things have got tougher, so right now, thinking about how many people have really put themselves out to do something a little special for our 20^th festival, I feel we have so much cause to celebrate. We’re still here! And more people than ever want to come to festivals and share something extraordinary.

“The music is the thing and I hope every single person who comes, goes home with a very special memory of an unrepeatable experience here, combining music with this magical place. This festival programme has been three years in the making – I hope everyone will agree that every minute of that, was worth it.”

Clare Hewitt, Music Officer at Creative Scotland says: “Every East Neuk Festival is infused with a breath of fresh coastal air. The significance of the event to Fife’s communities and to its visiting artists and audiences shines through this year’s programme as it celebrates the past while looking to the future.

“Congratulations to everyone who makes this remarkable event happen.”

ENF 25 Brochure FINAL Download

www.eastneukfestival.com

Letters: Heart Month

Dear Editor,

February is Heart Month – a time to reflect on and act upon how heart and circulatory diseases affect around twice as many people in the UK as Alzheimer’s and cancer combined.

Here at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), we urgently need your help to fund the cures of tomorrow, so we are asking readers to Go Red in Heart Month.

Whether it’s a big ball, an office dress-up day, a coffee morning or a red-themed quiz, red is a great theme to have some fun with.

By fundraising for the BHF this Heart Month, you can help get us closer than ever to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases and help to keep hearts beating. Too many of us have felt the pain of heart and circulatory diseases – losing a loved one to a cardiac arrest, supporting a child with congenital heart disease or coping with the devastating impact of heart failure.

We are also encouraging your readers to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR in just 15 minutes, through our digital tool RevivR.

Using just a cushion and a phone, you could learn the skills to help save a loved one’s life in the event of a cardiac arrest.  

You can donate to the BHF this Heart Month here: www.bhf.org.uk/donate

Very best wishes

April Davidson

Regional Fundraising Manager BHF Scotland

Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness programme, ‘Stay Well’

Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched ‘Stay Well,’ a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests “feel good, travel better, and stay well” while travelling.
From Swell Sound Therapy for better sleep to personalised Technogym workouts (tailored to available equipment), Urban Trails, and indulgent self-care treats, wellness is effortlessly woven into every stay.
As part of the Forgot It, We’ve Got It programme foam rollers, blue light glasses, Recovery Wave Boots, grounding mats, and LED therapy masks will be available for guests to borrow too.
Available from January 2^nd at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh

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Ever worry about sticking to your fitness routine on holiday? Or struggle to unwind after a day of exploring? Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh have the solution.

Introducing Stay Well, a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests feel balanced, rejuvenated, and completely at ease while travelling, launching on 2nd January 2025. From tailored fitness options to luxurious self-care treats, Stay Well seamlessly integrates wellness into every stay.

At the heart of Stay Well is complimentary access to Swell Sound Therapy, offering calming soundscapes in every room to help guests relax, de-stress, and enjoy better sleep. This service is available to all guests, with no additional charge.

For fitness enthusiasts, Kimpton’s exclusive partnership with Technogym provides access to personalised workouts via an easy-to-use app, tailored specifically for each traveller. The app creates bespoke workouts based on the available equipment or even the surroundings, ensuring a seamless fitness experience wherever you are.

Guests can continue using the app even after leaving the hotel. Whether you prefer a session in the gym, yoga in your room, or mindful movement outdoors, your wellness routine is covered. The only part of the experience that is paid for is the special room service menu.

Exploring Glasgow or making the most your time in the Scottish capital? The Stay Well experience extends beyond the hotel with curated Kimpton Urban Trails, designed for walking, running, or cycling through iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Guests can even take advantage of the complimentary Kimpton bikes, perfect for a leisurely ride or a heart-pumping adventure around town.

Forgotten your wellness essentials? Don’t worry—Kimpton’s ‘Forgot It, We’ve Got It’ programme has you covered. Whether it’s a toothbrush, hair straighteners, or other travel must-haves, Kimpton will ensure you have what you need to feel at ease. Building on this, the programme now includes a range of wellness equipment you can borrow straight from reception. From foam rollers to Theraguns, Recovery Wave Boots, grounding mats, LED face masks, and beyond, these additions make it easy to maintain your wellness routine while traveling.

And for the ultimate in self-care, the Stay Well Room Service Menu brings indulgent treats right to your door. Visitors can enjoy organic Ishga bath salts, Maskology warming eye masks, and restorative patches by celebrity acupuncturist and wellness expert Ross J. Barr—known for treating Meghan Markle.

“These patches are designed to support a range of needs, including enhancing breathing (Breathe), promoting relaxation (Calm) and sleep (Sleep), soothing discomfort and aiding pain relief (Healing), and alleviating aches and pains associated with menstruation (Period).

“We’ve listened closely to our guests, and it’s clear they want wellness to be a natural part of their travel experience—not an afterthought,” says Finlay Anderson, Area Spa Director UK – InterContinental Hotels Group.

“Stay Well is about meeting that need with thoughtful touches, from fitness options that fit seamlessly into their routines to luxurious self-care treats that help them truly unwind. It’s all designed to help our guests feel their best—whether they’re here for work, leisure, or a bit of both”.

Guests can already enjoy award-winning facilities such as Kimpton Blythswood Square’s Spa, home to Scotland’s first snow shower. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s most elegant square, the spa features four curated journeys which use contrasting thermal therapies to soothe the mind, body, and soul.

Whether visitors are yearning for stillness, seeking clarity, craving an energy boost or aching for relaxation, the Spa at Kimpton Blythswood Square is the perfect place to relax, detox, invigorate and recover.

For those visiting Kimpton Charlotte Square, the spa and leisure club is the ultimate destination for fitness and wellness. A pioneer for new cutting-edge technology, the spa features the UK’s first Sound Therapy Room and Suite – a haven for relaxation within Edinburgh’s bustling City Centre.

A perfect place for guests to elevate their wellness experience, the Spa at Kimpton Charlotte Square also offers a Leisure Club membership for those looking to work up a sweat in luxury surroundings followed by a dip in a mood-lit 12m pool. Leisure Club members also have access to the thermal area, featuring a sauna and steam rooms, and experience showers.

The Stay Well experience is available from 2nd January at Kimpton Hotels UK-wide including Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa, Glasgow, Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Kimpton Fitzroy London, and Kimpton Clocktower Manchester.

Are Humans Unique? Heriot-Watt Chaplaincy explores faith with neuroscience

Neuroscience will be used to explore the relationship between faith and science at this year’s Annual Public Lecture by Heriot-Watt University’s Chaplaincy in Edinburgh.

Dr Sharon Dirckx, an author, international speaker and former brain imaging scientist, will deliver the free lecture, entitled Are Humans Unique?, on Monday 3 February, from 7pm-8.30pm at the James Watt Centre on the University’s Riccarton campus.

Dr Dirckx studied biochemistry before moving into research in the area of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging [FMRI], a type of scanning that enables scientists to look inside the brain – without cutting into it – at its structure and activity, in all kinds of situations.

“I became fascinated with this technique and studied for a PhD at the University of Cambridge, before conducting postdoctoral research into the brain networks involved in human cocaine abuse at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the United States,” Dr Dirckx explained.

She describes her lecture at Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy as a ‘neuroscientific exploration of mind, soul and consciousness.’

“I’ll consider different philosophical and scientific approaches to the essence of humanity,” she said. “By taking a materialist approach to mind, soul and consciousness, I’ll show that matter is not all you need to explain everything about understanding humans. I’ll also show how clinical neuroscience and theological considerations create a complex picture.”

Each year, the Chaplaincy’s Annual Public Lecture explores the relationship between science and faith through a current issue or scientific development. Are they mutually exclusive, or might they combine to offer deeper insights into the world as we know it?

The Reverend Jane Howitt, Chaplain of Heriot-Watt University, said: “We are delighted that Dr Dirckx is presenting our annual public lecture and look forward to hearing her insights into science and theology.”

Dr Dirckx will also be the guest preacher on Sunday 2 February at Heriot-Watt University’s 58^th annual Anniversary Service. This celebrates the University receiving a Royal Charter in 1966 and will take place at 10.30am in Currie Kirk parish church in Currie on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Dr Dirckx’s career includes working for 12 years as a lecturer and tutor at the Oxford Christian Centre for Apologetics (OCCA), a charity that works with local churches to help people respond to difficult questions and objections to Christianity in workplaces, schools, the media and the arts.

Her books include Broken Planet (IVP Books, 2023), which asks why God allows natural disasters and diseases and was longlisted for the International Society for Science and Religion book Prize 2024; Am I just my brain? (The Good Book Company, 2019), which explores human consciousness and identity; and an award-winning book on suffering, entitled Why?: Looking at God, evil and personal suffering (IVP Books, 2013).

The Chaplaincy on Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Campus exists to promote spiritual and social wellbeing. It is open to everyone – both students and staff – from all backgrounds and cultures. People of all faiths and no religious faith are welcome.

The Chaplaincy Annual Public Lecture is one of the main events in the Heriot-Watt University calendar.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served from 1815.

This lecture will be interpreted into British Sign Language (BSL)

To attend this event in person, please register via Eventbrite by Thursday 30 January 2025:

“There must be a point where we go beyond analysis and accept that this is a serious problem that needs urgent political action”

RCEM responds to new ONS research into deaths linked to long A&E stays

Comprehensive new statistical analysis of the link between long stays in A&E and the associated risk of dying, confirms the huge threat to life the issue creates – and must be a catalyst for political action.

That’s the call from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine following the release of a defining new study by the Office for National Statistics – the UK’s official statistical authority – which was published yesterday (17 January 2025).

The research examined the cohort of people who required non-immediate care and were treated, admitted or discharged alive from an A&E in England between 21 March 2021 and 30 April 2022. 

It concludes that patients who wait in A&E for more than two hours are exposed to an increasing risk of death.

And by the time a patient reaches a stay of more than 12 hours in an Emergency Department, they are twice as likely to die within 30 days as those treated, admitted or discharged within two hours.

This is even after accounting for differences in case mix and other important factors such as age.

Although using different methodology, and looking at different patient groups, the ONS data supports the conclusion of the Jones and Moulton Study from 2023.

Using that research, it can be calculated that in 2023 there were almost 14,000 deaths associated with long ED stays before admission.

Dr Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “This is a seminal piece of work by the ONS, the authoritative national voice of data, which validates and reinforces what we know; long waits in the ED are extremely dangerous and a significant threat to patient safety. We thank the ONS team for their hard work and diligence.

“Hundreds of deaths each week are associated with long waits in A&E – each one someone’s loved one – mums, dads, sisters, brothers, grandparents.

“We focus on the four-hour target for admission, treatment or discharge – but we have to acknowledge that this standard was put in place before 12, 24 and even 48 hour stays became common. Things have deteriorated significantly, and the system must accept that and respond to it.

“There must be a point where we go beyond analysis and accept that this is a serious problem that needs urgent political action.

“This data is too compelling to ignore and must be the catalyst for change.”

The ONS study comes just a day after the Royal College of Nursing published its own harrowing findings detailing the reality of corridor care in our health care, including the horrifying testimonies of more than 5,000 frontline nurses.

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian film to enjoy this month at Vue Edinburgh Ocean

As the appetite for South Asian content continues to grow across the UK, Vue Edinburgh Ocean is proud to be showcasing films from across the region throughout the year.

This month alone, Vue is screening four titles, kickstarting with Sky Force, a gripping story inspired by extraordinary true events surrounding one of the deadliest air strikes between India and Pakistan, and Deva (from 31 January) which follows a brilliant yet rebellious police officer who uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal while investigating a high-profile case.

Malayalam movie Praavinkoodu Shappu will be arriving at Vue next week (24 January). Set after hours at a toddy shop, it follows 11 people who have stayed inside, playing cards and drinking all night. When the owner of the shop is found hanging dead in the middle of the shop, SI Santhosh finds himself caught up in a web of mysterious and strange suspects.

Also arriving this month is the Tamil crime drama Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 (from 31 January), following a loving husband and father drawn into a dangerous crime network.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “The appetite for South Asian films continues to soar and Vue is proud to champion this brilliant content.

“Dedicated film festivals and cultural events celebrating South Asia’s vibrant storytelling, coupled with increasing global recognition and growing audience demand, have helped shine a spotlight on this incredible industry.

“We’re proud to call ourselves home to so many brilliant South Asian titles this year.”

Edinburgh moves another step closer to a Tourist Tax

Councillors have agreed to adopt Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy scheme, subject to further officer advice on the transition period and final approval by Council next week.

The final proposals for the scheme, updated to take account the findings of the 12-week public consultation, were presented by officers at a special meeting of the Policy & Sustainability Committee yesterday (17 January).

The final decision will be made by Council on Friday, 24 January.

Responding to the decision (which is set out in full below), Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Today represented yet another important milestone in our journey towards securing a visitor levy for Edinburgh – and to realising a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest tens of millions of pounds towards enhancing and sustaining the things that make our city such a great place to visit – and live in – all year round.

“At all stages of this process, we’ve listened to and taken account of the views of residents, industry and other stakeholders – and we mustn’t lose sight of just how much positivity there is for the scheme across all of these groups.

“It’s in this spirit that we’re considering the further submissions received from the wider tourism sector this week, ensuring we’re as well informed as we can be ahead of taking a decision next Friday.

“I remain focused on delivering a scheme that will be both fit for purpose and workable – and that will benefit our city, our residents and our visitors for many years to come.”

The full webcast of yesterday’s meeting along with the committee report is available on the council’s website.

Committee decision in full:

To approve the following adjusted Motion by Councillor Meagher:

1) To note the outcome of the consultation on the draft Visitor Levy for Edinburgh scheme.

2) To agree to adopt the final Visitor Levy for Edinburgh scheme, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report by the Interim Executive Director of Place, with the exception of the proposed three-month transition period and note this would be subject to further officer advice ahead of the decision of Council, and with the following change:

At 7. Participatory budgeting (£2m over 3 years). The following wording be added “with appropriate audit checks in place to ensure that these funds are spent on facilitating the achievement of the scheme’s objectives.”

3) To agree to begin the recruitment for the Chair of the Visitor Levy Forum immediately, with the appointment subject to the approval of the Council.

4) To agree in principle the use of the Spend to Save fund to support preparatory work for the Edinburgh Visitor Levy scheme as well as its implementation.

5) To refer the report to the Council meeting on 24 January 2025 for approval and ratification of the scheme and the use of Spend to Save funding.

6) To agree to defer the following items in Appendix 6 to the report by the Interim Executive Director of Place as individual reports to each relevant executive committee for discussion / approval.

2. Mitigation of Tourism on Housing

5. City Operations and Infrastructure

6. Culture, Heritage and Events

7. Destination and Visitor Management.

7) To note that, should Council approve the scheme, each investment theme would be presented to the relevant executive committee for approval, and to agree to reaffirm previously agreed principles, namely that spending should:

a) prioritise additionality in terms of investment in services and improvement projects, and,

b) wherever possible and in a way that was consistent with the statutory requirements, be used to benefit communities across Edinburgh and not just the core city centre.

8) To agree that the development of projects under the TVL themes for investment should also demonstrate their adherence to existing Council strategies where applicable.

9) To agree that the Visitor Levy Forum should contain an equal number of representatives from community and business organisation and recommend that at least 40% of the representatives must be women.

10) To note that an initial decision on how housing funds would be spent would come to Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee in May 2025 and to request that this report should set out what options were legally possible across different housing tenures including social housing.