This National Afternoon Tea Week, The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh welcomes guests to experience its luxury afternoon tea offering
If you’re looking for a mid-afternoon indulgence this August, look no further than The Ivy on the Square’s new Laurent Perrier Summer Afternoon Tea, available every day from 3pm – 4:45pm.
The brasserie has partnered with Laurent Perrier to offer a glass of Rosé Champagne with its afternoon tea experience, which includes a delicious array of sandwiches, including Ivy Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese fingers, grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche and pickled cucumber, courgette and basil double decker rolls.
Freshly baked fruit scones are served with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve, while the sweets include a chocolate plant pot, madeleine cake with lemon curd, red velvet raspberry cake and a strawberry milkshake, all accompanied by a choice of teas, infusions or coffees.
Summer Afternoon Tea starts from £28.95 per person, or £37.95 per person with a glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne, is available to enjoy in The Ivy on the Square’sluscious surroundings seven days a week and served between 3:00 – 4:45pm.
Police are appealing for the assistance of the public to help trace 41-year-old Michael Meehan who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.
Michael was last seen around 3.30 pm on Thursday, 21 July, 2022 on Rose Street, Edinburgh.
He is described as white, of slim build, around 6ft tall, with short grey hair, few teeth and has bad sunburn and blisters to his face. He speaks with an Irish accent and was wearing a dark coloured jacket, tracksuit bottoms and trainers although it is thought he may actually be barefoot.
Sergeant Jonathan Wilson, Gayfield Police Station, said: “Since Mr Meehan was reported missing, officers have been checking CCTV and making local enquiries in Edinburgh City Centre and Portobello where he is known to frequent, however, there have been no further sightings of him.
“We are concerned for his health and well-being and would appeal to anyone who has seen him recently or who may have information as to where he is to get in touch with police.”
Information can be passed to officers via 101. Please quote reference number 2159 of Thursday, 21 July, 2022
Military bands, veterans, and senior Armed Forces personnel will join a parade through Edinburgh’s centre tomorrow to show support for servicemen, women, and their families.
The Depute Lord Provost Cllr Lezley Cameron will take part in the event to celebrate Armed Forces Day, organised by Legion Scotland in partnership with the city council.
Starting in Charlotte Square, the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums, and Legion Scotland standard bearers will lead the parade along George Street at 10:15am.
They will march to St Andrew Square for a short address by the Depute Lord Provost. This will be followed by entertainment from both bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Fiona Liddle, Jack Hinks and Maria Townley. There will also a variety of stalls, including from Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland, and other charities.
Formerly known as “Veterans Day”, the annual event is marked each year around the UK and is a chance to pay tribute to the Armed Forces community.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “This is a chance to come together and show our appreciation for all those who have served, past and present, and their families. It’s a day to remember the sacrifices that our Armed Forces make every day and commemorate their dedication and commitment.
“This is always an uplifting and morale-boosting event, and we’re especially delighted to return to normal after two difficult years. We’re pleased to be working with the City of Edinburgh Council and presenting an exciting and varied programme of entertainment.
“We’d encourage people throughout the city and beyond to come along, show their support, and enjoy a day out.”
This year’s celebration of street performance will feature new locations across the city centre, supported by a new Street Performer Charter, and partnership with TikTok
Today, 22 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to launch a revamped and expanded street events offering for 2022, in the festival’s 75th anniversary year.
In addition to the long-established performance areas on the Royal Mile and the Mound Precinct, this year’s street events will also take place at new locations in EastPrinces Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, Multrees Walk, and Cathedral Square outside St James Quarter.
Visitors to the street events will be able to follow a route taking in each of the performance sites following a map within the official printed Fringe programme. The street events will be delivered by Unique Events, who are managing the programme on behalf of the Fringe Society, for the second year.
The return of the street events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate), and Creative Scotland, and the launch follows last week’s announcement of the Fringe Society’s new partnership with TikTok, which supports the expanded street events programme.
With activation planned across these sites, TikTok will provide a ‘taster stage’ in both St Andrew Square and Cathedral Square, where artists from registered Fringe shows can perform short snippets of their shows, giving festivalgoers a free taste of their performance.
TikTok will live stream from these stages, enabling artists to be found by digital audiences from around the world. On the Royal Mile, two new screens will stream the TikTok content, and will also be available free to registered artists to promote their show digitally, via digital posters on the screens.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: “We are excited to reveal our new and expanded plans for this year’s Street Events, one of the most visible aspects of the Fringe, enjoyed by audiences every year. The new route will allow audiences to meander through Edinburgh’s majestic Old Town and New Town, while enjoying artists in different locations.”
As part of today’s launch, the Fringe Society has also published the Street Performer Charter, a set of values shared by the Fringe Society and the street performing community, as represented by the Street Performers’ Council.
The Charter, which includes commitments from the Fringe Society and street performers, will facilitate fair, open decision making between the two groups. Among its various commitments, the Charter works towards increasing accessibility of street events, taking social responsibility for pay, sustainability goals, and improving health, safety and mental wellbeing among street performers.
Shona McCarthy continued: “I’m incredibly pleased to see the publication of the new Street Events Charter, developed in collaboration with the Fringe Society, and the street performer community.
“The Fringe and street events are within each other’s DNA and part of the cultural heritage of beautiful Edinburgh. This collective step establishes a great template to work more collaboratively at ensuring the Fringe is the best possible version of itself for the next 75 years, both for artists and residents.”
A spokesperson for thestreet performing communitysaid: “The street performer charter marks a new chapter in what we anticipate will be an artist-led street festival for the people of Edinburgh and its many visitors to enjoy.
“We are excited to be working with the Fringe and their partners, to keep alive the long history of street performance that is at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe, as we celebrate 75 years.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “As one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural assets, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the return of the Fringe street events. It is an integral part of the festival, providing audiences with the chance to connect with performances and get a taste of the Fringe for free.
“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events, and after the challenges of the last two years, now is the time to plan and enjoy experiences like the street events that stir the emotions and elevate your mood.”
James Stafford, Head of Partnerships & Community at TikTok, said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is a unique moment that brings together emerging artists in a celebration of creativity.
“Our partnership places TikTok’s global community at the heart of the iconic festival, and celebrates our joint belief that creativity is for everyone. TikTok is the home of entertainment and creativity and I know our community will welcome the opportunity to discover new artists, collaborate, and be inspired.”
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter is a welcoming cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and we’re passionate about supporting Edinburgh’s world-renowned cultural offering and its vibrant events calendar.
“It’s a privilege to be working with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and we look forward to hosting some of the amazing street events on Cathedral Square.”
Virgin Hotels, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces that its flagship restaurant and bar, Commons Club, located inside the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, is now open.
The luxurious modern day social club will officially open to the public on Tuesday 14th June. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/the-commons-club/.
Nestled across two floors, Commons Club is designed to be a playful yet sophisticated environment for guests to eat, drink and vibe in the heart of Edinburgh and will showcase contemporary Scottish seasonal cuisine using the freshest produce straight from Scotland’s local larder for diners.
Newly appointed Executive Chef, Steven Wilson, has created a menu that will cater to all tastes. For starters, guests can enjoy an array of stunning dishes including, Ceviche with line-caught & cured wild seabass, shaved fennel, dill, nashi pear & green olive puree; Wagyu Tataki with Scottish wagyu beef “Tataki style”, fried garlic, ponzu green onion puree & parsnip crisp and Risotto with Scottish farm spelt & barley risotto, baby morels, lightly-roasted almonds & shaved fresh summer truffle.
Moving onto mains, guests can choose between Halibut with pan-seared Gigha halibut, confit aromatic farm seasonal vegetables in a light saffron & Shetland blue mussels velouté; slow roast Perthshire chicken “dinner” with fondant potato, baby leek, morel mushrooms & fresh peas, crispy chicken & Pata Negra croquet, bread sauce, roast chicken jus & chive oil and Isle of Mull seaweed tortellini pasta filled with wild herb ricotta, clay oven-roasted artichoke, pea & feve etuvee, vegetarian parmesan air.
Guests can also explore a range of bespoke cocktails created with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours. From a ‘Breakfast in the Highlands’ made with Glenfiddich 15 Single Malt Whisky, Brown Butter, Toasted Oat Amontillado Sherry, Heather Honey and Bittered Sling Kensington Aromatic, to a ‘Queen Street’ made with Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, Martini Reserva Ambrato, Lemon, Celery Bitters and Islay mist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Commons Club is situated within the brand-new Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle. The finished hotel will feature 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets, all with their own unique space and distinct design.
Accompanying Commons Club later in the year will be Eve, a vibrant, all-day dining space, offering a progressive approach to late night entertainment in Edinburgh. The hotel site is also home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “Edinburgh is such an iconic city and we’re thrilled it will be the home of our flagship restaurant and bar within the first Virgin Hotels in the UK and across Europe.
“Commons Club is a unique offering that will complement the current offering of the hotel. The food and drink menus will bring an array of local flavours to the table and can’t wait to welcome everyone in to try them.”
Steven Wilson, Executive Chef of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “After years of travelling the world and working in some unforgettable restaurants and hotels, I’m so excited to be back in my hometown and to be part of this iconic opening in Edinburgh.
“We really do have access to the highest quality local produce right on our doorstep in Scotland and that’s something the menu at Commons Club celebrates. Guests will enjoy our timeless menu that will continue to evolve with the seasons, keeping them coming back time and time again.”
All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels.
All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.
Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.
The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels.
Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s websitewww.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.
From June 24th to July 3rd, experience a free 10-day public event of fresh floral couture by local florists at St James Quarter – all in celebration of remarkable women.
World-renowned bespoke floral show Fleurs de Villes, is thrilled to announce the launch of its very first public showing in Scotland, in partnership with St James Quarter – Edinburgh’s chicest retail destination.
The show is open to the public from Friday June 24th, exactly one year on since St James Quarter opened its doors, when guests will be able to tour the self-guided exhibit until Sunday, July 3rd.
The FEMMES exhibition will showcase a series of fresh floral mannequins celebrating remarkable women around the world. Fleurs de Villes is proud to be working with local floral talent who will create these tributes based on an inspirational photo or painting of each woman.
Participating florists include Amanda Coghill, Border Blooms by Gail Watson + Bluebells Florist Crieff, Cassia Salvona Floral Design, Farima Perry Florals & Events, Floral Ambitions, Fruit Salad Flowers, Gillytree Studio, In Bloom Studio, KDM Event Styling & Floral Design, Narcissus Flowers, Ollie + Ivy, Penelope Fleur by KDM, Petals by the Shore, Quate & Co., Rogue Flowers, Rose & Ammi Flowers, Simpsons Florist, Wild Flowers, and Wildflower & Willow.
Visitors to St James Quarter can also shop for fresh blooms at a pop-up flower market on Saturday June 25th and visit the Fleurs de Villes JARDIN area that will host floral demonstrations and talks from Friday June 24th to Sunday June 26th.
The public are encouraged to vote for their favourite mannequin, and to enter a ‘snap and share’ social media contest for a chance to win tickets to “My Fair Lady” at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
(L-R: Frida Kahlo, Oprah Winfrey and Audrey Hepburn displays from past Fleurs de Villes FEMMES city exhibitions – Photo Credit: Fleurs de Villes)
Fleurs de Villes FEMMES at St James Quarter will feature these fifteen remarkable women of cultural significance and historical impact:
Annie Lennox – Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox is one of the most successful celebrated artists of her generation. From her time in ’80s synthpop duo Eurythmics to her solo career, she has sold millions of records around the world, and is also known for her social activism and philanthropic works.
Isobel Wyley Hutchison – sponsored by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Scotswoman Isobel Wylie Hutchison overcame the constraints that her age, gender and class placed upon her, to become a solo Arctic adventurer, an accomplished botanist and a successful poet and writer.
Mary Queen of Scots – Perhaps the best-known figure in Scottish royal history, Mary Queen of Scots’ life, marital decisions, political actions including an alleged plot against Queen Elizabeth I, and subsequent execution has established her as a divisive and widely romanticised historical character, depicted in culture for centuries.
Karen Gillan – sponsored by FUSE. Scottish actress Karen Gillan has gained recognition for her work in film and television, including “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Avengers”, and “Doctor Who.”
Eunice Olumide – Born in Edinburgh, Eunice Olumide is an international supermodel, broadcaster and curator who in 2017, was awarded an MBE for her contribution to Arts, Broadcasting and Charity work.
Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady mannequin – sponsored by Edinburgh Playhouse. This FEMME is inspired by the much-loved Cockney flower seller Eliza Doolittle played by the iconic Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 musical film. The Lincoln Center Theater’s multi-award-winning production of “My Fair Lady” will be playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse from December 14th 2022 to January 7th 2023.
Rose Ayling-Ellis – sponsored by Deaf Action. British Sign Language user Rose Lucinda Ayling-Ellis is best known for playing Frankie Lewis in BBC soap EastEnders, and her groundbreaking Strictly Come Dancing win with Giovanni Pernice in 2022.
Flora MacDonald – sponsored by Clarendon Fine Art Gallery. One of the most romantic characters in Scottish history, Flora Macdonald is best known for helping Bonnie Prince Charles Edward Stuart evade government troops after the Battle of Culloden in April 1746; since becoming immortalised in the famous 19th century “The Skye Boat Song” that narrates the getaway.
Megan Beveridge – sponsored by Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Megan Beveridge of the British Army made history by becoming the first serving female Lone Piper at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh in 2016.
Marilyn Monroe – Actress, singer, and model Marilyn Monroe became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, and is still one of the world’s most enduring iconic figures.
Mary Somerville – Scottish science writer and self-taught polymath Mary Somerville became the first female member to be elected to The Royal Astronomical Society at a time when women were largely absent in scientific circles and their participation was discouraged.
Frida Kahlo – Possibly the most well-known female painter of modern times, Kahlo is famous for her ground-breaking self-portraits and works inspired by the nature and artefacts of her native Mexico.
Queen Victoria – Queen Victoria was the first English-born monarch of Great Britain to share her love of Scotland. Throughout her reign of 63 years she visited the country many times, and even inspired a trend for tartan and tweed across the kingdom.
Empress Xiaozhuangwen – The mother of the first Emperor of the Qing Empire, Empress Xiaozhuangwen proved to be a critical stabilising figure in her young son’s reign, remembered for her wisdom and insight.
Cleopatra – For almost 3 decades, Cleopatra VII served as the dominant ruler in her co-regencies. Her romantic liaisons, military alliances and supposed powers of seduction has earned her an enduring place in history and popular myth.
Audiences of all ages, cultures and genders will be able to learn more about these fascinating women by scanning the QR codes on signs adjacent to each floral sculpture that will link visitors to their incredible stories.
Proud sponsors of these FEMMES include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Clarendon Fine Art Gallery, Deaf Action, Edinburgh Playhouse, FUSE, Cash for Kids and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Other highlights of the FEMMES exhibition within St James Quater include a selfie-invoking swing adorned with blooms, a floral cocktail menu at The Alchemist raising funds for charity Cash for Kids, a “flower-bombed” Maserati MC20, and ornate floral doorways at retailers Reiss, Miele, Juliet Rose, Thai Express, IOLLA and Clarendon Fine Art Gallery.
(L-R: Malala Yousafzai, Carline Astor, Grace Kelly displays from past Fleurs de Villes FEMMES city exhibitions – Photo Credit: Fleurs de Villes)
The partnership is part of St James Quarter’s ongoing commitment to provide a cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and offer opportunities for the local community to get involved with unique experiences. This activity follows on from a number of successful events over the last year including Edinburgh Style, Love Beauty and a seafood festival.
Visitors to St James Quarter will be able to view the floral exhibition in the main Galleria area while shopping with luxury retailers such as H beauty and Reiss or before a refreshment stop at cocktail bar and restaurant The Alchemist or food hall Bonnie & Wild. Guests will also be able to see other retailers unleash their inner botanist as stores get involved with the event with their own floral displays.
“We felt that this was the ideal time to launch Fleurs de Villes FEMMES as people are starved for in-real-life, tactile and inspirational experiences that they can enjoy safely with friends and family. The exhibit will offer the opportunity to learn about these important women who have left their mark on history and what better backdrop than a unique venue like St James Quarter,” says co-founder Tina Barkley. Co-founder Karen Marshall adds: “We are very excited to bring our event to Edinburgh for the very first time and to launch the new exhibition FEMMES at the iconic St James Quarter. Each of our shows is an entirely different experience, celebrating the local community and made possible by local partners like St James Quarter which support Fleurs de Villes events being freely and most beautifully open to the public. With such a diverse group of local florists and creative talents, we can’t wait to spread joy and tell the stories of these women, en fleurs, to honour each as truly remarkable.”
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, says: “We are delighted that Fleurs de Villes FEMMES is coming to Scotland for the first time and there’s no better place to showcase the series than St James Quarter, the hub of the capital city.
“We could not be more pleased to have Fleurs de Villes FEMMES grace our Galleria and celebrate inspirational women from across the globe in such a spectacular fashion.”
The global FEMMES tour visits four countries this year in these world-class destinations:
Miami, Bal Harbour Shops March 4-13, 2022
Chicago, 900 North Michigan Shops, March 30-April 3, 2022
Costa Mesa, South Coast Plaza, April 20-24, 2022
Toronto, Bloor-Yorkville, May 4-8, 2022
Montreal, Complex des Jardins and Quartier des Spectacles, May 20-29, 2022
Vancouver, Downtown, June 3-12, 2022
Edinburgh, St. James Quarter, June 24-July 3, 2022
Sydney, The Royal Botanic Garden, August 19-28, 2022
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29 May Ross Bandstand, Princes Street Gardens
StagEHd is a two day festival of theatre, celebrating the performing arts in Edinburgh.
Born out of a conversation about the commercialisation of Edinburgh’s public spaces, StagEHd is an open access, free-to-attend festival of theatre, featuring the best of Edinburgh’s independent, grassroots and community theatre companies.
The festival began partly as a response to the closure of the city’s arts spaces during the 2020 pandemic, by EGTG (Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group) in collaboration with other community theatre companies in the city, as an opportunity to showcase homegrown talent to a local audience.
Young detectives have dusted off their maps and magnifying glasses for a 10k treasure hunt around Edinburgh’s city centre.
Veteran Fraser Rowand, from Granton, joined Poppyscotland to launch its first ever Poppy Quest, with his wife Susan, and children Rebecca, 11, Lucy, 10, and George, 8,
They are challenging people of all ages to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.
The event takes place on Saturday, June 11th and is open to individuals, groups and families. Walkers will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city.
There will also be a special competition for teams of cadets, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly.
All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.
Mr Rowand, a former Lance Corporal in the Scots Guards, served two tours of Afghanistan, and now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, in Edinburgh. He said: “The services Poppyscotland provides are really vital. Many veterans find it hard to adjust to ‘Civvy Street’, so we need to make sure support is there when they need it.
“We’re really looking forward to Poppy Quest – it’s a great way to spend time together and see Edinburgh in a new light.”
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest Edinburgh is set to be a fantastic day out and a chance to rediscover this great city. We’re encouraging families, groups and individuals of all ages to challenge themselves, stretching their minds and legs and finding hidden gems along the way.
“Starting in beautiful Princes Street Gardens, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic en-route. Participants are welcome to bring their four-legged friends as well.
“Intrepid teams of cadets can also join the race against the clock to complete the course with all questions answered correctly.
“All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work with Scotland’s Armed Forces community. As we emerge from the pandemic, veterans and their families need support more than ever, whether that’s with housing, employment, or mental or physical health.
“No one who has served their country should be disadvantaged, and we want to make sure Poppyscotland is always there when they need us.”
Registration costs are £16 for adults and £5 for 13-18 year olds, while children aged 12 and under are free. All participants will receive a Poppy Quest medal, t-shirt, map and quiz, as well as a unique pin badge for those who raise over £100. For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
The recommendations follow a month-long Statutory Notice Period in February, during which 26 objections and one note of support were received. After full analysis of the objections, officers advised there is no justification for changes to the scheme, though have affirmed that work will continue apace to ensure any potential impacts from the scheme are mitigated.
Edinburgh’s city centre LEZ would apply to all motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds, with a two-year grace period and allowing certain exemptions, including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.
Once the LEZ is in place, vehicles must meet a minimum emissions standard to enter the zone freely, and those that don’t will be considered non-compliant and subject to penalties.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Being able to breathe clean air is a right we all deserve, and by introducing a Low Emission Zone in the city centre we want to tackle air pollution in one of the most densely-populated parts of Edinburgh.
“Our officers have carried out a great deal of planning, modelling and analysis, in line with national frameworks, to develop our proposals. They have been able to draw on this evidence in response to objections received during the Statutory Notice Period. I’m confident that the proposed scheme will deliver significant benefits to quality of life in our city.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said:“Significant work carried out to assess this scheme’s impact on carbon emissions, as well as the proposed boundaries and grace period, demonstrates that these proposals are appropriate for the city.
“The LEZ, alongside a range of ambitious projects to improve air quality, will encourage more sustainable transport and support active travel, and is key to achieving cleaner air for everyone.”
In general, objections to the scheme focused on the size and location of the boundary, the impacts of traffic displacement and the potential financial challenges of complying. Other objections included concerns around exemptions, the effects on individuals and businesses and the evidence base for the scheme.
Thursday’s report addresses objections by theme. Amongst the reasoning for proceeding with the current scheme is the significant modelling and analysis carried out under the National Modelling Framework and Options Appraisal work undertaken in accordance with the National Low Emission Framework.
This research demonstrates the rationale for the proposed boundary and the short-lived impact on traffic at its periphery. A Network Management Strategy is also being developed to counter any traffic displacement.
This included funding to mitigate impacts for those most in need, in the context of Covid recovery. Some objections related to national exemptions, though the report confirms that these are prescribed in the regulations and the Council has no powers to amend them.
With regard to local exemptions, it is proposed that these are only issued on a case-by-case basis and in exceptional circumstances. It is recommended that a LEZ Local Exemption Advisory Panel (LEZ-LEAP) is established to consider requests for local time-limited exemptions.
In conclusion, the report summarises the evidence for introducing the scheme and refers to previous reporting which has been presented to Committee to support this.
Throughout the development of an LEZ for Edinburgh, consultation, engagement and scientific evidence, following national frameworks, has highlighted both why we need cleaner air and how to bring this about for Edinburgh’s requirements, while supporting the city’s Covid recovery.
A full breakdown of objections and responses is available as an appendix to the report.
From today (Wednesday 26 January), Lothian Buses are implementing a temporary diversion to stabilise our network and improve reliability for customers around the east side (York Place/Leith Walk/London Road) area of the city until further notice.
As we look to introduce our Monday to Friday timetables from Monday (31 January), we want to ensure operational network integrity, restore customer confidence and give certainty to our already pressured driving teams.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers and continue to work with the City of Edinburgh Council and the Trams to Newhaven project to mitigate the impact of delays on our services.
Information about diverted services can be found below. If you need any assistance, please reach out on our social media channels – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – or phone bus information on 0131 555 6363.
Services 1 10 11 16 22 – Eastbound Princes Street, George Street, Hanover Street, Dundas Street, Great King Street, Drummond Place, London Street, East London Street, Annandale Street (Services 10/11) or Annandale Street, Elm Row, and London Road (Services 1/16/22).
Services 5 49 – Northbound Nicolson Street, Chambers Street, George IV Bridge, The Mound, Hanover Street, George Street, South St. David Street, Princes Street, Waterloo Place, Regent Road, Easter Road (Service 49) or Montrose Terrace (Service 5).
Services 7 14 – Northbound Nicolson Street, Chambers Street, George IV Bridge, The Mound, Hanover Street, Dundas Street, Great King Street, Drummond Place, London Street, East London Street, Annandale Street, Elm Row, and London Road.
Service 8 – Both Directions Nicolson Street, Chambers Street, George IV Bridge, The Mound, Hanover Street, Dundas Street, Great King Street, Drummond Place, London Street, and Bellevue.
Services 10 11 16 – Southbound Leith Walk, Picardy Place, Leith Street, and Princes Street.
Services 19 26 44 – Both Directions Princes Street, Waterloo Place, Regent Road, and Montrose Terrace.
Services 3 29 30 31 33 37 X29 X31 X33 X37 – Northbound Nicolson Street, Chambers Street, George IV Bridge, The Mound, Hanover Street, George Street, Frederick Street to Princes Street (or Services 29/X29 to Howe Street).
Service 45 Eastbound: George IV Bridge, The Mound, Hanover Street, George Street, South St David Street, Princes Street, Waterloo Place, Regent Road, and Montrose Terrace. Westbound: Montrose Terrace, Regent Road, and Waterloo Place.
