Tag: city council

Police Scotland: Early success for City Centre Policing Unit

49 ARRESTS IN FIRST MONTH OF OPERATION

Almost 50 people have been arrested by officers from our new City Centre Policing Unit during their first month of operations.

From 1 to 31 July, a total of 49 individuals were arrested and 114 charges brought against them for a range of offences within the city centre during proactive patrols and reactive responses undertaken by the unit.

The CCPU officially launched on 2 July 2026, supported by funding from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Visitor Levy.

Over the last month over 2,300 hours of patrols by CCPU officers have taken place to engage with members of the public and businesses within the city-centre, respond to intelligence relating to criminal activity and provide a high-visibility presence to deter offending.

In addition to the arrests, two Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued for antisocial behaviour and a further 20 Recorded Police Warnings were handed out for incidents that did not require arrests to be made.

A total of 208 youth interactions were carried out to engage with young people visiting the city centre and build strong relationships with this demographic to help deter offences such as antisocial behaviour.

Extensive work has also been done to tackle street drinking in the Hunters Square area, with alcohol seized on 47 occasions.

Throughout August, CCPU officers will play a pivotal role in policing the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe to offer reassurance to the increased number of people within the city-centre and respond to any incidents that arise during this time.

Inspector Stephen Quinn, who leads the City Centre Policing Unit, said: “Our first month has been immensely challenging but extremely rewarding, as CCPU officers set about providing benefit to Edinburgh’s city centre.

“Extensive support from the CCPU was provided to staffing the cordons required to keep the public safe following the significant fire on Princes Street and this meant that resources that would previously have been required from other parts of the city were able to continue with their normal duties.

“Despite the demands of the fire, we have also been successful in tackling some of the key issues affecting the city-centre, including shop theft, antisocial behaviour and disorder.

“Working alongside key partners such as our colleagues at the Retail Crime Taskforce, Simon Community Scotland, Street Assist and representatives from the night-time economy, we continue to tackle hotspot areas and improve confidence in the policing response to ongoing problems.

“We’re under no illusion that more work needs to be done and we will continue to build on the success of our first month as we strive to make Edinburgh’s city-centre as safe as possible for all of those who live, work and visit the area.”

Edinburgh to celebrate 180 years of Scott Monument

PICTURE: Culture Edinburgh

One of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks is celebrating a major milestone this summer, with visitors invited to join in the celebrations.

From 10 to 17 August, the Council is marking the anniversary with 12 free tickets available each day for visitors wishing to climb the famous monument. Tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Those who complete the climb of 221 steps will receive a special commemorative certificate to mark the occasion.

Completed in 1844 and opened in 1846, the Scott Monument was built in memory of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s best-loved writers and the author of Waverley and many other classic novels. Scott, who died in 1932, played a pivotal role in promoting Scotland’s history and culture through his writing.

Affectionately known by many as the “Gothic Rocket”, the monument is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Designed by architect George Meikle Kemp following a competition in 1838, it is adorned with statues of writers, poets, and characters from Scott’s novels. Tragically, Kemp died before seeing his masterpiece completed, drowning in the Union Canal shortly before construction finished.

At its base sits John Steell’s statue of Sir Walter Scott alongside his faithful dog, Maida, overlooking Princes Street that remains at the heart of the city Scott helped to celebrate through his work.

Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and a much-loved part of our city’s heritage.

“I’m delighted to be celebrating its 180th anniversary by giving more people the chance to experience the monument, whether that’s climbing to enjoy its spectacular views or learning more about the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott.

“We hope residents and visitors alike will join us in marking this special milestone.”

Find out more about the Scott Monument on the Culture Edinburgh website.

£5 million for Princes Street recovery

Deputy First Minister visits site and meets council leader

Up to £5 million will be made available to help support recovery from the fire on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth met with City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher yesterday following a tour of the site of the blaze at the former Debenhams store which broke out on 9 July.

The funding will be administered by the council and include support for a number of areas to assist the recovery from the fire, including support to incentivise and assist with travel around the city, acknowledging the concerns of businesses facing reduced footfall after the closure on Princes Street, in particular along the tram route to Leith and Newhaven.

It will also provide assistance to help secure the site and make the building safe to facilitate the reopening of Princes Street, as well as support for festival operators forced to relocate.

The Deputy First Minister has also confirmed that work is underway with Highland Council to finalise the financial support that the Scottish Government will provide for recovery from the Cairngorms fire.

Ms Gilruth said: “This fire has caused widespread difficulties in Edinburgh, not just in the city centre but extending north into Leith and Newhaven, as business and commuters adjust to the disruption caused by the fire.

“The Scottish Government has been determined from the start to ensure that we are ready to support the council in assisting those affected and the funding being set out today will help to keep the city moving and to adapt, while also enabling long term recovery.

“The impact in the capital has been significant at a time when the August festivals are getting underway. The Scottish Government is committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery, including the reopening of Princes Street as soon as is safely possible.” 

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “This is a significant step in our city’s recovery from the Princes Street fire, and I wholeheartedly welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement today.

“Whilst I remain acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city every day, I hope that this news can bring some comfort to our residents, businesses and visitors. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as the festivals begin later this week.

“We’re continuing to do everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so. The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.

“I’d also urge people to continue to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

“I was encouraged by my conversations with the Deputy First Minister today and we’ll continue to work alongside the Scottish Government and our partners in our collective response to this incredibly difficult issue.”

The fund will be administered by the Council and divided into the following sections –

Building Works:

The Council is incurring substantial daily costs to progress work on the site, including making the building safe and the retention of heritage features, alongside associated security costs. This support will go towards covering these in the short to medium term.

Ultimately, the Council will still attempt to recover appropriate costs from the owners under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.

Business Recovery: The Council recognises the impact that this has had on businesses across Edinburgh, particularly in Leith and the north of the city due to tram disruption. This funding will be used to encourage people to visit local businesses through a communications campaign, creating a local events fund and further incentivising patronage.

Festivals Support: The fire has resulted in some events by festival partners in the immediate vicinity being relocated at short notice. Bookings have also been impacted. Requests for funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Public Transport Support: Edinburgh Trams has experienced increased costs and a loss of income due to disruption on the network. As a large section of the tram network has been offline since the fire, this fund would be used specifically to help mitigate this ongoing impact on both Edinburgh Trams and the Council.  

Princes Street City Dressing: Funding will support the installation of dressing at any vacant units or construction sites, including the former Debenham’s building, while works are ongoing, to maintain a positive image for Princes Street.

‘Getting Around Town’ Communications Campaign: Work has already commenced on a campaign to help residents and visitors get around the city.

Work is taking place to finalise arrangements for the support package which will be made available to the council. 

Due to serious concerns about the structural integrity of the building a substantial exclusion zone was established and remains in place around the affected section of Princes Street.

For the latest advice and updates on Princes Street please visit the Council’s dedicated webpage.

Edinburgh learners receive exam results with improvement in almost all key measures

Levels of attainment for learners across the city have improved from last year across almost all key measures

There has been a significant improvement in the number of young people in S5 achieving three or more Higher qualifications at grade C or above and the proportion of S5 students achieving both three or more and five or more awards at SCQF Level 6 across Edinburgh. 

The results also demonstrate improvement in almost all S4, S5 and S6 measures compared to 2019 (pre pandemic) and 2024 and 2025.

Over 11,226 candidates in Edinburgh received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) today (Tuesday 4 August) across 164 subjects.

A total of 59,459 awards were handed out for subjects including web design, carpentry, accounting, sport science and beauty.

National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 80.9%, a 0.9% increase on 2025 figures, and Highers saw passes of 78.5%, an increase of 1.9% on last year.

Education, Children and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: It has been amazing to see attainment increase in almost all key measures for Edinburgh students.

“There is a huge range of qualifications and awards achieved by our learners in 165 subjects, representing the hard work, effort and commitment of learners, teachers and school staff. Each and every one of our young people’s journeys and achievements are unique to them and today’s results mark the next step in their journey, whether that’s to college, university, an apprenticeship or into the world of work.

“We want to provide inclusive and relevant curriculum pathways into further or higher education and to the workplace for every single learner in all of our schools.  There is much to celebrate and be proud of in this year’s set of results and my thanks go to all those who have supported our learners to this point including school staff, parents and carers.”

Moustafa Watti (17), a former pupil at Broughton High School achieved three As in Advanced Highers in maths, biology and chemistry today. He is going to study medicine at the University of St Andrews next month.

He said: “I signed up for the results to be sent by text and knew they would be sent from 8am. I received my text results at 8.06am – that felt like a long six minutes!

“I was delighted to get three As, I didn’t think I would even get one A so I was shocked. I only needed two Bs to get into university so I am over the moon with my results and my parents are delighted.”

Bibi Coane (15) is going into S5 at Broughton High School. She got six Nat 5s at A and one Higher A in music today. She is part of the City of Edinburgh Music School, based at Broughton, allowing musically talented pupils to do their music exams early.

Bibi said: “I am really happy with my results, I expected As but there is always a little doubt.

“Next year I am doing Advanced Higher Music a year early as I am part of the music school, as well as four Highers. The music school is amazing, I get one on one lessons and it’s allowed my cello and piano to come on really quickly. I might study music at university, but I also love history and might study that.”

Lennon Watts (16) and Dan McCandless (16) are going into S5 at Broughton High School and are part of the Scottish FA Performance School based at the school. Lennon achieved six Nat 5s at A and B level and is going on to play full time with Celtic under 19s squad. He will come to school one day a week to study two Highers.

Lennon said: “I am really happy with my results, we do one less Nat 5 because we do seven periods of football a week. Next year will be tough to manage the football and my Highers but I want to get them so I can keep my options open. I plan to do another two Highers in S6, again coming in one day a week.

Dan got six Nat 5s at A and is going to play with Hearts under 17 squad next year while also doing school full time.

Dan said: I am happy with my results and I am going to do four Highers next year. It is difficult to juggle school and football, I’ll be at school every day then go straight to training and be there until about 8pm but I want to get my Highers so I have something if football doesn’t work out.

“The football school at Broughton has been great, it’s a lot of extra training, and they are flexible when you have games or extra training with your team.”

Social Security Scotland: School Clothing Grants information

School clothing grant is paid by your local council to help you buy your child’s school clothing and shoes.

You need to apply for the grant through your local council.

The payment is not made automatically.

Even if you’ve received a school clothing grant before, you must submit a new application each time you want to apply.

Check your local council’s website to see when you can apply for the grant. Most councils accept applications from July until the end of March.

North Bridge fully reopens

North Bridge fully reopened last night (Friday 31 July), with final completion of the project expected later this year.

Both pavements and traffic lanes will be brought back into use in time for the peak festival season in August, which starts next weekend.

Work on the North Bridge began in 2018 and since then the Category A Listed structure has undergone a complete restoration.

This has included grit blasting and repainting all structural steelwork, restoring and hand finishing the cast iron façade, and installing a permanent access platform for future monitoring and care of the bridge.

The project has also brought significant social benefits through partnerships with local schools and universities, collaboration with charities and community groups, alongside careers support for young people, ex-offenders and people with disabilities.

A time capsule was interred last year with key objects from the project and an exhibition Study for North Bridge is running until September at the City Art Centre.

A co-curated video with contractor Balfour Beatty discusses this milestone and goes into some of the key information behind the project.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this key milestone in the project. This reopening is all the more welcome given the busy time of year, and the wider travel disruption we’re currently experiencing as a result of the fire on Princes Street.

“Make no mistake, this has been one of the most complex and ambitious projects the Council has ever undertaken. When work first began, some areas of the bridge hadn’t seen the light of day in over a century, and few could’ve imagined the scale of the challenge we faced.

https://twitter.com/Edinburgh_CC/status/2083219153922474331/video/1

“I’m conscious that this has taken longer, and cost more than we initially anticipated. Our residents, businesses and visitors have my sincere thanks for their patience during this time. However, I’m incredibly proud that we’ve successfully preserved and enhanced this cornerstone of Edinburgh’s history, and key transport corridor, for future generations of our city.

“To see the bridge back to its former glory, with the new façade shining in the summer sun, is something we can all celebrate together.”

https://twitter.com/balfourbeatty/status/2083256359466782840/video/1

Rory McFadden, Project Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “The reopening of North Bridge to both traffic and pedestrians marks a major milestone in this complex restoration project and is a significant step towards returning this iconic structure to the heart of Edinburgh’s transport network.

“While there is still work to complete in the months ahead, it will be incredibly rewarding to see residents, visitors and businesses once again utilising the bridge and benefitting from this vital transport link.”

Candidates confirmed for Edinburgh by-elections

The candidates standing in the upcoming Southside/Newington (Ward 15) and Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) by-elections have been confirmed.

23 candidates will stand in these by-elections, which will elect one new councillor per ward, on Thursday 3 September 2026.

The candidates standing for election in the Southside/Newington ward are:

  • Ruth Elliot: SCOTTISH LABOUR PARTY
  • Derrick Emms: EDINBURGH & EAST LOTHIAN PEOPLE
  • Isabella Gastel Alejandre: SCOTTISH GREENS
  • Roisin Keirdashian: INDEPENDENT
  • Artie Khovanov: SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
  • Nick Layden: SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVE AND UNIONIST
  • Richard Crewe Lucas: SCOTTISH FAMILY PARTY – CHRISTIAN VALUES
  • Sam Alexander Mackenzie: SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY (SNP)
  • Sean McGregor Moffat: ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM
  • Gary Neill: REFORM UK
  • Markham Rowbotham: EDINBURGH & EAST LOTHIAN PEOPLE
  • Richard Shillcock: COMMUNIST PARTY OF BRITAIN
  • Marc Wilkinson: EDINBURGH & EAST LOTHIAN PEOPLE

The candidates standing for election in the Portobello/Craigmillar ward are:

  • David Craig Ballantine: ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM
  • Niel Deepnarain: SCOTTISH FAMILY PARTY – CHRISTIAN VALUES
  • Pete Gregson: WORKERS PARTY OF BRITIAN
  • Lorenzo Martinico: SCOTTISH GREENS
  • Silas McGilvray: SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY (SNP)
  • Andrew McLaughlin: REFORM UK
  • Peter Olech: COMMUNIST PARTY OF BRITAIN
  • Liss Owen: SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
  • Jim Patrick Wyke: SCOTTISH LABOUR PARTY
  • Haris Young: SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVE AND UNIONIST

The final candidate lists and further information are also available on the Council website.

Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “With nominations now closed and just over a month to go until polling day, residents in these wards can start thinking about who they will vote for.

“Councillors play a key role in our democratic system, making crucial decisions that impact our city.

“I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to register to vote in plenty of time, and then make their voices heard in September.”

Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today, with further information on when and where to vote.

If you live in these wards, the deadline to register to vote in these by-elections is 18 August. For new postal vote applications, it’s 19 August and for new proxy votes it’s 26 August.

Find out more about registering to vote on the Council website.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, rather than using a single cross. Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they like.

Polling places will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 September.

Please check your polling place as this may have changed since the last time you voted. If you bring your polling card to vote this will help us and speed up the process, but this isn’t mandatory.

Polling Places (Ward 15):

  • Nelson Hall Community Centre (New for 2026)
  • Blackford and Grange Parish Church Centre
  • St. Catherine’s Argyle Church
  • Newington Trinity Church
  • Reid Memorial Church Hall
  • 75th Braid Scouts’ Millar Hall
  • Cameron House Community Education Centre

Polling Places (Ward 17):

  • Portobello Library (New for 2026)
  • Branch Out Together
  • St Mark’s Episcopal Church (New for 2026)
  • Bingham Community Centre
  • St Martins Parish Church
  • Craigmillar Library
  • Hays Business Centre
  • Newcraighall Leith Victoria FC

The electronic count will take place at Waverley Court, starting at the close of poll at 10pm on September 3. 

Princes Street Fire: Deputy First Minister to meet council leader

Direct Scottish Government support to help address the ongoing impact of the fire on Princes Street, including potential financial support, will be discussed during talks with City of Edinburgh Council leaders next week.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has acknowledged the “major difficulties” being faced in the capital as a result of the blaze at the former Debenham’s store on July 9th.

Ms Gilruth will visit the site of the fire next week and meet with the head of the local authority to clarify what action is required to assist with the recovery.

The Deputy First Minister said: “I am acutely aware of the major difficulties faced by city centre commuters, businesses and tourists in the aftermath of the fire – particularly as Edinburgh prepares for the August Festivals.

“The Scottish Government has been working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver the immediate priorities of ensuring the public’s safety while minimising and reducing disruption. I welcome the quick action taken to support festival organisers given the diversions along George Street.

“I am firmly committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery in what is the heart of the capital.

“I will also be meeting with the council leader next week to make clear what further support ministers can provide, including financial assistance, to help alleviate the situation.”

Edinburgh’s summer festivals oficially begin next weekend, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the capital.

“Choose People Over War”

Communist Candidate Blasts Underfunding of Local Government ahead of Edinburgh By-Elections

.Richard Shillcock, the Communist Party of Britain candidate for the upcoming Southside/Newington ward by-election, has launched a fierce critique against central government accusing political leaders of prioritising military spending over critical public services.

Responding to voters questioning the link between local council services and military budgets, Shillcock outlined a direct connection between UK defence spending and the decline of local communities.

Skyrocketing Military Spending

Shillcock noted that since the 2022 Edinburgh Council elections, annual UK defence spending has surged from £48 billion to £62 billion, with further increases planned.

He highlighted that during this same period, the UK has committed over £25 billion in support to Ukraine—including £16 billion in weapons—alongside active arms deals with Israel totalling hundreds of millions of pounds.

Shillcock argued that the funds directed toward international conflicts are directly starving local councils of resources.

Richard Shillcock said: “The choice is simple: welfare or warfare. We can invest in people or waste money on war.

“My message to Edinburgh voters is clear—every cut to public services, every council tax rise, every waiting list, every crowded school, every substandard home, and even every pothole could be fixed if we stopped funding war.”

A Challenge to Rival Parties

In a direct challenge ahead of the 3 September by-elections, Shillcock called out rival political campaigns for offering superficial solutions to deep-seated systemic issues.

“Unlike others, the Communist Party of Britain is not going to pretend that performative tinkering with our political system will bring about substantive improvements for working-class people,” Shillcock ssaid.

“Voters should challenge every single candidate standing on whether they prioritise investing in people or wasting money on war.”

Historic features survive Princes Street fire

WORK EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST THREE MORE WEEKS

Work is expected to continue on site for at least three weeks, during which time this section of Princes Street will remain closed.

Securing the front façade of the building is one of the key tasks being undertaken. Structural engineers have concluded that the building’s fragile state means vehicles, including trams, should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a serious risk to public safety.

Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the façade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeks’ time, if wind speeds remain low. Work is weather dependent and cranes cannot operate once wind speeds exceed safe limits. The safety of the operatives carrying out this complex work is a key factor.

Good progress has been made on the eastern end of the building, and it is hoped the cordon on Princes Street will be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend.

It has also emerged that the original Victorian staircase and the stained-glass windows memorial to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, at 111-112 Princes Street, have survived relatively unscathed.

These two key features from the 1880’s will now be examined to assess if any further work is required.

Trams will continue running from the Airport and terminating at West End (Shandwick Place stop), with buses being diverted via George Street.

Check our dedicated webpage for detailed information and travel advice.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Whilst I understand how concerning this news will be to everyone, I want to reiterate that we’re doing everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“The complexity of the remedial work cannot be overstated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.

“I’m acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, and I’ll repeat my thanks to the public for their continued patience during this incredibly difficult time. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as we enter the August festival season.

“We’re continuing to work alongside our partners, particularly Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses, to keep Edinburgh moving.

“A part-tram service and full bus services continue citywide, but please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. We’ve also increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available across the city, helping people to get around easier.

It’s positive that the cordon is being reduced, and the fact that these key historical features of the site have survived is a rare silver lining in this terrible event.

“From tram and bus drivers working overtime to the engineers on site, Council colleagues and many more, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the response so far.

“Despite these trying circumstances I’ve no doubt we can all enjoy a fantastic summer here in the world’s cultural capital.”

The recent fire on Princes Street has had a significant impact on our city.

@on_lothianbuses and @EdinburghTrams‘ Chief Operating Officer, Willie Hamilton, thanks our colleagues and customers for their support during this challenging time.

Read his full statement below: