The annual Edinburgh Taxi Outing will now go ahead. Police have provided the following update on planning for the event:
Superintendent Neil Wilson said: “Our focus throughout has been to support the Edinburgh Taxi Outing as we have done for many years. We have held constructive discussions today with the event organiser and have agreed an outline plan which allows the event to run safely on its original route.
“Further discussions will take place in the coming days to finalise the police operation to support the event and ensure the children enjoy their day.”
Developed with partners, including Scottish Water, Edinburgh World Heritage and NatureScot, the two-year plan was agreed last March. It includes 125 actions required to deliver on the overarching Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan, which sets out the strategic approach needed to make sure that Edinburgh can adapt and respond locally to the risks and impact of climate change.
Tuesday’s update shows the positive progress made in the 12 months to March 2026, with 15 of the actions complete and 83 in progress and on track. These include:
Three new parks – Mill Lane Park, North Junction Street Park and Dalmeny Street Park – established in Leith as part of Edinburgh’s Nature Network – as part of a more strategic approach to manage, restore and enhance Edinburgh’s urban landscape. The new parks are vibrant community spaces, where both wildlife and people can thrive.
Delivery of a Climate Ready Craigleith project at Orchard Park to tackle frequent flooding of properties and streets. The project includes new sustainable drainage systems to help reduce flooding issues and increase biodiversity, alongside changes to the wider environment creating a pleasant place for people and wildlife.
A new cross-boundary river partnership for the Gogarburn area and progress of the Restore the Burn project. Addressing the impact that pollution, flooding and erosion have had on local communities, as well as the wildlife that lives along the burn, including an improved Active Travel Network and better-connected habitats with improved wildlife and biodiversity along the river corridor.
Production of new Edinburgh Design Guidance embedding climate adaptation, green-blue infrastructure and the nature crisis into how new development is shaped across the city. The guidance includes a focus on making sure that planning focuses on net zero, nature-positive places designed to limit greenhouse emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re already seeing the impacts of a changing climate in Edinburgh, with more frequent severe storms causing flooding, damage to buildings and disruption to travel.
“We knew when we declared a climate emergency that we had to act quickly, both in terms of tackling the causes but also taking steps to prepare for the inevitable changes to the weather.
“We also knew we couldn’t do it alone and we needed the help of other city organisations – and our residents – to make a meaningful difference.
“I’m pleased, then, that we set the ambitious goals that we did, and that we’re now making good progress on delivering against our plans.
“As set out in this first annual update, we’ve completed a range of projects and initiatives that will make a real difference to communities in Edinburgh, while ensuring we’re better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Plant-Based Edinburgh campaigners organised a protest outside the City Chambers yesterday, speaking to the public and to the councillors as they entered the building.
Demonstrators urged people to support their campaign and called on councillors to help implement a just transition towards a sustainable food system.
After the demonstration, campaigners Lydia Elliott and Luke Ryan gave a deputation inside the chambers to explain why plant-based menus should be adopted.
During the deputation, graphs and statistics were handed to councillors which showed how devastating animal agriculture is to our planet in terms of carbon emissions, deforestation and freshwater consumption.
The council rejected adopting plant-based menus, citing a lack of demand as the key reason. Although, recently they trialled providing an option for a fully plant-based menu at City Chambers events, but they did not trial mandating plant-based menus for events or canteen meals.
Lydia Elliott said: “We feel that 100% plant-based menus have not been given a fair chance. Although the report states that 100% plant-based menus were made available for events, on the menus we’ve seen, the vegan options are at the very bottom, which has a strong psychological effect on emphasising that animal products are the ‘normal’ choice.” Over 450 Edinburgh residents signed the petition urging the council to switch to plant-based menus.
The petition reads:
“Farming animals is one of the largest causes of methane emissions, which are rapidly accelerating climate change. Increasing demand for animal products is the biggest driver for deforestation and habitat loss globally.
‘Waste from animals is a major source of water pollution, causing algal blooms in rivers and creating oceanic dead zones. Switching to plant based eating is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can address these key environmental issues.‘
Council officers created a report into the petition proposal, which was then evaluated by councillors.
The report states: “Animal-based meals can have an environmental impact 14 times higher than that of PB meals. If the Council were to remove meat and dairy products within internal catering, this would reduce goods and services emissions by a calculated estimate of 60,896 kg CO2e.”
At yesterday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee meeting, the councillors voted to endorse the report unamended. The report recommended against a 100% plant-based commitment, and advised further monitoring of food choices, but contained no commitment to increase plant-based options, despite saying that “there is a potential risk to reputation if the Council does not proceed with an approach that fully removes animal-based products”.
Green Party Councillors proposed an amendment to the report, and suggested that at least for council meetings, if not events such as weddings, vegetarian menus should be adopted. Unfortunately the Green amendment was voted down 14-3.
Green Councillors were frustrated by the council staff not looking into the possibility of lowering the price of plant-based options compared to options with animal products. This was proposed at the previous policy and sustainability meeting in October but got dropped.
Councillors cited concerns with accessibility and allergies as one of the reasons to reject fully plant based menus. This is despite the fact that plant based food avoids key allergens such as dairy, fish and shellfish and is compatible with religious food requirements such as halal and kosher. Plant-based meals can easily be prepared which avoid allergens.
Astonishingly, one vegetarian councillor argued against adopting plant based menus on the basis that they were taking choices away from vegetarians, despite the fact that plant based meals are all suitable for vegetarians.
The council’s report states in Section 7.2 [3]: “Sustainable food choices, procurement and production are key to Edinburgh’s ambition to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as well as supporting nature’s recovery from the current biodiversity crisis.”
During the debate, Green councillor Alys Mumford emphasised that this statement is contradicted by the report’s conclusion that the council should not adopt plant-based menus.
Luke Ryan from Plant-Based Edinburgh said: “The council’s decision to adopt the report unamended is a betrayal of its Net Zero commitment and its Plant Based Treaty endorsement.
“We are disappointed by this decision, but we will not give up on engaging with the council, alongside other institutions in Edinburgh, to campaign for plant-based menus. The science tells us that this change is urgently necessary.”
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge has offered his congratulations to Hearts Women following their SWPL title win on Sunday (24 May).
The City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the people of Edinburgh, I want to offer my warmest congratulations to Hearts Women on becoming SWPL Champions.
“To win the league title for the first time in their history is a remarkable accomplishment, marking a dramatic rise from amateur football to league champions in just a few years.
“After the disappointment of the previous weekend, I’m sure this will have been just the tonic for everyone at the club and their fans.
“Just as importantly, it represents the continued growth and strength of women’s football across Edinburgh, and I have no doubt these Hearts players will inspire generations of girls and young women looking to get involved in football, or any sport.
“I look forward to welcoming the team to the City Chambers for a Civic Reception to celebrate this wonderful achievement.“
This Foster Care Fortnight (11–24 May 2026), the Council is celebrating a significant restructuring of its foster care pay system which has meant an uplift in fees for foster carers in the city.
Over the last year, considerable work to review the structure and fees paid to foster carers has been carried out. This included significant engagement with current foster carers to listen and take on board their views. The new fostering fee structure and payment levels were agreed in the Council’s annual budget setting process for 2026/27.
Changes include moving to a single fee model and a move away from payment based on the age of the child. The carers fees for younger age groups has been uplifted in line with older age groups with a new single fee model rising to £307.50 per week. For those caring for under 12s this is an increase of around 60%.
Specialist fostering fees, including for those who care for a child with a disability, will rise to £490.06 per week and continuing care fees will increase to £307.50 per week.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said:It is important that those who choose to foster children in Edinburgh are properly supported in the vital work they do. I am pleased that we have agreed to put in place a new structure and to increase pay for foster carers – recognising the valuable role they play in our city.
“It is understandable that potential carers may hesitate because they worry about the financial impact on their household. We want fostering with Edinburgh to be financially sustainable, particularly in the current economic climate when we know that many households are facing cost of living pressures.
“I hope that this added financial support will help to encourage anyone who was considering becoming a foster carer to take the leap.”
In addition to the professional fee, foster carers receive an age-related payment, the Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA), towards the cost of caring for a child. An increase of 3.8% this year aligns with Scotland’s Promise, a national commitment to support foster carers and the children and young people living with them, to enable them to thrive.
It is also part of a broader effort to reduce the financial pressure on families looking after vulnerable children.
Foster with Edinburgh carers can receive from £485.20 to £696.78 a week to foster a child under 16 depending on the placement type and needs and age of the child. Annually, that’s between £25,230.40 and £36,232.56 to foster one child.
The health of both Edinburgh’s residents and its economy continue to thrive, according to an annual statistical snapshot of the city.
Figures from the 19th yearly Edinburgh by Numbers show that people living in the Capital spend around 80% of their lives in good health – the largest proportion of any Scottish city – while Edinburgh has the highest employment rate (83.2%) of all major UK cities including London.
Edinburgh by Numbers is collated by the City of Edinburgh Council and is based on data from a variety of sources including the ONS, National Records of Scotland and the Scottish Household Survey.
Highlighting citizens’ wellbeing, the report reveals that Edinburgh has the highest life expectancy of all Scottish cities — 82 years for women and 78 for men – and that 86% of people participate in some kind of sport or fitness activity, including walking.
However, 17% of the city’s population continues to live in relative poverty, while property prices are rising – Edinburgh’s average property price is higher than the rest of the major UK cities outside London, except for Bristol.
Edinburgh’s population is growing, increasing by 9.4% in the decade leading up to 2024, compared to a national average of 4%. Overseas migration is attributed as the main driver behind the growth – with a net migratory effect over ten times greater than the net effect of births and deaths. Despite its growth, Edinburgh remains a relatively low-density city at 2,015 residents per km² which is well below comparable cities such as Manchester (5,099) and Sheffield (4,755).
Statistics published in Edinburgh by Numbers include:
Edinburgh attracted 5 million overnight visits in 2024, generating £2.57 billion in total visitor spend — a 14.3% increase on 2023
Renewable electricity generation rose from 27.3 GWh in 2019 to a peak of 39.7 GWh in 2023, before dipping to 35.5 GWh in 2024 due to reduced bioenergy output
The Capital’s median hourly pay is £20.49 – more than any comparable city other than London and over 50% above the UK Real Living Wage
17% of the city’s residents live in relative poverty (households whose income is below 60% of UK median income in the same year) though this is below the national average of 21%
Close to 23,000 new trees were planted in the council area as part of Edinburgh’s Million Tree City project
Around 60% of trips involve walking or public transport, 68% of short journeys under two miles are made on foot or by bike
86% of residents are satisfied with public transport, more than 20 percentage points above the Scottish average
Edinburgh has the second highest number of higher education students per 1,000 residents (140) of all major UK cities, behind Manchester (148)
The Capital has 36 Green Flag parks – over twice as many as Sheffield, the city with the next highest number of parks with the award
25% of people moving to Scotland from other countries outside the UK come to live in Edinburgh
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“There’s always so much to learn from Edinburgh by Numbers and this year it shows us just what the city has to offer in terms of quality of life, employment opportunities and environment.
“We have more outdoor space than other leading cities while sustainable transport is the norm, with two thirds of short journeys made by foot or bike and Scotland’s highest satisfaction rating for public transport.
“Our economic output exceeds comparable cities, employees here receive fair pay and we have a booming higher education sector, all of which are amongst the reasons our population continues to grow at speed, with overseas migration driving the growth.
“I am proud that so many people coming to Scotland choose to call the Capital home, demonstrating what an inclusive and welcoming place it is. We’ll be celebrating the positive contribution immigration makes to our city in our new campaign, ‘Edinburgh is our Home’.
“Of course, with this popularity comes challenges – housing is in real demand, 17% of the city’s residents still live in relative poverty and the impacts of climate change loom large.
“As we plan for the future, data from Edinburgh by Numbers will be invaluable to our response to these pressures, from our Net Zero ambitions to the implementation of the Visitor Levy and our ambitious housebuilding programme.”
Families of children with disabilities and additional support needs are being encouraged to apply for the Council’s Holiday Hub provision, with the window now open for applications until 3 June 2026.
The Council has offered Holiday Hubs to eligible school age children and young people for over two decades – offering vital school holiday provision for those who cannot access any other form of mainstream activities during the holidays due to the nature or complexity of their disability or support needs.
Running Monday – Thursday from 9am to 3pm during the October, February, Easter and Summer holidays across ten weeks in total throughout the academic year, each holiday hub is run by an activity provider who is contracted by the Council to deliver the provision.
This year, adaptations and updates to Holiday Hub eligibility criteria have been made to reflect extensive collaboration that has taken place with families through the Holiday Hubs parent/carer steering group.
This is to ensure provision is allocated as fairly and transparently as possible to children and young people who need it the most.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “We have offered vital school holiday support to Edinburgh families for over 20 years, and I know from speaking to parents/carers just how much they need, value and rely on this provision during school holidays.
“Offering this support goes hand in hand with our ambition to make sure that every child and young person in Edinburgh has the opportunity to thrive and realise their full potential. Holiday Hubs offer a space where children and young people with a disability or an additional support need can have fun, take part in activities and make friends in a setting that meets their needs.
“I want to thank those families who are part of our Holiday Hubs parent and carer steering group. The input they have shared ensures that our investment in this important service meets the needs of those it is designed to help.”
Edinburgh Green Councillors have announced a new team to serve as their Co-Convenors. Cllr Alys Mumford and Cllr Ben Parker were chosen by their fellow Green councillors to lead the group for the final year of this council term at a group meeting on Monday 18 May.
The announcement comes after serving Co-Convenor Cllr Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill stepped down from the role after being elected an MSP, while her colleague Cllr Chas Booth came to the end of his two-year term.
Edinburgh Green councillors have a two-year term limit on convening the group, in order reflect the principle that power should not be concentrated, that diversity of experience and skills is an asset, and that everybody should have the opportunity to take on leadership positions.
Alys and Ben have previously acted as Co-Convenors for the group from 2022-2024.
Incoming Co-Convenor Cllr Alys Mumford said: “We are entering a pivotal year for the Green group, as we hope to build on the success of the Holyrood election and see the biggest group of Green Councillors in the chamber in 2027.
“At the same time, we need to continue our strong record of holding this failing ultra-minority Labour administration to account and fighting for our constituents to have the public services they deserve.
“Over the past four years, Green Councillors in Edinburgh have secured massive investment in social housing, protected our residents from the worst of the cuts to public services, and won long-overdue action to tackle the climate crisis.
“I’m delighted that the group have put their faith in me and Ben to be their co-conveners once again and we can’t wait to get to work on some of the pressing issues facing this Council.”
Fellow incoming Co-Convenor Cllr Ben Parker said: “Coming off the back of a fantastic set of election results for Holyrood, I’m excited to take over the reins as Co-Convener with Alys.
“Having already worked together as group Co-Conveners in the first couple of years of this Council term, I’m sure we will be able to pick up where we left off. I also want to say a big thank you to outgoing Co-Conveners Chas Booth and Kayleigh Kinross O’Neill who have left big shoes to fill.
“We have an exciting year ahead preparing for the Council elections in 2027. Already, we have an excellent pipeline of candidates and a fantastic manifesto in development. With less than a year to go before polling day, momentum is with the Greens and I’m excited to see where the next year (and beyond) will take us.”
Outgoing Co-Convenor Cllr Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill said: “Co-convening with Chas has been a pleasure in this Council term and I have immensely enjoyed having oversight of our brilliant Green group.
“Being elected to Holyrood is such a privilege and knowing that the Green group are in such good hands for the next year means I can cheer on from the sidelines as we come towards May 2027.“
Outgoing Co-Convenor Cllr Chas Booth said: “I’m delighted that Edinburgh Green Councillors have selected such a strong team to take over from Kayleigh and I and to steer the group towards the council elections in 2027.
“Following the Green surge at Holyrood less than a fortnight ago, this is an exciting time to be a Green councillor and I’m looking forward to supporting the incoming co-convenors as we prepare for the council elections next year.“
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to co-convene the group alongside Kayleigh for the last year. Her hard work, strategic wisdom and dry sense of humour have brought passion and insight to the role. The Green Group’s loss is Holyrood’s gain and while she will be missed as co-convenor, I am delighted she is staying on as a councillor for the remainder of the term.”
Applications open: 18 May – 29 June 2026
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