Tag: city council

It’s now or never for public agencies to support the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Open Letter from SHONA McCARTHY, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society

What a fantastic week for the cultural sector of Scotland.  All the lobbying, advocacy and effort from so many, for so long, has resulted in some desperately needed stability and longer-term security; and Culture Counts did a sterling job in leading the charge. 

It has been uplifting and joyful to see so many brilliant theatres, companies, community art centres, creatives and festivals across Scotland, invested in, and supported to make new work and do ambitious things. 

A special nod to the success of our sister festivals – the Film, Children’s, Art, Book and Jazz festivals; and with over £5million in public sector support per year, the Edinburgh International festival will be enabled to undertake some truly wonderful commissions and programming. Perhaps this will be the moment for some shared resource into a collaboration of all six summer festivals to create a spectacular, free-to-access opening and closing of the whole season for Edinburgh’s residents. Exciting times and I look forward to the imaginative programming to come.

It is also wonderful to see Hidden Door secure some core support – its devolved curatorial approach and fusions of genre and imagination have brought something new to the whole festivals landscape.  Congratulations are due all-round and hats off to the Scottish Government for recognising the value of the arts to the heart and soul of the nation, to job creation, well-being and the economy.  All of this in the same week that the Fringe Society has had its own news to share, with the announcement of our new Chief Executive coming in to post in April this year.

However, I hope support can also be found for those who didn’t make the list this time.

The Fringe is a different beast.  It is complex, but only if you want it to be.  However, its complexity should not be a reason not to support the very event that gives Edinburgh’s festivals their global brand, economic success and enormous impact for the performing arts across Scotland, the UK and the world.  It truly is an access point for so many artists and audiences alike, into the arts.

Here’s where we are:

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is made up of thousands of moving parts.  All of those are important and are what make it unique.  The Fringe is not a funded, curated arts festival, it is a platform and a marketplace that is open to anyone.  Every artist or show that comes to Edinburgh does so at their own financial risk, and with their own set of objectives for what they want from participating in the Fringe. There are many producers who will annually develop and support a selection of shows to present at the Edinburgh Fringe, who share the risk with their artists. The venues that host them are all different models, but many of them also take significant risk, or share risk with producers and artists.

Then there is the Fringe Society – the small charity that is made up of Fringe members and provides core services to the festival: artist support, box office, marketing, promotion, and audience navigational tools.  Income generated from participants through registration fees and box office commission pays for these services.  The Fringe Society delivers a whole programme of added value that is designed to remove barriers to participants and audiences and ensure inclusion.  This work isn’t financed by income from the Fringe, but is supported by donations, fundraising and ring-fenced public funds for projects. In keeping costs to participants low or frozen for 18 years, the income generated from registration fees and tickets, has long-since come far short of covering the costs of services to the Fringe.

Once upon a time the Fringe was a self-financing ecosystem with a collective effort from all the fringe-makers on keeping it affordable for artists and audiences. However, the well-documented economic context of recent years changed that.  In this moment, if Edinburgh, Scotland and the UK wants to keep the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, then the whole thing needs support, and that has to come from multiple sources and has to support both the Fringe and the Fringe Society.

The Fringe Society needs core annual public sector support if it is to continue to provide services to the Fringe at an affordable level.  It also needs to be able to adjust its fees to meet some of the rising costs too. A stable Fringe Society can continue to play a positive convening role for the wider Fringe community and in recent recovery years we have been able to redistribute some £6.3million out through the Fringe ecology in funds for artists, producing venues and support for Scottish work, to help it survive and stabilise.

The Fringe Society will continue to use its convening role to raise funds to support artists through the Keep it Fringe fund and Made in Scotland. We must also ensure that the essential digital infrastructure that supports festival systems – online tools and wayfinding, are future-proofed, and will seek support and donations to retain our 32 community partnerships across the city so that they can continue to experience their Fringe their way, both during August and year-round.

What could a whole Fringe support strategy look like.

For a stable, healthy Fringe we need a joined-up investment strategy that includes the Scottish Government, the City of Edinburgh Council and the UK Government.  We have continuously made the case and both UK and Scottish Governments have recognised the unique place that the Fringe occupies as a platform, a showcase, a marketplace and global expo. There is nothing else like it on these islands, and it offers something unique in the world as an annual global meeting place to celebrate the performing arts in all their glory and for the business of the performing arts to be done.

We of course need a stable Fringe community with companies, producers and theatres able to produce work, and the investment from the Scottish Government last week goes a long way towards this.  We will continue to lobby until Scotland is on a par with the best of Europe.

The Fringe Society’s new year-round Fringe Central secured a capital grant that will create new affordable rehearsal spaces for artists, and also unlocked £1million in Keep it Fringe funds for direct bursaries to 360 artists over 2024 and 2025. The Fringe Society are aiming to sustain the Keep it Fringe fund in some form, and producer James Seabright, has already committed the first £25,000.

Investment in the Fringe Society from the Scottish Government is needed to ensure the charity can continue to provide core services to this vital event. 

The Scottish Government have recognised that this organisation falls between the cracks and have made the commitment to support, and this is a work in progress.  Scottish artists, companies and many local producing theatres and venues are supported through the multi-year funding programme, the Open Fund, and the Made In Scotland showcase at the Fringe and this helps. Yet there is still a gap in support for the whole Fringe operation, and there is a continuing disparity between the infrastructural needs and financial support made available for major sport events as opposed to the investment in sustained, annual arts events with longitudinal impact, like the Edinburgh Fringe.

For the UK Government – the Edinburgh Fringe hosts artists from all over the UK, with over 2,000 shows coming from England alone every year; with producers and promoters bringing work to be showcased and booked for onward opportunities.  The Fringe ecosystem needs support to host all of this. 

The UK Government have so far provided a Capital Grant to the Fringe Society to create a year-round Fringe Central space, and we have been making the case to build on this investment for the whole ecology. This could happen in several ways:

  • Theatre Tax Relief could be extended to support the venue infrastructure set up at the Fringe that is undoubtedly part of the production process
  • The Fringe should be supported by UK Government for its role as a driver of the Creative industries – Industrial strategy, and well-positioned for support from the £65 million recently announced by Secretary of State Lisa Nandy
  • It should be recognised as a Major Event for the UK, and its operating structures supported as would so readily be done with a sporting event of this scale and reach, such as an Olympic or Commonwealth Games
  • Arts Councils across UK should be investing in their artists to support them coming to the Fringe, as international showcases already do

The City of Edinburgh Council is crucial in providing a supportive operating context:

  • The Fringe will generate over £1million in Visitor Levy – this money should be ring-fenced to be redistributed in supporting the event
  • Affordable accommodation is the single biggest barrier to making the Fringe truly inclusive for creatives, workers and audiences.  There are three ways this could be alleviated
    • Exemptions on home-letting and home-sharing being real, effective and immediate
    • A mechanism for HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) privately run student accommodation to be made available to artists during the summer months
    • A map of accommodation capacity within a one-hour commute of Edinburgh and the supporting transport routes to make that underused capacity viable

New structures have already been set up to create this joined up approach through a National Festivals Partnership and a Festival City Infrastructure group. Let’s hope these structures can finally bring a strategic and supportive approach, to enable the Fringe to sit comfortably within Scotland’s national cultural asset base whilst also being properly enabled to welcome the emerging performing artists and breakthrough work from across the UK and the world.

The Edinburgh Fringe is unlike any other cultural event in the world, in that it is largely self-financed by those who take the risk to make and show work. It is made up of hundreds of parts, all of which are important.  It is a wonderful balance of ticketed venues, street performance, free shows and pay what you want shows; from new discoveries to world-class and established artists.

It is the sum of these parts that makes it distinctive, inclusive, extraordinary and with something to say in the world.  The stability of the Fringe is dependent on a recognition by everyone involved in it; that it is not owned by anyone – no organisation, group, or collective. It has no super league or participant base that is any more important than any other. It is a platform for freedom of expression like no other – ever evolving, growing, contracting and contorting.

It is not stuck in any one period of time, and should never allow any single interest group or sense of entitlement to derail its beautiful, messy and joyful mission for inclusion and cultural democracy

Its mantra is to give anyone a stage and everyone a seat – and that’s a mantra worth protecting and championing. That’s the Fringe.  What a welcome it would be for the incoming CEO of the Fringe Society, if this extraordinary event was set on a new foundation stone where both the Fringe itself and the charity that supports it are validated and supported.  With that support and validation, the whole Fringe community can move forward together collaboratively to secure the future of this vital event.

The cultural sector review will perhaps take a closer look at why the Edinburgh Fringe doesn’t sit comfortably within the established mechanisms of investment in the cultural sector, and a new way may be found to give it investment and support. Edinburgh is a city that has given huge recognition to new infrastructure and investment in classical music and the classic artforms. 

It would be wonderful to see some validation of the forms of creative expression, such as comedy and street performance, which allow a significant point of access into the arts, and anyone to step into the opportunity to perform. 

Often all that is required is space, a microphone and a story to tell. 

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society

Councillors agree changes to Edinburgh’s short term lets licensing policy

ASSC: ‘Part-time approach to health and safety’

Councillors on the Regulatory Committee met on Friday 31 January and agreed some changes to the Council’s licensing policy on short term lets (STLs).

This follows a 12-week consultation held over the summer when residents and industry were encouraged to share their experiences of the policy in the Capital so far.   Topics included were secondary letting, temporary exemptions, fees and the application process.

Targeted discussions with resident groups, industry bodies and other key stakeholders led to 780 responses being submitted.  This led to the Council recommending some changes to policy in these areas which reflected feedback, legislation and fees.

A further report will be considered in May 2025 that proposes extending secondary letting licence renewals from one year to three years.

Regulatory Convener, Councillor Neil Ross, said: “The Council’s short term lets licensing policy is helping to ensure holiday lets are safe and properly regulated in our city as over 4,400 applications have been granted since it was first introduced in October 2022.

“I welcome the changes to reduce licence fees for residents looking to Home Share and to make temporary exemptions for Home Sharing and Home Letting less onerous, while at the same time providing robust regulation of the short term let industry. I’d like to thank all of the residents and businesses across Edinburgh who took the time to tell us how the scheme is working for them.”

ASSC warn over “part-time approach” to STL health and safety

The main trade association for the Scottish self-catering industry responds to the policy changes agreed by City of Edinburgh Council’s Regulatory Committee last week:

Edinburgh Council will water down key health and safety requirements for homesharers during the Festival period to try to ease the acute shortages of visitor accommodation. Those renting out a spare room, or their entire main home, could gain a temporary exemption which would exclude them from tests and requirements in relation to gas, electrical and fire safety, as well as on legionella.

However, professional operators like self-caterers and B&Bs will still have to comply with the mandatory conditions associated with short-term let licensing.

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) believes the changes are a recognition from the Council that the regulations are not working and would continue to jeopardise the Festivals in their current form. However, they criticised the “part-time approach” to health and safety which undermines the entire purpose of STL licensing set out in the Scottish Government’s legislation, and risks further incentivising the black market.

The ASSC argues that a level playing field for all types of STL accommodation is required all year round and that the Festival accommodation crisis could be eased through safe and lawful means, including reforms to the city’s draconian planning regime to allow the remaining self-catering properties to continue to trade.

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the ASSC, said: “This change is an admission that the short-term let regulations are harming the capital’s economy and threatening the viability of the Festivals. However, rather than fully resolving the issue, it simply undermines the entire purpose of the Scottish Government’s short-term let licensing regime.

“Ensuring the health and safety of guests is a 365-day operation which self-caterers are wholly committed to. However, a part-time approach is irresponsible and will simply be a boon for the black market which is already flourishing thanks to the squeeze in the supply resulting from the shambolic short-term lets policy.

“Legislation at a national level remains unfit for purpose, especially the conflation of short-term let planning and licensing systems. We now have a situation where responsible and professional operators have spent thousands complying with licensing but are being systematically shut down through onerous planning requirements – only for the door to be opened to unregulated and potentially unsafe accommodation.

“Councillors need to ask themselves: will Edinburgh’s position as a leading visitor destination be enhanced by allowing visitors from around the world to stay potentially unsafe accommodation? Do properties suddenly become safe during the month of August but then dangerous the remaining eleven months of the year?

“Small businesses like self-catering have helped provide accommodation for Festival goers and performers for decades. Our industry wants them to succeed but we need safe, reliable and quality accommodation for that. Edinburgh Council must look at other ways of addressing this crisis and the sector stands ready to work with them to this end.”

Parent Councils call for safer roads in Edinburgh

PARENTS in Edinburgh have called for urgent action after new figures emerged it could take 25 YEARS to clear a road safety backlog unless  budgets are increased.

Parent Councils from 53 primary and secondary  school from across the city have written to all their MSPs and Councillors  calling for an increase in road safety funding, which they say is needed to  keep children safe. 

The Freedom of Information (FoI) statistics were gathered after a child was  killed on their way to school in North Edinburgh last year. 

In the FoI response, parent council’s discovered that, as of June 2024, there  are 96 red flag sites on Edinburgh City Council’s speed reduction list.

Shockingly, despite this, only 19 roads have been improved in the last five  years. At this rate, it would take 25 years to act on all the Edinburgh roads  currently on the list. 

The Parent Councils have now written to Edinburgh and Lothian MSPs and  City of Edinburgh councillors demanding that budget makers prioritise  road safety around schools. 

In that letter, they point out that it’s only a matter of time before another  tragedy occurs. 

The parents say that an increased road safety budget is needed to tackle  the backlog and ensure that future changes are made within a year of a  site being identified for speed reduction measures.

Another FOI response showed that, in 2023/24, the road safety budget was  £1.5m which was just 1% of the total road and transport budget for that  year. 

Kim Pratt, vice chair of the Davidson’s Mains Primary School Parent  Council, said: “A 25 year backlog in speed reduction measures is condemning every child  in Edinburgh to navigating unsafe roads for the rest of their school days. 

“No child should be risking their life when traveling to school and it’s  unacceptable that safety recommendations are being ignored. 

“We do understand that the council is under financial pressure but getting  children to school safely must be a priority. 

“The call from parent councils from across Edinburgh shows that this is a  systemic problem. Politicians in Edinburgh have the power to protect our  children by increasing road safety funding and by making road safety  around schools a priority in all future road developments.” 

Lynsey Houston, chair of Craiglockhart Parent & Carer Council said: “I know that since Craiglockhart parents first raised concerns about road safety, some of the children have now graduated high school!  

“A potential timescale of 25yrs is ridiculous but highlights the desperate need for more resources. After all, when we ask for improvements, we are  asking for our council and government to prevent a tragic outcome.”

THE LETTER READS:

Monday, 3rd February 2025

To all Edinburgh and Lothian MSPs and City of Edinburgh
Councillors,

INCREASE THE CITY’S ROAD SAFETY BUDGET TO KEEP EDINBURGH
CHILDREN SAFE


We represent parents of children who attend schools across Edinburgh and we are calling on you, as our political representatives with control over the City of Edinburgh Council’s budget, to increase funding for road safety.

Our children are being harmed on their way to and from school. Last year, a child was killed on their way to school in Edinburgh and we believe, in the current situation, it is only a matter of time before this happens again.

A response to a Freedom Of Information request has shown that, as of June 2024, there are 96 sites on the Council’s speed reduction list and only 19 roads have been improved in the Last five years. At this rate, it will take 25 years to act on
all the roads currently on the list.

This is unacceptable to many parents, whose children will grow up and leave school before changes are acted on. Our children are navigating unsafe roads now.

Whilst we understand that the Council is under huge pressure around funding, we believe that road safety, particularly around schools, should be more of a priority than it currently is.

Another FOI response showed that, in 2023/24, the road safety budget was £1.5m which was just 1% of the total road and transport budget for that year. You must increase Edinburgh Council’s road safety funding to reduce the backlog in speed reduction improvements and make future changes in a reasonable and responsible time period. We believe that, once a site is identified for speed reduction
measures, improvements should be completed within a year and the Council should be funded appropriately.

All road budget spending should consider how safety around a school can be
built into improvements.

We look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,


Kim Pratt, Davidsons Mains Parent Council
On behalf of the following Parent Councils of Edinburgh:

  1. Davidson’s Mains Primary School Parent Council
  2. Gilmerton Primary School Parent Council
  3. Craigour Park Primary School Parent Teacher Council
  4. Craiglockhart Parents & Carers Council
  5. Canaan Lane Primary School Parent Council
  6. Flora Stevenson Parent Council
  7. Cramond Primary School Parent Council
  8. James Gillespies Primary School Parent Council
  9. Nether Currie Primary School Parent Council
  10. James Gillespie’s High School Parent Council
  11. Royal High School Parent Council
  12. Preston Street Primary School
  13. Clermiston Primary Parent Council
  14. Trinity Primary Parent Council
  15. Duddingston Primary Parent Council
  16. Dalry Primary Parents and Carers Council
  17. Chomhairle Phàrant Bhun-Sgoil Taobh na Pàirce
  18. Bruntsfield Primary School Parent Council
  19. Longstone Primary School Parent Council
  20. Blackhall Primary School
  21. Forthview Primary School Parent Council
  22. Stockbridge Primary School Parent Council
  23. Pentland Primary School Parent Council
  24. Leith Walk Primary School Parent Council
  25. Granton Primary School Parent Council
  26. Castleview Primary School Council
  27. East Craigs Primary Parent School
  28. Craigentinny Primary School
  29. St Andrew’s Fox Covert RC Primary School
  30. Fox Covert Primary School
  31. Gylemuir Primary School Parent Council
  32. St Peter’s RC Primary School Parent Council
  33. Oxgangs Primary School Parent Council
  34. Roseburn Primary School Parent Partnership
  35. St Thomas of Aquins Parent Council
  36. Frogston Primary School Parent Council
  37. Royal High Primary School
  38. Bonaly Primary School
  39. Holyrood RC High School
  40. South Morningside Primary School Parent Council
  41. St. Catherine’s RC primary school
  42. Kirkliston Primary School Association
  43. Currie Community High School Parents in Partnership
  44. Sciennes Primary School Parent Council
  45. Wardie Family Forum for Wardie Primary School
  46. St Mary’s Primary School Parent Forum Council
  47. Broughton Primary School Parent Council
  48. Abbeyhill Primary School Parent Council
  49. Corstorphine Primary School
  50. Gilmerton Parents Council
  51. Portobello High School Parent Council
  52. Ferryhill Primary School Parent Council
  53. St Ninian’s Primary School Parents Council
letter-pdfDownload

Letter to MSPs and Councillors from parent councils, sent Monday 3rd February 2025

Pavement parking ban in Edinburgh hailed a success one year on

5153 PENALTY NOTICES ISSUED FOR PARKING ON PAVEMENT

The benefits of the pavement parking ban have been praised by Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets Edinburgh.

The Council previously worked with these organisations to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland.

Earlier this week (January 29) marked a full year since enforcement began against parking on pavements, at dropped kerb crossing points and double parking.

The council introduced these rules to make our streets safer for pedestrians and road users. Pavement parking particularly impacts people who use wheelchairs and mobility, those who are blind or partially sighted and people pushing prams or buggies. This practise also damages pavements, which are expensive to repair and become a trip hazard for everyone.

Parking attendants have the powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) to vehicles parked on pavements, some verges, at crossing points or double parked. A parking ticket will be issued at the national level of £100 but reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days. This follows a similar process to existing parking tickets issued in Edinburgh.

You can find out more about these rules and report incorrectly parked vehicles on the city council’s website.

Up to 26 January 2025 there had been 5,153 PCNs issued for footway parking, 1,612 for dropped kerb parking and 1,629 for double parking.

Since enforcement began there has been an overall decreasing trend in PCN fines being issued for pavement parking – with the exception of the busier summer months.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Since we first introduced these changes one year ago, we’ve seen many residents and visitors modify their parking habits accordingly, with the problem of pavement parking disappearing in many streets across our city. The overall gradual decrease in PCN fines for pavement parking also shows we’re headed in the right direction, ultimately we want to see zero fines.  

“Every driver is responsible for parking their vehicle considerately, and where this would not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road. We brought the pavement parking ban in to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or pushing buggies.

“We’ve also heard from many people who really appreciate clearer, wider pavements and who no longer need to walk on the road as a result of the ban.

“I’m proud that we took this decision to make our streets as safe and accessible as possible – and that local authorities across Scotland are now looking to Edinburgh’s lead and implementing schemes of their own.”

Transport and Local Access Forum Convener, Councillor Kayleigh O’Neill said: “The pavement parking ban has been so well received in Edinburgh, and I am so grateful to everyone who has played a part in making that happen.

“Strong awareness, resident co-operation and Council enforcement has meant that disabled people, elderly people, those with buggies and prams, all have an easier time getting around.

“So many streets that have been blighted in the past are now free and accessible for people who move around the city like me who uses a power wheelchair.

“Pavements are for people and the enforcement of this ban reinforces that. It is great to also see that Glasgow has followed us and are beginning enforcement on their city streets from January 29.”

Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, Mike Moore said: “One year on from the enforcement of pavement parking restrictions in Edinburgh, people with sight loss say it has made a real difference.

“By keeping pavements clear, the new rules have helped to ensure that people in the capital can get out and about safely, without the fear of being forced on to the road by inconsiderate parking.

“We welcome the start of enforcement in Glasgow this week, which marks an important step towards a consistent approach across Scotland. With both of Scotland’s largest cities now taking action, we hope to see continued progress by local authorities to make our streets safer and more accessible for all pedestrians.”

Living Streets Edinburgh Group Convener, David Hunter said: “The City of Edinburgh Council deserves credit not only for being the first in Scotland to apply the national ban on pavement parking, but also for adopting a “no streets exempt” policy.

“This been the most significant change to make Edinburgh a safer and more attractive city for pedestrians since the introduction of widespread 20mph speed limits.”

Have your say on vision for new Queensferry community hub

A consultation has opened on proposals to deliver new, fit for purpose services and more school places that support Queensferry’s growing population

Residents are being asked to share their feedback on new ideas to create a community campus on Burgess Road, bringing together more modern services in a central location for the whole of Queensferry.

Plans for the new project, which have been designed using the findings of past consultations and reports, focus on:

  • A new Early Years Centre on the north end of Burgess Park, providing children with better quality outdoor space and a modern environment for learning and development. 
  • Enhancing greenspace and extending Burgess Park by removing the Road Depot on adjacent land.
  • Moving an improved and larger Queensferry library to the campus, with more community spaces and provision to deliver expanded services with our partners.
  • Providing additional classrooms at Queensferry Primary School by moving the Early Years facility to a new building and repurposing space within the school.
  • Expanding playground space at Queensferry Primary School, replacing existing buildings in poor condition.

The proposals for the hub are part of the Queensferry Living Well Locally project to help make Queensferry greener, healthier and safer for everyone.

The project aligns with the 20-minute neighbourhood strategy to help local people meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home.

Information on further plans to improve walking, wheeling and cycling connections to shops, services, and facilities in the local area will follow as related projects are developed.

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “With Queensferry’s population continuing to grow, we need more school places to meet demand, while some of our existing community buildings are reaching the end of their usable life and are no longer fit for purpose.

“We firmly believe that doing nothing is not an option, and we need to invest in local community facilities for today and tomorrow. We are looking to deliver this through a place-based approach that reflects what people in the area want and need.

“We are keen to hear from as many people as possible who use services in the area. The proposals have been designed partly using the feedback from previous engagement, but we need to make sure they work for everyone.

“This consultation is a fantastic opportunity to make sure people’s views are heard and considered when plans are developed in more detail.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “We know from previous engagement that people would like modern community services and facilities in a central location that is easy for people from all over the local area to access. Our ideas for a new community hub on Burgess Road address these issues.

“The proposals for the new early years centre and expanded primary school have the potential to create a modern learning and development environment for children in Queensferry, while allowing us to provide vital new classroom spaces.”

The survey is now live on the Consultation Hub and will run until Monday 21st April. A number of in-person events will be held in venues across Queensferry, where officers will be available to discuss plans and listen to people’s views. 

The first of these will take place on Thursday 6th February at Queensferry Library (12pm – 2pm) and Scotmid Co-Op (4pm – 6pm). Details of further dates and times will be published on the Council’s website and Consultation Hub. 

Beyond this, the project team is also meeting with local community groups and organisations as part of the consultation process. 

Edinburgh’s Nelson Monument to undergo major restoration

Nelson Monument, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, is set to temporarily close for the final phase of essential refurbishment works and the reinstallation of its historic Timeball and mast.

The refurbishment will include inspection and restoration to the monument’s external walls and windows, the installation of some new internal lighting, as well as the reinstallation of the Timeball mechanism to full working order.

Museum items have been safely secured in preparation for the closure. Visitors will be unable to access the monument from Monday 27 January 2025, with the scheduled reopening expected in July 2025.

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We are excited to embark on this next stage of the important refurbishment of the Nelson Monument, ensuring that both the iconic structure and its fascinating history continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

“The restoration and reinstallation of the Timeball and the enhancements to the monument will provide visitors with an even richer experience, connecting them to the legacy of Charles Piazzi Smyth and the monumental role this site has played in both Edinburgh’s heritage and the history of navigation.”

The Nelson Monument, designed by architect Robert Burn in the shape of an upturned telescope, has stood proudly on Calton Hill for over 200 years.

The monument’s Timeball, added in 1853 by Charles Piazzi Smyth, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, was once crucial for ships navigating the Firth of Forth and Port of Leith, helping them to adjust their clocks for accurate navigation.

The Timeball was raised daily before 1pm and lowered at precisely 1pm, with the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle providing an audible signal.

As well as the Timeball, the Nelson Monument offers one of the finest panoramic views of Edinburgh, with views stretching across the city to the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and Fife.

Visitors can also explore the current exhibition inside the monument, which highlights the life and achievements of Charles Piazzi Smyth, a pioneering figure in astronomy, photography, and Egyptology. His innovative work at Calton Hill contributed significantly to global astronomical practices.

It also forms part of the wonderful visitor experience available at Calton Hill which is home to several neoclassical structures, including the National Monument, the City Observatory and the Dugald Stewart Monument.

The Monument will re-open in July 2025. This year marks 220 years since Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar in 1805.

Maybury Primary School welcomes first pupils

THE First of its kind, Maybury Primary School has this week welcomed its first pupils – 25 excited P1 learners – into the brand-new school building. 

The group of children, who have been based at neighbouring East Craigs Primary School since August 2024 are the first intake at the new school which will offer capacity for up to three streams, including 630 primary pupils and 128 nursery pupils. The next group of children will join the new school in August 2025.

The school’s catchment area includes the new housing developments in Cammo and West Craigs.

Maybury Primary School is built to the Passivhaus standard, a highly energy-efficient construction method that regulates air temperature in classrooms, creating a more comfortable learning environment. This approach supports The City of Edinburgh Council’s 2030 net-zero target by significantly reducing the building’s energy consumption.

The new primary school is part of the Maybury Community Hub and is the first school in Edinburgh to share a campus with a medical practice. The hub will maximise the use of its buildings, allowing local residents to access services close to where they live in line with the 20-Minute Neighbourhood strategy.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “It is great to see that the new Maybury Primary School has welcomed its first group of learners into the building.

“The head teacher and her team have worked hard to ensure that the transition from East Craigs Primary School into the new school is smooth for the P1 children and I know that they are all excited to get settled into their new school environment.

“The new building has been constructed to be fit for the future and the ‘hub’ model means that the building can be used by the whole community, which is fantastic. The construction of Maybury Primary School is part of a broader initiative to meet the needs of new families who have moved into the area, alongside working to achieve the Council’s ambition to meet future demands and support community growth.”

Council: Bins will be collected over Sunday and Monday

We’ll start collecting wheelie bins on Sunday, but we expect delays.

If you were due a collection on Friday, put your bin, box and Christmas tree out on Saturday evening.

We’ll collect over Sun and Mon. We’ll get to them as soon as we can.

#StormEowyn

Edinburgh declares Scotland’s first visitor levy

Councillors have formally agreed to introduce Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy scheme. Hailed as a ‘historic moment for Edinburgh’, the decision was taken during a special meeting of the Council held online yesterday (Friday 24 January) .

From 24 July 2026, a 5% fee will be applied to the cost of overnight accommodation in Edinburgh, capped at five nights in a row. Businesses will need to apply the levy to any advance bookings made as of 1 October 2025 for stays on or after 24 July 2026.

The levy is projected to raise up to £50 million a year once established, for the city to invest in protecting, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to live and visit.

The final proposals for the scheme have been updated to provide accommodation providers and booking agencies with extra time to prepare systems for advance bookings ahead of next summer’s launch.

Responding to yesterday’s decision, Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “What an historic moment for Edinburgh. Introducing this ground-breaking visitor levy means 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.

“The scheme has been many years in the making and I’m grateful to Council officers, businesses and residents who have helped shape it, every step of the way. Its introduction is declared today with a huge amount of backing, not least from local residents.

“At all stages we’ve listened to and taken account of the views of industry and other stakeholders. It’s in this spirit that we’ve also extended the amount of time hoteliers and small businesses will have to prepare for the changes that are coming in.

“It’s vital that we continue to work closely as we get ready to launch this scheme and deliver the many benefits it is going to bring. We’ve always said this is a city fund and spending decisions need to be taken with a whole city mindset, and we’ll soon be establishing a Visitor Levy Forum with an independent Chair.

“We’ll also be reporting next steps to executive Council committees.”

Neil Ellis, Chair of the Edinburgh Hotels Association, said: “Edinburgh Hotels Association welcomes the introduction of the visitor levy for its intended use of improving the experience of all visitors – local, national or international – through additional spending.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to further enhance Edinburgh’s reputation on the World stage as a must visit destination.”

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Donald Emslie, a representative of Edinburgh’s tourism industry, said: “This new income stream presents a unique opportunity to generate significant funds for the city’s long-term development.

“The levy’s potential to generate transformative funds for the benefit of all who live, work, and visit Edinburgh is well recognised and I’m pleased to see a decision made to declare a scheme which will not only support spending on city operations and infrastructure, but sustain Edinburgh’s cultural offering and destination and visitor management.”

There has been some criticism of the decision, however. Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “We are extremely disappointed that Edinburgh Council has failed to properly appreciate the widespread concerns of our sector who are the ones responsible for administering this tax.

“While the transition period will be altered by a few months, there remains very clear operational impossibilities. In the rush to be first, rather than getting it right from the get-go, their slapdash approach risks undermining the levy before it has even started. Edinburgh will be a guinea pig for this new tax and hopefully other councils will now take stock and learn from the mistakes made.

“While tourist levies are common in other destinations, Edinburgh’s plans make it an outlier. First, it is a tax on a tax: the 5% levy itself is subject to 20% VAT, something unheard of in Europe. Other destinations have a reduced rate of VAT on tourism services, where Scotland does not. Those demanding a levy of 8% or more need a reality check.

Second, this is not an ‘international’ visitor levy paid only by foreign tourists with exemptions for residents, but one applicable to ordinary Scots staying overnight in the capital, those who have already made a financial contribution to local services. And as with all taxes, the only way is up, especially when councils are starved of funds.

“Finally, the credibility of those continuing to blame the tourism industry for all manner of ills, especially the relatively small number of short-term lets, is wearing thin. The housing crisis won’t be solved by causing a crisis in Scottish tourism; and those seeking to respond to the Housing Emergency should focus their ire on the capital remaining an empty homes hotspot.   

“We understand the rationale behind a visitor levy but a badly implemented policy will do more harm than good, damaging the very industry it is supposedly meant to support.”

The agreed Visitor Levy for Edinburgh scheme:

Scheme Objectives

The overarching aim of the Scheme is to sustain Edinburgh’s status as one of the world’s greatest cultural and heritage cities and to ensure that the impacts of a successful visitor economy are managed effectively and in support of the priorities as set out in the Council’s Business Plan (or equivalent).

The objectives of the Scheme are therefore to Sustain, Support and Develop:

  1. Public services, programmes and infrastructure that provide an enjoyable and safe visitor and resident experience.
  2. Edinburgh’s culture, heritage and events provision to ensure it remains world-leading and competitively attractive to visitors as well as residents.
  3. The city’s visitor economy, by fostering innovation in response to environmental and societal challenges, enhancing Edinburgh’s global reputation while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Scheme area, start date and duration

The Scheme covers the entirety of the City of Edinburgh Council boundaries and will apply to overnight stays from 24 July 2026, booked and paid for (in part or full) on or after 1 October 2025. It will apply indefinitely, or until the Council decides to end or amend it, and at all times of the year.

The levy rate

The levy rate will be 5%, payable for a maximum of five consecutive nights and will apply at the same level, year-round, across the entire City of Edinburgh Council boundary area.

Accommodation liable for the levy

The levy will apply to all overnight accommodation, including those with an annual turnover below the applicable VAT threshold, based within the City of Edinburgh Council boundary.

This includes:

  • Hotels;
  • Hostels;
  • Guest houses;
  • Bed and breakfast accommodation;
  • Self-catering accommodation, including short-term lets;
  • All paid accommodation on caravan sites and campsites, including temporary tent and campervan pitches;
  • Accommodation in a vehicle, or on board a vessel, which is permanently or predominantly situated in one place; and
  • Any other place at which a room or area is offered by the occupier for residential purposes otherwise than as a visitor’s only or usual place of residence.

Certain accommodation providers may apply to the Council for a discretionary site exemption if they meet both of the following criteria:

  • The property is occupied by a charity or trustee of a charity; and
  • Overnight stays must be wholly or mainly for charitable purposes.

This discretionary exemption is aligned with the cases where charities may receive mandatory relief from paying Non-Domestic Rates and may be cross-checked with that register.

Accommodation providers who do not charge for overnight accommodation, or who cater fully for individuals who are exempted from paying the levy are not liable for the levy.

Individuals exempted or excluded from paying the levy

The Visitor Levy is payable by anyone staying in accommodation which is not their only or usual place of residence (temporary or otherwise). Individuals who do not have an only or usual place of residence are therefore not required to pay the levy. This includes people who are homeless, refugees and asylum seekers and people whose homes are unfit or unsafe for habitation. In addition, individuals defined in s. 14 (1) of the Act are exempt from paying the levy.

Individuals who are exempt or excluded will need to pay the levy to the accommodation provider and request reimbursement from the Council, unless their accommodation has been arranged and paid for directly via the Council. Reimbursement can be applied for online, submitting relevant evidence (as detailed below and on the Council’s website) and bank details (to enable payment via BACS). Alternative provision can be made for those who do not have internet access.

Evidence which will be required to be submitted includes:

  • The name of person exempted/excluded;
  • If exclusion applies, verification of such status from relevant official body (this can include the Council’s Homelessness service, Social services, relevant third sector provider, Police Scotland etc);
  • If exemption applies, a copy (scan/photo) of the relevant benefit award letter or similar document;
  • Booking confirmation/accommodation invoice – the name of the person exempted/excluded should be included on this document; and
  • Proof of payment for overnight accommodation.

The Council will assess the evidence received and pay the reimbursement via bank transfer within 5 working days if the applicant is found to be eligible.

Collecting and enforcing the levy

Accommodation providers within the local authority area will be liable for the levy. They will be required to submit quarterly reports, detailing the total accommodation charges and the total levy collected to a national online visitor levy portal. The levy will be payable at the same time as submitting returns.

Accommodation providers are required to keep accurate records of all transactions that are subject to the levy. The Council will conduct inspections, as required, to ensure compliance with the scheme and remittance requirements.

Accommodation providers who fail to comply may be subject to penalties.

Appeals relating to decisions made by the Council on the operation and/or enforcement of the scheme can be registered following the Visitor Levy appeal process detailed on the Council’s website. The Council will aim to review and process such appeals within 28 calendar days.

Use of net proceeds

The Act stipulates that the net proceeds of a visitor levy must be spent on facilitating the achievement of the scheme’s objectives and on “developing, supporting and sustaining facilities and services which are substantially for or used by persons visiting [overnight] for leisure or business purposes (or both)”.

After administration costs, which includes the establishing and maintenance of a contingency fund, a fixed amount will be assigned to:

  • Housing and tourism mitigation (£5m p.a.);
  • Participatory budgeting (£2m over 3 years) with appropriate audit checks in place to ensure that these funds are spent on facilitating the achievement of the scheme’s objectives; and
  • Reimbursement of 2% of remitted funds to Accommodation Providers, to off-set the administrative cost incurred from operating in accordance with the Scheme and collecting visitor data

The remaining funds will then be split into the following investment streams:

  • City Operations and Infrastructure (55%);
  • Culture, Heritage and Events (35%); and
  • Destination and Visitor Management (10%).

The Council will make decisions on the use of funds after consultation with the Visitor Levy Forum (see details below), with these decisions delegated to the relevant executive Committees.

Reviewing and changing the scheme

The Council will review the scheme every three years to assess whether it is successfully achieving its objectives and to measure the impact of the scheme on businesses, visitors and communities. The review will be published along with a report detailing how the income has been spent and the benefits which the VL-funded projects have brought.

If the Council wishes to make changes to the scheme following the review, it will publicly consult on the change and publish a report detailing the decision and its justification. Significant changes to the scheme will require an 18-month implementation period.

Significant changes to the scheme include:

  • Increasing the scheme area;
  • Increasing the percentage rate; and/or
  • Removing any exemptions

Visitor Levy Forum

A Visitor Levy Forum will be established to discuss and advise on the VL scheme, including the review of the scheme and any modifications to the scheme. The Forum will also be consulted on how the VL funds will be spent.

The Forum will be made up of an equal number of representatives from the community and from businesses in the city’s visitor economy and at least 40% of the representatives must be women. Council officers responsible for the investment streams and officers from the Council’s Programme Management Office will be in attendance at Forum meetings and may make recommendations to the Forum but will not be members of the Forum itself.

The Council will report publicly and to the Scottish Government on

  • the amount we collect
  • how we use the net proceeds, (the amount collected minus costs or expenses of operating the scheme)
  • how we demonstrate that we are delivering the objectives of the Scheme.

Edinburgh’s intentions to introduce the scheme have been communicated to the Scottish Government.