city council – Page 3 – The NEN

Residents across Edinburgh to choose how to spend Visitor Levy funds in their neighbourhoods

Councillors have agreed how the new £2m Participatory Budgeting (PB) programme will fund the local neighbourhood projects chosen by residents.

Each of the Council’s 17 electoral wards will benefit from a share of £1.7m over three years, with residents directly deciding how to spend the portion of Levy income in their local ward via a new online voting portal.

It will launch through a one-year pilot programme to test the process and identify areas for future improvements, with £20,000 available per ward in the 2026/27 financial year, followed by the remaining funds for two-year projects to take place in 2027/28 and 2028/29. The share of the fund wards receive is influenced by local need and population, with amounts going to different wards recognising where some are more deprived.

Each PB cycle will be delivered in three stages:

Idea generation: Communities and residents will express how they want the money to be spent in their ward (local plans will be considered as part of this process, where these exist).
Project proposals: Community organisations and charities will make funding applications in response to the ideas and priorities generated.
Decision-making: People can vote to decide which specific proposals residents want to see funded in their ward – residents will only be allowed to vote on projects in the ward they live in.

The final selected projects in each area will be awarded to external organisations for delivery.

Also included in the overall £2m fund is £300,000 to administer the programme, including staff time to establish and manage the process, alongside promotion and engagement activities. The programme team will work to establish partnerships with community organisations, including community councils, to deliver and champion local activity.

The scheme – which is the first of this scale in the UK – is part of the £90m+ package of transformative funding over the next three years, agreed in February, to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable destinations in the world.

The initiative has been designed to empower the city’s local communities, increase civic engagement and improve Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods in a way that addresses local priorities.

The programme’s proposals have been developed by Council officers, informed by feedback from consultation with elected members and community groups. The independent Edinburgh Visitor Levy Advisory Forum has also been consulted and provided feedback and recommendations.

In accordance with the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act (2024), funds raised by the levy must be reinvested in local facilities and services substantially used by business and leisure visitors. However, participatory budgeting may also benefit residents and those who work and study in Edinburgh.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Some of our communities have already experienced and benefitted from other PB programmes in Edinburgh, but this is the biggest and first to be delivered across the whole of the city.

“We’ve specifically designed this programme to complement existing schemes, and we’re proud that residents in every ward across the city will soon benefit from an equal share of some of the funds provided by the Visitor Levy. This means visitors to Edinburgh are contributing towards local projects that benefit us all in the places we live, work and visit ourselves.

“Given the scale of the programme, we’re taking a trial approach for the first portion of funding, which will allow us to closely monitor how well the scheme runs and make improvements for future years. The proposed approach is the result of a huge amount of engagement with community groups – and I’m very pleased that this level of engagement will continue as we review and evolve the programme.

“There are going to be plenty of opportunities for people to participate and have their say on the kinds of projects they’d like to see improve their local areas.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the first sets of project ideas take shape, and how our communities engage with this process and choose to invest in their local areas so we can continue to improve every corner of our beautiful capital city.”

Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy scheme was formally agreed in January 2025.

The levy applies to paid overnight accommodation booked after 1 October 2025, if the stay takes place from 24 July 2026 onwards. It is a 5% payment on the accommodation-only cost and applies to the first 5 nights’ stay. The scheme is projected to raise up to £50 million a year to invest in protecting, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live.

The PB paper was heard at Culture and Communities Committee on 15 May. You can view the meeting on our webcast.

Bad Luck, Hearts!

The Lord Provost sends his commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian Football Club following their loss to Celtic

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the city, I want to pass on my commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian FC, the players, their fans and everyone who has been rooting for the team during this incredible season.

“The players gave absolutely everything at Celtic Park this afternoon and to lose so late in the game was truly heart-breaking.

“The club has had such a great campaign, bringing so much joy, excitement and inspiration to their fans and to the wider community. They really have been the ‘talk of the toon’ and in recent weeks the buzz in and around Gorgie has been palpable.

“The players’ hard work and spirit has been something to behold and, despite today’s disappointment, I’m sure this will stand them in good stead for next season.”

Community invited to help shape the future of Portobello Swim Centre

The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure are inviting local residents, customers, and community groups to take part in a public consultation on proposals to redevelop Portobello Swim Centre, one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive and well‑loved heritage buildings.

The consultation will give the public an opportunity to comment on proposed improvements to the Category A listed facility, including internal reconfiguration to improve layouts, accessibility, and customer experience, while protecting key heritage features such as the pools and Turkish Baths.

Feedback from the consultation will help inform the final design and investment decisions for the centre.

Since the initial draft designs were first shared through the City of Edinburgh Council tender portal, the project team has been developing the proposals further. The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure are excited to showcase how the designs have evolved in response to early feedback from local clubs and customers, ensuring community voices are helping to shape what comes next.

The proposals also include new, much‑needed public toilets with access from outside the centre, helping local residents and visitors enjoy Portobello beach and promenade with better comfort and convenience.

As part of the consultation, a series of community drop‑in sessions will be held at Portobello Town Hall, giving people the chance to view the proposals, ask questions of the project team and share their views in person.

These sessions will take place on the following dates:

Tuesday 26 May: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm
Monday 1 June: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm

An online survey will also be available for those who prefer to provide feedback digitally.

The proposal, being delivered in partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure, is intended to support the long-term future of Portobello Swim Centre and the communities it serves.

Any future refurbishment would require a temporary closure of the centre while major works are carried out, and the consultation will also explore how any impact on customers and community groups could be managed.

Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Portobello Swim Centre is a much‑loved local landmark and an important community asset.

“This consultation is a vital opportunity for residents, users and local groups to help shape proposals that balance the building’s historic character with the need for modern, accessible facilities.”

Jen Holland, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We know how important Portobello Swim Centre is to its community.

“We’re committed to listening carefully to feedback through this consultation and ensuring that any future changes reflect what matters most to customers, clubs, and local residents, while securing the long‑term sustainability of this unique facility.”

Details of the consultation, and how to take part in the online survey, will be shared on the Edinburgh Leisure website and at Portobello Swim Centre in the coming weeks.

Heartfelt! Lord Provost sends best wishes to Hearts

Ahead of Saturday’s football match, the Lord Provost has issued the following statement:

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the city, I want to wish Heart of Midlothian the very best of luck against Celtic on Saturday.

“It really is incredible that it’s come down to this final showdown between the top two. Hearts have had such a great season, bringing so much joy, excitement and inspiration to their fans and to the wider community. They really have been the ‘talk of the toon’ and you can literally feel the buzz in and around Gorgie.

“Should they go on to win the title, it would be huge moment for the club and for the city. Not only would it be their first league triumph since 1960, they would also be the first club outside the Old Firm to do so for over 40 years.

“How wonderful if would be if the team ending that run and bringing the trophy home was an Edinburgh club. Go on the Jam Tarts!”

Lorne Primary School celebrates 150th anniversary with series of community events

This year marks 150 years since Lorne Primary School first opened its doors. To mark the milestone pupils, families and the local community are invited to join a programme of special events to celebrate learning, community and resilience:

Heritage Exhibitions featuring historic photographs and memories from alumni and community archives
Community performances and pupil showcases highlighting arts, music, and storytelling
Involvement in Leith Festival Pageant showcasing the brilliant work of pupils and teachers
Collaborative projects with local partners exploring the school’s role in Leith’s history and future
In-School Events such as a ‘Back in the Day’ Disco, a time travelling film that explores Lorne pupil experiences over the last 150 years and a celebratory tea party for staff, alumni, dignitaries and pupil representatives

Officially opened in February 1876, the first headmaster, the Reverend James Forsyth, welcomed pupils into the newly completed school building in late 1876, laying the foundations for a legacy of learning that continues today.

The much-loved Victorian school has played a vital role in shaping the lives of generations of Leith’s learners and their families.

Built on land secured from the Governors of George Heriot’s Hospital, the school was originally designed to accommodate up to 500 children. The school grew alongside its community and in 1898 a third storey was added to meet the needs of the increasing pupil numbers, and by 1901 the roll had risen to 900 pupils.

During the Second World War, the school building was temporarily repurposed as a civic restaurant, offering meals to local people affected by wartime disruption, while many pupils continued their studies in temporary settings around the city.

In 1962, a fire in the roof of the building led to the closure of the school for a decade. The school reopened in 1973 with 282 pupils. Today the school is a vibrant, multicultural learning community with over 150 pupils representing over 25 home languages.

Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish said: “It is incredible to see Lorne Primary School celebrating its 150th anniversary.

“This important milestone provides a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the impact that the school has had on the lives of many learners over the years as well as on the wider Leith community.

“While a lot has changed over the past 150 years, the school remains deeply rooted in the heart of the community, and today Lorne Primary School is a vibrant, modern, nurturing and inclusive school.”

Commenting on the milestone, Lorne Primary School Head Teacher, Lindsay Kennedy said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 150 years of learning at Lorne Primary.

“This anniversary is a tribute to every pupil, family, and staff member who has been part of our journey. We look forward to continuing our legacy of nurturing curiosity, compassion, and achievement for many generations to come.”

Barratt and David Wilson Homes take part in Edinburgh litter pick

Housebuilder proves spring cleaning isn’t just for the home

Volunteers from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of the UK’s largest housebuilder Barratt Redrow, have dedicated their time to cleaning up in locations around Edinburgh.

The litter-pick formed part of the wider Barratt Redrow CleanUp, now in its third year, organised by the housebuilder’s charitable arm, The Barratt Redrow Foundation in partnership with CleanupUK.

A team of volunteers from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland division set out to litter pick at West Craigs and Union Canal, which is popular with dog walkers, runners and families.

The team of 47 volunteers cleared nearly 100 bags of discarded waste, which included products that are known to be damaging to the environment and local wildlife and take a long time to break down, such as disposable vapes, wipes, batteries and cigarette butts.

The team sifted through greenery to remove waste, helping create a cleaner and safer environment for children, animals and tourists heading into the summer months.

Initiatives like this are important for amplifying the impact of litter-picking and community tidying efforts in the areas where the housebuilder operates and links closely to its ethos.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes are focused on building quality homes and creating vibrant new communities with open green spaces that enhance biodiversity and wellbeing, creating greener, healthier and more sustainable living environments for homeowners and wildlife alike.

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director for Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “In Scotland, we’re lucky to have such picturesque green spaces on our doorstep, so we all have a responsibility to ensure this landscape continues to thrive.

“As the UK’s largest housebuilder, we place great emphasis on leaving communities better than we found them, whether that’s by alleviating housing shortages, improving infrastructure or like in this instance, protecting the environment.

“Our employee volunteers did a great job clearing spots around Edinburgh which are enjoyed by residents across our West Craigs and West Craigs Quarter developments.”

CleanupUK, which helped with the organisation of the litter pick, is a nationwide charity that unites volunteers to form community-led litter picking initiatives in their local areas.

Edinburgh City Council provided the volunteers with the necessary equipment and will lead on disposing of the collected waste.

In total, over 60 clean-up events are taking place across the UK this spring, with hundreds of Barratt Redrow staff taking part.

To explore homes currently available in Edinburgh, visit Barratt @ West Craigs and David Wilson Homes West Craigs Quarter.

Bethany Christian Trust’s Welcome Centre to run year-round

A service providing emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough over winter will be able to continue throughout the year, thanks to a funding commitment by the City of Edinburgh Council.

The Welcome Centre, run by Bethany Christian Trust at the Council-owned ELS House on Gorgie Road, was due to cease operations at the end of April. The service will now be provided until March 2027, following a funding decision by Finance and Resources Committee on 28 April.

The Centre currently accommodates 64 households who have been rough sleeping in Edinburgh. Service users are offered three meals a day and support from Bethany paid staff, volunteers and Council officers to help access further accommodation.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Bethany Christian Trust provides an essential service for people facing rough sleeping in Edinburgh and over the last three decades has helped thousands of people to secure a warm and safe place to sleep, particularly over the colder winter months.

“We don’t want people to have to sleep rough at any time of the year though, so I’m really pleased that we’ll be able to keep the Welcome Centre open throughout 2026.

“Reducing homelessness, and where possible preventing it in the first place, is central to our Housing Emergency Action Plan, alongside ambitious plans to increase the city’s housing supply, making sure everyone has somewhere to live.”

Alasdair Bennett, Chief Executive, Bethany Christian Trust, said: “It is a desperate circumstance to face the prospect of sleeping rough, and worse still to experience the trauma and harms involved.

“The Welcome Centre is a service borne out of adversity to relieve suffering and meet long-term needs when people have nowhere else to stay. I am deeply grateful to the many volunteers, supporters, churches, and our charitable and statutory partners who together enable this life-saving work, sharing a commitment to offer not only shelter and sustenance, but hope, dignity and the opportunity for a new start.

“We are very grateful to the City of Edinburgh Council for making this significant next step possible, and for the shared commitment to provide both immediate support and pathways out of homelessness all year round. As someone said to me recently: ‘when is it ever warm enough to be homeless?’

“Finally, I want to thank our staff team. Their dedication to love and service is inspiring. In the last 30 weeks alone, 400 people have been accommodated, supported and helped to move forward, each knowing that they are valued and cared for.”

Bethany Christian Trust has operated winter care shelters in Edinburgh since 1996 and the service has since evolved to provide 24/7 accommodation and support for people who would be otherwise sleeping rough from October to May each year.

The Welcome Centre moved to ELS house on Gorgie Road in 2025.

The Council’s Housing Emergency Action Plan sets out the requirement for a year-round Welcome Centre to meet increasing demand in the city.

Find out more about the Bethany Christian Trust Welcome Centre.

Blackhall Library opening delay

We’re busy finalising the set up at our new temporary library building at Davidson’s Mains Primary School, and we’re looking forward to opening and sharing the space with the community.

Unfortunately we’ve experienced some delays with finishing the building works and installing some of the furniture. This means we’ve had to postpone the planned opening of the library by a few weeks.

We’ll announce the opening date via our website in the coming weeks:

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/newblackhalllibrary

Edinburgh exceeds affordable housing target

COUNCIL ‘MAKING REAL INROADS’

There have been almost 1,500 new affordable homes completed by the Council and its housing association partners in the last financial year – the most completions delivered in a single year since the Affordable Housing Supply Programme began.

In 2025/26 1473 houses were completed or purchased for use, beating the target of 1,368, while 994 homes were approved for construction. Work also started at 1,004 sites.

Almost £74m was spent on affordable housing in the last financial year, surpassing the previous high figure of £55m spent in a single financial year since the programme was introduced in 2007.

In February the Council agreed a record £1.6 billion investment in affordable homes and improved temporary accommodation as part of the Budget.

Spending will help address the city’s housing emergency by significantly increasing the supply of housing for those in need.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “These figures are extremely encouraging, and demonstrate the progress being made towards meeting the huge demand for housing in Edinburgh.

“An enormous amount of planning and collaboration goes into delivering homes on this scale, so I’d like to thank officers and partners for coming together to achieve this.

“Of course, the Capital is still under significant pressure, with many living with housing need. However, I’m confident that with smart investment and partnership working we’ll continue to make real inroads into tackling these issues.”

Members of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee will be updated on progress on Tuesday, 12 May.

This includes 170 approvals, 140 site starts and 329 completions delivered through schemes that required little or no grant funding. Amongst these are the Scottish Government’s Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE), other forms of low-cost home ownership, mid-market rent and private sector led Build to Rent (BTR).

Site completions also encompass homes that were purchased using £28.685m of National Acquisition Programme funding for 2025/26. This allowed the purchase of 341 homes to alleviate temporary accommodation pressures.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival delivers ‘record £241m economic impact’

International visitor numbers, satisfaction and community benefits reach new highs

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival – encompassing Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – has delivered its strongest performance to date, generating a record £241 million economic impact for the city and confirming Edinburgh’s position as one of Europe’s leading winter destinations with a record of 93 countries represented across its audiences.

The latest results, drawn from the most recent post‑event impact report, show sustained growth across visitor numbers, spending, satisfaction, community engagement and international profile, demonstrating strong recovery and growth.

Record economic impact and exceptional return on public investment

The combined Winter Festival generated £241m+ for Edinburgh’s economy in 2025/26, up from £198m just two years ago, representing growth of more than 20% across the three‑year period. The return on public investment has also increased significantly, with the festivals now delivering £297 back to the city for every £1 invested by the City of Edinburgh Council.

This growth reflects longer visitor stays, higher average spend and exceptional accommodation demand. Hotel occupancy peaked at 95.8% on New Year’s Eve, one of the highest figures ever recorded for the city, while average visitor spend and length of stay rose sharply across both Christmas and Hogmanay.

Millions of visits and a huge Hogmanay audience

Edinburgh’s Christmas welcomed over 2.9 million visits across its city‑centre sites this winter, maintaining near‑record footfall following the 3 million peak recorded in 2023/24. The event continued to attract a broad mix of local, UK and international visitors, with the majority travelling from outside the city and engaging extensively with Edinburgh’s wider retail, hospitality and cultural offer, proving its essential role in sustaining the sector.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returned at full scale, welcoming over 115,000 people across its four‑day programme, a 15% increase from 2023/24. Major events sold out, including the world-famous Street Party, Torchlight Procession and Night Afore Concert in the Gardens, with a further estimated 100,000 people experiencing the Midnight Moment across the city centre.

The Hogmanay festival presented over 560 artists and performers, 97% of whom were local and Scottish, supporting Scotland’s cultural community. It also welcomed a record number of international visitors, with 33% of visitors from outwith the UK (3% increase) and 26% from UK outwith Scotland.

Together, the figures underline the festivals’ critical role in driving winter tourism, ensuring Edinburgh remains a festival city and supporting year‑round economic resilience for the capital.

Exceptional visitor satisfaction, advocacy and pride

Visitor feedback from the most recent season also shows exceptionally high satisfaction and advocacy:

95% of Edinburgh’s Christmas visitors reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with their experience.
Over 80% said they would recommend the festival and attend again, rising to 100% among international visitors surveyed.
For Hogmanay, nearly 90% of attendees said the event made them feel proud to be part of Scotland’s celebrations, with three‑quarters likely to recommend it to others.

Across both projects, audiences consistently described the events as a defining part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, with nine in ten visitors saying their experience makes them more likely to return to the city during the winter season.

Growing community access and charitable impact

Alongside its economic success, the Winter Festivals continue to expand their community and social impact.

This year, more than 8,500 free tickets and ride passes were distributed to over 160 local charities and community groups, ensuring wide access for families and residents across the city. Over 27,500 people attended the free events at the Ross Bandstand across successive weekends. Local resident ticket offers once again sold out, showing the strong local engagement.

Charitable giving reached a new high, with almost £49,000 raised for partner charities Age Scotland, When You Wish Upon A Star, Simon Community Scotland and One City Trust across Christmas and Hogmanay. Long‑standing partnerships tackling homelessness, supporting children’s charities and local causes remain central to the festivals.

The programme also continued to prioritise local participation, with around three‑quarters of Christmas market traders Scottish‑based, many of them from Edinburgh, and extensive opportunities for local artists, performers and suppliers.

Global reach and international profile

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals also achieved unprecedented global exposure this year. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay generated more than 2,000 pieces of national and international media coverage, with a potential global opportunity of over 8 billion media interactions across the world, with more than 80% of coverage positive in sentiment.

Major international broadcasters and outlets once again carried images of Edinburgh around the world, reinforcing the city’s reputation as the Home of Hogmanay and one of the world’s most recognisable New Year destinations. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Auld Lang Syne was CNN’s top global story through the night, with leading audiences in Australia, Germany, Canada, USA and UK.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival has demonstrated clear and consistent momentum:

Economic impact has increased year‑on‑year.
Visitor numbers have rebounded strongly and now exceed pre‑pandemic levels.
Satisfaction, pride and advocacy measures have strengthened.
Community access and charitable contributions have expanded significantly.

This year’s results confirm the festivals not only as a major economic driver, but as a source of civic pride, cultural participation and social benefit for Edinburgh and its communities.

The Directors of Unique Assembly said: “These results underline just how important Edinburgh’s Winter Festival has become – not only to the city’s economy, but to its communities, cultural life and global reputation.

“Delivering £241 million in economic impact and some of the highest visitor satisfaction levels we’ve ever seen is something everyone involved can be incredibly proud of.

“It’s fantastic that people are staying longer, we are welcoming more people from around the world, we are giving local communities access to a range of free tickets and events, and we’ve seen a heartening uplift in charitable giving.

“This year shows that Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations and Hogmanay festival are not just world‑class events, but a festival that is rooted in the city, supports local artists and businesses, and creates experiences people actively want to return for year after year.”

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “It’s clear to see that both residents and visitors are continuing to embrace and enjoy the celebrations, which bring such a special atmosphere to Edinburgh each year.

“I’m proud that we’ve been able to deliver meaningful benefits for our communities through increased free tickets and ride passes, alongside record charitable donations that are helping support local causes across the city.

“Looking ahead to next year, we’re committed to building on this success and ensuring Edinburgh’s winter festival continues to deliver unforgettable experiences while creating lasting benefits for our residents, businesses and communities.”