School clothing grant is paid by your local council to help you buy your child’s school clothing and shoes.
You need to apply for the grant through your local council.
The payment is not made automatically.
Even if you’ve received a school clothing grant before, you must submit a new application each time you want to apply.
Check your local council’s website to see when you can apply for the grant. Most councils accept applications from July until the end of March.
North Bridge fully reopened last night (Friday 31 July), with final completion of the project expected later this year.
Both pavements and traffic lanes will be brought back into use in time for the peak festival season in August, which starts next weekend.
Work on the North Bridge began in 2018 and since then the Category A Listed structure has undergone a complete restoration.
This has included grit blasting and repainting all structural steelwork, restoring and hand finishing the cast iron façade, and installing a permanent access platform for future monitoring and care of the bridge.
The project has also brought significant social benefits through partnerships with local schools and universities, collaboration with charities and community groups, alongside careers support for young people, ex-offenders and people with disabilities.
A time capsule was interred last year with key objects from the project and an exhibition Study for North Bridge is running until September at the City Art Centre.
A co-curated video with contractor Balfour Beatty discusses this milestone and goes into some of the key information behind the project.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this key milestone in the project. This reopening is all the more welcome given the busy time of year, and the wider travel disruption we’re currently experiencing as a result of the fire on Princes Street.
“Make no mistake, this has been one of the most complex and ambitious projects the Council has ever undertaken. When work first began, some areas of the bridge hadn’t seen the light of day in over a century, and few could’ve imagined the scale of the challenge we faced.
https://twitter.com/Edinburgh_CC/status/2083219153922474331/video/1
“I’m conscious that this has taken longer, and cost more than we initially anticipated. Our residents, businesses and visitors have my sincere thanks for their patience during this time. However, I’m incredibly proud that we’ve successfully preserved and enhanced this cornerstone of Edinburgh’s history, and key transport corridor, for future generations of our city.
“To see the bridge back to its former glory, with the new façade shining in the summer sun, is something we can all celebrate together.”
https://twitter.com/balfourbeatty/status/2083256359466782840/video/1
Rory McFadden, Project Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “The reopening of North Bridge to both traffic and pedestrians marks a major milestone in this complex restoration project and is a significant step towards returning this iconic structure to the heart of Edinburgh’s transport network.
“While there is still work to complete in the months ahead, it will be incredibly rewarding to see residents, visitors and businesses once again utilising the bridge and benefitting from this vital transport link.”
The candidates standing in the upcoming Southside/Newington (Ward 15) and Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) by-elections have been confirmed.
23 candidates will stand in these by-elections, which will elect one new councillor per ward, on Thursday 3 September 2026.
The candidates standing for election in the Southside/Newington ward are:
The candidates standing for election in the Portobello/Craigmillar ward are:
The final candidate lists and further information are also available on the Council website.
Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “With nominations now closed and just over a month to go until polling day, residents in these wards can start thinking about who they will vote for.
“Councillors play a key role in our democratic system, making crucial decisions that impact our city.
“I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to register to vote in plenty of time, and then make their voices heard in September.”
Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today, with further information on when and where to vote.
If you live in these wards, the deadline to register to vote in these by-elections is 18 August. For new postal vote applications, it’s 19 August and for new proxy votes it’s 26 August.
Find out more about registering to vote on the Council website.
The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, rather than using a single cross. Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they like.
Polling places will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 3 September.
Please check your polling place as this may have changed since the last time you voted. If you bring your polling card to vote this will help us and speed up the process, but this isn’t mandatory.
Polling Places (Ward 15):
Polling Places (Ward 17):
The electronic count will take place at Waverley Court, starting at the close of poll at 10pm on September 3.
Direct Scottish Government support to help address the ongoing impact of the fire on Princes Street, including potential financial support, will be discussed during talks with City of Edinburgh Council leaders next week.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has acknowledged the “major difficulties” being faced in the capital as a result of the blaze at the former Debenham’s store on July 9th.
Ms Gilruth will visit the site of the fire next week and meet with the head of the local authority to clarify what action is required to assist with the recovery.
The Deputy First Minister said: “I am acutely aware of the major difficulties faced by city centre commuters, businesses and tourists in the aftermath of the fire – particularly as Edinburgh prepares for the August Festivals.
“The Scottish Government has been working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver the immediate priorities of ensuring the public’s safety while minimising and reducing disruption. I welcome the quick action taken to support festival organisers given the diversions along George Street.
“I am firmly committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery in what is the heart of the capital.
“I will also be meeting with the council leader next week to make clear what further support ministers can provide, including financial assistance, to help alleviate the situation.”
Edinburgh’s summer festivals oficially begin next weekend, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the capital.
.Richard Shillcock, the Communist Party of Britain candidate for the upcoming Southside/Newington ward by-election, has launched a fierce critique against central government accusing political leaders of prioritising military spending over critical public services.
Responding to voters questioning the link between local council services and military budgets, Shillcock outlined a direct connection between UK defence spending and the decline of local communities.
Skyrocketing Military Spending
Shillcock noted that since the 2022 Edinburgh Council elections, annual UK defence spending has surged from £48 billion to £62 billion, with further increases planned.
He highlighted that during this same period, the UK has committed over £25 billion in support to Ukraine—including £16 billion in weapons—alongside active arms deals with Israel totalling hundreds of millions of pounds.
Shillcock argued that the funds directed toward international conflicts are directly starving local councils of resources.
Richard Shillcock said: “The choice is simple: welfare or warfare. We can invest in people or waste money on war.
“My message to Edinburgh voters is clear—every cut to public services, every council tax rise, every waiting list, every crowded school, every substandard home, and even every pothole could be fixed if we stopped funding war.”
A Challenge to Rival Parties
In a direct challenge ahead of the 3 September by-elections, Shillcock called out rival political campaigns for offering superficial solutions to deep-seated systemic issues.
“Unlike others, the Communist Party of Britain is not going to pretend that performative tinkering with our political system will bring about substantive improvements for working-class people,” Shillcock ssaid.
“Voters should challenge every single candidate standing on whether they prioritise investing in people or wasting money on war.”
Work is expected to continue on site for at least three weeks, during which time this section of Princes Street will remain closed.
Securing the front façade of the building is one of the key tasks being undertaken. Structural engineers have concluded that the building’s fragile state means vehicles, including trams, should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a serious risk to public safety.
Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the façade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeks’ time, if wind speeds remain low. Work is weather dependent and cranes cannot operate once wind speeds exceed safe limits. The safety of the operatives carrying out this complex work is a key factor.
Good progress has been made on the eastern end of the building, and it is hoped the cordon on Princes Street will be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend.
It has also emerged that the original Victorian staircase and the stained-glass windows memorial to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, at 111-112 Princes Street, have survived relatively unscathed.
These two key features from the 1880’s will now be examined to assess if any further work is required.
Trams will continue running from the Airport and terminating at West End (Shandwick Place stop), with buses being diverted via George Street.
Check our dedicated webpage for detailed information and travel advice.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Whilst I understand how concerning this news will be to everyone, I want to reiterate that we’re doing everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“The complexity of the remedial work cannot be overstated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.
“I’m acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, and I’ll repeat my thanks to the public for their continued patience during this incredibly difficult time. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as we enter the August festival season.
“We’re continuing to work alongside our partners, particularly Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses, to keep Edinburgh moving.
“A part-tram service and full bus services continue citywide, but please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. We’ve also increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available across the city, helping people to get around easier.
It’s positive that the cordon is being reduced, and the fact that these key historical features of the site have survived is a rare silver lining in this terrible event.
“From tram and bus drivers working overtime to the engineers on site, Council colleagues and many more, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the response so far.
“Despite these trying circumstances I’ve no doubt we can all enjoy a fantastic summer here in the world’s cultural capital.”
The recent fire on Princes Street has had a significant impact on our city.
@on_lothianbuses and @EdinburghTrams‘ Chief Operating Officer, Willie Hamilton, thanks our colleagues and customers for their support during this challenging time.
Read his full statement below:
We were recently contacted by a local resident who was concerned about the appearance of racist, xenophobic graffiti on a wall in Wardieburn.
This kind of thing is NEVER OK and should be reported immediately.
The Council aims to remove offensive graffiti within 24 hours.
Thankfully the wall in Wardieburn has been painted over now.
If you spot offensive graffiti, please report it immediately here:
JOIN OUR TEAM!
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and creative Community Heritage Officer to join our regeneration team and help bring our area’s rich heritage to life.
As Community Heritage Officer, you’ll develop and deliver activities that encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, share and celebrate their local heritage. From organising community events and workshops, to collecting oral histories and supporting exhibitions, you’ll create opportunities for people to engage with the past while helping shape the future of the area.
This role is part of our Heritage & Place Programme project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.
Deadline: Monday 3 August 2026
Find out more on myjobsscotland:
Edinburgh Leisure has set out the next steps in the refurbishment of Portobello Swim Centre following a major public consultation which showed overwhelming support for investment in the much-loved community facility.
The consultation, carried out independently during May and June 2026, gathered views from customers, user groups and local residents. It found that 91% of respondents support investment in the centre, while 95% recognise it as an important community asset.
Taking this feedback into account, Edinburgh Leisure and the City of Edinburgh Council will now move forward with the next stage of design development. The design team will use the consultation findings to finalise a design for approval, with a focus on improving facilities while protecting the character, heritage and community value of the iconic building.
A design shaped by the community
The next phase of the project will focus on developing a design that reflects what customers said matters most. This includes considering:
The consultation findings will now be reviewed in detail by the design team as they develop the final design for approval.
Moving into the next phase
The project will now move into further design development and approval stages, with updated designs and visuals shared with the public once the design has been progressed.
Subject to final approvals, the next steps will include:
Edinburgh Leisure has also committed to providing regular updates throughout the project, with 95% of consultation respondents stating they wanted to be kept informed as plans progress.
Supporting customers through change
The consultation highlighted that temporary closure of the centre is the biggest concern for customers, with more than 80% indicating they would be affected by any period of closure.
Edinburgh Leisure will develop a comprehensive customer support plan ahead of the refurbishment, including access to alternative facilities, swim lesson arrangements and flexible membership options to minimise disruption wherever possible.
A long-term investment in Portobello
The refurbishment aims to ensure Portobello Swim Centre continues to serve the community for generations to come, improving the quality of facilities while maintaining the character and heritage that make it one of Edinburgh’s most valued leisure venues.
Claire Rusack, Operations Director at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views.
“The message from the community was clear – people strongly support investment in Portobello Swim Centre, but they also want to protect the features that make it such a special place.
“The design team will now use that feedback to finalise a design for approval. This will ensure the next stage focuses on improving changing facilities, accessibility and the overall customer experience, while taking account of the natural light, sea views and heritage character that customers told us they value most.
“Portobello Swim Centre is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic leisure facilities and this investment will help safeguard its future, ensuring it continues to support active, healthy communities for many years to come.”
A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: “Portobello Swim Centre is an important part of Edinburgh’s sporting and cultural heritage, and we welcome the high level of public interest in shaping its future.
“The consultation has provided clear and valuable feedback which will help inform the next stage of design development.
“We’re committed to working closely with our partners and the local community to breathe new life into this much-loved landmark space in a way that protects the building’s historic character while creating modern, high-quality facilities for future generations.”
Here are our events for next week to help you #ReadToTheBeat and keep enjoying the summer holidays! All our events are free to attend, but make sure you book a place to our external workshops.
On Tuesday, it’s Karaoke time from 2pm! Emily will be helping you belt out your best songs in style.
On Thursday morning, we have spaces left for our superb workshop with Befana and Midnight, where you can learn about herbs, design recipes, and brew your own magical tea! This is aimed at ages 7-10 but younger children can participate in some of the event with parental help.
If you want to come along to this, please sign up on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/befanas-magical-tea…
On Thursday afternoon, we will put E for Engineering in STEM. Learn about the construction and destruction of castles, help build one for the library, and test it out. This will run from 2-3pm.
We are fully booked for Jenny Laahs’ final Music Makers Club, but those who are signed up will be trying out keyboard instruments and playing some fun musical games.
Lastly, like every week, we have Junior Board Games from 2pm on Saturday. We’ve got lots of board games available to try out.
Remember that coming to any of these events will earn you a sticker for the #SummerReadingChallenge, which you can sign up for with your library card and parent.
2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn
