New primary school and nursery proposed at Granton Waterfront, which would impact catchment areas for several local schools.
Find out more and share your views by 3 October at:
Have your say on new waterfront school
Tag: city council
Edinburgh’s visitor levy scheme takes another step forward
PLANS for a Visitor Levy in Edinburgh took another significant step forward yesterday (22 August), as councillors agreed key details of the draft scheme.
It is anticipated that the levy will generate tens of millions of pounds a year to reinvest in the city’s infrastructure and sustainable tourism from summer 2026.
A formal 12-week public consultation seeking further input from residents, visitors and businesses, will commence in the coming weeks. This will inform the final scheme, which will be agreed in January 2025, allowing the 18-month implementation period to begin.
Edinburgh will become the first place in the UK to launch such a city-wide levy, which will drastically help the Council manage the demands of increased tourism while ensuring sustainable investment in the visitor economy, public services, city maintenance, affordable housing and preserving the Capital’s cultural heritage.
Edinburgh Council backed the Lib Dem proposal to split Transient Visitor Levy income, after a fixed Housing investment, between: 55% city operations 35% culture and 10% destination management.
Key highlights of the draft visitor levy scheme include:
- Flat 5% charge per night: Visitors staying in accommodation will be required to pay a small, fixed fee per night of 5% of the accommodation cost, capped at seven consecutive nights.
- Wide range of accommodation: The levy will apply to paid accommodation including hotels, short-term lets, hostels and bed and breakfasts, but will exclude stays in campsites.
- Funding allocation: The levy is expected to raise £45-50 million a year by 2028/29. Revenue generated will be reinvested directly into initiatives that benefit residents and enhance visitor experiences, such as a ‘Well Kept City Fund’, affordable housing, city infrastructure, destination marketing and support for major events and festivals.
- Shaped with industry input: The draft scheme has been shaped by many years of engagement with local businesses, residents, and tourism stakeholders including hoteliers.
- Expected to launch 2026: When the draft scheme is finalised, early in the new year, the Council will begin working with partners to implement the Visitor Levy and make it live by Summer 2026.
Read the full report considered by Councillors and more information on the visitor levy scheme.
The decision is a victory for Edinburgh housing campaigners and trade unionists:
Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: “We can’t take Edinburgh’s incredible cultural offering and reputation as a fantastic place to visit for granted, and a visitor levy presents an innovative way of sustaining the sector and the city.
“It will significantly increase our ability to invest in the visitor experience and the tourism pressures we face, from keeping the city clean to responding to our housing emergency, so that everyone can continue to enjoy all that the city has to offer. By better supporting these services we can secure Edinburgh’s future as a top global destination.
“These proposals have been shaped by the views of residents, visitors and industry. We’re committed to making sure this is the best levy for Edinburgh and will begin our formal consultation as soon as the Scottish Government allow.
“This is a once in generation opportunity for Edinburgh and I look forward to the many benefits a visitor levy will bring, allowing us to reinvest tens of millions of pounds in sustaining and improving the things that make our city so special – for our visitors and residents who live here all year round.”
Neil Ellis, Chairman 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.”
Christina Sinclair, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “The visitor levy brings an opportunity to generate crucial funds to invest in our historic city, ensuring its heritage remains authentic and that the UNESCO-designated Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site are protected, enhanced and promoted for future generations.
Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, said: “ELGT are in support of the funds raised from the proposed visitor levy to provide additional resource to make improvements to the city’s public spaces. It will be encouraging to see much needed funding for the upkeep of our much-valued greenspaces that provide many benefits to residents and visitors.
“The funding will also provide an opportunity to develop sustainable improvements to help mitigate against climate change and biodiversity loss.”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh, said: “We welcome the next phase of the consultation by the City of Edinburgh Council.
“The key principle for the implementation of the visitor levy remains, that the money collected and then distributed should be additional to existing Council resources and not replacement funds and be used to finance projects that primarily support the tourism sector.
“We welcome the three potential funding pots which if used appropriately will have a significant impact on how our city looks, and how we can support our crucial heritage and arts/event sectors.
“Importantly, it will also invest in dedicated marketing and promotion, to ensure our successful tourism sector continues to grow sustainably. With an effective public and private partnership driving this work, we are excited that real progress can be made.
“Edinburgh must not take our tourism sector for granted, and if the finance generated through the levy goes towards supporting our tourism sector, then the city will see economic benefits for our business both directly and in the supply chain, employment growth and much needed large infrastructure projects being delivered. This will materially benefit all the residents in the city.
“Essential Edinburgh will continue our engagement with our members, the industry and Council to move forward towards the finalisation of the scheme.’
Cutting sods at Silverlea: Work begins on former care home site
Council Leader Cammy Day was joined by Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden and architects Smith Scott Mullan as work got underway on the development of143 energy efficient social and mid-market rent properties.
In partnership with Cruden, the project will deliver a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes across the site, including wheelchair accessible accommodation.
Work will include upgrades to greenspace and the main footpath linking Salveson Cresent and Marine Drive to create safer, easier access to the shorelines. Plans also include a new Pavilion for Craigroyston Community Football club.
The development is part of the £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration which will create a new residential-led mixed-use community and will deliver around 3,500 net zero carbon homes, a primary school, a health centre, commercial and cultural space, and a new coastal park.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: It was great to attend the sod-cutting ceremony at the Silverlea site today as we marked the beginning of construction on this exciting development here in Edinburgh.
“We’re facing a Housing Emergency so we must continue to build more affordable housing to address our chronic shortage.
“To deliver our net zero targets for the Capital, sustainable regeneration is so important, and every element of this development has been designed with that in mind. I’m delighted that plans also include a new Pavillion for Craigroyston Community Football Club which will be a real asset to the community.
“The project forms part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the Granton area where we’re unlocking brownfield land to build a new sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood. We’re continuing to work hard to ensure Granton is somewhere residents will be proud to live and I look forward to seeing progress continue throughout this year.”
Fraser Lynes, MD of Cruden, added: “Silverlea is a great example of development with sustainability and community at its heart, and we are thrilled to be involved in the delivery of this transformational project.
“The City of Edinburgh Council must be commended in bringing forward these much needed social and mid-market homes amid the capital’s housing emergency, and for specifying them to net zero carbon standards, making them greener, cleaner and more efficient to heat and run.
“During this development, we’re looking forward to providing the new pavilion for Craigroyston Boys Club, carefully re-using the Griffens from the historic Muirhouse Mansion, as well as delivering an important programme of new tree planting and a wildflower meadow to enhance local greenspace.”
The progress is the latest in the Granton Waterfront regeneration with work already well underway on several other projects in the area.
Over 400 net zero homes at Western Villages as well as 75 net zero homes at ‘Granton D1’ are currently under construction.
Homeless World Cup co-founder and social entrepreneur Mel Young MBE to receive the Edinburgh Award 2024
The Homeless World Cup co-founder and social entrepreneur, Mel Young MBE is to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award.
Mel Young MBE has been selected to receive the accolade from a shortlist of nominations cast by the Edinburgh public. He will receive an engraved Loving Cup from the city’s Lord Provost at a ceremony within the City Chambers later this year.
Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has empowered its citizens to recognise and celebrate individuals who have made a real and lasting impact to the city and brought the capital to national and international attention. Previous recipients include bestselling authors, ground-breaking scientists, human rights activists, and exemplary sportspeople.
Mel Young is President of the Homeless World Cup which he co-founded in 2003. Under his leadership, the Homeless World Cup has expanded all over the world and now has partners in 70 countries, touching the lives of over 100,000 homeless people every year – more than one million people in the last decade.
A movie called “The Beautiful Game” which is based on the Homeless World Cup was released this year and has been a global movie hit.
Mel also co-founded the Big Issue in Scotland in 1993 and was Chair of Sportscotland, the national agency for sport, between 2016 and 2024.
Mel will become the 18th recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award. His handprints will be immortalised on a flagstone in the City Chambers quadrangle alongside those of previous recipients, all of whom have contributed in their own unique way to the Capital.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted that Mel Young MBE has been chosen as the latest recipient of the Edinburgh Award. He deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.
“From The Homeless World Cup, to The Big Issue in Scotland, his passion and dedication to changing lives and advocating for fairness is admirable and inspiring. Through his work he has represented the Capital with pride, dedication, and skill.
“I’d also highlight the fantastic work of The Homeless World Cup charity, based in the city, which now has partners in 70 countries, touching the lives of over 100,000 homeless people every year.
“I’d like to congratulate Mel on behalf of the city, and I’m sure he will continue to do great things, both here in Edinburgh and beyond.”
Homeless Word Cup founder and social entrepreneur, Mel Young MBE said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive this Award. Edinburgh is a beautiful city, and I am proud to be one its citizens.
“The Homeless World Cup has its international headquarters in Edinburgh and connects all over the globe. I’d like to share this Award with the team of fabulous people in our organisation and to salute the real heroes of our work, the homeless people themselves who change their own lives through their involvement in our operations across the world.
“Thank you so much for giving me this Award.”
City council launches Adult Education Programme
The new Edinburgh Adult Education Programme is just around the corner!
With over 300 courses on everything from Ancient Greek history to web design there is truly something for everyone.
Find out more on the programme website:
Have your say on Firework Control Zones
CONSULTATION CLOSES 23rd AUGUST
Edinburgh residents are being asked for their views on Firework Control Zones.
The introduction of a Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off in these areas, and a Citywide Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off anywhere in the capital.
These Firework Control Zones will not impact organised displays, such as Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Christmas or Hogmanay.
Consultation is currently underway for the following locations:
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together.
“However, we all remember the shocking scenes we saw in some areas of the capital last year with emergency services being attacked, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent similar occurrences this November.
“This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to share their position on the use of fireworks, and I encourage everyone to take some time to have their say before the consultation closes.”
Further information on Firework Control Zones is available on the council website. The consultation closes on Friday 23 August 2024.
Michael Pedersen is the new Edinburgh Makar
A report to the city council’s Culture and Communities Committee yesterday has recommended Michael Pedersen as the next writer to be inaugurated as the seventh Edinburgh Makar.
Michael will take over the honorary role from Hannah Lavery later this year at a special reception hosted by the Lord Provost at the City Chambers.
Born and raised in the Capital, Michael is a prize-winning Scottish poet and author, and the Writer in Residence at Edinburgh University. His poetic prose debut, Boy Friends, was published by Faber & Faber in 2022. It was a Sunday Times Critics Choice and shortlisted for Best Non-Fiction at Scotland’s National Book Awards.
Michael has also been shortlisted for the Forward Prizes for Poetry and won a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship. Having co-founded the literary production house Neu! Reekie!, his work has been praised by many writers and performers including Stephen Fry, Sara Pascoe, Nicola Sturgeon, Irvine Welsh, Jackie Kay, Alan Cumming and Kae Tempest.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker said: “I would like to begin by thanking Hannah Lavery as our outgoing Edinburgh Makar for her generous contribution to the cultural life of Edinburgh residents.
“Hannah has been an enthusiastic and hardworking advocate for poetry and the written word, engaging with a diverse range of people in many different settings including community writing groups, cultural organisations, theatres and festivals, contemporary poets and dramatists and the Council’s Museums and Galleries team. I wish her all the very best for her future endeavours.
“At the same time, I’m very much looking forward to welcoming Michael Pedersen into the role. Michael was a pupil at Portobello High School and is currently Writer in Residence at The University of Edinburgh.
“His work is honest, fearless and witty with a strong focus on mental health and friendship. I am looking forward to seeing Michael engage with our younger community members and to hearing his perspective on Edinburgh 900, as we celebrate 900 years of the city’s history over the next twelve months.”
The Seventh Edinburgh Makar, Michael Pedersen: “Finding myself as Edinburgh’s new Makar is a thrill supreme! I’m brio filled and beaming from it.
“From Parson’s Green Primary to Portobello High School, from years of running literary events with Neu! Reekie! to finding myself as the current Writer in Residence at Edinburgh Uni, I’ve been married to poetry throughout.
“I’ve published three collections over a ten-year period and feel like I’m only getting started. Edinburgh is one of the world’s foremost poetry cities, and I’m elated and electrified to be setting off fireworks (hopefully conceptually and literally) for both these bastions of beauty.
“I told my Granny first, then my Ma, the rest will follow. Long live love and poetry and Edina!”
The Edinburgh Makar is a civic post instituted in 2002 by the City of Edinburgh Council. The writer is selected and nominated by representatives of the Scottish Poetry Library, Scottish PEN, The Saltire Society, Edinburgh City of Literature Trust and the Council.
UK disorder – Police Scotland update
EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT
Police Scotland continues to engage with our communities to offer reassurance following violent disorder in other parts of the United Kingdom.
Officers continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.
Today (Wednesday 7 August, 2024) Chief Constable Jo Farrell met with the First Minister John Swinney MSP along Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie in Edinburgh.
Our Chief is also meeting with community groups in Glasgow to listen to their perspectives and offer reassurance.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Gold commander for our policing response, said: “We understand the concern and officers right across Scotland are providing reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.
“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.
“We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.
“I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact us through 101.
“Violence and disorder is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the appalling violence which has been experienced in some communities and with our brave colleagues in UK policing.
“We continue to be in close touch with other UK police services should requests for support be required.”
FIRST MINISTER MEETS FAITH LEADERS
First Minister John Swinney has held positive talks to provide further reassurance to people across Scotland in the context of ongoing disturbances and disorder in parts of the UK.
The First Minister met with representatives of faith and refugee groups at Bute House this morning to show solidarity with communities around the country.
He then met with Scottish political party leaders and Police Scotland representatives to discuss the situation in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Speaking after the meetings, the First Minister said: “My positive meetings today were intended to provide reassurance that this is a time for solidarity and that we are united in our opposition to anyone who would seek to use disorder to divide people.
“I have drawn together faith leaders from across communities in Scotland to express our solidarity together – we respect each other and we want everybody to be safe within our society.
“I have also brought together leaders of political parties in Scotland for a briefing with Police Scotland to enable the police to set out the work they are undertaking to keep people safe in Scotland, should we face any events of the type that we have seen in other parts of the United Kingdom.
“The displays of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia seen in other parts of the United Kingdom have no place in democratic society, and I want to reassure people in Scotland that we have plans and preparations in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.
“We are absolutely not complacent and remain vigilant. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable who has reassured me that Police Scotland has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face the same challenges.”
The First Minister met with representatives from the following faith and refugee groups this morning:
- Scottish Hindu Foundation
- Scottish Association of Mosques
- Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
- Senior Rabbi, Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue
- Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
- Scottish Episcopal Church
- Church of Scotland
- Muslim Council of Scotland
- Scottish Refugee Council
The First Minister also met with:
- Jo Farrell (Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
- Alan Speirs (Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
- Gary Ritchie (Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
- Douglas Ross MSP (Scottish Conservatives)
- Anas Sarwar MSP (Scottish Labour)
- Lorna Slater MSP (Scottish Greens)
- Patrick Harvie MSP (Scottish Greens)
- Alex Cole Hamilton MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
Secretary of State for Scotland @IanMurrayMP has also written to reassure Scottish faith communities and underline there is no place in Scotland for racism, bigotry, or the politics of hate:
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A STATEMENT BY EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION
Scotland hosts global cultural leaders for festival hub of international exchange
The Momentum Delegate Programme kicks off in Edinburgh today, Wednesday 7 August, acting as a central hub from the world-leading Festival City to connect key cultural players from across the world with the wider Scottish and international cultural sector.
Every August during the Edinburgh Festivals the capital of Scotland becomes a global celebration of culture and creativity, with citizens of the city and the country joined by artists and audiences from all over the world.
At Momentum, a cohort of producers, government agencies, funders, stakeholders and programmers from invited countries will join a tailored programme of networking and meetings with creative practitioners, policymakers and educators in Scotland.
The collaborations established will enable long-term relationships, platforming Scotland and its artists and art organisations on the world stage and further cementing Scotland’s international cultural reputation.
Led by Festivals Edinburgh, in partnership with Creative Scotland and British Council Scotland, with additional support from City of Edinburgh Council and Event Scotland, the hub will open its doors from Creative Scotland’s Edinburgh headquarters at Waverley Gate.
On behalf of Momentum partners, Julia Amour, Director of Festivals Edinburgh said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are distinctively Scottish yet profoundly international, and we’re delighted to welcome cultural representatives from around the globe to our Momentum programme, where we will help them build relationships with our festivals and the wider Scottish cultural sector.”
The 36 delegates arriving are from Viet Nam, Sweden, South Korea, the MENA region (Middle East & North Africa), Türkiye, Mexico and Poland – as well as two artform delegations for Literature and Visual Arts. Information on each area, its delegates and sessions are available on the Momentum website.
Since 2011, Momentum has brought over 700 international delegates to Edinburgh during the buzz of the city’s August festivals. These have contributed to multiple collaborations, most recently:
Scottish Dance Theatre (SDT) connected with Ciało/Umysł, an international contemporary dance festival in Warsaw, developed from a meeting set up by the Momentum team last year. After the initial introduction, with support from the Momentum follow-up fund, SDT Artistic Director Joan Clevillé visited Poland for Ciało’s dance platform.
SDT’s Senior Producer, Robyn Jancovich-Brown said: “The visit enabled SDT to get a sense of the scene, visit venues, make more connections in the area, and, critically, really understand the cultural and political context in which the artists and organisations are working.
“We’re now talking about next steps and exploring plans for an artistic exchange programme in autumn 2025, in which Scottish and Polish dancers will be able to work together.”
Stanza Poetry Festival Artistic Director Ryan Van Winkle met Manuela Moser from the Cúirt International Festival of Literature from Ireland at Momentum 2023.
Ryan said: “Initially Manuela and I had some great chats just about being new in our roles and the challenges of directing festivals. We stayed in touch, sharing ideas about poets and writers, and then agreed to partner on a grant application.
“That enabled us to have an extra event at Stanza last year, in collaboration with Cúirt International Festival of Literature, called Companion Planting. An artist and an author visited from Ireland to talk about strategies of support and examined ‘care’ within collaborative artistic working practices.
“This was a perfect fit with Stanza’s theme last year. It’s rare to see a project happen that fast; I felt lucky to encounter Manuela, and get something going so quickly.”
Council wants to hear your views on Community Payback Orders
Edinburgh residents are being asked for their views on Community Payback Orders (CPO) which are given by the Court to people to pay for their crimes as an alternative to a prison sentence.
In particular, we would like to know what you think about the unpaid work part of a CPO which replaced community service in 2011. This is when an individual who has committed an offence does unpaid work in the community.
Examples of unpaid work include:
- repairing and reinstating headstones in local cemeteries
- developing and maintaining children’s play areas
- recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture.
We are seeking your views on the effectiveness of community payback as a way to reduce re-offending and we want to know:
- Do you have any experience of people doing unpaid work in your community?
- Do you think unpaid work gives people the opportunity to repay the community for the crimes they have committed?
- Do you have any ideas about residents, community projects or organisations who could benefit from unpaid work support?
As well as using the questionnaire to comment on community payback you can also recommend groups, residents, organisations or projects that may benefit from unpaid work through the online suggestion form.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Chair of Edinburgh Community Safety and Justice Partnership, said: “Community Payback Orders offer a robust alternative to a prison sentence and allow people to pay back for their crimes through doing unpaid work in the community.
“We are always keen to develop unpaid work opportunities in the capital and the views of our citizens are crucial to this process.
“Past examples of unpaid work include community clear ups, repainting community centres and the ‘Brake the Cycle’ scheme, whereby individuals undertaking CPOs have repaired bicycles for reuse as part of community projects.
“CPOs support participants to learn new skills and gain confidence in themselves and their wider community, all of which contributes to reducing reoffending.
“Through this consultation we want to open up discussion with communities about unpaid work opportunities which is key to properly understanding how CPOs help not only the individuals undertaking unpaid work, but the tangible benefits these bring to communities across our capital city.”
This consultation is open until Monday 9 Sept 2024.