The programme includes a commitment of over £111m for housebuilding in 2026-27, contributing to the development of around 4275 new affordable houses over the next 5 years. This is the first year of a major intervention to address the housing emergency through the allocation of a total £1.3 billion to deliver settled homes over five years.
Amongst the housebuilding projects being progressed under the programme are: the design of homes to replace Oxcars Court and Inchmickery Court; new developments at Murrayburn, Greendykes, Burdiehouse and Powderhall; and neighbourhood redevelopment at Granton Waterfront.
The budget is inclusive of £18.3m allotted to acquiring homes from private developers to help boost settled accommodation while £2.5m will be spent bringing empty homes up to a lettable standard.
Almost £70m will support improvements across the city’s high-rise blocks, from significant refurbishment as part of the Council’s retrofit programme to fire safety improvements and window replacements, while £45m is allocated for investment in the Low-Rise estate. This will focus on essential upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and windows alongside repairs and energy efficiency works as part of Mixed Tenure improvement work.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “In 2023 we became the first city in Scotland to declare a Housing Emergency and we’re still committed to tackling this head-on. The Housing Revenue Account investment programme demonstrates our dedication through a range of ambitious projects to boost our housing stock and improve the standards of our existing estate.
“Like cities and towns across the country we’re facing huge challenges in terms of housing shortages, the cost of living and a rising population. By investing wisely I’m confident that we can and will lessen the impact of these issues and make sure everyone has a safe place to live.”
An additional report to Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, Housing Delivery Strategy – Update, provides further information on the housebuilding programme.
AN £18 million Scottish Government investment will give young people the chance to get involved in different sporting activities on their doorstep.
The Council, working in partnership with sportscotland, has secured funding from the national initiative to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people locally as part of the national agency’s 2026 Summer of Sport.
The £18 million initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland, will offer young people aged three to 26 the opportunity to get active and maybe try something new.
This summer, it’s game on, and the 2026 Summer of Sport is a unique opportunity for communities across Scotland to embrace the excitement of sport, inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, both of which will showcase Scotland on the global stage and inspire young people to take part, get active and begin their own journey in sport and activity.
With activities running throughout the summer and beyond, young people in Edinburgh will have access to a range of free and low-cost sport and physical activity opportunities, helping remove barriers to participation and ensure more young people have the chance to get involved.
The Council will work with colleagues and a network of partners, including Edinburgh Leisure, The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Student Sport, NHS, local sports clubs and local community organisations to ensure these opportunities are available to young people, regardless of background.
The funding will enable the delivery of activities designed to help young people develop healthy habits, build stronger social connections, and foster a lifelong love of movement.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:“We’re proud to support the 2026 Summer of Sport and are excited for the accessible activity opportunities it will create for young people in Edinburgh.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to try something new, get active, and experience the joy of physical activity and sport. We will work with colleagues and partners to make these opportunities available to young people across Edinburgh, regardless of background.”
Education, Children and Families Convenor James Dalgleish said: “With the school summer holidays fast approaching, this funding will make it possible for even more children across the city to take part in, and maybe even have a go, at a new sport for the first time.
“We are committed to levelling the playing field for all children and young people in Edinburgh and we know that sport can play a crucial role in supporting that.
“The benefits of being active are widely known and the range of activities on offer will hopefully encourage young people to get out, get active and as a result benefit from better social connection, camaraderie, alongside health benefits.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said:“At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives.
“The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.
“We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”
Through these investments, the Council is working to ensure that the 2026 Summer of Sport positively influences as many young people as possible, fostering engagement in sport and outdoor activities across all communities.
To find out more about the 2026 Summer of Sport, visit:
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
School pupils from across Edinburgh swapped their classroom for the Castle this week to try their hand at construction and traditional skills through a Build Your Future event.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), in partnership with Scottish Traditional Building Forum and The City of Edinburgh Council, held the event for nearly 100 pupils on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May.
The two-day skills taster event is designed to inspire the next generation of craftspeople, construction professionals, and heritage specialists by giving young people the chance to try a range of practical skills.
Across the two days, pupils rotated through five interactive skills stations with demonstrations and mini masterclasses delivered by industry specialists.
Activities include roof slating, stonemasonry, painting and graining, timber joinery, and technology in construction such as thermal insulation – showcasing both traditional craft skills and modern construction techniques, and demonstrating how they work together to maintain, repair and future-proof Scotland’s historic buildings.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), who first supported the inaugural Build Your Future skills demonstration at Edinburgh Castle in 2012, returned this year to lead the roof‑slating activities and share their expertise with pupils. There was also insight from industry body Women in Property who were able to share experience and advice with pupils.
HES craftspeople led behind‑the‑scenes tours of Edinburgh Castle, giving pupils rare and unique insight into the conservation and construction work required to care for a world‑famous heritage site.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at HES, said: “Seeing young people get hands‑on with these skills is a fantastic reminder of why this work matters. Scotland’s historic environment depends on a strong pipeline of traditional and emerging skills, and inspiring young people to see the opportunities available to them in the sector is essential.
“At HES, we’re committed to playing a leading role in tackling the skills gap – investing in training, supporting innovative programmes like Build Your Future, and working closely with partners across education, industry and local authorities. But we cannot do this alone. Transforming Scotland’s skills landscape needs sustained support and collective effort. With continued engagement across the sector and beyond, we can build the skilled workforce Scotland needs now and for the future.”
Construction apprenticeships currently see a significant drop‑out rate, with just over half of apprentices completing their training each year. Partners believe this is often due to young people entering apprenticeships without a clear understanding of the wide range of roles available.
Build Your Future aims to change this by giving pupils early, practical experience and helping them choose the right pathway from the outset.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Joann Russell, Chair, Scottish Traditional Building Forum, said: “We are delighted to return to Edinburgh Castle to deliver a Build Your Future event. This model of school engagement started at Edinburgh Castle in 2012 and has evolved significantly with the feedback from education and industry.
“It is a young person focussed approach to promote the many and varied careers in construction to provide young people with insights to help them in their career choices. This has been done with numerous stakeholders across construction and we look forward to continuing to work with them for the mutual long-term aims of addressing the skills gap in construction.”
This week’s event at Edinburgh Castle, delivered in partnership between Scottish Traditional Building Forum, The City of Edinburgh Council and HES, builds on the success of a wider National 5 pilot programme.
The pilot programme embeds teaching of construction and traditional skills directly into the school timetable to create a clear pathway towards a National 5 qualification and beyond. The pilot, running across several schools in the city, has supported young people to gain early experience in heritage and construction careers, with several pupils progressing into apprenticeships.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This event has been a great opportunity for young people to explore and try out a range of specialist and practical skills, all under the supervision of industry experts. Against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, school pupils were given a glimpse into the craftsmanship involved in conserving such a historic landmark too.
“In Edinburgh, we’re focused on improving outcomes for all learners and our innovative pathways work offers tailored routes for all young people – whether further education, an apprenticeship or the world of work.
By partnering with organisations like Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Traditional Building Forum we want to inspire young people interested in a career in construction or conservation by showing them all that’s on offer.”
More information on traditional skills and training can be found on the HES website. Employers and schools interested in opportunities to participate can contact the team at skills@hes.scot
The nationwide search is on to find 9,000 volunteers across the country who will be at the heart of the historic Tour de France Grand Départs in summer 2027.
Officially known as JOY Makers, named in line with the Grand Départs’ social impact programme, volunteers will be the heartbeat of both races, bringing the joy of cycling to fans and communities throughout the six stages, and helping to ensure the sport’s most iconic races runs seamlessly.
You can apply now to be a JOY Maker for any of the six stages of the 2027 Grand Départs via www.letourgb.com/volunteer with registrations open from Wednesday 27 May until Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Anyone aged 16 and over is encouraged to apply to be a JOY Maker, with no prior volunteering experience needed to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience – playing a part in what is set to be Britain’s most-attended sporting event, whilst making lasting memories and developing new skills.
A range of roles to support event operations and enhance spectator experience are available on both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with full training provided.
To mark the opening of applications and launch the programme, TV presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya joined a group of current volunteers getting behind the Grand Départs.
Radzi Chinyanganyasaid: “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I wasn’t a volunteer when I was in my teens. I was a media volunteer and now I’m working in media – I’m living proof that volunteering can lead to something amazing. I’m so excited for everyone to get involved – it will truly be an unforgettable experience.
“Knowing what you want to do when you’re young can be intimidating and it’s also unprecedently hard to get work experience at the moment. Applying to be a JOY Maker can help you explore new opportunities and navigate your career path, all whilst being part of making history.
“Whoever you are, whatever your age or your background – JOY Makers is open to everyone – if you want to bring joy, we want you.”
The JOY Makers programme is designed to be accessible to all, from those with experience volunteering at major events and British Cycling activities to first-time volunteers, in particular from underrepresented groups in volunteering, including 16–25-year-olds.
Those aged 18 to 25 years old will be eligible to join the Readiness to Work scheme, that will be launched as part of the JOY social impact programme. The scheme will provide a comprehensive package of employability skills training and career-focused mentoring across multiple sectors. Coupling this with the volunteering experience will provide young people with a well-rounded and practical work experience offer.
Together, the volunteer programme and Readiness to Work scheme aim to leave behind a passionate and skilled collective of volunteers, creating a lasting legacy for the Grand Départs in communities across the country. In addition to this legacy, British Cycling – supported by partners across the three nations – is urging government to commit £30million critical capital investment to deliver a range of new and upgraded cycling facilities across Britain, reaching underserved communities.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “The Tour de France Grand Départ is a landmark moment for Edinburgh and a chance to share the beauty of our city with millions of people across the world.
“Beyond the excitement of the race itself, the event will bring lasting benefits by supporting local businesses, improving health and wellbeing, and helping strengthen our commitment to active travel.
“We know how valuable volunteering is to make sure major events and festivals run safely and smoothly, as they have done so often here in Edinburgh, but also how rewarding it is for the volunteers themselves.
“I’d urge anyone interested to get involved and apply – and to play a part in this incredible occasion.”
Commenting on the launch of the application portal, Tracy Power, on behalf of JOY, the Grand Départ GB 2027 social impact programme, said: “This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community.
“The JOY Makers programme will create a core of engaged volunteers across Britain, who are willing to show up and get stuck in, dedicating their time to bring local events and activities to life. This will not only benefit the cycling community but also help our local communities to thrive and bolster employability.
“Whether you have volunteered before, are a regular on a bike or are completely new to volunteering and the world of cycling, everyone is welcome as a JOY Maker. We can’t wait to have you join the team, help us celebrate the joy of cycling and showcase your communities through the Grand Départs.”
To stay up to date with the 2027 Grand Départs and find out more about all six stages, visit letourgb.com
The annual Edinburgh Taxi Outing will now go ahead. Police have provided the following update on planning for the event:
Superintendent Neil Wilson said: “Our focus throughout has been to support the Edinburgh Taxi Outing as we have done for many years. We have held constructive discussions today with the event organiser and have agreed an outline plan which allows the event to run safely on its original route.
“Further discussions will take place in the coming days to finalise the police operation to support the event and ensure the children enjoy their day.”
Developed with partners, including Scottish Water, Edinburgh World Heritage and NatureScot, the two-year plan was agreed last March. It includes 125 actions required to deliver on the overarching Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan, which sets out the strategic approach needed to make sure that Edinburgh can adapt and respond locally to the risks and impact of climate change.
Tuesday’s update shows the positive progress made in the 12 months to March 2026, with 15 of the actions complete and 83 in progress and on track. These include:
Three new parks – Mill Lane Park, North Junction Street Park and Dalmeny Street Park – established in Leith as part of Edinburgh’s Nature Network – as part of a more strategic approach to manage, restore and enhance Edinburgh’s urban landscape. The new parks are vibrant community spaces, where both wildlife and people can thrive.
Delivery of a Climate Ready Craigleith project at Orchard Park to tackle frequent flooding of properties and streets. The project includes new sustainable drainage systems to help reduce flooding issues and increase biodiversity, alongside changes to the wider environment creating a pleasant place for people and wildlife.
A new cross-boundary river partnership for the Gogarburn area and progress of the Restore the Burn project. Addressing the impact that pollution, flooding and erosion have had on local communities, as well as the wildlife that lives along the burn, including an improved Active Travel Network and better-connected habitats with improved wildlife and biodiversity along the river corridor.
Production of new Edinburgh Design Guidance embedding climate adaptation, green-blue infrastructure and the nature crisis into how new development is shaped across the city. The guidance includes a focus on making sure that planning focuses on net zero, nature-positive places designed to limit greenhouse emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re already seeing the impacts of a changing climate in Edinburgh, with more frequent severe storms causing flooding, damage to buildings and disruption to travel.
“We knew when we declared a climate emergency that we had to act quickly, both in terms of tackling the causes but also taking steps to prepare for the inevitable changes to the weather.
“We also knew we couldn’t do it alone and we needed the help of other city organisations – and our residents – to make a meaningful difference.
“I’m pleased, then, that we set the ambitious goals that we did, and that we’re now making good progress on delivering against our plans.
“As set out in this first annual update, we’ve completed a range of projects and initiatives that will make a real difference to communities in Edinburgh, while ensuring we’re better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Plant-Based Edinburgh campaigners organised a protest outside the City Chambers yesterday, speaking to the public and to the councillors as they entered the building.
Demonstrators urged people to support their campaign and called on councillors to help implement a just transition towards a sustainable food system.
After the demonstration, campaigners Lydia Elliott and Luke Ryan gave a deputation inside the chambers to explain why plant-based menus should be adopted.
During the deputation, graphs and statistics were handed to councillors which showed how devastating animal agriculture is to our planet in terms of carbon emissions, deforestation and freshwater consumption.
The council rejected adopting plant-based menus, citing a lack of demand as the key reason. Although, recently they trialled providing an option for a fully plant-based menu at City Chambers events, but they did not trial mandating plant-based menus for events or canteen meals.
Lydia Elliott said: “We feel that 100% plant-based menus have not been given a fair chance. Although the report states that 100% plant-based menus were made available for events, on the menus we’ve seen, the vegan options are at the very bottom, which has a strong psychological effect on emphasising that animal products are the ‘normal’ choice.” Over 450 Edinburgh residents signed the petition urging the council to switch to plant-based menus.
The petition reads:
“Farming animals is one of the largest causes of methane emissions, which are rapidly accelerating climate change. Increasing demand for animal products is the biggest driver for deforestation and habitat loss globally.
‘Waste from animals is a major source of water pollution, causing algal blooms in rivers and creating oceanic dead zones. Switching to plant based eating is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can address these key environmental issues.‘
Council officers created a report into the petition proposal, which was then evaluated by councillors.
The report states: “Animal-based meals can have an environmental impact 14 times higher than that of PB meals. If the Council were to remove meat and dairy products within internal catering, this would reduce goods and services emissions by a calculated estimate of 60,896 kg CO2e.”
At yesterday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee meeting, the councillors voted to endorse the report unamended. The report recommended against a 100% plant-based commitment, and advised further monitoring of food choices, but contained no commitment to increase plant-based options, despite saying that “there is a potential risk to reputation if the Council does not proceed with an approach that fully removes animal-based products”.
Green Party Councillors proposed an amendment to the report, and suggested that at least for council meetings, if not events such as weddings, vegetarian menus should be adopted. Unfortunately the Green amendment was voted down 14-3.
Green Councillors were frustrated by the council staff not looking into the possibility of lowering the price of plant-based options compared to options with animal products. This was proposed at the previous policy and sustainability meeting in October but got dropped.
Councillors cited concerns with accessibility and allergies as one of the reasons to reject fully plant based menus. This is despite the fact that plant based food avoids key allergens such as dairy, fish and shellfish and is compatible with religious food requirements such as halal and kosher. Plant-based meals can easily be prepared which avoid allergens.
Astonishingly, one vegetarian councillor argued against adopting plant based menus on the basis that they were taking choices away from vegetarians, despite the fact that plant based meals are all suitable for vegetarians.
The council’s report states in Section 7.2 [3]: “Sustainable food choices, procurement and production are key to Edinburgh’s ambition to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as well as supporting nature’s recovery from the current biodiversity crisis.”
During the debate, Green councillor Alys Mumford emphasised that this statement is contradicted by the report’s conclusion that the council should not adopt plant-based menus.
Luke Ryan from Plant-Based Edinburgh said: “The council’s decision to adopt the report unamended is a betrayal of its Net Zero commitment and its Plant Based Treaty endorsement.
“We are disappointed by this decision, but we will not give up on engaging with the council, alongside other institutions in Edinburgh, to campaign for plant-based menus. The science tells us that this change is urgently necessary.”
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge has offered his congratulations to Hearts Women following their SWPL title win on Sunday (24 May).
The City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the people of Edinburgh, I want to offer my warmest congratulations to Hearts Women on becoming SWPL Champions.
“To win the league title for the first time in their history is a remarkable accomplishment, marking a dramatic rise from amateur football to league champions in just a few years.
“After the disappointment of the previous weekend, I’m sure this will have been just the tonic for everyone at the club and their fans.
“Just as importantly, it represents the continued growth and strength of women’s football across Edinburgh, and I have no doubt these Hearts players will inspire generations of girls and young women looking to get involved in football, or any sport.
“I look forward to welcoming the team to the City Chambers for a Civic Reception to celebrate this wonderful achievement.“
This Foster Care Fortnight (11–24 May 2026), the Council is celebrating a significant restructuring of its foster care pay system which has meant an uplift in fees for foster carers in the city.
Over the last year, considerable work to review the structure and fees paid to foster carers has been carried out. This included significant engagement with current foster carers to listen and take on board their views. The new fostering fee structure and payment levels were agreed in the Council’s annual budget setting process for 2026/27.
Changes include moving to a single fee model and a move away from payment based on the age of the child. The carers fees for younger age groups has been uplifted in line with older age groups with a new single fee model rising to £307.50 per week. For those caring for under 12s this is an increase of around 60%.
Specialist fostering fees, including for those who care for a child with a disability, will rise to £490.06 per week and continuing care fees will increase to £307.50 per week.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said:It is important that those who choose to foster children in Edinburgh are properly supported in the vital work they do. I am pleased that we have agreed to put in place a new structure and to increase pay for foster carers – recognising the valuable role they play in our city.
“It is understandable that potential carers may hesitate because they worry about the financial impact on their household. We want fostering with Edinburgh to be financially sustainable, particularly in the current economic climate when we know that many households are facing cost of living pressures.
“I hope that this added financial support will help to encourage anyone who was considering becoming a foster carer to take the leap.”
In addition to the professional fee, foster carers receive an age-related payment, the Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA), towards the cost of caring for a child. An increase of 3.8% this year aligns with Scotland’s Promise, a national commitment to support foster carers and the children and young people living with them, to enable them to thrive.
It is also part of a broader effort to reduce the financial pressure on families looking after vulnerable children.
Foster with Edinburgh carers can receive from £485.20 to £696.78 a week to foster a child under 16 depending on the placement type and needs and age of the child. Annually, that’s between £25,230.40 and £36,232.56 to foster one child.
