Tag: Edinburgh Trams

Giddy-up and keep on Moo-ving – Neigh-body likes delays!

The countdown to Scotland’s largest outdoor event, the Royal Highland Show, begins

  • Lambs, a Highland cow and calf duo and a Miniature Shetland Pony board an Edinburgh Tram to encourage the use of public transport to the Show
  • Event will have an enhanced family offer on the Sunday

There are just under five-weeks until the 2025 Royal Highland Show (RHS), Scotland’s largest outdoor event, comes to life across four jam-packed days at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh, from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd June, bringing the very best in agriculture, Scottish food and drink, lifestyle and entertainment together for over 220,000 event-goers.

To mark the countdown to the Show, two lambs, Hatton Morton and Hatton Maple, a miniature Shetland pony, Milday Ferregamo, and Highland cow and calf duo, Siusan Ruadh 67th and Siusan 1st of Ar Leirsinn, hopped aboard an ‘RHS OHH’-wrapped Edinburgh Tram, which showcases the many surprising ‘OHH’ elements of the Show.

The mini-RHS cohort of animals were joined by two-year-old Arthur Tennant, his mum Carol and dad, David Tennant and Head of Show for RHS, in a bid to encourage those attending the event to take public transport where possible.  

Tickets for this year’s event are selling quickly, so make sure you get yours soon!

David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS, commented: “As the UK’s largest agricultural Show and biggest fundraising event for RHASS, the week of the Show sees the event site become the sixth-largest population centre in Scotland, bigger than Paisley and Dunfermline, with over 220,000 people expected to attend.

“With such big crowds anticipated, we would encourage visitors to utilise public transport as the quickest and easiest way to get to the event. Our dedicated ‘RHS OHH’-wrapped Edinburgh Tram is now in service and will be over the Show.

“It’s a great reminder of the easy access that’s available to Ingliston and the wonderful range of traditionally rural and unexpected family and foodie-focused elements you can experience and enjoy at the event.”

Education and learning about agriculture and rural life for families remain at the heart of the Show with children 15 and under can attend for free. This year’s Show will provide an extended family offer on the Sunday (22nd June), with more to be revealed over the coming weeks.

David, continued: “Our family activities will include lots of exciting additions, such as the Mini Rovers and the Land Rover Experience in the Motor Zone, and the already popular BMX rider demonstrations and the RHET Discovery Centre, which provides educational experiences for children to learn about everything from robotic milking to butter-making.

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming those from across Edinburgh and beyond to one of the UK’s top family days out, full of animals big and small, great food,  shopping and endless things to see and do, there really is something for everyone!”

Visitors can look forward to traditional livestock competitions and thrilling displays in the forestry arena which will include axe throwers, chainsaw carving, and pole climbers showcasing their impressive skills. The kids’ zone will feature fun and interactive activities like live falconry, gundog displays, and hands-on crafts for younger visitors.

The Royal Highland Hoolie, returns this year with an exciting lineup of music. On Friday 20th June, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Trail West, and Mànran will take the stage, offering a blend of Irish and Scottish folk-rock. Saturday 21st June features Nathan Carter, The Tumbling Paddies, and The Bryne Brothers, bringing a mix of Irish country and traditional sounds to the crowd. More acts are set to be announced soon.

Sarah Singh, Edinburgh Trams’ Head of Service Delivery, explained: “While we won’t be sending many trams out with a ‘heilan coo’ on board, the eye-catching wrap will certainly attract plenty of attention!

“The Royal Highland Show is one of the highlights of our calendar – and we’ll be busy during all four days to ensure that customers can get to and from the event quickly and safely.

“As well as the extra trams running to the nearby Ingliston Park and Ride, additional staff will be on hand to direct visitors to the showground at the Royal Highland Centre, and a free shuttle bus will also provide a link to the east gate.”

With trams running directly to the Royal Highland Centre, it’s easier than ever to hop on from key locations like Leith and the town centre. To make your journey even smoother, it’s advised to book your tram tickets in advance through the official Royal Highland Show website.

By planning ahead, you can avoid the stress of last-minute travel arrangements and ensure a seamless trip to Scotland’s largest outdoor event. Whether you’re coming from Leith or the heart of Edinburgh, the tram offers a simple, quick, and eco-friendly way to get to the show – making your experience even more enjoyable.

Tickets for the Royal Highland Show and the Royal Highland Hoolie are available now, with options for combined admission to both events. Children aged 15 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalhighlandshow.org.

STORM EOWYN: BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES AS RED ALERT DECLARED

SCOTLAND SHUTTING DOWN

The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for wind from 10am to 5pm Friday 24 January. An Amber warning is in place from 6am to 10am.

COUNCIL SERVICES:

We will publish all the latest information about Council buildings and services on this page.

Schools, nurseries and early years

All Council schools, nurseries and early years settings will be closed on Friday 24 January. Schools will communicate directly with parents.

Bin collections 

Bin collections – residents should not put their wheelie bins and boxes out for collection tomorrow. Friday collections will run over the weekend instead.

Residents should put their bins out for collection on Saturday when it is safe to do so for collection from Sunday. 

Street cleansing will not operate.

Recycling centres – any bookings for recycling centres will be rescheduled 

Special uplift services – residents who have booked a collection for tomorrow should not put the items out for collection. Appointments will be rebooked.  

Housing and homelessness

Anyone who needs to present as homeless should contact us by phone on 0131 529 7036.  

Only emergency council house repairs will take place. Non-emergency council house repairs will be cancelled and re-scheduled. 

Scaffolding will be checked and taken down if possible.  

Council buildings, services and parks

We will only run essential services on Friday 24 January.

The following buildings or parks/grounds will be closed on Friday 24 January:

  • The Registrars Office 
  • All council cemeteries, Mortonhall Crematorium, and the Mortuary
  • All museums, galleries, monuments and cultural venues (Usher Hall, Assembly Rooms, Churchill Theatre – this includes cancellation of a rehearsal and performance at the Churchill Theatre).  Building checks will be carried out before reopening.
  • Lauriston Castle grounds and Princes Street Gardens. These will also remain closed on Saturday due to extended wind warning and time needed to survey grounds.
  • Ukraine Welcome Hub at Flassches Yard.

Travel disruption

Police Scotland has issued a ‘do not travel’ notice. Police Scotland travel advice 

Lothian Buses expect significant disruption to their services and customers are advised to check the status of their service before travelling. 

Scot Rail is suspending all train services tomorrow and there will be no alternative transport available. 

For travel updates check @edintravel and @TrafficScotland on X (Twitter) as well as your travel provider.

Emergency social care service 0800 731 6969 – free phone.

NHS LOTHIAN:

EDINBURGH TRAMS:

Due to the red weather warning in place across Edinburgh tomorrow due to #StormÉowyn, Edinburgh Trams will be operating a reduced service on Friday 24 January. We will be monitoring wind speeds at key places on the track and will continue to operate in order to facilitate essential travel as long as it remains safe to do so.

Please follow @PoliceScotland guidelines and only travel if absolutely necessary.

Customers are advised to check the status of their service before travelling on Friday and Saturday, using the Bus & Tram App.

More information: https://bit.ly/3Wx6TMq

LOTHIAN BUSES

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Service Updates

http://lothianbuses.com/service-updates/… Bus & Tram App

http://lothianbuses.com/app/

Public transport diversions today as city centre prepares for Hogmanay

LOTHIAN:

Hogmanay Street Party Diversions affecting Princes Street, Frederick Street & Market Street from 7pm today (30 Dec)

Main event closures phased in from 4pm on 31 Dec

Full list of closures: https://tinyurl.com/yvn5rnhs

Info from Lothian Buses: https://tinyurl.com/2undchpe

#edintravel

TRAMS: Split service from 6pm tonight

At 6pm tonight Princes Street will shut for Hogmanay.

Edinburgh Trams will be running a split service during this time with trams running from every 10 mins between Edinburgh Airport – West End and Picardy Place – Newhaven.

Read more here:

https://bit.ly/3ZHQaXi

Santa Claus arrives at Edinburgh’s Christmas aboard an Edinburgh Tram

edinburgh-christmas.com

Insta | FB | Tiktok @edinburghchristmas

Twitter (X) @edxmas

#edinburghchristmas

Tickets are on sale now for Santa’s Stories here

  • Santa’s Stories and Christmas Tree Maze transform St. Andrew Square from Saturday 23 November
  • George Street’s popular covered Ice Rink opens Friday 22 November
  • Family favourites in East Princes Street Gardens including the Traditional Christmas Markets, LNER Big Wheel, Around the World Starflyer, and the Festive Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens now open

Santa Claus and his elves are ready to welcome families at St. Andrew Square where they can find Santa’s Stories, a letter writing station and a post box with a direct line to Santa’s workshop. Santa’s Stories begins Saturday 23 November in the Piccolo Spiegeltent, with each visit ensuring kids get the opportunity to meet Santa himself before the big day, and take home their own present.

Also in St. Andrew Square, the all-new Christmas Tree Maze opens on Saturday 23 November, until 24 December. This immersive holiday experience, with tickets from £5, offers one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree walks.

Time to lace up your skates! Edinburgh’s premier outdoor Ice Rink opens on George Street from Friday 22 November 2024 and runs through until Saturday 4 January 2025. With a covered rink, it’s the perfect festive activity, rain or shine.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is now open featuring a jam-packed programme of festive family fun! Get ready for bright lights, Christmas tunes and mulled wine as the festive season kicks off!  Located in Edinburgh’s historic city centre, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers a winter wonderland experience like no other.

Edinburgh’s Christmas transforms the city into a festive haven for all the family, with Traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink, plus so much more.

Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens brings the capital’s famous Christmas festivities to the heart of the city. Running until Saturday 4 January 2025, the market is filled to the brim with the finest local and international producers to find that perfect Christmas gift. East Princes Street Gardens also boasts the famous 80m Star Flyer, LNER Big Wheel and more daring fairground rides.

Just along the street, West Princes Street Gardens’  Festive Funfair complete with thrilling rides, fairground games, food & beverage, light installations and ticketed illumination events every evening. Families are welcome to join the fun until Saturday 4 January 2025.

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse partners with Edinburgh Trams to bring a taste of Brazil to the capital

Brazilian entertainment, spin-to-win prizes, and a year’s worth of premium steak up for grabs

Edinburgh residents and visitors alike can get ready to experience the flavours of Brazil right in the heart of the capital as Rio Brazilian Steakhouse launches an exciting pop-up in partnership with Edinburgh Trams.

On Friday 4 October, the St Andrews Square tram stop will transform into the ultimate party destination, as Rio takes over the platform.

The team will be offering spin-to-win prizes including free dinners for two, complimentary cocktails, and 50% off for diners who visit on the same day, ensuring the party doesn’t stop on the platform.

Commuters and tram goers can also enjoy live performances from samba dancers and vibrant Brazilian music, transporting them straight to the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

The fun continues as the restaurant is running an exciting city-wide competition for a chance to win the ultimate prize – the Rio Black Card. This exclusive card offers one lucky winner free dining at Rio Brazilian Steakhouse for a year.

To enter, participants are asked to snap a photo of the Rio-branded tram making its way through the city, share the image on social media using the hashtag #TramToRio and tag both @rioedinburgh and @edinburghtrams to be entered into the prize draw. The winner will be announced on 31st October.

The popular steak restaurant located in the city’s iconic Assembly Rooms opened in the capital earlier this year, serving unlimited cuts of exquisite meats and a salad bar of authentic Brazilian food in a traditional Rodizio style.

Rodrigo Grassi Duarte, Co-founder and Managing Director of Rio Brazilian Steakhouse said: “Since opening our doors in February, the city of Edinburgh has given us such a warm and enthusiastic welcome, and we wanted to find a way to give back to this incredible community.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Edinburgh Trams for this special pop-up event to bring the vibrant spirit of Brazil to the heart of the city with entertainment and the chance to win amazing prizes.

“This event is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to Edinburgh for embracing us and making Rio Brazilian Steakhouse a part of their dining experience.”

‘Give us a break’: Edinburgh Tram workers balloted on strike action

Health concerns for workers rise due to tram late running times

Unite has confirmed today that its Edinburgh Trams membership are being balloted on strike action over late running times to the nation’s largest airport which is preventing workers from taking comfort breaks.

The strike ballot opens on 29 July and closes on 12 August. 

In a consultative ballot previously conducted by Unite, over 160 tram workers indicated by 99 per cent that they are prepared to take industrial action on an 84 per cent turnout.

Unite claims there is a shortfall of between 5 – 6 minutes in the running time from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven. Each round trip takes on average 2 hours to complete. 

The maximum driving time before a scheduled break is 5 hours, and many tram workers go this length of time without hydration or toilet breaks. This is due to running late and having to make up the time. 

The unacceptable situation has contributed to health issues developing among Unite’s membership including stress and infections. 

The trade union represents drivers, ticket service assistants, controllers and vehicle maintenance workers. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:  “Unite’s Edinburgh tram workers are facing an unacceptable health and safety situation due to the pressures of having to get the travelling public to Edinburgh airport. We will back our tram membership all the way in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

A new tram timetable has added 4 minutes to each run, and delays to a new signalling system have contributed to increased delays.

It has further been reported to Unite that some trams regularly run up to 30 minutes late with control having to turn trams around mid-route. This situation completely removes the ability for tram workers to go to the toilet.

 Lyn Turner, Unite industrial officer, added: “Edinburgh’s tram workers are emphatically saying give us our breaks.

“The sustained pressure being put on our members to complete the airport to Newhaven round trip is resulting in an alarming rise in incidents at work including stress and infections.

“The situation has arisen due to delays in the new signalling system and changes in the new timetable which were not properly tested before going into passenger service. Action needs to happen quickly or strike action will be inevitable.” 

Man Utd vs Rangers at Murrayfield this Saturday: Police Advice

Rangers FC meet @ManUtd in a friendly at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh this Saturday 20th July.

Please plan ahead using info available here https://orlo.uk/solnk

Sea Shanty star Nathan Evans gets fans warmed up for the Royal Highland Hoolie…on a tram! 

Nathan is one of eight live folk and country music acts performing across Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June at The Royal Highland Centre

PASSENGERS on an Edinburgh tram were treated to a very special journey yesterday as TikTok sensation, Nathan Evans, gave an impromptu gig.   

A special guest at the Royal Highland Hoolie at the Royal Highland Show, Nathan Evans of Wellerman (Sea Shanty) fame had everyone’s toes tapping as they travelled from Princes Street to Ingliston, the home of the Royal Highland Show. (June 20 – 23) 

The line-up for this year’s Royal Highland Hoolie will see some of Scotland and Ireland’s liveliest musicians take to the stage, with eight folk and country acts set to entertain crowds across two nights in June, the same weekend as the Royal Highland Show.  

Sharing a stage with Nathan on Friday (21st June) will be headline act, Tide Lines, who have just released their latest single, Homeward Bound and six-piece band, Trail West, who have recently returned from a European tour and who continue to rise in popularity from their modest roots as a four-piece West Coast Ceilidh Band The Peatbog Faeries, recognised as one of Scotland’s best known contemporary folk music bands will complete Friday’s line-up.  

On the Saturday (22nd June) night, award-winning Irish country music singer and songwriter, Derek Ryan, returns to headline the Highland Hoolie. He will be joined by Scottish singer Lisa McHugh, Highland accordionist and vocalist, Calum MacPhail and “Cotton Eye Joe” chart toppers, Rednex, who will make an exclusive appearance.  

Welcoming families, this year the Royal Highland Hoolie will have a special family zone for those with children aged between five and twelve.  With picnic tables and space for little ones to play, families can enjoy the music safely and away from the crowds. 

The Royal Highland Hoolie is run in partnership with promoters Farmers Bash. 

Nathan Evans said: “I’m so looking forward to playing at the Royal Highland Hoolie this weekend.

“It was brilliant fun to give a warm up gig on the tram which will be taking people to and from the Hoolie. It promises to be a great event!“ 

Derek Ryan said: “I am delighted to be headlining again at the Royal Highland Hoolie this year.

We love coming back to Scotland and have been regular visitors to the concert and festival circuits here for the last 12 years now. My Scottish fans never fail to deliver the enthusiasm, the excitement and the warm welcome we always receive here.  

“The Royal Highland Hoolie is definitely the festival we look forward to every summer. Last year’s crowd and the incredible atmosphere is something I will never forget. I’m really looking forward to headlining once again and the line-up this year looks like it’s shaping up to be the best year yet.  

“See you all on the 22nd June. Hold on to your hats!” 

Mark Currie, Director of Venue for the Royal Highland Centre said:  “The Royal Highland Hoolie brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre.

“With the Royal Highland Show one of Europe’s most prestigious agricultural shows, we are absolutely honoured to have some of the best names across folk and country music join us as to contribute towards what we hope to be a fantastic weekend for the agricultural and wider community.”

Farmers Bash promoter Nigel Campbell, added: “The Royal Highland Hoolie offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the musicians involved or looking to enjoy an evening of live music with friends.

“We’re excited to have some fantastic names join our line-up this year and encourage those hoping to come along to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.” 

Various ticket types are available, including two combined Royal Highland Show and Royal Highland Hoolie tickets which allow for people to enjoy both events at a discounted rate with a limited number of Hoolie only tickets. 

Ticket prices start at £35.00 and are available to buy from the Royal Highland Show website www.royalhighlandshow.org  

 

Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams launch new integrated travel app

Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are today (3 June 2024) delighted to announce the launch of a new fully integrated bus and tram app.

The new app allows customers to plan their journeys in advance with reliable timetable information and real-time departure boards for each stop across Edinburgh and the Lothians.  The platform was designed in partnership with technology company UrbanThings and Lothian’s in-house Commercial and Digital teams.

Users are able to plan all aspects of their journey in advance with newly developed integrated ticketing and planning features. Customers also have the option to purchase and gift tickets to friends and family for travel across the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams networks.

Customers can travel around Edinburgh with the option to view real-time service updates on their chosen bus or tram stop, meaning users can plan and adapt to changes to the network while on the move.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director for Lothian said: “With over 2 million customer journeys per week, we are pleased to introduce our new bus and tram app which will enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors to Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

Bringing together journey planning and ticketing in one place will support seamless, integrated travel across both our bus and tram network with advanced accessibility features providing a more inclusive service for all of our customers.

“The introduction of the new digital platform marks an exciting time for our business and we look forward to continuing to work with the team at UrbanThings to further develop and enhance our overall customer experience.”

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, commented: “The launch of the new app marks another major step forward for the city’s integrated travel network, making it easier than ever for local residents and visitors alike to take full advantage of its excellent public transport options.

“Our multi-model tickets are already popular, and this new platform is set to encourage even more people to discover the benefits of both trams and buses.”

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s great news that Lothian and Edinburgh Trams will have this fully integrated bus and tram app for residents and visitors to the city. Promoting and encouraging use of public transport, along with active travel, is a key priority for the Council.

“Edinburgh Trams is exceeding all expectations and the 2 million weekly passengers carried by Lothian Buses clearly demonstrates the continued growth of public transport in Edinburgh. The development of this new app is a really positive step forward and shows the benefits that an integrated transport system can bring.”

Adam Toone, CEO at UrbanThings, says: “We are really delighted to introduce the new bus and tram app. Our primary goal remains to empower passengers with a seamless platform while promoting the use of shared transport.

“With features such as convenient smartcard registration, mobile ticketing, and live journey planning, we are confident that this app will significantly enhance the travel experience in Edinburgh.”

Customers can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store by searching for ‘Lothian Buses/Edinburgh Trams.’

Trams: Northern Loop back on the agenda … twenty years late!

A public consultation will help inform the Strategic Business Case for a tram route from Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond, if approved by councillors next week.

On Thursday (1 February) Transport and Environment Committee will hear about a recommended north – south tram line, which would extend the existing network between the Airport and Newhaven.

This would run through the city centre via Roseburn then on to North and South Bridge, Clerk Street and Minto Street to Cameron Toll, before following the A7 to the BioQuarter. Further consideration is being given to potential future routes into neighbouring local authorities.

If members agree to proceed, a 12-week consultation in spring 2024 would show participants the recommended route across the four sections (Granton – City Centre; through the City Centre; City Centre – BioQuarter; and BioQuarter and beyond) and explain why it has been chosen. It will include details of alternative options that have been explored and the reasons why these have been discounted.

Engagement builds on a consultation on the City Mobility Plan (CMP) in 2020/21, which found that 62% of respondents would like to see tram network expanded, and 89% desired general improvements to public transport. Exploring the expansion of the tram network is outlined in the CMP and supports aims to both reduce car kms travelled by 30% and become a net zero city by 2030.

Future plans would build on the success of Trams to Newhaven, which was completed on time in June 2023, and has contributed to the award-winning Edinburgh Trams service carrying more than 9 million passengers in the last year.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Like cities around the world we’re challenged by poor air quality, congestion and carbon emissions relating to transport.

“This, paired with a rapidly increasing population – projected to grow at three times the rate of Scotland’s – demonstrates the pressing need to rethink the way we move people and goods around the Capital.

“By improving public transport, we want to provide safe, efficient and affordable travel in Edinburgh, and expanding the tram network is key to this. It’s clear that the public support it too, with almost two-thirds of respondents to our CMP consultation in favour of more tram routes. Of course, we know how disruptive a project of this scale can be to residents and businesses, but the success of the recently completed line to Newhaven is proof that we’re well prepared.

“Our recommended route for Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond links key areas of growth and development to the city and will more than double the capacity of our tram network. Not only would this support local regeneration and the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, but it would help create new jobs, boost economic growth and link to educational and cultural venues along the route.

“We’re already engaging with Transport Scotland to explore financial options, and it’s encouraging that mass rapid transit in the area has been highlighted as an investment priority by the Scottish Government. We’ll continue to work closely with them and other stakeholders as we look to progress this major project.

In addition to local policies, The Scottish Government National Transport Strategy (NTS) and Transport Scotland’s Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) have highlighted Edinburgh and South-East Scotland Mass Transit as an investment priority.

“Alongside the existing line between the Airport and Newhaven, a Granton to BioQuarter tram service would also improve transport links to four priority investment zones identified in the City Plan 2030 – Waterfront, West Edinburgh, City Centre, and South-East Edinburgh – connecting major development sites, employment centres, retail hubs and educational facilities.”

If approved, the public consultation will run in spring 2024 and feedback received, along with a draft Strategic Business Case, would be reported to committee in autumn.

Tram from Granton to BioQuarter and Beyond: Consultation for Strategic Business Case Development, is being presented to committee as part of a package of reports looking to the future of transport in Edinburgh.

This includes: Our Future Streets – a circulation plan for Edinburgh, a framework for the design of all future projects to improve Edinburgh’s streets; West Edinburgh Transport Improvements Programme, which explores a series of improvements to the A8 corridor as a priority; and the first review of the City Mobility Plan.

Read the full report online and watch Transport and Environment Committee live via webcast from 10am on 1 February.

‘A LITANY OF AVOIDABLE FAILURES’ – Read the Edinburgh Trams Report

Edinburgh-Tram-Inquiry-Report-Signed-1Download