Edinburgh City of Literature is inviting local emerging poets to submit work for an exciting new poetry competition, and the winning poem is set to be installed on a moving Edinburgh tram.
The winning poet will also receive a £100 honorarium and developmental support from Edinburgh City of Literature, offering guidance and encouragement.
The competition celebrates poetry written for public spaces and everyday readers. The prize-winning poem will be read by thousands of passengers as they move through Edinburgh.
Alongside the tram installation, the winning poem will be:
Printed on a specially illustrated postcard, illustration by Liz Windisch
Shared on Edinburgh City of Literature’s website and social media channels
A major public consultation on the future development of Edinburgh’s tram network closes on Monday (17 November). The consultation began on 25 August and ran for 12 weeks.
The Council are seeking the public’s views on the proposed new tram routes from Granton in the north of the city to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the south.
A detailed business case was developed to extend the existing route from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, which was successfully completed in 2023 and now carries over a million passengers a month.
This consultation will inform the development of a Strategic Business Case (SBC) for the expansion, which will then be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.
The proposed new route can be broken down into three main sections:
Granton to the city centre:
From Granton to Ferry Road / Crewe Toll there is a single route. From Ferry Road / Crewe Toll to the following section, two alternative route options are being considered: the Orchard Brae corridor or the Roseburn Path.
For Orchard Brae, the route would head to the west end of Princes Street along Orchard Brae, Queensferry Road (via the Dean Bridge) and Queensferry Street.
It is estimated that this option would cost between £650m – £850m and is forecast to carry around 3.75m passengers per annum by 2042.
For Roseburn Path, the route connects to the existing line west of Haymarket via an old railway line which winds from Ferry Road/Crewe Toll before reaching Craigleith and heading towards the west end and city centre.
This option is estimated to cost between £350m-£480m and is forecast to carry around 4.25m passengers per annum by 2042.
It also examines the potential to install high quality walking, wheeling and cycling alongside the tramline on the Roseburn Path, and look at the potential to protect and enhance the local ecological network.
The entire route is forecast to cost between £2bn-2.9bn, depending on the final options selected, and carry around 38m passengers by 2042.
City centre to BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary:
The proposed route would begin at Princes Street on the existing tram infrastructure, allowing bus and rail interchange in the heart of the city centre.
The route would then cross the North Bridge, and run through Nicolson Street, Newington and on to Cameron Toll, then west towards the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Potential extensions to Midlothian and East Lothian:
We’re working closely with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils and SEStran, the regional transport partnership, regarding potential future mass transit connections beyond the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.
This includes exploring a ‘tram-train’ (a light rail vehicle than can operate on tram and rail tracks) concept with Network Rail on the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR).
Other potential options include connections with Musselburgh Railway station and Queen Margaret University (QMU) in East Lothian and to Shawfair with interchange opportunities into Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
Speaking at the launch of the consultation, Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi award-winning tram service.
We need to prepare for the future. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next 20 years. Whilst this shift is a true sign of our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and crucially on the city’s transport infrastructure on which we all rely.
“Managing this growth also means tackling the climate, nature and housing emergencies. To meet these significant challenges, we need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this.
“Edinburgh Trams already offers a reliable and fast service, allowing residents and visitors to move around sustainably and efficiently, and with some of the cheapest fares in the country. The broader benefits of cleaner air and emphasis on active travel surrounding the network are equally as important.
“Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all. From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.
“The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come.
“I’d encourage everyone to engage with this consultation and help to shape the next chapter in the history of Edinburgh’s transport.”
The full details of all the sections mentioned above can be found in the consultation papers.
Residents can give their views until Monday 17 November online on our Consultation Hub.
The next step, should members agree on the SBC, would be to move to the next stage of development, as set out by Transport Scotland, which is the OBC.
Support to help businesses harness artificial intelligence
A new programme helping Scottish companies seize the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) has been launched.
Supported by nearly £1 million of Scottish Government funding, it will offer small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) a range of support – including tailored consultancy services and grants – to introduce or expand the use of AI in order to develop new products and services, grow market share and attract new investment.
The programme will be delivered by enterprise agencies – Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise – together with The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and artificial intelligence and the Scottish AI Alliance.
It is the first initiative to be delivered as part of AI Scotland, a transformation programme designed to support the adoption of AI. Businesses can find out more about support available on the Find Business Support website.
To launch the programme, Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited the Edinburgh Trams depot at Gogarburn in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Trams has been working with Edinburgh-based technology consultants Integrated Human Factors to develop a wearable fatigue monitoring device.
The Minister said: “Artificial intelligence is a hugely powerful, rapidly-evolving tool that can support and drive our economy. It can enable businesses to work smarter, to innovate and empower and support its workforces. The project being developed by Integrated Human Factors and Edinburgh Trams is a great example of this.
“This national programme will help ensure SMEs across the country have the right support and guidance in place to explore and develop how the adoption of AI could support expansion, competitiveness and open new markets. I’d urge all businesses to find out more about the support and guidance now available to them.
“The programme also marks an important first step in establishing AI Scotland, a true partnership bringing together expertise from across the public and private sectors to help ensure our economy, and indeed our society, is well placed to harness AI as a tool for economic growth and a force for good across society.”
Managing Director of Productivity & Business Growth at Scottish Enterprise Rhona Allison said: “The potential for AI to drive efficiency and productivity gains and increase companies’ competitiveness is immense. Yet research shows that three quarters of Scottish SMEs aren’t using any AI technologies and don’t have plans to adopt AI in the short term.
“We understand that businesses might be finding it difficult knowing where to start on AI adoption. That’s why the delivery partners have drawn on their experience to develop this ambitious Scotland-wide programme.
“It highlights the transformative potential of AI, considers the challenges of adoption, and makes practical support available to companies looking to embed AI in their operations.”
Today is the start of Scotland’s first National Innovation Week!
We are celebrating Scotland’s proud legacy of innovation. Throughout the week we will showcase new technologies and industries of the future.
All aboard the National Museum of Scotland’s new tram!
Edinburgh tram passengers have the chance to climb aboard a ‘mobile museum’ as a new tram launches with special National Museum of Scotland livery.
The moving museum will travel through the city for the next two years, introducing passengers to some of the best-loved objects from the National Collection and giving them a taste of what it’s like to visit the National Museum of Scotland.
The tram will take its passengers on a journey through the history of Scotland, the beauty of art and design, the wonders of nature and science and cultures from around the globe. The exterior features iconic museum objects including the Lewis chess pieces, the Hunterston brooch and Dolly the sheep. Inside, tram users have the chance to learn interesting facts about everything from dinosaurs and dresses to Romans and robotic hands.
Dr Chris Breward, Director of National Museums Scotland, said: ““The National Museum of Scotland is home to thousands of spectacular objects, and we’re excited to be able to share a selection of them beyond the museum walls.
“We hope that both locals and visitors from around the world will discover something new aboard the museum tram and be inspired to explore more remarkable collection stories at the National Museum of Scotland.”
Sarah Singh, Head of Service Delivery at Edinburgh Trams, said: “We’re delighted to have the National Museum of Scotland represented on one of our trams for the next two years.
“The museum offers an incredible space for exploring Scotland’s history and place in the world in a meaningful way, and we’re proud to offer some small extension of that. Look out for a 3,000-year-old toy mouse and a Saltire which has been to space – some of our favourite additions to the design!”
A short walk from the Princes Street tram stop, the National Museum of Scotland attracts over 2.3 million visitors each year. It is Scotland’s most-visited attraction and the most popular museum in the UK outside London.
The museum is currently staging the world’s biggest exhibition of primate behaviour, Monkeys: Our Primate Family and hosts a programme of seasonal events and activities.
National Museum of ScotlandChambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00 Free entry
To plan your visit and find out more about the exhibition and events programme, visit nms.ac.uk
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 largestilluminatedChristmas 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 liveoutdoor 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.
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.”
