Imagine a neighbourhood where fruit trees grow just around the corner, blossom brightens the streets in spring, and you can pick an apple on your way home.
We think everyone should have the chance to enjoy the simple things trees bring to our everyday lives – fresh air, birdsong, and a little more greenery right outside our doors.
Through our Canopy Communities project, we’re working with local communities to bring more trees to neighbourhoods across Edinburgh.
Do you live in Granton, Muirhouse, The Calders, Gracemount or Broomhouse?
You can suggest a spot for a new tree or get involved in caring for trees in your area – just get in touch with us at thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk
Communities across the UK will be better protected against the growing threats of climate change and nature loss
UK Government holds a world-first Climate and Nature Security Taskforce meeting to better prepare for the impacts of climate change and nature loss
Leading experts from across security, military, academia and industry join forces to assess risks and find solutions to the climate and nature threats to national security
Following the UK’s hottest summer on record, and the world bracing for the impacts of a super El Niño, government takes action to protect communities and families
COMMUNITIES across the UK will be better protected against the growing threats of climate change, as the world’s first Climate and Nature Security Taskforce met for the first time this week.
The taskforce will make independent recommendations to help shape government’s approach to tackling national and international climate security challenges, and to help ensure Britain can best prepare itself for the climate crisis.
The Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, will chair the inaugural meeting, alongside Baroness Fiona Twycross. The taskforce brings together experts from across the fields of climate, nature and security to assess the UK’s readiness for security challenges created by climate change and nature loss – including General Richard Nugee, Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group and Rosie Hails, Director of Science for the National Trust.
The taskforce will establish the most significant climate and nature security risks facing the UK and define a clear vision for a more climate- and nature-secure UK. This comes as the UK has experienced a series of extreme weather events over the past year, including record-breaking heatwaves, severe drought conditions, wildfires and rising flood risks.
Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, said: “This summer, we saw homes destroyed, families evacuated and huge stretches of our British countryside scorched by wildfires. Climate change isn’t some distant problem to worry about tomorrow, it’s happening right now.
“National security starts at home, protecting the people and places we love. That’s why our new taskforce brings together some of Britain’s best minds, from military leaders to climate scientists and security experts, to get ahead of these threats, take greater control of our future and make Britain stronger, safer and ready for whatever comes next.”
General Richard Nugee said: “The ministerial taskforce is a significant step forward.
“It offers the opportunity for real change to be proposed and delivered to ensure that this country is more resilient to the shocks from nature loss and climate change that are likely to occur in the future.”
Erin Sikorsky, Director at the Centre for Climate Risks and Security, said: “This summer’s heatwaves and wildfires made clear that climate change is already a security problem.
“The question now is how to prepare, prevent, and adapt going forward. I commend the UK government for taking that question seriously, and I’m honoured to join the taskforce to identify recommendations for the climate resilience and security investments the UK and its partners need.”
The impacts of climate change stretch to almost every corner of Britain’s way of life – from migration to energy systems, supply chains and financial stability – and this taskforce will boost the UK’s preparedness for these security challenges.
The taskforce – formally titled the National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss Taskforce – has a clear set of objectives:
identify key gaps and help prioritise the most significant climate- and nature-related risks to UK national and international security and resilience, ensuring existing evidence is translated into clear, actionable policy priorities
review and challenge work on security and resilience in response to global climate change impacts and nature loss and make recommendations to improve the UK’s preparedness and response to these threats
identify and recommend opportunities and areas of focus in addressing climate and nature-related security risks, including where the UK can strengthen resilience, secure advantage and shape outcomes internationally
support the development of an actionable UK approach to climate and nature security by clearly defining gaps and opportunities and providing recommendations to enhance preparedness, resilience and international influence.
A Scottish-developed conservation tool to protect land-based animals and plants has been expanded to include marine species such as fish, dolphin, porpoise, sharks, skate and birds for the very first time.
Scientists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh and NatureScot created the low-cost tool for tracking the genetic diversity of wild species, which has traditionally been difficult and expensive to monitor.
It scores how well species threats are being managed, and the conservation actions in place, from the work of land managers to conservation efforts in botanic gardens and zoos.
First published in 2020, the scorecard has already given animals and plants a better chance of coping with changing weather, new diseases and food shortages.
It has since been updated and expanded to cover a wider range of terrestrial animals, plants and fungi, and the latest version, reflecting new research, now extends that protection to marine species for the first time.
Maintaining genetic diversity is vital for nature’s survival. Helping species adapt to change helps give us things we need, such as food to eat and materials to build with, and can even help soak up pollution from the air.
The Scottish approach is already being used for species management in South Africa, and in a joint project with the University of Benghazi in Libya. A site-based version has also been developed, working with farmers and land managers in Scotland, Libya, Mexico and Australia.
Speaking ahead of a two-day attendance at COP17 on Biodiversity in Armenia, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin said: “I want to thank the scientists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh and NatureScot who developed this low-cost tracking tool.
“The fact that this Scottish resource is now being used internationally, and can support marine species for the first time, demonstrates the global value of expertise developed here in Scotland as well as underlining just how impressive Scotland’s scientific community is.
“Biodiversity is in crisis, both globally and at home, so maintaining genetic diversity is essential if species are to adapt and survive. This innovative tool helps conservationists make better decisions in order to better protect nature.
“The groundbreaking work by Scottish scientists shows we have a strong story to tell, and we should tell it with confidence, using our voice at events like COP17 to push for ambitious biodiversity and climate action.”
Dr Isa-Rita Russo, ConGen Africa, an initiative dedicated to the conservation and genetic management of African wildlife, said: “The scorecard has been a brilliant addition to the wildlife management guidelines used across Africa. It takes complicated genetic science and turns it into something practical that conservationists can actually use day to day.
“Instead of needing specialist genetics expertise, people managing wildlife can now easily understand the genetic health of a population, spot problems early, and decide what action to take.
“This has made genetic diversity far more visible and useful in real-world conservation work across African wildlife and beyond.”
Professor Tarek Mukassabi, University of Benghazi, Libya, said: “The Scottish scorecard has effectively helped in demonstrating genetic biodiversity in Libya. The structure and contents of the scorecard have organised scattered local biodiversity literature and guided national research to build a useful, effective national database.
“This direct, clear scorecard will help us make the right decisions about conserving biodiversity. We are now working with NatureScot to develop a site-based version of the scorecard called ‘GenDivA’.
“In Libya, we have conducted the first trial of GenDivA, assessing the genetic biodiversity of one of the rare native plant species of the south-eastern Mediterranean.
“The procedure was highly organised and focused, and in a short time addressed biodiversity issues that could significantly change conservation policy in the territory.”
Energy Secretary gives go ahead to controversial Jackdaw gas field, as Chancellor announces new Energy Wealth Fund
The Energy Secretary has agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at the licensed Jackdaw field.
The project will start to supply gas to British homes and businesses from as early as the end of this month, helping heat millions of homes and protecting hundreds of jobs.
New Energy Wealth Fund to be established by the Chancellor with a £2 billion downpayment to reinvest oil and gas revenues into the climate transition.
Still no decision on Rosebank
Jackdaw will start to supply gas to British homes and businesses from the end of this month, after the Energy Secretary agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at the field.
The Jackdaw decision is expected to increase domestic gas production by around 6% at its peak – supporting the UK’s gas supply over its lifespan of up to 11 years, boosting our energy security, protecting hundreds of jobs and adding an estimated £2.9 billion to the UK economy.
Recent events in the Middle East have triggered global energy shocks and pushed up bills for families across the country. At a time of global instability, homegrown energy can be a source of national strength.
The Chancellor is also announcing today the establishment of a new Energy Wealth Fund, which will use tax revenues from North Sea oil and gas to invest in renewable and low carbon energy projects and support the green transition. Reflecting our commitment to the North Sea, this will start with an initial £2 billion injection of funding, with future revenues from the North Sea flowing into the fund over time.
The announcement comes ahead of the Budget, which will set out the government’s plan to deliver good growth in every postcode. By reinvesting Britain’s energy wealth in renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure, the Fund will unlock investment, back the industries of the future and create skilled jobs across Scotland and the UK.
This investment in renewable energy will substantially delink gas and electricity by the end of this Parliament. By investing in and building more renewable and low carbon power, gas will set the price of electricity less often, helping end Britain’s exposure to volatile international gas markets and help get bills down for good in the long term.
The Energy Secretary assessed among other points, that the Jackdaw project will not prevent the UK from being able to meet its legally binding limits on carbon emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050.
The heatwaves and extreme weather events experienced this year highlighted the importance of tackling the climate crisis. The Government remains committed to the green transition and net zero – moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable and nuclear energy. But even on the path to net zero, the UK will still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come.
The decision is consistent with the government’s manifesto commitment not to issue any new licences to explore new fields while managing existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan. The Jackdaw gas field is already licensed and the North Sea Transition Authority’s decision to grant consent now gives the developer the green light to begin operations at the field.
It follows the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Finch case in 2024, which means North Sea operators are now required to consider the impact of burning the extracted oil and gas in environmental impact assessments. This meant the Energy Secretary had to consider a new environmental framework alongside all relevant factors in the case, including responses to the public consultation.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:“Following careful consideration of all relevant factors I have agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at Jackdaw, which will begin to supply the UK with gas from this winter thanks to the highly skilled and vital North Sea workers.
“This decision will support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter and help minimise the UK’s use of imported higher emission fuels as we continue our transition to renewables and nuclear.
“The decision is compatible with our legally binding climate commitments, and we remain resolute in ending new licences for oil and gas and achieving net zero by 2050.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I welcome the Energy Secretary’s decision, which will protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm this winter. At a time when people are really struggling, it’s right that we look in a responsible way at maximising the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help.
“We’re committed to moving towards renewable energy and reaching net zero by 2050. But even on our ambitious climate path, we’ll still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come.
“That’s why we’re taking a pragmatic approach to the North Sea. We’re also establishing a new Energy Wealth Fund to invest in renewable energy, support the green transition and help reduce energy bills over the long-term.
“Our approach will ensure we can boost our energy security, back British workers, ringfence future North Sea proceeds to speed up the green transition, hit our ambitious climate targets and – crucially – bring down bills.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said:“I want Britain’s energy wealth to spark a new wave of clean power to work for the British people.
“Since North Sea gas and oil were discovered decades ago, the benefit of our existing nation’s natural resources have not been turned into the long-term investment our country needs.
“Through our new Energy Wealth Fund, we will invest in the clean energy industries of the future, creating jobs, driving growth and strengthening Britain’s energy security.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “This decision to approve Jackdaw is a win for Aberdeen, a win for Scottish workers and a win for Britain’s energy security. The North East has helped power the country for half a century, and will continue to do so for decades to come.
“This will harness the homegrown skills and assets we have in Scotland and right across the UK in a boost for the economy, as we continue to invest in and grow clean energy resources, and work towards the transition.”
Stuart Payne, Chief Executive of the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) said:“After robust scrutiny we have today granted consent for the Jackdaw Field development which allows the owners to proceed with their project and produce gas from the field upon completion of development work.
“This project will support the UK’s energy security by providing domestically produced gas, generate tax revenues, safeguard supply chain jobs, use existing infrastructure, and have an emissions intensity well below the UK average.
The Energy Wealth Fund will support investment in the renewable and low carbon energy industries that will power Britain’s future. It will help ensure more value from Britain’s energy resources is invested for the long term, supporting the green transition and creating a lasting national asset for future generations.
Alongside supporting the North Sea oil and gas sector, the government will continue to invest in the new energy industries that will support Scotland’s long-term jobs and prosperity. Since 2024, the UK has seen more than £100 billion of investment in renewable and low carbon energy.
Most recently, Sumitomo announced the opening of a £350 million into a cable factory at the Port of Nigg earlier this week. And SSE yesterday confirmed that 400 skilled jobs will be supported across Scotland through its new supply chain contracts for the Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm.
The government is taking a pragmatic approach to the North Sea that will support existing oil and gas production and back the highly skilled workforce as opportunities grow in renewables and wider sectors.
As announced last year, new Transitional Energy Certificates will allow for some oil and gas production in already-explored areas that are near licensed fields, linked via a tieback – ensuring existing fields can remain economically viable.
The government has therefore confirmed today that it is asking the regulator to consider urgent cases that could benefit from similar measures now, before legislation on these new certificates is in place. This will ensure the sector can support existing oil and gas fields, while still preventing exploration in new unlicensed areas.
It comes as discussions with industry leaders begin on a refresh of the North Sea Transition Deal to ensure domestic oil and gas production continues to benefit the UK and build the energy industries of the future. First agreed in 2021, the deal aims to provide a clear path for the industry to support the UK in reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while protecting jobs and supporting energy security.
The changing nature of the North Sea basin also opens up new opportunities to expand the UK’s decommissioning sector – which is expected to support up to 25,000 skilled jobs over the next decade and attract up to £25.6 billion in investment, according to independent analysis.
To help unlock this potential, the government has launched a consultation on new guidance to support decommissioning of complex infrastructure. The government has also formally asked Shell to submit their Brent decommissioning programme for the Energy Secretary to consider, with the aim to unblock a longstanding decision process that has been under review since 2017.
The UK Government’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field is a betrayal of our children’s future and outright climate vandalism, the Scottish Greens have said.
Labour has approved Jackdaw today even though it will do nothing to lower household bills and will only help greedy shareholders rake in obscene profits.
Jackdaw will have no meaningful impact on the UK’s energy security. Over its roughly 10-year lifetime it will provide only 2% of UK gas demand.
Labour approved the field despite the repeated heatwaves and devastating wildfires which hit the UK this summer, the latest round of extreme weather driven by the climate emergency.
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer said:“Labour’s decision to approve Jackdaw is climate vandalism. It is a devastating betrayal of our children’s future and it won’t even lower energy bills in the here and now.
“Andy Burnham’s Government had the opportunity to reject the greed of oil and gas companies. They could have focused instead on lowering bills and protecting our planet by investing in clean, green renewable energy. Instead, this Labour Prime Minister has caved in to the fossil fuel lobby and continued to devastate our climate.
“The UK has just endured a summer of repeated heatwaves and devastating wildfires. This winter we’ll likely see extreme levels of flooding. The climate emergency is here already and it’s costing lives.
“Jackdaw will make the UK even more dependent on gas despite its wildly fluctuating prices in the global market. That will do absolutely nothing to lower household energy bills and it is dishonest to pretend that it will.
“Labour’s climate credentials are now in shreds. Families across the country are struggling to afford the rising costs of heating their homes. The money being thrown at oil and gas companies in the form of tax breaks should instead be used to insulate homes and help people swap out their gas boilers for heat pumps.”
Ross Greer added:“The Scottish Greens are now the only party standing up for our planet and against the greed of oil and gas companies.
“Our children and all future generations will not forget Labour’s climate vandalism.
“Scotland has a huge wealth of clean, green renewable energy sources, but we are constantly held back by Westminster. The UK Government has once again bent to the whim of the fossil fuel lobbyists who only care about making obscene profits for their shareholders, regardless of the ruin they are leaving for everyone else.”
Greenpeace UK press briefing
The Government looks set to approve more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Based on the facts set out below, Greenpeace wants to know, why?
This brief sets out the latest facts about the climate, energy bills, jobs and energy security for both Jackdaw and Rosebank and suggests 10 questions for journalists to ask ministers and spokespeople ahead of the decision.
Jackdaw key facts
Adura claims Jackdaw brings massive economic benefits, but in their own environmental statement they admit that it will create just 27 new full-time jobs. Most of the workforce already works on the existing Shearwater platform.
Using government calculations for climate harm, burning Jackdaw’s gas will cause an estimated £16.1 billion in global damage and over 8,000 heat-related deaths.
Adura argues that Jackdaw’s emissions are only a tiny percentage of global pollution. However, existing oil and gas fields worldwide will already produce more than double the amount of carbon the planet can handle to limit warming to 1.5°C. We already have more than enough gas to meet global supply.
Rosebank key facts
Burning Rosebank’s 254 million tonnes of Scope 3 emissions will cause an estimated 57,000 global heat-related deaths under peer-reviewed climate models.
Using standard UK Treasury figures for life valuation, Rosebank inflicts over £114 billion in global climate damage, wiping out its claimed £24.3 billion in economic value nearly five times over.
90% of Rosebank’s oil reserves are destined for international markets and all of it will be sold at global market prices, meaning no cheap oil reserved for UK consumers.
Rosebank would generate a total of 254 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime. That’s the equivalent of nearly 70% of the UK’s entire annual emissions in 2024.
The climate pollution from Rosebank’s reserves would be greater than the combined annual CO₂ emissions of the 73 lowest-emitting countries and territories (representing over 114 million people).
Shell’s Q2 profits were £7.4 billion, while the world’s five biggest oil companies made half a billion dollars per day in the second quarter of 2026 due to the Iran war.
UK taxpayer-funded subsidies to fossil fuel companies are worth £13.3 billion for the last seven years. That amount could fund seven years of support for North Sea workers to transition to renewable industries, at the level called for by unions and environmental NGOs.
10 Questions for Government Ministers and Spokespeople
Bills: How much will Jackdaw or Rosebank reduce household energy bills, and by when? If their oil and gas are sold at international market prices, what is the mechanism for delivering cheaper energy?
Energy security: If Jackdaw reduces annual gas import dependency by only 2% on average, how does that justify its climate damage? How does Rosebank improve UK energy security when 90% of its oil is destined for international markets?
Jobs: How many new, permanent UK jobs will each project create? How do ministers reconcile claims of major employment benefits with Adura’s own figures that Jackdaw provides just 27 permanent new jobs?
Trump: What commitments did the PM give to Donald Trump on North Sea drilling and is the US president now dictating UK energy policy?
Growth: How will licensing more drilling deliver good growth in every postcode? What lasting growth will these projects deliver, and why is further drilling a better investment than backing the UK’s surging green economy?
Public money: Why should taxpayers effectively shoulder over 80% of Rosebank’s development costs? What is the expected net return to the public after tax reliefs and climate damage are taken into account?
Climate damage: How do ministers justify Rosebank’s estimated £114 billion in global climate damage against its claimed £24.3 billion economic value? What weight have they given to the estimated heat-related deaths from both fields?
Pragmatism: Ministers have promised a pragmatic approach. What is pragmatic about approving projects that add to climate damage without delivering cheaper energy or a secure long-term future for workers?
Political pressure: What role has lobbying by fossil fuel companies played in these decisions? Will ministers publish the evidence and records of relevant meetings?
Rosebank: If the Government approves Jackdaw but delays Rosebank, why is it postponing a decision on the more damaging project? When will ministers give a definitive answer?
A cargo bike carnival in the Meadows on Sunday launched a report about cargo bike use across Edinburgh, and the importance of bike libraries, hubs and other lending schemes for normalising cargo bike use across the city and the country.
Organisers hope that the biggest gathering of cargo bikes in Edinburgh ever, will meet on the Meadows for games, stalls, a play about the history of the bicycle, and a mass bike ride.
Cargo bikes combine the relatively low environmental impact of cycling with greater carrying capacity and practicality. By enabling the transportation of loads that would be difficult to carry by conventional bicycle, including children, shopping, and equipment, they can play an important role in reducing car use.
These cargo-carrying electric bikes are currently most popular amongst families with young children as they are a fun and practical way to carry children and their stuff from school to club to family outing in a fast and easy manner. They have become a much more common sight out and about in Edinburgh in the last few years.
The Scottish government had a target of a 20 per cent reduction in car kilometres by 2030 which is currently being revised. At the moment, it is off track to meet such a target – so anything that encourages a move away from private car use is valuable.
The report: ‘Carrying change: Unlocking the potential of cargo bike use in Edinburgh and the Lothians’ focuses on the different uses people have made of cargo bikes hired from the various bike libraries and hubs across the city.
It suggests how the government can support the city-wide growth in cargo bike use by taking inspiration from schemes and infrastructure development in other European cities.
Lothians Cargo Bike Network is a newly formed informal coalition of organisations that hire out cargo bikes.
Data from this group was used to write the report that has been funded by the cycle campaign organisation Spokes.
The coalition have worked together to organise Sunday’s family day out in the Meadowsand are encouraging cargo bike owners to attend and enter the ‘best dressed car.
Sasha Taylor, Bike Station CEO said: ‘Cities across Europe demonstrate how cargo bikes can be part of the solution to sustainable travel in our cities. This report has been written to capture where Edinburgh is compared to other cities and sets out recommendations to realise the potential of cargo bikes in our city.
As proud custodians of Cargo Bike Movement’s mission and vision, The Bike Station is one of many local groups providing cargo bikes within our city. This report was compiled by Calum Glen, Impact and Data Officer for The Bike Station.’
Carol from Banzai Bikes – a cargo bike library in Bruntsfield said: ‘The Cargo Bike Carnival was a fun event showcasing all the different ways cargo bikes are being used across Edinburgh right now, by families, small businesses and community organisations.
“The versatility of cargo bikes and the incredible variety of loads, equipment and of course passengers that can be transported will surprise people! As well as trying the bikes you can take part in lots of fun activities including bike games, performances, a circus bike and a big bike ride, and find out about bike lending schemes across the city.’
Jane from Porty Community Energy, that has a cargo bike library on Porty prom said: ‘Our cargo bike library on the prom is very well used throughout the year, most commonly by families looking for a fun day out.
“Hiring out a cargo bike offers a fun alternative to an outing in the car with so many great cycle routes away from the roads now available in Edinburgh. It’s great exercise, and good for every family’s health and well being.
“We have had such good feedback from our library, that we think it’s a no-brainer that government funding should be used to support such schemes’
Two Holyrood committees are working together to gather evidence on the impacts of potential hyperscale data centre construction and operation in Scotland.
The Climate Action Committee is calling for data and evidence on the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres from construction and operation to the long-term management and disposal of waste, hardware and materials.
The Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee, meanwhile, wants to understand the potential economic and energy implications of hyperscale data centre development in Scotland.
A hyperscale data centre is a large facility that can be used for internet-based applications, data processing and artificial intelligence. There are no hyperscale data centres in Scotland, although more than 20 are proposed in different locations across the country.
Rather than focusing on specific proposals, the Committees’ call for evidence wants to gather a complete picture of the impact of data centres.
The Committees plan to share their findings with the Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP who has said that guidance on hyperscale data centres will be published by Christmas.
In addition to its consultation, the Climate Action Committee will hold evidence sessions in October and November. The Committee has also agreed to consider whether to carry out further work in this area at a later date.
The call for views is open until 15 November 2026.
Stuart McMillan MSP, Convener of the Climate Action Committee, said:“We want to understand the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres and will share our findings ahead of the Scottish Government’s upcoming guidance.
“We would like to hear expert views about impacts on air and water quality, nature and biodiversity, noise pollution and emissions. We also want to understand what can be done to prevent or mitigate negative environmental impacts.
“We’re particularly keen to ensure that Scotland learns lessons from other countries where hyperscale data centres are already in operation.”
Convener of the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee, Duncan Massey MSP, said:“Data centres have been grabbing the headlines but now it’s time to dig into the details.
“We want to ensure we understand whether there are economic positives for Scotland and what they are. Will they drive new jobs and create long term employment? What about our energy systems, are they able to support hyperscale data centres?
“To aid our scrutiny of Scottish Government decision making, we want to hear from experts working in these areas in order to build a clear picture of all the positives and negatives associated with bringing large scale data centres to Scotland.”
A new trial to assess whether bus journey times and reliability can be improved by extending bus lane hours launches on Monday, 12 October.
The trial will be in force between Milton Road East and London Road, where bus lane times will be extended to operate between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week. Current bus lane times are peak only – 7.30am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The changes will test whether longer bus lane hours can help reduce delays for buses along the route, in turn encouraging and supporting people to choose to travel by public transport and improving the experience for those who rely on buses.
Reliable and efficient bus services:
are essential for getting around the city
encourage more people to choose public transport over the car
provide a vital transport option for many residents who do not have access to a private vehicle
Edinburgh has a great bus service, but more can be done to reduce delays to buses along key routes. Bus lanes that support buses to get ahead of traffic for as long as possible during the day are one way to achieve this.
The trial route is used by several services including the number 44, which Lothian Buses has identified as one of the services most affected by delays and reliability issues outside of current bus lane operating hours. Initial data analysis shows that bus journey times on part of the route have increased by 22% since 2019.
Data and stakeholder feedback collected during the trial will be used to help decide whether the measures should be made permanent.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Edinburgh is lucky to have a first-rate public transport system, which hundreds of thousands of people rely on every day. We want to make travel by bus an attractive, accessible and reliable alternative to the car and bus lanes support that.
“However, travel behaviour is changing and bus demand is increasing, leading to delays outside of traditional peak periods. This trial will help us to assess whether extended bus lane hours can reduce journey times on one of our busiest routes.
“Thanks to the nature of the trial we’ll be able to carry out real-world monitoring of traffic impacts and network performance, alongside feedback from the public.”
The 18-month trial will be introduced through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), which provides an opportunity to monitor the effects of the changes and gather evidence before recommendations are made on the longer-term arrangements.
Monitoring analysis will include bus journey times, traffic surveys, parking and loading surveys, business surveys and feedback from residents and other stakeholders. The first six months of the trial also serves as a consultation period.
During the trial some parking and loading restriction times will change.
People are encouraged to check signs and road markings and can find out more about the trial on the Council website.
We would like to invite all the local residents for our final BEACH CLEANING event in 2026 at Wardie Bay on Friday 30th October. We are very grateful to R2 for their ongoing support in organising our litter picking events.
Do remember that we also have some litter picking equipment at Granton Parish Church we are happy to loan to local community groups.
Learn more about the project: 
