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.
Guide helps Scots swap Positano for Plockton, Innsbruck for Inverness, Chamonix for Corpach and Germany’s famous Black Forest for Blair Atholl.
Five travel experts jumped on board a ScotRail Intae-Rail adventure,
ScotRail has unveiled a new ‘Intae-Rail’ map and guide, pairing Scotland’s most spectacular rail destinations with some of Europe’s most iconic hotspots to prove unforgettable adventures are closer than you think.
Every year, thousands of Scots dream of hopping on an Interrail adventure to discover incredible food, spectacular scenery, historic towns and unforgettable experiences across Europe.
But with the October break just around the corner, ScotRail’s new Intae-Rail guide is encouraging travellers to discover those same experiences closer to home, with 15 Scottish destination dupes waiting to be explored by train.
Swap Bilbao for Dundee, Positano for Plockton, Copenhagen’s foodie scene for Leith’s waterfront dining, or the Swiss Alps for the Cairngorms, Intae-Rail pairs some of Europe’s most iconic escapes with their Scottish destination counterparts via a map and online guide – proving you don’t need to cross the continent to find incredible food, culture, scenery and adventure.
Each Scottish alternative comes with its own ready-made Intae-Rail itinerary, packed with inspiration on what to see, eat, explore and experience when you get there – helping travellers turn European holiday inspiration into an adventure they can enjoy by train right here in Scotland.
It taps into the growing ‘destination dupe’ trend, which is seeing travellers swap famous holiday hotspots for lesser-known alternatives offering a similar experience, often without the crowds, cost or hassle.
According to research by Expedia, one in three (34%) travellers have already visited a destination considered a dupe of a more popular location, while almost half (47%) would consider doing so.
And it could particularly resonate with Scots. With affordability increasingly shaping holiday choices, research shows 45% of Scots expect to holiday in Scotland during 2026, as travellers look closer to home for shorter, more convenient breaks.
Now, ScotRail is putting a Scottish spin on the trend – showing that some of Europe’s most sought-after experiences could be just a train journey away.
Whether it’s a day trip, weekend break or a bigger adventure linking several stops, travellers can build their own Intae-Rail escape around whatever they’re “intae” – from food or exploring to nature, sightseeing and adventure.
Among the European-inspired recommendations to feature are:
Intae Adventure
Swiss Alps for the Cairngorms (Aviemore station)
Intae Exploring
Bilbao, Spain for Dundee (Dundee station)
Intae Sightseeing
Positano, Italy for Plockton (Plockton station)
Intae Food and Drink
Pula, Croatia for Oban (Oban station)
Intae Nature
Black Forest, Germany for Blair Atholl (Blair Atholl station)
Five Scots travel experts put Intae-Rail to the test, jumping aboard to experience individually designed itineraries built around five different passions – adventure, exploring, sightseeing, food and drink, and nature. Among them were Glasgow twin travellers and official TikTok ambassadors for Scotland, Kieran and Kevin D’Arcy, who regularly document their adventures on social media as @darcytwins.
The siblings have always been into food and drink, so they hopped on board a ScotRail service from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban, as they enjoyed a culinary experience that rivals Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula.
Kevin D’Arcy said: “Despite travelling all over Scotland and visiting plenty of places across Europe, we’d somehow never made it to Oban. Coming here by train made the journey feel like part of the experience, and once we arrived it was easy to see why so many people love it.
“You don’t have to fly to somewhere like Pula to enjoy great seafood, a beautiful harbour and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Oban has all of that in its own way – including a striking amphitheatre.
“What really stood out was how much there is packed into such a walkable town. We had incredible seafood, wandered around the harbour, visited the distillery and just enjoyed taking everything at a slower pace, which felt very European.
“If you’re into food and drink, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a weekend eating well, exploring and enjoying the scenery without feeling like you need to rush anywhere.”
Lauren Smith from Abedeen took a cross-Highland trip to Plockton for Scotland’s answer to the “la dolce vita” vibes of the Amalfi Coast. She said: “You don’t have to head overseas to have a European-style adventure. Whatever you’re intae, there’s probably a place in Scotland that offers it.
“I found a picturesque harbourside town that really is Scotland’s answer to the Amalfi Coast, it even included palm trees.
“The charming village was quaint and peaceful, and all easily accessible by train. The journey also reminded me of my proud Gaelic roots, as I was able to deliver a quick guide of some of the Gaelic ways of saying station names.
“It showed how some of the best moments can happen on your journey, allowing you to slow down, relax on the train as you pass beautiful scenery along the way.”
Intae-Rail experiences are more affordable than ever with no peak fares on all ScotRail services, plus rail fares being frozen until March 2027.
And for those travelling with children aged 5-15, Kids for a Quid tickets are just £1 each return. Travellers looking for epic adventures around Scotland can consider the Highland Rover for trips up north, or the Scottish Grand for just £92. There are so many affordable options to use when travelling by train, so spur of the moment trips needn’t cost a fortune.
Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “Scotland is home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences to rival anything in Europe – and they’re all reachable by train.
“Whether you’re into adventure, food and drink, history or simply discovering somewhere new, our Intae-Rail guide is designed to inspire people to see Scotland differently and make the most of everything on their doorstep.
“And with the October break coming up, there’s no better time to Go by Train, with a range of ticket options available to help families and travellers turn Intae-Rail inspiration into their next Scottish adventure.
“The journey is all part of the experience, and travelling by train gives customers the chance to relax, enjoy Scotland’s incredible landscapes and create lasting memories along the way.”
Jet2 has announced extra availability to Reus and Halkidiki from Edinburgh Airport for Summer 27
Jet2 has expanded its Summer 27 programme from Edinburgh Airport, giving Scottish holidaymakers even more options when booking flights to popular sunshine destinations.
From today, additional seats are available to Reus, Spain and Halkidiki, Greece, which are both exclusive routes to Jet2, offering greater flexibility outside of the peak summer season for customers planning a trip from Edinburgh Airport.
Whether they’re looking to explore the impressive Modernist architecture of Reus or discover the vibrant food and nightlife scene of Halkidiki, the expanded programme gives holidaymakers even more choice for Summer 27.
Customers can enjoy an extended season through exclusive Jet2routes to Reus, with weekly Tuesday services from 6th – 27th April. In addition, the season to Halkidiki, has been extended from 21st – 28th October, with weekly Thursday services.
This comes as part of Jet2’s wider Summer 27 expansion, with more capacity and choice available across 22 of Jet2’s routes from nine of its UK bases.
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer of Jet2 and Jet2holidays, said: “We know how much our customers are looking forward to planning their summer holidays next year, and we are seeing continued demand for holidays earlier and later in the summer season as well as during the peak.
“By adding more seats from Edinburgh Airport to fantastic destinations including Reus and Halkidiki, we’re giving Scottish holidaymakers even more opportunity to book early, plan with confidence and choose the options that suit them.”
Drivers’ love-hate relationship with sat-navs sees more than three quarters ignore directions to beat the ETA
The majority of drivers use a sat-nav, but just one third (35%) have a high degree of trust in their device and have taken matters into their own hands to reach their destination sooner
Sat-navs … most drivers use them, but the majority don’t fully trust them. So much so that many are constantly disregarding directions and following their gut instinct in a bid to beat the often-exasperating ETA.
And for eight-in-10 drivers (84%), the gamble paid off as they managed to get to their destination quicker than what their sat-nav predicted, according to research from the RAC.
The survey, which polled 1,601 drivers in the UK*, found that 91% use a sat-nav, with 8% steadfastly using one on every journey, 30% on most trips, and 53% using it occasionally.
Popular sat-nav gripes included users complaining that their devices don’t always detect upcoming traffic jams (52%), as well as getting sent down small, narrow roads (44%).
Worryingly, one-in-10 (11%) sat-nav users got sent down a one-way street the wrong way, risking a head-on collision.
And one fifth (19%) almost got stuck after their sat-nav sent them down a dead end that was hard to reverse out of.
Despite the drawbacks, one-in-10 (12%) confessed to following the instructions on their sat-nav without question.
The majority, 89%, preferred to take sat-nav instructions with a pinch of salt, sometimes ignoring them to get to their destination.
Free phone apps, such as Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps are the most popular form of sat-nav drivers use, with more than half (53%) choosing this form of technology to guide their journeys.
Another 35% use a sat-nav that is built into the car, while 9% use a separate sat-nav unit that they attach to the dashboard or windscreen, a popular choice among drivers aged 65 and over.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “Sat-navs are used by the majority of drivers, and can be a useful tool to help us get from A to B. But what this data shows is that people shouldn’t blindly follow the directions but continue to pay close attention to road signage and tap into any local knowledge they have of the area.
“While it’s tempting to just jump in the car and punch in the postcode on your chosen sat-nav and follow along, it’s best to look at the journey more closely on the myRAC app route planner before setting off so you have a good idea of where you’re going and what routes you could take depending on the traffic. You can also use the Fuel Finder tool to refuel at the cheapest price.
“Worryingly, one-in-10 said their sat-navs sent them down a one-way road the wrong way, risking a head-on collision. With several fatalities attributed to sat-navs, it’s important to pay attention to road signage and ensure devices are fully updated with the latest changes to the road network.”
In November 2024 Google and Apple agreed to amend their audio prompts after a double fatal crash appeared to have been caused by incorrect directions from a sat-nav.
The driver drove the wrong way along the A5 near Milton Keynes after following audio directions from her sat-nav resulting in a head-on collision where both drivers tragically died.
Six top ski destinations – Chambery, Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Turin and Verona go on sale today, giving access to the best ski resorts in Europe
Over 42,000 ski seats are on sale for Winter 27/28 from Edinburgh Airport
Jet2.com has great news for Scottish ski and snowboard fans as customers can now book flights from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 2027/28 to the best slopes in the French, Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps, as well as the Tyrolean Mountains.
The leading leisure airline will operate an unrivalled Ski programme to six top ski destinations next winter – Chambery, Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Turin and Verona. The services will operate from mid-December 2027 and throughout the winter season.
The launch of the programme today means skiers and snowboarders in Scotland can book great-price ski flights early and plan their alpine escapes in advance.
When travelling to the best ski destinations in Europe with Jet2.com, customers can look forward to friendly flight times, 10kg hand baggage allowance and great value hold luggage* and ski carriage* each weighing up to 22kg each.
Jet2.com’s full Winter 27/28 Ski programme from Edinburgh Airport is detailed below:
Chambery – a popular area for winter sports, Chambery serves as a gateway to world-famous ski resorts in the French Alps, including Courchevel, the host of the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Weekly Saturday services from Edinburgh Airport, offers customers quick and easy access to some of Europe’s best slopes.
Geneva – up to two weekly services (Saturday and Sunday) are now on sale for Winter 27/28. Surrounded by the Alps, Geneva is a great gateway to some of the most popular French and Swiss ski resorts, including Tignes, Flaine, Verbier, Zermatt and the Three Valleys.
Salzburg – Edinburgh Airport offers an exclusive weekly Saturday service to Salzburg. The perfect location, straddled between the Austrian-German border is key to hundreds of ski resorts, including Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Obertauern.
Turin – this Italian gateway gives skiers endless options and with top resorts, such as Pila, Vars, Le Corbier and Val d’Isere easily accessible, the region is a popular choice for skiers and snowboarders. Jet2.com operates an exclusive route to Turin from Edinburgh Airport to this Italian city, with weekly Sunday ski services available.
Innsbruck – with incredible ski resorts right on its doorstep, Innsbruck is the city of choice for many snow-worshippers. Skiers and snowboarders can access the Tyrolean capital from Edinburgh Airport with weekly Saturday services available in Winter 27/28.
Verona – Not just the City of Love, Verona is also the city for lovers of snow sports as the host of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the perfect location to visit the Dolomites. The exclusive route to Jet2.com will operate weekly Saturday services so that ski enthusiasts can unlock resorts in Verona for their ski escape.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We enjoyed another successful ski season last winter, and with skiers and snowboarders already looking ahead to Winter 27/28, we have responded by launching our ski programme for next winter from Edinburgh Airport.
“With perfectly timed flights at the most popular times and a range of airports to fly into, we are certain next year’s ski programme will be our best yet.”
Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “We like to give our winter sports enthusiasts plenty of time to plan ahead, so it’s great to see this programme go on sale today.
“With a fantastic range of destinations on offer, we’re expecting a flurry of activity as passengers hit the slopes and get their winter adventures booked.”
If you live in Edinburgh and have difficulty travelling or receive certain benefits, we may be able to help you visit a family member residing in a Scottish prison or the State Hospital, at no cost:
Immigration expert urges travellers to check passport rules before booking, as Europe’s new Entry/Exit System beds in and ETIAS remains unavailable
Holidaymakers planning trips to Europe this summer are being urged to check their passports and travel documents well before they travel, as new digital border checks continue to cause delays and confusion at some European airports.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operating across the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps with a digital record of when non-EU travellers enter and leave participating countries. The system applies also to British passport holders travelling for short stays and records facial images, fingerprints and passport details at the border.
The warning comes as airports and airlines continue adapting to the new process during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with reports of longer queues and passengers being advised to allow extra time before flights.
Kadmos Immigration, a UK immigration advisory practice, says travellers should treat passport checks as part of their holiday planning, rather than something to think about at the airport.
Helena Sheizon, Founder of Kadmos Immigration, says: ” Some holidaymakers are travelling to Europe as non-EU nationals, and that means the checks are different from what many people remember before Brexit.
“The biggest mistake families can make is assuming nothing has changed. If your passport doesn’t meet the entry requirements, or you haven’t allowed extra time for the new border procedures, your holiday can be disrupted before it has even begun.”
Why Brits may face longer airport queues this summer
The Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area for short stays. For British travellers, this means entry and exit records are now stored digitally rather than through passport stamps.
First-time users of the system may be asked to provide biometric information, including a facial image and fingerprints. While this only takes a few minutes per person, processing times can increase significantly during busy periods, particularly for families or large groups arriving together.
Several airlines have already advised passengers travelling to parts of Europe to arrive earlier than usual while airports continue adjusting to the new procedures.
Sheizon explains: “For most holidaymakers there is no reason to panic, but there is every reason to prepare.
“If you’re travelling with children, elderly relatives or anyone who may need additional assistance, it’s sensible to build in extra time. The new system is designed to strengthen border security, but during its first busy summer season it can also create queues if travellers aren’t expecting the additional checks.”
The passport rule still catching British holidaymakers out
Kadmos Immigration is also warning British travellers to check both the issue date and expiry date on their passport before travelling to Europe.
For travel to the EU and wider Schengen area, a British passport generally must:
Have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry.
Be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
This continues to catch out travellers with older UK passports, particularly those renewed before September 2018, when unused validity could be carried over onto a new passport.
Sheizon says: “Many people only look at the expiry date, but for travel to Europe that isn’t enough.
A” passport can still appear valid, but if it was issued more than 10 years before the date you enter the Schengen area, you could be refused boarding or entry. It’s one of the easiest mistakes to avoid, provided you check early enough.”
ETIAS is still not in force and travellers should ignore unofficial websites
Kadmos Immigration is also reminding travellers that ETIAS, the EU’s upcoming travel authorisation scheme, has not yet launched.
Despite widespread discussion online, British travellers do not currently need to apply for ETIAS before travelling to Europe. Reports suggest the system is now expected to launch later than originally anticipated, meaning travellers should continue relying only on official government advice for updates.
Sheizon says: “One of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between EES and ETIAS.
“EES is already operating at the border. ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation system that has not yet launched.
“If a website is asking you to pay for ETIAS today, that should immediately raise alarm bells. Until the EU officially opens applications, British travellers don’t need to buy anything.”
What British holidaymakers should check before travelling
Kadmos Immigration recommends checking the following before booking or travelling:
Your passport was issued less than 10 years before the day you enter the Schengen area.
Your passport remains valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave.
Your destination is part of the Schengen area and subject to EES checks.
You allow extra time at the airport or border crossing.
You follow your airline’s latest advice on recommended arrival times.You avoid paying unofficial websites for ETIAS before it officially launches.
Children’s passports have been checked separately, as they expire sooner than adult passports.
Your passport details exactly match your travel booking.
Sheizon adds: “The safest advice is simple: check your passport before you book, not the night before you fly.
“People spend weeks comparing flights and hotels, but something as simple as passport validity can stop a holiday before it starts. Spending five minutes checking your documents now could save hours of stress later.”
Why this matters this summer
Millions of British holidaymakers are expected to travel to popular destinations including Spain, France, Greece, Portugal and Italy over the coming weeks.
Kadmos Immigration says the vast majority of travellers will have no problems, but the introduction of digital border checks means preparation is now more important than ever.
Sheizon concludes: “Most people will still enjoy their European holiday exactly as planned, but the margin for error is smaller than it used to be.
Since Brexit, British travellers are subject to different entry requirements, and the move to digital border checks is another reminder that immigration rules now form part of holiday planning, even for a short break.”
DIVERSIONS IN PLACE FOR RUGBY and EDINBURGH FESTIVAL CARNIVAL
Multi-agency efforts to minimise city centre disruption and make the former Debenhams building safe continue, following a major fire on 9 July.
While Princes Street is expected to remain closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street until August, contingency planning is underway to help limit the impact on transport, businesses, the festival and other events.
This includes the rerouting of the Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still take place on Sunday and traffic diversions to aid travel to and from the Scotland v Fiji rugby match on Saturday, while changes to bus routes have been put in place to improve general traffic flow in the area.
Council teams continue to offer one-to-one advice and support to businesses affected, and it is hoped that all businesses on Rose Street will be able to reopen tomorrow (Saturday). The Council Leader has also written to the First Minister to request additional support for businesses from the Scottish Government.
Trams are currently only able to operate between the Airport and Shandwick Place but all options are being explored to re-establish operations along the full route as soon as possible.
Officers are working closely with Voi Bikes to provide additional capacity, particularly in and around Leith, and will be expanding the fleet from 800 to 1000 bikes by the end of next week. Additional bike parking infrastructure is being arranged in the city centre to accommodate those travelling into the city from Leith and Newhaven.
Complex and time-consuming work is ongoing to make the fire-damaged building safe, alongside preserving as much of its heritage value as possible.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “There is no doubt that recent events on Princes Street continue to have a major impact on the city centre and beyond, but I’m pleased to see progress being made, both in terms of preserving and making the building safe and reducing disruption in the area.
“This has involved a huge response from Council teams and a range of partners, and I’d like to thank all those involved for their hard work over the last week to secure the building, to protect its heritage and to keep the city moving.
“I’m particularly grateful to the city’s transport providers – Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams – for their swift and constructive responses to this challenging situation and I know there’s a huge amount of work going into restoring the tram to its full route as soon as possible. But I do want to stress that this can only happen when it’s safe to do so.
“We’re in regular contact with festivals and event organisers with a view to limiting disruption to our events calendar, and I’m delighted that we’ve found an alternative route for the wonderful Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still go ahead this weekend. We’re also hopeful of being able to find alternative locations for some of the events and attractions displaced from George Street.
“I’m acutely aware of the effect this is having on city centre businesses too and our teams are continuing to offer one-to-one advice and support. We’re also in touch with the Scottish Government about available support and I’ve written to the First Minister to discuss what more he can offer – as he did following the Union Street fire in Glasgow.
“This road closure is essential to protect the public while experts assess the condition of the fire-damaged building and make it safe, but we’re letting everyone know that the city centre is very much still open for business and encouraging people to check our website for the latest travel advice and information on visiting the area.
“I want to repeat my thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding and look forward to another fantastic summer festival season here in Edinburgh.”
A dedicated page on the Council website has been set up to provide up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites and a Q&A.
This will be updated regularly as and when new information becomes available.
All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year.
Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.
Under ADT, flights from the Highlands and Islands to airports in the rest of the UK will remain exempt, including via connecting flights.
Speaking as analysis of ADT consultation responses was published, Ms Gilruth also confirmed the levy will pave the way for the introduction of a Scottish Private Jet tax from April 2028.
The Deputy First Minister said: “This is the latest step in our mission to ensure Scotland’s devolved tax system works for every corner of the country.
“These ADT exemptions recognise the particular connectivity challenges faced by the people and businesses who have made the Highlands and Islands their home, and will help support communities to thrive.
“Our progressive approach to taxation helps the Scottish Government to provide the best cost of living support available in the UK, such as free university tuition, free prescriptions and our plans for a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland.
“A private jet tax will ensure those who contribute significantly higher emissions per person compared to commercial flights will pay more for the privilege.”
