Local government authority for Edinburgh since 1996
Multiple Edinburgh schools face overcrowding as VAT on private school fees is cited as contributing to demand shifts. Parents report cramped spaces, with pupils eating in toilets and sharing facilities while councils contemplate urgent action and longer-term plans.
A UK-wide poll shows 46% of English Football League fans cannot afford authentic replica shirts as eight Premier League clubs raise prices for the coming season. Fans are turning to cheaper options, including counterfeit shirts and second-hand kit, while authorities warn counterfeit tops pose significant safety risks. The story consolidates data from Opinium and statements from clubs and safety officials.
Residents of Edinburgh’s Bonnington Bond flats are being evacuated as a precaution after fire-safety checks reveal a high risk in cladding and insulation. Persimmon Homes will carry out remediation, but no timetable is set. Emergency accommodation is offered, with potential relocation lasting up to two years.
A blaze at the former Debenhams on Princes Street has shut trams from Leith to Newhaven. Edinburgh Council is exploring a four-tram shuttle to re-open a link between Picardy Place and Newhaven, with overnight movements and enhanced security. Officials warn the disruption will extend into August and impact Festival travel.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has moved its operations into a permanent space on Infirmary Street, transforming Fringe Central into a year‑round hub for artists, welfare support, rehearsal spaces and industry services. The project, funded by the UK Government and partners, is designed to support a thriving, inclusive fringe ecosystem alongside the city’s galleries and venues.
Scottish government has approved a hostel project converting four Category A-listed townhouses on Atholl Crescent into capsule pods, despite more than 280 objections. Campaigners warn this sets a precedent for high-density tourist development in Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, while authorities say it preserves housing and services for locals.
Edinburgh has introduced a five per cent visitor levy on overnight bookings, capped at five nights, to fund city infrastructure, housing, policing and culture. The move aims to reinvest tourism proceeds into public services, while critics warn it could burden small operators and the arts sector during festival season.