Canadian writer, teacher and grief literacy advocate
The North Bridge in Edinburgh has reached a key milestone in its restoration, with traffic and pavements set to reopen ahead of the peak festival season. The project, which began in 2018, has included steel grit blasting, repainting, and a new access platform. Final completion is expected later this year.
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.
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.