Police in Edinburgh, along with their partner agencies, are issuing advice and providing support to keep Capital revellers safe during the Festival.
Many of the city’s licensed premises are currently operating extended opening hours and thousands of visitors and residents are taking advantage of the late licences during their nights out.
With this in mind, officers are keen to make sure everyone remain safe while enjoying the night time economy.
Police Scotland’s Good Night’s Out Get Home Safe campaign offers a range of useful information to help the public enjoy a safe evening within Edinburgh’s city centre and from today can be obtained on the Force website as well as Edinburgh Division’s Facebook page.
During the evenings and weekends officers will carry out high-visibility patrols to engage with revellers and deter any criminal activity.
To provide additional assistance to people requiring assistance, the SafeZone Edinburgh bus is also utilised regularly throughout the city centre and is a vital resource for free, non-judgmental advice, first aid and help finding a safe route home.
The buses, which operate across the country, are a funded partnership between Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Government and are strongly supported by a range of charities.
Anyone who attends at the SafeZone Edinburgh Bus can receive comprehensive first aid treatment, guidance on any further medical attention, emotional support and advice which may be required.
With the use of New Psychoactive Substances becoming more prevalent throughout Scotland, police and health partners are once again reiteriating the dangers of consuming these chemicals. More information on the dangers of NPS can be found on the Police Scotland website.
Anyone who takes unwell after taking these substances should seek immediate medical assistance.
Inspector Emma Croft from the City Centre Policing Team said: “Edinburgh during the Festival has some of the best night-life in the country and we are working closely with our partners to ensure the public have all they information they need to keep themselves safe while out and about.
“We would first ask that you try and plan your night in advance and make sure you know where you’re going, how you’re getting there and how you intend to get home.
“This city has excellent public and private transport available and if you need to travel across Edinburgh, consider going by bus, tram or taxi. If you are walking, then walk with people you trust and stick to well-lit and populated areas.
“We want everyone to enjoy their evening and all the city has to offer, but would urge the public to drink responsibly and don’t let a great night be ruined by the over consumption of alcohol.
“Remember, that our Think Twice campaign continues to operate throughout Edinburgh and anyone involved in alcohol-related violence or disorder could face bail conditions banning them from city centre pubs and clubs – putting a real dampener on your Festival celebrations.
“By making our advice leaflet available online and on social media, we can make sure that helpful safety messages and crime prevention advice are at your fingertips wherever you may be.”
Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “We want everyone to remember their Edinburgh Festival experience for all the right reasons and I would encourage to do their bit by acting responsibly and taking time to look at the latest safety advice.
“Our environmental wardens and Licensing Officers continue to work closely with Police Scotland in the city centre to help keep people safe and offer reassurance through a high visibility presence.
“Edinburgh is a safe city and we want to maintain this, ensuring that visitors enjoying the Festival have the best possible experience of the city.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
