Five things you need to know today
Edinburgh Trams pull an all-nighter
All-night trams will return to Edinburgh this summer as the city celebrates its legendary festival season.
Additional services will run into the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings for four weeks in August to help visitors and city residents make the most of late-night events and performances.
Sarah Singh, Head of Service Delivery at Edinburgh Trams, explained: “Once again, a packed programme of activities next month will see hundreds of thousands of people flock to the city, and we’re all set to play our part in what has become one of the world’s most famous celebrations of arts, culture and comedy.
“In addition to services from every seven minutes during the day and evening, after midnight on weekends between August 2 and August 25, trams will run every 20 minutes until 3.00am. There will then be trams every 30 minutes until the start of normal services at 6.00am.
In the past, this 24-hour weekend timetable has proved a huge hit with festivalgoers and it’s sure to be as popular as ever this year.”
As an added bonus for tram customers travelling from outside Edinburgh, the Ingliston Park and Ride facility will remain open overnight when the additional trams are scheduled to run.
Sarah continued: “With plenty of free spaces, it offers the ideal place for visitors to leave their car before completing their journey into the city centre by tram, which continues to offer excellent value for money.
“Normal fares apply throughout the night, and a host of great travel deals and ticket offers are available for people staying over for a few days, or families travelling together as a group.”
Tickets can be purchased at tram stop ticket machines, online and by using the ET app, and a wide range of ticket options can be found here.
Edinburgh World Heritage on the Fringe
The 12th Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival (ETBF) will take place this year at Edinburgh World Heritage’s historic offices at Acheson House, 5 Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate from 20-23 August 2024.
The ETBF will be held to “Celebrate Edinburgh’s Traditional Buildings” with a series of free talks, demonstrations and tours to raise the profile of the skills, materials and knowledge required to repair and maintain traditional buildings so they can be enjoyed for future generations.
They will take place in the garden, and the neighbouring Museum of Edinburgh as well as around the Canongate over the week.
Please note that unfortunately Acheson House, built as it was in 1633, is not an accessible building, and though the garden is on the level, the only accessible toilet is in the Museum of Edinburgh (ground floor.) The Museum’s lecture room is also not accessible as it is on 2nd floor (stairs but no lift.) There is no parking nearby, but the no 35 bus does
Doors Open Day
This takes place on 28 September and will include the very popular visit to Lothian Buses depot and bus wash. BUT there is a change of venue. It will be hosted at the Marine depot as Annandale Street are having a makeover.
A spokesperson for Lothian said: “Marine Garage was opened in December 1962 and had an initial allocation of 130 buses. The garage is located on Marine Gardens, previously a Greyhound Racing track opened in 1932. Before that, the site was a football ground used by Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City. During the Second World War, the site was used for military purposes. Marine was also used as the location for Riversea Buses, a fictional bus company in the CBeebies programme Me Too!
“Today, Marine is home to approximately 160 buses and more than 400 colleagues including drivers, engineers and a catering team.
“As in previous years, there will be something for everyone at Lothian’s Doors Open Day. For those with an interest in our fleet, there will be a bus display including open-top tour buses and executive coaches. We’re delighted that many key partners will also be in attendance this year, including representatives from Royal Marines Reserves, Edinburgh Zoo and many, many more. We will also have vintage vehicles on display thanks to our friends at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum. Wee ones can burn off energy in the Kids’ Zone with bouncy castles and other activities and our catering team will be on hand to keep you fully fuelled during your visit.
“Our Doors Open Day will take place on Saturday 28 September from 11am until 3pm – make a note in your diary now More details will follow in the coming weeks.”
Cycling with Mark Beaumont
At Bridgend Farmhouse there will be a Bike Barn Launch on 10 August when you can go cycling with Mark Beaumont the record breaking round the world cyclist.
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