New electric buses
The first of Lothian’s fully electric, double decker buses took to the Edinburgh routes over the weekend in an important milestone in the company’s 105-year history.
The Volvo BZL Electric buses, which will be operating initially on the Service 8 and 9 routes, offer customers improved comfort and quieter journeys, with each accommodating more than 70 passengers and featuring Wi-Fi, high back seats and handy USB charging points. Each vehicle also includes two wheelchair spaces.
At an investment of more than £24 million, Lothian’s commitment to introduce cleaner, greener buses into the fleet underpins one aspect of a much wider strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2035. The business has already taken massive strides in fitting the necessary infrastructure at its main depot in Annandale Street to support the charging of the vehicles, with future plans to ‘electrify’ the company’s other depots as set out in Lothian’s ‘Driving towards Net Zero’ environmental strategy.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director at Lothian, said: “Lothian’s decarbonisation strategy has a massive role to play in reaching local and national government climate change targets to safeguard our environment while bringing wider social, health and economic benefits for the city.
“From a customer experience perspective, these new buses will provide visitors and residents with quieter, comfortable journeys. From our drivers’ perspectives, they will enjoy an enhanced driver workspace with improved vision in all conditions thanks to a camera-based mirror system.
“I am excited to see the first of these vehicles hit the streets of Scotland’s capital in a monumental moment in Lothian’s 105-year history and look forward to the new chapter of our net zero journey.”
At the council this week
Monday, 9th September, 2024
- 9.30 am – 2.00 pm Licensing Sub-Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Tuesday, 10th September, 2024
- 9.30 am – 2.30 pm Licensing Sub-Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Wednesday, 11th September, 2024
- 10.00 am Planning Local Review Body (Panel 1) – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
- 2.00 pm Planning Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Thursday, 12th September, 2024
- 10.00 am Transport and Environment Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Friday, 13th September, 2024
Edinburgh Riding of the Marches
This event takes place next Sunday. Notwithstanding the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city centre, there are some horse boxes which have been given an exemption from the rules. This will allow them to come into the city centre even though they do not comply with the emission requirements and pick up their horses after the event which ends at the Mercat Cross – all without getting a ticket.
The Council Leader, Cammy Day, the Rt Hon Lord Provost and the Provost Consort are all taking part on horseback as they did last year.
There is new entertainment on the Royal Mile this year – there is always a lot to see for the crowds which assemble there ahead of the horses and riders arriving outside the City Chambers. Wild Knights Jousting and Tournaments will perform a Border Reiver act there with horses and armour.
Assemble at the Royal Mile from 12.30 to be entertained and enjoy the Riding of the Marches 2024.
The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches was formed in 2008 to promote and facilitate the annual re-enactment of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches and all its associated traditions, commemorating Randolph Murray’s return with the ancient Blue Blanket and the tragic news of the defeat of the Scottish Army at the Battle of Flodden.
Read more here about the historical event that takes place in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre.
Concert for Ukraine
On 12 October there is a concert at St Cecilia’s Hall at 7.30pm featuring Ukrainian pianist Daria Golovchenko who won the Channel 4 programme The Piano. Tickets are £25 at sunflowerscotland.co.uk
The funds raised will be used for families in the Kherson region who have suffered during the war. Many families could not leave and need help. Edinburgh based charity Sunflower Scotland has visited the area on multiple occasions delivering aid to the the people in the war-zone. Read more here.
Online public meeting
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