Five things you need to know today

August 19, 2025 7:00 am

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Cycle Hire Scheme is a go

The council has chosen Swedish company Voi Technology to provide the new cycle hire scheme which will be set up on a two year trial basis. This comes three years after the first scheme run by Serco collapsed in the city as the council and the provider could not find a suitable basis for retaining it.

This time the scheme will be dockless and run at no cost to the council. Given the theft and vandalism problems with the first scheme the new geo location technology will be employed to ensure that no bikes go astray. If the council finds any parked in an unsuitable location then there is an option to fine the provider to return the bike to them.

More details will be available later in the week when the council hopes to announce when the scheme will go live, but initial indications are that the cost will be £2 for 20 minutes and there will be reduced prices available for over 60s, people on low incomes, those with disabilities and others including students and apprentices..

If you would like to get ready for the scheme becoming operational then the app is here.

Interestingly even though it is not mandatory to wear a helmet the app asks why it is important to do so as one of the verification steps in setting the app up on a phone. Voi also sell passes which reduce the need for an unlock fee and the rider is then charged for a block of minutes instead.

Netflix announce second season of Dept. Q

Netflix has announced they will film a second series of TV drama Dept Q in Edinburgh. Matthew Goode will return as DCI Carl Morck along with his colleagues – Alexej Manvelov as Akram, Leah Byrne as Rose and Jamie Sives as Hardy.

Mona Qureshi and Manda Levin, Netflix said: “We are raring to return to Carl Morck and his band of glorious misfits at Dept. Q. Scott Frank brought us best-in-class storytelling and thrilled Netflix audiences worldwide. We can’t wait to see what Morck and the gang uncover in Season 2…. Edinburgh, we’re back.”

Rob Bullock, Executive Producer, Left Bank Pictures said: “So, we are going downstairs to Dept. Q for a second season. We at Left Bank Pictures nervously await what Scott has in store for his alter-ego Carl Morck, and the other enabling members of team do-lally. We salute Netflix’s courage to let them loose once again.”

Writer, Director Scott Frank said: “I’m grateful to the folks at Netflix, as well as our shining cast and crew, for once more risking their careers to enable my folly.”

Matthew Goode said: “I’d like to thank Netflix for giving us the opportunity to further investigate Department Q’s storylines. We have a wonderful cast and crew, headed by our resident genius Scott Frank. I cannot wait to read what comes from his magic quill!”

Culture and Communities Committee meets on Thursday

10.00 am Culture and Communities Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room at the City Chambers

The council will discuss three new public art commissions – memorials for Dame Muriel Spark, one of Scotland’s foremost writers, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in March 2026 and those impacted by the Contaminated Blood Scandal as recommended by the Infected Blood Inquiry report and supported by The Scottish Government which might be erected in Edinburgh. A pubic art register has been approved and resources allocated to carrying out annual visual inspections.

Another of the main items on the agenda on Thursday is details of the agreement under which the local authority will become a host city for the Tour de France in 2027.

In June the council identified £1.7 million to back this arrangement although officers say it may eventually be paid from the Visitor Levy Funding when that starts being allocated by the council next year.

The Grand Départ Men will start from Edinburgh in July 2027. There is no formal bidding process as the Tour de France, the world’s largest annual sporting event, is owned by a family – the Amaury family – and delivered through their company Amaury Sports Organisation. It is usual that the successful city or town has been in negotiation with the organisation for years before the right to stage the event is awarded, and council officers have confirmed that Scotland has expressed an interest for a number of years. The council’s Finance and Resources Commi t tee has already agreed that the funding should be spent in such a way that it maximises the legacy of the event in terms of cycling.

The council will also discuss the Grand Départ in October this year when details of the impact of hosting the event will be under the microscope.

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 19/03/2025 – Cycling – The Official Announcement of the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs’ – Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Scotland – The 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart Men will take place in Edinburgh – (L to R) Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, Mark Cavendish, Christian Prudhomme, HRH Sophie The Duchess of Edinburgh, First Minister of Scotland John Swinney

Festival of Politics 2025

The latest of the festivals is on at The Scottish Parliament from 20 to 22 August 2025. The programme includes talks from experts on politics, the arts, business, the media and the third sector. There are 11 sessions to choose from on Wednesday alone with news journalist Clive Myrie speaking about his 30 year long career with Deputy Presiding Officer, Liam McArthur.

Prices are up to £10 per ticket with concessions available.

Full programme here.

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Chris Murray is holding a jobs fair

Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, is holding his first annual Job Fair at Portobello Town Hall on Friday 22 August, between 11am and 2pm.

In partnership with the DWP, the event is designed by Chris to bring together a diverse range of employers from across Edinburgh and Musselburgh with residents looking to either enter the job market, return to work, shift careers, or those who want to connect with support services.

Employers come from a range of industries to offer something for all attendees. Confirmed employers include the NHS, City of Edinburgh Council, Bannatynes EL, Angard Staffing and LRB.Chris will also be accompanied by impactful support services. Smartworks Edinburgh empowers unemployed women to find and secure new employment opportunities, whilst Kings Trust Scotland, also attending, help younger people to build the confidence and skills they need to enter the workforce.

Chris and his team, who will be on hand throughout the event, expect 350 people to come along to the Town Hall to discover new opportunities and speak with prospective employers.

Chris Murray MP said “The idea sprang from countless conversations with residents across Edinburgh East and Musselburgh—people who want to work but struggle to access the right paths. I spoke with the DWP and local businesses, and together we’ve created an event designed to deliver tangible results. The DWP will be on hand to explain benefit entitlements, job schemes, and training options, alongside excellent employers and providers from right across the constituency. This is an event facilitated by the community to serve the community”.

The team at the Town Hall will be present and selling refreshments for everyone.

Full list of employers and support services: