Five things you need to know today

Discussion on two-way cycling on city streets

The council’s Traffic Regulation Order subcommittee is a quasi judicial committee with powers to impose new regulations on roads in the city.

The council is being asked to exempt bikes from one way regulations on several city streets as well as Rose Street – Cassel’s Lane, Circus Lane, Drummond Street, Richmond Lane, Simpson Loan, Thistle Street and Wishaw Terrace.

On Tuesday the committee is recommended to allow two-way cycling on these streets, including Rose Street (which is in most people’s view a pedestrianised street although it is not, and in any case is a one-way street). Regulations on Rose Street mean that vehicles to enter and leave at either end all day with access through the lanes. It is also possible to take a vehicle along the central part of the street mainly for loading pusposes at certain times of the day. And it is perfectly possible to cycle either way (with care) along any part of the street or get off and wheel a bike along the street if it appears the most direct route (or even to shop there).

If this recommendation is adopted by councillors then it would mean ignoring objections from charity Living Streets, Edinburgh Access Panel and the New Town and Broughton Community Council (NTBCC) to the proposals.

NTBCC published their joint statement by all three groups on their website. Read the full statement here: Joint Statement on One Way Streets Exemptions for Cyclists (Final)

A spokesperson said: “As we note in our statement, Rose Street is the nearest we have to a pedestrianised area in Edinburgh with very limited vehicular access. It is identified as a Primary Place location and is one of the busiest pedestrian areas of the city centre. Increasing usage by cyclists of this already very congested shared space will increase the risks to pedestrians, especially those with impaired vision or mobility.

“The cycling exemptions project states that its goal is that one-way streets will become two-way for cyclists where it is safe to do so (our emphasis). We do not have a problem with this overall goal but we strongly believe that it is not safe to do so on Rose Street.

“If you have any comments on the proposed changes to Rose Street, please let us know.”

A spokesperson for Living Streets said that they “retain our concerns that removing the one-way exemption would mean that Rose Street could still very much be seen by officers as a viable alternative through-route across the city by bicycle”.

The reason these plans are in contemplation is attributed to the council’s proposal to reorganise George Street (which has been talked about for a number of years now). If George Street is closed to traffic then according to a report from January 2025 then using Rose Street as an alternative would be quick and low-cost. That possibility was however rejected by the council in June and two way cycling is to be retained on George Street wherever possible during any works (if they ever begin) on George Street following the June Transport and Environment Committee meeting.

For a detailed account of the cycling angle of this issue and cycling life in Edinburgh read Edi.bike.

The meeting is at 10am and a protest is expected outside about the proposals to introduce controlled parking in Portobello.

Portobello

The group which opposes the parking restrictions in the town centre has been in touch with their statement. They say that the council looks set to introduce year-round parking despite “widespread community opposition” and also their threat of legal action. The group threatened a Judicial Review in June to “challenge its legality and process by which the council has designed this plan” and confirm this as a next step unless the council does not proceed with its plans.

The campaign group sent a letter to Cllr Margaret Graham who convenes the TRO Sub-Committee explaining that there are several flaws in the parking survey evidence. Read the letter in full here:

New home for the Fringe

The new home of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is taking shape on Infirmary Street as you can see here:

Jack put his granny on a skateboard

A former Edinburgh College photography student has been recognised for his outstanding work after winning the Gold Award at the prestigious Association of Photographers Emerging Talent Awards 2025, with a little bit of help from his granny.

Jack Currie (23) graduated from the College in November 2024 after completing the BA (Hons) course in Professional Photography, before moving on to a career as a freelance advertising photographer. Jack’s work is often inspired by quirky concepts, and it was his picture, “Gangster Granny”, featuring his late grandmother Margaret, that enabled him to scoop the top prize at the AOP’s annual awards.

Part of a series of digitally altered photographs showing his gran engaging in a range of “dangerous activities”, the striking image, which has already gained considerable attention and has been covered in the likes of The Guardian and Digital Camera World, sees Margaret on a skateboard grinding down a rail.

Jack, who used Photoshop and body doubles to bring the concept to life, says the reality of winning the award is still setting in:

“Winning the AOP Emerging Talent Award was something I once only dreamed of. From applying, to being shortlisted, to becoming a finalist, all the way to the awards night itself, I genuinely didn’t think I was going to win.

“I used my own granny for the photo, and she sadly passed away only the week before we won the award. She was thrilled to hear I was a finalist and had every confidence we would win. I guess she was right.”

Christmas Gift idea

Short course gift vouchers from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are an idea for anyone who loves plants, creativity, and trying something new. These are available in £50 or £100 packs, allowing the recipient to pick the course that sparks their interest.

Courses offer the chance to try something new, develop a skill, or take the first steps toward a new career. From gardening and botanical art to plant science and herbology, the hands-on experiences are for plant lovers of all levels. Vouchers can also be used to book the online short courses.

Pack includes: A greeting card, the short course gift voucher and the current short course programme. More details on the RBGE website.

Forth Bridges Creative Trail

The Forth Bridges Creative Trail is returning in 2026 — and the organisers are looking for artists.

This leads up to a whole weekend celebrating creativity in Queensferry, at the Forth Bridges and in the surrounding area.. The 2026 Trail will take place on 30–31 May.

A spokesperson for the trail said: “We’re looking for full or part-time professional artists or makers who produce original, high-quality creative work. Applicants should be living or working within the vicinity of the Forth Bridges, and as a community-focused event, priority will be given to local artists.

“If you fall into these categories and want to open your studio, share your process, and meet new audiences — we’d love to hear from you.”

Applications are now officially open
Apply via the link in the instagram profile @forthbridgescreativetrail