Essential Edinburgh

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, 'High Streets UK' — with Essential Edinburgh as one of its founding members — is calling for vital reforms to boost growth and jobs. Our submission urges lower business rates, a freeze on multiplier increases, stronger policing, and a modern VAT-free shopping scheme.

You can read the full submission here:https://3220666.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3220666/HSUK_BudgetSubmission_07.10.2025.pdf

Great to see the Scottish Government backing the campaign to reinstate tax-free shopping in the UK!

We hosted a roundtable with the Association of International Retail & The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) at The Balmoral Hotel last week, as part of a UK-wide push to urge Westminster to review the financial assumptions behind scrapping the scheme.

This is a vital issue for tourism, retail, and the wider economy. Let’s keep the pressure on.

Robison backs VAT-free shopping for tourists – Daily Business Scotland's retailers have won the support of Scottish Ministers in the campaign to reinstate tax-free shopping for international visitors.

For the 15th year, we're bringing FREE outdoor movies to city centre for all to enjoy! Three days of Square Cinema with LNER runs from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June.

Join us TOMORROW (Friday 13th) to kick off Day 1 with a triple feature of fun: starting with the magical Moana 2 at 16:30, followed by adrenaline-pumping The Meg, and wrapping-up with the cult classic The Lost Boys!

Concessions available within the garden include drinks from Heineken 0.0, food tasters from Dishoom Edinburgh and sweet treats such as ice cream, popcorn, and confectionery from Alandas Gelato.

It's FREE ENTRY – no booking needed! Just bring your friends and enjoy the show. 💖 But don’t forget to check out our T&Cs first 👉 https://www.edinburghcitycentre.co.uk/square-cinema/square-cinema-terms-of-entry/

Grab your snacks and let’s make some memories under the stars! 🌌🍿