Essential Edinburgh

21/04/2026

It’s official - we’re now a Certified B Corporation™ 🎉

This means we’ve met the rigourous standards set by B Lab™ across Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers, and we’re proud to be part of a global movement driving a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.

For us, this reflects our ongoing commitment to the levy-payers and partners who make our city centre community so vibrant.

We’re calling on other Business Improvement Districts across Britain to join us on this journey. Together, we can raise the bar and create lasting impact where it matters most.

A big thank you to Edinburgh B Corp 500 for guiding us through our B Corp™ journey.

25/02/2026

Eat Out Edinburgh is fast becoming an annual highlight, not just for food lovers, but for anyone in the city looking to shake off the winter, enjoy our vibrant hospitality scene, and reconnect with friends and loved ones.

The campaign also delivers real value for local businesses. Last March, participating venues saw bookings increase by an average of 31% year‑on‑year, a boost for our hospitality sector at a traditionally quieter time of year. A win–win for everyone.

This year’s campaign is our biggest yet, with 50+ brilliant venues taking part across the city centre.

Explore them all at EatOutEdinburgh.com.

06/12/2025

We are delighted to be included in the Edinburgh New Town Church's Digital Advent. From 1 to 24 December, a new window will open each day, and today - day 6 - features Essential Edinburgh 🎄.

During this time the church also has Star Festival running Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 2pm. The sanctuary will be decorated with 100s of stars and lights and will be a calm reflective place to be during the busyness of the Christmas season. On 9th and 16th December between 11am and 2pm Scottish Action For Mental Health (SAMH) will be at the Star Festival, offering drop-in support.

https://www.facebook.com/edinburghnewtownchurch

Welcome to Edinburgh New Town Church (previously St Andrew's and St George's West) and now a union with Greenside Parish Church. Keep in touch here with all news and events taking place. Daily Pause for Prayer and newsletters are available here too!

13/11/2025

Edinburgh’s Business Festival is shaping up to be a really worthwhile half-day event from the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with RBS.

The theme — Fuelling Good Economic Growth — brings together keynotes, panels, and workshops focused on the future of our city and the people driving it forward.

It should be a great chance to connect, learn, and share ideas with others who care about Edinburgh’s economic and social progress.

https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/events/edinburghs-business-festival-fuelling-good-economic-growth/

Supporting and empowering the business community in Edinburgh and beyond to prosper, grow and achieve success.

12/11/2025

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

11/11/2025

We're proud to share the Essential Edinburgh Annual Review 2024–2025!

See how city centre businesses have helped shape a vibrant, thriving centre of .

Also, a huge thanks to everyone who joined our AGM this morning — it was great to see you all!

Annual Review for Essential Edinburgh's 17th year of operation: 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025

10/10/2025

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.

Scotland's retailers have won the support of Scottish Ministers in the campaign to reinstate tax-free shopping for international visitors.

10/10/2025

What an enjoyable morning! It was rewarding to be part of Edinburgh’s first Tourism Industry Group Volunteering event; a brilliant example of collaboration, community spirit, and environmental care.

Thank you Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) and The Water of Leith Conservation Trust for organising the event.

04/08/2025

Due to the high winds and amber weather warning for , we won't be opening St Andrew Square Garden today (Monday 4th Aug). We expect to open the Garden as usual on Tuesday 5th Aug.

16/06/2025

Shopwatch has launched in the city centre, and its bad news for shoplifters! Linking businesses in the Essential Edinburgh area, the The City of Edinburgh Council CCTV room, and Police Scotland Edinburgh - together, we're making safer.

12/06/2025

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! 🌌🍿