Seven Edinburgh Projects Approved for Visitor Levy Funding
Restoration work at the Tron Kirk, Leith Customs House and Portobello Kilns is among seven Edinburgh projects approved for support from the city’s visitor levy.
Edinburgh councillors have approved visitor levy funding for seven projects covering historic buildings, public spaces, walking routes and transport links across the capital.
The plans include restoration work at the Tron Kirk, Leith Customs House and Portobello Kilns. Funding will also support The Causey public space project, nature paths, city centre street improvements and the trial bus link to Lost Shore and Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.
Which Edinburgh Projects Will Receive Funding?
The seven projects were approved by the City of Edinburgh Council on 17 September 2026.
| Project | What the funding will support |
|---|---|
| Leith Customs House | Early work towards restoring the Category A-listed building |
| Tron Kirk | Restoration of the church and links with the Hunter Square redevelopment |
| Portobello Kilns | Rebuilding the surviving 1906 pottery kiln |
| Nature paths and walkways | Routes connecting destinations beyond the city centre |
| The Causey | A new public square at West Cross Causeway |
| Lost Shore and EICA transport | The six-month Service 67 bus trial |
| Princes Street and George Street | Development of possible city centre street improvements |
The council announcement did not provide a separate funding figure or completion date for each project. Some are at the development or design stage, while the Ratho bus service is already operating as a trial.
Restoration Plans for Three Historic Buildings
Funding for Leith Customs House will cover preparatory work towards restoring the building as a community and creative hub.
The Category A-listed property is Scotland’s oldest customs house. The first stage will include a trial exhibition and an economic impact assessment, intended to support future funding applications.
On the Royal Mile, money has been approved towards a major restoration of the 17th-century Tron Kirk. The building has appeared on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2023.
The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust will coordinate the work alongside the planned redevelopment of Hunter Square. The programme is intended to repair the building, improve access and protect its historic features.
Portobello will also receive investment to rebuild its 1906 pottery kiln. It is one of the last surviving industrial pottery kilns in Scotland and forms part of the Portobello Conservation Area.
The kiln will be restored alongside the previously conserved 1914 structure. The work will be delivered with Portobello Heritage Trust and linked to wider plans for Portobello Promenade.
The Causey Could Become a New Public Square
The Causey project aims to turn West Cross Causeway into a public square with wider pavements, traffic-calming measures and segregated cycle routes.
Plans would allow the space to host markets, performances, art installations and community events.
The first phase will concentrate on the main infrastructure work. A second phase would extend improvements towards Nicolson Street and connect the square more closely with the surrounding area.
Visitor Levy Supports Service 67 Bus Trial
Part of the funding will support the new bus connecting Edinburgh city centre with Ratho village, Lost Shore Surf Resort and Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.
Service 67 began operating in September 2026 as an initial six-month trial. The weekday route provides a direct public transport link from central Edinburgh to two major visitor attractions in the west of the city.
Passenger data from the trial will help determine whether a permanent service is needed. The council will also review how much visitor levy money should support the route based on the proportion of visitors using it.
Princes Street and George Street Plans Move Forward
Visitor levy funds will also support the development of possible public space improvements on Princes Street and George Street.
The aim is to create streets that are easier to use on foot and more accessible, although detailed plans have not yet been approved. A further report will be presented to the council’s Transport and Environment Committee.
The decision adds to previously announced plans to use visitor levy revenue for the George Street redevelopment.
Funding has also been approved to develop nature paths and walking routes across Edinburgh. Possible destinations include the Pentland Hills, Cramond Foreshore and EICA Ratho.
This work will begin with route designs and community consultation, followed by improvements intended to make the paths more accessible.
How Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy Works
Edinburgh introduced its visitor levy on 24 July 2026. It adds 5% to the accommodation cost of most paid overnight stays, capped at the first five consecutive nights.
The council estimates that the levy could raise up to £50 million a year. Under the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, the money must be reinvested in facilities and services used substantially by business and leisure visitors.
You can read our full guide to the Edinburgh visitor levy for details of the charge, exemptions and how it affects accommodation bookings.
The seven newly approved projects form part of a wider visitor levy programme worth more than £90 million over three years. Previously announced spending includes £5 million for Leith Theatre, £3 million for the Old Royal High School and £2.75 million for a new Market Street arts hub.
All visitor levy investment programmes are due to be formally reviewed in 2029.
Official source: City of Edinburgh Council