Breaking news

Spurtle took the opportunity of a rare day-off to visit foreign parts this afternoon.

A meander through the Old Town is recorded here in a short series of photographs.

We provide explanatory captions for those unaccustomed to life in the capital’s Deep South.

It's not a complete assessment of Edinburgh's historic heart, so if you’d like to add images and impressions of your own, please do.

We begin with the New Waverley Square area, which is rapidly taking shape. So far, we like it.

Spurtle is as delighted as everyone else at the gradual return of Antony Gormley’s Six Times along the Water of Leith. 

Police in Edinburgh have issued a press release and CCTV image of a man they wish to trace as part of their ongoing enquiries concerning an assault on a teenager. We reproduce their statement below in full.

The incident took place around 11am on Thursday 25th April in Montgomery Street, near the junction with Hillside Street.

Racial abuse was directed at a group of teenagers before a 16-year-old boy was struck on the head, resulting in injuries to his face.

Crowds gathered again on Leith Street today as the mammoth red crane brought in to help create the new St James roared and blustered and promised much, but didn’t deliver. 

The engine growled. The air was thick with fumes. Passers-by stopped and stared and took photos. 

Sound and fury there were aplenty.

But, seemingly, nothing happened.

Edinburgh University has abandoned its involvement with Drum Property Group’s controversial proposal to develop student accommodation, a hotel, and shops on and around Stead’s Place.

The news emerged in a series of briefings with local politicians and stakeholders (including the Save Leith Walk Campaign) on Friday.

A University spokesperson today confirmed: ‘The University has kept a close interest in the proposed plan for Stead’s Place and, after giving it careful consideration, has decided not to pursue that interest any further.’

EXPECT DISRUPTION 

City of Edinburgh Council has announced that a programme of ‘ground and site investigation work’ in advance of tramworks will begin on 20 May.

Contractors Sacryr, Farrans, Neopul (SFN) will carry out detailed ground investigation works at 25 sites along the route (including Elm Row and Leith Walk), in sections of 100m at a time between York Place and Newhaven.

Precise details concerning the when and where will be issued to locals and businesses soon.

This magnificent wisteria adorns the basement-level garden at 18A London Street. 

The Ambassador Theatre Group seeks planning permission to replace Edinburgh Playhouse’s existing billboard on Greenside Place with an LED display measuring 6.8m wide x 2m tall (Ref. 19/01947/ADV). 

NUISANCE, BAKERS, AND THE STATE OF THE NATION 

 2 FREE TICKETS FOR EDINBURGH CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL 

Do you like beer? 

Do you like craft beer? 

Do you like drinking craft beer not too far away from your home or workplace in Broughton? 

Readers who can answer Yes to any of the above may be interested in the EDINBURGH CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL taking place on 24–25 May in the Biscuit Factory.