Old Town BID Steering Group Meeting 23rd July 2026, 4 Hunter Square, Edinburgh
Welcome to the Old Town BID bulletin #3.
To be as open and inclusive as possible, you will receive a regular update from the Old Town BID Steering Group. This will include latest progress and next steps for the project.
Please share with your contacts to help keep everyone informed. We welcome your views, simply reply to this email and someone will be in touch.
All information available on the Old Town BID website. Latest: We’re starting with a guest article kindly shared by Michael Golding, CEO of ASVA and former CEO of Visit Inverness Loch Ness BID -‘
Want the power of 500 businesses for the price of one? Meet the humble BID.’
Read his full article below which covers:
-
A seat at the table -
Marketing with real scale
-Improving the experience around every business -
The relationship with Council services also needs to be clear -
The value of collective investment Getting the foundations right -
That collective commitment is part of why the model works. On 21st July, the Old Town BID Steering Group chaired a follow-up meeting about Hunter Square/Tron in response to concerns raised by businesses about health, safety and security in the area. The group first met on 24
th June.
Next steps agreed:
IMMEDIATE: Police:
-request for clarification (sent by email with minutes):
-Priorities and expectations of PS visibility and enforcement I Hunter Sq/South Bridge area
-Progress of Simon's Community training for city centre officers to understand and best handle Hunter Sq community
-Plan to tackle conspicuous drug dealing/use
Council:
-Timeline and progress of City Centre Ambassadors & City Centre Manager roles (Cllr J. Mowat)
-Contact CEC Cleanliness dpmnt re: public realm (Cllr J. Mowat & Cllr T. Pogson)
-Contact PS Inspector Stephen Quinn with regards conspicuous drug taking, and minors (Cllr J. Mowat)
-Continue investigation by licensing department (Cllr J. Mowat)
Simon's Community:
-Progress of education and training being provided for Police to understand the Hunter Sq community and how best to handle?
MID TERM: Council:
-Research broader funding options for SC/homelessness support (Cllr T. Pogson)
-Invite comment and attendance from Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (Cllr T. Pogson)
LONG TERM: Update on Hunter Square Project to follow (Cllr F. McFarlane)
BID process:
Refining the BID Boundary and the associated levy modelling. Significant progress made with a Boundary Map approved by co-chairs, and refined data indicating 456 voters.
Revising budget to deliver next stage - business consultation
Consultation meetings held with:
Regional Manager Apex Hotels
Donald Anderson, Playfair
City of Edinburgh Council Non Domestic Rates Team
Vicinity Software
What's Next: Secure funding from Scottish Towns Partnership and Edinburgh Council for next phase of work
Advance preparation/drafting of mandatory paperwork
Agree allocation of survey visits between admin team
Formal consultation with businesses within proposed area
Consultation meetings with: The Edinburgh Hoteliers Association
Any other requested meetings
Until next time, Old Town BID Steering Group ·
Andrew McRae, (Co-chair, Retail) representing Museum Context and The Elephant House ·
Arthur Mustard, (Co-chair, Hospitality) representing the Merchant Leisure Group ·
Kat Brogan, (Co Chair, Tourism) representing Mercat Tours ·
Bindi Singh, representing the Landa Group ·
Tony Crolla, representing Vittoria Group ·
Andria Stirling, representing The Gold Brothers ·
Lynzi Leroy, representing The Scottish Design Exchange ·
Mafalda Albuquerque, representing Virgin Hotels ·
Denzil Skinner, representing Essential Edinburgh ·
Roddy Smith, representing Essential Edinburgh ·
Neil Christison, Representing Visit Scotland 23 July 2026
