29/04/2026

Old Town BID Steering Group Meeting  29 April 2026, 4 Hunter Square, Edinburgh  

Minute  
1. Welcome and apologies
In attendance: Kat Brogan, Arthur Mustard, Andrew McRae, Roddy Smith, Lynzi Leroy, Elin Williamson, Jim Galloway  Apologies: Tony Corolla, Neil Christison, Victor Spence
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2. Brief Recap
KB gave a brief update on background and meetings to date.
- Original Edinburgh (Old Town BID attempt) 2019 failed to meet the ballot requirements.  Lessons need to be heeded: need for transparency, strong and positive communications, consultation.
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-  Meeting with CEC Chief Executive in November 2025 discussed the Transient Visitor Levy and the need for a business-led group in the Old Town, and the group discussed if there might again be an appetite for a BID, given changed circumstances.

- Further meetings of a “coalition of the willing” agreed to circulate a communication 8 weeks ago amongst Old Town Businesses and concluded there may be enough positive interest

-  Since then, a funding application for £50,000 from has been submitted to Scotland’s Towns Partnership, and the Council have indicated £20,000 funding (subject to Committee Approval)

3 Formalising the Steering Group
The group considered and agreed a constitution, attached

4 Steering Group development and roles
Chairperson:  The meeting agreed this role could be shared and the following were selected as co-chairs:
-Kat Brogan (representing Tourism)
-Arthur Mustard (representing Hospitality)
-Andrew McRae (representing Retail)
Treasurer. Roddy Smith  
Secretary: Lynsey Leroy
Spokesperson Tony Corrolla  

5 Project Timeline
Group discussed the timeline (prepared and circulated)
- There is a pragmatic rationale to align any Old Town BID ballot timeline with that of Essential Edinburgh so that if successful, both BIDs might operate in tandem, sharing some back-office services and create some economies of scale for service contracts.

-Aim to call a ballot in March 2027

6 Initial Work Plan
The group discussed the immediate work and agreed the first priorities must be:
- Secure funding from Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP); then
- Communication with and survey of all Old Town Businesses
- Prepare proposals for BID Boundary and Levy rate  

Seek approval of CEC funding of £20,000.    
In advance of funding, and to initiate communications and consultation without delay.  

7 Schedule of future meetings
It was agreed that the full steering group should meet four weekly, usually the last Wednesday of each month.  

8 Any other business:
Proposal to appoint an interim Development Consultant Jim Galloway (JMG), Director of Edinburgh Global Limited, noted a conflict of interest and offered to leave the meeting. The meeting asked JMG to stay and to pitch his credentials:
- Over 30 years experience in Economic Development at a senior level including oversight of BIDs in the city
- Comprehensive understanding of how a local authority works and its role in supporting BIDs
- Council link officer for the 2019 Original Edinburgh ballot, and familiar face/name to most businesses  
- Good knowledge of the BID development requirements and scrutiny procedure by Council and Scottish Government required to approve a ballot
- Now private consultant and working with a number of businesses in the Old Town  

The meeting considered the Consultancy agreement prepared and approved the appointment of JMG (Edinburgh Global Limited).

Offer of office space including IT and telephone Arthur Mustard offered hotdesk and meeting facilities at 4 Hunter Square including providing the consultant with laptop and telephone, email and domain name (subject to funding). The meeting gratefully accepted the offer.  

Recap of Actions agreed:
1) Funding Application to STP and CEC (JMG)
2) Survey to be undertaken during May
3)Boundary and levy models to be developed before next co-chairs meeting  

Date of Next Meeting 27 May 2026