Looking back at the news stories of 2023 is a reminder of the many different aspects of city life. Among the events which made the headlines were the problems with luggage piling up at Edinburgh Airport, the vandal attack on a CCTV camera used to enforce restrictions in a low-traffic neighbourhood and the soaring rents faced by students, as well as other stories like the plan for a replica to replace the too-fragile Jawbone Arch at The Meadows and hundreds of Kate Bush fans recreating one of the singer's most iconic moments in Holyrood Park.
9. Community galas at risk
Organisers of community fairs and galas in Edinburgh warned that the popular events were under threat because of the increasing amount they are being charged by the council for licences and permits. The committees behind the events said they are used to the red tape involved in putting on the summer gatherings, but were taken aback this year by being asked to pay up to £2,000 extra for safety checks on bouncy castles and trampolines - especially when no-one then turned up to carry out the checks. Photo: John R Benedict
10. The Harvest Garden closes
It was the end of an era in Morningside in August when florists business The Harvest Garden closed after 40 years. Zahid and Shabana Chaudhry said it had been "an incredibly difficult decision" to shut the store that they had “poured their hearts and souls into” over the past four decades. But they were given a rousing send off as the shop in Morningside Road closed its doors for the last time. There was a showstopper cake and local MP Ian Murray presented them with a Community Hero Award. Photo: submitted
11. Fox with a fondness for foortwear
Residents in the Longstone area of Edinburgh left confused by the constant disappearance of footwear in the area discovered that a local fox was collecting shoes, sandals, boots, trainers and even crocs, and leaving them stashed in a local street. For a few months, footwear left outside locals' homes had been going missing at night, with the owners left wondering who was stealing them. But thanks to residents' motion-activated security cameras, and locals up and about at night, a mischievous fox was outed as the footwear thief. Photo: Sue Johnston
12. Wuthering Heights in Holyrood Park
Hundreds of Kate Bush fans came together in Edinburgh to recreate one of the legendary singer's most iconic moments. Donning red dresses, just like their heroine in the music video for Wuthering Heights, they danced along to the 1978 hit song in Holyrood Park. The fans, who were raising money for charity, were joined by others around the world to celebrate the singer's 65th birthday. Photo: contributed