As the year draws to a close, we conclude our review of the year’s news highlights by looking at what was making the headlines in the final three months of 2023.
There was the farewell to the giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang as they left Edinburgh Zoo for China; the disturbing scenes of mayhem on he streets on Bonfire Night; the tragic explosion in Baberton; and the sad death of Alistair Darling. Other stories we featured included a preview of the world’s first inland surf resort a call for an underground waste system in Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site; an accolade for The Shore in Leith; and a new station opening in East Lothian.
Scroll through these 27 pictures to recall some of the highlights.
5. Ash Regan defects from SNP to Alba
Edinburgh Eastern MSP Ash Regan defected from the SNP to Alex Salmond's Alba party. The former leadership candidate, who finished last out of three in the battle to succeed Nicola Sturgeon, said the crucial factor had been the SNP conference’s decision to adopt a strategy for independence which she believed was not credible. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell
6. Nicola Benedetti wins Edinburgh Award
Violinist Nicola Benedetti, director of the Edinburgh International Festival, was named as the 2023 winner of the Edinburgh Award. The award is given each year to an individual who has made a "a real and lasting impact on the city" and brought national and international attention on the Capital. Benedetti, who first performed at the Usher Hall when she was 12, followed in the footsteps of JK Rowling, Ian Rankin, Chris Hoy, Ken Buchanan and Alexander McCall Smith. Photo: John Devlin
7. 'Horrendously bright'
An advertising company which installed a "horrendously bright" advertising screen in Edinburgh city centre apologised after complaints from residents. GEM Display, who were responsible for the huge digital display on the front of the Omni Centre - said to be the biggest in Scotland - said sorry for emitting "unacceptable levels of brightness" which it said was caused by technical issues. Photo: Neil Johnstone
8. First inland surfing resort
Details were revealed of the world's first inland surfing resort, due to open at Ratho in September 2024. Lost Shore Surf Resort Edinburgh will feature Europe's largest wave pool, luxury lodges and restaurants. Partnering with Spanish firm Wavegarden, the resort will use cutting edge wave technology capable of producing up to 1000 customisable waves per hour. Photo: Lost Shore Surf Resort Edinburgh