There is also the plan to pedestrianise George Street and a host of other schemes intended to benefit visitors and residents alike.
It’s a year since the historic decision was taken for Edinburgh to become the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax.
The Visitor Levy, which comes into effect in July, is expected to bring in up to £50 million a year once it is fully established - a welcome funding boost for the Capital which otherwise faces an “extremely constrained” financial position.
Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said as well as early benefits, the new revenue could offer some certainty for longer-term projects like George Street, rather than being dependent on year-to-year funding from the Scottish Government.
He said: “I’ve long been a believer in visitor levies as a way to invest in the city. Edinburgh is the right place for it to happen and this is the right time for it to happen.
“I’m happy we are going to get bang for our buck and visitors and residents will see the benefit of the Visitor Levy relatively quickly.”
Some money has already been allocated to boost affordable housing in Edinburgh and more proposals are yet to come on culture and events.
But read read on now for the details of all 21 transport and environment projects which are proposed to be funded from the Visitor Levy.
They will be debated at committee on Thursday, January 29, and then go to full council for approval at the budget meeting in February.
1. Litter bins - £300,000
Litter bins in high visitor areas of the city - including the city centre, Portobello and Queensferry would be replaced and upgraded. Funding of £100,000 a year for the next three years would cover purchase and installation of the bins and ongoing replacement of those which get damaged. The council says the look and feel of the city would be improved and there could be active communications to encourage visitors to be responsible about litter. | TSPL Photo: Lisa Ferguson
2. Graffiti removal - £1,265,000
The council's existing graffiti removal work would be boosted with eight new staff and two new vehicles, expanding their operations to help tackle graffiti on private property, such as Princes Street shopfronts and bus stops. The council says it would improve the look and feel of the city and give a better visitor experience. It has yet to be confirmed whether the service would be free or property owners would be charged. | LDRS
3. Street cleaning - £3,239,000
City-centre cleaning operations would be increased, with additional staff to focus on street cleaning and washing, and barrow beats in the evening to litter pick and empty bins. The funding would cover the recruitment of 28 new staff and procurement of barrows and other equipment. The council says the priority would be on locations with the heaviest footfall, ranging from Holyrood to Haymarket, covering the Royal Mile, Princes Street, down to Queen Street and up to the Pleasance, improving the area for both residents and visitors. | TSPL
4. 12 Old Town closes - £440,000
The money would be used to finalise safety aspects - lighting and accessibility - of an existing project known as The Twelve Closes, improving a dozen of Edinburgh' historic streets running off the Royal Mile. Funding would accelerate works on Fleshmarket Close, Makars Close, Lady Stairs Close, North Grays Close, Crichtons Close and Bakehouse Close. | Adobe Stock