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.
9. Public toilets - £3,375,000
Edinburgh would get new and upgraded public toilets. Some 11 public toilets in the city were closed in 2015 in a cost-saving measure, but a report last year noted that demand for public loos had increased since Covid. The council says: "An appropriate and well-maintained supply of public conveniences is required across the city and within high visitor footfall locations." Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said the closure of public toilets had long been an issue. "I understand why it was done, but it was not entirely popular and we now have the opportunity to invest in public toilets for the future." | NW
10. Wayfinding - £225,000
Initial funding would cover a review of the requirements for signage to assist visitors in the city centre and at key destinations. Further funding for the next two years would procure and install appropriate signage. The council says: "Wayfinding signage within the city would be beneficial to those who are unable to use digital mapping whilst navigating the city." | TSPL
11. City Dressing and Lighting - £1,015,000
Festive lighting would be installed along with infrastructure for banners, garlands and bunting to promote special events. The council says: "Dressing the city and increasing lighting improves the look and feel of the city, highlighting events taking place and improving the first impression that visitors get of the city." | Ragul S vi Google Maps
12. Princes Street - £200,000
Approval of a masterplan for the future of Princes Street and the Waverley Valley was delayed last year amid criticism it lacked vision. Now some of the Visitor Levy money could go towards developing the blueprint and carrying out design works for both Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens. | TSPL Photo: Danny Lawson