Edinburgh outdoor breakfast plans spark noise concerns

Edinburgh's heritage watchdog has raised concerns after city councillors approved plans for food businesses to serve customers outdoors from 07:30.

Currently businesses can only serve customers at outdoor tables and chairs from 09:00 until 21:00.

But a new year-long trial could see outdoor eating and drinking areas open an hour-and-a-half earlier from the start of July.

However, heritage watchdog the Cockburn Association said the new opening times must be policed by council officials to prevent early morning noise for nearby residents.

The rules for the Grassmarket, where businesses can only use outdoor furniture from midday until 21:00, will remain the same.

Tony Crolla, chairman of Vittoria Group - which includes Vittoria, Divino, Bertie's and a Taste of Italy - was behind the campaign for the longer operating hours.

He successfully argued that visitors to the city should be able to sit outside for breakfast when they paid a tourist tax - which starts in summer 2026.

The council report said: "This will allow businesses with permits more flexibility in terms of their operating hours and has the potential to increase footfall and boost the local economy in both the city and town centres."

But Terry Levinthal, director of the Cockburn Association, told BBC Scotland News that he had concerns around how the trial would be policed.

He warned that the noise impact on nearby homes would need to be closely monitored.

He said he wanted the council to add conditions to its licensing which would protect people living in densely populated areas of the city.

Mr Levinthal also raised issue with the "steady creep of commercialisation of public space" which could eventually put people off living in the city centre.

"Very frequently the people who are making these decisions don't have skin in the game when it comes to that direct impact on residential amenity," he added.

Stephen Jenkinson, City of Edinburgh Council's transport and environment convener, said: "This is an example of us listening, acting to support our business community while maintaining robust management.

"We're also clear that accessibility for pedestrians is a priority, with strict conditions to maintain appropriate widths for pedestrian access.

"We'll continually monitor the scheme and address any concerns regarding noise, compliance or any other issues with businesses and other key stakeholders as appropriate."