Bringing together the very best of Edinburgh’s rich history and heritage with its creativity and longevity, the Old Town is the heart of Scotland’s capital city and a bridge between its enlightened past and dynamic future.
As a local business owner and employer, I am heavily invested in the Old Town, its local economy, and its communities. I want to see this part of Edinburgh, the original Edinburgh, thrive now and in the future. That’s why, as a group of local businesses, we’ve come together to launch Original Edinburgh.
Original Edinburgh is a collaborative business improvement project which empowers business to take a leading role in the success of Edinburgh’s iconic Old Town. Our ambition is to work together to deliver a varied package of investment to create a unique cultural, retail and hospitality experience, which optimises the use of our public space, for workers, the local community and visitors.
Original Edinburgh is an initiative led by Old Town businesses, for Old Town businesses, and we want you to be part of it.
We believe that securing Business Improvement District status for the Old Town can help us achieve the success of Essential Edinburgh in the New Town and in Edinburgh’s West End. The lesson from across our city and from many other parts of Scotland is that this model of collective investment from local businesses results in hugely positive outcomes for the local economy and its communities.
Original Edinburgh’s purpose is to: deliver a common vision that will promote and market the Old Town as a premium cultural, retail and hospitality experience; enhance and maintain our public space for workers, residents and visitors; and, provide a single voice to represent and advocate the interests of our local businesses.
Over the coming weeks and months, we will be embarking on a comprehensive engagement exercise with other businesses and communities in the Old Town to get their ideas about what we can do to improve the Old Town for them, and sell the positive case for Original Edinburgh.
However, we can only realise our collective ambition by working with you. Visit our website, get in touch and engage with us through our social media channels – we want to hear from you.
Help us develop our vision and ambition for Original Edinburgh – be part of it.
James McGregor is the owner of the Royal McGregor Whisky Bar and Restaurant and Chair of the Original Edinburgh Steering Group.