Fresh Push Underway to Establish Royal Mile Business Improvement District
May 21, 2026
Business leaders in Edinburgh’s Old Town have launched a fresh campaign aimed at creating a new Business Improvement District (BID) covering the Royal Mile and surrounding areas.
The initiative is being led by a group of local business owners who believe a BID could help tackle a range of challenges facing the historic district, including cleanliness, public safety, anti-social behaviour and the overall visitor experience. The group has launched a consultation process to gauge support among businesses before any formal ballot takes place.
The proposed BID would see participating businesses contribute towards a collective fund used to deliver improvements and projects across the area. Supporters of the proposal point to the success of Edinburgh’s existing city centre BID, which has funded initiatives ranging from enhanced cleaning services and crime-reduction measures to events and public-realm improvements.
Campaign organisers say conditions in parts of the Old Town have deteriorated in recent years, with concerns raised around litter, public safety and the overall appearance of one of Scotland’s most recognised tourism destinations. They believe a BID could help create a more coordinated approach to addressing these issues while strengthening the area’s appeal for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
The proposal comes as Edinburgh prepares to introduce its Visitor Levy, with supporters suggesting a BID could help businesses play a stronger role in shaping how future investment benefits the area. The group aims to gather feedback from businesses over the coming months before deciding whether to proceed with a formal ballot process.
If successful, the BID would create a dedicated organisation focused on delivering projects and improvements across the Royal Mile and wider Old Town, with organisers hoping it could help drive long-term investment and revitalisation in one of Edinburgh’s most important commercial and tourism districts.
The poll at www.oldtownbid.co.uk opened on Monday, May 18, and runs until Friday, June 5.
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