Summertime Streets 2026

Some city centre streets will close or have restrictions in place to support summer events and festivals and help everyone get around safely and comfortably.

Please also be aware that there is a partial road closure on Princes Street due to a recent building fire which is affecting public transport in the city centre. Read the latest information about road closures, diversions and travel around the city centre.

Find out more about why we need the restrictions.

High Street, Parliament Square, Cockburn Street and St Giles' Street

7 August - 30 August

• High Street, Parliament Square, Cockburn Street and St Giles' Street
  • closed to vehicles between 10.30am to midnight Monday to Friday and 10.30am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday
  • loading and unloading restrictions in place on all streets, please refer to temporary signs
  • no waiting permitted at any time
• The east-west section of St Giles' Street (accessed from Bank Street) is set aside for loading from midnight to 7pm on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.

Blair Street

19 July to 7 September

• Closed to vehicles from South Bridge for 30 metres westwards
• Normal one-way is rescinded and there is an area restricted to allow loading and turning at the northern end of the north-south section
• Additional footpath provision will be provided between High Street and south of Blair Street entrance. 

Lawnmarket (Castlehill to George IV Bridge)

• Pedestrian and cycle only zone, no vehicle access and cyclists are requested to dismount during the operating times of the Tattoo (see dates and times below).
• Servicing, loading and unloading every day 6.30am – 10.30am is from the eastern end of Johnston Terrace (entry via Johnston Terrace)

Johnston Terrace

27 July to 7 September

• Access from Castle Terrace for blue badge holders, taxis and cycles from 27 July to 7 September. Except during the operating times of the Tattoo (see dates and times below)
• Servicing, loading and unloading vehicles 06.30am to 10.30am
• No access into or from Lawnmarket

Castle Concerts - 10 to 19 July

• Closed to vehicles from 8am to midnight on 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18 ,19 July

Edinburgh Tattoo - 7 to 27 August

• Closed to vehicles from:
  • 5pm to midnight 5 and 6 August
  • 5.30pm to midnight on weekdays (7 – 27 August)
  • 3.30pm to midnight on Saturdays 8, 15, 22, 29 and also Friday 28 August

Cowgate – between the junctions with Candlemaker Row and Blackfriars Street

27 July to 7 September

• Closed to vehicles, except cycles from 3pm to 5am every day
• Essential local access is maintained, during the closure time, in and out via Guthrie Street

East Adam Street

27 July to 7 September 

• Closure of the junction of East Adam Street at The Pleasance

George Street – between Hanover Street and Frederick Street

Plans for George Street have changed due to the recent fire on Princes Street and diverted buses.

George Street must remain available for diverted buses. Assembly Festival will relocate two external outdoor venues, Bijou and Front Room, normally residing on George Street, to St Andrew Square to ensure the shows of 17 artists and companies can still go ahead this August.

Candlemaker Row / George IV Bridge Junction

24 July - 7 September

• Additional pedestrian provision provided around Greyfriar's Bobby statute

Other restrictions

There will also be short-term restrictions for other events. Information on those restrictions will be published on street and at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel as and when they are available.

Keep up to date with information on roadworks and travel disruptions by following Edintravel on

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