Full list of Edinburgh city centre road closures ahead of busy summer of festivals

The temporary changes to how the Old Town operates come into force on Monday 15 July

Author: Paul ReillyPublished 11th Jul 2024
Last updated 11th Jul 2024

A number of Edinburgh city centre road closures have been announced ahead of a busy summer of festivals in the capital.

The city council is making temporary changes to the way some of the streets in the Old Town operate between 15 July and 30 September.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to descend on the city to attend the Festival Fringe, the Tattoo and the Film Festival.

During this busy period the population of Edinburgh effectively doubles, which brings challenges for residents, businesses and visitors.

Council leader Cammy Day has said the changes are designed to make our streets easier and safer to walk around.

He added "Whilst we’re rightly proud to be welcoming performers and visitors from all over the world for our summer festivals, we need to make sure this influx is managed safely and properly. We’ve made temporary successful changes to streets in the Old Town during this period for a number of years and I’m sure this summer will be no different.

"I’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their understanding as we get ready to showcase Edinburgh as the world’s cultural capital once again".

Map of the Old Town street closures as part of the 2024 summer festivals

Map of the Old Town street closures as part of the 2024 summer festivals

High Street, St Giles Street (in part), Parliament Square(s) and Cockburn Street

  • Edinburgh Fringe and Tattoo from 31 July to 25 August
  • High Street, St Giles’ Street and Cockburn Street - closed to vehicles between 10.30am and midnight (Monday to Saturday) and 10.30am to 9pm on Sundays.
  • Loading and unloading permitted from midnight until 10.30am. No waiting permitted at any time.
  • St Giles Street has an area restricted to allow loading 10.30am to 7pm in the east-west section (accessed from Bank Street/North Bank Street).
  • Cockburn Street waiting, loading and unloading permitted from midnight until 10.30am.

Blair Street

  • Edinburgh Fringe from 5 August to 26 August
  • 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  • Normal one-way is rescinded and there is an area restricted to allow loading and turning at the northern end of the north-south section.

Lawnmarket (Castlehill to George IV Bridge)

  • Summer Streets - 15 July to 30 September
  • One way eastbound from Johnston Terrace for bus, coach, taxis and cycles only between 10.30am to 6.30pm daily.
  • Access for servicing, loading and unloading 6.30pm – 10.30am (access via Johnston Terrace).
  • Advisory 5mph speed limit.

Castle Concerts – 4 to 14 July

  • Closed to vehicles from 4pm to midnight on 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 July.
  • Tattoo – 31 July to 24 August
  • Closed to vehicles from 4pm, 5pm or 5.30pm to midnight for the Tattoo (see
  • 5pm on 31 July and 1 August, 5.30pm weekdays (except 9 August)
  • 4pm on 3, 9, 10, 17 and 24 August.
  • General vehicle access, one way eastbound, midnight until 10.30am

Additional vehicle restrictions will be in place from 30 September to the end of July 2025 to allow the council to carry out major road repairs. More information will be provided at a later date.

Johnston Terrace

Summer Streets - 15 July to 30 September

  • Access for all vehicles from 15 July to 30 September.
  • No access into Lawnmarket except buses, taxis and cycles 10.30am – 6.30pm

Castle Concerts – 4 to 14 July

  • Closed to vehicles from 4pm to midnight on 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 July.

Tattoo - 31 July to 24 August

  • Closed to vehicles from 4pm, 5pm or 5.30pm to midnight for the Tattoo
  • 5pm on 31 July and 1 August, 5.30pm weekdays (except 9 August)
  • 4pm on 3, 9, 10, 17 and 24 August.

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