Residents, workers and spectators who will be in the capital on 16 September when the Pope visits are being urged to prepare well for the day. There will be a major impact on travel, especially in the city centre, but The Council hopes that with planning any inconvenience can be kept to a minimum.
The Council is also stressing that spectators should check the advice for where to see the Pope and that everyone in the city should follow local media and official sources for any changes to plans for the day.
Council Leader, Jenny Dawe, said:- “We want anyone coming to Edinburgh for the procession or the parade to have a great experience and a day to remember. But for many others in the city it will be business as usual and we want them to have as little disruption as possible. The organisations involved have put an enormous amount of effort towards both of these aims, for which I am very grateful. But we also have to encourage everyone to plan their day and to be flexible, especially in case there are any changes.”
It is predicted that there could be a worldwide audience of up to 1 billion for the Pope’s arrival in Edinburgh. Councillor Dawe added:- “While a great number of people already appreciate Edinburgh’s qualities as a place in which to work, study and holiday, I hope that some of those watching the Pope’s first hours in the UK are encouraged to come and see our city for themselves. It is undoubtedly a significant visit and I’m sure that the city will, as usual, rise to the occasion.”
The Council has provided support to the organisers of both the Papal procession and the St Ninian’s Day parade in trying to manage security and public safety issues while minimising disruption or inconvenience for residents, businesses, workers and spectators.
Councillor Steve Cardownie who is charged with responsibility for The City Council’s Festival and Events said:-“The Papal visit and procession bring unique challenges and we have to try getting the right balance between lots of competing factors. However, Edinburgh has outstanding experience in this area, and I’m confident the 16th of September is going to be another successful day in the city’s history of such occasions. It will be a superb opportunity for Edinburgh to be seen on the world stage and to showcase the city as an excellent host for major events.”
British Military Fitness enthusiasts should note that the class in Holyrood Park on Thursday has been cancelled as the Park will be closed for the visit.
Essential advice for those in the city on Thursday:-
* Spectators are asked to avoid the peak commuter times.
* Commuters may want to consider alternative arrangements for the day where possible, e.g. working from home or coming in early.
* Everyone is advised to use public transport instead of cars, especially in the city centre.
* There is no opportunity to view the Pope at Edinburgh airport or on his journey to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
* The best locations to view the Pope will be from Princes Street and Lothian Road.
* Crossing points on the route will be limited, with no crossings on Princes Street from the Mound to Kings Stables Road.
* Bins along the route will be sealed and removed so people are asked to take rubbish away with them.
* Princes Street gardens (east and west) will be closed.
* Some domestic and trade waste collections will be affected.
* Arrangements will be in place to keep lost children safe until they can be reunited with their carers.
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