More Edinburgh hydration stations and 'cooling areas' proposed for summer festivals

Extra hydration stations and ‘heat respite areas’ are among ideas the council’s leader is considering advocating for as Edinburgh faces a blistering summer festival season.

As a heatwave grips much of Europe, concerns have been raised over how the city will handle the weather as August approaches.

Liberal Democrat councillor Kevin McKay asked council leader and Labour councillor Jane Meagher if she was considering measures to help combat it.

He said: “Given the high temperatures, and the record high temperatures, can we assure visitors will receive some kind of heat respite areas or extra hydration areas?”

Cllr Meagher replied: “Hands up, owning this, it’s not something I’ve particularly taken any action on. But you’ve come up with some very practical ideas.

“I hope anybody in the chamber who has similar contributions to make will make them, so I can take action to make sure people are safe.

“We know just from the crowds on the high street now when the festivals begin that we’re likely to see people suffering considerably from the heat, if this kind of heat continues.”

A number of free water bottle refill stations are already available in the city, provided by Scottish Water.

Five are around the city centre, with one on High Street by the City Chambers, one in Grassmarket, one in the southeast of the Meadows, one on the top of Lothian Road and one outside the Scottish Parliament building.

In addition, there are four further out, with one on the Leith Links, one on Portobello Beach, one in Silverknowes and one at the Botanic Gardens.

Some city centre buildings, including the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, have air conditioning inside, offering respite from the heat.

Some festival venues also have climate control in their foyers, offering another way to cool down.