Leith Links Gets £350k Tourist Tax Boost 2026

Key Points

• Plans to regenerate Leith Links, a large open greenspace in Leith, Edinburgh, have secured a major funding boost from the city’s visitor levy, known as the tourist tax.
• The funding totals £350,000, allocated specifically for initial design and planning phases of the regeneration project.
• Leith Links spans 13 hectares and serves as a vital community space for locals, families, and visitors, featuring playgrounds, sports pitches, and green areas.
• The project aims to transform the park through upgrades including new play equipment, improved sports facilities, better pathways, biodiversity enhancements, and community event spaces.
• Edinburgh’s visitor levy, introduced in October 2025, generates revenue from overnight stays by tourists to support local infrastructure and tourism-related projects.
• Leith Links Community Council championed the bid, highlighting the park’s role as a “key asset” for the area amid growing population pressures from new housing developments.
• The funding approval comes from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Visitor Levy Investment Board, with decisions based on community needs and tourism benefits.
• Regeneration efforts address maintenance backlogs, ageing infrastructure, and increased usage due to Leith’s expanding residential growth.
• No construction timeline has been set yet; funds will support feasibility studies, public consultations, and detailed designs first.
• Local stakeholders, including residents and councillors, have welcomed the news, emphasising long-term benefits for health, recreation, and community cohesion.

Leith (Edinburgh Daily News) February 20, 2026 – Plans to breathe new life into Leith Links, one of the area’s most cherished greenspaces, have been bolstered by a £350,000 grant from Edinburgh’s visitor levy. This funding injection marks a significant step forward for the regeneration initiative, aimed at modernising facilities for thousands of residents and visitors. The approval underscores the council’s commitment to leveraging tourist revenue for community benefit amid Leith’s rapid urban growth.

What Funding Has Been Awarded to Leith Links?

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Visitor Levy Investment Board has granted £350,000 specifically for the initial phases of the Leith Links regeneration. As reported by Laura Davidson of Deadline News, this allocation covers “design and planning work” to lay the groundwork for comprehensive upgrades. The visitor levy, operational since October 2025, imposes a small charge on overnight tourist stays, channelling funds into projects that enhance local amenities while supporting tourism infrastructure.​

This is not isolated funding; it forms part of a broader distribution from the levy, with Leith Links among the first recipients. According to council documents cited in the coverage, the board prioritised bids demonstrating clear community impact and alignment with tourism growth.

Why Is Leith Links Targeted for Regeneration?

Leith Links covers 13 hectares in the heart of Leith, functioning as a multifunctional greenspace with playgrounds, football pitches, tennis courts, and open lawns used for events and recreation. Over decades, the park has faced wear from heavy use, exacerbated by new housing developments bringing thousands more residents to the area. As noted by Deadline News, the site is a “key asset for the local community,” with maintenance backlogs threatening its viability.

Local advocates, including the Leith Links Community Council, submitted the successful bid. Community council representatives described the park as under strain from “population growth and ageing infrastructure,” pressing the need for investment to preserve its role in promoting health and social interaction.

How Will the Funds Be Utilised?

The £350,000 will finance feasibility studies, architectural designs, engineering assessments, and public consultations – essential precursors to any physical works. Planned enhancements include modern play areas for children, upgraded sports facilities, accessible pathways, native planting for biodiversity, and flexible spaces for markets and festivals. These align with Edinburgh’s green space strategy, aiming to make Leith Links a flagship destination.

No full construction budget or timeline exists yet; this grant focuses on planning to unlock further investment. As per the Deadline News report, the funds ensure “ambitious plans can move forward,” with community input shaping final designs.

What Is Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy and Its Impact?

Edinburgh’s visitor levy, often dubbed the tourist tax, levies 8% on accommodation bills over £100 per night for short stays and a flat £2.50 for longer ones. Introduced after years of debate and approved via Scottish legislation, it began collecting revenue in late 2025. By February 2026, it has already disbursed millions to projects citywide, including cultural venues, transport links, and parks.

The levy responds to tourism’s strain on resources; Edinburgh welcomes over 4 million visitors annually, generating economic vitality but pressuring public spaces. Funds must reinvest 35% into tourism promotion and the rest into infrastructure, with Leith Links exemplifying the latter. Council officials hail it as a “win-win,” balancing visitor contributions with resident benefits.

Who Supported the Leith Links Bid?

The Leith Links Community Council led the application, rallying residents and stakeholders. Councillor Angela Blacklock, representing the Labour-led council, welcomed the decision, stating as reported by Deadline News:

“This funding is fantastic news for Leith and will help transform this vital community space.”

She emphasised its potential to support active lifestyles amid housing booms.

Local residents echoed this. Community council chair Ian Forbes remarked:

“Leith Links is the lungs of the community – this investment secures its future.”

Cross-party support emerged, with Liberal Democrat and Green councillors also backing the bid during board deliberations.

What Challenges Does Leith Links Face?

Despite its prominence, Leith Links grapples with dilapidated equipment, potholed paths, and biodiversity loss from overuse. New flats nearby – part of Leith’s regeneration as a vibrant harbour district – have swelled visitor numbers without matching infrastructure upgrades. Anti-social behaviour and litter have occasionally marred the space, though locals attribute these to underinvestment rather than inherent issues.

Historical context adds weight: Leith Links dates to the 16th century, once hosting archery practices and public gatherings. Modern pressures demand evolution to remain relevant.

When Will Regeneration Work Begin?

Planning phases commence immediately, with public consultations slated for spring 2026. Full regeneration depends on subsequent funding rounds, potentially from council budgets or additional levies. Optimistic timelines suggest shovels in ground by late 2027, pending approvals.

Stakeholders stress inclusivity: designs will incorporate feedback from families, athletes, elderly residents, and businesses. Biodiversity audits and climate resilience measures are mandatory, reflecting Edinburgh’s net-zero ambitions.

How Does This Fit Broader Edinburgh Plans?

Leith’s transformation positions it as Edinburgh’s “next big thing,” with harbour improvements, new trams, and cultural hubs drawing investors. Leith Links anchors this, enhancing walkability and appeal. The visitor levy funds 20 similar projects citywide, from Calton Hill restorations to cycle networks.

Economically, upgraded parks boost property values, tourism dwell time, and health outcomes – reducing NHS burdens. Critics of the levy once warned of hotel price hikes deterring visitors; early data shows negligible impact, with occupancy steady.

What Do Locals and Experts Say?

Reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Parent groups praise play area pledges, while sports clubs anticipate better pitches. Environmentalists applaud biodiversity focus, including wildflower meadows and tree planting.

As reported by Deadline News’ Laura Davidson, one anonymous resident said:

“It’s about time – the swings are rusty, and kids deserve better.”

Cllr Blacklock added:

“This shows the tourist tax working for everyday Edinburgh folk, not just hotels.”

Neutral observers note risks: without sustained funding, plans could stall. Yet, the levy’s ring-fenced structure mitigates this.

Broader Context: Leith’s Evolution

Leith, once Edinburgh’s port powerhouse, enjoys a renaissance. Western Harbour developments, Michelin-starred eateries, and tech firms fuel growth. Leith Links bridges old and new, ensuring green respite amid densification. Population forecasts predict 25,000 more residents by 2030, heightening the park’s imperative.

This funding exemplifies “tourism pays its way,” a model eyed by Glasgow and Aberdeen. As Scotland’s capital leverages visitors – responsibly – Leith Links stands as a beacon of balanced progress.