West End – Business Improvement District

Hello Everyone,

Another week brings about another interesting story unfolding in Edinburgh that we’d like to share with you.  Katie and I have been out and about investigating what’s going on in the city.  We met with Erica Flett, the Project Manager of the Edinburgh West End ‘Business Improvement District’ (BID).  Erica, along with the board of directors and the area’s nearly 200 business owners, have brought the BID to life, highlighting the West End’s many attractions.

BIDs are where local businesses work together to help improve the area.  The BID is decided by businesses through a ballot process.  If successful, the businesses pay a levy which is then spent on local improvements. There are four BIDs in Edinburgh.

Erica’s challenge is to create awareness and an identity for the West End as an area that offers something for everyone and highlighting the area’s rich cultural history.  She hopes to bring more opportunity for businesses and local residents in the area with the use of cultural events, historical trails and social media.  Please check out their website to get updated as to what’s going on.

Upcoming Events:

West End is excited to invite local people and visitors to wander the beautiful cobbled streets with the Sketcher. The Edinburgh Sketcher will teach you how to capture a likeness of our historic Georgian crescents and demonstrate how easy it is to add watercolour to your sketch of the West End.

The West End, in partnership with Edinburgh World Heritage has produced a historical trail map to encourage you to explore the historic streets of the West End, a key part of the city’s World Heritage Site. The trail reveals links to famous ‘West Enders’ of the past such as Dr Joseph Bell, who provided the inspiration for Conan Doyle’s fictional character Sherlock Holmes. Visit any West End shop, boutique or pub and pick up a copy of the trail map!

Mark your calendars for two exciting events taking place at St Mary’s, one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful historic buildings in the heart of the West End. From 1 August to 3 September will be an exhibition of Women in the West End and on 11 August at 8:30pm will be a Night at the Opera, a Celebration of Dr Joseph Bell.

Walking through the West End yesterday was a real treat and with the help of the BID’s Shopfront Improvement Grant scheme, we’re already seeing the historical character of the area restored.  It’s evident that Erica’s vision for the area will see the West End become an ever greater thriving business and leisure destination with independent boutiques blossoming and the cafe culture taking off. As Erica said,

“With concentrated efforts of the BID and creative engagement from the West End businesses, The West End will easily become the go to destination for shoppers, dinners and home buyers. The BID is hard at work supporting local traders, communicating with residents and interacting with the local council. It is with great enthusiasm that the West End look forward to the next few years as a BID!” 

Visit the West End’s FaceBook page for more information.

Luke and Katie