“We want it to be working for the community.” That’s TV spoke to Mark Griffiths from Friends of The George about the City of Edinburgh Council’s motion to make further enquiries about the maintenance of the privately-owned George cinema in Portobello.

“The planning system gives local people several opportunities to participate and have an influence over the future development of their areas. This includes a right to have their views considered by planning authorities when making decisions on planning applications.”

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) helps tackle the housing crisis by easing demand on family homes and other rental sectors, freeing up space for those who need it most.”

…Meaning that the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme investment in the city is £73.7m.”   “Planning applications in Scotland are considered on their own merits and should be determined in accordance with policies in the development plan.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said:   “Scottish Government funding for affordable housing in Edinburgh is at a record level. In 2025-26 we have given a further £28.7m to acquire properties to bring into use for affordable housing.

“These sites had previously been approved for social rent housing.” That’s TV spoke to Councillor @JackRMCaldwell on the Scottish Government’s reversal of City of Edinburgh Council decisions to refuse purpose built student accommodation planning proposals.

“Scotland’s bathing season currently runs from the 1st June to 15th September with the preseason beginning from 15th May.”

“Under the Bathing Water (Scotland) Regulations 2008, Scottish Ministers must determine for each bathing water the period during which large numbers of bathers are expected as the bathing season.

“There are over 80 designated bathing waters across Scotland. We monitor water quality from 15thMay to 15th September, during the bathing season and pre-season period, and provide information so that users can make informed choices about using the water.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said:   “Coastal and inland surface waters where a large number of people bathe – which can mean swimming, paddle boarding, and other activities - can be designated as bathing waters by Scottish Ministers.

“Scotland’s water quality is at its highest ever and we remain committed to targeting resources and investment to preserve and protect Scotland’s water environment."

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We are monitoring more overflows than ever before, providing more information on overflows than ever before and investing more than ever before in our waste water network.

“It’s not fair that people who are getting in the water to enjoy the water are being put at risk.” That’s TV spoke to Surfers Against Sewage about the need for transparency after the discovery of bacteria at Portobello Beach.

“We’ll continue to work alongside EWH, alongside residents, businesses, and other key stakeholders, as we go forward. The tram is a potentially transformational development for all of Edinburgh, and we owe it to future generations to be bold and ambitious.”

“However, I would stress that we are still in a very early stage of the process and that should members chose to proceed, we’d see a range of further investigative studies into not only the South Bridge but all other aspects of the proposed tram extension.

“The initial technical report which was produced as part of the consultation concluded that the tram can be delivered across South Bridge, based on current information and evidence.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “We’re aware of Edinburgh World Heritage’s (EWH) concerns around the South Bridge, and the project team have had preliminary discussions with them on these.

“We could take no level of assurance that South Bridge was either capable or had the capacity to take a modern tram structure.” That’s TV spoke to Edinburgh World Heritage about their concerns about proposals to implement trams on South Bridge.

“Poetry has a lot of tricks in its bag that can be used to describe things that are often difficult to express.” That’s TV spoke to poet Jennifer Williams who is exploring the relationship between words and scent in @PTBOpoetry festival which begins next week.

“Poetry is not just something that’s subversive and raw, but also democratic and something that’s a bit DIY; everybody can have a go at it.” That’s TV spoke to Emma Collins, director of @PTBOpoetry, Edinburgh’s international poetry festival which begins next week.