Forever Edinburgh and the City of Edinburgh Council have launched More by the Shore, a five-month promotional drive running from 1 October 2026 until 28 February 2027 to revive trade across Leith Walk, The Shore, and Newhaven Harbour. Backed by a portion of the Scottish Government’s Β£5 million recovery allocation following the Princes Street fire on 9 July, the campaign tackles the drop in footfall caused by seven weeks of suspended tram services between the city centre and the coast.
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Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams have partnered with local businesses to run cross-city promotions, targeting both local residents and regional visitors. Trams resumed full service on 29 August, and the local authority is now seeking to overturn perceptions that northern Edinburgh remains cut off.
Forty thousand discounted vouchers and winter light spectacles
The campaign is divided into three phased initiatives designed to maintain momentum from autumn through the quiet late-winter period.
- More by the Shore Specials runs from 1 October to 8 November, focusing on limited-edition dishes, tasting menus, and retail promotions across Leith Walk and Newhaven. Confirmed participants include Victoria Bar, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, PekoeTea, Loud & Clear, Leith Makers, and Portal Leith.
- More by the Shore Sparkles takes over from 14 November to 3 January. This phase introduces an outdoor winter lighting installation and launches the first release of double-value itison vouchers, where shoppers pay Β£5 for a Β£10 voucher valid at participating venues.
- More by the Shore Savings covers 4 January to 28 February. This final block offers EH postcode holders an upgraded deal of Β£7.50 for a Β£15 voucher through the Forever Edinburgh Resident Rewards scheme, alongside “After 5”, an evening programme featuring live music, film screenings, and extended retail opening hours.
Victoria Bar owner Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson reported a 10% revenue drop overnight during the summer tram closure, demonstrating how dependent Leith Walk traders are on rapid transit. “The tracks are open, the deals are live, and Leith is ready for business,” Christopherson noted, pointing to Victoria Bar’s 20th anniversary programme in November and upcoming winter hygge events.
Things to do in Leith and Newhaven
Leith and the historic harbour at Newhaven offer one of Scotland’s most concentrated clusters of independent food, drink, and creative spaces.
Food and Drink: Start on Leith Walk at Victoria Bar for craft beers and seasonal cocktails, or book a tasting dram at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s spiritual home, The Vaults, situated near the Water of Leith. Seafood enthusiasts should head to Newhaven Harbour for traditional fish suppers or waterfront dining overlooking the Firth of Forth. If you are staying in local accommodation and prefer an evening in, several independent Leith kitchens deliver across the EH6 area via Deliveroo.
Shopping and Culture: Browse loose-leaf blends at PekoeTea or explore print workshops, ceramics, and textiles by Edinburgh creators at Leith Makers. Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street hosts regular flea markets and artist studios, and local illustrator Kate George, who designed the campaign’s visual map, works from the hall.
Transport: Edinburgh Trams operate every seven minutes from St Andrew Square, reaching The Shore in 17 minutes and Newhaven terminus in 27 minutes. Lothian Buses run direct routes from Portobello, Granton, and the West End. Travellers arriving into town by rail can plan journeys into Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket Station through Trainline before connecting directly to the tramline outside the station concourse. For visitors seeking to explore coastal East Lothian or Fife during their trip, vehicle hire is available nearby through Europcar.
Accommodation: Visitors can stay right on the water aboard the luxury floating hotel Fingal, berthed beside The Royal Yacht Britannia at Alexandra Dock, or choose historic boutique hotels and serviced apartments near Commercial Quay using Booking.com.
For your Radar
More by the Shore runs from 1 October 2026 to 28 February 2027 across Leith Walk, The Shore, and Newhaven. Stage one restaurant and retail promotions are live immediately, while the first tranche of the 40,000 discounted itison vouchers becomes available on 14 November.
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