Edinburgh City Council has set aside £1.7 million to fund hosting the start of the men’s Tour de France 2027. This was despite the hesitation from several of its council members.
The City Council are utilising the city’s visitor levy to cover the costs of the Grand Départ of the men’s Tour de France. The Council’s debt, which is the highest of all Scotish Councils, has been a factor in this decision.
The Scottish Government has a firm agreement with the City Council to cover any costs exceeding £1.7 million.
The Cultures and Communities Committee report highlighted efforts to keep the event in line with environmental policy, the Host Agreement even incorporating the promotion of cycling to children in the area.
As emphasised by Culture and Communities Committee convener and Labour councillor Margaret Arma Graham: “Cycling in general will get a boost from something so famous coming here.“
This boost will also be widespread across Edinburgh’s tourism industry, making for an exciting summer season, with the Fringe following only one month later. Of the event, one student said: “ Both me and my Dad are going, there’s no way he’s missing Tadje.”
“Edinburgh Council building – geograph.org.uk – 1315978” by kim traynor is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.