What I have learned about Edinburgh in my first month on the beat

Indeed, as I huddled in the media room at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, frantically typing copy about Angus Robertson and Lorna Slater and Alex ‘Kim Jong’ Cole-Hamilton, the extent of political divisions within Edinburgh became all the more clear. 

All six major political parties saw MSPs elected, either via the regional list (Tories and Reform), in constituencies (SNP and Lib Dems), or both (Greens and Labour). 

I covered it all, writing more than 40 stories stretching from candidate announcements to the post-election fallout. 

(Image: Jane Barlow)

I will confess to rooting for the Jambos over the weekend, despite my Aberdeen scarf still hanging in the closet. 

The heart, and indeed the heartbreak, displayed on the streets around Tynecastle, was moving. As a fan of underdogs the world over (shout out to my beloved Phillies, owners of the most losses in professional sports history), I can relate.

Over the last six weeks, I have delved deep into industrial disputes at Heriot Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, chronicling the twists and turns of job cuts and staff resistance.

I have covered the Church of Scotland's General Assembly on the Mound. I have visited prisons, police kettles, quiet parks, and so many coffee shops. 

So what have I learned? 

For starters, the citizens of Edinburgh are well connected. 

You meet one person at a cafe, and they introduce you to someone else, who knows that person, and before you know it, you have four exclusive stories lined up.

Perhaps as a hack I should expect less, but it has been heartening to have been warmly embraced by so many — whether through online comments or cups of coffee. 

Of course, some of my pieces have stirred up controversy (I was particularly intrigued by the fringe Holyrood candidate who raged in my X mentions for days over the fact I wrote a piece about a man in a bird suit and not him). 

(Image: Gordon Terris)

For the record, that less-than-magnanimous fellow received 176 votes, while the bird man received 41. Case closed, I suppose. Egg on face and all that. 

I have learned that Edinburgh as a city is so much more than the Old and New Towns.

Getting out into the communities surrounding the urban core has been a real highlight of the last month plus.

I have reported from Currie and Gorgie and Morningside and Saughton and Crewe Toll, each place a wee bit different from the last.

I have learned that the Edinburgh transportation system is miles ahead of Glasgow’s, and I would humbly suggest that has something to do with the use of the public franchise. 

Stagecoach and First Bus and the rest would never voluntarily bring a price cap into force, that much is sure. Lothian Buses for life.

Not to mention the trams, of course. A great way to travel, even if they fill up quite quickly, forcing riders to cling to fixtures and squeeze between rotund tourists. 

Indeed, the question of the trams is one of particular concern, and as such, I have been reporting on the various arguments in regards to a future North-South extension.

The battle lines appear to have been already drawn, as they invariably are, so it will be interesting to see how things develop ahead of the 2027 council elections, which is likely to see a change in council leadership. 

(Image: Gordon Terris)

Another highlight of my first month has been the opportunity to visit interesting places across the city.

I met with the prison governor at HMP Edinburgh two weeks ago, and spent several hours behind bars with the facility's chaplain. 

This week, I am set to visit Edinburgh Airport. I may get to go up to the control tower to see how things work up there. It is to be decided if I am allowed to direct traffic or not.

In any case, I want to know why drop-off charges have gone up — again. 

I am aware of the fact that The Herald has traditionally been perceived as a west coast news brand, so it is an honour to try and change that perception through graft and responsible journalism. 

It will not be easy, of that I am sure, but it is a challenge I am already relishing. 

Read more:

• Edinburgh minister elected as new Moderator of Church of Scotland
• 'Essentially a lock out': Tensions rise at Edinburgh University amid marking boycott
• Hearts' shot at the title against Celtic will be heard around the world

Given the lack of historical baggage, there has been a blank canvas aspect to my remit, freeing me to explore my new patch with abandon.

That being said, no one can be great without the greatness of others. 

So, please, get in touch with ideas for investigations, or odd factoids, or fun places I should visit and profile. 

You can email me at josh.pizzuto-pomaco@newsquest.co.uk and message me on X @joshpizpom. 

I want to hear from you about what makes this city, Scotland’s finest, tick. 

There is so much more to come this summer, so stay tuned — and follow along at heraldscotland.com.