Reward yourself with Resident Rewards Edinburgh

Produced in collaboration with The Skinny.

Edinburgh has a lot going on – the history, the architecture, the nightlife, the nature – and people travel from all over the world to experience the city. But for those of us who live here all year round and spend most of our time at work, studying or doing mundane ‘life admin’, there’s still plenty to enjoy, and always new places and spaces to explore. That’s the idea behind Resident Rewards, a scheme designed to help Edinburgh residents make the most of living in one of Europe’s great cities, and to enjoy everything their home town has to offer, with a host of deals and offers – here’s a brief guide to some of what Edinburgh residents can enjoy.

Like we said before, there’s always someplace new to check out in Edinburgh, but sometimes you just need a bit of a nudge in the right direction. That’s the idea with Star Rewards – these are monthly offers that let you experience one of Edinburgh’s attractions at a discounted rate, but only for that month. In November, treat yourself with 50% discount on tour tickets and 20% discount on gift vouchers for Holyrood Distillery. In December, explore the delights of gin with 25% discount on Lind & Lime Tour & Tasting. On the way in early 2025 include discounts at Brazilian steakhouse Fazenda and Ten Hill Place Hotel, as well as a ‘kids go free’ deal at Camera Obscura.

If you’re more of a free spirit, or you’re so organised that your whole November is booked up, check out Resident Rates. These are special prices available to Edinburgh residents to use at their convenience year-round – locals get 20% discount on their food bill at Drinks & Dining at Surgeons Quarter; free sign-up, £25.00 driving credit and no monthly fee with Co Wheels, as well as 20% off online orders of birthday cakes, brownies, traybakes and cupcakes at Mimi’s Bakehouse. Fancy seeing Edinburgh from a new perspective? Enjoy 10% discount on tickets for Edinburgh Bus Tours and a £4.00 discount on Ricky’s Bicycle’s From the City to the Shore of Leith tour. For the chance to look and feel your best, while also supporting the vital work at St Columba’s Hospice Care, get 15% discount on all adult hair and nail services at Studio 15.

Annual Passes are at the other end of the scale, offering local residents the chance to take multiple trips to some of their favourite places in the city without it costing them each time they return. Head to the Royal Yacht Britannia, do a loop around, then come back later in the year and check out your favourite bits to your heart’s content without it costing you anything more.

For an extra-special treat, check out Resident Previews. These are early chances to check out brand new events or experiences launching in the city before anyone else. Past previews have included an exclusive tour of the freshly-renovated National Gallery of Scotland at the Mound, an early sneak peek at the Scotch Whisky Experience’s revamped Silver Tour, and tickets to the newly-opened Archery Tag at Dalkeith Country Park.

And as a final cherry on top, sometimes living in Edinburgh means you get great stuff, for free, just for being here. Half Price and Free Days allow locals to, on certain days and times, take a look around some of the city’s best attractions for less than usual. In the case of the Holyrood Distillery, Thursday nights offer the chance to take a tour of the excellent distillery, tucked away next to Holyrood Park, completely free. Now that beats a night of doing your laundry and watching TV…

T&Cs apply. All Rewards are subject to change.

Keep up-to-date with Forever Edinburgh and the Resident Rewards Edinburgh Programme. Sign up to the Forever Edinburgh Resident Newsletter here today!

This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund