Royal Highland Centre summer concert planning guide

Edinburgh Summer Sessions is known for bringing big energy and even bigger acts to the city, and 2025 is no different. With chart-toppers Sam Fender and Chappell Roan set to headline on 22 and 26 August 2025 respectively, these shows promise powerful performances and unforgettable experiences.

With thousands of fans expected to travel and routes likely to be busy, check out our top tips to help you get the most of your day.

Transport

The Royal Highland Centre is at Ingliston, beside Edinburgh Airport, within minutes of the M8 and M9.

• By bus – Lothian’s Buses Airlink 100 and services 17 and 18 run regular services to Edinburgh Airport, with drop-offs close to the Royal Highland Centre. Plan your journey and follow travel updates with their app. Payment can either be made by contactless, by cash (exact amount only) or via the app. You can also use your NEC travel pass. Special Services operate during event days. There are also several coach services which travel into and from Edinburgh, some of which stop close to the centre, including Flixbus and Citylink.
• By tram – Running every 7 minutes in both directions, Edinburgh Trams go from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven. Disembark at the Ingliston Park & Ride stop, and it is then a 15 minute walk to the centre. Tickets must be purchased before boarding. Simply hold your card or payment device against one of the platform validators before boarding the tram, and again when you reach your destination. This will charge you a standard single fare. Failure to Tap Off will result in a full airport fare of £7.50. Please note, the same card or device should be used when tapping on and off.
• By train – The nearest station to the centre is Edinburgh Gateway Station by Gogar/The Gyle. See Scotrail for train timetables and tickets.
• By car – Parking – which must be booked in advance and incurs an additional cost – must be purchased in advance on Summer Sessions. Alternatively, use Ingliston Park and Ride. There will be a dedicated accessible parking area located close to the accessible entrance. Places need to be pre-booked via the Accessibility Application Form.

Access requirements

• If you wish to apply for any of the accessible facilities at Edinburgh Summer Sessions, including a free PA/companion ticket, you must  have either an Access Pass or be a current Access Card holder. Applications for the Access Pass will be submitted through Nimbus Disability. Full details can be found on Edinburgh Summer Sessions accessibility page.
• Please note that flicker, laser, strobe and other lighting effects may be used during the performances.
• If travelling to and from the centre with Edinburgh Trams, visitors will find all trams equipped with high visibility handrails, passenger alert buttons signposted in Braille, dedicated disabled priority seats and low entrances throughout. All tram stops are accessed via gently sloping ramps or lifts. All of Lothian Buses have at least one wheelchair accessible space. Buses have push bells which are tactile and embossed with braille and handrails in high contrasting colours for the best possible visibility. All drivers receive disability awareness training that includes a wide range of conditions including autism, visual and hearing impairments, dementia and epilepsy.

Security

• Safety is a priority. Strict security measures will be in place and searches carried out on entry.
• Persons aged between 12 to15 years old must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or over.
• All attendees must have valid and current photogenic ID. These must be the original documents, not photocopies.
• You must keep your ticket with you at all times and show this upon request.   
• Do not bring single-use disposable vapes. For the comfort and enjoyment of all fans using the accessible areas, smoking/use of e-cigarettes/vases is not permitted. 
• Certain items are not permitted. These include: bags and rucksacks larger than 30cm x 42cm (the size of a sheet of A3 paper), all glass, metal/hard plastic bottles, food or drink/liquids even if unopened, drugs, new psychoactive substances (NPS), flares or smoke canisters, chairs, professional cameras, selfie sticks, umbrellas, weapons, frisbees/boomerangs and hi-vis tabards or jackets. 

Stadium facilities

• These are outdoor all-standing concerts, so please dress according to the weather. Umbrellas are not permitted.
• The venue is cashless and all payments will be via card or contactless.
• If you or one of your party need assistance, please approach a steward who will direct you to the nearest first aid or welfare point.

Responsible visitor choices

• Please dispose of all rubbish in the bins provided. If the bins are full, please take your rubbish with you and dispose of it in the first available empty bin.
• Charge your phone in advance.
• Be respectful of others around you and look after each other.
• Agree meeting points in advance in case you or a member of your group gets lost or separated.

More information on facilities within the Royal Highland Centre and concert details can be found on Edinburgh Summer Sessions.