Edinburgh is well known as one of the capitals of the world when it comes to busking and street performance. In fact research by Visit Scotland shows that it is one of the biggest draws to the city which welcomes 4 million visitors annually.

Due to a lobbying by a vociferous minority the council is currently looking into the possibility of bylaws to impose damaging restrictions or potentially even completely ban busking.

We accept that there are occasional instances where busking causes a genuine disturbance but  police already have powers to move on any performers with 'reasonable cause' under Section 54 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act.

Thus by definition any extension of powers will only encourage officers to target those who are NOT a problem. Experience tells us these extensions will simply cause greater conflict, and will prove to be costly, bureaucratic and ineffective.

The performers' community in Edinburgh has offered to work with the council many times over the past few years to help manage the situation and effectively enforce the existing legislation where necessary. 

Our door is still open to a collaborative approach, but we need guarantees that Edinburgh's streets will remain open, inviting and inclusive places for us to bring colour and perform. 

Please sign this petition so we can send a strong message to Edinburgh this summer.

#LoveEdinburghBuskers