Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Culture and Communities Committee meeting on 10 September 2025. The main item for discussion was the Tour de France Host Local Authority Agreement, focusing on the financial implications, benefits, and responsibilities associated with hosting the Grand Départ in 2027. The committee was also expected to note the commitment from the Scottish Government to underwrite costs exceeding the council's £1.7 million contribution.

Tour de France – Host Local Authority Agreement

The committee was scheduled to discuss and consider a report regarding the Host Local Authority Agreement for the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027. The report recommended that the committee agree to proceed with signing the agreement on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, and note the Scottish Government's commitment to cover all costs exceeding the council's £1.7 million contribution.

The report outlined that the council had been approached by EventScotland, the Scottish Government, and UK Sport with the opportunity to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2027, which would be considered a Major Event according to the council's Events Strategy for Edinburgh 2025-2030.

The Host Local Authority Agreement defines the terms and conditions under which the council is appointed to host and deliver the start/finish of the event, will underwrite specific costs, and is granted promotional and advertising rights. The agreement also details the obligations and responsibilities for Grand Départ GB 2027 Ltd, including selecting routes, technical set-up operations, intellectual property rights, promotion and media coverage, and implementing sustainable development policies.

The report noted that the Finance and Resources Committee had agreed that the council's funding should align with commitments to net zero and social benefit, maximise the legacy of the event in terms of cycling, and align with the council's Events Strategy. It also stated that advertising and sponsorship for the Men's Tour de France should adhere to the council's policy on advertising and sponsorship, as far as legally possible.

The report also mentioned that a Large and Major Event Protocol would be developed to sit alongside the council's Events Strategy 2025 – 2030, setting out the criteria by which events will be assessed and outlining the governance and decision-making process for such events.

The report detailed the financial impact, stating that the maximum financial contribution from the council to host the Grand Départ has been agreed at £1.7 million, with any additional costs underwritten by the Scottish Government. A proposal to meet the council's contribution from revenue generated from the Edinburgh Visitor Levy receipts will be considered as part of the investment proposals to be submitted to Executive Committees later in 2025/early 2026.

The report also addressed key policies, including equality and poverty, climate and nature emergencies and environmental impacts, stating that the Host Agreement sets out a number of Corporate and Social Responsibility Obligations on each party, including respect for human rights and health and safety, business ethics and accountability, conservation of the environment and its resources, and compliance.

The report highlighted that conservation of the environment and its resources is integral to the Host Agreement, with each party engaged in actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable mobility, and protect resources and power. The Tour de France is committed to working towards being a more environmentally sustainable organisation and is committed to environmentally responsible commitments of Major International Sporting Events.

The report stated that there were no impacts of the housing emergency anticipated as a result of the signing of the Host Local Authority Agreement.

Councillor Margaret Arma Graham, Councillor Finlay McFarlane, Councillor Miller, and Councillor Mowat were notified for ward interest, as the Tour de France would particularly affect Ward 11 – City Centre.