Edinburgh most prosperous UK city outside London

Edinburgh continues to be the most prosperous UK city outside London and has the fastest growing population in the UK with the exception of Manchester, new figures reveal.

The Economy section of Edinburgh by Numbers highlights that Edinburgh has the lowest unemployment of any major UK city in each of the last ten years. It also adds the greatest value to the economy, has the highest average disposable income per resident and has created the highest number of jobs through foreign direct investment of any UK city outside of London.

The percentage of the Edinburgh workforce with a degree level qualification or equivalent also remains higher than any other major UK city at 55 per cent.

Gavin Barrie, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “Yet again, the facts and figures in this popular annual document demonstrate that the city has much to be positive about. It shows that Edinburgh is a vibrant capital city with a diverse economy, an increasing population and strong investment potential. Our visitor numbers continue to rise and we even have a higher number of Michelin awarded restaurants than any other major UK city.

“Our education and green credentials remain strong as the percentage of the Edinburgh workforce with a degree level qualification or equivalent is still 55 per cent and we continue to have almost half of all the green flag parks in Scotland. Our recycling rates continue to improve and were higher in 2015 than any other major Scottish city.

“On a lighter note from May to July 2017 there was even 10 per cent more sunshine than the same time in the previous year!

“The document is an essential resource for anyone looking to invest in the city or simply looking for key facts and figures about the capital. Going forward, the more detailed localities information will be extremely useful in setting policy in a number of areas.”