Edinburgh is in season – and SMEs can reap the rewards
Martyn Kendrick says innovative companies are taking steps to adapt their offering to appeal to visitors drawn in by autumn
Edinburgh is falling into the global spotlight this autumn. The city has just been named one of the world’s top autumn destinations by the 2025 Pinterest Autumn Trend Report. Internet searches for “Edinburgh autumn” are up over 100 per cent, fuelled by images of golden leaves cascading over historic streets, crisp air filled with the promise of cashmere, culture and whisky.
This reflects a wider shift in travel behaviour. According to the European Travel Commission, more than three quarters (77 per cent) of Europeans plan to travel between June and November this year. Autumn is no longer a shoulder season; it’s fast becoming a spotlight moment for travellers.
Visitors beyond Europe are also playing their part. Demand from Asia continues to grow, with China’s only direct flight to Edinburgh now running year-round, rather than just March to October, to keep up with rising interest in the capital.
The timing could not be better.
Our latest Bank of Scotland Business Barometer – a nationwide survey that has tracked business confidence and economic sentiment for more than 20 years – shows that Scottish firms continue to seek out new opportunities for growth, including launching new products and services.
This outlook provides the perfect foundation for businesses to capture seasonal demand and convert it into sustainable growth.And even better, Scottish firms are ahead of the curve.
Across Scotland, SMEs are already showing how they can adapt their offer to appeal to visitors at this time of year.
Take Vault City Brewing. From humble beginnings in a Portobello kitchen, it has grown into one of Scotland’s most innovative breweries. This autumn, it’s diversifying with seasonal flavours like Iced Caramel Brown Sugar Apple and Winter Berry Crumble – beers designed to tap into the same trends that fill coffee shops and cosy pubs as temperatures drop.
Islander, the Edinburgh fashion brand built on Harris Tweed, is another standout. It has expanded from a single store to a network of outlets across the capital and St Andrews, while also creating a workshop experience where customers design and craft their own handbags. This season, Islander is leaning into Scotland’s autumn identity. Its Baa Baa Sheep store celebrates Scotland’s woolly icons and showcases knitwear and woollens that resonate as the weather cools
Tourists drawn to Edinburgh often explore further afield – north to the Highlands, across the Central Belt or south into the Borders.
On the shores of Loch Lomond, the Oak Tree Inn has opened a new waterside lodge. Supported by a £1.25 million funding package from Bank of Scotland, the expansion adds guest rooms and creates space to enjoy the inn’s home-grown, seasonal produce, perfectly timed for visitors heading to Balmaha to stroll through golden foliage or breathe in the crisp lochside air.
Further north, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is proving that seasonality can be a springboard for growth. It’s investing in a new championship course, junior facilities and a sustainable clubhouse, the latter supported by £5 million in funding. As golf tourists extend their stays beyond summer, Royal Dornoch is positioning itself to capture the autumn market, showing how heritage destinations can evolve with changing travel patterns.
The lesson for Scotland’s SMEs is clear: seasonal demand is an opportunity to innovate, diversify and invest in long-term growth. Businesses that extend opening hours, embrace digital payments, create seasonal experiences or launch new products are the ones best placed to reap the rewards well beyond autumn.
At Bank of Scotland, we’re committed to supporting businesses as they turn over a new leaf.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.