Cutting-edge CCTV control centre opens in Edinburgh

A new state-of-the art control centre in Scotland’s capital will help council chiefs respond to emergencies and manage large events such as the festivals or Hogmanay celebrations.

City of Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day officially opened the new city operations centre, which has replaced an outdated control site deemed to no longer be fit for purpose.

Harnessing hi-tech and smart technology, the operations centre will be manned and receive data in real time from the CCTV network 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As part of the work, North recruited an Edinburgh-based modern apprentice and an apprentice to assist the rollout of the CCTV network, and provided curriculum support activities to local schools and community volunteers.

Mr Day said: “This new operations centre has been years in the making and it’s fantastic to see it live in action.

“With cutting-edge, low-carbon technology designed to keep the city moving and our communities safe, it drastically steps up our capabilities as a council.

“Particularly as our city grows, our investment will support the safety of the public and wider community, deterring and preventing anti-social behaviour and crime like we sadly experienced recently on Bonfire Night and Remembrance Sunday.

“The whole operation is much more sustainable and data-driven, which, crucially, is going to lead to more efficient council services for the people of Edinburgh.”