Edinburgh's heritage watchdog has raised concerns after city councillors approved plans for food businesses to serve customers outdoors from 07:30.

Currently businesses can only serve customers at outdoor tables and chairs from 09:00 until 21:00.

But a new year-long trial could see outdoor eating and drinking areas open an hour-and-a-half earlier from the start of July.

However, heritage watchdog the Cockburn Association said the new opening times must be policed by council officials to prevent early morning noise for nearby residents.

The rules for the Grassmarket, where businesses can only use outdoor furniture from midday until 21:00, will remain the same.

Tony Crolla, chairman of Vittoria Group – which includes Vittoria, Divino, Bertie's and a Taste of Italy – was behind the campaign for the longer operating hours.

He successfully argued that visitors to the city should be able to sit outside for breakfast when they paid a tourist tax – which starts in summer 2026.

The council report said: "This will allow businesses with permits more flexibility in terms of their operating hours and has the potential to increase footfall and boost the local economy in both the city and town centres."