Illuminated Signs & LED Neon Signs in Edinburgh

In Scotland the Control of Advertisements (Scotland) Regulations 1984 apply; the City of Edinburgh Council is the planning authority and applications go through ePlanning Scotland.

• Most illuminated signs need express advertisement consent, says the council – as do signs above ground-floor level and lettering over about 0.75 m.
• In conservation areas illuminated shopfront signage always needs advertisement consent.
• Lighting: individual letters internally lit or halo-lit, static light (white preferred), no visible wiring; discreet LED strip lighting may be acceptable.
• Projecting and hanging signs: max 1 m projection and 0.5 m², one per unit, at least 2.25 m above the pavement, lit only by concealed trough lights. Not supported on Princes Street.
• Royal Mile (area of special control) and listed buildings: stricter rules – individual, often hand-painted letters; box fascia signs are not acceptable. Listed buildings also need listed building consent.

Sources: Edinburgh – Guidance for Businesses, Quick guide to advertisement consent, as of October 2026. This is not legal advice – the council makes the final decision.

For the application you need drawings or a photomontage with dimensions, letter height, materials and lighting. With your free design preview you get:

• your sign shown on a photo of your shopfront
• dimensions, materials and light colour
• which elements light up and which are printed

You or your sign installer submit the application to the council.

• Indoor LED neon signs come with fixings and a plug-in power supply – hang it up and plug it in, step by step in our installation guide.
• Outdoor signs, light boxes and hard-wired signs should be connected by a qualified electrician. Edinburgh has plenty of sign installers who also fit signs made by others.

Tell us where the sign will go and we will tell you what you need for installation.

• LED neon signs – for bars and cafés, especially indoors and in windows
• Back-lit acrylic letters – halo-lit individual letters as the council prefers
• Built-up letters – internally lit individual letters
• Projecting signs – max 1 m and 0.5 m², not on Princes Street

All sign types at a glance

1. Send your logo, sketch or text – ideally with a photo of your shopfront
2. Receive your free digital design preview
3. After your approval, production takes about 2–3 weeks
4. Insured delivery to your address in Edinburgh

Every sign is dimmable and comes with a remote control and a 24-month warranty. Delivery is duty paid – no import charges when it arrives.

Do I need consent for an illuminated sign in Edinburgh?
According to the City of Edinburgh Council, most illuminated signs need express advertisement consent, and in conservation areas illuminated shopfront signs always do.

What size can a projecting sign be in Edinburgh?
The council's guidance allows one projecting or hanging sign per unit, up to 1 m projection and 0.5 m², at least 2.25 m above the pavement.

Do you install signs in Edinburgh?
Indoor LED neon signs come with fixings and a plug-in power supply, so you can hang them yourself. For outdoor signs, light boxes and hard-wired signs we recommend a local electrician or sign installer.

Can I see the sign on my shopfront before ordering?
Yes. Send us a photo of your shopfront and we will show you a free design preview with your sign in place.