Category: South Side

Scotland has lost OVER A THIRD of bank branches in just eight years

New analysis from Which? has revealed that Scotland lost over a third of its bank and building society branches in just eight years, raising concerns that consumers and businesses alike could struggle to access cash across the country. Continue reading Scotland has lost OVER A THIRD of bank branches in just eight years

Southside Conservation Area extended

A group of Category ‘A’ listed buildings, with special architectural and historic importance are now part of Edinburgh’s South Side Conversation Area. 
In a report approved by the city council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday, The Royal Commonwealth Pool, the Scottish Widows building and the first phases of Pollock Halls were all described as having distinct character and significant value and were cited as good examples of their architectural styles.
The South Side Conservation Area boundary line will now be amended and follows consultation with local residents, businesses and other local institutions as well as city-wide amenity groups.
The South Side Conservation Area was originally designated in May 1975.
Cllr Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener, said: “Thanks to all those who took part in the consultation process. I’m delighted that the Committee was unanimous today in approving this report.
“The Widows building is hexagonal in shape after the rock face of the nearby Crags and is surrounded by a water pool. ‘Commie’ pool is a well-loved Edinburgh institution which has received substantial investment in recent years and has contributed to the success of medalists from David Wilkie onwards.
“Our conservation areas are not just about the individual icon but building groups which make great places to be. In the 1960s and 70s much of the South Side was under threat of the wrecking ball. Several streets were demolished and you can see pictures in the City Art Centre’s Blomfield exhibition, which runs to mid-March and is well worth a look.
“We can be grateful to past generations of Edinburgh folk who campaigned to save the South Side. The new City Plan consultation is ongoing and this will help the area to continue to be a great place where people want to live, work and visit. When developing the City Plan we need to think about sustainable communities for the twenty-first century which can become conservation areas of the future.”

 Capital Coalition votes through £33 MILLION cuts package

Ray of hope for projects hammered by Health & Social Care grant cuts

Up to 200 council jobs in the Capital will go as the SNP-Labour administration passed a controversial austerity budget which sees £33 million of cuts to vital public services across the city.  Continue reading  Capital Coalition votes through £33 MILLION cuts package

Funding boost for GP practices

Loan scheme to ease burden of owning a surgery Continue reading Funding boost for GP practices

Edinburgh’s budget: still time to have your say

There’s still time to share your views on the City Council’s draft council change strategy and proposals for the 2019/20 budget.  Continue reading Edinburgh’s budget: still time to have your say

Edinburgh City Mission and churches across the city join forces to offer CAP life skills

Edinburgh City Mission and Christians Against Poverty are pleased to announce a new partnership to deliver the CAP Life Skills course. This initiative builds on the success of the course that was pioneered by Mustard Seed Edinburgh earlier this year and will be run at four locations across Edinburgh this autumn. Continue reading Edinburgh City Mission and churches across the city join forces to offer CAP life skills