Share your views on Firework Control Zones (FCZs) for 2026

Residents are being encouraged to have their say on proposed Firework Control Zones (FCZs) for autumn 2026 as a public consultation gets underway across Edinburgh.

The consultation is seeking views on continuing Firework Control Zones in Corstorphine, Longstone, Sighthill/Broomhouse, Mordeun and The Murrays, as well as introducing new zones in Liberton Grange, Lochend, Stenhouse/Gaskell Street, West Pilton and Wester Hailes.

Firework Control Zones prohibit the use of fireworks within designated areas for a limited period and form part of a wider package of measures designed to improve public safety, reduce anti-social behaviour and support local communities during the fireworks season.

Earlier this year, community groups were invited to apply for Firework Control Zone status in their neighbourhoods. Applications highlighted concerns about the misuse of fireworks, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on animals, older people and other vulnerable residents.

The proposals build on the positive results seen in recent years, with Edinburgh experiencing significantly lower levels of firework-related anti-social behaviour compared with previous years.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Convener of Culture and Communities, said:We want to hear directly from residents and communities about the areas being considered for Firework Control Zones again this year.

“They are just one of the measures we’re using to improve safety and reduce firework-related anti-social behaviours to make sure our communities can enjoy Bonfire Night in a safe and responsible way.

“I’d encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and help shape our approach for the 2026 fireworks season.”

The consultation will run from Wednesday 24 June until Wednesday 5 August on the Council website.

PEP Summer Party

23rd JULY 12 – 3pm

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 PEP Summer Party – 23 July! 

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Join us from 12pm–3pm at The PEP Centre for an afternoon packed with entertainment, a BBQ, refreshments, and plenty of fun and chat!

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 3 West Pilton Park, EH4 4EL

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 0131 315 4466

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 hello@pepscot.org

Bring a friend and celebrate summer with us! 

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#PEPSummerParty

#SummerInEdinburgh

#CommunityEvent

#PEPScotland

#BBQFun

#Entertainment

#CommunityConnections

West Pilton Park to CLOSE for a year

PARK WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY

Local Friends group West Pilton Parklife have been working with Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust on the upgrading of West Pilton Park and they are excited about the latest news.

They said on Facebook: ‘Hello everyone, the works in the park begin next week!

‘Our engagement program will continue. Look out for ways to get involved in some of the park improvements over the summer.

‘We’ll be advertising opportunities around West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

However concerns have been expressed that the park will now be closed during the school summer holidays, which begin next weekend.

The year-long closure also causes a major crisis for North Edinburgh Community Festival.

Original plans would have seen all works completed by May next year, meaning the festival could go ahead as normal. Delays have seen timescales slip back, however, and this could mean the popular community event seeking a new home.

The hugely-popular annual community event takes place on West Pilton Park every year, attracting thousands of visitors, and organisers need urgent answers as they begin planning 2027’s event: – will West Pilton Park be the venue or will the Festival be uprooted and relocated?

Local collective organisation R2 has raised these concern and others, including poor consultation with the local coummunity, with the Park’s Project Development team and it’s understood local councillors will meet with contractors and local stakeholders in an attempt to resolve concerns.

Police: Antisocial behaviour and youth disorder in North Edinburgh

14 YOUNG PEOPLE IDENTIFIED

We are aware of recent concerns involving groups of young people in the Pennywell and West Granton area. Our investigations have now identified 14 young people linked to 52 offences.

They and their parents/carers have been spoken to and referrals are being made to Child Protection and Youth Justice partners.

Thank you to everyone in the community who has helped us.

We remain committed to tackling behaviour that affects your quality of life and to working with partners to support young people towards safer, more positive choices.

SASS4us: Spreading kindness and hope across Muirhouse and West Pilton

SASS4US (Support And Survival Skills for Unleashing self love) is a trauma support group facilitated through LIFT, bringing together women aged 20 to 50 from the Muirhouse and West Pilton communities.

The group provides a safe and supportive space where women can talk openly about life experiences, mental health, personal challenges, and goals for the future. Around eighteen women attend every week.

Through mutual support, encouragement, and understanding, members work together to build confidence, develop resilience, embrace positive change, and support one another in their personal journeys.

Recently, many group members shared their concerns about the negative atmosphere they feel has developed within the local community. Some residents have expressed feeling anxious or even afraid to visit local shops, and there is a growing sense that negative stories are overshadowing the many positive aspects of the area.

Wanting to make a difference, the women of SASS4US decided to take positive action. They created inspirational stones and uplifting quotations, which have been placed throughout the Muirhouse and West Pilton communities.

Their writings aim is to spread kindness, hope, and encouragement, while reminding people that even small acts of positivity can have a meaningful impact.

This project reflects the group’s commitment not only to supporting each other’s wellbeing but also to helping create a stronger, more connected, and more hopeful community for everyone.

The girls would like to be anonymous as they want to start making these each month and placing them around the community continuously.

SASS4us

PEP: Weekly Groups

📣 Want to know more about PEP groups? Now’s the perfect time to get in touch!

Whether you’re looking for support, guidance, or simply more information, we’re here to help. Reach out today and discover how PEP could make a difference for you.

Call us on 0131 315 4466, email us at hello@pepscot.org or message us now to find out more!

#PEP

#GetInTouch

#Support

#LearnMore

PY’s Sponsored Walk Postponed

FUNDRAISING EVENT RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST

Hi everyone,

We wanted to share a quick update about our upcoming sponsored walk planned for 30th May.

Unfortunately we’ve had to make the difficult decision to postpone the event until August.

This is due to a couple of challenges we’ve faced recently. Our minibus has been badly vandalised and is currently out of action for the foreseeable future which has significantly impacted our plans. On top of that, we haven’t yet managed to raise enough funds to make the event as worthwhile as we’d hoped.

We’re really disappointed to delay, but we hope you understand that this is the right decision for now.

For those who have already kindly sponsored us, thank you so much for your support — it truly means a lot. If you have any questions about what this change means please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

We’re still very much looking forward to completing the walk in August and continuing our fundraising efforts. 💙

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.

PYCP Team x

North Edinburgh Community Festival: TODAY’S THE DAY!

AND THE SUN IS SHINING ON WEST PILTON PARK ONCE AGAIN!!

North Edinburgh Community Festival is back TODAY – Saturday 16 May, taking over West Pilton Park for a full day of music, food, activities, sports, arts and crafts and proper community spirit.

Expect live performances, family fun, local groups showcasing what they do best, and plenty of free things to get stuck into. It’s a celebration made by the community, for the community, and everyone’s invited to come along, get involved and make the park buzz.

The festival parade will set off from North Edinburgh Arts at 1030am and wind its way to West Pilton Park arriving for 12noon. It’ll be led in vibrant style by local groups, organisations, schools and performers – a wonderful colourful collaboration with Edinburgh Carnival.

Expect colour, music and a proper burst of energy as the community walks, dances and drums its way into the heart of the festival.

Bring your pals!

The festival is free to attend, 12 noon to 5.30pm

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!