Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrats are calling for the Council to prioritise re-opening the closed bridge at St Mark’s Park, which is a vital and very popular route for pedestrians and cyclists everyday.
The bridge, which links St Mark’s Park to Broughton Road, was suddenly closed by the Council at the end of June when an inspection report indicated that it wasn’t safe to remain open. However, many residents and businesses have made clear the negative effect that the ongoing closure is having on them.
Yesterday (Thursday, 27th August), Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat Councillors tabled a call for an urgent re-opening and lodged several questions to the Council Administration on how it’s being handled.
Local MSP for Edinburgh Northern, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said “A huge number of residents from either side of the bridge have raised this matter with me. Many have commented on how far and accessible the closest diversion is while it remains closed.
“While the inspection lays bare why the Council have closed the bridge, we now need to look at solutions to get access back to the route.”
Speaking on the Motion tabled before Councillors, Leith Walk ward councillor Jack Caldwell said “This bridge is vital for residents, local businesses, Broughton Primary School, commuters, and visitors alike.
“For many residents in the Broughton area, an area with very limited private garden access, residents have effectively been cut off from their local park. Access to nature is one of the things that Edinburgh prides itself on, and that should also be true for residents who live near the city centre.
“The fantastic police box coffee shop by the entrance has also seen footfall significantly down, for reasons completely outwith their control.”
Inverleith ward councillor and city transport committee member Hal Osler commented: “A sudden closure like this wouldn’t have been possible on many bridges across the city.
“This bridge is a vital link for the many people who walked, wheeled and cycled across it daily. If we as a Council are serious about our commitment to sustainable forms of transport, then this is our opportunity to show it.
“It won’t be good enough if we shrug our shoulders. Hopefully we can get cross-party support to prioritise this important project.”
PICTURED: Cllr Jack Caldwell and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP
BACKGROUND REPORTS
- Motion from Cllrs Caldwell and Osler, 27th August 2026: https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s102141/Item%208.9%20-%20By%20Councillor%20Caldwell%20-%20St%20Marks%20Park%20Bridge%20Closure.pdf
- Question from Cllr Caldwell, 27th August 2026: https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s102125/Item%2010.9%20-%20By%20Councillor%20Caldwell%20-St%20Marks%20Park%20Bridge%20Repair%20Prioritisation.pdf
- (Answered) https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/b28470/Questions%20and%20Answers%2027th-Aug-2026%2010.00%20City%20of%20Edinburgh%20Council.pdf?T=9
- Further information including statements and the inspection report from the local authority available upon request.
- Speeches from the meeting will be available at Home – City of Edinburgh Council Webcasts at agenda item 8.9, including an amendment from the Green Group by Councillor Booth.