Tag: city council

Tackling poverty in Edinburgh

Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish writes about work to address child poverty across schools and communities:

It has a been ten years since the introduction of our 1 in 5 Raising Awareness of Child Poverty campaign – ambitious and extensive work to tackle the stigma associated with poverty and to support families and children.

We built on this in 2018 with the rollout of our Making Education Equal for All framework, providing schools with practical guidance on how to help those in their communities living in poverty. I’m pleased that an updated version has just been launched.

A decade on and around 18,000 children and young people citywide are still living in poverty. It is hard to comprehend what this means day to day unless you’ve seen or experienced it first-hand. The tired faces of children starting the school day with an empty tummy, the endlessly forgotten school trip money – and on top of this the extra burden of shame, isolation and exclusion that living in poverty can bring.

It is unacceptable that this is Edinburgh’s reality and it is imperative that we continue to do everything we can to level the playing field for all children and young people.

It is positive that in the last ten years, the action we’ve taken has narrowed the poverty related attainment gap, helped more learners to take part in activities and to achieve, and supported families with their wellbeing and finances.

Reducing the cost of the school day – including removing/reducing the cost of uniform, trips and extra-curricular activities has been a priority. We went even further last year, when we removed the requirement for branded school uniform – minimising unnecessary costs and reducing pressure on family finances.

Our Active Schools teams provide extra-curricular sport activities, before and after school and at lunchtimes at no charge. We have also invested in musical instruments to enable more pupils to learn an instrument and to progress – it is fantastic that those who wouldn’t have done before, are now taking part in our ensembles.

I firmly believe that our schools should be a place of equity, where regardless of a child’s background, where or who they live with – they have every opportunity to achieve their goals and ambitions.

There is still a long way to go to remove poverty-related barriers. We are committed to doing all we can to make sure that all children and young people in Edinburgh have equal access and opportunities to participate in, and make the most of, their school experience – and every chance to succeed.

This article fist appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News

New affordable homes planned for Leith

A high-quality, energy efficient development at Coatfield Lane, Leith will deliver much-needed family housing and improved greenspace.

Plans to deliver 49 new affordable homes at Coatfield Lane have been approved, marking a significant step forward in the Council’s ongoing programme to increase the supply of high-quality affordable housing across the city.

The new homes will be delivered on behalf of the Council by CCG (Scotland) Ltd in collaboration with Collective Architecture. The development, designed to meet a range of housing needs will include a mix of 1–4 bedroom flats and family houses and will be located in the heart of the Leith Conservation Area, close to the historic Kirkgate.

The homes will be well insulated and highly energy efficient thanks to a combination of advanced construction methods and the adoption of air source heat pump technology.

In addition to the homes, the project will provide improvements to the existing public realm including greenspaces, rain gardens and biodiverse planting.

Councillor Tim Pogson, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “This approval is a vital step in tackling the housing emergency facing our city. Unfortunately too many people are struggling to find a safe, secure and affordable place to call home and developments like this are a key part of the solution.

“The 49 new homes will not only provide much-needed accommodation for residents, but they do so in a way that is sustainable, inclusive, and community-focused. And, as we build these new homes, we’ll create well designed places that respect the historic character of the area while delivering modern high-quality homes.

“I look forward to seeing work get underway and to welcoming the first residents into a vibrant new part of the community.”

CCG Managing Director David Wylie said: “We are delighted that plans for 49 affordable homes at Coatfield Lane have now been approved.

“Our team has worked collaboratively with the design partners to develop the proposals and realise the Council’s aspirations to deliver what will be a transformative development for the Leith community, and we look forward to commencing construction later this year.”

Collective Architecture said: “We’re delighted that the scheme has received planning approval.

“The new homes are sensitively integrated into the historic Kirkgate setting, sitting comfortably within the existing urban grain and immediately adjacent to the Category A-Listed Linksview House.

“Our proposals enhance the surrounding public realm and prioritise high quality architectural and urban design, incorporating social and environmental needs. This approach ensures meaningful benefits for both new residents and the existing community in Leith.”

Final piece of funding secured to transform Granton Lighthouse into arts and education hub

The balance of funding required to bring the historic Granton Lighthouse in the north of Edinburgh back to life and transform it into a community arts & education hub has been secured.

The Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Funding programme announced it is contributing the balance of the funding required (£2.278m) to complete the £4.171m funding package. The remainder of the budget will be made up of funding from the Heritage and Place Fund (£1.610m) with £0.283m also being provided by the Council.

The restoration project, part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the Granton Waterfront area, will transform the historic building once used as a place to teach lighthouse keepers their trade into a flexible, accessible modern workspace to be operated by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.

As part of its original use, the ‘C’ listed nineteenth century building, an important part of the built heritage of the Granton Waterfront area, was also used to test new illuminations for other lighthouses.

This historic building will be fully refurbished to create a learning, enterprise and exhibition/cafe space. As well as restoring some original features such as the lantern, the outside space will be transformed into a social space for people to sit and relax and enjoy some greenery. Disabled parking and cycle storage will also be provided.

A planning application to carry out the work has been submitted and work could start as early as next year.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m delighted the funding is now in place to restore this historically significant building to be enjoyed by the local community for generations to come.

“The former lighthouse building is a strong visual reminder of the area’s history. It will now start a new chapter as it continues to be a place of learning and creativity as well as a focal point for the local community to meet.

“Arts and Education Trust Out of the Blue were selected as a suitable operator to lease the building following feedback from local people who told us they need a flexible, accessible work and events space for arts education.

“It’s also another great milestone reached for our £1.3bn regeneration of the wider area and follows our announcement at the end of last year that the Council had been successful in securing funding for this and several other heritage buildings.

“This includes funding to refurbish and restore structures such as Madelvic House, Granton Castle Walled Garden and the platforms in Granton Station Square, the latter of which are located beside the beautifully restored former Granton Station building.”

New Framework Agreement in place to deliver £350m worth of housing projects in Edinburgh

The first part of a Framework Agreement to support the delivery of new, affordable homes in Edinburgh, worth around £350m, is now live.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s four-year New Build Housing Framework Agreement will provide an efficient route to procure the construction of new build housing. This will help tackle the city’s housing emergency by aiding the Council’s ambition to deliver 25,000 affordable homes.

Lot 1, the first of two lots encompassed by the Framework, was approved by Finance and Resources Committee in January and, after a mandatory standstill period, is now live. The Lot is split into three sub-Lots based upon the size of prospective sites – one to 30 homes, 31 to 100 homes and 100+ homes. By splitting Lot 1 into sub-Lots the Council aimed to encourage greater participation from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), reducing overall reliance on a small number of contractors.

Now that successful contractors have been awarded a place under the Agreement, the Council can progress housebuilding projects with them more quickly, without the need for a full tender process each time.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Tim Pogson, said: “We’re fully committed to addressing the housing emergency in Edinburgh, pledging a record £1.6bn to housebuilding in this year’s budget, helping to realise our ambition to build 25,000 new affordable homes across the city.

“Procuring the right contractors to deliver these homes can take time, so I’m pleased that Lot 1 of the New Build Housing Framework Agreement is now in place, helping to streamline the process and letting us tackle the issue at pace.

“Our Procurement Service’s innovative approach to the Framework has opened opportunities to a broader range of contractors, including SMEs, increasing capacity for house building projects.”

Lot 2 will focus on collaboration, allowing the Council to work with other partners to jointly procure sites to achieve economies of scale.

A further award report for Lot 2 will be presented to Finance and Resources Committee in the coming months. Contracts awarded under both Lots of the New Build Housing Framework Agreement are valued in total at an estimated £600m.

A robust tender process carried out by Commercial and Procurement Services involved engagement with the market and attracted 22 responses across both Lots.

According to the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA3) for the South-East Scotland area, there is demand for between 36,000 and 52,000 new homes in Edinburgh between 2021 to 2040, between 24,000 and 35,000 of which need to be affordable.

Read the report Award of New Build Housing Framework Agreement – Lot 1 online.

North Edinburgh Connections: Pennywell Road consultation

Consultation now open by @Edinburgh_CC on ‘North Edinburgh Connections’ active travel scheme (Ferry Road-Pennywell Road-West Granton Road).

You can see the plans and comment (closing date 9 June) here:

http://bit.ly/4d0gHHX

Edinburgh libraries celebrate success at The British Book Awards

Libraries across Edinburgh are celebrating after being recognised at the prestigious Library of the Year Award at The British Book Awards 2026.

The collaborative work of Oxgangs Library, Saughton Library at HMP Edinburgh and the Mobile Library Service have been named Scotland Regional and Country Winner for Library of the Year.

Their Secret Santa Project saw individuals in custody receive specially selected library books, gift-wrapping them so recipients would have something meaningful to open on Christmas Day.

The partnership will now go forward for the overall Library of the Year Award, with the final winner to be announced at The British Book Awards 2026.

Alongside the regional win, other Edinburgh libraries were also recognised as finalists in the Scotland category.

Kirkliston and South Queensferry Library were recognised for their role supporting children and young people through transition between primary school and high school by working with local schools to promote literacy, encourage reading for pleasure and expand educational opportunities for children and young people in the local areas.

Meanwhile, Craigmillar Library was shortlisted for their work with young people to create a teenage book group, where the young people have not only developed a love of reading, they have also learned new skills in areas such as creative writing and research. 

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been recognised as a Regional and Country winner for Library of the Year. This achievement is testament to the dedication and creativity of the teams at Oxgangs, Saughton Library at HMP Edinburgh and our Mobile Libraries service, whose hard work has made this possible.

“They delivered a thoughtful Secret Santa initiative that provided gift-wrapped books for people in custody at what can be a particularly lonely time of year. The project not only helped boost participation with the library but brought comfort to so many.

“My congratulations also go to the teams at Craigmillar and Kirkliston and South Queensferry Libraries who were recognised as finalists.

I’m so proud that we have such a fantastic library service across the whole city.”

Council Leader: Calders incident shows strength in community

Council Leader Jane Meagher reflects on the strength of Edinburgh’s diverse communities

I’ve used the time since the knife attacks in the Calders last Monday to reflect on the strong sense of community that we enjoy here in Edinburgh – and on the many benefits that come from our incredible diversity (writes City of Edinburgh Counci leader JANE MEAGHER). As Nelson Mandela famously said, ‘our differences are our strength ’.

What has struck me most following this isolated, albeit frightening incident, is the way that those in the community were able to rally and unite in the face of adversity.

This was abundantly clear when I visited the Calders to spend time with the community and with council colleagues in our schools, early years centre and in our housing service – all of whom were impacted by what had happened.

What stood out was the selfless way they focused on the safety and wellbeing of those in their care – and I want to thank everyone who played their part during and after the incident, including of course the Police and other emergency services.

I was particularly heartened by the conversation I had with local shopkeeper, Mr Hussain, whose store was badly damaged by the attacker. Despite what he’d been through, he spoke proudly of the kind-hearted support he’d received from across the community and how they’d helped him clear up his shop.

We are all reminded in these circumstances of the need to stand together – and of the importance of community spirit and tolerance.

From our long-standing links with the Norwegians and Poles during and after World War II to the thousands of Ukrainians, Afghans and Syrians who now call Edinburgh home, we’re proud to be a city of sanctuary – welcoming all those who come here in search of a better life.

Many have lived here for generations and some of our best loved institutions – cafes, bars, restaurants and other family businesses – are only here thanks to incomers. Those who care for us, either in the community or in hospitals include people from other parts of the world. Our city and its culture are all the better for it.

Sadly, there are those who will seek to spread hate, division and misinformation on the back of last week’s incident. Of course, people have a right to make their views heard, and to travel great distances to do so, but I condemn the opportunism and ignorance shown by some, particularly online.

One way we can combat such intolerance is to recognise and celebrate the strength and diversity of our communities across the city, comprising people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.

It was timely, then, that earlier this week councillors agreed a new Equal Edinburgh framework, which will help us do just that. We want all residents to be able to easily access and benefit from the services that meet their needs – without stigma and in a way that suits them.

Developed in partnership with our communities and partners, we hope that this will also help to reduce isolation, while fostering good community relations across the city.

We’re lucky to live in such a welcoming and diverse city. Our strength lies in all those who call Edinburgh home – our shared experiences sit alongside our differences – and we all have a part to play in keeping it that way.

This article first appeared in Edinburgh Evening News (12 March)

New framework targets a more Equal Edinburgh

A new framework aimed at reducing poverty and inequality in Edinburgh has received unanimous backing from councillors.

Equal Edinburgh aims to make council and other services easier to access and understand for residents, while reducing the stigma associated with doing so.

The four-year plan draws on lessons learned from its predecessor (which ran from 2021–25), but more specifically from extensive engagement with communities and other partners, including the Scottish Government, Equality and Rights Network and Scottish Women’s Budget Group, carried out over the past 12 months.

Some of the key outcomes include:

  • Safer and better access to council buildings
  • Improved online access and clearer communication methods
  • Improved mental health and wellbeing by making it easier to access services (in person or online)
  • Better opportunities for residents to participate in local activities and events to reduce isolation and foster good community relations
  • Improved data gathering and reporting so that decisions are made in an informed way
  • Improved access for residents to have their say on citywide issues and to engage in consultation and voting processes

When setting the Council budget last month, councillors agreed to allocate £285,000 towards progressing the plan over next three years.

Amongst other things, this will allow continued investment in the delivery of the British Sign Language Plan (2024-2030) and additional BSL Videos on the council website, funding for Volunteer Edinburgh to facilitate the Equalities and Rights Network and development of more inclusive communications.

From day one, Equal Edinburgh will support staff to provide high quality service to all residents and foster positive relationships with local communities through partnership working. A new EDI board will be set up to monitor progress and support delivery, with a progress update presented to councillors in 2028.

Councillor Jane Meagher Council Leader, said: “We’re clear that we want Edinburgh to be a city where everyone feels safe, secure and welcome – and we’ve set ourselves ambitious targets around tackling poverty and inequality.

“This new framework celebrates the diversity of this city and our communities, made up of people with a rich variety of life experiences. I’m particularly pleased by the role our communities and other partners have played in shaping this work, and that we’re learning the lessons from what has gone before.

“We’re building on best practice already underway across the city to deliver better services and outcomes for residents, ensuring that everyone has access to, and can benefit from, our support as quickly as possible – in a way that suits them.”

Appendix 1 – EDI FrameworkDownload

Mobile phones in schools consultation shows broad support for restrictions during the school day

A six-week consultation, which closed on 2 March, has seen high engagement, with almost 14,000 responses from parents/carers, pupils and school staff.

Results show overwhelming support for the introduction of restrictions in secondary schools citywide. 97% of responses from staff who work in secondary schools were in favour of school mobile phone restrictions. 57% would opt for the whole school day, while 40% would opt for part restrictions with mobile phones accessible to pupils at lunch and breaktimes.

Similarly, parents of current secondary school aged learners were supportive of mobile phone restrictions during the school day, with 94% in favour. 54% would choose restrictions for the entire school day, and 40% agreed that a part restriction including just class time would be best.

Out of all parents/carers who took part in the consultation, 73% said they would be supportive of restrictions for the whole school day, with 22% preferring access to mobile phones at lunch and breaktimes.

The response from current secondary school aged pupils presented a more mixed picture with just over half (53%) stating a preference for part restrictions with mobile phones allowed at lunch and breaktimes but not in class, and just 3% in favour of restrictions for the whole school day. 43% said that they should be trusted to follow the school rules, and 32% said they didn’t think that there should be any restrictions at all.

Pilots are underway at two Edinburgh secondary schools, Portobello and Queensferry High Schools, using lockable magnetic pouches, restricting access to mobile phones during the school day.

The consultation, coupled with feedback from the two pilot schools, will provide information that will allow elected members to consider the details of restrictions and the extent to which lockable pouches could be used to support mobile phone restrictions.

Almost a third (31%) of parents/carers who currently have children at an Edinburgh secondary school were in favour or a lockable pouch system, with 29% preferring phones to be secured but stored in a cabinet.

Among staff who work in secondary schools, there was an equal split when asked about implementation of restrictions, with 36% preferring a secure lockable pouch system and 38% opting for phones to be stored away but accessible.

In September 2025, Councillors agreed to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools, with the preferred option the use of lockable pouches to support restrictions on mobile phone use across all secondary schools, and lockable cabinets in primary schools.

The consultation forms part of citywide engagement work on implementing mobile phone restrictions in primary and secondary schools. An interim Integrated Impact Assessment has already taken place and will be finalised using consultation feedback.

Special consideration is being given for pupils with health needs or caring responsibilities who may need access to their mobile phone during the school day. Focus groups, including with young people is ongoing.

A report analysing these findings will be presented at Education, Children and Families Committee in June 2026.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: “I want to thank all those who have taken the time to engage with this valuable consultation. I am really pleased that such a high number of parents/carers, learners and school staff have shared their views on how potential mobile phone restrictions could work in practice.

“We are being bold in our ambition when it comes to making our classrooms phone-free, and we want to be one of the first local authorities to introduce widespread restrictions. It is important that we do this in the right way and a big part of this is making sure that we have heard and take on board feedback from our communities.

“This consultation forms part of our engagement and it is positive that the figures broadly show that we are on the right track.

“There is more work to be done to make sure that we have heard the views and concerns of our secondary school aged young people who are digital natives and understandably used to having their phone during the school day.

“We want to get this right so that any potential restrictions are seen as a positive step for all.”

Follow Up Information: Arboretum Place Public Realm and Streetscape Proposals

I wanted to follow up with some additional information after our community pop up event on the 7th March.

I’d like to pass on our thanks to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh again for hosting us.  It was a beautiful sunny day and it was a great spot to have our information stand.   

We spoke with many members of the local community and some passing visitors.  Thank you if you managed to make it along, it was really lovely to meet some members of the Community Council and the Friends of Inverleith Park in person as well as welcome partners from The City of Edinburgh Council.  We received some valuable feedback and comments.

Keep updated

I’d like to highlight the Climate Ready Craigleith StoryMap for information on the current projects.   This includes some of the images of the proposals on Arboretum Place we shared on Saturday in case you were unable to attend.

Click here to visit the Climate Ready Craigleith project website