city council – Page 12 – The NEN

Time capsule interred at North Bridge

‘I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark’

A time capsule has been interred at North Bridge to mark the project’s work for future generations.

Some of the items for the capsule included:

A letter from the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Jane Meagher to the future citizens of Edinburgh.
A paint brush used by the Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson to hand finish the cast iron façade.
A Balfour Beatty high visibility vest.
A Glengarry Cap from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers regiment.
The school prayer of St Augustine’s High School etched in glass.
A photograph of the Historic Environment Scotland grants team on a site visit.
Three books created as part of the North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme.

Objects were contributed by a number of partner organisations and invited guests.

The Category A listed structure is a key transport link between the north and south of the city. The original North Bridge began construction in 1763 and was then replaced between 1894 and 1897 by the structure which we see today.

According to historical records, at some point between 1894 and 1897 a time capsule was interned inside the structure.

Whilst this capsule is inaccessible, local school pupils alongside the Super Power Agency, were inspired to write two books of fiction about the bridge and ultimately the idea for a new time capsule.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “North Bridge has been a familiar feature of Edinburgh’s cityscape for well over two centuries. This corridor continues to form a vital part of our city’s modern transport network, whilst also serving as a visual reminder of our city’s rich history and building tradition.

“As we gather today to inter our own pieces of history, it’s comforting to think that many years from now future generations will look back at the vital work we’ve been undertaking, just as we have appreciated the work of those before us.

“The complexity and skill of this work cannot be understated, with some areas being repaired and renovated which hadn’t seen the light of day in over one hundred years. I’m incredibly grateful for the efforts of everyone involved with the project.

“We owe it to Edinburgh’s future residents and visitors to make sure that we complete this project to the highest standards. With the bridge on the cusp of being fully refurbished to its former glory, this is a moment that we can all look forward to together with pride and optimism.”

Project Director for Balfour Beatty, Rory McFadden said: “As we welcome guests to mark the placing of this time capsule and celebrate the restoration of Edinburgh’s North Bridge, I’d like to reflect on the incredible journey undertaken by those involved. It hasn’t been easy.

“When discussions began in 2017, none of us could have anticipated the challenges ahead—especially the bridge’s condition, which was far worse than expected.

“Yet, through determination, innovation, and teamwork, we’ve delivered something truly special.

“We can take immense pride in restoring this historic structure, ensuring its preservation for generations. The past Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) President’s comparison to dentistry on a massive scale couldn’t be more fitting, describing the meticulous care and precision required to return the bridge to its former glory.

“Throughout this journey, we engaged with thousands of individuals, many of whom left in awe and became allies of the project. Over 3,000 people contributed on-site, learning new techniques as we delivered the works while respecting our neighbours and keeping this vital north-south link open. Their dedication was instrumental in our success.

“As the scaffolding comes down and the bridge slowly reveals itself, it will stand tall – a testament to our collective efforts. The people of Edinburgh and its visitors will witness the bridge in all its grandeur.

“I think about the future, about those who will open this time capsule years from now. Will they be as impressed by our restoration as we are by its original construction? I believe they will – and I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark.”

Major works are expected to be completed in Spring 2026 with all remaining works to be completed in Summer 2026.

The time capsule interment ceremony was attended by representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council, Balfour Beatty, Atkins Realis, NBR Legacy Projects: Moving Image Commission (Rachel Mclean & Jonathan Webb), the Super Power Agency, Volker Laser, SCAPE Scotland, Currie & Brown, Invisible Cities, Historic Environment Scotland, Capital City Partnership, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association, and pupils from St Augustine’s High School, St Thomas of Aquin’s High School, Jeda Pearl Lewis (Artist/Author), Estelle Meyer (Cobble Tales).

A full list of the items contributed to the time capsule is below with the contributor in brackets at the end:

A signed copy of Our Storied Town by Donald Smith (Author), Cat Outram (Illustrator) and the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge. (Lord Provost)
A letter to the future generations of Edinburgh from the Lord Provost and Council Leader Jane Meagher. (Lord Provost and Council Leader)
An Edinburgh 900 programme. (Lord Provost)
An invitation to the Edinburgh 900 Book Launch which took place earlier this year for Edinburgh: A New History by Alastair Moffat & Edinburgh: The Autobiography by Alan Taylor. (Lord Provost)
Paint brush used to hand finish the cast iron façade (Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson)
Copy of a Green Pencil Award and brochure of poems (Central Library)
A signed Hibernian FC strip (Central Library/Hibernian FC)
Leaflets from the Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association (Central Library, Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association)
Glass etching of the St Augustine’s High School prayer and school pennant. (St Augustine’s High School)
A package including a Glengarry Cap, a concise version of the regiment’s history and their tartan. (The King’s Own Scottish Borderer’s Association)
A high visibility vest, water bottle, bolts and rivets from the bridge and construction drawings (Balfour Beatty)
A Lego man and a fifty pence piece (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
A letter from a pupil named Archie to the future of Edinburgh (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
A photograph of the grants team on a site visit to the bridge with a note. (Historic Environment Scotland)
A copy of North Bridge Where We Travelled – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Jeda Pearl Lewis)
A copy of Stories From The Stones and What’s That About North Bridge – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Super Power Agency)
A commemorative coin (Anonymous)

Further information on the North Bridge refurbishment project is available on the Council’s website.

Edinburgh Tenants Federation to discuss damp and mould

THURSDAY 9th OCTOBER 6 – 8pm at NORTON PARK

Calling all tenants! Join ETF and a member of CEC for our next Federation Meeting to discuss damp and mould in the home.

Thursday 9th of October

6pm – 8pm

Norton Park Conference Centre

Call 0131 475 2509 or email info@edinburghtenants.org.uk if you require transport

Memorial service for Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer

The life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most esteemed academics and humanitarians will be honoured at a memorial service in Edinburgh next month.

Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE, who died in June at the age of 85, was Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, a pioneering scientist whose research transformed the global brewing industry, and a tireless campaigner for equality and justice.

Family, friends, colleagues, dignitaries and members of the public will gather at the city’s historic St Giles’ Cathedral to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and contributions.

The service will feature personal tributes, speeches, and musical performances from the University’s Chamber Choir and guest musicians.

Open to all, the ceremony will take place on Friday 11 October from 11am to 12:30pm, with doors opening at 10am. Those who wish to attend are advised to register their interest in advance.

Reflecting on Sir Geoff’s impact, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “Sir Geoff was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world.

“His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education were impossible to ignore, and this University was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years.”

The service is being hosted jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council, represented by the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh.

In a lasting tribute to Sir Geoff, the University has created a new scholarship in his honour. The Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship will allow a student of Jamaican descent or citizenship to for follow in his footsteps and reflects Sir Geoff’s dedication to opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed live on YouTube.

City council issues cross-party statement on protests against refugees and asylum seekers

The City of Edinburgh Council unequivocally condemns the violent protests that have been taking place against refugees and asylum seekers across the country.

This statement has been agreed by all of the elected members from the Labour, SNP, Liberal Democrat and Green groups setting out our shared concerns and positions:

‘Refugees and asylum seekers are people, with hopes, dreams and ambitions. Some have families and children, and are fleeing hardship, persecution, war and unimaginable suffering. That people fleeing such traumatic circumstances should be met by anger, hate and violence is heartbreaking and does not reflect the values that we in Edinburgh have lived by.

‘Harsh rhetoric on migration have contributed to this situation and the blame for this lies with large sections of the media as well as a great many politicians who ought to be courageously standing up for refugees and asylum seekers, not telling lies about refugees and immigrants. We condemn the racism, whether it be systemic or not, which is often at the root of these messages.

‘However, cynical attempts to paint working class communities as racist must also be challenged. Many communities are struggling with the rising cost of living and have seen their public services hollowed out by over a decade of austerity measures.

‘While some have reasons to be angry and upset, we must push back against attempts to direct that anger at some of the most vulnerable in our society. Our responsibility as leaders in this city includes helping build relationships between our diverse communities and building cohesion.

‘Peaceful protest is fundamental to our freedoms and complex policy issues should be discussed and debated thoroughly, but it is incumbent on everyone to do so in a manner which is civil, which does not dehumanise or scapegoat vulnerable communities, and which reflects reality, not myths.

‘We take a strong partnership approach to public safety here and the Council commends all of the organisations involved in making the welcome real for those who have newly arrived in our communities.

‘Within the Council we have agreed a cross-party statement between Labour, the SNP, the Lib Dems and the Greens – it reflects our combined desire to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, to recognise the important benefits that newcomers bring to our communities and to ensure that they have a good opportunity to flourish with us here in Scotland.

‘One of the key things we can do is to combat misinformation to ensure that the people of Edinburgh have access to accurate information on this topic. We also want to recognise and celebrate the stories of refugees who have found a new home in Edinburgh, their incredible contributions to our communities and society, and the benefit that they bring to us all.

‘While the Home Office is ultimately responsible for managing migration, the Council sees great value in firmly and unambiguously stating that Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city and is stronger for that diversity.

‘We reiterate our united position that all people who want to live, work and visit our city are welcome to do so.’

Easter Drylaw Flood Management: Community consultation tomorrow

JOIN the AtkinsRealis team tomorrow (Friday 26 September) from 2pm to see the Concept Designs for improving flooding issues on Easter Drylaw Avenue and Easter Drylaw Drive.

The organisers say:

‘Currently, during high rainfall, this junction and surrounding homes experience flooding.

‘The objective of this project is to respond to the existing drainage challenges in the area by incorporating nature-based solutions.

‘Through the strategic use of planting, green spaces and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), the project will help to manage rainwater naturally by capturing surface water in an attenuation feature (Eh? – Ed).

‘This will helpslow water down from entering the sewage system, reducing pressure and lowering the risk of flooding on streets, footpaths, homes and gardens.

‘To ensure the project delivers a green community space suited to local aspirations, we would love to hear what you would like to see incorporated in this project.’

We’ll be on the corner of Easter Drylaw Avenue and Easter Drylaw Drive (foot of Easter Drylaw Bank) from 2pm.

Not going to be at home tomorrow? You can still get in touch with your thoughts or any questions at flood.management@edinburgh.gov.uk

Top councillors shortlisted in annual LGIU and CCLA national Cllr Awards

LEITH LEFT-WINGER NOMINATED FOR AWARD

40 local councillors from across England, Wales and Scotland have been shortlisted for the 2025 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards, the only national awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary work of councillors.

Only one – Katrina Faccenda – is a City of Edinburgh Councillor. Leith councillor Ms Faccenda is nominated in the Innovator of the Year category.

Now in their 16th year in England and 8th year in Scotland, the Cllr Awards highlight the vital contribution of councillors, often the unsung heroes of local democracy.

From championing residents’ interests to leading innovation in public services, councillors play a crucial role in shaping communities and improving lives, and they do so while giving up their time and energy for what is often a voluntary, unpaid role.

This year’s competition was extremely tight with more than 400 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend.

The full England & Wales shortlist is available here and Scotland shortlist can be found here.

Winners in England & Wales will be announced on Tuesday 18 November at the Guildhall in London while winners in Scotland will be revealed on Wednesday 5 November at the Glasgow City Chambers.

The Cllr Awards judging panels comprise senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors. This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Our annual Cllr awards demonstrate the best of local government. With more thn 400 nominations, competition was extremely tight with inspiring stories of councillors up and down the country going the extra mile to 2improve their local area.

“Councillors are at the heart of local democracy, working tirelessly to support their communities and drive change. These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day.

“This year’s shortlist is a testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across the country.

“Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”

Lee Jagger, Local Government, Relationship Manager, CCLA said: “Every one of the councilors on the Cllr Awards shortlist this year has had a significant and positive impact on their communities and on the lives of their individual residents.

“That’s what the councillor role is all about – ordinary people trying to make the places that we live and work better.

“CCLA is very proud to have supported these Awards from the very beginning and to be part of this important celebration of the best of local government.”

New multilingual cultural guide for artists and creatives launched online

Edinburgh’s new guide supports the creative journey of artists by identifying spaces and opportunities for support in the city

Following extensive engagement with artists, the guide sections and content were developed to provide information and tips to help navigate a new industry and home environment.

This also encourages networking, engagement with local communities and better understanding of the opportunities Edinburgh offers for creative collaborations and artistic ambitions.

Developed in partnership with Creative Edinburgh in response to growing diversity in the city, the online guide can be read in more than 130 languages. It comes after the recent addition of a translation and audio transcription functionality to the Council’s website.

Artists and creatives who have recently settled in the city can also benefit from subsidised premium membership and mentorship opportunities through Creative Edinburgh.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Thanks to our world-renowned festivals, heritage sites, and community art spaces, Edinburgh has attracted a culturally diverse community of artists over the centuries.

“There really is inspiration to discover all over the city so it’s no surprise that so many choose Edinburgh as the place to develop their careers.

“I’m delighted that we’re now able to give creatives and artists the opportunity to learn more about Edinburgh’s cultural life and the support available to them to ensure they have the best possible start in the city.”

Ola Wojtkiewicz, Executive Director at Creative Edinburgh, said: “Artists, makers, and creative practitioners are at the heart of what makes Edinburgh unlike any other city. For the past fourteen years, Creative Edinburgh has proudly supported thousands of creatives across the city—that’s why we exist as a charitable organisation.

“We’re especially proud to collaborate with the City of Edinburgh Council on the Multilingual Cultural Guide. As a multicultural and multilingual team ourselves, we deeply value the importance of welcoming artists from around the world and helping them thrive in Edinburgh. This spirit of inclusion is part of what makes the city so vibrant.

“As part of our ongoing partnership, we’re delighted to offer 25 fully funded Premium memberships and a series of tailored mentorship opportunities for artists from diverse heritage backgrounds.

“These initiatives are designed to help creatives navigate their careers in a new environment and make the most of the rich support available to them in Edinburgh.”

Marcin Krupa, visual artist and gallery curator, said: “I arrived in Edinburgh 12 years ago with a couple of hundred euros in my wallet. Right now, I work for an art school, and I am a gallery curator. It wasn’t always an easy journey, but I believe that in Edinburgh there is a great creative potential and a plenty of opportunities.

“I was able to achieve my dreams and financial independence thanks to generous people living here and thanks to various organisations that supported me.

“When I came to Edinburgh, I felt I was surrounded by people who are willing to help me. I felt accepted and became part of the local creative community.”

Council spend ‘supports jobs and spreads community benefits’

*Donations to the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank*

Hundreds of work placements, apprenticeships and local jobs have been created thanks to Council contracts – with over a quarter of a million pounds secured in community benefits.

In a report considered by the Finance and Resources Committee yesterday (Thursday 18 September), Councillors heard how the city’s procurement programme is helping to boost community wealth building in the city.

The Annual Procurement Report confirms contracts awarded by the Council last year brought in £253,954 in community benefits, supporting 316 work placements, 84 apprentices and 91 local jobs.

With a focus on supporting fair work and local business, almost half of Edinburgh’s spending power has been with SMEs (49%), with support for local suppliers also above the Scottish average (36%). That is alongside 93% of all Council suppliers committed to paying the Living Wage.

Community benefits delivered over the last year include:

Construction skills: Working with builders on Council construction projects, opportunities have been delivered in schools, colleges and the local community, helping to promote a new generation of specialist trades needed in Edinburgh like stonemasonry. This year 195 young people are engaged in construction pathways.
Local apprenticeships: The Granton Waterfront regeneration alone is supporting 220 apprenticeships and employability services.
The Edinburgh School Uniform Bank: With support from Council suppliers, £21,700 has been raised to roll out 20 on-site uniform banks in schools, so that young people can get the basics they need straight away and without any stigma.
Food pantry donations: Charities like Fareshare and Cyrenians have worked with suppliers to gather donations for local food banks and pantries.
Buddies for ‘New Scots’: Job support, a buddy scheme and English language teaching have been delivered thanks to 115 hours of volunteering by suppliers with The Welcoming project.
The Million Trees Project: Contractors have helped to plant new trees in contribution to Edinburgh’s Million Tree target, with contractor Anderson Strathearn planting 60 trees on the side of Arthur’s Seat to save 60 tonnes of carbon.
Community clean ups: Volunteers have worked with the Water of Leith Conservation Trust to carry out community clean ups, with CMS sending 25 volunteers to tidy waste in the Water of Leith.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “We’re using our spending power to create local job opportunities and support Edinburgh-based businesses as far as we can. This is bringing fantastic community benefits, helping us to address issues like poverty and climate change while creating good places to live.

“This latest report shows just how much progress has been made. The difference we can make when we work together with contractors and other community organisations is huge.

“I’m keen to build on this even further to keep spend local and with Living Wage suppliers, to create even more good quality jobs and local opportunities.”

John McKinney, Scottish Traditional Building Forum, said: “We have been working with the City of Edinburgh Council to coordinate community benefit activities in construction to maximise their long-term impact for the benefit of young people and businesses in the city.

“We have made significant progress in the last year with the creation and delivery of a construction pathway piloted in schools and using community benefits. We have been working on developing and delivering this programme for the last three years and are looking forward to working with the Council to roll it out across the city.”

Julia Grindley, Trustee on the Board of the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, said: “Donations facilitated by community benefits have significantly aided Edinburgh’s most disadvantaged families by supporting the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank to provide school uniforms and essentials, helping children overcome barriers to education, inclusion and participation.“

Making a Statement: Craft & Activism in Edinburgh

Exhibiton explores the intersection of traditional craft and social activism

A new colourful and vibrant exhibition bringing together historic objects and contemporary protest material to explore the recent explosion of ‘Craftivism’ in Edinburgh is now open.

Running until 26 January 2026, the exhibition will explore Craftivism – the practice of using traditional craft techniques like knitting, sewing and collage to address political, social, and cultural concerns. Over the past two decades, the movement has gained significant momentum, especially in the wake of the global pandemic.

Edinburgh has become a centre of Craftivist activity due to its position as Scotland’s capital and the home of its Parliament, as well as its strong heritage in teaching and nurturing craft skills.

The exhibition shines a light on how these humble, time-honoured practices have been repurposed as powerful forms of expression, from political protests to expressions of personal identity.

It will feature a rich variety of items from Edinburgh’s collections, including pieces from the People’s Story, Museum of Edinburgh, and the Museum of Childhood.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: Edinburgh has strong craft heritage so I’m delighted that the Museum of Edinburgh will be showcasing how the tradition of craft has evolved into a powerful form of activism.

“It’s wonderful to see historic examples of work from across our museums displayed alongside the work of talented contemporary makers. The range of creativity displayed, and the issues engaged with, shows what a vibrant city Edinburgh is.

“This exhibition is a testament to the resilience and spirit of communities who are using their craft to advocate for change, from environmental justice to mental health awareness.”

Curator Vicky Garrington said: “It’s been a fascinating experience, diving into Museums & Galleries Edinburgh’s historic collections to explore the history of crafting and protest in the Capital.

“We hope viewers will enjoy seeing objects from our collections alongside works by talented contemporary makers.

“From quiet explorations of wellbeing through lacemaking to bold knitted panels demanding climate justice, there is something for everyone on display.”

Highlights include crocheted protest banners, a Victorian scrap screen, and even a Jacobite drinking glass, each providing a unique lens through which to understand Edinburgh’s history of activism.

Alongside these historic items, the exhibition will present the work of contemporary Craftivists, with pieces that touch on topics such as politics, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and mental health.

Among the featured works are those made in collaboration with MindRoom, a charity that supports neurodiverse young people, and the City Art Centre South Asian Youth Group.

The exhibition will also host a variety of public programmes, lacemaking demonstrations, interactive workshops.

It runs from Wednesday 17 Sept 2025 until Monday 26 Jan 2026.

Museum of Edinburgh 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD

Council delivers multi-million-pound investment in buildings

Over £188 million is being invested towards improving public buildings in Edinburgh, with £20 million set aside for the next 12 months.

As part of a major programme of work being delivered over 10 years, dozens of schools, libraries, offices, museums and monuments are being brought up to a better standard, helping to improve facilities in line with the city’s climate goals.

In a report to Finance and Resources Committee today (Thursday 18 September), Councillors heard how £113.7 million has been invested since 2018, with 90% of the Council’s estate now in a good or satisfactory condition.

In the last 12 months, the Asset Management Works Programme has successfully upgraded several schools including Parson’s Green Primary, where a new air source heat pump is helping to provide a low carbon heating system, in addition to new roofing with solar panels and LED lighting.

This year, improvements are planned at a further nine schools and early years settings, including the Victorian-built Stockbridge Primary and to Tollcross Nursery, where new windows and improvements to roofing will reduce heat loss.

Notable upgrades have also taken place at the Nelson Monument and Usher Hall, where acoustically designed seating has replaced all 2,200 seats in the 111-year-old auditorium.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “This is a huge programme of work to make our schools warmer and our community spaces more welcoming.

“We have close to 600 buildings in the Council estate, some of them up to 200 years old, so it’s important that we maintain these spaces and make them fitter for the future.

“As a result of the investment we’ve made to date, facilities are in a better condition and our carbon footprint has reduced. I’m pleased that we’ve managed to bring over 90% of our estate up to a good or satisfactory standard – up from 83% in 2018 – with further significant improvements planned in the coming year.”