city council – Page 12 – The NEN

Drylaw Shopping Centre improvements to begin next month

The Council is taking forward improvements to the public realm around Drylaw shopping centre on Ferry Road and Easter Drylaw Place.

The improvements would make the area safer and more accessible for pedestrians.

AtkinsRéalis has prepared designs for improvements to the public realm. These include

widening pavements to create more pedestrian space
creating informal crossings for pedestrians to use
improving parking arrangements
replacement of the steps onto Ferry Road
adding new green space

The improvements are to the public realm only. They will not involve the shopping centre itself, which is not owned or maintained by the Council.

On 13 May 2025, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee agreed to allocate £168,102 towards the improvements. Detailed designs have been prepared by AtkinsRéalis and were consulted upon in September to October 2025. A stage 2 road safety audit has been prepared by AtkinsRéalis.

Drylaw_shopping_centre_public_realm___detailed_designs Download

In March 2026, the Council appointed Luddon Construction to carry out the works.

Works are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 5 May 2026 and complete on Wednesday 24 June 2026 (these dates may require to change).

Download the programme

To allow the works to be carried out safely, it will be necessary to temporarily close roads and restrict parking. In summary:

during the first phase (indicatively, Tuesday 5 May 2026 to Tuesday 26 May 2026), parking in the eastern area of the space to the north of the shopping centre will be restricted. The bus stop outside the shopping centre will be closed and a new temporary bus stop created to the west, outside the police station. The westbound lane of Ferry Road will be closed outside the shopping centre. The northern entrance to the shopping centre will be closed to vehicles, so vehicles accesssing the car park will need to take a short detour down Easter Drylaw View and along Easter Drylaw Place.
during the second phase (indicatively, Thursday 28 May 2026 to Thursday 18 June 2026), parking in the western area of the space to the north of the shopping centre will be restricted. The bus stop outside the shopping centre will be closed and a new temporary bus stop created to the west, outside the police station. The westbound lane of Ferry Road will be closed for a section outside the western end of the shopping centre.
during the third and final phase (indicatively, Thursday 18 June 2026 to Wednesday 24 June 2026), parking in the bays to the southeast of the shopping centre, on Easter Drylaw Place, will be restricted.

Pedestrian access to the shops will not be obstructed. Signs will be displayed to let people know that the shopping centre is open as usual. Deliveries to the rear of the shopping centre will not be affected.

Drylaw_Shopping_Centre_public_realm_improvements___Programme Download

New disc golf course opens in Edinburgh

The Hailes Quarry Park course was officially opened this week by the Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Margaret Graham.

Disc golf is played in a similar way to traditional golf, but instead of clubs and balls, players throw a flying disc towards a fixed metal basket. Each hole begins at a designated tee area, with players continuing from where their previous throw lands until they reach the target.

With more than 12,000 courses worldwide, disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Despite its popularity, the nearest course to Edinburgh was located in Dunbar and required an entry fee.

The new course is free to use and open to everyone, offering a great opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to get outdoors and try something new.

Supported by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), it has been developed and will be maintained by the newly established Edinburgh Disc Golf Community (EDGC), helping to grow the sport locally.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “It’s fantastic to see more opportunities like this being introduced at Hailes Quarry Park. Having activities that are free and open to all makes a real difference, and I hope it encourages people of all ages to come along and give disc golf a go.

“I had such a great time having a shot on the course during the launch and I’m sure this will be a valuable addition for the community.

“Supporting people to be more active is a key priority, and initiatives like this play an important role in making that happen.”

Edinburgh Disc Golf Community member, Peter Dawson, said: “It is brilliant to finally be opening Edinburgh’s first disc golf course!

“The Scottish Open was first held on the Isle of Mull in 1992 and since then disc golf courses have been popping up all around Scotland so it’s brilliant to finally be opening Edinburgh’s first course!

“The Edinburgh Disc Golf Community formed in 2023 to bring disc golf to the city so it’s very exciting to see all our plans become a reality. Hailes Quarry Park is the perfect location, and we are incredibly grateful to the local community for their warm welcome to ‘The Quarry’.

“We can’t wait to share this fast growing, free to play, inclusive sport and welcome them into the community – if you can throw a frisbee you can play Disc Golf!”

Help shape the future of the Community Grant Fund

We need your help to shape the future of the Community Grant Fund – you have until 4^th May to have your say.

You may be aware that the Community Empowerment and Engagement Team are in the process of making changes to the Community Grants Fund (CGF).

This began with an evaluation of the current funding model in 2024, then in 2025 we worked with CGF volunteers, applicants and grant experts to develop three options for a refreshed funding model for the CGF.

As we enter the next phase of the process, we’d like your views on which funding model option meets the following aims:

reduces barriers to accessing the fund
creates opportunities for wider community participation in decision-making
improves the efficiency of the fund

Your feedback will directly influence how the fund operates, making it more accessible and impactful for communities across Edinburgh. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete:

👉 Complete our survey by 4 May 2026

Please also share the link to complete the survey with anyone who lives or works in Edinburgh, who might benefit from the community grant fund.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team. Thank you for helping us create a stronger, more inclusive community grants process.

Best wishes,

The Community Empowerment and Engagement Team

Replacement shuttle bus service between Davidson’s Mains and Cramond to run from today

A shuttle bus service will run daily from Tuesday 21 April to connect Davidson’s Mains and Cramond while the 47 bus is out of service on that section of the route.

– Shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes starting from the Tesco in Davidson’s Mains.

– They will run daily from 7am – 7pm.

– They will travel on a loop between Tesco at Davidson’s Mains, along Cramond Road South, Gamekeeper’s Road, and Cramond Road North. We expect the full loop to take around 15 minutes subject to traffic.

– The buses will stop at all bus stops that are usually serviced by the 47 bus along that section of the route.

– Each bus can hold up to 16 people.

There is also a replacement bus service between Cammo and Cramond.

More information is available on our website: ww.edinburgh.gov.uk/davidsonsmains

Residents urged to register to vote in the Scottish Parliament Election before deadline TOMORROW

With the deadline for new voter registration at 11:59pm on MONDAY 20 APRIL fast approaching, the city council is reminding all eligible residents in Edinburgh to register in time.

Registering online is quick and easy, with full details on the UK Government’s website. If you have recently moved home or your details have changed you will need to register to vote again.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April, and for a proxy vote it’s 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.

Detailed advice on registering to vote, the use of postal and proxy votes and other guidance is available on the Council’s website.

Voters who are already registered will have received a poll card, which tells them where and when to vote.

Those who do not have a fixed address can still register to vote using a declaration of local connection.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “Next week marks several crucial milestones as our city prepares for polling day.

“We want everyone to be able to cast their vote and make their voice heard in this election. I’d urge anyone in Edinburgh who is eligible to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.”

Polls will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday May 7. You can find your nearest polling place on our website. The count will take place on Friday May 8.

Photography competition celebrates World Heritage Day

Photography enthusiasts are being encouraged to enter a competition running until October celebrating three decades of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 making this World Heritage Day (Saturday, 18 April) so special as the competition is part of the Site’s 30^th birthday celebrations.

This makes this weekend the perfect time to explore the Old and New Towns to capture images of one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world.

The winner of the competition, which is run by Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, and the Council, will receive a year’s membership to Historic Scotland.

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

The entries will be judged by Tom Duffin, a professional photographer who specialises in showcasing Edinburgh’s heritage; Neil Hanna, a multi-award-winning photographer with over 35 years of experience; and Jane Bradley, celebrated Arts and Culture Correspondent at the Scotsman.

This year’s World Heritage Day celebrations also include the following event:

DID JOHN BAYNE TAKE A SECRET TO HIS GRAVE?

TODAY (Saturday 18 April) as part of the Legacies in Stone project, Edinburgh World Heritage, the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Council (funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund) aim to lift the lid on a secret centuries in the making: does a broken gravestone in John Bayne’s mausoleum hide a forgotten burial vault?

By repairing a simple flat grave slab, the aim is to unlock the mystery of this unique tomb in Scotland’s most famous kirkyard.

How to join:

In person: Attend the event in Greyfriars Kirkyard, followed by expert talks at Augustine United Church.
Online: Catch 10-minute live streams at 11.00am and 11.30am on Facebook.

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “This year World Heritage Day is so special as there is much to celebrate. The 30^th birthday is a significant achievement and milestone to reach as looking after the Site with our partners takes a lot of care and has many challenges. Edinburgh is a living, breathing city and it needs to be well managed to balance the needs of our residents, businesses and visitors.

“This World Heritage Day is a great time to enter our photography competition as it’s a lovely time of year to capture the changing light, sunsets and skylines this part of our stunning capital city is so famous for.

“The beautiful spring flowers appearing in the many gardens and open spaces are also there for us all to enjoy. If you’re interested in photography, why not explore the area this weekend to capture what inspires you most about the Old and New Towns.

“You could combine your visit to find out if John Bayne took a secret to his grave by attending the event in Greyfriars Kirkyard – or if history is more your interest – just attend the event instead.”

George Findlater, Head of Community and Economic Development at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “After thirty years of being a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh continues to inspire admiration from visitors and locals alike.

“We are excited to offer a year’s membership to Historic Scotland as a prize in the photography competition, and World Heritage Day is a terrific opportunity to bring out your camera and capture what makes Edinburgh so unique across the competition categories.”

Douglas Brotherston, Chairman of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Thirty years as a World Heritage Site is quite a wonderful achievement and we are delighted at Edinburgh World Heritage, together with our partners at HES and the City of Edinburgh Council to mark the occasion by holding this photography competition.

“The unique appeal of Edinburgh’s streets and landscapes, skylines and special heritage is so varied, it lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We hope that we will get many entries from locals and visitors alike who can capture the glorious views of our spectacular city.”

The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:

Medieval Old Town
Neo-classical New Town
Gardens and open spaces
Urban planning/street layout
Topography and skyline
Public and commercial monuments
Conservation
Layering of heritage
Architectural detail
Graveyards
Juxtaposition
The Living City

Celebrating 30 years of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Planning Convener Cllr Joan Griffiths writes about birthday celebrations for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site ahead of World Heritage Day on Saturday:

It’s three decades since Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns were inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1995, recognising the city’s diverse and iconic buildings and landmarks – thirty years on and we have a lot to celebrate this World Heritage Day, Saturday 18 April.

The status recognises the Towns (collectively) as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world and helps us along with our partners, Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage, to make sure its value and beauty is preserved for generations to come.

As partners we’re tasked with preserving the organic medieval Old Town and the planned Georgian New Town including the city’s iconic skyline. The Site offers a rich contrast of styles between the Old Town’s narrow, winding closes and the broad, elegant streets of the New Town. Along with our partners we look after around 4,500 individual buildings and for around 30,000 Edinburgh residents the Site is their home.

UNESCO’s values include working with communities and young people. Celebrating this big birthday is giving us a fantastic opportunity to engage residents and visitors in activities to help them find out more about this historically important and internationally renowned area of our beautiful Capital city.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, we’re running a competition with our partners to help celebrate this milestone. We’re asking you to share an image with us before the end of October that captures what inspires you most about the World Heritage Site and makes Edinburgh so special in your eyes. There are 12 categories to choose from, ranging from the Medieval Old Town to the Living City.

Winning images in each category will become part of a year-long calendar and you will be able to buy one in our Museums and Galleries shops, at Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money to help manage the Site going forward.

For our young residents we’ve asked a class of primary four Granton Primary pupils to work with a freelance artist over the summer term. The children will visit the Museum of Edinburgh and be given a special educational tour of the World Heritage Site.

The artist will carry out a number of sessions with the pupils in their classroom guiding them to paint their impressions of what they found interesting and memorable during their trip around this historic area of our city. When complete the work will be exhibited in the Museum of Edinburgh from 5 October to 10 January for everyone to enjoy.

Why not use this week to find out more about the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site and enter any special images of the area you are proud of into our photography competition. Good luck and happy snapping!

Takeaway cup recycling made easier in Edinburgh

Recycling takeaway cups in Edinburgh is now easier thanks to a collaborative scheme Keep Scotland Beautiful has launched with the National Cup Recycling Scheme and City of Edinburgh Council.

Dedicated cup bins will be deployed on Market Street, Waverley Bridge and outside Haymarket Station to collect single-use cups in a new trial to test the effectiveness of on-street cup recycling and see if it is possible to boost the number of cups being recycled in Scotland – currently 4% – and prevent them from ending up as litter or in landfill.

Furthermore, the partners have teamed up with retailers including Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero, Greggs and McDonald’s to launch Take It Back in Edinburgh.

This is the first time our Cup Movement campaign has taken place in Edinburgh and will build on the previous success and learnings of trials in Glasgow and Dundee.

More than 30 stores in Edinburgh are participating in Take It Back, allowing customers to take a single-use cup back to any of the above retailers to be recycled.

Heather McLaughlin, Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Campaigns Manager, said: “Single-use cups make up a huge percentage of the items polluting Scotland’s environment.

“More than half of people in Scotland (59%) often see littered single-use cups. In Edinburgh alone a recent bin audit of on-street bins outside Waverley Station found that single-use cups made up 59% of the drinks waste.

“The reality is that these single-use products are already ending up as litter. We need to address our over consumption of single-use products and make an effort to choose reusable options.

“However, we know that reuse is not always possible or practical. This scheme will make it easier for people who use single-use cups to ensure they are recycled properly.”

Hannah Osman, National Cup Recycling Manager at Valpak Ltd, said: “Transport hubs are some of the highest footfall locations in Scotland, and we know from our data that a significant volume of single-use cups are consumed on the go.

“By targeting key commuter routes, this trial allows us to test how dedicated infrastructure in the right locations can capture more material and significantly increase recycling rates.

“Through this partnership, we’re using real-time data and evidence from previous trials to understand what works, measure contamination levels, track capture rates, and build a scalable model for on-street cup recycling.

“The goal is simple: make cup recycling visible, convenient and data-driven so it can be rolled out effectively across other cities in Scotland and beyond.”

Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, City of Edinburgh Council’s Environment Convener, said: “Increasing recycling rates in the city is one of our key priorities.

“It’s important we support targeted projects like this to make it easier for people to dispose of takeaway cups, which have become so popular in recent years and the prominent locations of these three new dedicated bins will hopefully do that.

“I’d also always encourage residents and visitors buying a regular cuppa to wherever possible take their own cup into takeaway stores to cut down on the need to use the disposable ones at all.”

Typical single-use hot drink cups cannot go into standard recycling bins or be recycled at home. To avoid cups ending up in landfill, it is really important to #TakeItBack. So, even if you forget your reusable cup, you can still help reduce the negative environmental impact of single-use cups if you #TakeItBack.

Find the participating Edinburgh stores on our interactive map.

Read more on our website and remember to #TakeItBack next time you’re in Edinburgh: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/…/takeaway-cup…/

Councillors respond to Cramond public transport concerns

SHUTTLE BUS SOLUTION TO D MAINS ROUNDABOUT CLOSURE

Important update on 47 bus diversion

We wrote to you yesterday about Lothian Buses’ decision to divert the 47 bus service during the 9 week duration of the roadworks at the Davidson’s Mains roundabout.

The consequence of the change, due to start from Monday, is that the 47 will run along Queensferry Road to the terminus at Cammo without serving Cramond Road South and Whitehouse Road.

As we explained yesterday, it was completely unacceptable to us for Cramond to be left without a key bus link for so long.

We want to thank the literally hundreds of our constituents who have emailed us about this. Please accept our apologies for the fact we’ve not been able to reply to everyone.

We hope you’ll understand our focus over the last 24 hours has been in finding a solution for our constituents who rely on the 47. As councillors, we felt our job was to keep up the pressure on both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Council officers to get action.

Our strong preference was for Lothian to simply route the 47 right at the Barnton junction and into Whitehouse Road for a loop around Cramond. This would replicate the old route of the service. We pressed Lothian to consider this.

However, Lothian have refused to adopt this temporary route because of their concerns over the impact it could have on the timings of the service as a whole.

Nevertheless, we have now managed to secure an important new alternative service which we hope will help –

We’ve had it confirmed tonight that that a free to use shuttle bus will be available for Cramond residents. This will operate between Cramond and Cammo. People can then connect to the 47 bus for journeys along Queensferry Road and onward.

This will be up and running by the middle of next week – ahead of the schools returning from their Easter break. We will share more specific details of when we have them.

We know this shuttle service is far from ideal – however, it will mean people can still get public transport to connect to the 47 bus service when they need it.

We also want to make sure the work in Davidson’s Mains is completed as quickly as possible so things return to normal just as soon as they can.

We will of course keep you informed as we get more information.

With best wishes,

Cllr Kevin Lang

Cllr Louise Young

Cllr Lewis Younie

Lib Dem councillors for Cramond and Barnton

Disruption warning as D Mains roundabout to close on Monday

Davidson’s Mains roundabout closed from Monday (13 April) for work to improve road safety. There will be no access for vehicles from Cramond Road South, Main Street or Quality Street.

This will affect Lothian Bus services 47 and 21.

Find out more about bus diversions: www.lothianbuses.com/service-updates

The city council is working hard to limit disruption and working closely with Lothian Buses to put alternative plans in place for Cramond residents from next week.

More information www.edinburgh.gov.uk/davidsonsmains