Tag: city council

Edinburgh’s community groups welcome emergency council support for the third sector

Local organisations have welcomed moves to provide greater support to the third sector in Edinburgh.

Following the launch of emergency funding and an extensive review of how the city works with not-for-profit groups to prevent poverty, Councillors heard how moves to bring stability to the sector are being well received.

Over £3 million has been injected by the Council towards at risk groups this year, with an extra £284,192 in Third Sector Resilience Funding agreed by elected members at a full Council meeting last week (Thursday 28 August).

The one-off emergency support has been provided to third sector organisations in Edinburgh who are working to end poverty in the city but who have been faced with growing financial challenges.

The final phase of this funding will help small and medium-sized charities this winter, with 31 organisations agreed to receive up to £10,000 each towards running costs.

With the Council moving towards greater partnership working to prevent poverty, extensive engagement on third sector support has also taken place – including a 14-week consultation to gather experiences and concerns of organisations in Edinburgh.

Involving over 239 workers from at least 100 organisations, this engagement will shape future opportunities to better collaborate and support the third sector, with the aim of helping the city’s most vulnerable and preventing inequality.

In deputations presented to members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee last week (Tuesday 19 August), work was welcomed by groups including Edinburgh Community Food, NESSie (North Edinburgh Support Services consortium), Feniks and the Cyrenians. Feedback has been strongly positive, recognising the speed and efficiency of the support the Council has provided.

Benjamin Napier,(above, left) speaking on behalf of the Third Sector Reference Group, said: “I’d like to give my thanks to Council officers for their excellent role working very effectively with the third sector to make sure funding gets out quickly.

“There has been a diligent approach to how we work together and the key now is to look at the next stages of funding.”

Ewan Aitken, CEO of Cyrenians, said: ““It’s good to see a problem turned into an opportunity by the Council.

“We have strong communities and we need to be prevention-led. We need reform and a long-term approach to supporting charities in the city.

“I hope the Council can be bold, take risks and focus on anchor organisations to make this good work transformative.”

Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “The £3 million we’ve provided in emergency funding has been vital at a time when the cost of living is high. This final allocation of funding will support even more projects, from advice for young parents to help with clothes and funeral costs.

“Edinburgh’s third sector sits at the heart of our work to tackle poverty, but it is an incredibly difficult time for community groups in Scotland. The engagement we’ve now carried out reveals many organisations are in a precarious position as they experience changes to funding and face greater demand for their services.

“It has never been more important to reset the relationship between the public and third sectors and I’m proud of the work we’ve carried out to truly listen to and learn from those involved, so that we can work to get it right.

“We need to improve how we work together to prevent poverty in our city, and I’m grateful to the hundreds of third sector workers who have spoken to us.”

Edinburgh joins Eurocities call to action for sustainable and inclusive future

The city council will join over 40 European cities in signing the Eurocities Call to Action on Sustainable Culture, reaffirming commitment to environmentally responsible and inclusive cultural development.

Led by the city of Lille in partnership with Eurocities, a network of over 200 major cities across Europe, the call to action urges cities to use culture as a catalyst for environmental and social change and to commit to the development of local cultural policies and events that prioritise sustainability and inclusivity. 

The pledge reinforces the Council’s commitment to sustainability and equity in culture, already embedded in both the Event Strategy and City Wide Culture Strategy, both of which prioritise sustainability and local cultural provision.

The 16 priorities and principles outlined in the Call are already being addressed in Edinburgh by Council or grant funded organisations. 

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Culture is at the heart of what makes Edinburgh unique and we have the responsibility to make sure it thrives in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive.

“Culture has the power to inspire action and connect communities. By signing the call we’re making a clear commitment to a more sustainable and inclusive cultural future in Edinburgh.”

The Lord Provost or a Senior Councillor will sign the Call to Action and it will be presented to the next Eurocities Culture Forum, due to be held in Brno, Czech Republic next month (September 2025).

A ‘Motion For The Ocean’

SCOTLAND’S CAPITAL DECLARES URGENT NEED FOR OCEAN RECOVERY

In recognition of its coasts, canals, lochs and estuaries, Edinburgh has become the first Council in Scotland to adopt a ‘Motion for the Ocean’.

Launched by a group of ocean experts, the formal declaration commits local authorities to promote and prioritise ocean recovery during the United Nations’ Decade of the Ocean.

With waterways at the heart of Edinburgh’s environment, economy and community enjoyment, the pledge was taken by councillors on Thursday (28 August) following a motion from Councillor Conor Savage.

It will build on existing partnership working to consider improvements to water quality, sustainability and marine education – including the opportunity for all Edinburgh primary school pupils to experience the ocean first hand.

Following the decision, the Council Leader will write to the First Minister asking the Scottish Government to consider national protection of coastal communities, while officers will look at how ocean recovery can be achieved under the Council’s existing action plans and strategies, which include the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan, Water Vision and Biodiversity Action Plan.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “As a coastal city, we all need to take care of the fantastic waterways that surround us.

“This includes the Water of Leith which runs the breadth of Edinburgh, and the popular and well visited Firth of Forth which is home to a huge diversity of marine species and is one of the best places in Scotland to see passing dolphins.

“It is important that we play our part in protecting the waterways in and around our city. This new commitment supports not only our net zero target and the fight against climate change but the United Nation’s vision to address issues facing the ocean, so we can continue to protect and preserve our rivers and coasts for future generations.”

Come and have your say about Drylaw Shopping Centre

DRYLAW SHOPPING CENTRE STREETSCAPE CONSULTATION

THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER from 4 – 7pm or respond ONLINE

We are progressing designs for improvements to the area surrounding the Drylaw Shopping Centre.

The proposals aim to address existing issues within the shopping centre, such as; sustainability, accessibility, car parking, vehicular movement, aesthetic appeal, sight lines and safety.

The Drylaw Shopping Centre forms part of the wider Drylaw and Telford Masterplan one of the 13 proposed improvement projects that aim to reimagine local streets and public spaces, making them healthier, more accessible, and nature-positive – while also tackling surface water and flooding challenges in the area.

To help refine the concept designs, we will be conducting a drop-in community and business engagement session at the Shopping Centre on the below date.

Please feel free to visit to give your views on the designs:

📍 Location: Next to Farmfoods at Drylaw Shopping Centre, 661 Ferry Road
📅 Date: Thursday 4th September 2025
🕚 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Consultation Hub Online Survey:

In addition to the in person engagement, a survey for the project is now live on The City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub and will run until 8th October 2025.

Please find a link to the survey here and to find out more: 

https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/drylaw-consultation/

New disc golf course approved for Hailes Quarry Park

DISC Golf, a new free golf attraction, has been approved for installation at Hailes Quarry Park.

Disc golf is a fun and fast-growing sport where players throw a frisbee-like disc towards a target, following rules similar to traditional golf. Players complete a hole by throwing their disc from a tee area towards a target, throwing again from where the previous throw landed. The target is a metal basket that is fixed into the ground. Lowest number of throws wins.

Installed and maintained by the Edinburgh Disc Golf Community (EDGC), the course at Hailes Quarry Park will be open to all and free to access.

The disc golf course will remain fully open to the public, with no fenced or restricted areas. Players will be expected to wait until the space is clear before taking a shot.

Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport with over 12,000 courses worldwide. Until last week’s approval from councillors the nearest course to the capital was in Dunbar.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Margaret Graham, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer more activities at Hailes Quarry Park and the fact that they are free and accessible to everyone makes them an excellent resource for the community. And I hope more people give the sport a try.

“A priority for the Council is to provide more opportunities for people to get active and encourage greater participation in sports as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“The new course will help us to achieve this and will be a real asset for local people of all ages.”

Peter Dawson, EDGC Founding Director, said: “Everyone connected with the Edinburgh Disc Golf Community are thrilled to be able to install the capitals first ever free to play disc golf course.

“This project has been years in the making and to finally have our own permanent free to play course is a huge step forwards for Scottish Disc Golf.

“We can’t wait to share this growing sport with the local community and get frisbees flying in the Hailes Quarry Park.”

Tram Extension consultation opens

CITY COUNCIL SEEKS VIEWS ON TRAM EXTENSION PLANS

A ‘major public consultation’ on the future development of Edinburgh’s tram network opened yesterday (25 August) and will run for 12 weeks.

The Council are seeking the public’s views on the proposed new tram routes from Granton in the north of the city to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the south.

A detailed business case was developed to extend the existing route from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, which was successfully completed in 2023 and now carries over a million passengers a month.

This consultation will inform the development of a Strategic Business Case (SBC) for the expansion, which will then be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.

The proposed new route can be broken down into three main sections:

GRANTON TO THE CITY CENTRE:

From Granton to Ferry Road / Crewe Toll there is a single route. From Ferry Road / Crewe Toll to the following section, two alternative route options are being considered: the Orchard Brae corridor or the Roseburn Path.

For Orchard Brae, the route would head to the west end of Princes Street along Orchard Brae, Queensferry Road (via the Dean Bridge) and Queensferry Street.  

It is estimated that this option would cost between £650m – £850m and is forecast to carry around 3.75m passengers per annum by 2042.

For Roseburn Path, the route connects to the existing line west of Haymarket via an old railway line which winds from Ferry Road/Crewe Toll before reaching Craigleith and heading towards the west end and city centre.

This option is estimated to cost between £350m-£480m and is forecast to carry around 4.25m passengers per annum by 2042.

In February 2024, the Roseburn Path was initially identified as the preferred route, however Transport and Environment Committee instructed that the consultation should present objectively the pros and cons of both the Roseburn and Orchard Brae routes.

It also examines the potential to install high quality walking, wheeling and cycling alongside the tramline on the Roseburn Path, and look at the potential to protect and enhance the local ecological network.

The entire route is forecast to cost between £2bn-2.9bn, depending on the final options selected, and carry around 38m passengers by 2042.

CITY CENTRE TO BIOQUARTER & ROYAL INFIRMARY

The proposed route would begin at Princes Street on the existing tram infrastructure, allowing bus and rail interchange in the heart of the city centre.

The route would then cross the North Bridge, and run through Nicolson Street, Newington and on to Cameron Toll, then west towards the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

POTENTIAL EXTENSIONS TO MIDLOTHIAN and EAST LOTHIAN

The city council is working closely with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils and SEStran, the regional transport partnership, regarding potential future mass transit connections beyond the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.

This includes exploring a ‘tram-train’ (a light rail vehicle than can operate on tram and rail tracks) concept with Network Rail on the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR).

Other potential options include connections with Musselburgh Railway station and Queen Margaret University (QMU) in East Lothian and to Shawfair with interchange opportunities into Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi award-winning tram service.

“We need to prepare for the future. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next 20 years. Whilst this shift is a true sign of our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and crucially on the city’s transport infrastructure on which we all rely.

“Managing this growth also means tackling the climate, nature and housing emergencies. To meet these significant challenges, we need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this.

“Edinburgh Trams already offers a reliable and fast service, allowing residents and visitors to move around sustainably and efficiently, and with some of the cheapest fares in the country. The broader benefits of cleaner air and emphasis on active travel surrounding the network are equally as important.

“Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all. From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.

“The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come.

“I’d encourage everyone to engage with this consultation and help to shape the next chapter in the history of Edinburgh’s transport.”

The full details of all the sections mentioned above can be found in the consultation papers.

Residents can give their views until 17 November online on the Consultation Hub or at in person drop-in sessions. Details of these sessions are also on our Consultation Hub.

The next step, should members agree on the SBC, would be to move to the next stage of development, as set out by Transport Scotland, which is the OBC.  

DROP-IN SESSIONS

No drop-in currently planned for Drylaw? – Ed.

Trams___3D_plans_3_Drylaw_ParkDownload

Edinburgh marks UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

This weekend, Edinburgh joined cities around the world in marking the UNESCO International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This annual event on 23 August provides an important opportunity to reflect on the historical roots, practices and lasting consequences of slavery.

In honour of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, a special remembrance concert took place at St Cecilia’s Hall on Friday (22 August).

Hosted by the Edinburgh Slavery & Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group and supported by Historic Environment Scotland, the performance featured live music, dance and spoken word from diverse local artists. 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “This day is not only about remembrance, but also responsibility. By acknowledging Edinburgh’s links to slavery and colonialism, we honour the memory of those who suffered and reaffirm our commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive city for the future.

“I’m grateful to the members of the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group who continue to take forward the recommendations that were made to Council.

“These address the Capital’s historical links to slavery and colonialism and how they should be remembered in today’s Edinburgh. By reflecting on the Capital’s colonial links, we can better recognise its enduring legacy in our city and pay tribute to those who fought for its abolition.”

Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “Today we pause to reflect on how our shared past continues to shape the present and the future.

“The history of slavery carved deep scars. Its echoes resound in divisions, in the barriers, in the racism we encounter still. To acknowledge this legacy with honesty, is the first step to more just and united society.

“Marking this day is not about reopening old wounds. It opens our eyes. It teaches us to remember. We do so to ensure that the injustices of the past are never repeated, and that our communities, our institutions, and our workplaces stand firmly against discrimination in all its forms.

“Our commitment is clear: to speak when silence would excuse wrong, to challenge what is unjust, to support what is fair, to listen with respect, and to continue learning from one another.

“When racism appears, we will not look away. We will answer it with fairness, with courage, and with solidarity for those most affected.

“Remembrance is not a single day. It is a living promise to uphold dignity, equality, and respect. That is what ‘never again’ means.”

Ranald MacInnes, Head of Outreach and Learning at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “This event is an important moment for reflection and connection. At HES, we are committed to working with communities to expand our knowledge and explore the legacy of empire.

“Understanding our shared past is an important part in addressing inequality and helps to ensure our heritage tells diverse and inclusive stories that belong to everyone.”

International Day for Remembrance of Slave Trade: ‘Time to abolish exploitation once and for all’

Victims of atrocities and freedom fighters across history can inspire future generations to build just societies,the chief of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said on the occasion of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, commemorated annually on 23 August.

“It is time to abolish human exploitation once and for all and to recognise the equal and unconditional dignity of each and every individual,” Ms. Azoulay said.

The Day is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples.

‘The fight is not over’

Echoing the goals of UNESCO’s intercultural project The Routes of Enslaved Peoples, it should offer an opportunity for collective consideration of the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of this tragedy and for an analysis of the interactions to which it has given rise between Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, said the UN agency, which leads the annual commemoration.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said that while the Day honours the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, “the fight is not over.”

“Modern slavery persists,” she stated. “Let’s confront injustice, past and present and uphold the dignity and rights of every person.”

For its part, the UN works towards these goals, including through its Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery, established in 2007.

Uprising led to abolition

On the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, in then Saint Domingue, now Haiti, saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Against this background, the International Day is commemorated around the world. It was first celebrated in a number of countries, including in 1998 in Haiti and in 1999 on Gorée Island in Senegal, where millions of enslaved people had been forced onto ships to cross the ocean.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1959241211702829218

“Today, let us remember the victims and freedom fighters of the past so that they may inspire future generations to build just societies,” UNESCO’s Ms. Azoulay said.

Trial cycle hire scheme for Edinburgh launched

Edinburgh’s new trial cycle hire scheme, delivered by Voi, has been launched.

The public will be able to use the city’s new scheme of dockless e-bikes from Wednesday 3 September via the Voi app. A guide to using the scheme is available on their website.

A typical 20-minute journey on the e-bike will cost £2.20. There are a range of discounts and concessions for many groups including those on low incomes, people with disabilities, those over the age of 60, blue light workers, veterans, students, apprentices and many more.

In addition to pay as you go fares, Voi also offer day passes and multi day passes.

Full details on fares, concessions and promotions are available on Voi’s website.

There will be an initial tranche of around 50 e-bikes in the city centre. Alongside Voi, we’ll then gather rider feedback and monitor initial performance. This will then be used to expand across the city over the coming months, with a target of approximately 800 e-bikes for the full scheme.

The contract between Voi and the Council runs from 22 August 2025 for a period of two years with the option to extend for up to a further 18 months undertaken at the sole discretion of the Council.

The contract will also run at no cost to the Council.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve returned a cycle hire scheme to Edinburgh. Voi is a highly experienced operator, with many successful schemes across the UK and abroad, and I’m looking forward to working with them in this exciting new chapter for our city.

“The new scheme will allow everyone to be able to move around our city in a healthier and more sustainable way. We’re also ensuring that the scheme is accessible for all our residents and visitors, with a wide range of concessionary and discount fares available.

“We know that the demand and appetite for cycling is already strong, and getting stronger, here in Edinburgh. Just last week we saw the record for daily cycle journeys on Leith Walk being broken with 2,147 at the Picardy Place counter. 

“Meanwhile, our other major active travel routes such as the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) and Roseburn to Union Canal have also seen increasing patronage since opening.

“The scheme will complement our existing active travel and transport infrastructure and enhance connectivity, while also cutting congestion and reducing emissions. I look forward to seeing the benefits the scheme will bring to the city and our residents.”

James Bolton, Voi’s UK General Manager said: “We’re excited to set up in Scotland, starting in the historic capital.

“We are working closely with the council to make an affordable scheme that is sensitive to, and learns lessons from, the previous scheme and our experience in similar cities like Oxford, Dortmund, and Regensburg.

“At Voi we see massive amounts of untapped potential in Scotland, where people are really looking for affordable, quick and convenient ways to get around.”

Edinburgh’s mixed tenure service ‘is transforming lives’

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron writes about the improvements the city council is making to blocks in Edinburgh:

Across Edinburgh, hundreds of residents are seeing improvements to their homes and neighbourhoods, thanks to the Council’s Mixed Tenure Improvement Service (MTIS).

Launched in Wester Hailes in 2021, the initiative tackles the long-standing challenge of maintaining mixed-tenure buildings – where some homes are owned by the council and some by private owners. Many of these blocks need significant investment to common areas due to age, lack of formal factoring arrangements and regular maintenance of shared parts of the blocks.

In Magdalene, Bingham and The Christians, work has been underway since summer 2024, with many homes are now nearing completion. Entrances are brighter and more secure, paths are safer and more accessible, and anti-social behaviour has been reduced by creating more welcoming, well-kept communities.

These works are complex and necessary, and I am pleased that they are delivering positive and visible results.

Together with councillor colleagues I recently visited the area to see first hand the scale and quality of the work taking place. We visited original blocks, some mid-refurbishment and some nearing completion. What stood out to me is how much the work has had an immediate effect, not only on how buildings look and function, but also on how people feel about where they live.

Residents have told us how much they value the work being done and it’s encouraging to hear from residents the sense of community and pride these improvements are helping to support and flourish.

That is why the MTIS is such an important and valued part of the city’s wider housing strategy, by allowing us to tackle long-standing maintenance issues in a way which benefits all parties. Private owners are supported through the process, and council tenants and residents benefit from living in buildings that are properly looked after.

Of course, this work isn’t without its challenges. Co-ordinating works among different owners takes time, patience and care but the results we are seeing now clearly demonstrate the success of the service and more importantly, that residents value it.

As the programme continues to roll out across the city, we shall keep listening to residents, working with owners, and making sure these improvements deliver lasting value.

Everyone deserves a home that is safe, warm, and well-maintained. Through this service, we are making that a reality and I look forward to seeing such progress continue.

New Fireworks Control Zones to be introduced in Edinburgh

Nine Fireworks Control Zones (FCZ) will be introduced in Edinburgh this year to minimise the negative impacts of fireworks around Bonfire Night.

FCZs, which ban the use of fireworks in a specific area, were first implemented in Edinburgh last year and covered Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield.

On Thursday, members of the Culture and Communities Committee voted to reintroduce FCZs in these areas for two years, in addition to FCZs in Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill between 31 October and 9 November 2025.

In March people were invited to apply for their local area to become an FCZ resulting in proposals for Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill. A subsequent public consultation on FCZs for these areas, alongside Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield, found overwhelming support for their introduction.

Amongst the reasons community groups stated in their applications for FCZs were the misuse of fireworks and the protection of animals and vulnerable people.

Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Margaret Graham said: ““We want everyone to be able to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and these FCZs are part of our efforts to ensure that.

“The new FCZs being introduced are based on community requests and respond to real concerns around the safety of people and animals in these areas. This is in addition to the FCZs first introduced last year, which we found had a really positive effect.

“This is just one tool for minimising the negative impact of fireworks at this time of year, and we’ll continue to work closely with partners to look at different ways of addressing the issue.”

It is intended that FCZs will align with any Dispersal Zones planned by Police Scotland around Bonfire Night.

They will also support work to tackle antisocial behaviour with partners like Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as part of the Citywide Bonfire Strategic Planning Community Improvement Partnership (CIP).

This includes patrols of fly-tipping hotspots, co-ordination of CCTV cameras, visits to premises licensed to sell fireworks to conduct safety checks and youth engagement initiatives.

Find out more about FCZs in Edinburgh online.