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:
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.”
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)
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:
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.”
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.”
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
Past Shelves: Histories of Queer Reading, now open at the Museum of Edinburgh, brings together interviews, books, magazines, and artefacts to examine how LGBTQ+ lives have been shaped by reading.
A collaboration between the City of Edinburgh Council and Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive, the exhibition celebrates the vital role that queer bookshops have played in Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community.
Visitors can listen to interviews reflecting on the groundbreaking 1980s and 1990s LGBTQ+ bookshops Lavender Menace and West & Wilde and discover how these spaces became hubs for sharing information on everything from health issues to activism.
The exhibition features a rich array of content, including the original West & Wilde bookshop sign, ACT UP health awareness materials, slogan t-shirts, and posters. Visitors can also browse a wide selection of LGBTQ+ books while learning more about key genres in queer publishing and the ways in which these texts fostered connection, visibility, and pride.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Past Shelves highlights an important part of Edinburgh’s recent history and the role that local bookshops played in supporting the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s great to see these stories and collections brought together in a way that recognises their significance and makes them accessible to a wide audience.
“I’d encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and discover this powerful chapter of our shared history for themselves.”
Curator Vicky Garrington, Museum of Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Lavender Menace archive.
“They do so much to preserve LGBTQ+ history as well as support today’s community. Their team have selected objects from our collections and given them fresh context, highlighting just how significant our LGBTQ+ collections are.
“More than anything, this exhibition explores the power of books and reading to bring people together, despite the challenges they may be experiencing in society.”
Curator Anna Broomfield, Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive, said: “We are so excited to celebrate the legacy of Lavender Menace and West & Wilde bookshops, the history of LGBTQ+ publishing, and the profound impact this had on Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community.
“Our interviewees have generously shared their stories with us, and we are delighted to combine these stories with a treasure trove of material from both the City of Edinburgh Council and the Lavender Menace Archive.”
The exhibition, which is free to enter, is open until Sunday 3 May 2026. More information is available on the Culture Edinburgh website.
The capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for this year opening today (Monday 9 March).
Now in its 20th year, the Edinburgh Award continues to recognise exceptional individuals whose achievements have not only brought distinction to the city but have helped shape Edinburgh’s future as a global capital of ideas, culture, innovation and compassion.
Since its inception in 2007, the Award has honoured individuals whose work has left a lasting legacy. From acclaimed artists and pioneering scientists to sporting heroes and social changemakers, each recipient has helped put Edinburgh on the national and international map. Their handprints are permanently cast into the flagstones outside the City Chambers, a lasting tribute at the heart of the capital.
In 2025, the Edinburgh Award was presented to Ali Bowden, the first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature who, whilst in her role, created a diverse and engaging range of projects and programmes to enhance our literary city and played a key role in connecting Edinburgh with other literary cities around the world.
Edinburgh has four weeks to nominate for the 2026 award, before a recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge has urged individuals and businesses to nominate: “The Edinburgh Award gives us a chance to honour the individuals whose work and achievements continue to make Edinburgh the extraordinary city we all know and love.
“I am continually inspired by the way Edinburgh’s people support one another, and this award reflects that community spirit.
“As we mark the 20th Edinburgh Award this is an opportunity to not only reflect on the outstanding individuals who have shaped our past but also to recognise those whose work is influencing our future.
“I encourage everyone to consider who inspires them, who goes above and beyond to make Edinburgh stronger, fairer, more innovative and has made a difference to our city and please submit a nomination.”
Nominations open today Monday 9 March and close at 12 noon on Friday 10 April 2026.
To find out more and submit nomination please visit our website.
UNION CALLS FOR FAIR FUNDING NOW
Thursday 26 February was Budget Day for the City of Edinburgh Council. The current Labour administration put their spending plans for 26/27 up for scrutiny and we, along with other unions and organisations, were at the City Chambers to let them know out thoughts.
The day started with a small demonstration outside the City Chambers, demanding Fair Funding for Local Authorities. Unite, the Union’s most recent national campaign is calling on the UK government down in Westminster to properly fund local authorities after years of austerity.
We were told this Labour government was bringing change – instead, local services keep getting starved of funds and people are losing faith in the public sector.
Once inside, we listened and echo the excellent deputations from Living Rent and the Edinburgh Tenant’s Federation about the need for more support for tenants across town and for proper enforcement to hold rogue landlords accountable.
The Welcoming Association also spoke, giving a strong testimony about the important work they do to integrate and welcome “new scots”, requesting core funding from the Council in order to be able to consistently deliver for the communities they support.
The EIS highlighted the need for further investment after years of cuts but, nevertheless, welcomed the money set aside for more staff and infrastructure for a more robust ASN support.
The Edinburgh Trade Union Council mentioned this year they would be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their first deputation to the CEC where they also addressed the topic of Housing.
Claire and Des spoke of the impact the housing emergency is having on Edinburgh’s families and how this is becoming increasingly visible in children in our schools.
Our deputation echoed some of the points raised by the other speakers and focused on three areas – Housing, Education, and Worker’s Pay.
While recognising the considerable investment in Housing which will double the amount of homes delivered by the Council in the next 10 years, we stressed this is simply not enough. By the Council’s own assessment, this only amounts to between 1/5 and 1/6 of what is needed. Additionally, although they claim this investment is in affordable housing, it includes mid-market accommodation which are exempt form future rent controls and is still well-above most worker’s budget.
Still, we hope this investment leads to more good council jobs and apprenticeships and that the Labour group will keep to their “insourcing” agenda and draws from the wealth of knowledge, skill, and expertise we have in our Housing Property team, rather than outsourcing these projects to non-living wage paying businesses. It’s essential to build an experienced and reliable workforce with good employment conditions to restore the tenant’s and residents faith in the public service across the city’s estate.
The Council proudly announced the narrowing of the attainment gap with more pupils from deprived backgrounds achieving more qualifications at all levels which an extremely positive development – but let’s not rest on our laurels. Schools in our Edinburgh have become the front line of a social emergency. Teachers who are already under immense pressure are now tasked with supporting pupils facing increasingly complex challenges as a result of high poverty rates in this city. The high standard of council schools is sustained due to the essential and immeasurable contributions and hard-work from some of the lowest paid workers in the whole local authority – Pupil Support Assistants and other School Support workers.
The recent review into School Support failed to address the gap between what is written on a PSA’s job description and what really goes on a daily basis in our schools. Our School Support colleagues work beyond their remits every day to meet the needs of the young people they support because they care deeply about helping them. There is a real need for a proper career progression, non-contact time included in the daily schedule, fair pay, and more protection and training to help deal with the increasing demand and scope of behaviours displayed by pupils in both mainstream and special schools.
Simply deploying more low paid staff does not solve the underlying crisis schools face regarding the complexity of need we are currently witnessing. Instead, it puts workers in situations with a higher level of unpredictability and risk. We sincerely hope the proposed investment translates into a measurable decrease in the amount of violence support workers face on a daily basis – because you cannot bridge an attainment gap while the staff expected to close it are pushed to breaking point.
We are proud to work for the people of Edinburgh and for this Council and, therefore, expect our employer to value and protect us. Instead, this administration is presenting a pay cut on its own workers and asking them, in their own words, to “continually deliver more with less resources”.
In April, every council worker will see their pay go up by 3.0% – the second part of a 2-year deal negotiated by the unions with COSLA. This budget will increase council tax by 4% and council tenants will see their rents go up by 7%. If the payslips of the people of Edinburgh cannot keep up with the rising cost of living exacerbated in part by this council tax hike, the Council cannot act surprised when more people turn to the local government for support. This regressive mode of taxation is being raised of the backs of ordinary people and some of the most vulnerable among us, instead of high earners living in Council Tax Bands E and above.
When the local authority fails to deliver for the public, it’s the public-facing council employees are the ones who pay the price – be it Library, School Support, Waste & Cleansing, Justice, Homecare, or Housing workers – we are the ones facing the consequences of the decisions made in these chambers.
Every Councillor got a QR code for our campaign big enough to hang it proudly in their offices.
Finally, we are fully aware that some of the shortcomings of this budget are due to insufficient funding from the Scottish and Westminster governments, which is why we challenged all the Councillors present to subscribe to Unite’s Fair Funding for Local Government and to send a message to their MP down in London.
We left every Councillor in the chamber a big enough QR code so they can proudly display it in their offices You can also sign the petition here and send a postcard for free to your MP here.
Many more aspects of this budget could have been raised but João and Étáin used the limited time they had to speak on the topics that were most relevant to them.
We will keep tabs on this Council to see through promises made in this budget and, in the meantime, we will continue to support our members and fight for a fairer more equal Edinburgh.
A man has been arrested in connection with a disturbance in the Calder Gardens area, which happened around 8.25am this morning (Monday, 2 March).
Police, including firearms officers, attended after we received reports of a man with a bladed weapon.
The incident is not being treated as terror related.
Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to non life threatening injuries. A man suffered injuries consistent with being stabbed. A woman suffered a laceration to the head, not believed to be caused by a bladed weapon.
Enquiries are ongoing and officers will remain in the area.
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy said: “I’d like to thank the public for their assistance and patience while we dealt with this incident.
“I understand what happened was alarming for the local community and I want to reassure the public there is no ongoing wider risk. However, if you do have concerns please speak to the officers at the scene or call us on 101.”
Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, has paid tribute to the response of emergency services and council staff.
Following an arrest made in connection with the incident in the west of the city earlier today (2 March), Councillor Meagher said: “I was deeply shocked to hear about this morning’s horrific incident in the west of the city.
“I want to pay tribute to council colleagues, Police Scotland and other emergency services for their quick response and to wish the two people who were injured a speedy recovery. This must have been particularly traumatic for them and for those who witnessed the attacks. My thoughts are with them all.
“It’s important to echo the Police’s statement that this was an isolated incident, and the suspect is now in custody. I would urge people not to speculate or share unverified information on social media.
“I fully understand the concern this will cause within the community, and we have contacted local residents’ and other groups to offer our support. This will continue for as long as it’s needed.
“Moments like this remind us of the need to stand together – and of the importance of community spirit and tolerance. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, at work, on their street and in their neighbourhood.
“Edinburgh is a proud, welcoming and diverse city. Our biggest strength lies in those who live here – people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds – and we all have a part to play in making sure it stays that way.”
Anyone with information or concerns should contact the Police on 101.
