Do you have a child experiencing challenges in accessing education?
The Education Wellbeing Service have a new Parent Drop-In meeting at Drumbrae Library Hub on the last Tuesday of the month starting from 28th October from 1:30pm-3pm.
Come along for advice and support
The city council is investing millions to improve Queensferry High Street and the town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.
The first phase of work began yesterday (October 7) from Seals Craig to Hawes Car Park and will run for 8-10 weeks. This will focus on re-surfacing and pavement widening, with minimal traffic management and no reduction in parking throughout this period.
Following a pause during the festive period, the second phase is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and will last for around one year.
This phase will create a new road layout, widen pavements, introduce new disabled, electric vehicle and car club parking, resurface the High Street, narrow Newhalls Road and improve public spaces throughout the area.
There will also be a new westbound segregated cycleway from the Hawes Car Park into the High Street along with a contraflow cycle lane on Edinburgh Road.
More information on the project and wider investment in Queensferry is available on the city council’s website.
Transport and Enviornment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this important stage in the transformation of Queensferry High Street, the town centre, and the wider community.
“This ambitious public realm regeneration will create a safer, more accessible, and vibrant environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
“Our plans bring high level improvements to the area all whilst preserving and refurbishing elements of Queensferry’s unique historical character. Throughout the planning and development process, we’ve engaged extensively with local residents, businesses and the broader community to ensure their views and needs have been considered.
“This project will secure and revitalise Queensferry High Street’s prosperity for generations to come and I’m very excited to see how works develop over the coming months.”
Young Driver Safety Event at The Corn Exchange 
Over 3,000 pupils from 30 schools across the Capital are attended Young Driver 2025 this week.
The annual event is aimed at senior year secondary school pupils and explores the risks and responsibilities of becoming a new driver, through presentations and workshops delivered by the Council, Police and partner organisations.
The issues discussed include vehicle, pedestrian and passenger safety, laws on the road, travelling by and interacting with public transport, first aid and much more.
Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in collisions than older drivers. 17 to 25 year-olds make up 10% of licence holders, but over 20% of collisions.
Young Driver 2025 ran from September 29 = 2nd October.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Young Driver 2025 is an incredibly important event to make sure the next generation of Edinburgh’s drivers have all the resources they need to form good habits as they get on the road.
I was delighted to attend, meeting with colleagues from the Council and partner organisations along with our young people. I was also struck by the strong breadth of useful and practical material being delivered across the four-day event.
“We remain committed to enhancing road safety across the Capital for all road users, with over £6m being invested in our Road Safety Delivery Plan this year alone.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the event this year and made it such a great success.”
Inspector Kosmas Papakyriakou, Road Policing said: “Edinburgh Division is fully supportive of Young Driver 2025. It is excellent educational tool to assist young people to become careful, considerate, and safe drivers and road users.
“Keeping people safe on and around our roads is a priority for Police Scotland, our communities and our partners. By working together to make young people aware of the risks and impacts of dangerous road user behaviour, we can help reduce casualties in the future.”
Mairi Day, Partner at Digby Brown said: “In the last month in Scotland we have seen three teenagers die in a car crash, and in a separate incident a young man had been jailed for more than two years for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
“His actions resulted in one of his friends losing both his legs and two others being left with serious spinal injuries
“Every day at Digby Brown we see similar road traffic accidents but also how devastating they are.
“We help the people who are left with life changing injuries and supporting the families trying to come to terms with a sudden loss.
“But what makes these incidents more painful is many are avoidable.
“Driving is a life skill, and we need to talk to our young people about how to stay safe and give them the confidence to make good decisions while out on the road.
“This is why events like Edinburgh Young Drivers are so important.”
Since 2010 Digby Brown has been a main supporter of the Edinburgh Young Driver event bringing their expertise in personal injury law and supporting people affected by serious road traffic accidents.
This year sees the return of the mock court featuring a real case from the firm’s archives aiming to show young people the consequences of taking risks on the road.
Yousef (S6) from Currie Community High School said: “It was a fantastic experience with lots of fun activities and provided a valuable insight into the consequences of negligence on the road.
“With stations such as VR, simulators and mock court sessions, there was never a dull moment!”
Sam (S6) from Currie Community High School said: “The Young Driver’s event was a successful learning experience which I found incredibly insightful.
“We listened to a variety of useful talks and had the opportunity to visit stands from numerous professionals which helped me understand how to stay safe on the road.”
Organised by the Council, Young Driver 2025 was attended and supported by Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Brainkind, British Transport Police, Digby Brown, IAM, Lothian Buses, Police Scotland (Roads Policing, School Link Officers and Safety Camera Partnership), Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Spinal Injuries Scotland.
Edinburgh Road Policing in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, SFRS City of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Lothian Buses, and many more partners delivered crucial safety lessons for future drivers.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal from the Preventions, Interventions and Partnership department said: “Police Scotland are pleased to be supporting the Young Driver Event again this year and to be working closely with our partners in a multi-agency approach to promote safe driving.
“This a great event aimed at providing road safety education.
“Road safety is a priority for Edinburgh Division and Police Scotland. This event helps young people with the awareness and skills needed to drive safely. Remember to drive safely and to the conditions – collisions have a wide impact.
As a priority, “Keeping people safe on and around our roads … we can help reduce casualties in the future.”
Following a decision by the Culture and Communities Committee this week (Thursday 2 October), Councillors have approved a programme to deliver the benefits of hosting the prestigious event.
Earlier this year, the Committee formally agreed to the signing of the Local Authority Host Agreement, confirming Edinburgh as the official host city for the 2027 Grand Départ.
Past UK events have demonstrated substantial economic impact, such as the 2014 Grand Départ in Yorkshire, which generated an estimated £131 million in economic benefits. With even greater returns expected in 2027, Edinburgh stands to benefit from increased tourism, hospitality revenues, and new commercial partnerships.
By providing bike parking facilities and increased promotion of cycling routes across the city, the event also promises to encourage greater participation in cycling, particularly among women, and wider use of the city’s active travel infrastructure.
The Council will now work with partners in active travel and local community organisations to deliver a range of programmes, initiatives, and events to take advantage of the opportunities available.
A key part of this includes the recruitment of a dedicated Community Engagement Officer, who will lead on partnerships and coordination with local organisations, schools, and community groups.
Open ‘town hall’ meetings will also be held in the coming months, bringing together active travel, education, and community stakeholders to explore more collaborative ideas and initiatives to take forward.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Broadcast live in over 150 countries and attracting millions of roadside spectators, the Tour de France Grand Départ presents a unique opportunity to showcase Edinburgh on a global stage.
“As the world’s largest annual sporting event, it’s also a chance to boost our economy, improve our health and wellbeing, and accelerate progress towards our active travel goals.
“The programme agreed at Committee will make sure we’re able to reap the rewards and ensure that the legacy of the Tour de France is one of lasting positive change for our residents and visitors.”
A planning application for the £69m retrofit of the two buildings, submitted by Collective Architecture, was approved by Development Management Sub-Committee on Wednesday (1 October).
Work will include substantial upgrades to ensure the two Category A listed buildings meet the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2. This is alongside wider improvements to bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards.
The City of Edinburgh Council, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, is leading the transformative retrofit programme, aiming to dramatically improve energy performance, reduce carbon emissions and enhance living standards for residents. This team brings together expertise in architecture, engineering, energy strategy, carbon analysis and landscape design.
Cables Wynd House and Linksview House were both built in Leith in the 1960s and together provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I am delighted that the necessary planning consent for our plans to upgrade Cables Wynd House and Linksview House to provide safe, energy efficient and high-quality homes for residents there has been granted, enabling these long-awaited works to get underway, hopefully at pace.
“I am also grateful to residents for their proactive and positive engagement with us to shape the Council’s £69 million commitment to improving Cables Wynd and Linksview House – from campaigning for investment in their homes to participating in the consultation process and providing invaluable insight and input into our design proposals.”
Carl Baker, Architect, Passivhaus Certified Designer, Collective Architecture, said: “We’re thrilled that our retrofit proposals for Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have been granted planning permission and listed building consent.
“These approvals represent a major milestone in the life of two of Edinburgh’s most iconic post-war housing developments, both Category A listed and celebrated for their bold architectural character and social significance.
“Our proposals reflect Collective Architecture’s distinctive approach to retrofit, which carefully balances ambitious improvements to energy performance with the sensitive conservation and celebration of these landmark buildings, situated at the heart of a conservation area.
“This success is the result of a truly collaborative effort across the project team, including the expertise of our in-house specialists at Collective Energy and Collective Conservation.
“We’re excited to move into the next phase of the project and look forward to transforming these historic flats into warm, safe, and resilient places to live, fit for today’s residents and generations to come.”
Amongst the improvements that will be made are:
The project exemplifies how collaboration across disciplines can accelerate the decarbonisation of the built environment while delivering meaningful social impact.
Alongside the Council and Collective Architecture, the project team includes a wide range of expert organisations, with AtkinsRéalis as lead consultant and Collective Energy providing energy and sustainability consultation. Expertise in mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering is being provided by Blackwood Partnership, in structural engineering by Narro Associates and in landscaping by Urban Pioneers Landscape Architects.
The Council will continue to engage closely with residents throughout the design and construction process to make sure their needs are met.
View the planning application for Cables Wynd House and Linksview House online.
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:
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:
Further information on the North Bridge refurbishment project is available on the Council’s website.
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
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.
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.’
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
