WE (Granton& District Community Council) are aware of community concerns around the continuing occupation of Scottish Government land at Waterfront Avenue / Granton Park Avenue, which is earmarked for The Art Works development.
The Community Council acknowledges the frustration felt by local residents about the length of time it is taking for this complex issue to be resolved.
An appeal hearing in relation to the eviction order took place in early August, and the judgement was issued at the Court of Session on Thursday (27 August). It found in the Scottish Government’s favour, upholding the eviction order. However, it is worth noting that a further appeal is possible.
As a Community Council, we hope to receive further updates on next steps once available, and will do our best to communicate this to residents in good time.
Children and young people aged three to 26 will be able to take part in a range of free and low-cost activities thanks to funding from the Summer of Sport initiative in partnership with sportscotland.
Inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the programme aims to encourage more children and young people to get active, try new sports and enjoy the physical, social, and mental wellbeing benefits of participation.
Delivered by the Council, Edinburgh Leisure, the University of Edinburgh, local sports clubs and community organisations, the funding supports free and subsidised holiday and regular activities that began during the summer holidays and are taking place until the end of March 2027.
This includes swimming, tennis, football, rugby and opportunities for children and young people with additional support needs. It will also expand community sport programmes, provide more opportunities in areas experiencing higher levels of poverty, and support young people who are care experienced, unaccompanied, or learning English.
Investment will also help develop the city’s sport and physical activity workforce through new coaching opportunities, qualifications, and training. The investment includes a £170,000 grant for local sports clubs and community organisations to deliver activities for young people at greater risk of poverty.
Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people to get active, try something new like lawn bowling or cricket and enjoy the benefits of taking part in sport.
“Through the Summer of Sport programme, we’re working with partners across Edinburgh to provide more free and affordable opportunities that are inclusive, accessible, and shaped around the needs of local communities.
“This investment will help more young people take part in sport, while also strengthening local partnerships, developing skills and creating a lasting legacy beyond the summer.”
Cllr James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to be active, build confidence and develop new skills, and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to that.
“By working with schools, community organisations, and sports clubs across Edinburgh, we’re creating more opportunities for children and young people to stay active, make new friends and discover sports they can continue to enjoy for years to come.”
Perrotine Orr, Operations Director of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This investment is helping us create more opportunities for children and young people across Edinburgh to take part in sport and physical activity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“We have already seen strong engagement throughout the summer, and the real opportunity now is to build on that momentum over the coming months.
“By continuing to provide free and affordable activities until March 2027, we can help more young people develop confidence, make connections, improve their wellbeing and establish healthy habits that last a lifetime.”
Edinburgh Conservative Group says nobody is surprised by where the Greens and SNP stand on immigration — the real story is that the Liberal Democrats supplied the votes needed to get the motion through
A Green Party motion to pass a Council position stopping action supporting illegal immigration enforcement was passed at Thursday’s Full Council only after the Liberal Democrats struck a deal with the Greens, who accepted part of a Lib Dem amendment in order to secure their support. The SNP group also backed the motion.
Labour’s administration moved a position of no action, which the Conservative Group supported.
Without Liberal Democrat votes, the motion would not have passed.
Cllr Iain Whyte, Leader of the Edinburgh Conservative Group, said:“Nobody is surprised that the Greens and the SNP voted the way they did on this — everybody knows where they stand on immigration, with an open-borders approach that is completely out of step with public opinion.
“What will shock people is that it was the Liberal Democrats who made this happen. Faced with a motion to stop Council action supporting enforcement against illegal working, trafficking and modern slavery, they didn’t block it — they negotiated with the Greens to help pass it.
“Most migration raids target illegal working, a crime that harms the vulnerable people caught up in it, from exploitative practices through to human trafficking and modern slavery, often run by serious organised crime groups.
“This week a retired senior police firearms commander wrote to me describing a single joint operation that had targeted over 50 business premises across Scotland, involving criminals with access to firearms and links to people trafficking. That is the reality the Liberal Democrats have chosen to make harder to tackle.
“Labour, to their credit, found the resolve at the last minute to back their own UK Government’s policy and support our call for no action. The Liberal Democrats did not. They have shown themselves willing to row in with the Greens on this issue, and voters in Edinburgh will draw their own conclusions.”
The Conservative Group is calling on the Liberal Democrats to explain why they chose to help pass the motion rather than back a straightforward no-action position, and will press for any policy brought back to Council to preserve enforcement against illegal working, trafficking, exploitation and organised people smuggling.
Despite the SNP having the biggest number of councillors, The City of Edinburgh Council is currently led by Labour through support by the Lib Dems (who hold more seats than Labour) and the Conservatives. A wee family spat in the run up to next week’s by-elections, maybe? – Ed.
Green Councillors are proposing that Edinburgh Council should pursue a lifeguard station on Portobello beach, along with a suite of other measures aimed at enhancing the safety of people using the water.
The motion, discussed at a meeting of the Council yesterday, also asked for beach safety and hygiene to form part of the ongoing Portobello Promenade regeneration project which will see improvements to the beachfront.
Green Councillor for Portobello/Craigmillar, Alys Mumford, who brought the motion, said: “The last time Portobello Beach had a safety audit was almost a decade ago.
“In that time, we have seen visitor numbers explode and with it, increased potential for danger as we see more people using the water to swim, sail, and enjoy everything the water has to offer. Edinburgh currently has no lifeguarded beaches, and from conversations with the RNLI, it seems clear that there might be a case for Portobello to be the place to host lifeguards for the city.
“Portobello beach is one of Edinburgh’s jewels, but issues around safety and water quality mean it isn’t able to be enjoyed equally by everyone. This is an issue that is raised with me repeatedly by residents and visitors alike, and I hope this motion goes some way towards making progress.”
The motion also highlights the concerns about sewage incidences impacting on the water and the beach.
Lorenzo Martinico, Scottish Green Party Candidate in the upcoming by-election in Portobello/Craigmillar, has pledged to do more to inform residents about water quality, and endorsed the motion from Cllr Mumford.
Lorenzo Martinico said: “Part of the problem is our ancient sewage system, which the council can’t upgrade on its own without government funding, butin the short-term, we need to make sure that people know when it isn’t safe to go in.
“Currently we have two electronic noticeboards, but they are not necessarily in the places where people are going to go into the water – and even if you do remember to check, SEPA doesn’t test the water often enough for them to be accurate.”
The Communist Party of Britain is calling on voters in the upcoming City of Edinburgh Council by-elections to reject “political tinkering” and “vote for principles” to fix the city’s deepest problems.
The local by-elections take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Communist Party is standing two candidates: Peter Olech in Portobello/Craigmillar and Richard Shillcock in Southside/Newington.
The candidates argue that while other parties try to manage a failing system, only the Communist Party offers a real alternative to more budget cuts and privatisation.
They believe the only way to truly fix these issues is through permanent public ownership in three key areas:
Fixing the Housing and Homelessness Crisis: Other parties suggest market options like “affordable” rents or small planning changes. The Communists say private developers need a shortage of homes to keep their profits and share prices high. They argue the housing crisis will never be solved by the private market, calling instead for large-scale, permanent council housing built and run entirely by the local council.
Ending Council Cuts and Outsourcing: To handle tight budgets, other parties propose changing funding formulas or adding new local taxes on working people. The Communists argue that the wealthiest should pay, and public money must stay under public control. They want to end cuts and outsourcing, demanding that all public services be delivered directly by council workers with strong unions and good apprenticeship programmes.
Bringing Back Real Local Democracy: Other parties avoid the big issues or suggest moving paperwork between different levels of government. The Communists say shifting decisions around does not change who holds the real economic power. They argue that only public ownership gives communities true control over housing, energy, jobs, land, and food distribution.
“The other parties agree on the problems we face, but their policies only tinker at the edges,” said candidate Richard Shillcock.
“We are asking voters to reject political games and on Thursday 3 September to vote for the socialist principles needed to transform local government.”
The Communist Party of Britain campaigns for a socialist society that puts working-class interests, public ownership, and democratic control of local services first.
The local by-elections were triggered following the resignation of two local SNP councillors who were recently elected as MSPs to Holyrood.
The Communist Party urges voters across Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar to use their first vote and their numbered preference votes to opt for the policies they believe in—ones that will defend and extend the rights and the quality of life of working people.
Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrats are calling for the Council to prioritise re-opening the closed bridge at St Mark’s Park, which is a vital and very popular route for pedestrians and cyclists everyday.
The bridge, which links St Mark’s Park to Broughton Road, was suddenly closed by the Council at the end of June when an inspection report indicated that it wasn’t safe to remain open. However, many residents and businesses have made clear the negative effect that the ongoing closure is having on them.
Yesterday (Thursday, 27th August), Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat Councillors tabled a call for an urgent re-opening and lodged several questions to the Council Administration on how it’s being handled.
Local MSP for Edinburgh Northern, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said “A huge number of residents from either side of the bridge have raised this matter with me. Many have commented on how far and accessible the closest diversion is while it remains closed.
“While the inspection lays bare why the Council have closed the bridge, we now need to look at solutions to get access back to the route.”
Speaking on the Motion tabled before Councillors, Leith Walk ward councillor Jack Caldwell said “This bridge is vital for residents, local businesses, Broughton Primary School, commuters, and visitors alike.
“For many residents in the Broughton area, an area with very limited private garden access, residents have effectively been cut off from their local park. Access to nature is one of the things that Edinburgh prides itself on, and that should also be true for residents who live near the city centre.
“The fantastic police box coffee shop by the entrance has also seen footfall significantly down, for reasons completely outwith their control.”
Inverleith ward councillor and city transport committee member Hal Osler commented: “A sudden closure like this wouldn’t have been possible on many bridges across the city.
“This bridge is a vital link for the many people who walked, wheeled and cycled across it daily. If we as a Council are serious about our commitment to sustainable forms of transport, then this is our opportunity to show it.
“It won’t be good enough if we shrug our shoulders. Hopefully we can get cross-party support to prioritise this important project.”
PICTURED: Cllr Jack Caldwell and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP
Further information including statements and the inspection report from the local authority available upon request.
Speeches from the meeting will be available at Home – City of Edinburgh Council Webcasts at agenda item 8.9, including an amendment from the Green Group by Councillor Booth.
Princes Street is set to fully reopen on Saturday (29 August), following a major fire at the former Debenham’s building last month.
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are working to resume services, with pedestrian access restored between Castle and Frederick Street for the first time since 9 July.
Subject to successful testing overnight on Friday, trams will run to their full route from the Airport to Newhaven and all city centre bus diversions will end.
Passengers are being encouraged to continue planning ahead and checking for the latest travel updates and information on the Council’s website. Operators will publish updated timetabling information ahead of the weekend.
The three eastbound bus stops between Castle Street and Frederick Street will remain closed, with westbound bus stops unaffected.
Remedial work on the site will continue, which requires the pavement on the north side of Princes Street to remain closed. One lane of the eastbound carriageway will be used as a temporary pedestrian walkway.
Significant work has been carried out over the past seven weeks to make the building safe, including:
The front façade of the building has now been fully stabilised with supporting steel beams
The eastern gable of the building has been secured and made safe. This involved reducing it in height by approximately two metres and supporting it with scaffolding
Several tonnes of bricks and unsafe stonework – some weighing as much as 850kg – from the upper levels of the façade have been carefully removed and stored for reuse
Several tonnes of debris and dangerous materials have been removed from the building.
The closure has had a significant effect on the city, particularly on businesses on the northern section of the tram route, including Newhaven, Leith and The Shore. Ongoing work to support these businesses includes:
The development of a promotional campaign More By The Shore to drive footfall to businesses in the area
The campaign will involve special offers, a voucher scheme, events and more – with more details to follow in the coming weeks
Direct Engagement and Communications – officers will continue speaking directly to businesses in the area over the next few weeks, holding online briefings and issuing information and other advice.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“The reopening of Princes Street is a significant step in the city’s recovery from, what was, a devastating fire – and I’m sure it will come as a great relief to many.
“This has been an incredibly difficult few weeks for the city, not least given the timing, and I’m pleased that we can now turn our attention to getting Edinburgh back to normal as well as helping those businesses most affected to get back on their feet.
“A great deal of effort has gone on behind the scenes to make this possible – and my thanks go to our council teams and engineers who have carried out painstaking work to make the building secure as quickly and safely as possible.
“I also want to thank Lothian Buses, and their drivers, for keeping the city moving and our residents and visitors for their patience.
“I think it’s fair to say that this period has further underlined the critical importance and popularity of our tram network, not just to the north of the city but to the whole of Edinburgh.
With that in mind, I’m pleased that our business support campaign ‘More by the Shore’ is taking shape – and will soon be encouraging more residents and visitors to explore Leith, the Shore and Newhaven, and visit the fantastic local businesses there. This activity is planned to run well beyond the reopening of Princes Street, over the festive period and into the new year.”
Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive for Lothian and Edinburgh Trams said: “We welcome the news that Princes Street is due to reopen on Saturday 29 August.
“Our teams are now focused on reinstating bus and tram services along one of the city’s most important transport corridors and we encourage customers to check the latest service updates and allow extra time for travel.
“I would like to thank our customers for their patience, understanding and support throughout this period of continued disruption. We are also grateful to our colleagues, whose professionalism, flexibility and commitment continued to keep Edinburgh moving during a particularly challenging time.
“Finally, we would like to acknowledge the close collaboration of our partners, including the emergency services, the City of Edinburgh Council and other agencies involved in responding to this incident.
“Their collective efforts have helped ensure services can begin to return safely and efficiently for the benefit of Edinburgh’s residents, visitors and businesses.”
Positive progress is being made on in tackling Edinburgh’s housing emergency, according to updates considered by the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on Tuesday (25 August 2026).
Since the Housing Emergency Action Plan was agreed in 2024, 1,473 affordable homes have been completed by the Council and partners, 1,144 sites started and 866 additional suitable temporary accommodation properties purchased.
There has also been a significant reduction in the number of families with children living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
In addition the Ask and Act pilot scheme has been launched in Wester Hailes, which aims to prevent people from becoming homeless at the earliest opportunity by working with partners across the public and third sector.
Members also agreed to end the suspension of the Council’s allocations policy, put in place to prioritise people facing homelessness, following progress in reducing the number of void Council homes alongside an increase in the supply of suitable temporary accommodation. This follows the commitment of the Council to invest £1.6bn in affordable housing.
A new grant scheme will also provide eligible owners of empty homes with up to £20,000 to bring properties up to a lettable standard. In return, owners will be required to make the property available for Private Sector Leasing for a period of three or five years.
The grant scheme is intended to allow empty home owners who do not have the financial means to address necessary works to bring the home into use. In turn, this will contribute to the number of suitable temporary homes available, easing pressure on the current housing emergency. Overall up to £600k is to be granted through the scheme.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “I’m encouraged by the progress being made to tackle Edinburgh’s housing emergency, with significantly fewer people not being provided with temporary accommodation, and a reduction in the number of children living in unsuitable accommodation.
“Everyone has the right to a safe and suitable place to call home. The pause on housing allocations has helped us prioritise those facing homelessness, while we work to increase the supply of temporary accommodation across the city.
“Bringing empty homes back into use is another important part of increasing the supply of housing. This funding will help owners meet the costs of essential works while, in return, making these homes available for private sector leasing for a 3 or 5 years.
“If you or a friend or relative own an empty home, I would urge you to find out more about how the support available.
“There is still much to be done, but I’m encouraged by the progress being made on the Housing Emergency Action Plan, which demonstrates tangible improvements being made.”
Efforts to increase suitable temporary accommodation include bringing houses back into use, purchasing properties and commissioning new temporary accommodation.
While in place, the suspension of the allocations policy allowed more than 350 households, including 200 families, to be moved out of unsuitable temporary accommodation and directly into a settled tenancy.
An update on the Council’s response to climate change and extreme weather was presented to councillors this week.
While Edinburgh fortunately hasn’t seen the severe high temperatures experienced by other parts of the UK and globally – the capital is not immune to a changing climate, with hotter and wetter weather anticipated to increase risk and create challenges for people, communities and businesses.
Work continues to make sure that Edinburgh is ready to cope with the challenges a changing climate brings – the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan and its associated Implementation Plan include the strategic approach the Council is taking to adapt and respond at a local and regional level.
Supporting schools to be resilient through implementation of a school severe weather plan including guidance on keeping school buildings cool, risk assessment information and how to support pupils.
Planting more trees across the capital to reach our ambitious target to become a million tree city by 2030 – currently at around 830,000 trees. More trees will provide shade and shelter for communities in addition to improving the city’s air quality.
Improving access to nature for residents and visitors, and supporting greater biodiversity by expanding the Edinburgh Nature Network – a long-term project to connect parks, woodlands, green spaces and waterways.
Providing easy access to water during hot weather through installation of water hydration stations, in partnership with Scottish Water, across some of the city’s busiest areas.
Developing an interactive online hub to support residents to take climate action through manageable changes to their homes and lifestyles, which will be hosted on our Net Zero Edinburgh website
Proactive work with partners to identify areas at risk of wildfire, put in place measures for managing and containing wildfires and to monitor and protect nature-sensitive areas.
As work continues, residents are encouraged to play their part in helping to reduce emissions, adapt their homes and support nature:
Where possible, walk, wheel, cycle or take the bus or tram rather than drive.
Reduce waste by recycling in the correct bins, including using a food waste bin and/or home compost.
Recycle or reuse household items by donating or buying items at local charity shops. Use the Edinburgh reuse tool to find sustainable options.
Support the One Million Tree project by growing local plants, trees and bushes in gardens or outside space – this will help local wildlife and help with adapting the city to climate change.
Save water by using a water butt or a rainwater planter to collect water which can be used to water plants.
Save energy in homes including by insulating, draft proofing and switching to energy saving LED lightbulbs
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “In Edinburgh we fortunately haven’t seen the extreme temperatures that those in the South of England have had to contend with this summer – but we are seeing warmer weather, more frequent storms and increased rainfall.
We aren’t being complacent and we knew when we declared a climate emergency that we needed to take action to tackle the causes of climate change and be ready to respond to its effects on our city.
“I’m pleased to see the progress we’re making against our plans to tackle both the city’s climate and nature emergencies, to make sure we’re prepared for a changing climate – and importantly to support residents and visitors to cope with warmer and wetter weather.
“I want to encourage residents to play their part by making small everyday changes to the way they do things that will collectively make a big difference.“
