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EIJB funding crisis: Edinburgh Third Sector Interface update

Dear colleagues

I am writing to you to provide an update on Edinburgh TSI* activity since the EIJB Board meeting on November 1 and to invite your collaboration on the next steps.

Though it was welcome that the IJB agreed not to proceed with an in-year cut to the Third Sector Grants Programme, the process leading to that decision, and risks flowing from the meeting on November 1 remain very challenging.

Resolving the funding position for the Third Sector Grant recipients, and all third sector funding from the IJB for 2025/6 alongside co-designing the conditions of success for any future model of working in partnership is a key priority for the Sector, and as a consequence, for the Edinburgh TSI.

We believe the IJB proposals need to be part of a wider strategic conversation in the city about how we invest in the Third Sector, ensuring we have the right investment in the right places with the right capacity to deliver the most impact.

Edinburgh TSI letter following November 1

In the lead-up to the November 1 IJB meeting, we worked collaboratively with the Edinburgh Community Health Forum, and others across our sector to draw out information for briefings from affected TSOs through phone calls, questionnaires and meetings. This concluded with a detailed rebuttal of arguments in Paper 7.2, as presented to the IJB as well as a TSI deputation. The deputation sought to build on the arguments put forward by organisations for time to plan better and work differently.

Following that meeting, I wrote on behalf of the TSI to the Chair of the EIJB, the leader of the Council, the CEC Chief Executive and the NHS Lothian Chief Executive. I emphasised the need for:

Resetting investment: there is a need for a whole city conversation on a sustainable financial settlement for the Third Sector
Reforming ways of working: there needs to be a better approach to commissioning, valuing and supporting The Third Sector through change
Repairing relationships: recognising and valuing the value of the Third Sector contribution to communities is an important part of relationship development

Edinburgh IJB engagement on Third Sector Grants and contracts

Agreeing on a funding settlement for 2025/6 is a key objective for the Third Sector, both for the Third Sector Grants Programme and for the larger contracted services with Third Sector Organisations.

There are different possible scenarios. A best-case scenario might be a one-year continuation of the grants programme while time is dedicated to coherently and collaboratively designing a sustainable “replacement” which enables the IJB to purchase what they need and want from the Third Sector while providing foundational funding for the wider sector.

This will require a series of conversations, some sense of prioritisation and scoping of how to manage change. The big challenge is time. Initial discussions are progressing between Edinburgh TSI and the IJB on immediate priorities, and a meeting has been invited with CEC.

To inform the discussions on funding, the Edinburgh TSI met with a group of Third Sector partners to scope priorities. This includes articulating the real consequences of making any cuts on the Sector and its ability to deliver outcomes with communities; seeking confirmation on the priority focus for the IJB in 2025/6, and inviting discussion on options around the best use of our joint resources through a process of co-design. These conversations will need to be ongoing. We welcome your views as to how best to shape them.

Edinburgh IJB engagement on Public Social Partnership

Any change to a way of working to a Public Social Partnership or some other commissioning model by the IJB demands an investment of time up front.

This time is needed to confirm commitment to co-design to ensure that any partnership is a partnership, and any working relationship is founded on clear conditions for success.

This needs an investment in learning from other PSP’s in the city, what worked, and what didn’t, and it needs clarity on roles and responsibilities. In the meantime, a clear transition arrangement needs to be set out, describing how current commitments and contracts are to be managed.

Following the November 1 meeting, the IJB have been reviewing budget and partnership proposals. They have invited a group of Third Sector representatives to discuss how to progress partnership working together on shared issues and challenges.

The purpose of the meeting is to start a conversation about how best to work together, who to engage and what success looks like. The next steps will need wider conversations within the sector and between the sector and the IJB, and we invite your views as to how best to shape this.

Reference Group Proposal

The Third Sector has important Board roles on the EIJB and other city institutions. However, at the EIJB meeting, Cllr Pogson asked if there was enough Third Sector representation on the Board.

A reformed Board may be a future possibility, but meanwhile, it is critical to be able to support the people who occupy these Board seats so the voices of the sector feed into them, support and challenge them.

This is particularly the case in the next year or so where there will be very challenging issues and decisions to consider, with significant impact for the Sector.

To try and make sense of where to best put attention around these issues, we have convened a small, embryonic group of sector people. We aim to build this into a Reference Group with representation from across the Sector to distil and amplify the voices of the sector around priority issues. This will evolve over the next few months, and we invite your collaboration.

Our initial sense is that the areas of focus are about:

Asserting value: articulating the impact of the sector with fair methods of measurement
Supporting resilience: co-designing ways of working for sector sustainability
Shaping investment: making the case for ongoing investment around sector need
Informing governance: supporting Third Sector Board seats on city partnerships

We have developed Draft Terms of Reference for this Group, which builds on the current issues around the IJB but also focuses on the Third Sector as a whole.

Next steps

In sharing this context and background, it is my intention to work collaboratively to find a solution to the real risks we are facing as a sector.

In this context, I invite you to get in touch with initial feedback on the role of the TSI in shaping the Reference Group. In the meantime, Edinburgh TSI colleagues will continue to convene the sector through forums, networks and meetings, alongside the Edinburgh Community Health Forum.

Together, we can also continue to highlight the risks and impact of this loss of investment in the third sector, both individually and collectively.

Please get in touch and get involved. We recognise that our strength is in working together and supporting each other across our rich, diverse and talented Third Sector. I look forward to working with you.

DIARMAID LAWLOR,

Chair of the Edinburgh TSI

* The Edinburgh Interface is a collaboration between Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC), Volunteer Edinburgh (VE), and Edinburgh Social Enterprise (ESE).

Duncan Place ownership transferred to the Leith community

Following years of uncertainty and possible demolition, the asset transfer between the City of Edinburgh Council and the management team and board of trustees of Duncan Place has recently completed. This firmly places the much-loved community hub in the ownership of the Duncan Place charity for the people of Leith for generations to come.

Duncan Place Community Hub was originally built in 1920 as Leith Academy Technical College & Gymnasium, it transitioned to a community centre in the 70s and has been home to the local artist group, Academy Arts since 1978.

In 2014, the council temporarily closed the building to carry out inspection works into its structural safety, which resulted in permanent closure the following year. The funds were not available for the council to carry out the required works to preserve and restore the building and so it faced potential demolition.

However, various members of the community came together in an attempt to rescue the building for the people of Leith. Duncan Place centre manager, Nicola Lamberton and the five strong board of trustees worked tirelessly over a seven year period to transfer the asset across to the community under the Community Empowerment Bill.

Working closely with the Economic Development team at the council, Duncan Place was able to access various grant funds to deliver the required refurbishment programme for the building.

Between funds awarded from Scottish Government and the Lottery, Duncan Place received in excess of £2.1m to carry out the restoration and refurbishment works to ensure the building was futureproofed for many years to come.

Commenting on the asset transfer, Nicola Lamberton, the manager of the Duncan Place Community Hub charity said: “This is a huge milestone for everyone in the community to know that the future of the hub is secure and it’s owned by the charity for the people of Leith.

“We always recognised the social value that the hub brought to groups and to individuals living in Leith and beyond. This is why we have been so determined over the years to ensure the building was retained in order to continue to support so many amazing organisations and local people.”

Operating as a social enterprise and registered charity, Duncan Place is now home to six organisations that have long term tenancies in place with the community hub using it as their permanent base, these include Duncan Places own space, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, Edinburgh Colleges English for Speakers of Other Languages programme, Kin Collective, Home-Start Edinburgh and AdvoCard.

In addition to these organisations using the hub, there are a further 40 community groups that regularly hire the space to hold their classes and events. Any profit made is used by the Duncan Place charity to offer low cost community activities.

The growing programme of events can be viewed on the charities website: www.duncanplace.org.

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith added: “Scottish Government provided much of the funding required to deliver the refurbishment programme for Duncan Place Community Hub and I’m delighted to see the building transformed and thriving.

“The model adopted by Duncan Place whereby local charities pay an affordable rent and in return receive a secure tenancy in the area is wonderful. To know that the rents raised ensure financial sustainability for the organisation, as well as enabling the hub to provide low cost community activities is something that I am proud to have supported”.

Councillor Mandy Watt, CECs Finance and Resources Convener, said: “This milestone has been years in the making and we’ve enjoyed seeing Duncan Place brought back into use. Now, the council is giving ownership of the building back to the people of Leith.

“It’s brilliant news for the area and a good example of collaboration and partnership working between the public and voluntary sectors. Everyone from local councillors to group members have supported this project moving forward.

“The revitalised Duncan Place building will not only help to reduce inequality by providing much needed affordable space for events, classes and workshops, it will support jobs and support local people, acting as a true community hub.”

Have your say on ‘ambitious vision’ for Edinburgh’s city centre

Residents, businesses and other interested groups in the Capital are being asked to comment on a strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider ‘Waverley Valley’ to be more vibrant and welcoming.

The new vision will guide the long-term regeneration of this part of the city centre, providing a mix of shops and services for residents and visitors, attracting investment and jobs and supporting businesses within an exceptional historic and climate resilient environment.

A 12-week consultation on the Council’s draft Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy began this week. It aligns with Edinburgh’s Net Zero 2030 ambitions, City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) and City Plan 2030.

The Princes Street and Waverley Valley draft strategy is part of our bold plans to transform the city centre. The ECCT was approved in 2019 and includes the George Street and First New Town, Meadows to George Street projects. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/citycentretransformation

As well as Princes Street the Waverley Valley area covers East and West Princes Street Gardens, Waverley Station, Waverley Market and East Market Street.

The draft strategy aims to:

Create a more accessible city centre

The masterplan for comment recommends guiding the area from the West End of Princes Street along to Waverley Station to become more accessible, with improvements such as additional ramp access to Princes Street Gardens, a footbridge over the Waverley Valley, more public spaces to enjoy, an improved crossing and pedestrian improvements to Castle Street, the Mound Precinct, and Waverley Bridge.

Protected green spaces

The strategy looks to integrate climate resilience and biodiversity measures to protect the existing Waverley Valley and Gardens from climate change and to plant more trees and flowers – also promoting sustainable transport options and the retrofitting of historic buildings in line with Edinburgh’s net zero aims.

Revitalise Princes Street

Working with developers, the strategy suggests improvements to Princes Street with temporary pop-up premises, building wraps and artwork and encourages mixed-uses for the prominent high street. Improvements to historic buildings, including the Ross Bandstand, are also suggested to create better opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the area.

Make improvements to Waverley Station

Shape the future of Waverley Station and the area around it. Its key position between the Old and New Towns makes the station a vital connection between the Old and New Towns. Network Rail’s Waverley Masterplan recognises the need to restore and modernise the station.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Planning Convener, said: “We have published a draft ambitious vision for the Capital’s iconic Princes Street and surrounding area which sits within our internationally renowned World Heritage Site.

“I’d encourage everyone living in or interested in our beautiful Capital city to comment on it by answering the questions we’re asking around accessibility and public space in area, the future of the Gardens and the area in and around Waverley Station.

“As we put together the draft vision we listened to views about all of these important sites for Edinburgh. And as we move forward developing it, we need to make sure we balance our city’s rich heritage with the urgent need for sustainable and accessible spaces, and with new development. This will allow us all to continue to appreciate the charm of our city centre as well as the facilities it provides.

“The area is well used by Edinburgh residents, businesses and visitors from across the world and we plan to breathe new life into it, protecting and invest in it, to make sure that this will be the case for many years to come.”

Colinton and Fairmilehead by-election to be held in January

A by-election will be held in the Colinton and Fairmilehead ward following the resignations of Councillor Marco Biagi and Councillor Louise Spence (who resigned after just ONE WEEK in post).

Residents will go to the polls on 23 January, 2025 to select two new councillors to represent the ward, which also covers Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston. The current electorate is 19,907.

On Friday 6 December, the formal Notice of Election will be published, and the Election Timetable, Election Notices and Nomination Papers will all be accessible on the Council website.

Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “On 19 November I received the resignation of Councillor Marco Biagi, and we immediately began making arrangements for a by-election in the ward of Colinton and Fairmilehead.

“Having now received the resignation of Councillor Louise Spence – who represented the same ward, voters will now be asked to select two councillors instead of one when they go to the polls on 23 January.

“The formal notice of election will be updated and published as scheduled on Friday 6 December. The process and timetable will remain the same.”

Candidates will be confirmed when nominations close at 4pm on Thursday 17 December.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 23 January.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can give a rank to as many or as few candidates as they like.

Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

Green light for regeneration in north Edinburgh (again!)

Plans for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland for a new environmentally friendly coastal town in Edinburgh have been given the go ahead by the Capital’s planning authority.

The Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee today unanimously agreed a planning application for the first phase of the £1.3bn regeneration project to transform Granton Waterfront.

Today’s decision gives the go ahead for 847 ‘net zero ready’ homes to be built in partnership with Cruden Homes on the city’s largest brownfield site.

These warm, energy efficient homes will be a mixture of social rent, mid-market rent and homes for sale catering for families and those who require wheelchair accessibility. The new development will create attractive local living for residents by providing capacity for a new primary school and a low carbon heat network.

There will also be commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space.

This exciting first phase of regeneration in Granton Waterfront will be delivered from 2025 to 2032.

As part of the Council’s strategy to address the city’s housing emergency 45% of the homes will be affordable.

The Council’s regeneration plans are already well underway at Granton Waterfront with some early projects taking shape.

Tenants are already moving into 75 new ‘net zero ready homes’ for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View with over 400 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social rent, mid-market rent and homes for sale at Western Villages due to become available next year.

A further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea are also due for completion in Summer 2026.

At the heart of this nationally significant development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gas Holder 1’.

A new public park is almost complete within its frame and as the scaffolding has been removed following restoration, it is once again a spectacular focal point in the area. Another historic building, the former Granton Station, has been refurbished and it now has its own square.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This is welcome news for Edinburgh as we can now continue our exciting plans to transform the north of the city into a thriving environmentally friendly new neighbourhood which people will want to call home, work in and visit.

“I’m really excited to see this milestone achieved, as we are one step closer to delivering a first phase of regeneration in Granton Waterfront.

“When putting the planning application together we consulted local people every step of the way including those living in established communities nearby as well as other interested groups. Today’s decision will allow us to bring together those we listened to in these communities with new residents.

“After declaring a housing emergency last year it is vital that much of the housing provided will be affordable. Using the latest advances in technology the homes will also be energy efficient keeping bills down for our tenants as well as helping the city to transition to net zero and meet our other climate goals.

“This £1.3bn project is the largest regeneration scheme of its kind in Scotland. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bring communities together, with affordable energy efficient housing to live well locally with access to shops, cultural, leisure and education and health facilities and job opportunities all nearby.

“We’ll also make sure Granton Waterfront has excellent active travel and public transport links to rest of the city and beyond as well as to the many established communities already in the area.

Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “This development represents a significant leap toward meeting Scotland’s growing demand for high-quality, energy-efficient housing of all tenures, and the planning outcome marks a major milestone for the project.

“In partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, our work at Granton Waterfront will deliver a diverse range of sustainable new homes designed to meet the community’s evolving needs. By pioneering innovative net-zero solutions, Granton Waterfront is set to become a model for future housing developments across Scotland.

“At Cruden, we’re proud of our long history of building more than just homes; we’re fostering vibrant communities built to endure and flourish, setting a new standard for housing that truly serves both people and the environment.”

Capital’s Christmas tree lit up

Edinburgh’s iconic Christmas tree on the Mound was officially lit last night (Monday 18 November) in a special ceremony led by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge.

He was joined by representatives from Edinburgh Candlemakers, the Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, marking the start of the city’s festive celebrations.

The event saw Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Counsellor Dr. Øystein Lund and Honorary Consul General Professor Julian Jones from the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, come together to switch on the lights of the stunning 18-metre-tall tree. This cherished annual tradition celebrates the strong ties between Scotland and Norway, honouring the Scottish people’s unwavering support for Norway during World War II.

Gifted by Vestland (formerly Hordaland), the tree stands as a symbol of Norway’s gratitude for Scotland’s assistance during its darkest days. The tradition of gifting the tree began in 1947, and although it has been sourced from Scotland since 2008, it remains a meaningful token of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

Edinburgh’s Christmas officially opened on Friday 15 November, and following last night’s Mound light night a number of community light switch on events will be taking place across the city.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “Edinburgh’s famous Christmas tree is a fixture on the Mound every winter and the switch on of the lights not only signals the start for the festive season it is an important reminder of our close ties with Norway and of the strength and universal values of friendship, solidarity and compassion.

“I hope Edinburgh residents and visitors alike will enjoy the opportunity to view this beautiful Christmas Tree in the heart of our city. My heartfelt thanks go to the people of Vestland for their continued generosity and friendship over so many years, as well as to our partners Field and Lawn for their support and Bernard Hunter for their kind donation of crane services.

“As Edinburgh’s Christmas gets underway, the tree’s sparkling lights bring a festive glow to the city centre and with more community light switch-on events planned across the city, Edinburgh is embracing the Christmas spirit, uniting residents and visitors alike in a celebration of joy, hope, and goodwill.”

Honorary Consul General of the Norwegian Consulate General in Edinburgh, Prof. Julian Jones said: “The Christmas Tree symbolises all that is best about what Norway and Scotland, and what Vestland and Edinburgh, have in common.

“Every year Vestland gives a Christmas tree as a gift to Edinburgh, as a ‘thank you’ for the help received from Scotland during the Second World War.

“Norway and Scotland are neighbours, and we have a common history going all the way back to the Viking times.

“There are strong ties between Edinburgh and Vestland, and our culture and our heritage bring us together in our Christmas festivities, with a splendid concert in St Giles cathedral following the lighting of the Tree, with Scottish and Norwegian musicians.

“The Christmas Tree celebrates all that we have done together in past, and all that we will do together in the future.”

NSPCC and Signalong create new resources to help protect children with communication barriers from abuse

New resources created for children who face communication barriers will share crucial messages to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

The national initiative from the NSPCC and communication charity Signalong was developed as part of the Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign to make important messaging on preventing child sexual abuse more accessible to children and families in the city and beyond.

The Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign, which is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland and the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and partners, launched last year and ends next month.

Dozens of events at libraries and public buildings across the country have seen thousands of families receiving the campaign materials which contain advice for parents, carers and professionals on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

With the help of a colourful animated dinosaur, called Pantosaurus, Talk PANTS helps children understand that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

The Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign promotes the PANTS rule, which teaches children five key messages to help them understand their rights regarding their bodies.

These principles empower children to recognise inappropriate behaviour, affirm their rights to personal safety, and understand that they can speak out if something does not feel right.

The Signalong charity provides training and resources to assist children with communication difficulties and when English is an additional language.

Signalong is based on British sign language and uses speech, body language, facial expression and voice tones.

Lillian Cringles, Chair of Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, said: “Inclusion and hearing what matters to children with additional support needs is of vital importance.

“We are very proud that dedicated materials for families using Signalong to aid communication were the inception of our local campaign. It is impressive that the NSPCC and Signalong have formalised a set of national resources in such a timely fashion and demonstrates a real commitment to partnership working.

“I have no doubt these new materials will continue to be of use in our Edinburgh education, community and family settings to aid prevention of sexual harm to children.”

Carla Malseed, Local Campaigns Manager for NSPCC Scotland, added: “The Talk PANTS resources are an important step in equipping families and professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to have open discussions about body safety.

“They will make difficult conversations around sex and consent easier to have with children from more diverse backgrounds.”

Tracy Goode, Signalong Chief Executive, said: “Talk PANTS is a wonderful resource to help keep children safe, available in English, Welsh, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Scottish Gaelic, BSL and Makaton.

“Signalong recognise that not all children speak the same language and those with communication difficulties do not use the same signing system across the UK.

“Signalong are delighted to partner with the NSPCC to ensure that the PANTS message is available to those who rely on Signalong to communicate. The colourful PANTS Rules incorporate realistic drawings and signs which are readily available to those who currently use Signalong.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Talk PANTS campaign has already supported parents, carers and professionals with the resources they need to have important conversations with thousands of children and young people in Edinburgh.

“With an increasing number of children in the city recorded as having an additional support need, this new set of materials is a welcome addition to the existing campaign and goes a step further in ensuring that children experiencing challenges around communication can access important information about boundaries and body safety.”

While the resources were developed as part of the Edinburgh Talk PANTS campaign they are available online to professionals from across the United Kingdom.

The Signalong materials are available online and will be launched at an online event on Wednesday, November 20 with speakers from Signalong, NSPCC Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

For additional inquiries or to access more information about the Talk PANTS campaign, please visit the NSPCC website, where the Signalong materials are also available.

Have your say on plans for Edinburgh libraries

Edinburgh Libraries is developing a new Future Libraries Strategy. We want your input!

Help us shape the future of our libraries by taking this short survey.

Your feedback will inform our plans for the next five years.

Take part here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/futurelibraries

City Council: Planning for sustainable growth and much needed new homes

City council Planning Convener Cllr James Dalgleish writes about a bold and ambitious plan agreed last week by councillors to make better use of land in the Capital:

Edinburgh’s population is growing fast and so a major highlight of City Plan 2030 is setting aside enough land to accommodate 53,000 much needed homes.

It will help to inform planning decisions going forward to guide sustainable growth and where we can we’ll agree the use of brownfield land rather than precious greenfield sites for new development.

Last year we declared a housing emergency to address the city’s chronic shortage of affordable housing so integral to the plan is that each new housing development will have to include a minimum of 35% affordable homes.

To look after the wellbeing of our residents and meet our climate goals we need to look wider than just providing new homes though. We’re going to create sustainable neighbourhoods fit for local modern living where people can afford to buy or rent their homes. Residents will have job opportunities nearby and be able to walk, or wheel to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access public transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.

We’re doing this already in Granton Waterfront, where the first tenants have just moved into new affordable housing as part of our £1.3bn regeneration of the area. And along the coast at Seafield and in the west of the city we’ve allocated land to create thriving communities there too. And a masterplan for the west of the city is being considered for approval by councillors at the Planning Committee today.

It is important that we meet the needs of everyone who wants to live in our beautiful Capital. Edinburgh is also an internationally renowned university city and the plan will help guide where and how much student accommodation we have in the future. On larger sites coming forward developers will be asked to provide other housing, particularly affordable homes, allowing students to live alongside a mix of others within communities.

The plan will also help Edinburgh to transition to net zero by reducing carbon emissions from new buildings and in areas of regeneration we’re delivering new heat networks and energy infrastructure.

New environmental policies are also key as it is vital we protect our beautiful green spaces, the wellbeing of our residents, reduce flooding and improve air quality.

A robust management plan to continue to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of Old and News Towns World Heritage Site (WHS) is also supported by City Plan 2030. It is also being considered by councillors for approval at committee today and as part of our spectacular WHS we have also identified Princes Street and Waverley Valley as an area for transformation. Look out for our consultation on this starting in the coming weeks.

I’d like to thank all those residents, community groups and businesses who helped us to get City Plan 2030 over the line and acknowledge the hard work of Council officers who were part of this.

Lib Dems win Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election

The Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election result has been announced at Waverley Court.

Louise Watson Spence, Scottish Liberal Democrat Party, has been duly elected to serve in the City of Edinburgh Council as a member for the Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward.

The declaration was made earlier today (Friday, 15 November) by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence.

Paul Lawrence, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the by-election to elect a new councillor to represent their views on matters affecting the ward and the wider city. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Louise as a new councillor and I look forward to working with her.

“I also want to thank our elections team and council staff who have worked very hard over recent months to make sure this by-election ran so smoothly.”

The turnout for the by-election was only 37.4%.

Candidate	Party	First Preference Votes
Bonnie Prince BOB	–	22
Mev BROWN	Independent	50
Mairianna CLYDE	Scottish National Party (SNP)	800
Neil CUTHBERT	Scottish Conservative and Unionist	1,454
Sheila GILMORE	Scottish Labour Party	1,441
David Ian HENRY	Independent	57
Tam LAIRD	Scottish Libertarian Party	9
Grant LIDSTER	Reform UK	268
Richard Crewe LUCAS	Scottish Family Party	51
Daniel Aleksanteri MILLIGAN	Scottish Greens	393
Louise Watson SPENCE	Scottish Liberal Democrats	2,683
Marc WILKINSON	–	173

Following the loss of a Labour councillor (the by election was brought about by Labour councillor Scott Arthur’s election as an MP), the composition of the City of Edinburgh Council is now:

SNP 18

Lib Dems 14

Labour 11

Greens 10

Conservatives 9

Independent 1.

Despite being the third biggest group, Labour leads the council.

For further details of the results and the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election, please see the Elections section of the Council website.