Tag: city council

Road closures today

Edinburgh is hosting the UCI World Cycling Championships 2023 Men’s Elite Road Race tomorrow morning – Sunday 6 August 2023.

We will have temporary restrictions on

  • parking
  • waiting
  • loading
  • unloading

along the route, which spans from Holyrood Park to the Queensferry Bridge.

We may need to adjust these timings depending on the event timings.

Road closures

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 3pm on 6 August:

  • Queens Drive
  • Horse Wynd
  • Dukes Walk

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:

  • Canongate
  • New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:

  • High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:  

  • High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)

The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
  • Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)  

The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
  • Bank Street
  • North Bank Street
  • The Mound
  • Hanover Street
  • Queen Street Gardens East
  • Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
  • Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
  • South-East Circus Place
  • Circus Place 
  • North-West Circus Place

These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Kerr Street 
  • Deanhaugh Street
  • Raeburn Place
  • Comely Bank Road
  • Craigleith Road

These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
  • Hillhouse Road

These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).

Vehicle crossing points on closed roads

On Sunday 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal.

The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.

  • St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
  • Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
  • East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Whitehouse Road – Maybury Road A90 Queensferry Road 9:45am to 9:55am

Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.

The Bell, the bell … Granton gas holder work progresses

The bell that floated up as water filled the historic gasholder in Granton Waterfront has been taken apart to make way for work to begin to restore the original 76 x 46 metre frame to look like new.

The City of Edinburgh Council plan to open up the area to create a new and exciting multifunctional public space as part of their wider £1.3bn regeneration project to create a new sustainable coastal town at Granton Waterfront.

McLaughlin & Harvey began work on the site in January of this year on behalf of the Council using £16.4m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Scottish Government has also provided an additional £1.2m to provide a high quality public park within the gasholder frame.  

The space within the restored gasholder is to have multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated space for permanent and temporary public art, a relaxation area, outdoor trails and tracks for exercise as well as a large outdoor space for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions and play.

Work will also be carried out to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers improving biodiversity and local habitat in the area.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “It was really dramatic to see the bell being ripped apart by the machinery. It marked a historic moment as this iconic structure will be transformed now to move on with the times to serve a completely different purpose for the local community to enjoy arts, sports and culture for future generations to come.

“Now the bell has gone the contractor can get on with the exciting work to transform the frame back to its original glory which will be seen for miles around.

“The scale and ambition of the gasholder nicely mirrors that of this £1.3bn regeneration project where we are using brownfield land to build a new sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood which is well linked to surrounding communities and is somewhere residents will be proud to live.

“We’ve already started building some of the thousands of environmentally friendly affordable homes planned and active travel routes, along with recently completing the restoration of the former Granton Station building to become a modern workplace and cultural hub, with public square.”

UK Government Minister for Levelling Up, Dehenna Davison, said: “The Granton gasholder has been part of Edinburgh’s skyline for over 120 years, and will soon be brought back to life as a real community asset.

“The bell’s removal will ensure the structure can be restored to its former glory, whilst the space will be brought into the 21st Century by becoming a destination for families, residents, and future generations to enjoy.

“We’re delighted to have supported this project through £16.4 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund which will ensure this iconic structure will serve as a beacon to people in the area for many years to come.”

Seamus Devlin, McLaughlin & Harvey Civil Engineering Director, said: “McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to be main contractor for the restoration works at Granton gasholder.

“We bring with us a wealth of experience in the civil engineering sector, and look forward to completing the deconstruction of the bell this week and the removal of the walls in the upcoming weeks.”

Fascinating gasholder facts

  • Over 100K rivets holding the structure together
  • Total cost of original construction £18,968.
  • Was opened in 1901, making it 122 years old.
  • It’s since been painted 72 times.
  • 26 columns in total with a height of 42m. each column is 9.3m apart.
  • Granton was one of 12 gas storage tanks for the greater Edinburgh area. These 12 tanks had a combined capacity of 175,000 cubic meters of storage. At the time they were in operation the demand was around 28,000 cubic meters an hour (at its peak).
  • The lowest tier was erected with the use of a steam locomotive crane.

The Granton Gas Holder is unique as the umbrella which supports the tank roof when the system is not pressurised, was made from timber as opposed to cast iron. These timbers were in remarkably great condition when demolition began.

Bin man turned drag queen adds sparkle to Edinburgh streets

As Edinburgh enters its busiest summer festival season since the Covid pandemic, a Cheshire bin man has brought his extravagant performance to the capital to support keeping the streets clean.

To celebrate (?) the City of Edinburgh Council announcing the deployment of additional waste and cleansing resources over August in the city centre, Joe Leather treated Council Leader Cammy Day, cleansing staff and passers-by to a lively performance yesterday.

And Joe was very vocal in getting behind the message ‘bin your litter or take it home with you’ to make sure the world’s festival city is kept looking its best for residents, businesses and visitors this summer.

An additional team of 15 cleansing staff are now out in force targeting the busiest streets in the city centre each day. The 350 litter bins across the city centre will continue to be emptied overnight and there will also be a dedicated vehicle with cleansing crew emptying litter bins during the day.

In addition to this, an extra four waste vehicles will be out clearing up any areas where waste has built up and extra litter bins have been placed in busy ‘hot spot’ areas at Cockburn Street, High Street and the top of the Mound.

The Council also works with Out of Hand to make sure areas in the city centre outside the pedestrianised section of the High Street, looked after by the Fringe, has managed advertising space and is kept clear of fliers and other litter.

Alongside this, temporary changes have been made to some road layouts in the Old Town to create a safer, more inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors. By making it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle on key streets in the area during the busy festival period this will reduce pressure caused by increased footfall. This builds on the successful pedestrianisation of Cockburn Street and Victoria Street as part of Travelling Safely.

This year the Council has also brought back the popular ‘We’ll bin our jokes, if you bin your litter’ campaign, which urges residents and visitors to help keep the Capital city in shape.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “It was great to meet Joe and get a sneak preview of one of the acts which will bring colour and culture to the streets of the Capital in the coming weeks as the festival season gets into full swing.

“This is our first restriction-free summer festival season since the Covid pandemic and there’s already a fantastic buzz building across Edinburgh. We’re also hosting a leg of the UCI World Championships road race and with all this activity it will be great to see residents and visitors out and about, soaking up the sights and sounds, and maybe some sun!

“That’s why we’re deploying extra waste and cleansing staff and I’d like to thank them as well as those from the Fringe, Out of Hand and other partners who will be working tirelessly in the background day and night to make sure Edinburgh continues to look its best. It’s important to recognise that we all have a part to play in keeping Edinburgh clean and I would ask you all to take pride in your city by binning your litter or taking it home.

“If you’ve larger items always remember to use our special uplift service or book an appointment at one of our Household Waste Recycling Centres to dispose of your waste responsibly. And if the weather improves and you’re out enjoying the sunshine and having a barbecue, please remember to protect the grass in our parks and other open spaces.”

Festival support for Scotland’s artists

Showcasing home-grown talent to the world

The very best of cultural talent from Scotland will be under the spotlight this month as Edinburgh welcomes visitors from home and abroad to its world-class summer arts festivals.

Six of the festivals have received support from the Scottish Government’s Expo Fund to commission new work, some of which will tour internationally following festival performances. Under the Made in Scotland banner there are 18 funded shows this year featuring an exciting mix of theatre, music and dance commissions and performances.

In addition, the Platforms for Creative Excellence (PLACE) programme – jointly funded by the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council – focuses on programme innovation, creative development, and community.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland has a wealth of phenomenally talented artists and the Edinburgh festivals provide a fantastic platform for them to reach a much wider audience. 

“Expo and PLACE funding have not only helped to raise the profile of Scottish artists but contributed to a more vibrant and diverse arts scene both at home and internationally.

“There is something for everyone across the summer festivals and I hope people from home and abroad, whether they’re taking part in events or watching performances will enjoy this fantastic celebration of culture.”

Festivals Edinburgh chair Dr Simon Gage said: “We warmly welcome this sustained support from the Scottish Government for our festivals and the people who make them happen.

“This is crucial in allowing us to deliver unparalleled cultural, social and economic benefits that enhance lives at home and Scotland’s profile around the world.”

Since it was set up in 2008, the Expo cohort has received £32 million. Within the first ten years, the fund had supported the commissioning of more than 550 new works of art, music and theatre.

Recipients awarded a share of the £1.8 million Expo Fund for 2023-24 include Edinburgh Art Festival (£130,000), Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society (£550,000), Edinburgh International Book Festival (£85,000), Edinburgh International Festival (£100,000), Edinburgh International Film Festival (£59,000) and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (£100,000).

The PLACE Fund was set up five years ago to provide £1 million each year over five years to the Edinburgh festivals.

Tennis courts set to reopen after renovation

THIRTEEN park tennis courts in four Edinburgh parks will reopen this summer after state-of-the-art renovations worth £190,000.

The improvements to the courts in Inverleith Park, Leith Links, Victoria Park and St. Margaret’s Park has been managed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation. 

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 13 courts across the capital providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.

The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including; resurfacing, repainting, some new fencing, nets and a new booking gate system.

This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

As part of the partnership, the Council’s Parks and Greenspace service will manage the courts and will adopt the LTA’s Clubspark booking system to manage community access which will be connected to a smart access gate at each of the refurbished venues.

The new booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The small booking fee of £1 will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA and the Council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are also available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

Investment into parks is one way in which the LTA is working to open tennis up across Scotland, in partnership with Tennis Scotland. The LTA, Tennis Scotland and sportscotland are also delivering the £15million Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis fund to provide more year-round community accessible tennis provision. Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre at Heriot-Watt University’s Riccarton Campus, has benefitted from this fund with new indoor tennis courts scheduled to open in September 2023.   

The refurbishment works for courts at Inverleith, Victoria Park, and Leith Links have now been completed. Residents will be able to begin using these courts immediately, with the online booking system launching in the coming weeks. Works at St Margaret’s Park are expected to be completed by early September.  

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, City of Edinburgh Council added: “We very much welcome the funding boost that the LTA project will bring to the city’s provision for tennis. Working together we’re investing in and improving four of our park tennis courts giving more opportunities and availability for residents to get involved in the sport.

“I am delighted that courts at three out of four of these parks, Inverleith, Victoria Park, and Leith Links have now had works competed and will reopen this weekend, with St Margaret’s Park expected in the near future.

I” am looking forward to seeing residents and visitors take advantage of these fantastic new facilities.”

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted that we will soon see park tennis courts across Edinburgh officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever. 

“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”

Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said: “We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.

“The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Edinburgh.

“These improved Edinburgh Tennis Courts will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu.”

More than £1m invested in Edinburgh’s public toilets

A ramp to a temporary public toilet situated in the Meadows

More than £1m is being invested by the City of Edinburgh Council to provide new accessible permanent toilets in Edinburgh as well as temporary facilities for residents and visitors.

New permanent toilets are planned for three of the city’s premier parks – Inverleith, Leith Links and additional loos in the Meadows.

More than 50 temporary facilities have also been installed at these locations which are open now until the end of October. In the coming weeks, a number of these temporary toilets will also open at Straiton Place Park next to Portobello Promenade.

Part of the investment (£450,000) is from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for new accessible toilets at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry.

Environment Convener Scott Arthur said: “We’re hoping that this investment in our beautiful premier parks will encourage as many local people as possible to spend longer in them as well as at our stunning coastal areas.

“As an internationally renowned city, we also want to welcome visitors to the Capital with modern accessible facilities in popular areas so they can spend time enjoying the great outdoor space that Edinburgh is so famous for.

“The funding from the UK Government for new facilities at our busy coastal location in South Queensferry is to be welcomed, and I look forward to seeing these all of these new facilities being installed.

“The wellbeing of our residents and visitors is really important and with all of this investment, we are making it even easier for people to enjoy our wonderful open spaces and the wider city. Edinburgh will boast more free to use public toilets than many other cities.”

Primary School to close after sink hole opens up in playground

Pupils and teaching staff from Brunstane Primary School will be relocated to other local schools after a decision was taken to close the building as a precaution ahead of the start of the new term.

Ongoing investigations relating to planned energy retrofit works at the school have revealed issues with the ground conditions including a small hole in an area of the playground next to the main school building.

The site of the school contains historic coal mine workings and the Council is working closely with the Coal Authority to establish the exact cause and extent of the issue. An action plan will be drawn up to decide what remedial work is needed so the school can reopen as soon as possible.

This means that the pupils and teaching staff will be relocated to other schools in the area for the start of the new term on Wednesday August 16. The nursery is also affected with plans in place for children to attend Moffat Early Years Campus.

Magdalene Community Centre is also on the site and alternative venues are being considered for the community groups who use that building.

Education, Children and Families Convener, Cllr Joan Griffiths, said: This is highly unusual but I know parents/carers and the local community will fully understand why we had to take this decision to close the school as a precaution which hasn’t been taken lightly.

“The expert advice we have received from independent engineers is that the site should remain closed until further investigative work has identified the exact nature of the problem. We’ll be working closely with the Coal Authority to establish what has caused this and what the next steps are so we can reopen the site.

“I know this news will be disappointing for everyone affected by the closures however it is the most sensible solution given what has happened. Our education officers are working closely with the school and other Council teams to identify suitable schools so learning and teaching can continue for our young people.

“We have already identified Moffat Early Years Campus for the nursery pupils and are looking at other venues for the groups that use Magdalene Community Centre. We will keep parents/carers updated as our plans develop and will do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”

The school will be in direct contact with parents regarding updates and the Council’s emergency school closures web page will be kept updated.

UCI Cycling Men’s Elite Road Race: Road closures announced

SUNDAY 6th AUGUST

The route for the UCI Men’s Elite Road Race has been announced. This forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the “biggest cycling event ever.”

The race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 9.30am. We expect the event to attract many visitors from across the world to follow the race as it makes its way from the capital to Glasgow. The city will be busy and some roads will be closed as the event passes through.

Route

Competitors will start off in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood Park. The race then heads up the Royal Mile and through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing under Edinburgh Castle.

They will then head down the Mound and towards Stockbridge before moving onto Queensferry. Competitors will then cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing. The race will eventually finish in Glasgow’s George Square, covering a distance of 270km.

Road closures

These roads will be closed from 6:30pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:

  • Queens Drive
  • Horse Wynd
  • Dukes Walk

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:

  • Canongate
  • New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:

  • High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:  

  • High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)

The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
  • Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)  

The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
  • Bank Street
  • North Bank Street
  • The Mound
  • Hanover Street
  • Queen Street Gardens East
  • Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
  • Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
  • South-East Circus Place
  • Circus Place 
  • North-West Circus Place

These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Kerr Street 
  • Deanhaugh Street
  • Raeburn Place
  • Comely Bank Road
  • Craigleith Road

These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
  • Hillhouse Road

These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).

Vehicle crossing points on closed roads

On 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal. The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.

  • St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
  • Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
  • East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Whitehouse Road – Maybury Road A90 Queensferry Road 9:45am to 9:55am

Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.

You can find more information, on the event website 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. I

f you have any questions, please email events@edinburgh.gov.uk

Have your say on the future of West Edinburgh

People living in and interested in the future of the west of Edinburgh can take part in THREE public consultations just launched.

The city council is asking residents as well as those working and visiting the area how they think it could grow sustainably for future communities to be better connected, cleaner, greener and fairer for all.

Over the next few months there will be an opportunity to comment on three separate but linked key proposal documents:

Available to view together, these proposals could substantially develop the experience of living and moving around communities in the west of Edinburgh, helping the Capital to shape future planning policy and become a net zero city.

Towards West Edinburgh 2050 proposes how we could develop the area over the next 30 years. At this stage there are no detailed proposals but instead an overarching vision to be used as a starting point for discussion.

This has been informed by the city’s current City Plan 2030 (used to guide physical development and planning applications) and City Mobility Plan (for transport infrastructure) and, as the document develops, it will be used to evolve these plans over time.

The West Edinburgh Placemaking Framework and Strategic Masterplan is a consultation on development to the north of Gogarburn, extending from Eastfield Road in the west to Maybury junction in the east, with Edinburgh Airport and Turnhouse Road to the north.

There are a range of new opportunities for housing in this area as set out in City Plan 2030. The aim is to create a new 20 minute neighbourhood with a range of facilities which people will need to live well locally such as schools and medical centres.

Feedback on this document will be used to finalise a masterplan for this area which will go to the Planning Committee later this year for approval. The masterplan will then guide future planning applications.

Travel connections for those living, working and visiting west Edinburgh need to be improved, and to support future growth the Capital’s local authority is working with West Lothian Council to look at public transport and active travel links in the area along the A8/A89 between Broxburn to Maybury.

Known as Broxburn to Maybury Transport Improvements this is a major transport improvement project. The project is funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

The plan is to have better connected communities with major employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities easily accessible. This will also make it easier for more people to make more journeys by bus or by cycling, walking or wheeling.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The west of the city is an area of strategic importance locally, regionally and within Scotland and beyond.

“It has three waterways, major rail and tram routes running through it and is home to the city’s busy airport which has more than 11m passengers passing through it every year. Leisure plays a big part in the community too.

“Every year the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston hosts many prestigious international and national concerts, conferences, and other events. There are also several major educational establishments serving students locally and from all over the world. This all makes it a popular place to live, work and study and we need to take action to respond to the opportunities and challenges this presents.

“We’re looking to create a new neighbourhood to the north of Gogarburn and so we’ve produced a proposed masterplan with a range of new opportunities for much needed affordable housing.

“We’re also using 20 minute neighbourhood principles as in the rest of the city to make sure future residents live well locally with schools, healthcare and leisure facilities nearby. Like other neighbourhoods in west Edinburgh this new community needs to be well connected to the rest of the city, the wider region and beyond through improved public transport links.

“It’s an exciting time for the west of Edinburgh and I’d encourage you all to give us your views, whether that is online or at one of the drop in events we’ll be promoting in the coming months.”

Consultation-Draft-West-Edinburgh-Placemaking-Framework-and-Strategic-MasterplanDownload

To take part in these consultations, visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/westedinburgh2050.

Tree-mendous Edinburgh!

Capital claims top spot for parks and greenspaces in Scotland

Edinburgh has the highest number of quality parks and greenspaces in Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful has announced.

In total, 38 parks and greenspaces in the city have been presented with a prestigious Green Flag Award for 2023, which was announced by the environmental charity yesterday.

35 of these are maintained by the Council and the remaining three by the Friends of Corstorphine Hill (Corstorphine Hill LNR Community Walled Garden), NHS Lothian (Royal Edinburgh Hospital), and Heriot Watt University (The Lawn & Central Woodlands).

Edinburgh’s award recipients represent over one third of the 87 total Green Flag Awards across Scotland.

The Capital placed third overall in the UK in total Green Flag Awards.

The full list of awarded parks and greenspaces in Scotland is available here.

The International Green Flag Award is bestowed upon parks and greenspaces that demonstrate excellent management and adherence to environmental standards. To make sure Edinburgh’s parks are kept to a high standard, each year the Council checks all its parks and gardens using Green Flag Award criteria.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker, said: “I am delighted that 38 parks around Edinburgh have been recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Green Flag Awards scheme.

“The scheme recognises the quality of parks and greenspaces, their benefits to communities and the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers who keep them ticking over.

“Here in the Capital, we are truly spoiled for choice across the city when it comes to fantastic parks and green spaces. Each different space has a unique character and significance for the residents and visitors that it welcomes.

“As part of our Edinburgh’s Thriving Greenspaces 2050 strategy, we are committed to doing everything we can to safeguard, preserve and improve these spaces so that people can continue to enjoy them, and communities feel involved in how they are looked after.”

Pic Greg Macvean 13/07/2023 Keep Scotland Beautiful – Green Flag Award 2023/24

Jamie Ormiston, Senior Awards Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Congratulations to our 38 award winners in Edinburgh. Every park has a wide range of people visiting them and their requirements can vary. What is essential is that they are well maintained and provide a safe place for people to relax and have fun.

“Our award-winning parks have demonstrated they are worthy winners, meeting the criteria of the coveted international award. Receiving this prestigious benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

“It is imperative that Scotland reconnects with the natural world if we are to fix the biodiversity crisis and these green spaces will provide a space for people of all ages to do that.

“Green spaces are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see such a wide range of parks and green spaces across the entire length of the country. I encourage everyone to make the most of them this summer.”