Tag: city council

Council By-elections: Communists urge voters to choose principles over ‘political tinkering’

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.

Popular bridge must be urgently re-opened, say Lib Dems

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

BACKGROUND REPORTS 

Tomorrow: Storytime for under-5s

DRUMBRAE LIBRARY HUB at 11am

Join us for under 5s story time this Friday at 11:00 am, to listen to lots of stories about ice-cream!

We’ll read some stories, do a simple craft and colouring. 🍧🍦

Come along to have some fun!

🍦See you then!!

Princes Street to reopen on Saturday

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.”

The latest updates, information and advice will continue to be posted on the Council’s dedicated webpage.

Positive progress in tackling housing emergency, councillors told

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.

Read the reports, Suspension of Allocations Policy, the Empty Homes Grant Scheme and Housing Emergency Action Plan – Biannual Update on the Council website.

Council outlines action to manage heatwaves and respond to climate change

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.

Positive progress on a range of measures to tackle the higher temperatures – across Council buildings and estate, in work with partners and developers, and among Council staff and residents – will help to mitigate climate change risks and increase Edinburgh’s resilience to extreme weather.

Key areas of work include:

  • Helping people stay safe in extreme weather such as heatwaves with clear and updated information on the Council website on how to keep cool in the heat.
  • 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.“

Young Edinburgh changemakers celebrated for driving positive community impact

YMCA Edinburgh recognised at global summit for creating leadership opportunities for young people driving community change

Eleven-year-olds Edie Chaw and Tarek Hydara Estribio are being celebrated by YMCA Edinburgh after showcasing that you don’t have to be an adult to drive real change. Both are residents of Cables Wynd House in Leith and active members of youth-led advocacy groups supported by the charity, and they are leading the charge in helping develop their neighbourhood for the better.

Edie and Tarek are active participants in several of YMCA Edinburgh’s initiatives, including The Cables Wynd House Youth Residents Forum, a youth-led advocacy group where they held consultations with their peers and collaborated with adult residents and Making Rights Real to present a comprehensive housing report to the City of Edinburgh Council. As part of the initiative they were also consulted on public space improvements.

Edie and Tarek are also involved in The Next Generation Youth Forum, a programme focused on empowering the next generation of changemakers. They also work on local green space projects, sustainable food and composting workshops, and creative community awareness programs like climate-themed banner workshops as part of their involvement in the Climate Change Group.

The success of these youth-led initiatives by YMCA Edinburgh was recently recognised on the global stage.

At the 2026 YMCA World Council in Toronto, Mike Kerracher, Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Edinburgh, represented the organisation alongside international leaders and Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.

Speaking on a panel, the event had 1,400 representatives from over 120 countries, Kerracher showcased how organisations can move beyond merely consulting young people to actively creating genuine opportunities for them to lead.

Now, YMCA Edinburgh is launching a renewed call to create these leadership opportunities locally and nationally, emphasising that youth are ready to drive real community change if given the chance.

Mike Kerracher, CEO of YMCA Edinburgh, said: “Edie and Tarek are fantastic examples of what happens when young people are empowered to take the lead.

“True community change happens when we stop making decisions for young people and start making decisions with them, when we give them a genuine seat at the table and invest in their ideas, they shine.”

Edie Chaw, 11, said: “Sometimes people think only grown-ups know how to fix things, but kids see the neighbourhood differently.

“When you don’t only ask adults, but also ask what kids want, and when everyone actually listens to each other we can come together and combine our ideas to create something everyone wants.”

Tarek Hydara Estribio, 11, added: “Being part of these projects helps me learn how to communicate, work as a team, and socialise with lots of different people.

“It’s given us a real chance to speak up because we just want to be heard, and it feels great to know we’re actually helping to make things better.”

This international recognition follows a highly successful year for YMCA Edinburgh, which supported over 250 individuals across its services. Mentorship remains a cornerstone of the organisation’s success.

Over the last year, 39 dedicated volunteer mentors provided vital one-to-one support to 59 young people. As a result, 98% of participants reported improved access to opportunities and 94% experienced enhanced wellbeing.

Alongside these programmes, the organisation successfully delivered seven weeks of free holiday activities, expanding sports, outdoor learning, and wellbeing support for local families.

YMCA Edinburgh is committed to creating even more opportunities for young people to lead, influence decisions, and shape the future of their communities.

Young people who want to make a difference are encouraged to get in touch to find out more about the Next Generation Youth Forum and other participation opportunities. The organisation is also keen to hear from adults interested in volunteering as mentors, collaborating with young people around meaningful climate action in the local community, or supporting its wider work. 

Whether through mentoring, partnership, fundraising, or simply encouraging a young person to get involved, everyone has a role to play in empowering the next generation. To find out more, email admin@ymcaedinburgh.com. 

City Council: Share your views in Call for Ideas consultation

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener appeals to those living and working in the Capital to help shape the city’s future development:

We’re at the very early stages of putting together our next local development plan City Plan 2040 to meet the needs of existing and new residents and the Capital’s growing population.

Our  ‘Call for Ideas’ consultation is asking those living and working in the city to help us set its direction and your local knowledge will help us focus on making changes where they are needed. If you’re passionate about how your community will look in the future and how you’d like it to evolve, please give us your views.

We’re looking for proposals on new buildings and how they are used, what facilities and services are needed and homes you think we need. Ideas about how we could reuse important buildings and land would be helpful too.

Also, where you think additional spaces for playing, sports or growing food would be helpful for communities and any improvements you think are required to help you get around.

Your idea can be about any area and can be any size covering a whole district, neighbourhood, a single plot of land or building. It would be good to know why you think it’s important and why it would a make a difference.

I’d encourage you to find out what others think by reaching out to local people in the area to find out what is most important to them. You could ask about the changes you are suggesting, what they think about your ideas, and you can point out planning policies you’d like to influence. You could do this through surveys and questionnaires, drop in events, exhibitions and by attending planned local events.

My vision is that you can help us create City Plan 2040 to strengthen communities and make sure that they look after the wellbeing of their residents.

We want to build attractive places where people can afford to buy or rent their homes, walk to shops, schools, green space and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural, community and sporting activities and easily access sustainable transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.

We’d love to hear from residents, young people, community councils and groups, businesses, social enterprises, the public and private sector, developers and landowners. The consultation is open until 30 September, and every idea will be considered.

We will be using the ideas to help us prepare the Proposed Plan including how we plan sites and areas. It could also help to shape what our planning policies might be and how the places that people value most can evolve.

We will be consulting on the Proposed Plan later in the process and we’ll let you know how you can get involved and give your views.

Greens welcome boost for street art

EDINBURGH Greens have welcomed backing for a new project that will replace offensive, racist and damaging graffiti with street art.

Green Councillor Dan Heap added street art to the city’s new public art strategy last year, but no street art projects have started since then.

Last week (13 August), the city’s Culture and Communities Committee agreed to explore new street art projects, including a new scheme for walls and other spaces to be adopted by community groups for the purpose of painting murals.

Groups could include art groups, community councils, schools, and Edinburgh College of Art

Evidence suggests that street art discourages damaging graffiti, and has other benefits, such as improving mental health.

Old Town street art

Speaking after the meeting, Dan said: “Edinburgh is a leading cultural city, but lags behind other cities in street art. We have some beautiful individual projects like the hugely successful Colinton Tunnel, but nothing like the large number of incredible murals that bring so much life to cities such as Glasgow.

We are hearing that many groups want to make their local are more beautiful and are willing to do the painting themselves, with minimal or no cost to the Council, but find it hard to engage the Council to get permission to paint on public walls.

“At the same time, residents are concerned about non-artistic graffiti that is meant purely to damage, offend or marginalise. There is, rightly, particular concern around racist graffiti.

“It is not hard to put two and two together here, and see that we can make our city more colourful, beautiful and welcoming by facilitating local communities to produce street art.”

Communist candidates condemn city council and ask: What is a feminist vote?

The Communist Party of Britain (CPB) has spoken out on  women’s rights and opportunities in its campaign for the September 3rd City of  Edinburgh Council by-elections. They ask ‘What is a feminist vote?’, ‘How do  council policies affect women and girls?’  

They condemn the City of Edinburgh Council for opposing the updated Equality and  Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice on single-sex spaces, and for  failing to implement it.  

The party is standing candidates Richard Shillcock (Southside/Newington ward)  and Peter Olech (Portobello/Craigmillar ward). They are offering distinct feminist  policies within a socialist alternative to the mainstream parties.  

They say the lives of girls and women in Scotland are under attack—from the widening gap  between rich and poor, from cuts and underfunding and from an epidemic of male violence.  

Women’s lives.

We need to rebuild women’s ‘social wage’ by investing in public  services that lift the load from women in childcare and social care, and by  increasing bargaining power and raising wages for the women who work in them.  

Women’s rights.

We need to urgently implement the Supreme Court ruling on the  definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010. Edinburgh City Council must fully uphold  women’s rights and protections under the Act, including the right to single-sex  services. The Scottish Government should require all public bodies to fully  implement the Act.  

Violence against women.

We need to strengthen domestic abuse and sexual  assault services for women and children, with secure long term investment in  prevention. We need to support women to exit prostitution, with zero tolerance  towards the sexual exploitation of women by men.  

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.