The King and Queen attended a celebration of Edinburgh 900 this week at Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh 900 explores and celebrates the nine centuries of history and traditions in Scotland’s capital city, since the founding of the Royal Burgh by King David I around 1124.
The King and Queen were greeted by a colourful and dynamic display of the very best of Edinburgh, featuring performances from Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, music from a local accordion player, and Bhangra dancers.
There was also an array of local and national civic and community organisations represented including the Edinburgh Local Heritage Network, The Hub, Herbie of Edinburgh, Historic Environment Scotland, Barnardo’s and The Prince’s Trust.
The renowned author Alexander McCall Smith performed a short poem written for Edinburgh’s 900th birthday, his adopted home.
The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge then delivered a specially produced loyal address to The King and Queen.
Concluding the celebrations, The King and Queen were invited to cut an Edinburgh 900 themed cake baked by 2020 Great British Bake Off winner and Edinburgh-born, Peter Sawkins.
The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:“It was wonderful to welcome Their Majesties to Edinburgh to celebrate 900 years of Scotland’s capital city. The interest shown by The King and Queen highlights the importance of 900 years of our shared history and showcased local organisations exhibiting the very best of Edinburgh in the modern day which we’re rightly proud of.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how Edinburgh 900 develops in the months ahead. The full programme will delve into how Edinburgh came to be over the centuries. The programme will also celebrate Edinburgh in the present day and look ahead to our future ambitions and aspirations.”
An official programme launch will take place at the end of July. This will announce the full list of recipients of the Edinburgh 900 Community and Civic Funds.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker writes about enjoying Edinburgh’s green spaces this summer:
With the warm weather upon us (for now at least!), offering a glimpse of the summer ahead, I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a city like Edinburgh – not least given how much green space we have to enjoy.
With 144 parks and green spaces across the city – making up an incredible 49 per cent of Edinburgh’s total area – it’s easy to see why we’re considered the UK’s greenest city.
Of course, we already knew the positive impact our parks on people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing by providing space for exercise, relaxation, social contact with friends and family, and opportunities for children and young people to play – but the Covid pandemic truly highlighted this.
With 38 of our parks recognised by the Green Flag Award scheme, which highlights the quality of our parks and the efforts of those who maintain them (more than the rest of Scotland put together), it’s a case of quantity and quality. And with more trees per resident than any other UK city (712,000 trees vs. 526,000 people), we’re well on our way to becoming a Million Tree City by 2030.
But there’s always more we can do and, through our Edinburgh’s Thriving Green spaces 2050 strategy, we’re committed to safeguarding, preserving, and improving these areas so that people can continue to enjoy them, and communities feel involved in their upkeep. And through our ongoing partnership with Fields in Trust, we’re working hard to ensure our residents are within a ten-minute walk from a protected green space.
However, while people rightly recognise the value of local parks that are convenient to them, they can become places to be avoided or underused if they feel unsafe or if the facilities are of poor quality.
That’s why, when setting the annual council budget in February, we approved an additional £3.5m investment in our infrastructure and facilities.
This includes close to £1.5m on projects to repair and improve paths, walls and bridges across the city, £800,000 committed to permanent toilets in Leith Links, Meadows, and Inverleith park (with further investment in installing temporary facilities across the city until the end of October), ongoing in play parks, with over £200,000 set aside for the new play area and equipment at West Princes Street Gardens, and a further £200,000 allocated to the introduction of a number of park lighting projects.
Hopefully, this highlights our ongoing commitment to preserving and improving our city’s for now and future generations.
If you’re out and about and enjoying these spaces, can I please ask that you to:
Bin your litter: If a bin is full, please take your litter home.
Don’t get caught short: Check where public toilets are located.
Pick up after your dog: We love seeing furry friends enjoying our parks, but remember, the city is a shared space.
Extinguish and bin your BBQ: When enjoying a BBQ, please do not put it directly on the grass, and always fully extinguish BBQs before disposing of them (some parks have BBQ-only bins).
Respect our parks and other users: Our parks are for everyone, young and old.
Please help us to ensure our parks and green spaces thrive and remain clean and welcoming for all this summer.
The City of Edinburgh Council is taking urgent steps to ensure all residents can cast their vote in next Thursday’s UK Parliament General Election.
From today, (28 June), and over the weekend, voters who have yet to receive their postal votes, and will not be at home next week, can go to the City Chambers and have their voting pack re-issued. A polling booth will be set up for those wishing to cast their vote there and then in privacy.
The facility will be open until 5pm today and then from 9am to 5pm tomorrow and Sunday. Voters should come to the City Chambers on the High Street, with photo ID, and a replacement pack can be issued.
The distribution of postal votes nationally has been hit by delays, but the Royal Mail has confirmed that all packs should be delivered today or tomorrow.
We’re prioritising those who will not be at home next week. If you will be at home next week, please be wait for delivery and only contact us early next week if you are still without your pack.
Please contact elections@edinburgh.gov.uk in the first instance or call the helpline on 0131 200 2315. As above we will be open for re-issues Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm and into next week if necessary.
We’ll be putting extra resources into our Customer Team over the weekend to deal with these enquiries.
We’re encouraging everyone else to make their way on foot or by public transport, but Blue Badge holders will be able to park in the City Chambers quadrangle this weekend.
Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said:“I appreciate the concerns of voters on this issue and my absolute priority is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote in this General Election.
“That’s why we’ve taken the decision to put in extra resources and open the City Chambers this weekend. Please only attend if you haven’t received your postal vote and you’re going on holiday or won’t be at home next week.
“I’d encourage anyone who has already received their postal vote to return it as soon as possible, through Royal Mail.
“The timing of this election has been challenging as have other circumstances beyond our control, but our teams are working hard to ensure it passes off as smoothly and successfully as possible.”
The city council is issuing guidance so everyone is able to cast their vote in the General Election on 4 July.
If you applied for a postal vote by 7 June, then this has been posted out and should arrive soon if you haven’t already received it. If you applied for one between 8-19 June it will be sent out by this weekend. Further information can be found on our website.
Please fill your postal vote in as soon as possible once you receive it and post it back to us.
When filling out your postal vote if you’ve separated the statement from envelope A this isn’t an issue, please just send everything back. Don’t worry about using blue ink.
If you need a proxy vote, where someone votes on your behalf, the deadline for new applications is tomorrow (26 June) at 5pm. Guidance on proxy votes is available on our website.
If you are going to vote in person, this is the first UK General Election where voters must show a form of photo identification (ID) to cast their ballot.
The annual Pride Edinburgh march takes place today in what is Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This month is an invaluable opportunity for us to recognise the contributions made by the LGBT+ community. It’s so important to recognise the individuals who have challenged norms and pushed boundaries to create a more inclusive world for us all to enjoy.
“Edinburgh is one of the most diverse cities in the world and everyone is welcome to make our city their home, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“That’s why it’s vital we demonstrate our support by proudly flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers. The flag, a symbol of LGBT+ pride, represents the importance of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all individuals.
“I’m so proud that the Council is a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme to make sure we have a more inclusive working environment for our LGBT+ colleagues. I’m committed to upholding the rights of the community so they can live their lives as they wish, without fear of judgement or discrimination.”
The City of Edinburgh Council has appointed AtkinsRéalis to look at potential opportunities for improvements to two areas of open space at Granton Medway.
The first site is the area of land between the two rows of housing blocks to the south of Granton Medway. The second site is the larger area of grassland siting to the north of Granton Medway.
At this early stage we are looking to gather local knowledge from the residents to help us inform both developments and shape the improvements for the communities who use them most. These improvements are looking to address accessibility, safety, biodiversity, flood water management, and general landscape improvements.
To facilitate this, we will be holding 2 separate consultation events on Wednesday 26 June for residents to drop in and talk to the team together with the city council’s Housing team at the following venues and times:
Granton Medway Orchard Garden: 11am – 2pm at The Salvation Army Community Centre, 36 Wardieburn Drive, Edinburgh, EH5 1BZ
Granton Medway Community Park: 4pm – 7pm at the entrance to the park on Granton Medway (Outdoor)
A new ‘school zone’ has launched at Dalry Primary School with a day of festivities to celebrate safer streets and improved air quality.
Pupils are now set to benefit from wider, people-friendly footpaths and reduced motor traffic at key drop-off and pick-up times along Springwell Place and Cathcart Place, either side of the school.
The scheme has been delivered thanks to a grant from Sustrans’ Temporary School Streets Fund.
Dalry Primary School has worked with the Council and Sustrans to collaboratively design the project, including new artwork by local artist Shona Hardie, featuring designs inspired by ideas created with pupils at workshops last year.
These are complemented by planters and seating to help deliver a more relaxed environment for pupils and local people.
Activities to celebrate the launch of the project started with a ‘walking bus’ from Tynecastle High School to help children and parents walk to school safely. They were joined by performers from Leith-based Think Circus, who captivated pupils with a number of interactive workshops throughout the day.
After school activities also included a ‘Dr Bike’ session, allowing children and parents to have their bikes checked and repaired for free, while The Bike Station’s ‘Wee Bike Library’ presented bikes of different sizes for kids to try out. Parents were also able to sign up for a free bike from the library.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said:“I firmly believe that no parent should have to worry about their child walking or cycling to school, and I’m delighted that this new initiative will help to create a safer environment during the busy pick-up and drop-off times in the school day.
“These improvements at Dalry Primary are also designed to benefit the whole community. We’ve worked with a fantastic artist to create colourful street art and a more relaxed environment for everyone to spend time along Cathcart Place, Springwell Place and Dalry Road, and we hope local residents and visitors enjoy the fun designs and opportunities to rest as much as pupils.
“We look forward to seeing the results of the changes and helping parents to more easily walk and cycle with their children every day. These results will also help us as we continue to explore ideas to help people to travel more safely around the wider local area.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans said:“We are excited to launch the school zone at Dalry Primary in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council. In Scotland and across the UK, we have been working with stakeholders to transform the surrounding streets near schools. The result is a safer, happier and more pleasant environment for pupils, parents and the wider community.
“Nearly 50 percent of pupils in Scotland either walk, wheel or cycle to school, according to our latest Hands Up Scotland Survey results. Innovative projects like the Dalry Primary school zone will help to empower more pupils and families to leave the car at home and enjoy an active commute.”
Elaine Honeyman, Headteacher at Dalry Primary School, said:“It’s fantastic to see this scheme underway after lots of discussions with parents, residents and of course, our pupils.
“The safety measures are already proving popular with the children as they arrive at school. Pupils have told me that they are enjoying all the improvements to our school area, particularly the colourful street art and the playful aspect that this adds to the surrounding streets.”
Among the enthusiastic pupils are two P6 Junior Road Safety Officers.
Umaima Rakha Parveen said: “I think the street art is an interesting way to distract the young people and will help them to stay away from the roadside and stay safe.”
Attri Roy said: “The parents and children can use the seats to rest on when they arrive at school and many children will love to play on the seats.”
The school zone outside Dalry Primary School reduces motor traffic on Cathcart Place and Springwell Place (where the school has its entrances) on school days between 8:15 and 9:15am, Mondays to Thursdays between 2:30 and 3:45pm and Fridays between 11:30 and 1pm.
Local access continues for residents of Cathcart Place and Springwell Place, emergency services and blue badge holders during these times.
Such projects offer a number of benefits for everyone, including increasing walking, cycling and active lifestyles for pupils, parents and carers, while also reducing the speed of traffic, congestion and pollution around school gates.
Edinburgh Direct Aid International proudly announces the completion of a powerful and evocative mural at its warehouse at West Harbour Road in Granton, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the spirit of humanitarian aid.
This significant artwork was made possible through a generous grant from the Diversity and Inclusion Fund 2023/2024 awarded by the Edinburgh Council which seeks to support the work of ethnically diverse artists.
The mural, a vibrant testament to the charity’s mission of providing aid to refugees in Lebanon, Ukraine, Gaza, and other war-affected regions, was designed and directed by internationally-awarded Mexican muralist Draya Madú.
Draya, whose works have garnered global recognition for their depth and social impact, was joined by Mexican beginner artist Eva Paredes, and a dedicated team of volunteers, all of whom brought this vision to life through a campaign of research, surveys and consultations.
“The mural is not just a piece of art; it represents a light of hope and a reminder of our shared and caring humanity as well as a call to action to keep helping those in need,” said Draya Madu.
“Working with Edinburgh Direct Aid and seeing the community come together in support of refugees worldwide has been a unique inspiring experience.”
The mural project reflects Edinburgh Direct Aid’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the power of collective action. It showcases a blend of cultural motifs and symbolism, creating a visual narrative that connects the local Edinburgh community with global refugee populations.
One of the most striking elements of the mural is the depiction of a child being given wings by a charity volunteer,
“Why the wings on the child? you may ask” says Ian McHaffie, representative from Edinburgh Direct Aid. “Because humanitarian aid spreads out from the boxes in our warehouse to help people rise above their immediate circumstances, to fly up from their troubles, and see a new vision and new hope for their future.”
The Diversity and Inclusion Fund from the Edinburgh Council has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. By supporting initiatives that celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, the Council has enabled the creation of a lasting symbol of solidarity and compassion in the heart of Edinburgh.
Join Edinburgh Direct Aid for the unveiling ceremony. The event will take place on June 30th at 1.30 pm, at the local charity warehouse.
Representatives from the Edinburgh Council will be in attendance to honour the collaboration and community effort that made this project possible.
Following extensive consultation, plans for the first phase of a £1.3bn sustainable new coastal town at Granton Waterfront in Edinburgh are available to view on the Council’s Planning Portal.
In partnership with Cruden Homes, the Council plan to transform part of the Capital’s largest brownfield site into an exciting new development comprising over 800 net zero homes, capacity for a new primary school and low carbon heat network, commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space.
At least 35% of the homes will be of affordable tenure.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’ve been consulting with people every step of the way to deliver this project. I’m really pleased that after listening to feedback from the local community and others interested in the area, the team has submitted plans for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland at Granton Waterfront as part of the £1.3 billion regeneration.
“To deliver our net zero targets for the Capital, sustainable regeneration is so important and every element of this development has been designed with that in mind.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a 20-minute neighbourhood completely from scratch which includes affordable net zero homes, shops, cultural, leisure and education facilities all close by.
“Our plans show how the new neighbourhood will link to the rest of the city and beyond as well as to the many established communities nearby.”
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with the Council, local community and key stakeholders to create a transformational design that reconnects the Capital to the Firth of Forth.
“This landmark, landscape-led development of Edinburgh’s coastline takes a fresh approach to urban regeneration which will create an exciting new coastal community set to become one of Europe’s largest waterside amenities.
“Moreover, the delivery of 847 much needed, high quality and sustainable new homes across all tenures will make an important contribution to alleviating the well documented housing emergency.”
Paul Lawrence officially takes up the post of Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council today (Monday 17 June).
Succeeding Andrew Kerr, who retired at the weekend after nine years in the role and 42 years of public service, Paul will work closely with the existing management team and Leader Cammy Day to drive forward key priorities for the Council.
Welcoming Paul to the post, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “On day one of his new role, I’d like to warmly welcome Paul Lawrence to the position of Chief Executive. We have much to look forward to as we build on the improvements we’ve already made to council services and continue to deliver on our ambitious priorities for the Capital.
“This is a busy year for the city with plans for new schools and housing underway, improvements to transport links and designs for the UK’s first visitor levy to be shaped. That alongside our continued investment in the essential services we know residents rely on every day and, of course, the forthcoming election.
I’d also like to pass on my best wishes and thanks to Andrew Kerr for his many years of dedication, hard work, and leadership. After an impressive 42 years’ worth of commitment to public service I wish Andrew a truly happy and healthy retirement with his loved ones.”
Having served as the Council’s Executive Director of Place since 2015, Paul Lawrence starts his role as Chief Executive with extensive experience running the city’s planning, housing, transport, regulatory services and environment services, as well as economic development and culture.
Paul began his local government career in 1990 as Arts Director for Durham City Council before moving to Northern Arts as Assistant Chief Executive in 1997. He went on to spend 10 years at Newcastle City Council as Head of Culture, and later Assistant Chief Executive, before becoming Corporate Director, Place, at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council in 2010.
Incoming Chief Executive Paul Lawrencesaid: “It is a real privilege to begin serving as Chief Executive. This is a city I am proud to have called home for almost 10 years.
“Having served as the council’s Director of Place since 2015, I’m fortunate to be able to bring a deep understanding of the challenges and exciting opportunities facing Scotland’s capital to this role. In the busy weeks and months ahead,
“I’m pleased this experience will allow me to get to work quickly. And I have much work to do – not least serving as the Returning Officer for the general election in less than three weeks’ time!
“I’d like to congratulate Andrew on his retirement and thank him for his many, many years of service. I’m delighted to get started and to build on his achievements.”
Andrew Kerr took up his post as Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council in July 2015, having previously held the same role at North Tyneside, Wiltshire and Cornwall Councils. In 2021, Andrew was awarded the OBE for services to the public sector in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.
Speaking on his last day, Andrew Kerr said: “I’m hugely proud to have dedicated my entire working life to local government and public service and I know Paul will lead this council with the same passion and dedication.
“I’m confident that under his new leadership, the City of Edinburgh Council will continue to go from strength to strength, delivering the best services it can for the people of this incredible city.
“I’m fortunate to end my career here in Edinburgh and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I have worked with, for their unwavering commitment to this city.
“It has been an honour to work with such talented and resilient colleagues during both prosperous and challenging times. I wish everyone well for the future.”
