Come and join us at our community consultation to find out more about the development of Plot B1 & B2.
EVENTS
Dates:
Monday 28th September, 4.00pm – 7.00pm
Monday 12th October, 4.00pm – 7.00pm
Location:
Granton Station
1 Granton Station Square
Waterfront Broadway
Edinburgh
EH5 1FY
SURVEY
The consultation survey will go live on Monday 28 September on the City of Edinburgh Council Consultation Hub:
Feedback opportunity | The Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is developing a national social prescribing framework to make it easier for people across Scotland to access the right support and community-led activities, alongside health and social care services, to stay well.
Social prescribing helps people find local support, activities and services in their community that can improve their health and wellbeing.
Your feedback will help shape a national social prescribing framework, ensuring future services and support are shaped by the people who use them.
Have your say
Fishers, coastal communities, marine and environmental groups are being invited to help shape the future management of Scotland’s seas.
A consultation has been published on proposals for fisheries management measures for inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Priority Marine Feature (PMF) management areas in Scottish waters.
The proposed measures aim to protect important habitats and species while supporting sustainable fisheries and the coastal communities that depend on healthy, productive seas.
https://twitter.com/scotgov/status/1137373721843372033/video/1
The consultation covers more than 160 sites and areas across inshore waters and will remain open until 18 January 2027, giving people a longer than usual opportunity to share their views.
There will be 26 in person drop-in events around the coast of Scotland and 17 online events for people to ask questions and provide support in responding to the consultation.
Scotland’s seas support a wealth of marine ecosystems. From ancient maerl beds and flame shell reefs to seagrass meadows and horse mussel beds, these habitats provide vital breeding, nursery and feeding grounds for a variety of marine life, which in turn support sustainable fisheries.
Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands Jim Fairlie said: “Fishing is woven into the identity of so much of Scotland, sustaining families for generations, building local economies, and shaping the rhythm of life in our coastal communities.
“We know that any change to how our seas are managed touches something deeper than policy: it touches people’s homes, their traditions, and their sense of place.
“However, we also know that marine ecosystems across the world face increasing pressures from climate change, ocean warming and habitat loss – and Scotland is not immune to these challenges. That’s why I am determined to protect our oceans in a way that is fair and ensures they remain a source of prosperity for the nation, and especially for our island and coastal communities.
“Our seas are a shared resource, and protecting them properly means looking after fish stocks, habitats and the long-term future of the very industries that rely on healthy marine environments. Healthy seas are not separate from a healthy fishing industry, they are the foundation of it.
“The development of these proposals has been informed by years of engagement, scientific evidence gathering and discussion with representatives from the fishing industry, environmental organisations, coastal communities, local authorities, and other interested parties, meeting with them over 120 times in the last four years.
“I am extremely grateful to them for their contribution and look forward to continuing to work closely with them throughout the consultation period and beyond to ensure that we achieve an appropriate balance between environmental protection and the social and economic wellbeing of our coastal and island communities.
“Given the scale and complexity of the proposals, covering more than 160 sites and areas across Scotland’s inshore waters, the consultation has been extended beyond the standard duration and will run until January next year and I urge everyone with an interest to take part and help shape the future of our marine environment.”
Households struggling with food costs could benefit from price controls on essential items under proposals published for consultation.
Fulfilling one of the commitments made for the Scottish Government’s first 100 days, views are being sought on the proposals and accompanying draft Bill. These are intended to ease cost of living pressures, particularly for lower income households who spend a greater share of their budget on food.
The consultation seeks views on the proposals and how the mechanism would work in practice, including the retailers and foods that could be included in the scheme.
Minister for Business Tom Arthur said: “Helping people with the cost of living is a top priority of this government. Our aim is to make essential food items more affordable for households struggling to pay for their weekly shop, particularly those on lower incomes.
“The consultation covers the wide range of factors we need to consider to implement a food price cap. I am committed to taking action to address food affordability that works with retailers and protects farmers and food producers.
“I have spent the last three months engaging with bodies with an interest in this and encourage everyone to have their say.”
The consultation is live at www.gov.scot/isbn/9781807754938 and closes on 24 November 2026.
Community organisations, charities, social enterprises and local residents are being invited to help shape the future of the Norton Park Conference Centre as part of a new study exploring how a bespoke heritage space could better serve Edinburgh’s third sector as well as the local communities round Easter Road.
Norton Park has commissioned a comprehensive options appraisal to identify new and enhanced uses for its Conference Centre, with the ambition of creating greater social impact, stronger community benefit and improved long-term sustainability.
The study will explore how the building could support voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, local residents and purpose-driven businesses, while respecting the heritage character of the building.
The project is being led by Community Enterprise and Fraser/Livingstone Architects. A central part of the project is understanding what Edinburgh’s third sector actually needs. The team is keen to hear from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, networks and public sector partners about the challenges they face, the facilities they currently use, the gaps in provision across the city and the opportunities they would like to see developed.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “Norton Park has a long history of supporting the voluntary and community sector in Edinburgh.
“We know there is potential for the Conference Centre to play a much bigger role in supporting organisations and communities across the city. This project is an opportunity to think creatively about the future and ensure that the building responds to real needs.
“We are keen to hear from as many organisations as possible so that any future plans are rooted in evidence, demand and community benefit.”
Norton Park is Edinburgh’s leading third-sector hub, providing affordable, high-quality workspace and a supportive community for charities, social enterprises and community organisations.
The study will examine a range of possibilities, including workspace, meeting facilities, training and event space, partnership working opportunities and other community-focused uses. The findings will help Norton Park identify a preferred option and develop a longer-term vision for the building’s future.
Robin Livingstone, Director of Fraser/Livingstone Architects: “Sitting next to Easter Road stadium in Leith, Norton Park has a legacy in building repair, having rescued a Victorian school building from disrepair.
“This feasibility commission is an opportunity to build on that heritage by transforming the Conference Centre, housed in a makeshift conversion of a neighbouring B-Listed church.
“We will open the building to the community, unlock underused spaces, and improve energy efficiency by enhancing the building fabric to reduce carbon emissions. Creating a retrofit exemplar that supports Norton Park’s charitable purpose.”
Douglas Westwater, Chief Executive of Community Enterprise, added: “Edinburgh has one of the most vibrant third sectors in Scotland, but organisations are facing significant pressures around costs, sustainability and access to suitable space.
“We want to hear directly from the sector about what would make the biggest difference. Whether you are a small community group looking for meeting space, a charity seeking collaborative opportunities, or a social enterprise with ideas for the future, we would love to have a conversation.”
Get Involved
Organisations and individuals with an interest in the space are encouraged to get in touch and share their views.
To discuss your organisation’s needs, opportunities for collaboration, or wider priorities for Edinburgh’s third sector, please contact Douglas Westwater at Community Enterprise, email douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk
Pupils, parents and teachers are among those being encouraged to share their views about restricting phones in schools with the launch of a public consultation today.
The Scottish Government’s consultation will inform the development of legislation to restrict phone use in schools, given concerns about the harmful effect on pupils’ education and wellbeing. Views are sought on the extent, scope and potential impact of any restrictions, as well as any possible exemptions.
Updated guidance, published in June, already encourages schools to restrict the use of phones during teaching and learning time as a minimum while the proposed mandatory legal restrictions are being developed.
The consultation has been published alongside practical guidance for parents to keep their children safe online and manage their screen time – with the advice being posted from today on Scottish Government social media channels.
Speaking ahead of a visit to Perth Grammar School, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Smartphones are a fact of modern life, and it is important that we equip the next generation with the necessary skills, knowledge and resilience to thrive.
“However, the evidence of the risks that phones can pose to young people is compelling – from disruption to education, sleep and wellbeing, to more severe harms including bullying, harassment and radicalisation.
“The Scottish Government is treating this as a public health issue. We are publishing content from today about how parents can help keep their children safe online, alongside surveys to seek views on what more can be done to support families.
“We have already used guidance to encourage headteachers to restrict the use of phones, but we know teachers, parents, carers and pupils want a consistent approach across Scotland. That’s why national legislation is important.
“This consultation gives children, young people, parents and carers, school staff and education authorities the opportunity to share their views on what this legislation should look like.”
Consultation on restricting mobile phones in Scotland’s schools
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.
UPDATES TO WEST PILTON PARK
CONSTRUCTION WORK AND PARK CLOSURE
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust are holding a meeting at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on TUESDAY 25th AUGUST at 5pm to discuss the park development and for you to ask questions about YOUR park.
There is over £5 million being spent on re-developing the park and it will be closed until October/November 2027.
Come along, and have your say!
THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER 5.15pm – 8.30pm at GRANTON STATION
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ONLINE from WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST
Come and talk to us about our proposals to build a new Primary School and Nursery at Granton Waterfront.
The new proposed building will be able to accommodate a Nursery for 128 pupils between the ages of two and five, and a new two stream (15 classes) primary school with the potential for an Enhanced Support Base (ESB) with four additional classes. The facility will have the ability to expand to up to a three stream (22 classes) primary school in future.
You’ll be able to view the proposals and take part in our public consultation online from Wednesday, 26 August 2026 until Thursday 15 October 2026 at 5.00pm.
WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST from 3 -8pm
CRAMOND KIRK HALL
