Edinburgh Green councillors have tabled an emergency motion to Full Council following the sudden closure of the Kinauld Tan Works Footbridge on the Water of Leith.
Earlier this week, local councillors and stakeholders were informed that the bridge would be closed for a “substantial period” until “substantial repairs or bridge replacement is undertaken”. The update was shared by Currie Community Council on their facebook page.
Edinburgh Greens Transport Spokesperson, Cllr Chas Booth, said: “Kinauld Tan Works Footbridge facilitates the only safe and accessible active travel route between Currie and Balerno and is an integral part of Cycle Network 75.
“The signed diversion sends people along an extremely dangerous and congested section of Lanark Road. It’s outrageous that issues with such a vital link haven’t been picked up until this point. I
“’ve tabled an emergency motion to Edinburgh Council to ask for urgent action to repair or replace the bridge, with a temporary structure put in place if required. I’ve also asked to see copies of previous structure inspection reports to find out why this was not picked up earlier.”
Cllr Booth continued: “Following the unexpected closure of St Mark’s Park bridge earlier in the year, this incident raises serious questions about whether this council administration is doing enough to ensure our vital network of pedestrian and cycle bridges is being given the maintenance and inspection is deserves.
“Green councillors will continue to press this administration on this issue.”
The bridge was closed temporarily in June 2026 after a hole appeared in the summer but was deemed safe to reopen last month. The recommendation to close the bridge comes after investigatory works that included roped access to assess the underside of the bridge.
