Survey data from People’s Postcode Lottery reveals Scottish attitudes to their connection with nature
While the British weather can be a bit of a lottery, this Spring Bank Holiday (May 26, 2025) is a great opportunity to spend much-needed moments reconnecting with parks, woodlands and open spaces.
This comes after a recent UK survey by People’s Postcode Lottery, where 45% of respondents in Scotland said they do not have enough time to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The survey highlights that more people would like to spend time outside enjoying nature, so I hope this bank holiday provides an opportunity for many to embrace the great outdoors in their local park or woodland.
“The incredible plant species and wildlife in these areas offer a great way to reconnect with nature and enjoy its benefits.
“Players of People’s Postcode Lottery raised more than £40 million in 2024 for charities working to protect wildlife and the natural world.”
The UK-wide survey revealed attitudes, relationships and connections towards nature and the environment. Among these include attitudes towards lifestyle and environmental topics, including sustainability-focused practices.
Information from respondents living in Scottish postcodes found:
82% said they felt that spending time in nature was important to their overall wellbeing and mental health.
49% said they only feel fairly connected to the environment around them.
17% spend intentional time outdoors once a month or less.
82% of respondents said spending time in nature is important to their overall wellbeing and mental health, and 45% said a lack of time was a key part of not being able to spend more time outside.
17% of people surveyed said they intentionally spend time outdoors in parks, forests or other natural spaces every day, while 35% said they spend time outdoors several times a week.
A staggering 17% of people saying they spend intentional time outdoors only once a month or less.
Empowering people to get out more
People’s Postcode Lottery supports a huge range of environmental charities, including Woodland Trust, The Wildlife Trusts and Friends of the Earth. These organisations help protect and preserve nature so everyone can spend more time in green spaces, forests, parks and beaches across their own postcodes and beyond.
You can get involved too; use this bank holiday to immerse yourself in nature, by taking on some nature trails with your family, organising a beach clean with your friends, or swapping your gym session for a run through your local park.
All of these are great ways to reconnect with the environment and benefit from the abundance of parks and open spaces available in your area.
This reports also outlines the future decision-making process, with an annual update report covering any proposed changes.
Prioritisation was scored against 15 separate criteria points across three key areas: Objectives, Deliverability and Financial. Some examples include impact on road safety, public transport, inequality, and capital raising challenges.
Over 70 projects are set to be taken forward, including:
Walking, wheeling and cycling connection from the Meadows to the Union Canal, including better public space around the King’s Theatre.
Public transport and active travel route between West Shore Road and Waterfront Broadway, complementing the Granton redevelopment.
Major city centre projects, including a trial to reduce vehicle traffic on the Lawnmarket, Cowgate improvements, Meadows to George Street walking and cycling upgrade, and the transformation of George Street.
Over 50 projects are recommended to be paused, the vast majority of which are already on hold or not started. There are also around five projects which are set to be paused for this financial year only. Again, these are all either on hold or not started.
The report was approved with amendments from the Administration and the SNP group, along with an addendum from the Green group.
Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve agreed this bold programme for our city. Prioritisation allows us to work smarter with the resources we have available – making sure we have a clear and achievable path to achieving our objectives.
“This programme follows the successes of major infrastructure projects such as Trams to Newhaven and active travel projects including the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), Roseburn to Union Canal and Leith Connections.
“This is an extensive piece of work which allows the City Mobility Plan to be agile, and able to adapt in the future as necessary.
“However, one key element in this conversation is the fact that we remain dependent on external funding for many projects, particularly from the Scottish Government and by extension Transport Scotland.
“Complex projects which take years to plan and complete but which are subject to annual external funding decisions makes this situation inherently difficult, we need commitment and stability from the Scottish Government if we’re to deliver the changes which our city needs and deserves.
“We’ll now take forward these projects which will keep Edinburgh moving and make our city a safer, more sustainable and accessible place for all.”
Living Streets Edinburgh calls (again) for more investment in everyday walking
LIVING Streets Edinburgh wrote to city councillors prior to the meeting. The campaigners said: “We’re surprised, and very disappointed, to see no mention of some key initiatives which we were able to get included in the CMP delivery plan.
“Especially disappointing after the committee decided to freeze footway maintenance while increasing spending on roads, only last month.
“We’ve therefore sent councillors this message:
Dear Councillor
I’m writing in connection with the report on City Mobility Plan priorities, Item 7.5 on the TEC agenda for 22 May bit.ly/43ktlep The recommendations do not adequately reflect the CMP’s ambition to effect “a transformational change in walking and wheeling in Edinburgh”.
Over two years ago, two new initiatives were introduced into the Active Travel component of the City Mobility Plan: ‘Action for Better Crossings” (ABC) and the “Edinburgh Accessible Streets Initiative” EASI). These programmes (both proposed by us) finally offered the prospect of a strategic, rather than piecemeal, approach to addressing some of the most fundamental problems with getting around the city as a pedestrian – for example:
the time that you have to wait for the green man at traffic lights,
the thousands of missing dropped kerbs on pavements,
narrow footways,
pavement clutter, etc.
As we understand it, effectively nothing has been done yet to implement either initiative as a coherent programme. We had hoped that they would form a key part of this report. However, there is no mention whatsoever in the report of either ABC or EASI, despite Council having confirmed them as at the heart of CMP policy only last year (see attached).
Instead, some elements of ABC and EASI are simply noted as part of the ‘rolling programme’ in Appendix 4b. Paragraph 4.14 of the report states an expectation that these will be funded at “an overall level roughly equal to recent overall investment”. This isn’t good enough: there is no indication of how much money is budgeted for these schemes; certainly there has been no systematic investment at all in recent years in widening footways. Many of the other aspects like the pedestrian crossing programme and the crucial school streets reviews have huge backlogs owing to lack of resourcing.
These vital programmes need to be considered alongside, and on the same level playing field, as the active travel and public transport listed in Appendix 1.
Councillors should be able to consider whether investment in school streets, road safety, ABC or EASI is more or less worthy than these projects, whether they be George Street, Hawthornvale-Salamander Street, the Lindsey Bridge or Dalry 20 Minute Neighbourhood.
Otherwise the opportunity to consider where best to invest both staff time and capital funding is lost and a ‘silo’ approach is entrenched.
We also have serious concerns with the overly-complex methodology for assessing projects in Appendix 1. It gives no weighting to walking and wheeling (“top of the travel hierarchy”) and doesn’t sufficiently value schemes relatively modest but important to pedestrians such as Calton Road and the Causey.
These projects fail to score highly enough only because work on them has already been “paused’ for years.
However, the fundamental weakness of the report is to take too narrow an approach to evaluating a limited set of projects. We would therefore like to see the report deferred perhaps for two cycles, and a new report brought forward with a more strategic approach to future investment, including the programmes mentioned above.
Betty the Shark, an e-waste sculpture created by artist Johnathan Elders, has made another surprise appearance – this time at Edinburgh’s St James Quarter.
The spectacular basking shark, created using electronic waste, is promoting its future attendance at this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival.
The free event is taking place at the Edinburgh Meadows on June 28th from 12 – 7pm and, much like Betty, aims to ignite community conversation on climate related issues.
The shark was sculpted as a metaphor for the appetite we hold for the latest tech, shining a light on overconsumption and the consequences of the waste we produce.
You can join Betty’s next journey in celebrating and inspiring climate action at the Edinburgh Climate Festival this June.
During the day you can also enjoy a variety of family-friendly performances, stalls, talks, free activities as well as other art installations alongside the sculpture.
The festival serves as a platform for locals to engage with & discover remarkable climate initiatives, just like Betty the Shark, that are taking place in Edinburgh whilst also enjoying an exciting day out with their families.
Franciele Sobierai, ECF’s Event Coordinator, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Betty the Shark to this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival.
“Her powerful message about overconsumption and e-waste really captures the spirit of what our festival is all about: inspiring change through creativity, education, and community action.
“We invite everyone to come along, see Betty up close, and be part of a day that celebrates climate action in fun, engaging, and meaningful ways.”
You can find Betty the Shark at Edinburgh’s St James Centre until June 23rd, when she will be getting ready to swim over to the Edinburgh Meadows for her spot at the Edinburgh Climate Festival on the 28th.
You can learn more about the festival & get involved by visiting the links available here
Betty the Shark was created using discarded waste collected by CCL North and is supported by Cognition Art, Edinburgh Remakery, Edinburgh Science, Outer Spaces & Creative Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Climate Festival is brought to you by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) & Networking Key Services (NKS), through the Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle (C3R) Project.
The festival is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and is supported by The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University.
WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, is issuing guidance to householders on safe hosepipe use, as dry weather continues.
Hosepipes can harbour harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which has the potential to flow back into buildings and contaminate the drinking water supply.
WaterSafe advises everyone to make sure their tap has a double-check valve installed to help keep drinking water safe.
Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, said: “Hosepipes, if left submerged in dirty water or connected to an outside tap without adequate protection, can act as a channel for contamination.
“Homeowners should understand the risk of backflow and take the necessary steps to prevent it.”
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations are designed to protect drinking water quality and mandate that all outside taps are fitted with a working double-check valve. This essential component acts as a non-return mechanism, preventing any water from flowing back into the mains supply.
WaterSafe advises homeowners to undertake the following measures:
Fit a compliant double-check valve to outside taps, such as one approved by BSI, KIWA, NSF or WRAS to prevent contaminated water flowing back into the drinking water supply. The British Standard states these valves should be replaced every 10 years.
As a minimum, the double-check valve should be installed inside the building, close to the garden tap.
Gently run water out of your hosepipe before using it, without any form of spray attachment.
Always keep your hosepipe out of the sun and in a cool place and turn off outside taps.
Disconnect your hosepipe when you have finished using it.
Never leave your hosepipe submerged in water, such as in a paddling pool, hot tub or pond.
Seek expert advice: if you are unsure about the installation or condition of backflow prevention devices on outside taps, consult a WaterSafe-approved plumber.
With water resources under increasing strain, especially during hot weather, WaterSafe would always encourage householders to avoid using a hosepipe, if possible, as it can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour – equivalent to more than 12 baths!
“The humble watering can is a much more water efficient way to look after your plants, fill your paddling pool or wash your car,” adds Julie Spinks.
For more information on protecting drinking water quality and to find a WaterSafe-approved plumber, please visit www.watersafe.org.uk.
Communities across Scotland seeking to set up renewable energy generation projects can bid for support from an £8 million Scottish government fund which has reopened for applications.
The Community Energy Generation Growth Fund supports local communities to install wind turbines and solar panels or develop other types of renewable energy generation, such as hydro, to meet local needs.
Successful applicants will also be able to earn money from their projects by, for example, allowing them to sell excess energy generated.
The expanded Scottish Government fund, which includes £4 million from Great British Energy, is part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) and builds on last year’s support.
Since its inception, CARES has advised over 1,300 organisations and provided over £67 million in funding to communities throughout Scotland, supporting over 990 projects.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes is set to announce the reopening of the fund at the All Energy Scotland conference in Glasgow this morning (Wednesday).
Speaking ahead of the conference, Ms Forbes said: “Scotland is fast becoming a global renewable energy powerhouse, and it is vital that communities share in the benefits from this transition.
“This funding, for stand-alone generation projects, responds to the needs of local groups – has the potential to lever in significant funds for communities. It will also play a key role in our delivery of a just transition – supporting a greener, fairer future for Scots.
“It is also welcome that Great British Energy recognise the valuable role that communities play in our green transition and have provided support for the fund – helping to significantly increase the amount of support available to communities – and providing a catalyst for growth within the community energy sector.
“We will continue to work with our partners to grow the community energy sector to ensure that the delivery of renewable energy comes with benefits for people in Scotland, as well as supporting progress towards net zero.”
Chris Morris from Local Energy Scotland said: “We’re pleased to be building on the success of last year’s Community Energy Generation Growth Fund pilot to support more Scottish communities looking to take the next steps in their renewable energy projects and play an active part in the nation’s transition to net zero.
“Scottish communities demonstrated an appetite to develop new projects during the pilot phase and ideas taken forward include partnering with local authorities to install solar panels on schools, getting approvals for new solar farms and building wind turbines.
We’re looking forward to supporting communities and helping even more of these inspiring projects be realised. For Scottish communities interested, the Local Energy Scotland team is here to help with information and case studies.”
Great British Energy funding boost for Scottish communities
£4m Great British Energy funding scheme to target clean energy projects in Scottish communities
Community-owned energy projects in Scotland to get access to funding from Great British Energy
new investment will help communities install clean power projects to cut bills and provide energy security
joint fund with the Scottish Government will give communities a stake in their local energy supply
Communities across Scotland can today apply for new funding from a £4 million Great British Energy scheme.
The funding targets local clean energy projects – from community-led onshore wind, to solar on rooftops and hydropower in rivers – generating profits which could be reinvested into community projects or take money off people’s bills.
Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean power company, is giving communities a stake in generating their own energy so people can reinvest profits where it really matters.
Great British Energy’s £4 million funding is part of the £8 million Community Energy Generation Growth Fund, with the remaining funding coming from the Scottish Government.
Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said: “This is our clean energy superpower mission in action – putting communities in the driving seat of energy generation and making sure people profit.
“Great British Energy wants to kickstart a community energy revolution, empowering our towns and villages to become mini energy producers and reinvest profits back into the local community.”
This time, we will be working with some experienced gardeners from our local Salvation Army North, who are going to share some plants and plant cutting from their garden .
We already have some plant pots and are looking for donations of both indoor and outdoor plants, plant cuttings and seeds.
And remember, you do not need to bring a plant to swap on the day, we hope to have some variety on offer for everyone needing some for their houses or gardens.
Scotland is experiencing growing signs of water scarcity, with half of all river catchments now at Alert status.
The latest water situation report, published yesterday (8th May 2025) by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reflects the persistent dry conditions and reduced river flows across many parts of the country.
The risk of water scarcity is categorised in four levels – Early Warning, Alert, Moderate Scarcity and Significant Scarcity.
The river catchments of the Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr and the Clyde have been raised to Alert this week, bringing the total to 23. Scotland’s 23 other catchments are all at Early Warning leaving only the Inner Hebrides classed as normal.
SEPA began warning of a greater risk of water scarcity at the beginning of March, after below-average rainfall over winter following a particularly dry autumn.
Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “With no rainfall forecast across Scotland in the coming days we expect ground conditions to continue getting drier and river flows to decrease or remain low.
“We have been warning since the start of Spring that continued drier weather could disrupt agricultural activities, strain local water supplies and impact industries that depend on consistent water availability. Prolonged water scarcity can also impact local ecosystems, lower water quality and place additional pressure on native flora and fauna.
“Several industries across Scotland rely on natural water resources, whether it’s for food and drink production, hydropower or maintaining world famous golf courses. The next few weeks and months are a crucial time of year for water demand and those who take water from our environment must manage it wisely, minimising the need for restrictions to be imposed by SEPA.”
SEPA are working with key partners, including NFUS, to share messaging and offer practical advice to those affected. Direct communications are underway with abstractors in catchments at Alert level, reminding them of the need to plan ahead, use water efficiently, and consider voluntary reductions where possible.
The public, land managers and water users are also being asked to share images and observations of local rivers and burns to help build a fuller picture of conditions across the country.
Eilidh Johnston added: “We have monitoring points across Scotland, but local eyes and ears are invaluable and help us better understand how the information our gauges are providing matches up with conditions on the ground.
“Photos of dry riverbeds, low flows, or impacted habitats help us assess the scale of pressure in places we can’t reach every day.”
Include the name of the river or burn, the location (a grid reference is helpful but anything to point to a location is beneficial) and a description of the signs of water scarcity stress
If you would like your image to be credited for use in communications about water scarcity, please state the credit information in your submission. Alternatively, let SEPA know if you do not want the photograph used for any other purpose than to assess water scarcity.
River catchments at Alert
Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr, Clyde, Shin, Naver, Conon, Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeenshire), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan and Thurso.
Audiences are invited to travel the globe – both musically and visually – this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre
Arriving at Vue today (Thursday 8 May) to mark the national treasure’s birthday, Ocean with David Attenborough welcomes viewers to an incredible journey alongside the celebrated personality and filmmaker, as he reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery.
From vibrant coral reefs to sweeping kelp forests and the vast open ocean, Britain’s broadcasting icon takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey beneath the waves – sharing uplifting stories from across the globe alongside urgent, never-before-seen challenges facing our seas.
Eurovision mania returns to Vue later this month as the Grand Final of the iconic song competition hits the big screen.
Broadcasting live from Basel, Switzerland, fans are invited to join the ultimate musical celebration and be ‘united by music,’ experiencing every spectacular performance of the year’s biggest, boldest, and brightest music event. Don’t miss Eurovision Grand Final Live 2025 at Vue on 17 May.
Other musical moments heading to the big screen this month include Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago, which celebrates the band’s four-decade career.
This concert film, captured in 4K, provides an unparalleled opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to catch one of Britain’s most beloved bands up on the big screen on 15 May.
Theatre lovers won’t want to miss the National Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire, coming to Vue on 5 June. Starring Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor), this gripping adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ classic was filmed during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre. A truly unforgettable performance, now available on the big screen.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre, said: “We’re excited to bring a diverse range of incredible moments to the big screen this May.
“From the year’s biggest musical performances to breathtaking cinematography of our own planet, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Vue this month.”
A group of engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are ready to put their studies to the ultimate test when they compete against teams from 21 countries at the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July – the most advanced university competition on water.
Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Challenge brings together more than 1,000 students, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase the very latest sustainable innovations in maritime technology.
Competing teams must design and build boats powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels. The goal is to push the boundaries of sustainable propulsion and contribute to the maritime sector’s transition to a carbon-neutral future.
The Heriot-Watt University Scotland PlusZero team is competing in the Sealab category, with a vessel powered by green hydrogen generated through electrolysis. This innovative approach converts stored energy back into electricity for propulsion, offering a forward-thinking solution for sustainable marine travel.
Central to its success is the use of solid-state hydrogen storage and recharging technology, developed through Heriot-Watt’s Decarlog project. This advanced system offers higher energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium batteries.
Reflecting on the journey so far, team member Dominic Chapman from the Scottish Borders, who is in his fifth year studying Mechanical and Energy Engineering, highlighted the rigorous, hands-on engineering experience gained at Heriot-Watt, which has been instrumental in preparing for the challenge.
“Our studies have given us extensive practical exposure,” he said. “The combination of coursework, renewable energy studies, and real-world industry collaboration has allowed us to take on this ambitious project with confidence.”
The project is backed by a host of key industry partners. Forth Ports, the team’s headline sponsor, is providing financial support as well as access to testing facilities at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh along with marine safety and operational expertise and guidance. Meanwhile, PlusZero, a specialist in green hydrogen solutions, has equipped the team with the raceboat as well as technical expertise and cutting-edge metal hydride technology to enhance its performance.
The state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell has been provided by specialists in emission-free technologies, TCP eco (Taylor Construction and Plant), while EPTechnologies have provided the batteries and battery management system, and the Lynch Motor Company has equipped the team with a cutting-edge electric motor and controllers to power and direct the vessel. Helping to fund the project is the Scottish-based cryptocurrency, Scotcoin.
The team has also benefitted from the guidance offered by the national networking organisation, Hydrogen Scotland.
The students have housed their technology within a monohull winged powerboat measuring around four metres in length and capable of carrying two passengers. Named, the Experiment of Leith H2 – in homage to an 18th century five-mast catamaran of the same name – the vessel has a range of 20 nautical miles with zero emissions.
While this marks the first time Heriot-Watt has entered the competition, expectations are high.
“We believe we have a strong chance in the technical presentation category, as our approach to metal hydrides is unique within this competition,” said Dominic.
“We are also optimistic about the manoeuvrability race and the Communication Prize, although we are up against some highly experienced teams.”
Joining Dominic on the Heriot-Watt team are fellow students Kate Sinclair from Sunderland, Logan Taylor from Fife, Andrei Muntean from Romania, and Emilin Isgin, who has both Turkish and Colombian heritage.
Looking beyond the competition, the team intends to continue refining their design, using the boat for further testing and development in the coming years. The knowledge gained from this experience will not only benefit future university teams but also contribute to the broader conversation on sustainable maritime innovation.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge represents an exciting opportunity for Heriot-Watt to showcase its engineering talent on an international stage. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancement, the team is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of green energy for marine applications.
The Challenge is the latest initiative showcasing the collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Forth Ports. In a separate venture, the University also serves as a skills partner in the Forth Green Freeport, where Forth Ports plays a central role as a core partner and key site operator.
Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “We are continuously exploring how alternative fuels can drive decarbonisation for our ports business and we are keen to support any technological advances in this area.
“We were impressed with the commitment and drive of the team who developed this innovative fuel technology to power the vessel and we wish the team every success at the event in the summer.”
The Heriot-Watt team will travel to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to showcase their work between the 2nd and 5th of July at the Yacht Club de Monaco Marina.
Spencer Ashley is Director of Engineering at PlusZero and is looking forward to the Challenge. He said: “PlusZero are excited to enable such a motivated and collaborative team to demonstrate the hydrogen potential of Scotland on the world stage in Monaco alongside the most exciting technology from around the world, Go Team Scotland!”
The Heriot-Watt team is part of the University’s Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond (iNetZ+), a global centre of excellence and Institute for research, innovation and teaching in its field. The institute collaborates closely with industrial partners, governments, and local communities to address global sustainability challenges.
Professor Peter Cummings is the academic co-lead of iNetZ+.He said: “We are very excited to be the internal sponsor of the H2-Watt Club’s entry in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
“iNetZ+ is focused on interdisciplinary approaches to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and beyond. H2-Watt is a great opportunity for students to become involved with the goals of iNetZ+, and we are ready to assist them in any aspect of their entry in the Monaco Challenge.
“We wish them all the very best in their efforts to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a maritime fuel. These students are making Heriot-Watt proud.”
For more information on the team’s progress and to follow their journey in Monaco, stay tuned to Heriot-Watt’s official channels.
Drop-in public information event at theMurrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May between 4pm and 7pm
SCOTTISH Water will be starting a major project as part of our #drainingtherain Improving Urban Waters programme on Corstorphine Road #Edinburgh next month.
Come along to an information event on 8 May to find out more.
Details below:
Project Overview
We are installing new screens and spill chambers to a storm overflow under Corstorphine Road to help prevent sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith.
Work is due to get underway at the beginning of June 2025 for approximately seven months.
During delivery, Corstorphine Road will be reduced to one lane under temporary traffic lights between Ormidale Terrace and Murrayfield Gardens.
Community Engagement
We are holding a drop-in public information event at the Murrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May 2025 between 4pm and 7pm.
Members of the project team will be available to explain more about the work involved and take on board any concerns or questions from the community.
What We Are Doing
New screens and spill chambers are being installed to our storm overflow underneath Corstorphine Road at Ormidale Terrace.
The existing spill pipe and outfall will be retained.
When excess rainwater is discharged, the new screens will ensure any sewer related debris does not end up in the Water of Leith.
Why We Are Doing It
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
