Work has begun on the construction of the Western Villages Active Travel Route which is on the boundary of Forth and Almond Wards.
The work is part of the wider regeneration of Granton Waterfront and will improve infrastructure along Marine Drive and West Shore Road between Pennywell Road Roundabout and Gypsy Brae.
Work will include a fully segregated cycle route, improved pedestrian facilities including new footways and pedestrian connections, landscaping improvements including street trees and rain gardens.
This construction is being supported by Sustrans Places for Everyone Programme and is being carried out by CCG (Scotland) Ltd.
Green Councillor for Forth Ward, Kayleigh O’Neill said: “I’m really pleased that these are improvements are on the way. This work will create a coherent active travel network for people in my ward and anyone who wants to travel through.
“It is so important that these improvements are made as we need safe, accessible and well-connected routes for people to walk, wheel and cycle in.”
“Earlier this year the Scottish Government announced the allocation of £20 million as part of its active travel funding. With Greens in the room this issue is being taken seriously and it’s amazing to see on the ground.”
We’ll be exploring the unique shoreline and all its treasures, from rock pooling and wildlife ID to seaweed gathering, bird spotting and more … Bring your nets and binoculars for a fun-packed wild shoreline discovery session, and don’t forget to wear your wellies …
Suitable for ages 8+
Free but advance registration is required.
To book your place: go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/183463433067 call us on 0131 315 2151 (Mon – Fri, 10am to 4pm) pop by and see us in person.
Residents in north Edinburgh are being invited to help shape a key project to improve connections and public spaces in their local community.
The city council is asking people from across Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton and Drylaw to contribute to the future of Pennywell Road and its links to existing paths at Crewe Toll, Gypsy Brae, Silverknowes and West Granton Access Road.
Through the North Edinburgh Active Travel (NEAT) Connections scheme we’re proposing changes to Pennywell Road and the surrounding area. These include increasing space available for walking, cycling and wheeling, making it easier to access local shops and community spaces without the use of a car and working with members of the community to improve public areas and green spaces.
This will help to identify existing problem areas and opportunities for new crossings, green spaces or where other improvements could be made.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: This project will create a much more welcoming, relaxed environment for those travelling on foot, bike or wheelchair.
“We’ve already seen how temporary Spaces for People initiatives across the city have encouraged people to walk, wheel or cycle and we want to see this happen long-term, with the associated benefits to health and the environment.
“Of course, we want any changes to work for all the people who live and spend time in this area, which is why we want to hear what they think and where improvements can be made. By sharing their thoughts and ideas they can help shape the final design, which will make travel to nearby schools, shops and local areas much easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Interim Head of Infrastructure Delivery for Sustrans Scotland, Chiquita Elvin, said: “Despite being close to existing walking, cycling and wheeling routes, such as the North Edinburgh Path Network, it can be challenging to access them for Muirhouse and Pilton due to the volume of traffic and the focus on roads in the original design of the area.
“We want the local community to tell us how we can make walking, cycling and wheeling easier for them, be that with new path connections, wider pavements, dedicated space for cycling or new crossings. These changes have the potential to transform how people get around North Edinburgh and every opinion matters.”
As well as benefiting local residents, changes could make it easier for travel to Craigroyston Community High School, Craigroyston Primary, Oaklands Primary, Forthview Primary and the new civic centre being developed at the former Muirhouse Shopping Centre.
In addition to the Commonplace website locals can leave their feedback on maps displayed in the North Edinburgh Arts centre café.
Separate temporary measures to make cycling safer and easier on Pennywell Road, Muirhouse Parkway and Ferry Road are currently in place and have been implemented through the Spaces for People programme.
MY Adventure has teamed up with City of Edinburgh Council to deliver FREE guided cycle rides around our amazing city! Join us as part of the Smarter Choices, Smart Places initiative to explore the cycle network – a fantastic way to get around the city we all love.
The paths are gentle and away from traffic, the perfect way to access so many of Edinburgh’s wonderful sights – the whole family is welcome. Our guides are experienced and friendly and even if you don’t have a bike that’s no problem – just get in touch and we will loan you one for free!
Meet at Gypsy Brae EH5 1QD on 4th or 11th October at either 11am or 2pm for a two hour cycle – or join us in Rodney Street Tunnel EH7 4EW at 12 noon for a trip to the Forth Road Bridge or Portobello.
We will also have displays in Rodney Street Tunnel about cycling in Edinburgh, tonnes of free information and even a smoothie-making bike!
Check out our website www.myadventure.org.uk for more information and to book online, or phone 0131 629 3065 and receive a free gift on the day!
Woman rescued from icy water off Gypsy Brae following boys’ prompt action
Officers in Edinburgh have commended the actions of five 11 and 12 year-old boys after they saved a woman’s life.
Last Sunday, at around 4.30pm, a woman entered the very cold waters at Gypsy Brae and started to swim out towards Fife, despite advice from Wacka Ceesay (11), Andrew Bell (11), Tyler Jay Anderson (12), Aleks Czernecki (12) and Kian McGee (11) not to do so.
When the boys were unable to persuade the woman against swimming, one of the lads raised the alarm with an adult and asked for the Coastguard be called.
Police and Coastguard arrived and the boys were able to identify the area where the woman was and provided footage of the woman entering the water to assist the emergency team.
The woman was rescued from the water and taken for treatment and is now recovering from her ordeal.
The boys were very helpful to police and they were taken for a tour of Drylaw Police Station as a reward – officers then took them home and praised them in front of their parents.
The boys told police that they knew what to do due to what they learned at The Risk Factory, a Police Scotland-sponsored interactive safety centre. The Edinburgh-based initiative is sponsored by local authorities and emergency services in the Lothians area, and is available to all local children in Primary 7.
Police Sergeant John Brock said: “This incident could have quite easily had a tragic ending. Due to the swift and conscientious actions of these boys a woman’s life was saved. Police Scotland commends them for their bravery and quick thinking. Thank you to these five boys for demonstrating outstanding community spirit.”
‘What it does, sadly, is highlight the risks faced by those who choose to ride stolen motorbikes’ – Chief Supt. Mark Williams
Police are appealing for information following a serious road traffic collision on West Shore Road last night. A fourteen year old boy is in a serious condition in hospital following the incident.
The incident occurred at around 11.20pm, when a BMW 1150cc motorcycle struck a wall. The rider, a 14-year-old boy, was thrown from the vehicle and subsequently landed on nearby rocks.
Police and emergency services attended and the Scottish Ambulance Service took the boy to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where his condition is described as ‘serious’.
The motorcycle is understood to have been stolen.
Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Mark Williams said: “This was a terrible incident that has left a local boy badly injured. Thankfully it wasn’t more serious as the consequences could have been fatal.
“What it does sadly, is highlight the risks faced by those who choose to ride stolen motorbikes and it demonstrates the impact this can have on both the individual, their families and the community.
“We are appealing for anyone with information regarding this incident to contact us immediately.
“In unqualified hands motorbikes are extremely dangerous and tackling the theft of motorbikes and vehicles will continue to be a focus for local officers.”
Spot the strange goings-on on Gypsy Brae on Saturday? It was Scotland’s first Holi One Colour Festival – (no, I don’t know either!)
Apparently the festival is inspired by the ancient Indian spring festival of colours, but has nothing to do with religion – instead, it’s about music, performance arts and a very colourful – and messy -party!
Festivalgoers are encouraged to wear white – and each hour a countdown gives revellers an opportunity to release and throw coloured powder (available for purchase as part of the pre-event ticket sale and on-site).
As my old mate on Jazz Club used to say: ‘crazy … but nice!’
A ten year old girl was treated in hospital following a fall from a zip line at Gypsy Brae on Sunday night.
Firefighters from Crewe Toll, Tollcross and Newcraighall responded to reports that a 10 year old girl had fallen from a zip line at Gypsy Brae, off West Shore Road at around 9pm.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s line rescue specialists lowered themselves down to reach the girl and secured her to a stretcher before lifting her to safety.
The child suffered a suspected broken arm and was attended by Scottish Ambulance Service staff before being taken to Royal Sick Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Two free fun events are taking place in North Edinburgh today.
First up, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre in Pilton Drive North is holding a Fun Day from 11 – 2pm with lots of fun activities for all the family and an opportunity to see the fantastic facilities in the area’s newest community centre.
Then from 1 – 4pm MYadventure will launch Cyclone, Edinburgh’s newest mountain bike trail, at Gypsy Brae. Be among the first to come and try it out – there are prizes for age-specific races and lots of free fun side shows – a must attend event for mountain bikers and families alike!
go to 
There are still places on North Edinburgh Arts’ September Wildlife Watch next Friday 17th September, 2 – 4pm at Gypsy Brae 
