Tag: public consultation

Community invited to help shape the future of Portobello Swim Centre

The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure are inviting local residents, customers, and community groups to take part in a public consultation on proposals to redevelop Portobello Swim Centre, one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive and well‑loved heritage buildings.

The consultation will give the public an opportunity to comment on proposed improvements to the Category A listed facility, including internal reconfiguration to improve layouts, accessibility, and customer experience, while protecting key heritage features such as the pools and Turkish Baths.

Feedback from the consultation will help inform the final design and investment decisions for the centre.

Since the initial draft designs were first shared through the City of Edinburgh Council tender portal, the project team has been developing the proposals further. The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure are excited to showcase how the designs have evolved in response to early feedback from local clubs and customers, ensuring community voices are helping to shape what comes next.

The proposals also include new, much‑needed public toilets with access from outside the centre, helping local residents and visitors enjoy Portobello beach and promenade with better comfort and convenience.

As part of the consultation, a series of community drop‑in sessions will be held at Portobello Town Hall, giving people the chance to view the proposals, ask questions of the project team and share their views in person.

These sessions will take place on the following dates:

  • Tuesday 26 May: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm
  • Monday 1 June: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm

An online survey will also be available for those who prefer to provide feedback digitally.

The proposal, being delivered in partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure, is intended to support the long-term future of Portobello Swim Centre and the communities it serves.

Any future refurbishment would require a temporary closure of the centre while major works are carried out, and the consultation will also explore how any impact on customers and community groups could be managed.

Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Portobello Swim Centre is a much‑loved local landmark and an important community asset.

“This consultation is a vital opportunity for residents, users and local groups to help shape proposals that balance the building’s historic character with the need for modern, accessible facilities.”

Jen Holland, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We know how important Portobello Swim Centre is to its community.

“We’re committed to listening carefully to feedback through this consultation and ensuring that any future changes reflect what matters most to customers, clubs, and local residents, while securing the long‑term sustainability of this unique facility.”

Details of the consultation, and how to take part in the online survey, will be shared on the Edinburgh Leisure website and at Portobello Swim Centre in the coming weeks.

Arboretum Place Public Realm and Streetscape Proposals

Community Pop Up Event Saturday 7th March

I am pleased to be getting in touch to inform you about a Community Pop Up event regarding improvements to Arboretum Place and the area in front of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Inverleith Park. 

With thanks to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, we welcome you to join us to see the proposals on Saturday 7th March from 10:30 –  2:00 pm on the Ground Floor of the John Hope Visitor Centre, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ.  The venue is fully accessible.

Stop by to hear more about the project, see the proposals, meet the design team and share your feedback.

We are working with the City of Edinburgh Council to develop concept designs for improvements to the site, looking at the introduction of sustainable drainage measures along the length of Arboretum Place and around the entrances to Inverleith Park and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, including placemaking opportunities between the two.  

This work forms part of Climate Ready Craigleith looking at flood management interventions and improvements across the catchment and sits under the cities overarching Climate Ready Edinburgh strategy.

People across Scotland asked to help inform future plans by sharing their experiences of flooding

People across Scotland are being invited to share their experiences of local flooding issues to help inform how flood risk is managed in their communities, as work continues on Scotland’s next Flood Risk Management Plans.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) public consultation, launched on Wednesday 21st January, focuses on finding out about local flooding concerns in areas identified as having the highest flood risk. The feedback will help inform Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP) covering 2028 to 2034, which will set out how Scotland reduces the impacts of flooding and builds resilience for the future.

Flooding is already affecting communities across Scotland, and climate change is increasing the likelihood of heavier rainfall and more frequent storms. SEPA’s most recent National Flood Risk Assessment (2025) shows that around 400,000 homes, businesses and vital services, around one in eight across Scotland, are currently in areas at medium risk of flooding. This number is projected to rise to around 634,000 by 2100 as the climate continues to change.

The FRMP consultation builds on work carried out in 2024, when Potentially Vulnerable Areas were reviewed, and consulted on, to identify where highest flood risk is most likely now and in the future. These areas help focus attention and investment where flooding is most widespread or complex, and where partnership working is essential to reduce impacts.

The current consultation marks the next step in that process, focusing on gathering local insight to ensure future plans reflect lived experience. Running until 22nd April, it asks communities to share their main flooding concerns and highlight projects, initiatives or actions already helping to manage flood risk.

The aim is to help develop Flood Risk Management Plans that support resilient, well-informed communities, recognising the role of individuals, organisations and partnerships alongside national agencies and local authorities in adapting to a changing climate.

Eleanor Cooper, SEPA’s Head of Environment Forecasting and Warning, said: “Flood risk in Scotland is increasing as our climate changes, and many communities are already experiencing the effects.

“The National Flood Risk Assessment published last year shows why it’s so important to plan ahead and work together to reduce the impacts of flooding.

“This consultation is about listening to communities and learning from local experience. By sharing concerns, experience and knowledge, people can help inform our understanding of flood risk in their area and support the development of flood risk management planning.”

The consultation is part of a two-stage process. A second, more detailed consultation will begin from December 2026, when further information on flood risk, objectives and proposed actions will be published in partnership with local authorities. The final Flood Risk Management Plans are due to be published in December 2027.

People can find out more and take part in the consultation at:

 Flood Risk Management Phase 1 Consultation – Scottish Environment Protection Agency – Citizen Space.

HES publishes decision NOT to list Brunton Hall in Musselburgh

Following an assessment of the building informed by public consultation, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has concluded that the Brunton Hall civic centre complex in Musselburgh is of special interest for listing, but that development proposals are too far advanced to list the site.

When deciding whether to designate a site while there are ongoing development proposals, HES considers the impact that designation would have on these plans; the effect of the proposed development on the significance of the site and the extent to which plans have already been developed.

East Lothian Council is currently considering the future of the building due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in its roof.

As part of the assessment of the site, HES carried out research and a public consultation to gather evidence about the significance of the site. Over 300 people from Musselburgh and across Scotland, as well as from further afield, took part in the consultation, providing valuable information to inform the decision.

Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation and gave their views on the building.

“When making decisions about designations, we consider the individual circumstances of each case. Because of the advanced development proposals for Brunton Hall, we decided not to proceed with listing at this time. Although we have decided not to list the site, we hope that our report setting out the special interest of the building will inform the decisions that are made about the site.”

More information about the consultation and the decision can be found on CitizenSpace.

Holyrood committee invites people to share their views on proposed Commissioner for Older People

What impact would a Commissioner for Older People have on Scotland? That is the question a Scottish Parliament committee is exploring as it considers proposals from Colin Smyth MSP.

The Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill aims to give people over the age of 60 a representative who would be tasked with promoting and safeguarding their rights and interests.

Colin Smyth’s Bill proposes that the Commissioner would be responsible for promoting awareness and understanding of older people’s rights, reviewing law, policy and practice as it relates to older people and undertaking research on matters relating to older people.

The proposals share some similarities with the role of the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland, which was established by the Scottish Parliament following a Committee Bill in 2003.

The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee has launched a call for views to find out what people think of the proposal. As part of its consideration, the Committee will also be reflecting on a recently published report that recommended against the creation of more commissioners.

Older people and carers are among the groups whose views the Committee would like to hear as it seeks views on the proposed Commissioner’s role and responsibilities, the age range covered by their remit and how to avoid any duplication with the work undertaken by other commissioners or public bodies.

The call for views will be open until Friday 12 September 2025. The Committee is then expected to hold public evidence sessions on the Bill towards the end of Autumn.

Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “Over recent decades there has been significant growth in the number of older people living in Scotland, so, in our consideration of this Bill, we’re keen to understand whether having a Commissioner could help address the needs of an aging population.

“In opening this call for views we’d like to hear what older people think of the proposals. We’re also keen to hear the views of carers, Scotland’s third sector, public bodies and anyone with an interest in the proposal.

“Whether you think that a Commissioner would be a great idea or would like to propose another way that older people might have their views considered, we’re keen to hear from you.”

Drylaw and Telford Masterplan: Invitation to consultation and community event

We’ve been developing a Masterplan featuring 13 proposed improvement projects that aim to reimagine local streets and public spaces, making them healthier, more accessible, and nature-positive – while also tackling surface water and flooding challenges in the area.

We’re now at an exciting stage where we’d love to hear directly from the community. Your insights are essential in helping us understand which of these projects would bring the most value to local residents and in uncovering any additional opportunities we may have overlooked.

The Drylaw and Telford Masterplan is a key component of the Climate Ready Craigleith initiative, which itself forms part of the city’s broader Climate Ready Edinburgh strategy.

Join Us at the Drylaw Parish Church Summer Fair!

We are grateful to be a part of the Drylaw Parish Church Summer Fair on Saturday 7th June from 11am – 2pm. 

Come along to enjoy the wider event and to view exhibition boards showcasing the masterplan and share your thoughts on the proposed improvement projects for the area. Your feedback is important and will help shape the future of Drylaw and Telford.

📍 Location: Drylaw Parish Church
📅 Date: Saturday, 7th June 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If you’re unable to make it,the exhibition boards will also be on display in the reception area of Ferryhill Primary School until the end of the school year (27th June 2025).

You’ll be able to view the materials and leave written comments there as well. Alternatively you can leave your feedback through our online survey:

Online Survey and project website: If you are unable to attend in person, please find a link to our short survey here and to find out more: 

https://forms.office.com/e/Yci7jmNw0j

New National Park is proposed in Galloway

Consultation and study to begin

Galloway has been confirmed as the proposed location for Scotland’s next National Park with a further investigation to be carried out on its suitability.

The joint proposal from the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO biosphere highlights Galloway’s diverse landscapes and stunning coastline, its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

Local residents, communities, businesses and interested parties will be invited to get involved and share their views on whether Galloway should become a new national park and where the boundary for the new park should be drawn.

NatureScot will conduct the public consultation and investigation into whether Galloway should join Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Cairngorms before submitting its findings to Ministers in April next year.

During a visit to Shambellie House within the proposed new park, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “After carefully considering all of the nominations we received, I am very pleased that we are proposing to create a new National Park for Scotland in Galloway.

“The proposal is community led, has the backing of many local businesses and makes a strong case on the benefits that national park status will bring for people who live in the area, for the local economy and for the environment.

“At this stage it is still a proposal.  NatureScot will now lead a consultation with local people, communities and businesses to gauge support and to look at specifics like the proposed boundary, and how it should take account of local circumstances and help to meet the needs of communities.

“We received nominations for new National Parks from some really special places – Lochaber, Loch Awe, Scottish Borders and Tay Forest.  I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard on these proposals and all other communities who came together to explore the idea of a new National Park. 

“The competition was extremely tough and the bids have clearly shown the outstanding natural and cultural heritage we have in Scotland, as well as people’s ambitions for the rural communities they live in.”

Rob Lucas, Chair of Galloway National Park Association said: “This is fantastic news that the case for Galloway to be proposed as Scotland’s third National Park has been recognised. It would bring transformational  economic and environmental benefits to the area and strengthen our local communities.

“We are grateful to the thousands who attended events and shared their views over the last seven years which helped to shape our bid. We look forward to contributing actively to the next important step in the process for putting a National Park at the heart of a sustainable future for Galloway.”

Nature Scot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said: “NatureScot welcomes the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs’ commission to investigate the proposed location of Galloway for Scotland’s next National Park.

“We are looking forward to the extensive opportunity for consultation this Reporter role demands, building on our experience with Scotland’s first two national parks.

“In preparing our advice, we will consult widely with everyone who has an interest in this special place. We will make a particular effort to meet and listen to people who live and work in the area as it is these voices which will be crucial if Scotland is to establish its third National Park that can deliver a successful partnership for people and nature.”

The Scottish Government has committed to having a new National Park by 2026. Following the investigation by NatureScot, the Scottish Government will take a final decision on National Park status and draw up a designation order for further consultation, before approval by the Scottish Parliament.

As the next step on this process, Scottish Government has today published a statutory proposal and reporter requirements for a new National Park in Galloway: National Parks – Landscape and outdoor access – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Have your say on NHS Lothian’s Biodiversity Action Plan

If you would like to have your say or read about NHS Lothian’s Biodiversity Action Plan this is your chance!

Read about our plans for making our hospitals & facilities more welcoming for wildlife & people alike & complete the survey at the bottom:

https://ow.ly/3Rab50RSss0

Biodiversity-Action-Plan-Consultation-SummaryDownload

Does Edinburgh need a new Aldi?

SUPERMARKET SEEKS INPUT ON WHERE TO OPEN NEXT

Aldi has launched a new nationwide initiative to pinpoint prime locations for new store openings. 

Recognising the invaluable input of its customers, the UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket is calling on the nation to help it identify where in Britain needs new Aldi stores most. 

The areas which have the most suggestions will then be considered as part of Aldi’s commitment to build hundreds of new stores across Britain. 

Aldi has been on a rapid expansion drive in recent years and has seen its popularity soar as shoppers switch to the supermarket for its lower prices and great quality amid the cost-of-living crisis.  

The retailer currently has more than 1,000 stores – including 19 across Edinburgh & the Lothians – and is committed to continuing towards its long-term target of over 1,500 stores across the UK.   

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We want to make high-quality food accessible to all, but there are still some areas that either don’t have an Aldi or have potential for more stores.  

 “We’ve identified some key places where there is demand for more stores already, but now we are calling on the public to share their views. This will be used to help inform our property search over the coming years.”   

Those wanting to put their town forward to be considered should contact the supermarket by emailing NextNewStore@Aldi.co.uk, clearly stating their postcode and why they believe their area needs a new Aldi store. 

Aldi is asking for suggestions to be submitted by 31 May 2024, with the supermarket planning to update customers on the results and its latest priority ‘wish list’ later this year.  

For more information on Aldi’s nationwide site requirements, visit:

www.aldi.co.uk/about-aldi/property/required-towns