Minutes of the public meeting of Merchiston Districts Community Council (MDCC)
Tuesday 15th Sept 2026. 19.00 at Polwarth Tennis and Bowling Clubhouse
Chaired by Ian Doig, MDCC Chair.
Present:
MDCC Members: Ian Doig (ID, Chair), Vivien Kitteringham (VK, Vice-Chair), Frances Hawarden (Treasurer), Joan
Houston (JH), Helen Zealley (HZ), Roma Menlowe (RM), Gordon Cameron (GC), Vanessa Meadu (VM),
Annabelle Macinnes (AM, Chair, Bruntsfield Primary School Parent Council)
City Councillors: Cllr Kevin McKay (Ward 9); Cllr Neil Ross (Ward 10)
MSP: Lorna Slater (Edinburgh Central)
Representative of Ian Murray MP: Harry Ness
Residents: Approximately 16
Apologies Received: Mairianna Clyde (MDCC Planning Lead); Alison Edelsten (MDCC); John McKenna (MDCC
Secretary); Bridget Stevens (MDCC); Klaus Glenk (MDCC); Lynsey Houston (Craiglockhart Primary School
Parents’ and Carers Council).
Cllr. Christopher Cowdy, Ward 9; Cllr. David Key, Ward 9; Cllr. Ben Parker, Ward 10.
- Welcome: ID welcomed everyone to the public meeting and outlined the agenda. He explained that MDCC had invited guest spokespersons from Napier University in order to counter misinformation re closure of Napier University’s Merchiston Campus, to enable residents to discuss issues, and to enable a first step in the community’s discussion about the future of Napier’s Merchiston Campus. He emphasised MDCC’s intention to act as an impartial “critical friend” and to take a leading role in representing our residents.
- Napier University’s intention to sell its Merchiston Campus site
Guest Speakers: Professor Sue Rigby, (Principal, Napier University) and Michael Greenhalgh (Director of
Finance, Strategy and Planning, and Secretary to Napier University Court)
Professor Rigby and Mr Greenhalgh presented their intentions and reasoning with regard to the sale of
the site.
Background – Napier University, like many HE universities and FE colleges throughout Scotland, is facing
severe financial and sustainability pressures. Consequently, many universities are having to change their
operational activities and reduce operational and capital expenditure costs to survive.
Napier spokespersons confirmed Napier’s intention to sell its Merchiston site. The status quo is not
viable; neither financially nor operationally.
RAAC removal, asbestos problems and problematical heating system costs for the present campus are
unaffordable for Napier. The present buildings are considered by Napier no longer fit for future use.
Estimated costs for remedial repairs work alone would be well over £220 million at current prices. This is unaffordable for Napier and would still not make the present time-expired buildings suitable for Napier’s future use.
Full exit by Napier could be around 6 years in future, during which Napier will gradually move its current activities, students and staff to another location. New location is under negotiation but not yet concluded.
Prior to Napier deciding on a preferred bidder for this site, Napier will discuss issues and offers received to purchase with CEC Planning Department for advice.
Sale will not necessarily go to highest bidder. Napier stated it will consider community issues in selecting its preferred bidder for the site.
Decision on preferred bidder is scheduled for July 2027-Dec 2027.
Due diligence evaluation of financial robustness and track record of bidders will be carried out by Napier before its decision on the successful bidder.
Type and mix of buildings that will replace the present Napier Campus buildings will initially be discussed between Napier, CEC Planning and later with the preferred bidder as part of Napier’s decision-making.
Napier’s stated that its preference is for a housing development, albeit of unknown configuration and unknown builder at present.
Configuration of replacement buildings will be finalised only AFTER sale of site is completed. Successful bidder will then negotiate planning consent conditions with CEC Planning for what will be built on this site.
Sale of site scheduled to be finalised by Napier in Q1 2030. Full exit from Merchiston site by Napier is scheduled for 2031.
Demolition of existing buildings, RAAC removal, asbestos removal and site clearance will be expensive, but will all be responsibility of site’s purchaser, not Napier. This cost, in addition to the unknown negotiated sale price, will make this site an expensive development for a developer to make profitable, which may indicate high-cost, and possibly high-density, houses.
Napier will maintain site security for current buildings and site until site sale takes place and ownership responsibility is transferred to new owner.
Napier Tower’s Grade A listed building preservation will be included by Napier in negotiating sale arrangements with purchaser.
Probably around 8 to 10 years from now before site is fully cleared, by the purchaser, planning consent obtained by a developer, and new buildings completed and ready for occupation.
Napier University intends to establish a Stakeholder Liaison Group including MDCC, Residents, Businesses, Students and Elected Members. MDCC expressed willingness to participate.
MDCC will welcome further discussion as events progress and suggests incorporating update discussions with Napier at MDCC’s scheduled public meetings during 2027 and beyond.
Q & A interactive session followed:Discussions included the suggestion that CEC should, in consultation with local and community organisations, including MDCC, formulate a “Place Brief” for the sale of the site, to set the context, constraints and opportunities for development, and to explain the community’s vision for the site. The Place Brief would be similar to that produced for the Astley Ainslie site, presenting residents’ vision for the development of the site.
Both Lorna Slater MSP (LS) and Harry Ness, representing Ian Murray MP, offered help and support in this regard. Lorna Slater urged residents to start developing a vision as soon as possible as precedents (e.g. Leith Walk) show that developers can be pushed to do “the right thing”.
Residents and Cllr McKay asked about plans for moving students out and knock-on effects for the local
economy and transport routes. Prof. Rigby pointed out that few of the students appear to live in the immediate local area. Asked about the possibility of rebuilding on the present site, she answered that a building of the same size and height (up to 7 storeys at present) would no longer be approved. - Residents’ Issues Forum:
AM reported that she was pleased that following a decision had been made by CEC Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) to speed up progress on the long-promised pedestrian crossing for Ashley Terrace. This was corroborated by Cllr McKay.
A working group has been suggested, to include parents from Craiglockhart Primary School, councillors and community councillors. (* see additional information at end of minutes). - Minutes of MDCC’s previous meeting on 16th June 2026. Minutes were unanimously approved (Proposed RM, seconded GC).
- Matters Arising from previous meeting: none. Apologies for Absence (see above). There were no declarations of interest.
- Chair’s Report – Ian Doig (ID), Chair of MDCC
ID summarised his report which has been distributed in advance to members and invitees. He referred to MDCC’s many activities which continued over the summer break, in particular preparations for the leaf-clearing project (see 9 below) and the ongoing discussion between MDCC, residents and City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) about local traffic issues. The most significant recent issue was the discussion (above) on the future of Napier University’s Merchiston Campus.
ID also spoke to the Visitor Levy now coming into operation in Edinburgh, which MDCC has always supported, and its potential benefits for the city, including both tourists and residents.
Transport issues city-wide and locally are another important aspect of MDCC’s work. Many Community Councils throughout Edinburgh are concerned by the increasing traffic problems in the city.
Edinburgh Association of Community Councils (EACC) takes the view that Edinburgh needs an improved and integrated public transport system to reduce traffic pressure both in the city centre and in residential areas. This need was accentuated by the traffic diversions and chaos following the recent fire on Princes Street, which also pointed to the need for flexibility in city streets when buses have to be diverted, as well as to reduce overall vehicular traffic having to go through the city centre. The Tram Trains for Edinburgh Campaign (TTFE) is lobbying to reopen the existing South Suburban Line using tram- trains – versatile public transport vehicles that are a cross between a traditional tram and a heavy rail train and can run on both railway and tram tracks – which could reduce pressure on public transport in many areas of the city and is gaining support. ID suggests inviting Rob Falcon, Chair of TTFE to give a presentation to a future meeting of MDCC and this was agreed.
Finally, ID reported on EACC, which is currently going through a number of changes. The current Secretary is standing down and EACC is seeking a replacement, so far without success. EACC’s website is currently offline because it was mysteriously corrupted. Consideration is being given to a simpler, more user-friendly and more resilient website. EACC has been lobbying CEC for more support for all CCs, including website and IT support, additional finance, and for CEC to arrange and pay for CC’s insurance. EACC’s top priority request, that CEC create a new post of Community Liaison Officer (CCLO), has been implemented: Sabrina Commons was appointed as CCLO from 14th September. CCLO’s overall role will be to support CCs across Edinburgh. Sabrina’s role and priorities have still to be clarified but will include liaising with EACC and with individual CCs. The AGM of EACC will be online on Thursday 26th November. In addition to representing MDCC on EACC Management Board, ID will put his name forward for reappointment as Treasurer of EACC for the forthcoming year. The AGM will also confirm increasing representation of CCs on the EACC Management Board from one to two representatives per CC to increase participation. - Planning Report – MC our planning lead, was unable to attend this meeting. It was noted that we need to add a mention of the Napier Campus site to the Local Place Plan which MDCC is completing in cooperation with BANZAI (Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action Initiative) and Marchmont and Sciennes CC.
- Licensing Report – GC, Licensing Lead reported: There have been 2 applications for licence extensions but nothing contentious. MDCC will keep a watchful eye as always.
- Traffic Issues – Reports by MDCC Traffic Group Members:
- VM reported that CEC has been working a lot behind the scenes on the Polwarth Roundabout project. Feedback has been taken on board with impressive results. A number of improvements are also planned at the Rochester Terrace/Merchiston Avenue junction. Hopefully delivery of improvements by CEC will commence in 2027.
At the junction Merchiston Avenue/Colinton Road improvements are also needed and at both junctions survey responses particularly suggested zebra crossings, leading to the question about introduction of zebra crossings without Belisha beacons, not yet permitted in Scotland. Lorna Slater MSP indicated that she will push for a positive decision about these soon. For more details of these projects see our website. - RM reported from the Traffic Group concerned with North-South traffic in our area. Several letters to CEC have produced no response, except for a helpful intervention by Cllr McKay. The group is trying to maintain the pressure, and once the present road closures are over will launch a survey among residents. Concerns include the continuing delay in providing a promised zebra crossing on Ashley Terrace (see above and additional information at bottom of this minute) and the number of road closures that seem to be likely to occur simultaneously (Gray’s Loan, Shandon Place, continuing closure of Harrison Road) and potentially cause traffic chaos.
Parking infringements on Slateford Road persist and despite continual reporting to CEC, there has been no change so far.
Cllr Ross mentioned that a pedestrian crossing can be requested online, and the more people respond the better.
Cllr McKay has spoken one-on-one with Gavin Brown, CEC’s Head of Roads, and presented the issues.
ID mentioned the frustration of MDCC receiving no reply to SEVERAL polite letters to council officers and that other CCs share similar frustrations. EACC has made a proposal to get CCs more involved in traffic planning.
- VM reported that CEC has been working a lot behind the scenes on the Polwarth Roundabout project. Feedback has been taken on board with impressive results. A number of improvements are also planned at the Rochester Terrace/Merchiston Avenue junction. Hopefully delivery of improvements by CEC will commence in 2027.
- Leaf Clearing Project – Helen Zealley, Project co-ordinator: Leaves already need clearing, bags are available at Tesco Holy Corner and also between 4.30 and 5.30 pm at Abbotsford Court as in previous years. Tesco’s support in distributing bags for leaf collection was very welcome.
ID: Volunteers are urgently needed to take over coordination of the leaf clearing scheme as both the present coordinators are standing down. - Treasurer’s Report – Frances Hawarden, Treasurer: MDCC’s finances are healthy with £1200 in the bank and CEC’s annual grant is expected to arrive soon.
Issues for consideration:- Traffic Group request for costs of £250 were proposed for payment by MDCC by ID and agreed.
- A proposal to pay Wendy Cholbi her rate for non-profit organizations of £20 per month for website
maintenance for MDCC was agreed (proposed VK, seconded RM). - ID mentioned that a potential donation to a Polwarth Church funding appeal had been considered but it was felt that this may be not appropriate for a CC, and that a better form of support might be found. ID suggested that a representative of Polwarth Church could be invited to attend a future MDCC meeting to give an update on the funding appeal and risk of closure. Polwarth Church website https://polwarth.org.uk states: “As costs have continued to rise, our income from the congregation has been falling year on year, meaning this year we face a budget deficit of around £25,000. Without support to close the gap, we are facing closure of our building and ministries, which we know would be a great loss to the community”
- City Councillors’ Reports:
Cllr McKay (Ward 9) had already contributed what he had to report.
Cllr Ross (Ward 10): The Astley Ainsley Place Brief has been published and is open for consultation here. There are capacity issues at Boroughmuir High School. Works are currently underway to increase capacity to 1,610 and a further capacity addition has been agreed by the Council this week via temporary classrooms in the playground by August 2027.
Pavement extensions have been agreed opposite Waitrose in Morningside, making the temporary pavement extensions permanent.
TTRO (Temporary Traffic Regulation Order) rules are changing positively: they will be displayed for longer and written in simpler (non-jargon) language and access to them will be maintained on an interactive map. - Other Reports and Correspondence: VK and ID had a short meeting with representatives of the Braids Scouts Association. The Scouts are looking for support from adults who might become trustees or fulfil other roles. We also considered ways in which Scouts could help with MDCC projects such as leaf clearing or carrying out surveys with residents. Older scouts carry out projects as part of their scouting journey which we might be able to facilitate.
- Any Other Business – None
The meeting ended at 21:10
Future Meetings: 20th October; 17th November (No meeting April, July, Aug and Dec)
- Note re Ashley Terrace Zebra Crossing – Additional details of CEC motion on the promised crossing:
The community group pushing for the ever-delayed crossing finally got to the point where they had to get it tabled to CEC’s Transport and Environment Committee, in order to force their hand. The official emergency motion came from one of Cllr Cowdy’s Conservative colleagues, Cllr Cuthbert (who is a member of the T&E
Committee). To support the motion and also get our views forward, the group submitted a deputation.
The motion was granted and called for a report to be done by next CEC T and E committee, giving a clear date for delivery.
(A link to the deputation will be provided when available)