Merchiston Districts Community Council — Minutes of Public Meeting
Date: 20th May 2025
Chaired by Ian Doig, Chair of Merchiston Districts Community Council (MDCC)
Present:
MDCC Members: Ian Doig (ID, Chair), Vivien Kitteringham (VK, Vice Chair), Raphael Uddin (RU, Minute Taker), Bridget Stevens (BS), Roma Menlowe (RM), Vanessa Meadu (VM), Gordon Cameron (GC), Joan Houston (JH), Helen Zeally (HZ), Mary Breatnach (MB)
Councillors: Cllr Ben Parker (BP, Green). Cllr Christopher Cowdy (CC, Conservative)
CEC: Robin O’Malley (CEC Lead Project Officer and Engineer for the Local Traffic Improvement Programme)
Police: Sgt. Mark Coull (SW Community Policing Team), PC Brandon McKendrick and PC Brodie Crichton (SE Community Policing Team)
Residents: Lynsey Houston (LH) Chair of Craiglockhart Primary School Parents' Council, Morag Jones (MJ), Meg Montgomery (MG), Melissa Findlay (MF, Media Reporter).
1.Introduction, Apologies & Declarations of Interest
Apologies had been received from members: John McKenna, Klaus Glenk, Aala Elwadie, Mairianna Clyde, Hilary Swanston, Jay Feeney. Apologies also received from Cllr David Key.
There were no declarations of interest.
2.Residents’ Issues Forum
The following issues were raised by MDCC residents:
- Lynsey Houston (LH) spoke as the representative of Craiglockhart Primary School Parents' Council. LH had been in touch with MDCC to raise concerns about the issue of road safety issues around Ashley Terrace. This has been an issue for many years, but recently a serious incident which left an 80-year-old resident seriously injured has prompted protests in the area calling for road safety improvements to be made.
Currently, the proposed CEC changes to the area primarily involve two build-outs (at TRO stage), which LH feels may not be enough to keep pedestrians safe.
However, it has already taken years of discussion with CEC and others to achieve the progress already made, and the community would not want to delay developments with further research and discussion of potential additional improvements.
LH had been invited to this meeting to discuss safety concerns with MDCC members, together with CEC councillors and Police Officers present.
ID invited City Councillors to respond. CC agreed that progress has been slow and that, despite concerns, the Police have randomly done speed checks over the years and there have not been the results to show an urgent issue about speeding – however the level of email complaints received by Councillors continues to be high, and so residents have been encouraged to note what times are popular for speeding in the area to assist any planned future speed checks.
CC also mentioned that a shortage of crossing guards is contributing to the problem, and that advertising locally recently has had much better results than the city-wide approach to recruiting crossing guards.
VM updated members on the crossing guard issues for Bruntsfield Primary, saying that the schoolchildren’s poster campaign has successfully recruited one crossing guard to a post that has been vacant for two years, however it is disappointing that it has required the school and the children to be so involved in solving this issue.
BP confirmed that due to the stage the build-outs are at now to try to change it would certainly delay things, perhaps by years. However, additional improvements could be sought, and it was suggested to LH that MDCC could help to progress an application for these. LH welcomed this idea and added that it is appreciated that road safety awareness is also an issue with parents at the school which must also be addressed, with some parents making the crossing at very dangerous points in the road with their children.
The success of the Polwarth Junction Project under the Local Traffic Improvement (LTI) Programme was recapped, and LH was encouraged to consider looking for additional improvements through that. VM noted that not all projects that have received support from the programme required extensive report work as evidence, though this certainly helped the Polwarth Junction Project Team show how necessary the safety improvements are, and ROM said that next year’s round of the LTI programme will be reducing the amount of information required, making it a viable route for a community group, perhaps comprised of both residents and members of the school community, to pursue.
RU added that in addition to working on planning applications with the group, MDCC could continue local advertisements and campaigning for the crossing guard positions still vacant in the area to be filled, including an additional post for Craiglockhart Primary and a position near to the Polwarth Roundabout improvements that has been vacant for six years.
The related issue of the closure of nearby Harrison Road for bridge repairs was also raised – there are many permit parking spaces there with little consideration for people crossing there, despite it being a popular route for schoolchildren.
ID passed on comments submitted by from Nick Brett, representative on MDCC for The Edinburgh Steiner School, adding that Spylaw Road and the areas surrounding the school were also having road safety issues which need addressed.
- Morag Jones (MJ) had recently contacted ID as Chair of MDCC to express concerns about the review by the CEC Transport and Environment Committee of many improvements to traffic infrastructure, that would be decided at the committee meeting on Thursday 22nd May. Living Streets had expressed their concerns that, despite pedestrians being placed at the top of the travel hierarchy, in reality pedestrians are apparently being treated by CEC as a low priority. MJ stated that residents would like the review to be deferred for two CEC committee cycles for further research and consideration.
City Councillors were invited to respond. BP agreed that this isn’t a positive development, and that despite proposals to budget for additional funding for pedestrian projects, ultimately this wasn’t successful at CEC and there are now funding issues.
In relation to comments from the council about the value of smaller local projects being of little value, CC said that both Conservative and Green councillors were in agreement that this wasn’t the case. Ward City Councillors will raise these issues with transport leads at CEC.
BP highlighted that, while there are some things they cannot do, the Transport and Environment Committee can move to pause or defer this review, so it still may not go ahead. ID said that members and residents are invited to lobby their Ward Councillors ahead of the decision.
3. Police Report
Sgt. Coull was joined by PCs McKendrick and Crichton and provided an update on crime and policing activities in the MDCC area in the past month or so.
Police SW area – Sgt Coull
Covering Fountainbridge, Shandon and Polwarth in MDCC’s area:
- Antisocial Behaviour in Fountainpark area.
- Shoplifting – focusing on regular offenders
- Drugs – Hi-Vis foot patrols, reinforcing communal stairwell doors to prevent drug use there.
- Dangerous driving of E-bikes – 10 bikes have been seized
Police SE area - PCs McKendrick and Crichton
Covering the remainder of MDCC’s area, including Bruntsfield:
- Three police officers cover this area now.
- Working lately on Meadows and Southside area, antisocial behaviour there.
- Foot patrol in April around Merchiston, speaking to residents.
- Keen on public outreach – recently attended George Watson’s School Fair.
- Good progress on seized bikes, and success in returning stolen bikes to their owners. This is thanks to the level of detail provided by owners and bike marking (there is an upcoming bike marking event at Bristo Square).
- Break-ins to garages and sheds are particularly an issue in this area, there is police advice online to help address this.
- It is common for cases of fraud/bogus workmen to increase in the area at this time of year, advice is simply not to engage.
- It was reported that there were 13 incidents of shoplifting in Bruntsfield, with 6 suspects identified.
BS added that recently she had spoken to the owner of Bell Bottom, which had been victim of recent series of burglaries that affected many businesses across the MDCC area, who had said that due to conservation area restrictions he was unable to put in certain security measures that police recommended (steel shutters etc).
ID thanked the Police Officers in attendance for their reports, concluding that our local community, when compared to other areas, did not have many crime problems. The particular issues that he had to raise with the Police were regarding speeding and E-bikes being ridden irresponsibly. VM noted the difference between regular E-bikes and the modified bikes with a throttle, which you need a helmet and licence to use.
GC highlighted the cycle hire scheme, which is set to return to Edinburgh, which might cause further problems. BP said this will also be discussed at Thursday’s CEC Transport and Environment Committee, and that he supports it, although the format of the scheme needs to be thought through to avoid problems experienced in the previous scheme.
4. Polwarth Project
ROM gave a helpful presentation on the designs that have been completed for the proposed redevelopment of the Polwarth Junction/Roundabout Area. The two design options, and a final report by the MDCC team, had been circulated to all members with detailed descriptions of the plans.
These were looked at and commented on by members at the meeting, who welcomed the proposed changes to improve safety at the junction. While there are much needed improvements for pedestrians, such as the proposed change to a T-junction and creating widened pavements, there are benefits for drivers as well, such as improved visibility sightlines when turning at Merchiston Avenue. Ways that there could be further improvements have been put forward, and the potential benefits to the local area due to the additional space, such as adding greenery and outdoor seating, were also discussed. Planters would be more likely than trees because planters don’t interfere with visibility as much, are easier to install and because planters don’t interfere with underground pipes and cables. However, BP would like to discuss this further at a later date and praised the development of this project overall.
There were two variations of the design that were presented to members, with the main difference being an additional loading bay that would remove a pedestrian island. Although it is difficult to assess demand in advance, the two other parking areas created will not be too far away, and so members decided that they would prefer option one, which retains the pedestrian crossing island and does not include this third bay.
The MDCC Polwarth Project Team thanked ROM for all the time and effort put into this, and for how willing the design team were to listen to and take account of what the Community Council had to say.
Additional funding of £250 from MDCC funds was requested to fund a further illustrative image to be created by the Landscape Architect enlisted by the MDCC team, to assist with the public consultation. Funding of £250 from MDCC funds was formally proposed by ID and approved by members.
VM provided the campaign timeline for the MDCC group; they will be attending various events to publicise the consultation whilst also reaching out to the Polwarth Project mailing list, encouraging residents to note their preferred version of the design and to provide any comments. She also noted that an important piece of how well the redesign works in the future will be down to enforcement of the new rules in place regarding parking etc. Sgt. Coull said that when the new rules come into effect, they can be notified of this if the area would benefit from monitoring at this time.
ID thanked the Polwarth Project Team for their hard work over the years, which has demonstrated the tangible impact community councils can have in improving outcomes for the areas they serve.
5. Minutes of Meetings on 18th March and 15th April
The minutes of the two previous meetings were approved with no matters arising.
6. Chair’s Report – Ian Doig, MDCC Chair
ID recapped several points made in his Chair’s Report (circulated), including:
Meetings – MDCC had decided to meet in person for the foreseeable future. Hybrid meetings had been discussed as a possibility, but those who have tried this in the past say acoustics and camera aspects can present difficulties, and currently MDCC don’t have the necessary equipment. Therefore, hybrid meetings would not be attempted without supporting equipment and personnel.
Change of name to Merchiston Districts CC – this had caused some admin issues including on the website, stationery and bank account name; however, it is intended that these will be sorted out in due course.
Cllr Val Walker – ID had paid tribute to the late Cllr Walker in his Chair’s report, see also post on MDCC website here. Over the next month, there will be a by-election for the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart ward on Thursday 26th June.
7. Work Programme
ID had circulated a paper outlining the various project teams and workload MCC/MDCC has had in the previous 5-year term, ID suggested that several project teams may benefit from additional support and successor planning in the new term, including:
- Planning – additional members to assist Mairianna in her role as Planning Lead are much needed. New and previous members were invited to consider helping Mairianna with scrutinising planning applications and formulating comments for submission on behalf of MDCC. Mary Breatnach volunteered to assist, and Nick Brett had expressed interest in Planning work at a previous meeting.
- Licensing – BS may want to step back in future, though willing to continue for now. BS said that the scrutiny role would not be too onerous to take on, GC will discuss helping with licencing scrutiny work at a later date.
- Polwarth Junction Project – With John taking up his new role as Secretary, the group may need additional help, particularly at this time during the public consultation. Project Team to discuss need for additional resources.
- Leaf Clearing Project – Although HZ and JH may consider stepping back from MDCC activities in future, additional help to run the scheme isn’t needed at present – particular problems at the moment involve finding a regular location for volunteers to collect leaf clearing equipment, including black bags and tools etc. It was suggested that local businesses might be willing to house this, similarly to the the blister pack recycling box. BP also said that CEC may be willing to help find a location for this, however there aren’t many council buildings in the area.
8. Planning Report – Mairianna Clyde, Planning Lead
Mairianna was abroad and unable to attend. However, ID had spoken to her prior to the meeting, and she had reported that not much by way of planning concerns had come up in the past month relevant to MDCC.
9. Licensing Report – Bridget Stevens, Licensing Lead
Bell Bottom restaurant is applying for a full premises licence, including liquor. Following a meeting she had with them, BS suggested MDCC give their usual vigilant response – i.e. not objecting but reserving their right to object in future should there be any complaints. Members agreed to submit this response.
BS also highlighted the ongoing consultation on Street Marketing, suggesting that interested members complete this individually, as it applies more to the city centre rather than the immediate MDCC area.
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/street-and-market-trading-activity-2025/
10. Engagement Report – Vivien Kitteringham, Engagement and Inclusion Officer
VK reported that, despite losing the cover for the noticeboard outside the previous Margiotta’s on Ashley Terrace corner due to storm damage, the MDCC board is still being used, with VK monitoring what has been advertised there.
New member Aala Elwadie had expressed interest in Engagement and Inclusion work but was unable to attend this meeting; therefore, ID and VK would meet Aala and discuss this prior to the next MDCC meeting.
VK reminded members of MDCC attendance at the Canal Festival on Saturday 21st June, for which a MDCC rota will be created for members to run the usual stall by the Ashley Terrace Boathouse.
There were no other upcoming plans for engagement at present, though VK had discussed with North Merchiston Club the possibility of attending a food festival in July.
11. Treasurer’s Report – Frances Hawarden, Treasurer
Frances was not in attendance, however ID directed members to the financial reports that had been circulated, which showed MDCC’s finances were healthy with a positive bank balance currently £2,932.
12. City Councillors’ Reports – Cllr Christopher Cowdy and Cllr Ben Parker
Both Councillors paid tribute to the late Cllr Val Walker. Each councillor then gave updates on news and activities relevant to the MDCC area.
CC said that there has recently been a motion moved to pay more attention to the canal, and he raised awareness of the Pride in our Place initiative, where CEC will be cleaning areas of Edinburgh that need particular attention.
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/litter-flytipping/pride-city
BP alerted members to the CEC strategy review for the Poverty Commission. He also said that in the past month he had been asking questions about whether the trees on council land were being watered enough and work on accessible housing. He also told members about BANZAI’s Cargo Bike Library, which could possibly benefit the leaf clearing scheme in autumn.
MF asked about illegal parking on Bryson Road and the surrounding area, and whether that had been brought to the attention of city councillors. CC said not those specific streets, but there had been issues on Ashley Terrace, with long delays for double yellow lines. The issue of parking during matches at Murrayfield in particular was raised. VK suggested price reductions on buses for those with tickets to matches as a possible solution to dissuade those in the city from travelling by car to the stadium.
ID inquired about repairs to Harrison Road Bridge, commenting that he’d seen workmen there previously but that now all appeared quiet on the site. It was explained that investigations by CEC are complete; the next task is to figure out how the bridge can be repaired and how repairs will be funded. It appeared that Harrison Road would remain closed to through traffic until October 2025.
13. Other Reports and Correspondence/Any other Business
ID asked RM about progress made on the Trees Project – a post-graduate student has taken this on as a research project and is due to finish this in August.
ID suggested reintroducing a MDCC walkabout to identify locations and issues where remedial action was necessary, with local city councillors and council officers. This suggestion may happen over the summer.
JH will soon be meeting with George Watson’s College to discuss MDCC projects working with them next year.
ID and VK are meeting soon with Boroughmuir High School’s Depute Head to discuss potential projects working with MDCC. ID will also discuss Local Interest Group membership place on MDCC for Boroughmuir HS.
14. Future Meetings of Merchiston Districts Community Council:
2025 – 17th June, 16th Sept, 21st Oct, 18th Nov
(No meetings in April, July, August or December)