Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

MSCC - Minutes from April 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:08:49 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on April 22nd, 2026 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present

Brian Gilmore - MSCC Chair

Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer

Douglas Rogers - MSCC Inclusion Officer

Susie Agnew - MSCC

Geoff Parsons - MSCC

Peter Olech - MSCC

Cllr Tim Pogson

Apologies

Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary

Kate McNairney - SMAG

Kayleigh Gordon & Liane Phillips - MSCC Publicity

Attending

Eli Ferrell - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 19:33pm.

Sederunt and apologies

Brian welcomes everyone to the meeting. Sederunt and apologies as above.

Draft Minutes of last meeting March 2026

Peter moves to approve the minutes. Alison seconds.

Actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

Suggested donation to SMAG: this information is being put together at the moment, so this item will be held to the next meeting.

The Argyle Pl/Melville Drive junction will be added to the Council's list of suggested improvements, and the traffic signals team will review the timings of this junction and make improvements if possible, either now or at the next time this junction is scheduled for improvements.

Post office depot letter included a justification in regards to which postcodes each available office controls. There is a question as to why EH9 cannot be reassigned to Falkland Road entirely. Susie will action this question by writing to Ian Murray.

In regards to the community grant mentioned in the last meeting, the recommended grant is not within our area and would require additional liaison with the Council. It was agreed that the MSCC stick to the original plan of donating £100 to FOMBL and suggesting they apply to Morningside CC for an additional donation.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

Publicity

No publicity report.

City Councillor report ::

Cllr Pogson reported that the council, in response to criticism about bad landlords has, at the last meeting, struck four off due to criminal records and persistent failure to remedy living conditions, and one other has a chance to attend the next meeting to make her case to avoid being struck off (note that only three landlords were struck off in the entirety of last year). When a landlord is struck off, they must sell their properties, which could result in an eviction of current tenants. If tenants are living in substandard conditions, they should refer their landlord to the council.

Astley Ainslie Hospital’s place plan has been lodged and both the NHS and the council are producing their vision for the site as well.

In the recently approved budget, the council has introduced a 400% council tax uplift on second homes, given that there is a housing emergency. Due to backlash, this policy has been paused for six months while an impact assessment is carried out. There is some concern over this policy from MSCC as this tax also applies to empty homes during renovations.

Inclusion Officer’s report (attached)

Sciennes ArtsHub

Thanks to Tim for easing the way to get the IQ Students space. Currently the space can be used for Arts teaching and Community Council meetings. Potential activities will increase once noise reduction installments take place. MSCC agrees that from next month, Community Council meetings will take place in that space. For more detail on the IQ students space proposed activities, please see the attached report.

Key Updates from Democracy Matters:

A plan was circulated on how to empower local communities with three options on how to decide the funding criteria. As Community councils must vote for their preferred option by the 4th of May it was agreed that Douglas will email all members of MSCC to vote on the option they prefer.

Heat networks

Douglas is now working with Lothian Heat to identify heat networks in Edinburgh so that Lothian Heat can support these smaller heat networks.

Geoff flags that new builds are not contributing to heat networks right now, although Douglas flags that new builds should be banned from using gas. Cllr Pogson notes that the heat from the Edinburgh/Midlothian landfill incendiary is currently used to power turbines, but there is infrastructure building taking place for excess heat to support local heat networks.

Planning

No relevant planning reports.

Treasurer’s report (attached)

Last month’s balance of £1632 is down to £1338 due to payments for the insurance, hall hire, and minutes secretary. From May onwards the hall hire will be the new Sciennes ArtsHub.

SMAG report

No report this week.

Meetings attended

No meetings attended.

AOCB

The end of year accounts will go to the external reviewer in April. The AGM will take place in June.

The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 27th of May at Sciennes Arts Centre, 13 Rillbank Terrace.

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend.

MSCC - Draft Agenda+AGM for 24th June

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:05:56 +0000

M archmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 24^th June 2026 at 7:30pm

To be held at Sciennes Art Hub, 13 Rillbank Terr

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting May 2026

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on

3 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

4 Publicity

5 City Councillor report on topical local issues

6 Inclusion Officer’s report (attached)

Items for discussion

7 Planning

For info:

8 Treasurer's report (attached)

9 SMAG report

10 Meetings attended

11 AOCB

a. Grange cemetery opening hours: suggest extending from 5 to 7pm in Summer

12 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 23^rd September 2026

Annual General Meeting

Annual report from Chairman
Annual report from Secretary
Annual report from Treasurer and presentation of audited accounts
Election of Officers
Date of next AGM : Wednesday 23^rd June 2027

Please note new venue for the meeting. Access easiest from Sciennes

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for March 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 18 May 2026 08:29:07 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on March 25th, 2026 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present

Brian Gilmore - MSCC chair

Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer

Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary

Douglas Rogers - MSCC Inclusion Officer

Kate McNairney - SMAG

David Somervell - Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action

Margaret Coughtrie - Local resident

Sara Kondracki - Local resident

Bethan Morgan - Local resident

Geoff Parsons - MSCC

Anthony Holmes - MSCC

Richard Shillcock - MSCC

Apologies

Peter Olech - MSCC

Kayleigh Gordon & Liane Phillips - MSCC Publicity

Susie Agnew - MSCC

Cllr Ben Parker

Attending

Eli Ferrell - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 19:34pm.

Sederunt and apologies

Brian welcomes everyone to the meeting. Sederunt and apologies as above.

Draft Minutes of last meeting February 2026

Susie Agnew was added to the minutes as having attended the February meeting. Alison moves to approve the minutes. Anne seconds.

Actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

A letter has been circulated from the post office about the depot (by way of Cllr Marie-Clair Murro). No further action to be taken.

There is now access to the defibrillator outside the optician’s at Marchmont, corrected after a few days of prevented access, despite the large hole in the pavement. The optician’s basement roof was punctured and he was flooded out, but minimal action has been taken. Anne will write to the four councillors in Morningside ward (Marie-Clair Murro, Ben Parker, Neil Ross, and Mandy Watt) to complain about the way these works have been handled.

Anne contacted Sgt Lumsden expressing the MSCC dismay at the recent graffiti incident at the Mosque.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

FOMBL report has been circulated. FOMBL has agreed that the walkway will be named Hamish Henderson Way, in accordance with the MSCC vote. The nameplate will cost upwards of £400 pounds. Alison suggests a £100 donation. It is noted that Peter Olech suggested an application for EC Community Grants Fund in that matter. Alison will apply for that grant.

There are apple trees all along North Meadow Walk, and cherry trees down the diagonal path. It is unclear if there will be sufficient water if there is a hard summer. MSCC could go back to FOMBL and note their concern about whether there will be enough water.

Publicity

No publicity report.

City Councillor report on topical local issues

No councillors attending.

Danger to pedestrians and cyclists crossing Argyle Place near Melville Drive:A local resident Bethan Morgan presented a draft that was circulated to members earlier about the dangers of the crossing at foot of Argyle Pl and Melville Drive. There was general agreement at the meeting that this area needs to be revisited by road planners before there is a serious accident and Anne and Bethan will compose a suitable document to be sent to the local Councillors

Margaret Coughtrie expressed concern about the work being carried out at Summerhall/Melville Terrace and is not aware of the plans being circulated before work started and Melville Terrace was closed. It is noted that the plans had been circulated on a TTRO. These are for improvements for pedestrians and cycle path in that area; the work will be carried out in phases and is likely to take quite a long time.

The order to close Whitehouse Loan outside James Gillespie’s might expire the 15th of June. It is noted that the road closures made during COVID are being reviewed, but it was also believed that the Whitehouse Loan closure was permanent. Individual members of the community are encouraged to write in about it in advance of the review on April 2nd if they are concerned about the lapse.

It is raised that there should be a commitment from the Council to resurface Fingal Place; it is currently dangerous to cyclists and motorists, as well as potential causing damage to cars. Rat-running has recommenced at high speed. Geoff will draft a complaint.

Inclusion Officer’s report (attached)

Community Space

There is finally a final version of the license that will be accepted, despite some flaws, that will be signed in the next week or so. Invites will be distributed for that signing. Once the community space becomes available, there is discussion about doing a pop-up for people to come in and make comments on the Banzai local place plan (see below).

Local Place Plan

On Saturday 28th there will be a free lunch and a world music concert at the Pianodrome intending to take soundings from members of the community on how to pitch City Plan 2040. Please come along, and continue to fill out the survey asking for comments on the local place plan. This locale’s survey can be found here: https://banzaiedinburgh.org.uk/oni2040/

There will be advocacy in this plan to reduce the restrictions on solar panels in the future. There is hope that MSCC will endorse or sign the local place plan once it has been drafted.

Southside Community Council have also initiated a local place plan. Community members who live in that area are welcome to make comments on that plan until the end of May, which can be found here: https://www.sccedinburgh.org.uk/lpp

Morningside Community Council has done a draft, but does not have the funds to publish and circulate a final copy.

Items for discussion

Planning: nothing to note

Treasurer’s report (attached)

One bank account with Virgin successfully remaining (the Bank of Scotland account has been closed) £1632 in the account.

SMAG report

SMAG has been preparing for a meeting with Stephen Jenkinson which took place today about some bins to be closed or moved. There was a good response from SMAG members. The meeting was helpful and presented the five categories listed below:

Five categories raised as concerns about bin hubs

Homes without a buffer space (invasive noise or smell)
Adjacent to bedrooms; sleep disturbance and family impact
Chronic fly tipping
Clustered within short distances
Loss of use of residential gardens

Only four or five bin hubs will be changed. Stephen Jenkinson has asked for places where there are alternative locations and no one will complain, but that has already been submitted. There is time to get some requests back to him before the next round of TROs. It could still be 18 months to two years before the hubs get moved.

The request is that if anyone has a bin hub that is bothering them and they can think of an alternative location that is not just dumping the bin hub on a neighbour, then notify SMAG ASAP so it can be brought to the next meeting before the next round of TROs.

In the meeting, it was noted that there are more bins required in areas with a lot of HMO living spaces.

Property price drop indicates that people do not want to live around bins.

The issue of bins did come up in one of the place plan meetings—long-term solutions should be proposed to the place plan.

Meetings attended

No meetings attended.

AOCB

Reminder of new City electoral boundaries

When the election comes, this area will be part of Edinburgh Central instead of Edinburgh South. This change is in order to keep the population numbers roughly similar across seats.

Hustings

There will be a husting tomorrow at 7pm on Thursday, March 26th, at the Quaker meeting house.

It is noted that it is very late for MSCC to organize a hustings at this point. Richard and Margaret Coughtrie have volunteered to organize an online husting.

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative

There will be a share offer for the next phase of solar panel installation, if you wish to invest or register your interests, go to www.edinburghsolar.coop

The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 22nd of April.

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend.

MSCC - Draft Agenda for May 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 18 May 2026 08:25:06 +0000

M archmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 27^th May 2026 at 7:30pm

To be held at Sciennes Art Hub, 13 Rillbank Terr

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting April 2026

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

suggested donation to SMAG for expense

3 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

4 Publicity

5 City Councillor report on topical local issues

6 Inclusion Officer’s report (attached)

Items for discussion

7 Planning

a) Approval given to Aparthotel in Rillbank

For info:

8 Treasurer's report (attached)

9 SMAG report

10 Meetings attended

11 AOCB

12 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 24^th June 2026 (AGM and general meeting)

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Agenda for 22nd April 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:16:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 22^nd April 2026 at 7:30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting March 2026

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

a) suggested donation to SMAG for expenses

b) follow-up on Argyle Pl/Melville Drive junction

3 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

4 Publicity

5 City Councillor report on topical local issues

6 Inclusion Officer’s report

Items for discussion

7 Planning

For info:

8 Treasurer's report (attached)

9 SMAG report

10 Meetings attended

11 AOCB

12 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 20^th May 2026

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for February 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:42:24 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on February 25th, 2026 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present

Brian Gilmore - MSCC chair

Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer

Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary

Douglas Rogers - MSCC Inclusion Officer

Kate McNairney - SMAG

Richard Shillcock - MSCC

Peter Olech - MSCC

Margaret Coughtrie - Local resident

Sara Kondracki - Local resident

Anthony Holmes – MSCC

Susan Agnew - MSCC

Cllr. Neil Ross

Cllr. Pauline Flannery

Apologies

Kayleigh Gordon & Liane Phillips - MSCC Publicity

Cllr Munro

Attending

Eli Ferrell - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 19:30pm

Sederunt and apologies

Brian welcomes everyone to the meeting. Sederunt and apologies as above.

Draft Minutes of last meeting June 2025

Anne moves to approve the minutes. Douglas seconds.

Actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

Anne contacted Sgt Rachel Lumsden regarding the community meetings but has not had a reply

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

None.

Police Report

No police report. Wednesday 18th February, two policemen were observed patrolling the Meadows on foot.

Publicity

No publicity report.

City Councillor report on topical local issues

Licensing conditions for pubs for FIFA World Cup: a general extension was agreed by the Board in line with other Scottish Cities. There would be a difficulty in complying with timescales to administer without this general extension. Only pubs/establishments that have televised sports within existing operating plans will be able to show FIFA games. It was agreed that the general extension covers all featured football matches and not just Scottish/UK games. Outdoor facilities may be granted to alcohol licences if they get a public entertainment licence. The Council is anticipating applications from pop up venues to show FIFA World Cup.

HMO license fees will be reviewed at the next regulatory meeting. The fees have been potentially too high for some period. Many HMOs were unable to move to three year licenses due to certification practicalities. Therefore, potentially HMO fees will be reduced and there are very unlikely to be increases at this time.

There is a problem with deceased residents maintaining cycle hanger spaces. This will continue as long as the payments continue, because the cycle hanger spaces have been contracted to an outside company.

Cllrs to ask collectors to be more careful with the bins during collection in order to avoid replacements being needed at cost to the council. The replacement service is easy to use and quick.

A resident in Warrender Park Crescent has reported the very poor the state of the road. He has emailed the local councillors, but nothing has been done. Brian has verified this report for himself and notes the road is difficult to pass due to this damage to the central strip of road. The pavement is also in poor condition and difficult for some wheelchair users. Complaint noted by the Councillors present.

Tomorrow is council budget day.

Inclusion Officer’s report (attached)

Community Space

Progress has been made with IQ students to allow the use of the community space thanks to input from Cllr Tim Pogson. It is hoped that the space will be used for money generating activities in order to fund the work required to bring it up to standard.

It is hoped that the MSCC meetings will be able to take place there soon.

Banzai Local (Bruntsfield Area net Zero Action Initiative) Place Plan Work

Banzai got a 5k grant to fund the project. Next Saturday they will be hosting a Peoples assembly at the Pianodrome building (St Oswalds Centre, Montpelier Park) Free lunch will be offered from 13:00, and discussions will take place from 14:00.

Items for discussion

Planning (report attached)

The objection has been lodged regarding the Rillbank development, but has not yet been heard. There were over 100 objections. It is likely to go before planning soon.

Treasurer’s report (attached)

The report has been circulated. The old bank account is now closed, so the council will no longer be paying monthly charges to that account.

The defibrillator notice is going up on the publicity boards. The notice will include the other defibrillators in the area. The defibrillator has now been used.

SMAG report

The TEC meeting has now taken place. Some aspects of the presentation were altered upon advice from MSCC. At the end of the presentation, Steven Jenkinson has offered to meet to discuss some of the most upsetting locations for the bin hubs. SMAG was uncomfortable with choosing more important locations because they represent the community as a whole, and so they have determined they will not note specific locations. They might highlight some locations upon Steven Jenkinson’s request to illustrate problems, but those will be examples.

A meeting is now scheduled with him.

266 bin hubs have been complained about. 22 will have their locations reassessed. Cllr Neil Ross notes that there will be a published reason why the 244 remaining bin hubs are not being reassessed.

In terms of practical solutions, some people at the Local Place Plan event noted other countries sometimes have bins underground.

Meetings attended

No meetings attended.

AOCB

The Together Alliance is holding a big event in London on March 28th noting public favour for community cohesion and unity against division and certain members request that MSCC note its support for this event in the light of the graffiti on the Edinburgh Mosque. Other members have concerns about noting support for this event given its political ties. It was agreed not to publicly support this event and that the MSCC would contact Rachel Lumsden, the local community police liaison officer, noting our concerns at this graffitti.

Marchmont St Giles church has merged with Reid Memorial Church; worship is now held at the Kilgraston Road building and the parish is now called Blackford and Grange Parish and Church. Some activities are continuing to be held at the Reid Hub.

The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 25th of March.

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend.

MSCC - Agenda for 25th March 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:16:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 25^th March 2026 at 7:30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting February 2026

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

3 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

4 Publicity

5 City Councillor report on topical local issues

6 Inclusion Officer’s report

Items for discussion

7 Planning

For info:

8 Treasurer's report (attached)

9 SMAG report

10 Meetings attended

11 AOCB

a) suggested application for EC Community Grants fund (Peter Olech)

b) reminder of new City electoral boundaries

12 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 22^nd April 2026

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for January 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:52:11 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting of January 28th, 2026 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present: Brian Gilmore, Chair, Susie Agnew – MSCC, Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer, Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary, Douglas Rogers - MSCC Inclusion Officer, Anthony Holmes – MSCC, Kate McNairney – SMAG, Richard Shillcock – MSCC, Peter Olech – MSCC, Geoff Parsons – MSCC, Cllr. Steve Burgess, Cllr. Mandy Watt

Margaret Coughtrie, Francis and Paul Hamilton, Joanna Storrar, Sara Kondricki, Jim Sorrell, Sally Swann – Local residents,

Meeting began at 19:30pm

Apologies

Lianne and Kayleigh Gordon - MSCC Publicity

Draft Minutes of last meeting Nov 26th 2025: Suzie wanted it noted that she had asked Cllr Pogson to check into the problem of bins with no tops but she’s not yet heard back from him.

The minutes were approved by Anne and seconded by Alison.

Matters arising: Lianne had asked Anne Laing to raise the subject of shoplifting which is a growing problem. This was discussed generally. CCTV needed in the area and shops. Cllr Watt said she attended a Police local meeting about this and they advise traders to inform them asap and make their CCTV available for tracking the suspects and catching them. Also said a Traders Phone Chain was helpful with traders letting others know in advance of thieves around.

Anne said that the Defibrillator signage would soon be up on the noticeboards.

Suzie said that they’d not heard from Cllr Munro about parcels going to Falcon Rd depot instead of Russell Rd – Anne to check with her. It was noted that there’s an automated post box for small parcels at the top of |Marchmont Road.

Sciennes School Space Plan: Caroline McKellar of the Sciennes School Parents Group spoke to the meeting on the subject of the full road closure during school hours giving background on why it is needed and how and when this will be put into operation. All funding is provided by the parents to ensure a secure and pleasant looking area with foldable gates and bollards operating, clearer signage, and attractive planting/fencing. The ETRO (Experimental for 18 months) will hopefully be approved soon and work to start in Easter holidays to be in operation by mid to end April.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links: The naming of the new path was discussed with a vote taken on the two most popular path names. 5 votes for Kinghorn Way against 8 votes for Hamish Henderson Walk. Alison to inform FOMBL of the MSCC choice.

The next Fombl meeting is on 3^rd March.

Publicity: No report

Councillors Report: Cllr Burgess: reported that he’d been told by a local resident about speeding in Chalmers Crescent and that he’d raised this with Road Safety who’d carry out a speed check to catch culprits. It was agreed generally that speed bumps in the area would be helpful.

He also reported that the Roseneath St rough tarmac pavement saying it is due soon to be replaced by paving slabs. The Grange Rd gas work diversions were affecting much of the area but would be finished by mid-end Feb.

He met with Police Sergeant Rachel Lumsden now the new local community officer who intends to hold quarterly meetings with residents and urges CCs to send a representative or two to raise their concerns. Main concerns seem to be anti-social behaviour, e-bikes, shoplifting. Invites to be sent to locals and Ccs. Cllr Burgess urged to suggest that the meetings be in various Southside areas and not always in the same venue.

Cllr Watt: reported on the above Police meeting last held in Morningside Library. Q: Tony had contact Sgt Lumsden re going to the Police meeting but never heard from her. A: If anyone wishes to attend or be represented, they should let their CC or local Cllr know.

Also reported on the application for c.46 short term lets to be approved in Rillbank Tce and Cres which is being massively objected to by local residents. Notification period to be extended to at least mid-Feb.

Reported that the Transport & Environmental meeting is tomorrow with bin hubs on the agenda and SMAG deputation to speak on this. Also reported on this being the Budget period with the visitor levy starting soon. Q: how much expected to be raised by this? A: C. £50m pa with c. 6m to go to improving local services like street cleaning, graffiti cleaning.

Q: Why can’t at least half of the tourist levy go to Edinburgh services? A: Scottish Parliament has ruled that most is to go to improving the “tourist experience”.

Bike Storage: Joanna Storrar, a local bike owner, raised this problem. Eight people in her block have bikes and no room within the stairwell and not enough bike storage in the area. When requesting more bike stores has been told this can take around 2 years to be implemented what with Planning etc. Cllr Watt asked that she contact herself or Cllr Burgess to help speed up her request for more bike storage.

Inclusion Officer’s report: Douglas spoke on the paper he’d circulated. The Grange Home Energy Group holding a meeting on Tues 3^rd Feb at St Catherine’s Church Hall 7pm with Changeworks giving a talk on the new EcoCosi scheme that is being trialled in Edinburgh, and urges people to attend.

Community Space: Plans are stalled at the moment as they need a revenue stream as present needed, is costly and without plans are extremely restrictive on permitted uses. Sound deadening the space, which is it you can’t use it.

Astley Ainslie Plan: now published and is much as was hoped for, clearly proposing that this central green space is as far as possible preserved.

Banzai organised Local place plan: three People’s Assemblies to be held at St Oswalds by the Pianodrome:

1.Saturday 31st January – Discover, explore – free lunch from 1pm discussion 2pm-4pm

2. Saturday 28th February – Discover, explore – free lunch from 1pm discussion 2pm-4pm

3. Saturday 28th March – Refine, Validate – free lunch from 1pm discussion 2pm-4pm

Douglas urges everyone to go to learn about this exciting place plan.

Planning: New Planning Application to convert the properties in Rillbank Tce and Crescent to services apartments/short-term lets. After discussion it was unanimously agreed that the MSCC lodge a strongly worded objection to this proposal. Douglas and Alison to liaise on it.

Treasurer’s Report: £1666 total in both banks (BoS and Virgin) at end Dec-25. BoS account due to be closed (at last!) quite soon. £183 raised for Children 1st Scotland from the Christmas Event (thanks due to Crispin Agnew his collecting skills!).

SMAG Report (South Meadows Action Group): Have received a lot of comments on the Bin Hub situation and deputation attending tomorrow’s Transport & enviro meeting. Urges locals and MSCC members to attend and support.

AOCB: Anne raised the problem of speeding in Chalmers Cres. As per letter received from a local resident. This had been previously discussed and speed survey to be done. She will contact the lady in question to indicate that her concern is being dealt with by Cllr Burgess. Also noted that she receives quite a few notices about events on the Meadows and asks if she should circulate them around. Alison said she gets them as does FOMBL who would challenge any that were of concern. Agreed that Anne doesn’t need to circulate them.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 25^th February 2026 7.30pm

Meeting closed at 9pm.

MSCC - Agenda for Feb 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:23:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 25^th February 2026 at 7:30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting January 2026

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

3 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

4 Publicity

5 City Councillor report on topical local issues

6 Inclusion Officer’s report

Items for discussion

7 Planning (report attached)

A) Rillbank development

For info:

8 Treasurer's report (attached)

9 SMAG report

10 Meetings attended

11 AOCB

12 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 25^th March 2026

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for November 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:32:00 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on November 26th, 2025 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present

Susie Agnew - MSCC interim chair

Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer

Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary

Douglas Rogers - MSCC Inclusion Officer

Alastair Dickie - SMAG (South Meadows Action Group)

Kate McNerney - SMAG

Richard Shillcock - MSCC

Peter Olech - MSCC

Geoff Parsons - MSCC

Margaret Coughtrie - Local resident

Calum Duncan - Local resident

Cllr. Tim Pogson

Cllr. Marie Claire Munro

Apologies

Brian Gilmore - Chair, MSCC

Kayleigh Gordon - MSCC Publicity

Attending

Eli Ferrell - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 19:33pm

Sederunt and apologies

Susie welcomes everyone to the meeting. Sederunt and apologies as above.

Draft Minutes of last meeting October 2025

The previous minutes reflected a discussion about the Royal Mail delivery office that is closing (entirely in the private sector now). It’s not just that the privatization of utilities leads to worse service. Everyone local was against this happening, but there was no accountability.

Correction on who nominated Childrens 1st Scotland.

General note to avoid he said/she said minutes - more of an objective voice.

Alison moves to approve the minutes. Geoff seconds.

Actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

Defibrillators

Anne has been looking at posters for the defibrillators, as previously suggested. Each poster costs £8, so it was agreed to spend £24 for the 3 noticeboards. A photo of the defibrillator has been given to Kayleigh for publicity.

Alison will double-check that the defibrillator is registered.

Police Report

No police report.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

The next big meeting is in January, due to the winter month slowdown. There was a recent effort to pick up dead leaves in the links.

Alison will also get an update on the competition to name the new path at the sewage site on BL.

Publicity

Christmas publicity

MSCC has ordered posters for the noticeboards and businesses to display, which Kayleigh is collecting next Tuesday. She will get an invoice for the treasurer. The base post for the event has been done, but more will be published in the run-up to the event.

The noticeboards will get Christmas-ified next week, weather permitting.

Publicity recommended that the defibrillator be mentioned at the Christmas event as well.

City Councillor report on topical local issues

Recabling

Cllr Tim Pogson reports there is a Scottish power recabling project in the area. It was due to start in August. Roughly, it will begin at the electric substation at Whitehouse Loan and coming through the Grange before going towards Shawfair. It will be a rolling set of traffic lights that continues along. It is still in the works and is coming soon.

Traffic Regulation Order on Sciennes Road

The experimental traffic regulation order on Sciennes Road outside the school was published a while ago. The intention is to implement that plan from the end of January. It would be in place for a period to determine if it is helpful or not. The potential delay is that they may have to go to planning for that, in which case it will be delayed. Cllr Tim Pogson assures MSCC that the plan is experimental only and will be able to be changed.

After the last meeting, MSCC proposed that they close everything except the pavement at the south end for pedestrian passage. However, we did not hear back. The feeling is very strong that pedestrians should be allowed to traverse the area. There is a clear recognition of the problem at both sides of the closed area in order to improve safety in regards to cars.

MSCC objects strongly to the way that Sciennes Primary School has failed to involve the community in planning and discussion.

There is a discussion about the 24 car spaces that have been created in front of the Sick Kids development. That means that you cannot close the entirety of Sciennes Road. Cllr Marie Claire Munro notes this will all get ironed out in the consultation.

Bin Hubs/Flytipping

Cllr Marie Claire Munro reports that there are continuing problems with bin hubs across the area. It is very frustrating that some bins cannot be moved as quickly as they’d like, but the Cllr is working with residents to maximize. If anyone has any problems with bin hubs, they should email Cllr Marie Claire.

There is an issue with the way that bins are being managed operatively. If you have an issue with the way your bins are being put back, email Cllr Marie Claire directly. She is working on some of these issues already. In Strathern Road, some bins have been suffering badly from extreme wind. Cllr Marie Claire notes that if the operatives fail to put down the clips on the wheels or put the bins away in the correct direction, the bins can shift or the lids can fly open/off. Residents must inform the council if there are any bin problems.

MSCC had a general discussion about the increased problem of flytipping/recycling. There is a suggestion for having a specific area to leave large objects for recycling, since this would be more climate aware. Some people strongly appreciate the culture of recycling items. Cllr Marie Claire has noted a difference made by flytipping posters and community reports (including photos and evidence) of flytipping. Some claim the reason there is flytipping is because there are bin hubs. Signs about the illegality of flytipping will be requested to be placed near the bin hubs on Spottiswoode Road.

Mobile Phone Ban

Earlier this year, there was a motion to ban mobile phones in primary and secondary schools. Phones are now completely banned in primary schools. There are two pilot programs in high schools that lock students’ phones in pouches. The results of the experiment are not yet complete, but it seems to be going well. James Gillispie’s has asked that those pouches be implemented quicker in that school. Due to procurement reasons, they couldn’t implement the pouch system straight away, but the education board has approved an immediate mobile phone ban. Six phones have been confiscated in the first week, and all members of James Gillispie’s seem pleased with the initial results. Once procurement issues can be solved, they will fully implement the program.

Play space funding

Cllr Marie Claire reported that the council has managed to secure funding for the small playground next to the croquet club. They are working in tandem with FOMBL to source new climbing frames, swings, potentially a slide, and gates that automatically close. There is also a plan to update the gates to be wheelchair/double stroller accessible.

Funding was also given to put in a ping pong table across from the Black Ivy.

Inclusion Officer’s report (attached)

Proposed Marchmont Community Heat Initiative

Douglas attended the Heat Network Funding and Finance Workshop in the council offices which was attended by several councillors. One way to approach the hugely expensive project of a heat network in a more reasonable way is to connect small units via local heat networks, that can later be connected into a primary Edinburgh-wide heat network. There is a 2045 deadline to remove gas heating from all houses. The heat network is the only viable way to approach this. There is a proposal to form a Marchmont Heat Network. In a heat network, you can use gas to top up your heating during peak periods.

We propose an options appraisal to examine which non-gas options are best, and which options might be linked to potential funding. Heat sources tend to be in East Lothian (ie the private wire using a heat pump from seawater and the East Lothian heat network), but there are some heat sources here. This approach would also make sure the heat network remains locally managed. There is also a proposal to investigate putting boreholes in Bruntsfield Links and bringing heat out from there. This specific idea needs to be tested against other options.

If anyone is interested in helping with developing a heat network proposal for Marchmont, please contact Douglas.

Mortuary Chapel

There are suggestions for alternative uses for the Mortuary Chapel building. The murals within that chapel are extraordinary. It could be used as a quiet reflective space.

Request by BANZAI (Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action Initiative)for inclusion of MSCC in their Local Place Plan

BANZAI wants to include this area in their plan, which could be valuable as Marchmont is not interested in making their own plan. This will feed into the 2040 council plan. BANZAI will send out questionnaires to Marchmont residents and community councillors and will compile the results to inform the place plan. There can also be local nuance. MSCC is happy with this proposal.

Roseburn Path

MSCC both cannot (due to closed submissions) and won’t comment on the consultation. Some members of the council believe this was a missed opportunity. The secretary will refer any dissenters to the previous minutes, which reflected extremely strong and controversial opinions and recommended individuals submit their own opinions.

Items for discussion

Planning (report attached)

Application for renewing the mobile masts externally on spire of Marchmont St Giles Church - MSCC will not object.

Treasurer’s report (attached)

MSCC looks healthy. The treasurer is in the process of closing the Bank of Scotland account and transitioning to Virgin. Bank balance totals £1764 at end October.

SMAG report (attached)

Text of Note for MSCC & SMAG Members (attached) is read.

“Following recent public notices by the CEC, and requests from SMAG members, the SMAG Committee has now obtained (from the Bin hub Review Team Manager) information about progress being made by the Bin hub review team.

The current TRI/25/03 being consulted on (until December 5th) is apparently being put in place to enact propose to changes to Bin Hub locations, and other road signage issues, that were agreed in 2023. They do not relate to any requests for change in bin hub locations made by resident submissions in June 2025, following the November 2024 criteria changes. The review of these submissions is still ongoing. In June, it was indicated to us that the decisions would be addressed in the January 2026 TEC meeting of the CEC, but now, the CEC is unable, as yet, to advise of any new proposals for change in bin hub locations.

The Bin Hub Review that started in mid-2023 has taken 18 months of labythian processes to reach a decision. Following the TRO's approval in January 26th, we can therefore expect the work to be carried out in Jan-June 2026. This means that the work will have taken fully 24 months (2 years) to complete, and we still don't know which relocation requests have been approved or rejected.

It seems reasonable, therefore, to assume that the submissions made for Bin Hub location change will follow a similar process, taking from June 2025 to the summer of 2027 to complete! This is an unacceptably long wait for a correction to the imposition of intrusive bin hubs in the areas contested. SMAG intends to challenge this.”

SMAG intends to challenge an overly-long time for bin hub location review. Cllr Marie Claire is going to request an earlier update on bin hubs locations that will be moved.

In some places, the top of the bin has been removed and only the base has been left behind.

Meetings attended

Report on presentation to EACC (Douglas)

Plans for Xmas

Butterfly’s Cafe is not supplying mince pies this year. However, there is a potential alternative that is in the process of being contacted. There are currently two registered volunteers, so Alison continues to look for willing volunteers to help traffic control/handing out mince pies & songsheets/manning microphone/etc. She needs 6-8 volunteers. volunteers to meet at 3:30 at the German Church hall on Saturday, 6th of December to get hi-viz vests and allocated tasks. it is not sure if the JG Senior Choir will participate - Alison will hear this week. MSCC members are asked to request additional volunteers.

AOCB

Calum is interested in giving a half-hour talk on heating networks at a future council meeting. That could be put into the February meeting. The talk could also be recorded for Youtube.

ROYAL MAIL Delivery Office (Susie Agnew)

Cllr Marie Claire Munro to ask Lynne Murray, the Head of Royal Mail, to get help in getting parcels delivered to Falcon Road instead of Murrayfield. Cllrs note that for these issues, there’s more sway with the local Cllrs.

A suggestion to get in contact with the CWU branch as well.

Marchmont St Giles Church merger and new parish name: Blackford and Grange Parish

Marchmont St Giles Church will be merging with Reid Memorial. No one knows what will happen to that building, although the congregation will continue holding events in the interim. It’s owned by the Church of Scotland.

Invitation to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Cockburn Association

City Chambers, High Street, 6:30-8pm on Tuesday, 9th December.

Council request for community council comment on play spaces

MSCC has approved that Susie answer that questionnaire for the Play Sufficiency Assessment.

The date of the next meeting is 28th of January.

MSCC - Draft Agenda for 28th January 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:27:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 28^th January 2026 at 7:30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting November 2025

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

a) local shoplifting (Publicity team)

b) defibrillator notices

3 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

4 Publicity

5 City Councillor report on topical local issues

6 Inclusion Officer’s report

Items for discussion

7 Planning

a) New proposal for former RHSC development (circulated)

For info:

8 Treasurer's report (attached)

9 SMAG report

10 Meetings attended

11 AOCB

Local speed limits: message from local resident (Liane Phillips)

12 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 25^th February 2026

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Agenda for 26th November 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:26:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 26^th November at 7:30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting October 2025

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

3 Police Report

4 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

5 Publicity

6 City Councillor report on topical local issues

7 Inclusion Officer’s report (attached)

· Request by BANZAI (Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action Initiative)for inclusion of MSCC in their Place Plan

· Proposed Marchmont Community Heat Initiative

Items for discussion

8 Planning (report attached)

For info:

9 Treasurer's report (attached)

10 SMAG report (attached)

11 Meetings attended

Report on presentation to EACC (Douglas)

12 Plans for Xmas

13 AOCB

PO Delivery Office (Susie Agnew)

Marchmont St Giles Church merger and new parish name: Blackford and Grange Parish

14 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 28^th January 2026

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for October 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:24:08 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on October 22nd, 2025 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present

Brian Gilmore - Chair, MSCC

Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer

Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary

Kate McNairney - SMAG

Geoff Parson - MSCC

Peter Olech - MSCC

Cllr Neil Ross

Anthony Holmes - MSCC

Kayleigh Gordon - MSCC Publicity

Apologies

Douglas Rogers - MSCC Inclusion Officer

Richard Shillock

Susie Agnew

Liane Phillip

Attending

Eli Ferrell - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 19:31pm

A G E N D A

Sederunt and apologies

Brian welcomes everyone to the meeting. Sederunt and apologies as above.

Draft Minutes of last meeting September 2025

Geoff moves to approve the minutes. Alison seconds.

Actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

The local PO distribution office on Strathearn Rd will close on 27th October despite many petitions.

MSCC will get a photograph of the defibrillator and put it up on the noticeboards. There has been a short publicity piece on Channel 8 Lothian TV mentioning the defibrillator’s successful installation.

The pink electric bikes plan to go from 50 units to 370 units in the near future, and it is important to keep an eye on how they plan to develop their service in Edinburgh. They geolocate an area where they can be parked, and they cannot be parked outside of that area.

Police Report

No report provided.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links (report attached)

AGM was on 26th September with a talk by local historian Andy Arthur on the history of the walkways. The landscaping continues. A large group of volunteers from the university (the Dirty Weekenders) helped enormously with the wildflower area by the links.

Publicity

Publicity plans to get in touch with Edinburgh Live and the Edinburgh Minute about interest for a piece on the defibrillator.

The defibrillator is not as noticeable at night as it is during the day. However, the hope is that people will know it’s there due to its visibility during the day.

Tony suggested that any posters for the noticeboards could include information about the other defibrillators in the area.

City Councillor report on topical local issues

Cllr Neil Ross reports that there were intended to be temporary gas repair works near the petrol station on Comiston Road, but those works have now been classified as an emergency and that road has been shut down entirely.

The bin hub team is still working through their summer review. They are progressing with it according to the new bin hub criteria. Their report should be published before the January MSCC meeting. They are developing a list of bin hubs that require addressing. It could be as large as 200-300

There is no update about the double yellow lines change request (intended for a variety of locations). Cllr Ross will follow up on that request.

Obliterated (but still legally existent) double yellow lines should be written about to your Cllr.

Inclusion Officer’s report

Douglas messaged to remind everyone that he is giving a talk at the Civic Forum on the 30th of October (link sent).

Planning (report attached)

As long as you do not live in a listed area, there is no need to apply for permission to change your windows on the side or the rear of the house, or to apply for permission to change your front windows as long as they are the same type of window.

No additional comments.

Treasurer’s report (attached)

£1938 in the bank, mainly because MSCC has been given the 2024 annual grant which was not paid out last year. Nisbets cups have been purchased for Christmas, and cork for the noticeboards has been purchased as well.

The new bank account with Virgin Banking has been obtained. Nothing has been transferred yet, but much of it will be imminently. The old account will not be closed until Douglas is no longer using it.

SMAG report

SMAG is preparing a newsletter for November to highlight their progress.

Meetings attended

Alison attended the AGM for FoMBL.

Plans for Xmas

Susie Agnew is going to be the master of ceremonies for the Christmas event.

Peter nominates Children 1st Scotland. The vote is unanimous. Children 1st Scotland will be the Christmas charity.

AOCB

Sciennes Road ETRO 25/24

The proposal is currently that pedestrians and cyclists will be excluded from that passageway during school hours, although pedestrians have not previously been part of the exclusion during past conversations. There is concern that this could cause serious difficulty and confusion , particularly for the elderly people who live in the area.

MSCC wishes to object to this. MSCC is happy for the pavement on the North side to be completely closed, but the South side should remain open. Cyclists can be excluded, but pedestrians should not be excluded at any time.

Enforcement will be difficult since it’s during only certain hours of the day.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 26th November 2025

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for June 2025 (sorry they are late!)

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:53:00 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on 25th June 2025 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present:

Brian Gilmore - MSCC Chair

Anne Laing - MSCC

Douglas Rogers - MSCC

Alison Service - MSCC

Geoff Parsons - MSCC

Anne Laing - MSCC

Susie Agnew - MSCC

Katie McNairney - MSCC & SMAG (South Meadows Action Group)

Cllr. Steve Burgess

Cllr. Ben Parker

Apologies:

Anthony Holmes

Peter Olech

Richard Shillock

Publicity team

Attending:

Adam Mallis - Minutes Secretary

Margaret Coughtrie - Local resident

Meeting began at 19:32pm

Sederunt and Apologies

Brian welcomes everyone to the meeting. Sederunt and apologies as above.

Draft minutes of last meeting, May 2025

Alison moved to pass and Suzie seconded.

Matters arising not covered by this agenda

a. Welcome to Kate McNairney , now nominated representative for SMAG

Brian welcomes Kate as the representation of SMAG. Clarification is provided that Kate is a full, voting MSCC member who counts towards quorum.

b. Inclusion Officer plan for new role (Douglas Rogers)

Brian welcomes Douglas Rogers as the MSCC’s Inclusion Officer. Douglas recognises the ambiguity of his title but clarifies that his is broad-reaching and seeks to include the wider community in discussion of relevant issues, for instance being involved in working towards a wide-scale heat network. He would like to enable this community work by also using the community space at the IQ students block on Sciennes currently being set up for Alexa to use during the day. A draft license agreement has now been received for this space and, after consultation with lawyers, a response has been given with requests for alterations. Hopefully this will be up and running by the time of the Edinburgh Festival. Douglas will be holding public participation events to gain an understanding of needs in the area once this is established.

Douglas has also been working with Clean Heat Edinburgh Forum (CHEF) for some time, promoting the idea of an area-wide heat network. CHEF made a deputation to the council’s Policy and Sustainability committee on 27th May in response to the council’s proposal on the LHEES strategy to seek a commercial partner to roll out the heat network. They asked that they explore a not-for-profit model with community engagement and to seek a Lothian-wide solution. A decision was deferred for 4 cycles upon the request of 4 parties.

CHEF were invited to a workshop organised by City Heat & Energy Partnerhip. Representatives from Scottish and local government, as well as those working on the UK government future energy plan, were present.

Douglas argued that without community backing, it will be hard to roll out a clean heat solution throughout Edinburgh. He is therefore interested in working with the Marchmont community to see what is possible. Marchmont is an ideal starting point due to tenement blocks that are of the same construction and present a common method of providing a workable solution. It also would be possible to integrate a heat network whilst perhaps making other improvements both in terms of insulation and overall quality of the area but only if so desired by the community.

Douglas clarified that debate would likely go wider than just Marchmont.

There was some discussion on the subject of double glazing in a listed area and as to whether or not changes that have already been made have gone far enough. In particular, the point was raised that triple-glazing could perhaps be allowed. Cllr. Parker clarified that this is on the agenda for the planning committee and there is 5-party support for a plan to work on this issue within the bounds of what is permitted nationally.

Discussion was had as to the reasons behind variability in windows in Marchmont, including the presence of some which appear to violate rules. It was raised that some windows that appear to violate rules may have been put into place before the implementation of the King’s conservation area, whilst others may simply be a violation of rules. It was also clarified that rules for the front and back of tenements are different, including for windows.

Cllr. Burgess asked whether Douglas felt as though the comunity space in the new build at Sylvan Place could also be used for other forms of community engagement. Douglas clarified that this would be ideal in the evening, as Alexa aims to use the facility to teach primary school-age children during the day. Douglas has also set up a community interest company (CIC) to permit raising grants for community use.

Police Report

No police report this month.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

Approximately 8 trees dead on Warrender Park Road. Alison heard from the council that they can no longer water them, and it is down to FoMBL & the forestry team. The forestry team is not able to help once trees are delivered. Cllr. Parker clarified that there is no tree-watering team under the council, and people are taken away from other parks & green space teams to do this job. The budget for tree watering is lower this year, so it is happening less than last year. He has raised the trees that have died for the possibility of replanting, which has been noted by the relevant department. Regarding a tree that was thought by MSCC to have been planted as a mistake outside Scotmid, Cllr. Parker has clarified that this is in fact supposed to be there and is not a mistake.

Action: Following discussion, Cllr. Parker will feed back to the council that there is an appetite for a higher tree-watering budget. He also noted that and that the tree outside Scotmid is very ‘sad-looking’ and is in the hole that the Christmas tree normally goes at Christmas time and the MSCC would definitely prefer that it be taken out and the hole kept for the Christmas tree. He noted that the discussions surrounding budget will take place in February, so it would be good to contact councillors then regarding tree-watering.

Alison also fed back to FoMBL that there were sharp stones around the Meadows toilets where kids could get injured whilst playing. FoMBL reported that it will be re-turfed with thick turf.

Alison also fed back to FoMBL the idea of a community-led competition to name the new path on Bruntsfield Links. This was put in their latest Newsletter, and there are already numerous suggested names. FoMBL is proposing that they take the 3 best suggestions and send this to members + councillors for comments. Alison has already contacted street-naming regarding the procedure and costs involved in this and checked in with David Kyles, Green Spaces Manager. It was also in the Edinburgh News and Anne had been contacted by a reporter asking if they could interview someone, and they were directed to a member of FoMBL.

City Councillor report on topical local issues (including update on parking situation in area around former RHSC)

Cllr. Parker:

● Reports that the water feature at the East Meadows playpark is back up and running following work with the council.

● It is still TBD what will happen regarding replacing parts of the playpark (eg slide) in Bruntsfield Links, and Cllr. Parker is continuing to chase up the reasons why this is delayed. A meeting has been scheduled for July.

● There is a new bench which has been ordered for Melville Drive by the memorial stone for Palestine, to allow for quiet reflection.

● A review of polling districts is occurring soon.

● A review of the council’s support for the third sector is occurring soon. Some stories may have been seen recently in the news about funding cuts to third sector organisations, including but not limited to those providing healthcare-adjacent services. It has been noted that the third sector plays an important role in preventing further issues down the line, and the council is exploring other approaches to supporting the third sector in the face of impending potential cuts given budgetary restrictions, and working with the third sector to ensure that cuts cause as little detriment as possible.

● Cllr. Burgess:

● Noted the receipt of a letter on the ongoing parking issue. TRO consultation has closed, and responses are being reviewed by officers ahead of the committee deciding whether or not to accept officers’ recommendations. It is noted that in the past, officers have been able to take on board residents’ concerns.

○ A question was raised as, at last meeting, it was suggested that a dialogue between parking + local residents may be valuable to review parking for those who live in Zone 7 and have been inconvenienced by building works. More permits are likely to be applied for due to new accommodation being built, with no change to the number of spaces. There is concern that this could become more problematic in the coming years as the number of permit applications more significantly outstrips the number of places.

○ Another question was raised regarding how many potential permits there are in the zone and how many are currently in use, as knowing the proportion of people allowed to ask for permits vs number of permits actually granted could be helpful. Cllr. Burgess will explore this. A concern was raised that existing statistics may not be similar to the new buildings as they are more expensive properties whose inhabitants will be of a different demographic.

○ A request was made that the current temporary allowance for zone 7 users to also use zone S1 be continued, as this could solve the problem, especially as some S1 spaces are not used.

○ Another request was made that no decisions are made on the current consultation regarding current plans unless there is consideration of what happens when the new flats are completed and new residents move in.

○ Another concern was raised that parking restrictions which were proposed on Melville Drive and present on the Appy Way map do not match those which are present on signage on lampposts, and this could be fixed as well as the implementation of double yellow lines at the junction. Cllr. Burges is happy to raise this with roads officers if the information is emailed to him.

○ It is decided that Geoff will send an email regarding the proposal to extend the allowance of zone 7 users to utilise Zone S1 spaces.

● Regardings Sciennes School and the road outside it, recent discussion with other councillors/officers/the school/the parent council have resulted in the council agreeing to try an experiment where part of the road outside the school will be closed during playtimes (approx. 10:15-11:00 and lunchtime) in order to protect children who are crossing between two parts of the playground. This is a ‘practical consultation’, with the aim to review community response. Afterwards, a decision will be made as to whether or not to make this arrangement permanent. This could potentially be in place by Christmas, but there are various legal considerations delaying it.

○ A question is raised by members who believed that Sciennes road is already closed. It was clarified that there is an existing closure for motor vehicles, but this is about the cycle-way and the pavement as there are drivers and motorbikes using the cycle-way as well as cyclists speeding along. The current proposal is therefore to close the cycle-way and the pavement to all cycle users and pedestrians.

○ A question was raised about modified electric bikes which go too fast. Currently, school staff help the children to cross, but regardless of how observant a road user is, it is noted that it can always be hard to see children.

○ If there are objections to this experiment, then it may be possible to move the existing pavement and cycle-way to the other side of the road which could also help, but there would still be a problem as the school also uses the nature-strip which would be across from the cycle-way.

○ Douglas, as the new Inclusion officer, feels as though it would be beneficial to gain public input on this as there are various opinions in the community about what should be done. For example, in the Netherlands, there are road bumps for cyclists. Another member suggests banning bikes but allowing pedestrians via turnstile, but the point is raised that this may also block disabled people. Cllr. Burgess reiterates that these sorts of discussions are part of the reason for the experiment & consultation happening in the first place.

● Cllr. Burgess was on the community grants panel a few weeks ago, and confirms the good news that the grant to the MSCC for the external defibrillator has been approved and regrets that Alison had not already been informed.

A question was raised regarding delays with works on the toilets, and how the use of money on the toilets can be challenged. For example, a green roof has been put into place which could die given that this is a dry part of the year, and the site has allegedly been empty of workers for 10 days, both of which are potentially misuses of money. This is especially important given current budgetary restrictions.

● Cllr. Burgess has flagged that this could be raised to local councillors who can raise this with the relevant decision-making officers. Councillors would have decided to fund the toilets, and probably approved a budget, but officers rather than councillors are responsible for individual toilet design choices. It was pointed out by various locals that the roof is green as it is in the Meadows, and most likely there is a self-watering system in place via the plumbing system already in the toilet block.

● Cllrs are not aware of the intended opening day for the toilets but will check into it.

● Cllr. Parker adds that it is likely that councillors decided on an overall budget for toilets around the city rather than how much was spent on each individual toilet. If presented with evidence of potential misuse of expenditure, councillors could raise these issues with officers.

● A question was raised as to whether there are protocols on use of money eg needing to obtain a minimum number of quotes. Both councillors present clarify that there are strict rules on budget use, and that if there is a serious issue with the work that has been performed then contract management could be audited and reviewed. Councillors can send an email tonight about reasons for the delay in the opening of the toilets.

● It was asked whether or not a member of the public could review this information, for instance requests for quotes. It was mentioned that this is likely possible via an FOI request to the council, though this may not be granted if the information is deemed to be commercially sensitive or particularly burdensome for them to provide.

Publicity

Not present tonight, but happy to continue with online presence + noticeboards. It has been suggested that a meeting with the Inclusion officer over the summer would be valuable. Financial input may be necessary to update flyers and disseminate information. Anne to arrange.

A proposal had previously been made to sometimes have meetings partly or wholly on Zoom. It was agreed that hybrid meetings would likely be very challenging. Douglas hopes that this may be more possible in the new community space with a large screen and single central microphone.

Planning (Applications & consultation)

Alison reported that the Astley Ainslie objection to the demolition of the Millbank Pavilion was lodged on 6th June as this was the wish of the MSCC. Though there were many local objectors, there were many reasons why it would be beneficial to demolish and rebuild whilst keeping the same butterfly formation, as there could be 4-5 floors rather than 1. Given this, it is most likely that the objection is dismissed.

Two objections had been lodged regarding the proposed airBnB properties on Melville Drive, and it was noted that numerous private objections had also been put in to these properties. Alison to check the outcome on this application.

Treasurer’s report (circulated)

Current balance £416.49

Payments pending to end May-25:

● Hall hire Q2-25 £78

● FoMBL Membership £15

Expecting annual grant (approx £850) in July.

Meetings attended

Alison attended FoMBL committee meeting. AGM was supposed to be in June but deferred to September.

AOB

Update from Anne regarding JR Builders’ affordable & social housing development at Sylvan Place. They are on track to have the road re-open by the end of July. A concern is raised about light shedding across the street from the common areas in this building, specifically the entrance. Anne was told that this was within regulations but her contact is happy to discuss this.

The MSCC hears a request from multiple people wishing to know how to put forward a request for a low-traffic neighbourhood, particularly around Sciennes, and what Edinburgh City Council requires. Cllr. Burgess notes that this is a controversial matter, with officers implementing a programme of low-traffic neighbourhoods across the city. He will ask them about current plans for other low-traffic neighbourhoods and what is required. Cllr. Burgess notes that the local traffic improvement project has been completed for this year, but will at some point re-open for applications so MSCC could prepare a proposal if they so wish.

A question was raised regarding cars at school drop-off time in Livingston Place, and it was noted that lights and signs are in place prohibiting the passage of cars at certain times.

Action: It was concluded that specific issues will be discussed once Cllr. Burgess is able to clarify what information the council would require for an application. Douglas notes that it is important to seek further community input on this issue.

Date of next meeting

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 24th September, 2025. Venue TBC depending on whether the new community centre is open.

MSCC Minutes for September 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:33:27 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on September 24th, 2025 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present

Brian Gilmore - Chair, MSCC

Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer

Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary

Douglas Rogers - MSCC Inclusion Officer

Alastair Dickie - SMAG (South Meadows Action Group)

Evelyn Dickie - SMAG

Geoff Parsons - MSCC

Norah Rogers - Local resident

Katherine Dickie - Local resident

Peter Olech - MSCC

Margaret Coughtrie - Local resident

Cllr. Tim Pogson

Cllr. Pauline Flannery

Graham Gemmell - Homegroup

Donald Dickie - Local resident

Apologies

Anthony Holmes

Richard Shillock

Susie Agnew

Cllr Marie Claire Munro

Attending

Eli Ferrell - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 19:31pm

Sederunt and apologies

Brian welcomes everyone to the meeting. Sederunt and apologies as above.

Draft Minutes of last meeting June 2025

Alison moves to approve the minutes. Anne seconds.

Actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

Email communication about Meadows toilets regarding unfriendliness to women: no liftable seats and no woman-only cubicles. Discussion confirms no liftable seats is standard for public toilets. The outside of the toilets will be painted with anti-graffiti paint to prevent continued damage.

Defibrillator is installed 24/7 outside the opticians in Marchmont. It has been tested and installed on the national network. Thanks to the Earl of Marchmont Pub and to the Council Community Grants Fund for both the defibrillator and the air for installation. Congratulations to Alison for successfully dealing with this extensive project!

Police Report

No police attending the meeting. MSCC received an email stating that there is a new Community Policing Sargeant called Rachel Lumsden who started in September. She seems to be changing the way information is provided. Anne will follow up, but it seems they will not be attending any meetings, so Anne will request a quarterly report in place of attendance.

Cllr. Pauline Flannery notes that Rachel is proposing a quarterly forum with Community Council representatives and others. The attempt is to broaden local information. Potentially the Council can decide where the meetings are being held. General discussion questions what information and advice is actually being provided, noting that the MET provides monthly reports and advice on how to prevent crime locally. Brian notes that the Edinburgh police are suffering from a lack of funding towards community policing. Cllr. Flannery notes that you can prompt the kind of conversation you want to have at this forum and can reach out to Rachel to do so. If MSCC wants different information, they can request it at the forum.

Questions to Homegroup re development on Sylvan Place (Graham Gemmell)

Graham Gemmell took some council members around the site and showed them a few flats. They have delivered 31 flats in total. 20 for social rent, and 11 mid-market flats. Mid-market rents aren’t as high as private levels in the area, it’s for people who might not qualify for social rent in the area. Social rent is let under Scottish Sure tenancy, midmarket is just private tenure.

They have been clear when advertising property that there is no parking and that there will be no parking permits provided by the council. Some people have refused flats because there is no parking in the area. Some discussion is had about car club provision of spaces.

If there is any information the MSCC would like to provide, it can be included in welcoming packets. MSCC will provide Homegroup with some contacts and an MSCC info leaflet to provide to new residents.

There will be a housing manager there for each tenure type. Any concerns/queries should be raised directly to the customer service call centre and the issue will be handled by the respective housing manager. The numbers and names of the call centre will be sent to Douglas or Anne.

If there are any problems with antisocial behavior, they’ll issue former warnings. If there is any need to get the police involved, there is a prior relationship with the police.

There is a bit of remaining planting/landscaping to happen, but it will not cross the boundary and is only delayed due to the season. They want to enhance the areas their properties exist in, so they are happy to have further discussion on landscaping. They are happy to discuss adding trees and doing estate walkarounds to improve the immediate vicinity.

These flats will not be sold unless there is a change in legislation.

There is a bin store in the back, so the cleaning company provisioning services will present the bins on Sylvan Place on the appropriate day and return them to the store.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links (report attached)

Report distributed. The AGM is on Friday at the German church hall at Chambers Crescent at 6pm. There will be a speaker.

Publicity

Information has been distributed via Facebook and the noticeboard. Anne would like to improve the two small noticeboards to make them easier to use. She will look into the best way of achieving this . Funds will be made available by the Treasurer.

Information about the defibrillator will be posted on social media as well.

City Councillor report on topical local issues

Cllr. Pauline Flannery reminds MSCC about the community grants fund, where the deadline is the 28th or the 30th. The only condition is that there must be a bank account attached to the application.

Spruce Up Our Streets and Pride in Our City: funded initiatives providing a makeover for the whole of Southside/Newington. The aim is to tackle graffitti, chewing gum and weeds. Southside/Newington is scheduled for December. There is a backlog in tackling weeds.

The Meadows toilets outside tap needs looking at and a report has been put in.

Up and coming Committee Reports: 2/10 Culture & Communities – Playparks and Investment Report; 21/10 Policy & Sustainability – Third Sector Review Recommendations Report

Photographs have been taken of Fingal Place road surface condition and the matter will be picked up as soon as the councillors can identify who is responsible for that site. Cllr. Flannery is working on that issue. Donald notes that the JR group is unwilling to take any responsibility. The road surface outside no 8 and 9 needs quite urgent inspection. Douglas flags that he would like to add some greenery to that street and will liaise with Homegroup. Cllr. Flannery states the first step she will take will be to determine who is responsible for what.

Cllr. Tim Pogson flags that the student accommodation planning applications for Ratcliffe Terrace are coming to the relevant committee on Wednesday of this week;and the recommendation is that the application will be rejected.

The Astley AinslieCommunity Trust is holding a drop-in centre on Saturday from 10-4 at the Eric Liddel Centre. Future influence over any planning decisions made (information about that has circulated).

The trams consultation will be on until the middle of November. The next consultation drop-in will be on the 1st of October at Waverly Station. Peter has flagged that Roseburn Path is an important path, and if it were to be turned into a tramway, that would be the equivalent of losing a very long park. Peter would like MSCC to issue a statement that Roseburn Path should be maintained. Anne does not think MSCC should issue a group statement because there will be strong disagreement on the issue. Brian agrees that it is too far outside of the area to give a strong comment on and that everyone can send their comments personally if they so wish.

Brian flags that the council opinion is that the project will not go forward unless the money comes from outside of Edinburgh (ie Scottish government). Cllr. Tim Pogson flags that planning will be happening for the next seven years at least, so it is uncertain what the end result of consultations will be.

Inclusion Officer’s report

Douglas has agreed a license with IQ students for a community space in their propertyThe Mont and the council has demanded an impact assessment. Douglas has commissioned someone to carry that out in the next couple of weeks. That will hopefully result in a license for that space, which can be used as an open space at least one day a week for the community. At this point, it would open in late October or early November. Alexa Hare will use the space during the daytime for teaching primary aged children, and hopefully in the evening it will be used for music teaching/be rented out to the community. Douglas would like other people to become involved in the private not for profit company he began to run the space. IQ students are leasing the space at running costs and insurance, which will be at about 6k a year. He also hopes to do some improvements to flooring etc. As his bank account is not yet up and running, it was agreed that he could use the MSCC account on a temporary basis when applying for a Community grant, and will be liasing with the Treasurer. It is decided that no information will be sent out until the space is confirmed and ready for groups.

Douglas is also setting up another group to look at community ownership of the heat network. So far there is another Douglas Rogers, Callum Duncan, and Anika Snares. Those three live in Marchmont. Douglas will be making a presentation to Edinburgh Civic Forum at the end of the month regarding that, and he is hoping to get Cllrs. not just from Lothian but also from outside Edinburgh contributing to the idea.

Planning (report attached)

The planning application for Meadows Place AirBnB of several flats has been withdrawn due to the many objections (including from MSCC)

Treasurer’s report (attached)

A report has been circulated. MSCC received EDC grant and defibrillator grant. Bank balance is £1400 at the end of August. MSCC also will receive an EDC grant that was withheld last year so an additional £886 coming in. Alison wants to put aside some each year for the defibrillator battery and pads upkeep.

SMAG report: (newsletter circulated)

Alastair Dickie notes that the latest SMAG newsletter has been circulated. They’re looking at the priority groupings of bin hubs to be discussed at the January tech meeting. Issues should be aired before that meeting, but won’t know what potential results could be until afterwards. SMAG is aiming for a publicity campaign about bin hubs in November/December. Additionally, he encourages members to put forward ideas to spruce up areas. 3-4 dozen people made proposals to change bin hubs.

Peter Olech raises a specific bin hub and asks if that is on the priority list for SMAG. Alastair notes that they are coordinating that activity but not managing it. Peter is recommended to check if that bin is on the priority list.

Meetings attended

No meetings attended.

Plans for Xmas (circulated)

Report circulated. Saturday 6th of December booked at the German speaking Church, Chalmers Cres,with A capella kids and James Gillespies school agreeing to participate.

Need a decision on which charity to support. Peter Olech suggests Medical Aid for Palestinians. Some concerns about politicization; a list of charities will be put to a vote at the next meeting.

AOCB

Peter raises new VOI cycles being introduced in Edinburgh and the uncertainty as to where they should be parked/left. Margaret flags that there was a bike rental system in Edinburgh some years ago that was dropped due to vandalism, so she is glad they have returned. Uncertainty as to how VOI is policed. Cllr. Tim Pogson will look into the issue and report back.

The date of the next meeting is 22nd of October.

MSCC - Draft Agenda for 22nd October 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:11:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 22nd October at 7:30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting September 2025

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

3 Police Report

5 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links (report attached)

6 Publicity

7 City Councillor report on topical local issues

8 Inclusion Officer’s report

Items for discussion

9 Planning (report attached)

For info:

10 Treasurer's report (attached)

11 SMAG report

12 Meetings attended

13 Plans for Xmas

14 AOCB

Sciennes Road ETRO 25/24

15 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 26th November 2025

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Agenda for 24th September 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:53:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 24^th September 2025 at 7:30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting June 2025

actions and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

3 Police Report

4 Presentation from Homegroup re development on Sylvan Place (Graham Gemmell)

5 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links (report attached)

6 Publicity

7 City Councillor report on topical local issues

8 Inclusion Officer’s report

Items for discussion

9 Planning (report attached)

For info:

10 Treasurer's report (attached)

11 SMAG report: (newsletter attached)

12 Meetings attended

13 Plans for Xmas (attached)

14 AOCB

15 Date of next meeting: Wednesday 22^nd October 2025

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes May 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 08:50:00 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on May 28th 2025 at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present

Brian Gilmore - Chair, MDCC

Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer

Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary

Kate McNairney - MSCC

Geoffrey Parson - MSCC

Peter Olech - MSCC

Richard Shillcock - MSCC

Susie Agnew - MSCC

Cllr. Pauline Flannery

Jamie Skinner - MSCC

Apologies

Cllr. Ben Parker

Douglas Rogers - MSCC

Attending

Zainab Sardar - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 7:31pm

1. Sederunt and Apologies

Chair Brain Gilmore welcomes all to the meeting. Apologies are noted above.

2. Draft Minutes of last meeting in April 2025

It was suggested that minutes should be recorded in a more collective manner, referring to the meeting as a whole, rather than specific individuals. For example, “the council heard a report on x, the council voted on y”. Minutes should be in the third person.

This is agreed upon by the committee. Alison will inform the new minutes secretary, Eli Ferrel.

Matters arising not covered by the agenda

A. Election of community engagement officer

Douglas Rodger nominates himself and is unanimously appointed

As he is absent from the meeting, Anne reads a message from him. He is happy to explain thoughts on how he would carry the role out at the next meeting.

New boundaries for MSCC

There are no changes to the CC boundary

Currently all those in the MSCC area are in Edinburgh Southern constituency for Scottish Government elections.
Constituency boundaries will change for the upcoming Scottish Government elections in May 2026. MSCC will then be part of Edinburgh Central constituency.
Clarification that this new boundary will not affect any bi-elections within the upcoming year, or UK Government elections.

3. Police report

An email received from Mark Barry apologising for not attending; hopes to be at June meeting

4. Update on Defibrillator

Grant application now in and the judging committee has all the necessary information. Judging on the application is in June.

5. Meadows and Bruntsfield Links

FOMBL meeting on Monday 2nd June. Alison will attend.
Meadows Festival is on the weekend of 7-8th June. An email was received inviting the MSCC to participate in a community council stall. The email will be circulated to MSCC councillors.

Meadows Toilets :

Due to be open for the summer, and expected date is in early June. Email from Cllr. Marie-Claire Munro confirms that the toilets are compatible with the recent Supreme Court judgement. All cubicles are separate. There was discussion about potential issues with the toilets with concern being raised that the toilets may be shared between genders, which may be an issue for some religions due to hygiene concerns. This is however outside the legal requirements, and less of an issue as the cubicles are individual bathrooms. A further point was raised suggesting that urinals should have been implemented to reduce queuing times.

It was further noted that the trench dug for piping has now been covered with earth and sharp

stones, which could impact games played and caused injuries to kids falling. Alison will mention this

at the upcoming FOMBL meeting. Marco Galli is the officer in charge of the project so should be

followed up about this concern.

6. City Councillor Report

June is the final month of community council meetings as EDC is in recess in July
Officers have discussed experimental and permanent traffic measures for Sciennes School congestion. Work will not be done before summer 2026 as the process of consultancy and reworking of plans takes around 18 months. Emergency plans will continue for now.
Cultures and Community meeting will take place in June
Community inspectors are keen to have a community presence but are very busy. They work out of St Leonards and are happy to be contacted. Scott Casey: Scott.casey@scotland.police.uk and Johnny Wong

Bin hubs are up for consultation. Proposals can be looked at and changes suggested from May 23rd until June 13^th. Grounds for objections and amendments must be on the basis of public amenity eg. noise or privacy issues

New parking restrictions. Daytime waiting restrictions are to be introduced on Sylvan Place. Daytime waiting restrictions are to be replaced with 24/7 waiting restrictions on Argyle Place, Fingal Place and Argyle Park Terrace. The reference is TRO/24/01. Consultation is from May 23rd until June 13th

Cllr. Flannery stresses that all objections should highlight the effect on the community for example, the harms caused to disabled and blue badge holders, and families. Notes that Marchmont has a high 60+ age population so mobility may be of greater concern. Manoeuvrability within the policy is minimal so acceptable objections must align with the guidelines outlined on the proposal. She suggests looking at past transport committee meetings minutes to understand the policy and potential objections. Further information and consultation can be found on the website streets.appyway.com/edinburgh-city
Discussion about policy issues

a. Lack of clarity about what 24/7 waiting restrictions are. After discussion, consensus is that

visitors will now have to pay to park at all times, including weekends and overnight.

b. Lack of clarity about why the policies are being implemented

Cllr. Flannery notes that reducing traffic is in line with Edinburgh’s goal to get rid of 30% of cars in the city centre by 2030.
Susie says the aspiration of the policy was made prior to the consultation and so the public should get a say. Brian says the policy did go through consultation but a long time ago

The Community Council agrees that Marchmont is outside the boundaries of the city centre and therefore greater clarity is needed to show why a reduction in accessible parking reduces traffic in the city.

Impact on visitors. It was suggested that this is just about charging people and harms people who are seeing friends and family.

It was suggested that an objection letter be written on behalf of MSCC - Agreed this should be a MSCC officer and Susie volunteers to write the letter. This will be sent through the consultation process and Anne will forward the objection to the eight councillors of Morningside and Southside.

Community led improvement framework : Aims to do community wealth building, provide funding for community projects. Scheme runs across 2 years. Each locality will receive 30K in the first lot of funding for community development and 125K in the second lot of funding for project maintenance and improvement. MSCC’s engagement officer should look into this. Community gardens at the meadows may be eligible for funding

Details will be finalised on May 30th. Papers for the meeting will be available one week prior. Meeting can be watched live on the webcard. Recording will also be available afterwards

Libraries : Futures Library Strategy aims to widen access and potentially change opening times. This will be discussed at the Cultures and Community Committee on June 5th

7. Publicity

Kayleigh and Leanne are happy to be coopted on the MSCC in the Publicity role and working with

the Community Engagements Officer. Anne will continue servicing the notice boards when the

weather allows

8. Planning

Two objections have been submitted on the proposal for 1 Meadow Place refurbishments & STL

Objection to the frontage as it is planned to be a glass box-type front which would not fit with the aesthetic of the area
Objection to short term rent in these new flats as it drives up prices and harms the local housing market

General discussion followed about Airbnb’s in the area and the effect this is having on driving people away from living in Marchmont. Committee agrees that while Airbnb’s can bring benefits and let people visit, they must be licensed in moderation. Alison says very few planning applications in the MSCC area are for short term rent so this isn’t a big problem. It was noted generally that more council housing and long-term rents are needed. The Community Council should have a consistent position this subject. It was suggested to hold a separate meeting with a community council who takes a stronger stance on this to discuss ways to change Edinburgh council’s renting policy and regulation.

Concern was raised on the former RHSC housing parking plans. 95 new parking permits are to be handed out however it is unclear where these parking spaces will be. Zone 7 parking has an area which creates a cul de sac and blockage, to the west is Hatton Place which has no space. The CC will look into this and report at next meeting. This could be a justification to argue to postpone the TRO parking updates as the parking situation in the area will change with the new permits

10. Bin Situation

Kate reports that SMAG had a successful meeting. Bins will be moved to better places, taking into

account residential amenities. Around 30 applications have gone into the council. Applications

should be submitted by June 2nd to be prioritised. SMAG was in the Sunday Post so publicity is

going well. They now can be officially affiliated with the MSCC as they have been in existence for over one year

11. Treasurer's Report

£420 in the bank account. This will increase as grant money will come in over the summer.

12. Meetings Attended

None

13. Any Other Business

1. Richard and Peter highlighted a Newington CC initiative. Aims to inspire creativity and proactive community outreach. It was suggested that the Engagement officer could look into a competition for naming the new path at the refurbished sewer building site. However, Chair flags this does not fall within the area boundaries. Alison will mention this at the FOMBL meeting instead.

2. Concern was raised saying the reopening of roads after the sewer works has led to an increase in speeding. Lothian Road and Melville Drive are becoming a ring road and Argyle Place and Roseneath Crescent have had more rat runs. Strathearn Road residents have also complained to him about speeding. It was asked if the CC could investigate the possibility of restrictions eg. speedbumps, low traffic areas, neighbourhood spot checks. Alison points out that there is a 20mph speed limit already and that restrictions on small roads could lead to more traffic on Marchmont Road.

Chair said that a concrete plan and proposal would have to be written so that a councillor could bring it to committee. Advised to check the city mobility plan as it may already cover the issue.

3. Anne asks Cllr Flannery to investigate the removal of the small bins at the meadows adjacent to Fingal Place. Also wondering who is in charge of the trees outside Scotmid and Warrender Park Road as some of them are dying. Alison will ask at FOMBL.

4. Richard says the state of the roads surface on Strathearn Road and Strathfillan Road is bad. High winds have meant that bins move and knock into cars. He said he emailed the MSCC about this but Anne says this was not received so he’ll resend it to Anne.

Date of next meeting

Wednesday 25th June at 7.30pm

MSCC - Agenda for Wednesday 26th June 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:14:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wednesday 26^th June 2025 at 7.30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting May2025

Matters arising not covered by this agenda

a. Welcome to Kate McNairney , now nominated representative for SMAG

b. Inclusion Officer plan for new role (Douglas Rogers)

3 Police Report

4 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

6 City Councilor report on topical local issues

a. update on parking situation in area around former RHSC

Items for discussion

7 Publicity

9 Planning (Applications & consultation)) (report attached)

Items for information

11 Treasurer's report (circulated)

12 Meetings attended

13 AOB

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 24^th September 2025

All who live in the area are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for the 23rd April 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Fri, 30 May 2025 08:24:00 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on 23rd April 2025 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present: Cllr. Neil Ross, Cllr. Marie-Claire Munro, Douglas Rogers - MSCC, Peter Olech - MSCC, Richard Shillcock - MSCC, Alison Service - MSCC, Geoffrey Parsons - MSCC, Anthony Holmes - Thirlestane Lane Association & MSCC, Susie Agnew - MSCC, Brian Gilmore - MSCC, Anne Laing - MSCC, Margaret Coughtrie - local resident, Sara Kundrachi - local resident

Apologies: None

Attending: Nora Flynn-McIver - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 7:30pm

Welcome and Apologies

Cllr. Ross welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were no apologies.

Declaration of Interests

No interests were declared.

Announcing Community Council Members as duly elected

All new community council members are as follows: Alison Service, Anthony Holmes, Anne Laing, Geoffrey Parsons, Brian Gilmore, Susan Agnew, Douglas Rogers, Richard Stillcock, Peter Olech.

The names of the members of the MSCC will be posted on the community council website/blog page with no personal contact information. The names of office bearers and official email will be posted publicly as well.

Confirmation of Community Council Name

Douglas Rogers moves to keep the name as Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council, Alison Service seconds. Susie Agnew notes that some of Grange falls within this council’s boundaries, and would be in favor of including Grange if there is no problem with this. Alison is concerned about the possibility of getting mixed up with the Grange Association, Susie mentions that the Grange Association does not have the same powers as a community council, but that they seem to actually have more power than the community council in some ways.

Ultimately, the name Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council is confirmed.

Appointment of Office Bearers:

a) Appointment of Chair

i) Brian Gilmore nominates himself and is unanimously appointed.

b) Appointment of Secretary

i) Anne Laing nominates herself and is unanimously appointed.

c) Appointment of Treasurer

i) Alison Service nominates herself and is unanimously appointed.

d) Appointment of Engagement and Inclusion Officer

i) No nominations are offered, this will be addressed at a future meeting.

Community Council Representative to attend induction events on 26 April and Monday 28 2025

This has been cancelled and will be held at an unknown future date. Brian suggests that the new members of the council would likely benefit most from this and that they might attend when the new date is announced. Peter Olech self-nominates to attend subject to availability.

AOCB

Brian Gilmore takes over the chair. Cllr. Ross notes that decision-making is discouraged at this meeting due to the new council members. Brian thanks Cllr. Ross for chairing the previous part of the meeting.

Brian asks for agreement that the previous minutes are correct. Alison moves to pass, Anne seconds. The minutes pass.

Councillor’s Report

Cllr. Ross: Council has been on Easter recess for two weeks, Cllr. Ross attended two meetings. There is progress currently being made with the toilets on Middle Meadow Walk and the timeline has it being operational by the end of May. Comments from the public will be accepted. Peter Olech asks whether or not the toilets will be single-sex, Cllr. Munro has been approached about this. She can confirm that there will be no male/female toilets, they will be gender neutral - however, the toilets do have to be cubicles, floor-to-ceiling with a sink and is waiting for clarification on this and is expecting this on Monday due to the recent Supreme Court ruling. Peter notes that these toilets may not be compliant with the Supreme Court decision, Douglas questions whether this is true. Geoffrey Parsons notes that it may be problematic that there are no urinals because men have to queue to get into the toilets. Cllr. Munro has asked for a list of organizations that were spoken to about the toilets. Brian notes that until there is a definitive statement on whether the toilets are compliant, it may not be worth discussing further. Peter registers the concerns of the community council. Geoffrey notes that community councils should register their concerns about cost effectiveness of these projects, though we do not have particular information about the cost and whether it was reasonable. Brian clarifies that we can ask for the cost and we will also find out more information about whether or not the toilets are conforming with the Supreme Court ruling.

Cllr. Munro: Notes anti-social behavior that has been happening in the area, such as at the Marchmont Hardware Store. The head of James Gillespies is aware of the issue and of the individuals, some of whom are from other schools. There is also concern about damages from dirt bikes and e-bikes. Cllr. Munro is also still getting emails about bin hubs and some of these are under review. There is a meeting at Marchmont St Giles tomorrow evening, and SMAG is working to make it easier for people to get their bins moved. Cllr. Ross noted that the James Gillespies playing fields at Whitehouse Loan are owned by the Council and that there should be no use of these facilities during evenings or weekends unless approved by the school, but there have been issues of anti-social behavior at night in these areas. Cllr. Ross has discussed further security measures to prevent people from sliding underneath the fencing and this will likely come to the Education Committee as a proposal after getting a quote from a contractor. Peter asked what the issue is with people using the field at night, and the issue is that it violates the terms of the lease, but this is a legal issue and there is some difficulty around this. Peter notes that it is unfortunate to have to spend money on preventing people from playing, but Cllr. Ross notes that the problem is largely with people disturbing neighbors and being there at anti-social hours.

Geoffrey is concerned that some of the ways in which the police are currently being used may not be cost effective, but Brian noted that it is probably not up to the community council to question this.

Other Notes

Sara Kunorachi notes that the building that used to house Boroughloch Medical Practice may be turned into seven short-term lets and wonders if this could be looked into, Alison volunteers to look into this. Margaret Coughtrie notes that this may not be approved because there is only one front door.

Date of next meeting

It is decided that the meetings will continue to be on the 4th Wednesday of every month apart from July, August, and December.

The next meeting will be on May 28th, 2025.

MSCC - Agenda for Wed 28th May 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Sat, 24 May 2025 12:57:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wednesday 28^th May 2025 at 7.30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting April 2025

Matters arising not covered by this agenda

a.- election of Community Engagement Officer

b. new boundaries for MSCC

3 Police Report

4 Update on defibrillator

5 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

6 City Councilor report on topical local issues

a. parking situation in area around former RHSC

b . new public toilets: compliance with recent Supreme Court judgement

Items for discussion

7 Publicity

9 Planning (Applications & consultation)) (report attached)

10. Bin situation (rep from SMAG)

Items for information

11 Treasurer's report (circulated)

12 Meetings attended

13 AOB

a. Naming of footpath at refurbished sewer building site

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 25^th June

All who live in the area are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for the 26th February 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 13:48:00 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on 26th February 2025 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present: Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary, Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer, Susie Agnew - MSCC (interim Chair for the meeting), Kayleigh Gordon - MSCC Publicity, Cllr. Neil Ross, Douglas Rogers - MSCC, Alastair Dickie - local resident, Margaret Coughtrie - local resident

Apologies: Brian Gilmore - MSCC Chair, Liane Phillips - MSCC Publicity, Cllr. Steve Burgess

Attending: Nora Flynn-McIver - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 7:30pm

Draft Minutes of 22/01/25

Douglas moves to pass, Alison seconds. The minutes pass.

Matters Arising

Earl of Marchmont defibrillator: we are currently waiting for the grant application to go in, and this opens on Monday the 3rd. The machine will now go to the optician’s shop.

Sunday parking on Melville Drive: this issue is unlikely to progress. Susie reports that there are signs on the east end of the Meadows until the end of the crossing, but nothing going west. People probably assume that there are no issues with parking when there are no signs. Susie explained that you can only park on the Meadows and Melville Drive until 12:30pm on a Sunday, but most people don’t know this. Susie took this up and Cllr. Ross is looking into it and will flag this at a Transport Committee meeting in May. There is just enough signage that one probably could not dispute the ticket, though the signage is difficult to find and is inconsistent.

Police Report

A newsletter gets circulated from time to time by the police and Anne will continue to circulate.

Susie noted that a garage on Palmerston Road was broken into on the 13th of February and that this happened again last night (25th of February), bicycles have been stolen to the cost of about £2000. Both break-ins have been reported to the police. Bicycle theft is an ongoing issue.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links/FOMBL Report

The next FOMBL meeting is at the beginning of April. Yesterday, work began on the public toilets.

Susie suggested that Alison bring up the issue of the dangerous modified e-bikes in the Meadows. Douglas suggested the idea of street bumps for bicycles.

City Councillor report on local issues

Cllr. Ross: there has been a 3% council tax rise since last April because of a lack of funding from the Scottish government. This goes towards social care and homelessness provision. There is a high level of homelessness in Edinburgh. The budget did not end up cutting education funds. They also added to the Special Schools budget and added to the road safety budget. There is also record spending on road repair and Cllr. Ross notes that this is likely to need to be a long-term project.

The toilets on the Meadows and other parks in Edinburgh have begun building and the council is looking to see where other new toilets could go or be refurbished. Douglas asked if there would be improved signage for the toilets and Cllr. Ross clarified that it will be made obvious how to get to the public toilets from Middle Meadow Walk.

Anne raised the issue of the plan for parking on Sylvan Place after the RHSC work is done, Cllr. Ross will send this along to Cllr. Burgess, who represents that area. Douglas asked if there was a chance of meeting with people to look at changing the roads in the area and plan a strategy over time. Anne also noted the necessity for resurfacing of Fingal Place. The school has been somewhat insular in talking about planning, Douglas has gotten in touch with some people, but no response. Douglas suggested that the MSCC look at creating a Local Place plan for the area with a possible one-way system for Argyle Place (though it was noted that this would likely be difficult to achieve), Cllr. Ross noted that the more direct route would be to discuss with road planning and transport. Douglas may reach out to Cllr. Munro on this.

Publicity

Kayleigh proposes broadcasting monthly meetings on Zoom as well as in-person, as this could appeal to a younger audience as well. Anne noted that Brian was wary about this because there may be some dependency on having a laptop and a microphone, this likely needs discussion of some sort once the new council comes in. Alison also noted that there probably is not money for a Zoom Premium account, but this could be solved with a two-part meeting. Susie also mentioned that we could look at hybrid meetings. Douglas pointed out that this probably won’t work amazingly in the current space, but the community space could be a good place for this. Nora suggested that there be a specifically designated person to watch the online chat and represent questions for them, Cllr. Ross backed this proposal up. He also mentioned that some community councils have fully online meetings. Nora pointed out that if a student remains attached to MSCC in any capacity, the University of Edinburgh provides students with free Zoom Premium accounts.

Upcoming CC elections

There are 7 people signed up for the community council, which is the required number. Many community councils have ceased to exist. SMAG also tried to join as a representative, but it was refused for a few reasons, including the fact that they have not been in existence for more than 12 months. They have to wait until April to sort out details, but SMAG representatives will continue to attend the meetings. Anne suggested co-opting SMAG, though they may not get a vote. This will all be sorted out in April and they will come back to report on the process then.

Update on bin hubs

SMAG is going to supply their membership with a form for them to fill out to get bin hubs moved. This form helps people to conform to Council regulations when they submit a form. This would ideally be more than one applicant at a time so that the Council has a solid idea of the whole area. The Council is being strict about adhering to the new rules, so the residents have to ensure that they design a bin hub that deals with what the Council wants.

Things have stalled with the noise review on the glass bins. SMAG aims to have more of the glass bins moved so that they are not in every hub, but Council is reviewing this later. They formally reviewed the noise and came to the conclusion that the noise levels were deemed to be unacceptable, though they are now reviewing what to do about this. Cllr. Ross noted that it is at least a step forward that it has been deemed unacceptable and that some action is being taken to figure out how to manage the noise. Cllr. Ross added that the Council welcomes a more standardized approach to identify the issues and acceptable alternatives. He mentioned that 133 bin hubs have already been selected to be moved and are currently in the TRO process, but the Council workers are not providing the list of the approved bin hubs as of yet. SMAG is hoping to have harder information about the effects of the bin hubs on residents in about 6 months. Douglas suggested a Local Place plan for the bin hubs.

Planning applications

The report has been circulated. Douglas noted the Grange Association planning report mentions a rejection of uPVC windows, though these are on many different buildings, and it is unclear if planning was ever sought out for that. He also noted the new electricity cables, which goes through a very small part of the MSCC area. This will likely be an upheaval but nothing too major.

Update on Sewer Flooding Project

A report has been circulated. They are closing the entrance to Spottiswoode Street as of Monday.

Treasurer’s Report

£790.24 in the bank

Meetings attended

Anne, Douglas, and Brian attended the 50 years of the Community Council celebration at the City Chambers at the invitation of the Lord Provost Cllr. Aldridge.

AOCB

Douglas suggested a discussion at the next meeting about the purpose of the community council with the new council - Susie noted that there are always issues that bring in a lot of people but that these people very rarely stick around, and that any discussion on this might be of little consequence.

Date of next meeting

There will be no meeting in March.

The next meeting will be on April 23rd, 2025 with Cllr. Neil Ross chairing as Returning Officer.

MSCC - Amended Agenda for the First Meeting on the 23rd April 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

The first meeting of the new MSCC committee to be held on

Wednesday 23^rd April 2025 at 7.30 pm at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Halls

A G E N D A

The meeting will be chaired by Cllr Neil Ross as Returning Officer for the new Council

1. Welcome and Apologies

2. Declaration of Interests

3. Announcing Community Council Members as duly elected

4. Confirmation of Community Council Name

5. Appointment of Office Bearers:

a) Appointment of Chair

b) Appointment of Secretary

c) Appointment of Treasurer

d) Appointment of Engagement and Inclusion Officer

6. Community Council Representatives to attend induction event on 26 April 2025.

7. AOCB

The date of the next meeting will be announced on that evening.

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend

MSCC - Minutes for January 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 09:48:00 +0000

Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on 22nd January 2025 at St. Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

Present: Brian Gilmore - Chair, Anne Laing - MSCC Secretary, Alison Service - MSCC Treasurer, Douglas Rogers - MSCC, Cllr. Mandy Watt, Cllr. Pauline Flannery, Kate McNairney - SMAG, Anthony Holmes - Thirlestane Lane Association, Richard Shillcock - local resident

Apologies: Susie Agnew - MSCC, Liane Phillips - MSCC Publicity, Kayleigh Gordon - MSCC Publicity, MP Ian Murray

Attending: Nora Flynn-McIver - Minutes Secretary

Meeting began at 7:34

Draft Minutes of 27/11/24

Alison moves to pass, Anne seconds. The minutes pass unanimously.

Matters Arising

Earl of Marchmont defibrillator: the planning application has gone in with the help of Ben Parker, the planning department was helpful, but we did not actually need planning permission. Alison is currently waiting for information regarding the grant application, but they don’t get the money until June. As such, the defibrillator will likely not be installed until June.

Sunday parking on Melville Drive: Susie Agnew passed a note that she had talked to Cllr. Neil Ross who has said that he will discuss this with colleagues in the Transport Committee to see if this can be addressed.

Police Report

None.

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links/FOMBL Report incl. public toilets

FOMBL has received the biodiversity report, which has been circulated. The public toilet situation is ongoing, but FOMBL is still liaising on certain aspects. Work should be starting this spring and there are just a few more things to figure out. There have been no changes regarding the placement of the toilets. The temporary toilets have also been removed.

City Councillor report on local issues

Cllr. Flannery: On the toilets in the Meadows, Marco Gali is working with Healthmatic to figure out construction, and plans to have a timeline soon. He has assured council that the project is on time. Information should be put on the council website.

A local resident wants to make the front gardens on Livingston Place look more presentable and Cllr. Flannery is happy to liaise on this. The local resident also wants to cooperate with neighbors and Sciennes School. Cllr. Flannery recommends that MSCC work with her on this.

The Culture and Community Committee has sent out emails to councillors for ongoing training, this process is on a committee report.

The visitor levy is being voted on this Friday, there are sticking points about timeline. Cllr. Flannery’s understanding of this is that it comes into effect in July 2026, and you will be charged for bookings from August 1st of 2025.

Alison asked about gaining access to the constitution for MSCC, Cllr. Flannery will follow this up because the current document may be a draft.

On environmental visits, there appears to be some confusion on what level of care the Council should be providing, and Cllr. Flannery is looking into this. This currently is only done for Council-owned buildings.

Cllr. Watt: the bin hub issue continues to be an issue. The quiet route is also still an issue.

On the visitor levy, the draft agreement is that the levy is 5% for the first five days of a visitor’s stay. This should start from August 2025, and the issues that Cllr. Flannery spoke about are still in negotiation. The levy can only be used to promote visitor experience or to mitigate effects of visitors. The most controversial part of this is to put the money into housing. The tourism mitigation aspect may look for insight from community councils about the use of the money, this creates an opportunity for locals to give insight on what may be needed. This could be related to public toilets and these could be improved with this levy. The estimates of how much will be raised vary between £14,000 and £40,000 per year, so the total amount estimated is unclear. Cllr. Flannery notes that the website Leith Chooses may be a good template for this sort of community project and participatory budgeting. Douglas Rogers asked if the EACC had been contacted, Cllr. Watts recommended that community councils can reach out for this. He also noted that graffiti removal has declined and suggested that some of the money be used for this. Cllr. Watts noted that the Council can only remove graffiti on public property. Douglas also mentioned that a graffiti reporting system could be upgraded.

Publicity

Kayleigh is happy to advertise for future councillors.

Upcoming CC elections

The community council is reconstituted with a set of elections coming up. MSCC can have up to 12 community councillors, if there are more than 12 nominated then there would be an election, but this is unlikely. The notice of election will be published on the 5th of February and nominations will open for candidates on the 6th of February. Nominations will close on the 27th of February. The form is relatively easy and you need two people from the local area to nominate you. If elections are required, they will take place on the 27th of March, and the new session will begin on the 28th of March. The returning officer from Council must call and chair the meeting, and then set up the new office bearers. Brian noted that it would be nice if the meeting could be on the normal date, but this may not necessarily happen. This is being advertised via leaflets and the website, also possibly The Meadow’s Share. Cllr. Flannery offered that there is a website for the University of Edinburgh run by Stuart Tooley that advertises community group work and that this could help to get more students involved.

Update on bin hubs

Kate McNairney talked about the South Meadows Action Group. They have monthly meetings and their monthly newsletter will advertise the changes that the Council made in December. They are also trying to create a framework to ensure that people who want their bin hubs moved can have their voices heard. Cllr. Flannery noted that there is also a review on the 6th of March about this. Brian mentioned that SMAG could propose being an associate member of MSCC from the action group and have an official person representing the group on the community council.

Planning applications

Report has been circulated by the Grange Association.

Update on Sewer Flooding Project

Anne reports that they hope to be finished by May.

Treasurer’s Report

£843 in the bank. Next month there will be £21 outgoing for the location map for the defibrillator.

Meetings attended

None.

Christmas Tree event

The event was successful, it raised approximately £120 for The Breakfast Bothy. After the event, ScotMid gave vouchers, but only £20 so the remainder came out of the MSCC budget. Brian thanked Alison for her work on the project, as well as everybody else who put in work for the event.

AOCB

Douglas met with IQ Students in London and has gotten an assurance from them that they will start preparing a lease or license for the community space in the student accommodation, and that Alexa will work with Douglas to prepare the space for use as an arts centre once they have access to the building.

Date of next meeting

Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

MSCC - Agenda for 26th February 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Gilmore) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 09:56:00 +0000

M archmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wednesday 26^th February 2025 at 7.30pm

To be held at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Hall

A G E N D A (draft)

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Draft Minutes of last meeting 22^nd January 2025

Matters arising not included in this agenda

a) defibrillator Earl of Marchmont

b) Sunday parking Melville Drive

3 Police Report including antisocial behaviour in Marchmont

4 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

5 City Councillor report on topical local issues

Items for discussion

6 Publicity

7 Upcoming CC elections

8 Update on Bin Hubs

9 Planning (Applications & consultation)) (report attached)

10 Update on Sewer Flooding project (if available)

Items for information

11 Treasurer's report (circulated)

12 Meetings attended

13 AOB

This will be the final meeting of the current Council.

The next meeting date will be announced after the CC elections in March 2025

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend