The City of Edinburgh Council meets today

The papers for the meeting and how to watch online are here.

SNP group leader, Simita Kumar has lodged a motion regarding planning applications connected to festivals as below. This follows the retrospective consent given to The Famous Spiegeltent who had only applied for permission in mid June ahead of a build which began at the end of that month. This in turn follows the problems which arose a few years back when it was discovered that producers Underbelly had no permission for the build for the Christmas and Hogmanay festivals.

The motion reads: “Council:

1)         Thanks officers, for their ongoing work in assessing and processing planning applications for the city’s fringe and other summer festivals.

2)         Notes that while most applicants aim to submit their applications on time, some do not.

3)         Agrees that, as good practice, all festival organisers should be communicated with and encouraged to complete and submit their applications at the start of April each year.

4)         Recognises that this timetable allows sufficient time for officers to:

·                Review applications in detail;

·                Request any further information; and

·                Enable the Development Management Sub Committee to review and reach a decision before the summer recess.

5)         Acknowledges that while retrospective approvals can be granted, this is not best practice and may have a detrimental impact—particularly where construction could be required to be removed once shows have commenced.

6)         Agrees to receive a Business Bulletin update to the Planning Committee setting out:

·                The outcomes of discussions with festival organisers;

·                Detail any sanctions and actions that Council can take against late applications;

·                Any lessons learned or forward planning measures that can be implemented for future years.”

Responding to Sandra at Craigmillar Now

Responding to Sandra with Zoe Lorimer & Hazel Peters 

Saturday 30t August, 2-4pm
Event Address: Craigmillar Now, 58 Newcraighall Rd, Edinburgh EH15 3HS
Contact: Zoe ([email protected])

Join us for a creative and reflective afternoon inspired by the Sandra George archive! In this workshop, you’ll have the chance to explore Sandra’s remarkable legacy and respond to her work in a fun and relaxed environment. Facilitated by Zoe Lorimer and Hazel Peters, the session will begin with a thoughtful group discussion reflecting on Sandra’s archive, followed by a hands-on zine making session where you’ll get to express your own creativity through making a zine.

Sign up for a free place here.

Subscribe to The Edinburgh Reporter

If you would like to receive your own copy of our monthly newspaper then click on the image below to sign up. Our new issue is out shortly.

Historic Environment Scotland survey

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are consulting with the public in what they describe as a “national conversation about heritage”.

HES say that Scotland’s historic environment belongs to us all – from stone circles and high streets to tenements and schools. It may also be your local park, the venue where you saw the best gig you’ve ever been to, or the place you picture when you think of home. Heritage makes our communities special and it’s everything we inherit from the past that shapes who we are today as well as influencing our future.

“I’d love to hear about the places that matter most to you,” said Elly McCrone, Director of Heritage.

We’d like to understand what you’d like to see protected and how you’d like those places to be looked after so that we can ensure that our heritage continues to enrich our lives for generations to come.”

The consultation is open to everyone – young people, older people, business owners, volunteers, parents, New Scots, those who love heritage, and those with no strong feelings about heritage but who care about their surroundings. If you want to talk to us about heritage, we want to hear from you.

To fill in the survey or to register your interest to take part in both the online and in-person events, visit our Talking about Heritage webpage. Event details will be shared over the coming weeks.

West Register House Edinburgh glinting in the sunshine with Edinburgh Castle beyond

West Register House is a building of the National Records of Scotland, located on Charlotte Square in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. The building was constructed between 1811 and 1814 as St George’s Church and converted to its current purpose as a records office between 1964 and 1970.
Picture Alan Simpson 6/5/2025

Running at Christmas

  • When You Wish Upon a Star organises the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk which is celebrating 21 years of festive fundraising in the heart Scotland’s capital this year
  • Fundraising Santa’s & Elves will run, jog or walk around West Princes Street Gardens. Spread over a 2.5km circuit, this event is a great way to enjoy time with friends and family, whilst raising vital funds for local children’s Wish granting charity When You Wish Upon a star
  • What’s more, you don’t have to be a runner to take part.
  • All monies raised from the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk will be used to help fund magical Wishes for children aged 4-16 who live with life threatening illnesses.
  • Sprinkle the Wish magic this Christmas!
  • Event details:
  • Sunday 7 December
  • West Princes Street Gardens
  • Registration & Warm Up: 9.30-10.30
  • Fun Run & Walk starts: 1.:00
  • Individual entry: from £2.50-£15
  • Infants FREE
  • Santa Paws FREE! Prize for BEST DRESSED SANTA PAW on the day!
  • Family tickets available!
  • Sign up link:
  • www.thesantarun.org.uk

Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.

Like this:

Like Loading…

Related