![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/w=792.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nThe most effective public discussions confront fundamental issues head on. <\/p>\n
This high standard was met at the Cockburn Association\u2019s \u201cCampaigning for Edinburgh\u201d event this week, when the four authors of the Association\u2019s new history \u2013 Richard Rodger, Cliff Hague, Terry Levinthal, and DJ Johnston-Smith \u2013 discussed the book\u2019s themes and the urgent challenges facing Edinburgh. <\/p>\n
Far from a self-congratulatory affair, the conversation tackled crucial themes such as over-tourism, ill-considered development, and deep social and economic polarisation.<\/p>\n
In her opening remarks, Lesley Martin, the new Chair of the Cockburn, called the 150-year milestone \u201can amazing achievement\u201d, expressing surprise at the body\u2019s historic \u201creach and impact\u201d. She then introduced Rowan Brown, Cockburn\u2019s new Director, who facilitated the discussion of the \u201cphenomenal publication\u201d.<\/p>\n
Historical surprises and shifting focus<\/p>\n
The event opened with Brown asking the authors what aspects of the history had surprised them during their research. Richard Rodger was surprised by the Cockburn\u2019s early intervention to prevent development on Holyrood Park, seeing it as an early example of the Association\u2019s desire to protect green spaces well beyond the New Town. Cliff Hague noted that while it is easy to characterise the Cockburn as New Town dominated, their pioneering work in Piershill in the 1970s demonstrated their ability to empower working-class as well as middle-class residents.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Terry Levinthal was struck by the extent of gap sites in the city in the 1970s \u2013 up to 32 hectares of derelict land, an area greater than the original New Town \u2013 and noted that the filling of most of this land illustrates the city\u2019s significant change.\u00a0DJ Johnston-Smith noted the Association\u2019s significant professionalisation post-war and how this increased its impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The nuance of objecting<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the Cockburn\u2019s reputation as an organisation that simply objects to proposals, the authors offered nuanced responses. Terry Levinthal argued that \u201csaying no in some situations is an important civic act\u201d, with the rejection of the inner ring road scheme for Edinburgh as a key example. Richard Rodger felt that saying no often meant saying yes to defending the city. He argued that resisting efforts to develop the city\u2019s fringes was fully justified, otherwise housing might have extended \u201chalfway up the Pentlands\u201d. Comparisons were drawn with Glasgow, which provided many lessons on how not to enact urban change.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cliff Hague contended that the reputation was not fully deserved, as the Association had, despite \u201ca few lacunae\u201d consistently looked ahead, \u201cnot just reacting\u201d. At its best, it had a positive vision for the future and had been \u2018well ahead\u2019 on many aspects, including greening the city. The book\u2019s authors looked ahead to the city of 2049, confirming that the Cockburn was \u201cconsistently looking forward\u201d to what the city might become.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Learning from others v internal strengths<\/p>\n
When asked which cities Edinburgh might learn from, the panelists offered varied views. Cliff Hague was sceptical of looking at templates or \u201cbest practices\u201d arguing that \u201ccontext and cultural specifics\u201d differ in every city, suggesting greater value lay in small interventions. Hague introduced the compelling notion of Edinburgh as A Frankenstein City. This concept suggests that the very forces of rationalism and market capitalism which Edinburgh helped form and promote have resulted in damaging, unintended consequences. Specifically, some of the city\u2019s \u201crational\u201d urban plans and the relentless pursuit of the tourist pound have ultimately harmed the city itself.\u00a0The current state of Princes Street, the focus of much negative comment could, Levinthal believed be ascribed to \u201cmarket forces in operation\u201d reflecting massive shifts in retail.<\/p>\n
Terry Levinthal, now Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, reframed the question by suggesting that there was \u201cmuch to learn from Edinburgh\u201d pointing to the number of cities that look to it for inspiration in terms of preservation of the Old Town and its walkability. He concluded that, despite the challenges Edinburgh faces, \u201cwe are not the basket case people sometimes think\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Countering this \u201cboosterism\u201d Richard Rodger suggested that the\u00a0 Edinburgh celebrated by Levinthal was \u201conly 10% of it\u201d, and the rest of the city needed greater focus, emphasising the need to \u201cthink more holistically\u201d about those areas \u201cwhere people don\u2019t have the ear of the authorities\u201d \u2013 in short, a more inclusive city was needed. <\/p>\n
Richard Rodger believed there needed to be much better dialogue between those in power and general citizens, and that the Cockburn had a crucial role in \u201cstoking this dialogue\u201d. Too often, the majority of the Edinburgh public had been left out of key decisions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Constraints and the road ahead<\/p>\n
The discussion concluded with warnings for the future, including the threats (and opportunities) posed by AI. Richard Rodger reflected that \u2018being a watchdog is tough,\u2019 as the Cockburn has many constraints, ultimately lacking \u201cfinancial clout\u201d. It required this for the high level of professional expertise needed to make a\u00a0real impact. Cliff Hague warned that the organisation urgently needed to involve more younger people, stating, \u2018otherwise there may be no Cockburn in 2049\u2019. The subsequent Q&A addressed the impact of AI and the state of Princes Street, which Terry Levinthal attributed largely to market forces driven by changes in consumer shopping habits.<\/p>\n
The session effectively showcased the Cockburn\u2019s enduring legacy as a vital, if sometimes misunderstood, voice for Edinburgh. <\/p>\n
The historical research confirms its role wasn\u2019t merely reactive opposition but one rooted in a positive vision for the city \u2013 protecting its unique character, supporting its diverse communities, and championing green spaces. <\/p>\n
Ultimately, the call to action for the future is clear: to move beyond celebrating the 10% of celebrated Edinburgh and embrace a more holistic and inclusive engagement with the entire city, ensuring that this crucial civic dialogue continues well beyond its 150th year.<\/p>\n
The book is available here<\/a><\/p>\n