July 2026 news from Councillor Neil Ross

Introducing Anna Aitken Lib Dem council candidate

After what will be ten years representing residents in Morningside Ward, I will not be standing again for the Council next May and am therefore delighted that Anna Aitken has agreed to stand in my place.

Anna says “I have been selected as the Lib Dem candidate for Morningside Ward in the upcoming 2027 Local Council elections because I want to continue the tradition of strong local representation.

I grew up here, attended local schools and clubs, and like many living in Morningside, have friends, family and memories tied to the area. I have volunteered as a young leader at Greenbank Explorer Scouts and Brownies and, in doing so, had the privilege of helping young people grow in confidence and skills, whilst giving back to an organization that does so much for our area.

After school I went to on to study at Glasgow University but I found my way back to Morningside shortly after, working in a range of hospitality, retail and events management roles.

In the coming months, alongside Neil, I look forward to meeting and engaging with you!”

Greenbank/Meadows Quiet Route update

The Council’s Transport Committee took another look at the recent decision to remove the three unenforceable modal filters on Braid Avenue, Hermitage Gardens and Canaan Lane. Because of the risks of potential legal challenge, it decided to proceed with the removal of the Braid Avenue and Hermitage

Gardens filters. The same legal risks were not seen to apply to the Canaan Lane modal filter, as it is near to three schools, so it will be retained under a temporary arrangement. There will be a further review after 12 months. The report is at 7.3 on the agenda here. In contrast to when the filters were installed, a letter is to be issued to local residents in advance of the changes.

Improving road safety on Braid Road and Greenbank Drive

I have been actively campaigning for effective measures to address speeding traffic and improve road safety on Braid Road for many years. The Council previously measured the average speed at 26mph on the southern section between Riselaw Road and Crescent and agreed to implement speed reducing measures. I am delighted to report it has finally managed to install sockets in the pavement for Vehicle Activated Speed Signs on Braid Road, near the junction with Riselaw Crescent, and also on Greenbank Drive. I have asked the Council when the signs are expected to be deployed. It has taken the Council far too long to do this.

Supporting Morningside & Bruntsfield Traders

Morningside and Bruntsfield traders have been raising concerns about shoplifting and intimidation for some time and some shops now have internal CCTV to deter this behaviour. I have been working with the local police to try to address these concerns and recently attended a meeting with the police and local traders, hosted by Daniel Johnston MSP. Traders have asked for a more visible police presence on Morningside Road and Bruntsfield Place and also CCTV on the street. I am pleased to report that my request for mobile CCTV has been granted and a camera should appear soon on Morningside Road.

If you witness incidents of shoplifting or intimidation in a shop, it can either be reported via 101, which can involve long delays, or via Online Reporting Form | Police Scotland. Online reports are triaged in the same way as calls but it is a much faster tool. By marking your report for the attention of Sergeant Lumsden at St Leonard’s Police Station, the information should be passed to the local Community Police team and, if possible, officers may attend. We must support our local traders if we want a variety of vibrant, independent local shopping.

Enhancing safety around schools at drop-off and pick-up times

Last week I, with my colleague Councillor Osler, persuaded the Council to agree to enhance parking enforcement around schools, along with a proposal to pay for it. We were helped by written deputations from South Morningside and Flora Stevenson primary school parent councils, for which I am grateful.

Concerns about unsafe parking in the vicinity of primary schools apply across the city and schools and parent councils do their very best to educate parents on the potential dangers. However, although I have often asked for parking wardens to attend at drop-off or pick-up times for local schools, I am aware there are not enough wardens available to visit every school.

I am expecting a report in the autumn on how the Council can implement enhanced enforcement. The motion is at item 8.8 along with the deputations on the meeting agenda here.

Plans for Myreside artificial pitches approved

The Council has granted planning permission to George Watson’s College for artificial pitches at Myreside. The plans were approved at a meeting of the Council’s Development Management Sub Committee on 10 June. They can be viewed, along with the decision letter, on the planning portal under reference 25/03979/FUL here.

How to request a pedestrian crossing

A request for a pedestrian crossing can now be made on the Council’s website using an online mapping tool Request a Pedestrian Crossing to indicate the location residents would like a crossing to be installed. I understand the map will be left open all year round. Requests will provide the Council’s Road Safety Team with a list of suggested locations and officers will collate and assess the requests on a quarterly basis.

Crossing locations will be prioritised according to their scores and updates will be reported on the Road Safety website on a yearly basis, when sites have been assessed and those for delivery identified.

The new process should mean that crossings are provided where demand exists, whereas the previous process relied on a physical count.

How to report street weeds

A request for removal of weeds in your street can be made via Waste (at) edinburgh.gov.uk