June 2026 news from Councillor Neil Ross
Gillis Centre put up for sale
After nearly 200 years, the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh has announced the sale of the Gillis Centre in Marchmont. A review has concluded that the continuation of the centre would not be the best use of resources. The site consists of an A-listed neo-Norman chapel and other B-listed buildings and will continue to host church events until it is sold. The sale process is expected to start in September. More information is available here.
Anti-social behaviour on e-bikes & e-scooters
The local Community Police team continue to address anti-social behaviour on modified e-bikes and e-scooters. Because of safety concerns, Police Scotland operates a ‘no pursuit’ policy in relation to e-scooters/e-bikes/mini motos/scramblers & similar vehicles, where the risks of any chase outweigh the potential benefit. Instead, they focus on evidence gathering, identification & post incident action which will hopefully generate a more effective long-term outcome.
If you witness anti-social behaviour, it can either be reported via 101, which can involve long delays, or via the Police Scotland Online Reporting Form. 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.
Autumn road resurfacing projects & Craiglea Drive crossing
In addition to previously reported resurfacing works due on Greenbank Crescent and Merchiston Avenue, the Council is also planning on carrying out extra road resurfacing projects in the autumn according to the road closure notices posted onto the Roadworks Scotland website. As highlighted to me by Morningside Community Council, there are plans to resurface Comiston Place, Comiston Gardens, Falcon Road West and part of Falcon Road. All of these roads are in poor condition.
More information is available on the Roadworks Scotland website here by using the filter tool to select ‘City of Edinburgh’, choosing dates in the autumn and selecting ‘road closures’ and zooming into Morningside. The installation of the Craiglea Drive zebra crossing is scheduled for 6-16 June.
New use for Hermitage House?
The Council is keen to find new uses for the Hermitage of Braid House, following a report in September 2024 noting its limited operational use. The building is in poor condition and is needing significant investment. It is ‘A’ listed and a Common Good asset, which places limitations on possible uses. Officers have identified potential for its use as an ‘Outdoor Learning Hub’ and is looking to run a pilot project with South Morningside Primary School. While I hope this will prove to be a success, I understand that other appropriate uses may also be considered. If you can think of any, please let me know.
Astley Ainslie Community Trust update on recent developments
The Astley Ainslie Community Trust has issued an update in response to recent concerns about activities on the hospital site, in particular, relating to boarded up buildings. In addition, the trust highlights the anticipated Draft Place Brief for the site may be presented to the Council’s Planning Committee in the autumn with a public consultation to follow. The most recent AACT update is available here.
Craiglockhart Hill Local Nature Reserves
Congratulations to the Friends of Wester Craiglockhart Hill and the Friends of Easter Craiglockhart Hill! Last month, the Council agreed to designate Wester Craiglockhart Hill and the Greenbank Community Woodland as a Local Nature Reserve, covering 10 hectares and including a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also agreed to extend Easter Craiglockhart Hill Local Nature Reserve by a further 10 hectares. These designations provide protection for biodiversity and wildlife, as well as open, greenspaces. More details are in report 7.6 to the Council’s Culture & Communities Committee here.