May 2026 news from Councillor Kevin McKay
The May blossom is nearly over. So is the election... the ballots have been counted, the new members elected and I take a not-so-in depth look at the results. However if you are already missing the endless election leaflets and that unexpected knock on the door just as you are putting the kids to bed or serving up dinner... don't worry the city council elections are this time next year!
It has been a quiet month with many councillors helping out in the election. Since my last e-News there has been no full council meeting. The next full council meeting is Thursday 21st of May. The next Policy and Sustainability committee, on which I serve, is Tuesday 26th May.
Of note from the committees: the Finance and Resource (F&R) Committee agreed to fund the reinstatement of the Tollcross Clock, much to the relief of the community council. In addition the 300% increase in council tax on second homes is being reviewed.
I attended a licensing sub committee meeting as an objector to a couple of late night licence applications. The objection was sustained on one application due to odour control issue from a take-away restaurant. Improvements are to be made before a licence granted.
All public meetings are available as a webcast either live or archived.
Longstone Link
I was excited to learn of a consultation for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Water of Leith connecting the new development (old Booker site beside Sainsbury's supermarket) on the southbank to New Mart Street on the north is going live early next year. However after speaking to the officers... it looks like it may be pushed back due to lack of resources.
New Bin at Meggetland
Finally managed to get a new bin to replace the old one at Meggetland bridge which was falling apart. The new one is larger and seems to dominate the bridge, but I am not complaining.
Meadow's Festival
The Meadow's Festival is on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June.
The South Edinburgh Lib Dems will be hosting a stall, so please pop over and say hello!
Harrison Bridge(s)
Currently engineers have been making parking arrangements with residents to allow access with heavy equipment.
September seems to be the date when the road will be reopened although the bridge over the canal will have a weight restriction of 7.5T. I am not quite sure how this will work or be enforced and I am discussing this with council officers.
In addition residents are coming together for discussions about the ongoing issues with the North South Transit routes which cross the canal as the opening of the Harrison Road (with restrictions) will have a knock on effect on other routes.
St Cuthbert's School.
Engineers continue to work on the structural issue of the ground floor ceiling which was found to be deflected/out of alignment.
Engineers have also assessed the first-floor ceiling structure. A deflection has been identified but not to the same extent.
To enable a further survey to be carried out, the false ceiling and all its related services were removed. The structural engineers have now completed a full survey of the roof structure. This will enable a full design to be completed and provide better insight into expected timescales. However it is planned to re-open school at the start of the new school year in August.
Clearly parents and pupils are very anxious but are regularly updated via the school newsletter School Info
Lockharton Permit Parking Zone.
Strange painted signs are appearing on pavements around the area. You may have seen a circle with a line underneath.These are for the road engineers to position poles for the permit info. Please check and let me know before they are erected, if they cause any obstructions.