Snagging wins along Leith Walk and Elm Row (March & April 2026 update)

Leith Walk Lib Dem Councillor Jack Caldwell has continued liaising with Council departments to get key improvements after the tramworks, and fight for resources to deal with snagging issues from the 2019-2023 project.

In March and early April 2026, the following works were completed:

• Around 20 utility covers have been secured to stop the rattling.
• Loose pavement stones re-laid all the way up Leith Walk (some still awaiting).
• Old temporary bicycle lane white line stripped back from the pavement.
• The benches have returned to Gayfield Square.

The following works are still awaiting:

• Dalmeny Street junction review.
• Elm Row outstanding works including pavement fixes, a cycle drop-kerb, removal of the redundant bike lane, and some bollard installation.
• Pavement widening south of Pilrig Street.
• Brunswick Street re-opening (one-way) and plaza designed.
• Permenant tactiles to help blind people cross continuous footways.

The full list of outstanding works are being tracked by the department at edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven.

Councillor Caldwell said "Since the completion and opening of the new tram line down Leith Walk in summer 2022, I’ve pursued a number of outstanding issues on the street on behalf of residents and local businesses and engaged with disability rights charities about the accessibility of Leith Walk.

"While some have been keen to move on to the next big exciting council project, the local community has been very clear on the serious concerns around pavement accessibility since Leith Walk and Elm Row fully reopened.

"From getting tactile pavements at continuous footways to assist people with sight loss, to plans for widening the pavement again south of the Pilrig junction, to this task force securing the loose paving stones, council officers have worked very constructively with myself, residents and the community councils along the route.

"I’m hopeful we can get some more much-needed, positive changes down Leith Walk this year."