Update on the Powderhall Railway Line Path

The Council continue negotiations with Network Rail Scotland regarding the potential sale of the disused railway line between Powderhall and Abbeyhill to Edinburgh Council to make a future path.

Earlier in 2025, the Powderhall Railway Line was one of a number of projects spared from a ‘cull’ in major active travel projects due to a lack of funding. This comes in the backdrop of a recent survey that says 84% of children want more traffic-free routes for walking and cycling.

'Tier 2 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund' (Scottish Government) funding has been applied for by the Council to start designs, but vitally it's still not within the Council's ownership. Details are available on 11th September's Transport and Environment Committee report.

In the meantime, Councillor Caldwell is continuing to engage with Network Rail Scotland regarding some of the maintenance concerns on the boundary and bridges. He is also continuing to engage with Council officers to try and get this project done.