April 2026: Issue 5

What's going on in the Grange Prestonfield communities in April 2026

Apr 01, 2026

The clocks have finally jumped forward, and there is a definite buzz of energy in the air. As we trade the long winter nights for much-needed daylight, it’s wonderful to see our local parks and gardens waking up with a fresh burst of spring flowers.

This month is packed with community spirit - from Easter egg races and creative crafting afternoons to important updates on how our neighbourhood is evolving. Whether you’re planning your spring garden or keeping an eye on local roadworks, we’ve got everything you need to stay in the loop. Grab a cuppa, enjoy the extra sunshine, and dive into this month’s updates!

What to Know About

Scotland & Edinburgh News:

Climate Change Plan: Just before the election process kicked off, the Scottish Government published its long-awaited Climate Change Plan for 2026–2040. Have a read!
2026/2027 Edinburgh Council Budget:The budget for 2026/2027 was announced There will be a council tax increase of 4% (lowest among Scottish Councils), which will help fund an additional £1.6B on new affordable homes over 10 years, a further £25M on roads and pavement investment over 2 years, along with continued investment in schools and public buildings. You can read more about it here.
Transport Committee: Mark your calendars for 2 April! The Transport & Environment Committee will be discussing everything from cycle hires to how they inform us about pavement improvements. You can view the full agenda on the Council’s meeting portal.

Neighbourhood Development:

Cameron Toll Update: Following a recent meeting between the Community Planning Association (CPA), CBRE, and Cameron Toll management, we have a clearer picture of the proposals to revitalise the shopping centre. With the current building facing rising maintenance issues, the goal is to transform the site from an “inward-looking” mall into an outward-facing community hub.
Key highlights from the update:
- The Design: Plans feature retail at ground level with 4 to 10 stories of residential or mixed-use space above. Architects are currently refining the placement of these blocks to minimize shading on Lady Road.
- Green Space: A highlight of the plan is “uncovering” the Braid Burn for part of its length, creating a new green corridor for the neighbourhood.
- Revitalisation: To avoid a “slow decline,” the aim is to attract new bistros and a wider variety of shops while retaining the major supermarkets.
- Parking & Traffic: Developers claim current car park usage is only at 60%, but the CPA remains focused on ensuring parking doesn’t spill over into nearby residential streets.
- Crime Prevention: Addressing the fact that Edinburgh remains a retail crime hotspot, the new “outward-facing” design aims to improve security and site safety.
What’s next? Construction will be phased so the centre can remain open throughout. Detailed architectural drawings are expected by mid-2026, with a formal planning application to follow later in the year. We expect further community consultations once those detailed plans are ready. In the meantime, please continue to share your feedback here.
Student Accommodation at Causewayside: Planning permission has been granted for the student housing at 140 Causewayside. The Council determined that the project fits the “20-minute neighbourhood” model and will have a positive impact on the city’s housing supply without significantly affecting local residents. You can read more here.
Ratcliffe Terrace: There is a technical legal back-and-forth regarding the demolition of the Causewayside Lads Building (27-29 Ratcliffe Terrace). The developer is challenging a previous refusal to demolish, while a Building Preservation Notice remains in place. We are awaiting the Council’s assessment on this one.

Transport & Roadworks:

GPCC member Sally Griffiths has been diving into the Council’s 2026/27 spending plans, and it’s a big year for our roads! A major highlight is the full resurfacing of Craigmillar Park in preparation for the Tour de France arriving on 2 July 2027. While this means some disruption, it’s all for a world-class event!

Other spots set for a spruce-up include:

Carriageways: McLaren Road, Ventnor Terrace, Strathfillan Road, Seton Place, Clearburn Crescent, and Suffolk Road.
Footways: Ratcliffe Terrace, Grange Crescent, and several others in the Mayfield and Savile Road area.

The Council is also working on better ways to communicate these schedules so we can all see what’s in the pipeline - even if dates are subject to change!

Parking:

New Parking Zone (S8): Keep an eye out for updates on the proposed Controlled Parking Zone for Blackford/Newington. A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) may be discussed at the Council’s Sub-Committee on 2 June. If you’d like your voice heard, the agenda goes live on 26 May, and you’ll have until 1 June to make a representation via your Ward Councillor.
Rankin Drive: GPCC has officially submitted an objection to the proposed parking restrictions on Rankin Drive. We’ve raised concerns that the current plans don’t quite balance road safety with the actual parking needs of residents. You can read our full response on our website.

Stay updated via the GPCC website, where you’ll find rolling news, the CEC Consultation Hub, and the latest from the Planning, Transport, and Culture committees. You can also review our March minutes here.

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What to See & Do

Monday 06 April - 1:20pm: Hop along to the All Age Easter Eggstravaganza at the Newington Trinity Mayfield Building! Expect a jam-packed afternoon of Easter bonnet making, egg races, and plenty of refreshments for the whole family. Find out more here. Thank you, Newington Trinity Parish Church for sharing!

Saturday 11 April - 1pm to 3pm: Spring Party in the Park family festival at Craigmillar Castle Park. Expect an Egg Hunt, Nature Games, Crafts and more with Wildside Nature. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk for more info.

Sunday 12 April - from 2pm: You are invited to come along and have a go at bowls with no commitment at the Mayfield Bowling Club’s Open Day. The club is on Cobden Road. If you are interested in joining, the first year’s subscription is only £60. You can also join as a social member for £30. If this date doesn’t work for you, please contact Scott on 07598 394346 to make alternative arrangements.

Tuesday 14 April - 1:30pm: Get your creative juices flowing at Crafty Afternoons! Hosted by Southside Faith Care at Newington Trinity Priestfield Church, it’s a fortnightly chance to enjoy some crafts and a friendly chat over a cuppa. Future dates include 28 April and 12/26 May. Find out more here. Thank you, Roseanne Allison at Southside Faith Care for sharing!

Friday 17 April - 3.30pm to 4.30pm: Spring Bird Song Nature Walk at Craigmillar Castle Park. Learn about the birds in spring and identify their song with expert Chris Macefield. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk for more info.

Tuesday 21 April - 1:30pm: Take a trip down memory lane at the Reminiscence Afternoon. Southside Faith Care invites you to come together at Newington Trinity Priestfield Church and share your favourite stories and memories of the Southside over a warm cup of tea. Find out more here. Thank you, Roseanne Allison at Southside Faith Care for sharing!

Sunday 19 April - 12:00 - 2:00pm: The Circus is coming to Bridgend Farmhouse! Twirl, spin and juggle with these fun, free sessions from your local, social circus - Think Circus! Designed for families to have fun, be creative and play together. All ages welcome. No need to book, just come along.

Did we miss an event? Let us know for our next issue here.

Want to get involved in your community?

Grange Prestonfield Community Council

GPCC is one of around 40 community councils officially commissioned by the Edinburgh City Council to stand as the community representative of residents, small business and third sector ventures in South-East Edinburgh. Specifically, we span the neighbourhoods of Grange in the west, running through Blackford, Newington, Mayfield, Blacket, Waverley, Prestonfield and Priestfield in the east.

GPCC has an established and direct link into the Elected Councillors and City Council Managers who manage the shape of our city.

We need you. Whether you care about local planning, green spaces, or community safety, we need volunteers to help us make this part of town work better for everyone. No experience is necessary - just a passion for your neighbourhood. Interested? Let’s chat.

School Appeals Community

Join the Appeal Committee and play a vital role in ensuring fairness within Edinburgh’s education system by helping families navigate school placement and exclusion decisions. As an independent member, you’ll have the unique opportunity to listen to personal stories, weigh legal guidelines against individual circumstances, and make binding decisions that directly impact a child's future.

Whether you are a parent, an education professional, or a local leader, this role offers a rewarding way to uphold transparency and equity in our schools. You’ll be fully supported with expert legal advice and comprehensive prep materials, ensuring you have everything you need to act as a fair, informed, and impactful voice for your community. Please contact schoolappeals@edinburgh.gov.uk directly for the application or to learn more.

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