August 2026: Issue 9

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

Aug 01, 2026

Can you believe we’re already into August? The summer is flying by, and with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in full swing (love or hate it!), there is an extra buzz across the city. Whether you’re popping along to a show, making the most of the longer evenings, or simply hoping the August weather plays ball, we hope you’re managing to find some time to relax.

We’ve got another packed issue for you this month. From upcoming road closures in the Grange to community-led weed clearing initiatives, there’s plenty happening on our doorstep. We’re also spotlighting the brilliant work of Braid Scouts, sharing details on Marchmont Music, and highlighting a few key city consultations where your voice can make a real difference.

So, grab a cuppa, cozy up, and let’s dive into what’s happening around our area this August!

What to Know About

Your Chance to Shape the Neighbourhood

Big Plans for City Plan 2040: “Call for Ideas”

The Council is drafting a major blueprint for how Edinburgh should grow over the next decade. From July through September, they are running a “Call for Ideas.” They want to hear from everyday residents on how land and buildings across the city—including our local parks, streets, and public spaces—should be used.

You don’t need a fancy business plan, just good ideas! Submissions must be made online via the CEC Consultation Hub.

Liberton & District Local Place Plan (LPP)

Take a look at the informative details in the newly published Liberton & District Community Council LPP, set within the context of the upcoming City Plan 2040. Key features include:

Community priorities and transport interchange plans.
Community assessment and opinions on the Cameron Toll proposals.
Strategic intentions for stronger community engagement.

You can review the full Liberton & District LPP document on Google Drive.

Morningside Community Council: Draft Local Place Plan

Morningside Community Council has published its Draft LPP based on extensive community engagement across four key study surveys (including an Under 18s survey). Key features include:

Preserving Morningside and Plewlands conservation areas while maintaining a unique “village identity.”
Protecting green belts, preserving trees, improving access to healthcare (GPs and dentists), reducing traffic impacts, and supporting affordable housing growth.
Keeping the high street vibrant and finding better solutions for retrofitting Victorian properties.

Gilmerton Conservation Area Character Appraisal

The Council Planning Committee approved the new Gilmerton Conservation Area document at its meeting on 17 June 2026. The Character Appraisal is now a material consideration in deciding planning applications within the conservation area. It will also serve as an official reference for planning, design, and discussions regarding listed buildings and new development in Gilmerton. You can read the full Gilmerton Appraisal document on the Council website.

Consultations Closing Soon

Fireworks Control Zones 2026: Have your say on proposed control zones. Closes 5th August 2026
Public Entertainment Licensing Review: Have your say on licensing conditions and rules for local venues. Closes: 4th August 2026
Second-hand Dealers’ Licensing Review: Feedback requested on conditions and resolutions for second-hand businesses. Closes: 22nd August 2026
Health & Social Care Transitions: Share your experiences on moving between health and social care services. Closes: 1st September 2026

What else is going on

Tackling Weeds on Our Streets

Some residents in the Grange have understandably raised concerns about the proliferation of weeds along our local roads and pavements. While The City of Edinburgh Council has cleared some areas, many still need attention.

If you would like to tackle the street outside your own house and don’t have enough room in your brown bin, you can arrange for the Council to pick up any filled bags! To organise a collection, please drop a line to Alison Wood.

BBC’s The Travelling Auctioneers Want You!

Is your home overflowing with unwanted antiques, heirlooms, or collectables? Would you like to turn that clutter into cash—or do you have treasures that need a little restoration before heading off to auction?

BBC’s hit TV show The Travelling Auctioneers (produced by STV Studios) is back on the road and looking for people to take part in their upcoming series! To apply, visit stvstudios.com/take-part or send a message on WhatsApp to 07342 393 786 to request an application form by end of next week (07 August).

Grange Road Area Roadworks (Aug 10th – Sept 16th)

Just a heads-up for drivers and commuters. Scottish Power will be installing a new duct in the Grange Road area starting Monday, 10th August through Wednesday, 16th September 2026. Expect road closures and temporary waiting restrictions. Emergency access will be maintained, and local diversions will be signposted.

Marchmont Music at Festival Time

The Grange Association is once again supporting ‘Marchmont Music’, a wonderful Edinburgh Festival Fringe concert series organised by Blackford & Grange Church (formerly Marchmont St Giles).

Enjoy 10 concerts showcasing talented young musicians on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 2:30pm (running from 8th August to 29th August). Admission is free, with a retiral collection at the end of each concert—100% of proceeds go directly to the performers!

Summary of previous news:

Southside / Newington By-Election will take place on 03 September.
Want a pedestrian crossing? Point to the map here.
Edinburgh Partnership published what they’ve been getting up to recently.
Community Municipal Investment (a way for local people to invest in teh city for as little as £5 or £10) launches in September.

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.

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What to See & Do

Tuesday 4th August, 12:00pm – 3:00pm: Festival by the Burn at Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park (Meet at the Dip). Face painting, silent disco, pond dipping, hot food & nature wellbeing. Email Ruth for more info.
Tuesday 4th August, 1:00pm – 3:30pm: Nature Paints & Pigments Workshop at Craigmillar Castle Park Play Area. Join local artist Sarah Gettins. Email for more info.
Saturdays, Tuesdays & Thursdays (8th – 29th August), 2:30pm: ‘Marchmont Music’ Concert Series at Blackford & Grange Church (formerly Marchmont St Giles). A series of 10 concerts showcasing young musicians. Admission is free with a retiral collection supporting the performers. Organised in partnership with Blackford & Grange Church / The Grange Association. More info here.
Wednesday 12th August, 6:00pm – 8:30pm: Pakora Masterclass at Bridgend Farmhouse.
Saturday 16th August 10:30am - 11:15am: Local Advice Surgery at Sainsbury’s, Cameron Toll. Drop in to ask advice on any issues you are facing, such as schools, housing, health, green spaces, or policing. No appointment required. Hosted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Edinburgh Southern).
Tuesday 18th August, 10:00am – 1:00pm: Voter Registration Drop-in Newington Library. Need help getting election-ready? Drop in to register to vote, apply for a postal or proxy vote, or get expert electoral registration advice ahead of the upcoming Southside/Newington By-Election on Thursday, 3rd September. No appointment needed!
Wednesday 19th August, 10:30am – 12:00pm: Bingham Foraging at Bingham Community Centre. Make wild teas, remedies, and nibbles. Email for more info.
Wednesday 19th August, 2:00pm – 3:00pm: Gracemount Foraging at Gracemount Drive (opp. Tesco Express). Learn to make wild preparations. Email for more info.
Wednesday 19th August, 5:30pm – 6:30pm: Djembe Drumming Workshop at Bridgend Farmhouse. Learn traditional African rhythms with Majk Stokes (£5).
Monday 24 August, 6pm: An Evening with Author Sara Sheridan at Newington Library. Meet the bestselling author of The Fair Botanist and The Jewel Keepers as she chats about her work and reveals the fascinating secrets she discovered during exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Edinburgh Castle while researching her latest novel. Perfect for book lovers! Book tickets by contacting the library or via Eventbrite.
Friday 28th August, 5:30pm – 7:30pm: Campfire Songs at Bridgend Farmhouse. Irish & Scottish classic singalongs led by Henry Wilson (by donation). The Food Shack will be serving Egyptian burgers, pakora, and veggie options!

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

Want to get involved in your community?

Grange Prestonfield Community Council

The Grange Prestonfield Community Council (GPCC) stands as your officially recognised neighbourhood voice to our elected Councillors and the City Council. Put simply: if local residents don’t speak up, our community won’t be heard.

We are currently short on numbers and actively looking for local residents to join us as members. No prior experience is needed—just an interest in making our neighbourhood a better place to live!

How you can make a difference:

Local Planning: Help us review and assess local planning applications and developments.
Big City Projects: Shape our community’s response to major developments like City Plan 2040, the Edinburgh Tram extension, and the South Suburban Rail Line.
Roads & Safety: Champion much-needed road and pavement repairs and press for better road safety.
Community Connections: Strengthen ties with other local groups and help maintain our website and newsletter.
City Chambers Representation: Ensure the true needs of our streets are delivered straight to city decision-makers.

If you’d like to get involved or just learn a bit more, drop an email to our Secretary an email and we’ll arrange a friendly, informal chat!

Could You Be Our Next Newsletter Editor?

Do you enjoy keeping up with local news, events, and neighbourhood updates? We’re looking for a new Newsletter Editor to take over the reins this autumn (October/November)!

Our current editor is stepping down after the autumn issue, and we’d love someone to keep this vital community update running smoothly. It’s a fantastic, flexible volunteer role that lets you stay in the loop with local goings-on, practice your editing skills, and help keep thousands of neighbours informed.

Full hand-over support and guidance will be provided. If you’re interested in taking on the newsletter (or sharing the role with a friend!), please get in touch here.

Spotlighting Braid Scouts

We’d like to highlight the fantastic work of Braid Scouts, a registered charity supporting scouting across South Edinburgh (including the Grange and Prestonfield).

Across 16 Scout Groups, 6 Explorer Units, and a Scout Network section, Braid Scouts supports nearly 1,300 young people aged 4–25. This incredible operation is powered by around 400 adult volunteers (aged 18 to 90+) and 100 young leaders! Locally, they operate out of Trinity Mayfield, Trinity Priestfield, and Reid Memorial church halls, as well as nearby venues.

Through a progressive award scheme, Braid Scouts helps young people develop physically, socially, and spiritually through “learning by doing.”

How you can help support them:

Volunteering: With busy work and family schedules, volunteer numbers are under pressure. Advocating for volunteer recognition (like employer time-off or travel perks) makes a huge difference.
Community Halls: With Church of Scotland venue changes, securing large, affordable meeting spaces for older sections (Cubs, Scouts, Explorers) is an ongoing challenge.
Cost Support: Operational costs are rising while traditional fundraising is tougher. Supporting local community groups helps keep youth programmes accessible to all.

To learn more about their work, visit scouts.org.uk.

Thank you for reading. As of publishing, we have 293 subscribers for an area that serves over 16,000 people. Do you know someone - resident, neighbour, family member or friend in the area - who would get value from these updates? Share The Grange Prestonfield Voice by clicking the green button below.