March 2026: Issue 4
What's going on in the Grange Prestonfield communities in March 2026
Welcome to the March edition! There’s a definite 'stretch' in the evenings now, and while the Edinburgh wind might still have a bite, the crocuses and daffodils appearing across the community are a welcome sign that spring is finally winning the battle.
This month, our community calendar is blooming right along with the gardens. Keep reading to see what’s popping up in your neighbourhood!
What to Know About
Consultation on School Ban on Mobile Phones: After successful trial schemes at Portobello and Queensferry High Schools, The Education, Children and Families Committee is considering banning or restricting phone use in all schools. The council is also considering lockable pouches to support restrictions on mobile phone use in secondary schools, and lockable cabinets in primary schools. They know that not everyone feels the same way about this and they would like to know what you think (along with pupils and school staff). We are also asking pupils and school staff and for their views. Have your say here by 02 March 2026. All the feedback you share will help the council reach a decision.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA): SEPA has opened a public consultation, on the theme of ‘Significant Water Management Issues’; issues that are having a significant adverse impact on the condition of the water environment and must be tackled. Share your views with SEPA by 03 March.
Edinburgh Tenants Federation: With Edinburgh’s housing emergency a growing concern, the ETF is hosting a series of vital sessions at the Norton Park Conference Centre (57 Albion Road). These meetings are a chance for local residents to discuss the Council’s Housing Strategy and ensure that tenant voices are heard by those in power. The next one is Tuesday, 10 March (2:30pm – 4:00pm). If you’d like to attend and help shape the conversation, please register by emailing info@edinburghtenants.org.uk or calling 0131 475 2509.
Firework Control Zones: It might feel like we’ve only just cleared the New Year’s sparklers, but the City of Edinburgh Council is already looking toward autumn. If you’re part of a resident group or community space that would like to establish a Firework Control Zone, the deadline to apply is 24 April. These zones help limit firework use in private gardens and communal lands during certain times of the year. If this is something our neighbourhood would benefit from, you can find the application details online.
Stay in the Loop with TellmeScotland: Ever see a notice on a lamp post and wish you could just read it clearly online? TellmeScotland is a brilliant, one-stop portal for all the “official” stuff happening in our area. You can search by postcode to see a map of local planning applications, traffic changes, and licensing notices. It’s completely free to browse—no login required—but you can sign up for alerts if you want the news to come to you.
Safer School Runs: The City of Edinburgh Council has launched a new School Travel Audit and Plan process designed to help schools create bespoke travel strategies. This is a fantastic opportunity to make the daily commute safer for our children. Parent Councils and school staff are specifically invited to get involved and help build these plans from the ground up. To find out how your school can participate, contact Marc Symonds at transport.roadsafety@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Scheme of Delegation: As of February, there have been minor updates to the Chief Planning Officer’s authority to settle planning applications. The Chief Planning Officer’s ‘decision’ on a planning application can be challenged at the Development Management Sub Committee (as before) if there are more than 20 ‘letters of representation’ submitted, each carrying a ‘material consideration’. All planning applications are open to public scrutiny. If you have particular views on planning proposals or applications, please share with GPCC.
Summary of previous news:
Cameron Toll: Following the community consultation on 26 February, the project team is keen to hear how this fits into your vision for the neighborhood. You can dive into the proposed plan here and share your thoughts via the feedback form here. Your input is vital in making sure our future transport links work for everyone.
Save Reid Memorial: With the future of this community hub at risk after 2026, GPCC is seeking “blank page” ideas—such as community buyouts—to safeguard the space for local groups.
Astley Ainslie Success: The community’s Local Place Plan was officially registered on January 21st, ensuring local priorities like green space are now a formal part of Edinburgh’s planning process.
Bruntsfield & Sciennes Initiative: A local group, ‘Banzai,’ is leading a new planning initiative; residents are invited to take their survey and attend ‘People’s Assemblies’ on 28 Feb and 28 Mar.
Shape Our Local Plan: GPCC wants your ideas for “lifting” local spaces, improving road safety, or enhancing mobility to include in our own Local Place Plan.
Voi E-Bikes: As the scheme expands, please report abandoned bikes to the Council and notify GPCC of any persistent misuse or obstructed pavements.
Traffic Improvements: GPCC has submitted formal improvement plans for the Dalkeith Road/East Mayfield and Kilgraston Road/Grange Loan junctions.
Road Safety Checks: Residents’ concerns have prompted GPCC to request Council safety analysis for Blacket Avenue, Queen’s Crescent, and Prestonfield Avenue in Q2.
Conservation Research: Support an SRUC student’s honours project by completing a brief survey on the successes and challenges of community-led conservation.
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 February 2026 draft minutes here.
What to See & Do
Friday 06 March 1-3pm - Winter Bike Ride with Bridgend Farmhouse. Enjoy a relaxed, social bike ride this winter with our guided community rides. These rides are designed to be friendly and accessible for a wide range of abilities. To book, visit here.
Friday 06 March, 2pm – 3pm (Craigmillar Castle Park): Take a moment for yourself at our Nature for Wellbeing session. Enjoy a peaceful hour of mindfulness and movement activities designed to help you connect with your surroundings. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk for more info. Thanks to the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
Saturday 07 March, 11 - 1pm (Bridgend Farmhouse): Slow down and discover the power of combining photography and mindfulness in this creative walk and workshop. No experience needed, take time for yourself and see things anew! Booking is essential. Tickets cost £7.50 to £14.25 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday 07 March, 2 - 3pm (Bridgend Farmhouse): Join instructor Majk Stokes for a fun African drumming workshop where you’ll explore rhythms, try new techniques, and jam with others. Beginners and experienced drummers welcome! You’ll have the opportunity to try out different drums, learn new techniques and new rhythms, and jam with fellow participants. Beginners and experienced drummers welcome! Cost: £5 per person (plus booking fees). Sign up here.
Saturday 07 March, 2pm – 3pm (Craigmillar Castle Park): Bring the whole crew to our Family Festival, featuring a special outdoor singing performance from the wonderful Rowanbank Environmental Arts. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk for more info. Thanks to the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
Sunday 08 March, 2-3pm (Bridgend Farmhouse): Build, play and have fun upstairs in the Farmhouse during this very special Lego Sunday session. Bring along your adult and your imagination - no WiFi needed! The café will be open downstairs with more games available, or you can bring your own.
Tuesday 10 March, 1pm – 3pm (Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre): Join our Growing Together Celebration! It’s going to be a lively afternoon with hula hooping, circus skills, live music, and a cozy lunch served outside by the firepit. Contact ruth@elgt.org.uk to book your place. Thanks to the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
Friday 13 March, 11am – 1pm (North Junction Park): Help our local greenery thrive! We’re inviting everyone to join a fun, hands-on Planting Session. Please register [at this link] or contact Jenna@elgt.org.uk for more details. Thanks to the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
Friday 13 March, 2pm – 3pm (Craigmillar Castle Park): Explore Nature as Inspiration during an afternoon of singing and storytelling activities set right in the heart of the park. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk for more info. Thanks to the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
Saturday 14 March, 10am – 1pm (Craigmillar Library): Lend a hand at our Community Tree Planting event. We’ll be building a new nature corner as part of the Niddrie Burn Restoration project. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk to get involved. Thanks to the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
Tuesday 17 March 7pm (St. Catherine’s Argyle Church, Grange Road): Join the Grange Association AGM which will be followed by a talk by Alan Cran on the history of the Convent of Dominican nuns, dedicated to St Catherine of Sienna which existed from 1517 to 1559 and from which we get the name ‘Sciennes’. Doors open at 6:30pm for tea, coffee and biscuits. Please note there is a £5 entry charge for non-members. Thanks to the The Grange Association for sharing this!
Friday 20 March, 2pm – 3pm (Craigmillar Castle Park): Discover Nature as a Teacher. This session combines outdoor learning with a practical conservation activity, perfect for those who want to give back to the park. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk for more info. Thanks to the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
Sunday 22 March 2026, 12 - 2pm (Bridgend Farmhouse): The Circus is coming to Bridgend Farmhouse, with fun for all the family. 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.
Sunday 22 March, 2-3pm (Bridgend Farmhouse): Build, play and have fun upstairs in the Farmhouse during this very special Lego Sunday session. Bring along your adult and your imagination - no WiFi needed! The café will be open downstairs with more games available, or you can bring your own.
Saturday 28 March, 11:00 - 3pm (Bridgend Farmhouse): The spring fair is coming back to Bridgend Farmhouse! Save the date for our spring fair this March!
Sunday 29 March, 1am: Don’t forget to put your clocks forward an hour!
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 officially the “eyes and ears” for South-East Edinburgh. As commissioned by the City Council, we are the direct link between the people of Grange, Blackford, Mayfield, and Prestonfield and the decision-makers at City Chambers.
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.
Friends of Newington Cemetery
Friends of Newington Cemetery are looking for new volunteers! We carry out a variety of tasks from planting bulbs, weeding beds and troughs and wrestling ivy to putting up bird boxes, installing a bug hotel and restoring monuments.
We meet on the third Monday of each month at the cemetery gates at 10am. All ages, abilities and skills welcome!
Astley Ainslie Community Trust
Seeking new trustees! As our work continues to grow, Astley Ainslie Community Trust is seeking new trustees for our dynamic board. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with skills or experience in legal matters, business development, risk management, fundraising, or communications.
You don’t need to have been involved before, just a commitment to the values of community ownership and the future of Astley Ainslie. If you’re interested or would like an informal conversation, please get in touch with Helen Sang.
Thank you for reading. As of publishing, we have 177 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.
As we look toward the end of the month - and the welcome arrival of the clocks turning on the 29th - we hope you find a chance to enjoy that extra hour of daylight. It’s a busy month for our neighbourhood, and we’re incredibly grateful for everyone working to keep our streets safe, green, and connected.
We’re always looking for neighborly stories and local photos to feature, so if you capture a great shot of spring arriving in the Grange or Prestonfield, please do get in touch. Until April, stay warm and keep an eye on those buds!