May 2026: Issue 6
What's going on in the Grange Prestonfield communities in May 2026
Hello May! Spring has well and truly arrived, and with the change in season comes a fresh wave of community energy. From the historic victory of saving the former Lads’ Institute to the exciting Grange Fair celebrating it’s 10th year, there is a lot of momentum in the air this month.
In this edition, we’re looking at how you can help shape the future of local funding, where to find our newest community solar projects, and how a few spare hours of your time can keep this positive ripple effect going. Whether you’re reading this in the garden or on your morning commute, thanks for staying connected with us!
What to Know About
A landmark building has been saved! The former Causewayside Lads’ Institute at Ratcliffe Terrace has now been granted Category C listed building status, recognising not just its exterior, but the story held within its walls. This result is a shining example of what happens when a community speaks up and it’s proof that engaging in the planning process really does make a difference. A huge thank you to everyone who spoke up - GPCC was proud to play our part in this success! You can read more about it here.
Community Grants Fund is a vital lifeline, offering up to £5,000 to local groups for everything from community gardens to neighborhood events. Right now, the Council is redesigning how this money is awarded, and they need your help to choose the best path forward. After a year of consulting with experts and volunteers, three new funding models are on the table. The goal? To make the process simpler, fairer, and more community-led. Share your feedback here by 04 May to ensure the fund is easy to access and creates real impact in Edinburgh.
Local Plan Plan for Southside Edinburgh: Our neighbours at the Southside Community Council are hard at work developing a Local Place Plan (LPP)—and they want to hear from you! An LPP is a powerful, community-led document that, once registered, must be taken into account by the City of Edinburgh Council when making planning decisions. This is our chance to influence how housing, streets, and community spaces look as we head toward 2040. Since the Southside borders our own neighbourhood, their plans will directly affect us, too. Here is how you can get involved:
Take the Survey: Share your thoughts on local amenities and housing in a short, 10-minute online survey.
Pin the Map: Use their interactive map to leave comments on specific locations that matter to you.
Join the Workshop: There is one final community workshop on Saturday 9 May (1–3 PM) at the Southside Community Centre. Register here.
Edinburgh Community Solar Cooperative (ECSC): Did you know you can own a piece of Edinburgh’s clean energy future? The ECSC is entering its third phase, adding 12 new solar installations to the 30 already soaking up the sun on our public buildings. You can invest in share capital and receive an annual return over 20 years. Surplus funds go into a community benefit pot—over £20,000 was distributed to local projects last year! The 2026 funding round for community projects is due to open around now. You can find out more here.
Parking Update: Zone S8 (Grange & Blackford): The “long saga” of the proposed parking restrictions continues. We reached out to Cllr. Steve Burgess for an update following last year’s consultation. While there isn’t a definitive date yet, the feedback is expected to go before the Council Committee this summer - possibly as early as 2 June. Once that meeting happens, a final decision on implementation will be made. We’ll keep you posted!
A few safety things to keep in mind from Police Scotland:
Summary of previous news:
Cameron Toll Updates: 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.
Updated roadworks announched: A major highlight is the full resurfacing of Craigmillar Park in preparation for the Tour de France arriving on 2 July 2027.
Other spots set for a spruce-up include McLaren Road, Ventnor Terrace, Strathfillan Road, Seton Place, Clearburn Crescent, Suffolk Road, Ratcliffe Terrace, Grange Crescent, and several others in the Mayfield and Savile Road area.
Stay updated via the GPCC website, which has had a bit of a refresh in content. You’ll find some new sub-links for hot topics such as Cameron Toll Redevelopment, Southside Local Place Plan, and Responding to a Planning Application. As always, you’ll find rolling news, the CEC Consultation Hub, and the latest from the Planning, Transport, and Culture committees as well. You can also review our draft April minutes here.
What to See & Do
Saturday 02 May at 10am: Come along and enjoy a coffee/ tea and some home baking at Newington Trinity Cafe Time at our Priestfield Building (2 Marchhall Pl, EH16 5HW). Every first Saturday of the month from 10am. Each Cafe Time supports a different charity.
Saturday 02 May from 11:30-2pm: Ever wanted to try bowls before? Now is your chance at Whitehouse & Grange Bowling Club. No previous experience require. They provide bowls & coaching. Just bring flat shoes (trainers). If 02 May doesn’t work, they’re also offering 07, 14 and 16 May as Try Bowls days as well.
Thursday 07 May from 1:30 - 3:30pm: Learn the dos and don’ts when it comes to digital frauds & scams at Newington Trinity Prestonfield. If you have questions, come along and ask!
Saturday 09 May from 1-4:30pm: It’s time for the 10th Grange Fair! Come along to Newington Library/Fountainhall Road. Entrance is free with stalls, children’s activities and entertainment. Any proceeds are donated to local charities. There will be something for everyone - entertainment, stalls, fun and games! All welcome! this is a fun community event and we hope to see you there.
Saturday 09 May from 1–3pm: Come chat, share ideas, and shape the future of Edinburgh Southside at the Southside Community Centre. Organised by Southside Community Council, this workshop will bring together residents, students, businesses and community members to discuss how Southside should evolve over the next decade. What’s working in Southside and what could be better? Join us and your community to share ideas and help shape the Local Place Plan. The outcomes of the workshop will inform Edinburgh’s City Plan for next 10 years. During the session we will explore topics such as:
Housing and student accommodation
Getting around the neighbourhood
Green spaces and public areas
Local amenities, cafés and community spaces
And any other themes that the community cares about
Thursday 14 May from 1:30 - 3:30pm: Learn the dos and don’ts when it comes to digital frauds & scams at Newington Trinity Prestonfield. If you have questions, come along and ask!
Thursday 21 May from 2:30 - 4pm: Ever had questions about a Power of Attorney (POA)? Come along to Morningside United Church to learn more about what you might need to get figured out ASAP.
Monday 25 May 2-3:30pm:
Did we miss an event? Let us know for our next issue here.
Want to get involved in your community?
Grange Prestonfield Community Council
“Hi everyone, Cori here! I joined GPCC a year ago because I wanted to see real, actionable change in our neighbourhood. Between a full-time job and a toddler under two, I know exactly how precious your time is - believe me, I get it! But that’s the beauty of GPCC: we’re a collective. Whether you have twenty hours a month or just two, every bit of help creates a positive ripple effect across our streets. You don’t need a wide-open schedule to make a big difference.”
Interested? Let’s chat.
Thank you for reading. As of publishing, we have 244 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.
We hope this month’s news leaves you feeling inspired about the power of our local community. Whether it’s filling out a five-minute survey or attending a public meeting, every bit of engagement helps keep our neighbourhood a wonderful place to live.
Don’t forget: the Community Grants Fund survey closes on 4 May, so make sure to have your say before the deadline!
Enjoy the brighter evenings and the May blossom, and we’ll see you next month.