Welcome to your September update! As autumn begins to roll in and the summer buzz settles down, there is plenty happening right on our doorstep this month.
We’ve got crucial updates on local youth-led planning for Craigmillar, major road and cable works to keep on your radar, community safety tips, and a fantastic lineup of outdoor events—from archaeological digs to culture days and cycling showcases.
Grab a cup of tea and catch up on what's happening in your neighbourhood.
What to Know About
Neighborhood Planning & Voice
Youth-Led Local Place Plan Open for Comment: Some of our local kids and teenagers (working alongside organizations like Lyra and The Venchie) have put together a draft Local Place Plan to help shape local development, green spaces, and transport through 2040. The official window to give feedback runs from 31 August to 28 September 2026. Check out the draft here, and send your thoughts over to james@lyra.co.uk.
Roads & Travel
Major Cable Works Moving Through Our Streets: Scottish Power Energy Networks is carrying out big transmission cable updates across the area. Works on Relugas Road will run for about a month before shifting over to Lauder Road, South Lauder Road, and Dick Place. Works around Grange Road and Blackford Road wrap up around 4 September 2026, with Kilgraston Road expected to finish up by 18 September 2026. Watch out for temporary traffic lights and rolling junction closures!
Faded Road Markings on the A701: Liberton & District Community Council pushed the Council for urgent repainting along the A701 corridor (from Howden Hall Road up through Liberton Brae and Minto Street). While the Council mentioned budget limits mean full citywide fixes will take time, Minto Street, Craigmillar Park, and sections of Liberton Brae are officially on the 2026/27 resurfacing schedule. Need to report a pothole or worn street marking near you? Log it quickly on FixMyStreet or via the Council’s Road Reporting Tool.
Community Safety & Wellbeing
First Aid & Local Defibrillator Map: A local training team, Brity First Aid, put together a really handy free map showing where all the nearest public defibrillators are across Grange and Prestonfield, along with local NHS and dental clinics. Bookmark the Grange Prestonfield First Aid Page just in case!
Government Consultations & Policy Updates
Five Scottish Government Consultations: Have your say on proposed updates to SSSC Registration Requirements (closes 24 Sept 2026), NRS Registration Fees (closes 04 Oct 2026), Scottish Building Safety Levy (closes 09 Oct 2026), Legal Aid Reform (closes 13 Oct 2026), and Passivhaus Building Regulations (closes 16 Oct 2026).
Proposed ‘Mansion Tax’ Bands: The Scottish Government recently gathered input on creating two new higher Council Tax bands (Bands I & J) for properties valued over £1 million. Catch up on the details via the High-Value Property Bands Consultation Paper.
Around the Neighborhood
Weed Control Support for Streets: Council weed control is now done without chemicals, meaning manual clearing takes a bit longer. If you and your neighbours want to tidy up your street’s pavements, the Council will lend basic tools and arrange a free green waste pickup—just drop a line to waste@edinburgh.gov.uk or read the CEC Weed Control Policy.
Passenger Trains on the ‘South Sub’?: Transport Scotland and Network Rail are officially kicking off a feasibility study to see if passenger tram-trains could return to the Edinburgh South Suburban railway line.
Doorstep Crime & Cold Caller Reminders: Police Scotland shared a friendly reminder to stay cautious with unexpected visitors. Stick to recommended contractors via the Edinburgh Trusted Trader Scheme, keep doors on a chain when checking credentials, and read up on safety tips at Police Scotland Scams Advice.
Navigating Town Diversions: Need help planning routes across the city during ongoing transport changes? Check out the Council’s travel guidance at the CEC Plan Your Journey Page or download their Getting Around Town Toolkit.
Local Heritage & Architecture
Princes Street & Waverley Strategy: The Council released feedback from its recent visioning workshop for Princes Street and the Waverley Valley corridor, ahead of a formal planning committee report later this year.
BuildEdinburgh Online Journal: Retired freelance journalist Mike Wilson publishes weekly weekend reads exploring Edinburgh’s architecture, streetscapes, and design at BuildEdinburgh.com.
Don’t forget to get out a vote in the Southside / Newington by-election taking place on Thursday 03 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.
What to See & Do
Every Tuesday from 1 September, 12:30pm - (Blackford and Grange Church). Butterflies Plus is back! Join in for a fresh, homemade two-course lunch every Tuesday from £10. The menu changes weekly, with a sweet dessert treat served on the fourth week of every month. Organised by Blackford and Grange Church.
Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 September, 10:00am - 3:00pm - (Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park). Fancy a bit of digging? Join these hands-on archaeology workshops to help unearth the old Broken Bridge settlement near Lasswade Road. Drop a line to angus@elgt.org.uk to sign up.
Tuesday 15 September, 11:00am - 3:00pm - (North Edinburgh Arts). Cycling UK Showcase Event featuring inspiring active travel talks, cargo bike test rides, group walks/rides, and a free lunch. Register online here.
Saturday 19 September, 12:30pm - 3:00pm - (Craigmillar Castle Park Play Area). Bring the family along for Culture Family Day—a grand afternoon of outdoor crafts and activities. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk for info.
Tuesday 22 September, 10:00am - 12:00pm - (Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre). Women’s North Edinburgh Cycling Group social ride. Email emily@elgt.org.uk for details.
Tuesday 22 September, 12:00pm - 1:00pm - (Institute of Regeneration Repair North, Little France Park). Take a gentle lunchtime guided Nature Walk through the park. Contact elly@elgt.org.uk for more info.
Saturday 26 September (Tours, Autumn Fair, Apple Pressing & AGM) & Sunday 27 September (Tours Only) - (Bridgend Farmhouse). Open Doors Day Weekend! Drop by for historic tours, local crafts, fresh produce, and apple pressing.
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.
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That's everything for this month! Hope to see you out and about at some of the autumn fairs and guided walks. Take care on the roads around the cable works, look out for your neighbours, and have a lovely September ahead.