Ross McKenzie
@rosssmckenzie.bsky.social
Independent councillor for Gorgie-Dalry, Whitson, Stenhouse, Saughton Mains, Broomhouse, Sighthill, Parkhead, Longstone and a wee bit of Kingsknowe.
The average cost of building an 'affordable' home in Edinburgh is now over £254k. This is an increase of £100k since 2018/19.
November 15, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The average cost of building an 'affordable' home in Edinburgh is now over £254k. This is an increase of £100k since 2018/19.
Reposted by Ross McKenzie
The thread about Argyle House; “preposterously large and a potential rival to the Castle rock”
Brutalist buildings are the Marmite of architecture - passionately loved or loathed - and one in Edinburgh was much in the news yesterday when it was announced that plans had been lodged for the…
Brutalist buildings are the Marmite of architecture - passionately loved or loathed - and one in Edinburgh was much in the news yesterday when it was announced that plans had been lodged for the…
The thread about Argyle House; “preposterously large and a potential rival to the Castle rock”
Brutalist buildings are the Marmite of architecture - passionately loved or loathed - and one in Edinburgh was much in the news yesterday when it was announced that plans had been lodged for the demolition and replacement of Argyle House. But while other news sources make much click capital out of it having briefly appeared in some Netflix police show or another, here at Threadinburgh I prefer to get down to the nitty-gritty of the how, why and what of this much critiqued building. And just what it has to do with the Lyceum Theatre, Dalgety Bay and the Water of Leith Walkway...
threadinburgh.scot
November 13, 2025 at 6:46 AM
The thread about Argyle House; “preposterously large and a potential rival to the Castle rock”
Brutalist buildings are the Marmite of architecture - passionately loved or loathed - and one in Edinburgh was much in the news yesterday when it was announced that plans had been lodged for the…
Brutalist buildings are the Marmite of architecture - passionately loved or loathed - and one in Edinburgh was much in the news yesterday when it was announced that plans had been lodged for the…
I've signed this @sutrscotland.bsky.social petition calling on the Council to remove flags from lamp posts on Calder Road
Constituents have reached out to express concern that flags are inspired by ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ which seeks to intimidate migrants
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Constituents have reached out to express concern that flags are inspired by ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ which seeks to intimidate migrants
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Sign the Petition
Take Down The Flags - No Place For Racism in Edinburgh
www.change.org
October 8, 2025 at 1:52 PM
I've signed this @sutrscotland.bsky.social petition calling on the Council to remove flags from lamp posts on Calder Road
Constituents have reached out to express concern that flags are inspired by ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ which seeks to intimidate migrants
1/4
Constituents have reached out to express concern that flags are inspired by ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ which seeks to intimidate migrants
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Reposted by Ross McKenzie
It's alarming how many people need to hear this: racism is not the natural and inevitable response to the presence of (the wrong number of) racialised Others. It is a learned response, and as such it is contestable and replaceable.
This is anti-racism 101. Entry level stuff.
This is anti-racism 101. Entry level stuff.
This is first time I’ve heard the govt making the Labour argument for controlling immigration.
Mahmood argues that controlling our borders is good for race relations, because uncontrolled immigration is feeding far right rhetoric and tensions.
Expect to hear a lot more of that.
Mahmood argues that controlling our borders is good for race relations, because uncontrolled immigration is feeding far right rhetoric and tensions.
Expect to hear a lot more of that.
September 24, 2025 at 8:29 AM
It's alarming how many people need to hear this: racism is not the natural and inevitable response to the presence of (the wrong number of) racialised Others. It is a learned response, and as such it is contestable and replaceable.
This is anti-racism 101. Entry level stuff.
This is anti-racism 101. Entry level stuff.
Over the past decade, Gorgie-Dalry has seen nothing but Purpose Built Student Accommodation coming through planning. Now they want to build Purpose Built AirBnB.
I have objected and I am asking the committee to protect this land for housing.
I have objected and I am asking the committee to protect this land for housing.
Edinburgh planning officer recommends plans for 28 short-term let apartments to be granted
Independent councillor Ross McKenzie believes the entire site should be turned into housing which could be offered to locals at affordable levels.
www.edinburghlive.co.uk
August 1, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Over the past decade, Gorgie-Dalry has seen nothing but Purpose Built Student Accommodation coming through planning. Now they want to build Purpose Built AirBnB.
I have objected and I am asking the committee to protect this land for housing.
I have objected and I am asking the committee to protect this land for housing.
"Politics should be about empowerment. Instead, people are shut out of the decisions that affect their daily lives. For too long, top-down political parties have patronised their members and disempowered the communities they claim to represent."
For too long, people have been denied a real political choice.
Not anymore.
My piece for the Guardian on the extraordinary response to www.yourparty.uk
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Not anymore.
My piece for the Guardian on the extraordinary response to www.yourparty.uk
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This Labour government has failed. People want real transformative politics – we will give it to them | Jeremy Corbyn
More than 500,000 people have signed up to our new party to help build a genuine alternative to poverty, inequality and war, says former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
www.theguardian.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:47 AM
"Politics should be about empowerment. Instead, people are shut out of the decisions that affect their daily lives. For too long, top-down political parties have patronised their members and disempowered the communities they claim to represent."
5 year plan for stepping stone cllr:
3 years (very part-time) cllr inc. 1 year as Transport Convener.
1 year in selection and election campaign mode.
1 year as dual MSP/cllr
Public ££££££ on top of high paid banking job.
Public served?
3 years (very part-time) cllr inc. 1 year as Transport Convener.
1 year in selection and election campaign mode.
1 year as dual MSP/cllr
Public ££££££ on top of high paid banking job.
Public served?
Edinburgh transport convener bids to stand for Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh council's Labour transport convener Stephen Jenkinson is bidding to stand for election to the Scottish Parliament.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
July 27, 2025 at 9:10 AM
5 year plan for stepping stone cllr:
3 years (very part-time) cllr inc. 1 year as Transport Convener.
1 year in selection and election campaign mode.
1 year as dual MSP/cllr
Public ££££££ on top of high paid banking job.
Public served?
3 years (very part-time) cllr inc. 1 year as Transport Convener.
1 year in selection and election campaign mode.
1 year as dual MSP/cllr
Public ££££££ on top of high paid banking job.
Public served?
The good news here is that the resurfacing of the Caledonians and Orwells will include significant improvements to pavements. Too often, the council resurfaces roads without doing anything for pedestrians and wheelchair users.
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Edinburgh business could be forced to move as streets set to close for five months
The shop has run in Dalry since 1956, but businessowner Alan Wallace says that he's thought of leaving Dalry over the project the roadworks are a part of
www.edinburghlive.co.uk
July 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The good news here is that the resurfacing of the Caledonians and Orwells will include significant improvements to pavements. Too often, the council resurfaces roads without doing anything for pedestrians and wheelchair users.
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Incredible effort from the new Gardening Club at Gate 55. They’ve just been going for a few weeks and have already had a massive impact.
Gate 55 (Sighthill Library and Community Centre) has been run down by the Council over many years now, but I felt real hope for its future seeing this tonight.
Gate 55 (Sighthill Library and Community Centre) has been run down by the Council over many years now, but I felt real hope for its future seeing this tonight.
July 2, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Incredible effort from the new Gardening Club at Gate 55. They’ve just been going for a few weeks and have already had a massive impact.
Gate 55 (Sighthill Library and Community Centre) has been run down by the Council over many years now, but I felt real hope for its future seeing this tonight.
Gate 55 (Sighthill Library and Community Centre) has been run down by the Council over many years now, but I felt real hope for its future seeing this tonight.
Saughton Mains residents will assemble at the Busy Bee at 2pm Thursday July 10th to demand that this mess gets cleaned up.
The leaseholders, Mitchells & Butlers, made over £300m in profit last year - it would be spare change for them to sort this space out and give something back to the community.
The leaseholders, Mitchells & Butlers, made over £300m in profit last year - it would be spare change for them to sort this space out and give something back to the community.
Residents demand action over old pub left to deteriorate for a decade
Residents angry about a former Edinburgh pub left to deteriorate for the past decade are to hold a protest at the site.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
July 1, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Saughton Mains residents will assemble at the Busy Bee at 2pm Thursday July 10th to demand that this mess gets cleaned up.
The leaseholders, Mitchells & Butlers, made over £300m in profit last year - it would be spare change for them to sort this space out and give something back to the community.
The leaseholders, Mitchells & Butlers, made over £300m in profit last year - it would be spare change for them to sort this space out and give something back to the community.
Phone box at White Park also removed!
June 30, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Phone box at White Park also removed!
I'm delighted to see the phone boxes finally removed from outside Dalry Road Co-op 🎉
Now we a need a mural, some benches and some planters to make this a space that people can enjoy spending time in.🌼🌸
Now we a need a mural, some benches and some planters to make this a space that people can enjoy spending time in.🌼🌸
June 30, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I'm delighted to see the phone boxes finally removed from outside Dalry Road Co-op 🎉
Now we a need a mural, some benches and some planters to make this a space that people can enjoy spending time in.🌼🌸
Now we a need a mural, some benches and some planters to make this a space that people can enjoy spending time in.🌼🌸
UDI for SWS09C & SWC09D
Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart (Edinburgh) by-election results by polling district, strongest area by party:
Lab, SNP, RUK: Slateford
LD: Easter Craiglockhart
Grn, Other Inds (x4): Fountainbridge
Con, Ind Wilkinson: Craiglockhart
Lab, SNP, RUK: Slateford
LD: Easter Craiglockhart
Grn, Other Inds (x4): Fountainbridge
Con, Ind Wilkinson: Craiglockhart
June 27, 2025 at 1:07 AM
UDI for SWS09C & SWC09D
Edinburgh's Labour Council Leader had written a gushing article about GDP growth that doesn't mention inequality, poverty or wages.
Even the Blairites weren't this detached from the Party's roots.
Even the Blairites weren't this detached from the Party's roots.
Edinburgh GDP surpasses London for first time
Edinburgh has long been Scotland’s economic powerhouse and we’re now ahead of London for the first time.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
June 25, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Edinburgh's Labour Council Leader had written a gushing article about GDP growth that doesn't mention inequality, poverty or wages.
Even the Blairites weren't this detached from the Party's roots.
Even the Blairites weren't this detached from the Party's roots.
From the 2022 Edinburgh Labour manifesto.
3 years in 'power' later, and *nothing* has been done.
The Labour candidate for Thursday's by-election lets out multiple city centre properties.
If you are a tenant in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart, please don't trust Labour to represent your interests
3 years in 'power' later, and *nothing* has been done.
The Labour candidate for Thursday's by-election lets out multiple city centre properties.
If you are a tenant in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart, please don't trust Labour to represent your interests
June 24, 2025 at 9:16 PM
From the 2022 Edinburgh Labour manifesto.
3 years in 'power' later, and *nothing* has been done.
The Labour candidate for Thursday's by-election lets out multiple city centre properties.
If you are a tenant in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart, please don't trust Labour to represent your interests
3 years in 'power' later, and *nothing* has been done.
The Labour candidate for Thursday's by-election lets out multiple city centre properties.
If you are a tenant in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart, please don't trust Labour to represent your interests
Look at the state of this.
How many other dodgy landlords are out there receiving public money?
Post-Covid, landlord enforcement has been so lax that we have no idea.
How many other dodgy landlords are out there receiving public money?
Post-Covid, landlord enforcement has been so lax that we have no idea.
Edinburgh Council blasted over 'extremely concerning' £8m deal with convicted landlord
William Lennie pled guilty to unregistered letting and unlicensed HMOs in 2010, and says he has other past housing-related convictions
www.edinburghlive.co.uk
June 22, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Look at the state of this.
How many other dodgy landlords are out there receiving public money?
Post-Covid, landlord enforcement has been so lax that we have no idea.
How many other dodgy landlords are out there receiving public money?
Post-Covid, landlord enforcement has been so lax that we have no idea.
2 more student blocks in Gorgie-Dalry were approved at committee today - Murrayfield Sports Bar on Westfield Road and WASPS Artists' Studios on West Park Place.
June 11, 2025 at 1:45 PM
2 more student blocks in Gorgie-Dalry were approved at committee today - Murrayfield Sports Bar on Westfield Road and WASPS Artists' Studios on West Park Place.
Reposted by Ross McKenzie
Granted it's Edinburgh leisure and not the council proper, but with some Google, rough maths and educated guesses, the six municipal golf courses run a deficit of over £2.2 million for less than 3000 members who are 90% male and mostly over 65.
June 10, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Granted it's Edinburgh leisure and not the council proper, but with some Google, rough maths and educated guesses, the six municipal golf courses run a deficit of over £2.2 million for less than 3000 members who are 90% male and mostly over 65.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) 6.30pm at St Bride's👇
Public Meeting to Launch 'Friends of Dalry Community Park':
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
June 10, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Tomorrow (Wednesday) 6.30pm at St Bride's👇
Reposted by Ross McKenzie
This Wednesday!
Join in to help keep this incredible park in tip top shape
Join in to help keep this incredible park in tip top shape
Public Meeting to Launch 'Friends of Dalry Community Park':
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
June 7, 2025 at 11:14 AM
This Wednesday!
Join in to help keep this incredible park in tip top shape
Join in to help keep this incredible park in tip top shape
Led by Lib Dems and obedient to council officers, the self-serving Edinburgh Labour group of 2025 is completely devoid of political purpose.
They should look back at those who came before them and ask themselves what the hell they are doing this for.
www.conter.scot/2021/8/24/re...
They should look back at those who came before them and ask themselves what the hell they are doing this for.
www.conter.scot/2021/8/24/re...
June 7, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Led by Lib Dems and obedient to council officers, the self-serving Edinburgh Labour group of 2025 is completely devoid of political purpose.
They should look back at those who came before them and ask themselves what the hell they are doing this for.
www.conter.scot/2021/8/24/re...
They should look back at those who came before them and ask themselves what the hell they are doing this for.
www.conter.scot/2021/8/24/re...
Reposted by Ross McKenzie
This was incredibly disappointing 🙅♂️
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
NEW: Labour councillors joined Tories to vote AGAINST prohibiting arms manufacturers from using public parks in Edinburgh to test equipment
It comes after Leonardo tested its equipment in the Braid Hills area last year, prompting public anger
www.thenational.scot/news/2521857...
It comes after Leonardo tested its equipment in the Braid Hills area last year, prompting public anger
www.thenational.scot/news/2521857...
Labour councillors vote in favour of arms firms using public parks for testing
LABOUR and Conservative councillors have voted against prohibiting arms manufacturers from using public parks in Edinburgh to test their equipment…
www.thenational.scot
June 5, 2025 at 8:08 PM
This was incredibly disappointing 🙅♂️
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
In speaking, I mentioned the inspirational actions of Labour Cllrs in 1986 when opposing apartheid in South Africa ✊
How far Labour has fallen that, now, in the face of a genocide, they refuse to use their power to oppose arms companies testing on Council land 🥀
Reposted by Ross McKenzie
Just outside our community council boundary, but a great park nonetheless. If you use this space consider joining the Friends group!
Public Meeting to Launch 'Friends of Dalry Community Park':
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
June 6, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Just outside our community council boundary, but a great park nonetheless. If you use this space consider joining the Friends group!
Last week the Transport & Environment Committee agreed to allocate "£50k-£100k" to my request for road safety improvement on Broomhouse Crescent.
Based on communication I have received from residents, I have asked officers to look at 2 specific areas 👇
Based on communication I have received from residents, I have asked officers to look at 2 specific areas 👇
May 31, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Last week the Transport & Environment Committee agreed to allocate "£50k-£100k" to my request for road safety improvement on Broomhouse Crescent.
Based on communication I have received from residents, I have asked officers to look at 2 specific areas 👇
Based on communication I have received from residents, I have asked officers to look at 2 specific areas 👇
Public Meeting to Launch 'Friends of Dalry Community Park':
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
May 29, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Public Meeting to Launch 'Friends of Dalry Community Park':
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.
Wednesday June 11th 6.30pm - 8pm at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace.