Simon Holledge
@holledge.bsky.social
Conservationist | Hoffmannist | Scaligero | Tōfuist | Kyotophile | Internationalist | 33 operahouses/48 countries | 老霍 | Born@310 ppm | 🦋🏴🇪🇺🇯🇵🇨🇳🇭🇰 | Pro devolved & empowered local democracy | #SaveEdinburghDemocracy | Profile writer
Reposted by Simon Holledge
BALACLAVA-CLAD DIRT BIKERS on Hume Walk, Calton Hill on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 15.40. They were using both electric & petrol motorbikes to do stunts and cut up the turf. One rider sprayed us with mud. One bike had a number plate, but it was not possible to read it from the video.
November 14, 2025 at 1:34 PM
BALACLAVA-CLAD DIRT BIKERS on Hume Walk, Calton Hill on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 15.40. They were using both electric & petrol motorbikes to do stunts and cut up the turf. One rider sprayed us with mud. One bike had a number plate, but it was not possible to read it from the video.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
We just sued the Trump administration for deciding to trade federally protected wilderness to pave the way for a road through #Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in #Alaska.
The swap exchanged approximately 500 acres of ecologically irreplaceable wilderness lands.
Read on ➡️ https://bit.ly/4nUdzPx
The swap exchanged approximately 500 acres of ecologically irreplaceable wilderness lands.
Read on ➡️ https://bit.ly/4nUdzPx
November 13, 2025 at 7:47 PM
We just sued the Trump administration for deciding to trade federally protected wilderness to pave the way for a road through #Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in #Alaska.
The swap exchanged approximately 500 acres of ecologically irreplaceable wilderness lands.
Read on ➡️ https://bit.ly/4nUdzPx
The swap exchanged approximately 500 acres of ecologically irreplaceable wilderness lands.
Read on ➡️ https://bit.ly/4nUdzPx
"PAUSED FOR THOUGHT" councillors agreed the Princes St strategy lacked "ambition, imagination and vision". @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social will convene "an elected member/officer/stakeholder workshop" to prepare a "more ambitious and exciting strategy". 1/
www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/setback...
www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/setback...
SETBACK OR STEP FORWARD? | Broughton Spurtle
PRINCES STREET & WAVERLEY VALLEY STRATEGY PAUSED FOR THOUGHT The latest version of the Princes St & Waverley Valley Strategy has been put on hold after the Liberal Democrat gr
www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk
November 14, 2025 at 8:18 AM
"PAUSED FOR THOUGHT" councillors agreed the Princes St strategy lacked "ambition, imagination and vision". @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social will convene "an elected member/officer/stakeholder workshop" to prepare a "more ambitious and exciting strategy". 1/
www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/setback...
www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/setback...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Thanks to THAT'S TV and Rachel Kinnear for making available our chair's interview on the EROSION EMERGENCY on 24 September. There was a follow-up interview yesterday (10 November).
November 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Thanks to THAT'S TV and Rachel Kinnear for making available our chair's interview on the EROSION EMERGENCY on 24 September. There was a follow-up interview yesterday (10 November).
Reposted by Simon Holledge
The annual harvest for Michael Fabricant’s hair has just begun in Gloucestershire today.
November 6, 2025 at 10:07 AM
The annual harvest for Michael Fabricant’s hair has just begun in Gloucestershire today.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
VOLUNTEERS still needed: FYI @spurtle.bsky.social @ntbcc.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @scotsman.com @scotnational.bsky.social @stv.news @edinburghwh.bsky.social @turvill.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social
Preparations for COMMUNITY ACTION re-turfing in front of the National Monument, Calton Hill, in reaction to the EROSION EMERGENCY. Wednesday 12 Nov from 11.00: FOUR VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED. Write . Thanks to @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social for help with rotavation etc.
November 8, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Can we please have another Labour Party? This one seems to be broken.
November 5, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Can we please have another Labour Party? This one seems to be broken.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Socialism is what they called public power.
Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
—Harry Truman, 1952
Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
—Harry Truman, 1952
November 7, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Socialism is what they called public power.
Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
—Harry Truman, 1952
Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
—Harry Truman, 1952
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Swifts have declined 70% since 1994.
They fly from Africa to breed here, only to find we've blocked their nest sites.
A £35 swift brick nest box was proposed for all new buildings.
The construction industry lobbied Labour to block it.
Biodiversity sustains life. Labour sustains economic power.
They fly from Africa to breed here, only to find we've blocked their nest sites.
A £35 swift brick nest box was proposed for all new buildings.
The construction industry lobbied Labour to block it.
Biodiversity sustains life. Labour sustains economic power.
November 8, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Swifts have declined 70% since 1994.
They fly from Africa to breed here, only to find we've blocked their nest sites.
A £35 swift brick nest box was proposed for all new buildings.
The construction industry lobbied Labour to block it.
Biodiversity sustains life. Labour sustains economic power.
They fly from Africa to breed here, only to find we've blocked their nest sites.
A £35 swift brick nest box was proposed for all new buildings.
The construction industry lobbied Labour to block it.
Biodiversity sustains life. Labour sustains economic power.
INQUIRER / Sarah McArthur on "What went so right on Bonfire Night?" open.substack.com/pub/edinburg...
What went so right on Bonfire Night?
How months of work culminated in one of the city's quietest 5 November in years
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
INQUIRER / Sarah McArthur on "What went so right on Bonfire Night?" open.substack.com/pub/edinburg...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Tomorrow's front page 📰
Ceasefire violations are 'repeated and deliberate'
Ceasefire violations are 'repeated and deliberate'
November 7, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Tomorrow's front page 📰
Ceasefire violations are 'repeated and deliberate'
Ceasefire violations are 'repeated and deliberate'
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Today three VOLUNTEERS did a test removal of GROUND IVY in Greenside, Calton Hill. We cleared about 50 square metres in two hours. Extensive surface roots — also huge amounts of buried tin, glass and plastic.
November 7, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Today three VOLUNTEERS did a test removal of GROUND IVY in Greenside, Calton Hill. We cleared about 50 square metres in two hours. Extensive surface roots — also huge amounts of buried tin, glass and plastic.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
The Trust have been MAPPING CALTON HILL to show the balance between the historic centre of the hill with its buildings & monuments (surrounded by GRASSLANDS), and the outer slopes with their natural and semi-natural wildlife habitats (SCRUB, 'under-scrub' and WOODLAND). 1/
November 7, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The Trust have been MAPPING CALTON HILL to show the balance between the historic centre of the hill with its buildings & monuments (surrounded by GRASSLANDS), and the outer slopes with their natural and semi-natural wildlife habitats (SCRUB, 'under-scrub' and WOODLAND). 1/
Reposted by Simon Holledge
EXCLUSIVE: Lisa Nandy is facing calls to quit as Sport Secretary after police confirmed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from Villa Park this week because of 'significant levels of hooliganism'
Nandy previously told Parliament the ban was based on fans being Israeli and Jewish
Nandy previously told Parliament the ban was based on fans being Israeli and Jewish
Lisa Nandy 'must quit' as police say Maccabi fans banned for hooliganism
www.thenational.scot
November 7, 2025 at 12:49 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Lisa Nandy is facing calls to quit as Sport Secretary after police confirmed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from Villa Park this week because of 'significant levels of hooliganism'
Nandy previously told Parliament the ban was based on fans being Israeli and Jewish
Nandy previously told Parliament the ban was based on fans being Israeli and Jewish
SMALL MERCIES? “It’s good there is an understanding about what is acceptable and what isn’t acceptable ... There is a desire ... to make sure the gardens is protected, and it doesn’t take so long to bring it back into public usage again.” Cllr Hal Osler
edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
Edinburgh Christmas market expansion plan denied as stalls and attractions refused
The market will still go ahead at last year's scale, as well as the funfair, both of which are covered by an existing planning permission
edinburghlive.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 8:21 PM
SMALL MERCIES? “It’s good there is an understanding about what is acceptable and what isn’t acceptable ... There is a desire ... to make sure the gardens is protected, and it doesn’t take so long to bring it back into public usage again.” Cllr Hal Osler
edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Palestinian national footballer Mohammed Rashid, who has 48 caps for the Palestine national team, has questioned how Israeli teams can still be allowed to compete in world football considering 'its attacks aimed at wiping out Palestinian sports'
November 5, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Palestinian national footballer Mohammed Rashid, who has 48 caps for the Palestine national team, has questioned how Israeli teams can still be allowed to compete in world football considering 'its attacks aimed at wiping out Palestinian sports'
Reposted by Simon Holledge
And then THERE WAS MUD. Unfortunately some areas on Calton Hill have deteriorated further in the past few days. These were until recently grassed. We hope this areas can be reinstated, but they are outside our current returfing project area.
November 5, 2025 at 6:09 PM
And then THERE WAS MUD. Unfortunately some areas on Calton Hill have deteriorated further in the past few days. These were until recently grassed. We hope this areas can be reinstated, but they are outside our current returfing project area.
Reposted by Simon Holledge
Zoological Society repeats call for fireworks ban
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of their baby red panda, Roxie, at Edinburgh Zoo. Since launching its public campaign in 2024,…
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of their baby red panda, Roxie, at Edinburgh Zoo. Since launching its public campaign in 2024,…
Zoological Society repeats call for fireworks ban
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of their baby red panda, Roxie, at Edinburgh Zoo. Since launching its public campaign in 2024, the wildlife conservation charity has worked closely with Police Scotland, local schools and The City of Edinburgh Council to raise awareness of the dangers fireworks pose to animals and people.
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Zoological Society repeats call for fireworks ban
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of their baby red panda, Roxie, at Edinburgh Zoo. Since launching its public campaign in 2024,…
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of their baby red panda, Roxie, at Edinburgh Zoo. Since launching its public campaign in 2024,…
Reposted by Simon Holledge
FYI @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social
@edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghlive.co.uk @scotsman.com @turvill.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social @ntbcc.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @leftwing66.bsky.social
@edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghlive.co.uk @scotsman.com @turvill.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social @ntbcc.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @leftwing66.bsky.social
SIX POLICIES adopted by the Trust on 1 November. POLICY 1: "To Support sustainable VISITOR ACCESS that protects the hill’s unique character and heritage, and ensures it remains an attractive and rewarding destination, both for the sake of the hill itself and the wider tourism economy." 1/
November 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Reposted by Simon Holledge
SIX POLICIES adopted by the Trust on 1 November. POLICY 1: "To Support sustainable VISITOR ACCESS that protects the hill’s unique character and heritage, and ensures it remains an attractive and rewarding destination, both for the sake of the hill itself and the wider tourism economy." 1/
November 4, 2025 at 12:48 PM
SIX POLICIES adopted by the Trust on 1 November. POLICY 1: "To Support sustainable VISITOR ACCESS that protects the hill’s unique character and heritage, and ensures it remains an attractive and rewarding destination, both for the sake of the hill itself and the wider tourism economy." 1/
Reposted by Simon Holledge
New MEMBERSHIP FEE rates: Our Special Members’ Meeting agreed new fees. As of 1 November 2025, these are now fixed at £25 per individual per annum, £35 per household, with a concessionary rate of £15. Renewals at the new rate will begin on 1 January 2026.
November 4, 2025 at 11:40 AM
New MEMBERSHIP FEE rates: Our Special Members’ Meeting agreed new fees. As of 1 November 2025, these are now fixed at £25 per individual per annum, £35 per household, with a concessionary rate of £15. Renewals at the new rate will begin on 1 January 2026.
***Recommended article on CITY CENTRE LIFE***: @ntbcc.bsky.social @edoldtowncoco.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghwh.bsky.social @pgkeady.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social
EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE LIFE: Another great article from Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social and the Edinburgh Inquirer: "No other UK city of comparable size comes close."
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
‘It’s similar to arriving at a Taylor Swift concert, 20 hours a day, 8 months a year’
As tourists flock back to Edinburgh, just how livable is the city centre?
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 12:55 PM
***Recommended article on CITY CENTRE LIFE***: @ntbcc.bsky.social @edoldtowncoco.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghwh.bsky.social @pgkeady.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Holledge
EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE LIFE: Another great article from Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social and the Edinburgh Inquirer: "No other UK city of comparable size comes close."
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
‘It’s similar to arriving at a Taylor Swift concert, 20 hours a day, 8 months a year’
As tourists flock back to Edinburgh, just how livable is the city centre?
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 12:46 PM
EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE LIFE: Another great article from Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social and the Edinburgh Inquirer: "No other UK city of comparable size comes close."
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE LIFE: Another great article from Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social and the Edinburgh Inquirer: "No other UK city of comparable size comes close."
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
‘It’s similar to arriving at a Taylor Swift concert, 20 hours a day, 8 months a year’
As tourists flock back to Edinburgh, just how livable is the city centre?
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 12:46 PM
EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE LIFE: Another great article from Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social and the Edinburgh Inquirer: "No other UK city of comparable size comes close."
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/its-simila...
Reposted by Simon Holledge
“Anyway we felt we needed to take any action within our power to address the situation. Fortunately the Café Calton and the Collective Gallery came on-side to help and we’ve now got a credible community project in operation.” CHCT Chair 3/
October 30, 2025 at 7:18 PM
“Anyway we felt we needed to take any action within our power to address the situation. Fortunately the Café Calton and the Collective Gallery came on-side to help and we’ve now got a credible community project in operation.” CHCT Chair 3/