Merchiston Districts Community Council
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merchistoncc.bsky.social
Merchiston Districts Community Council
@merchistoncc.bsky.social
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Community Council serving the Edinburgh areas of Bruntsfield, Church Hill, Fountainbridge, Greenhill, Polwarth, Shandon and Viewforth. https://merchistoncc.org.uk
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merchistoncc.bsky.social
Public meeting NEXT WEEK:

Join us Monday 17 Nov 7pm to discuss local issues.
📍#Merchiston Tennis 7 Bowling Club

🗣️Residents invited to raise concerns

✅ Get updates from the Polwarth junction project, licensing, policing & Ward Councillor's reports

#Polwarth #Bruntsfield #Shandon #Fountainbridge
November 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
This year, the Flotilla of Lights will take place on the Union Canal, in Edinburgh, on Saturday 8 November starting from Harrison Park at 6.30pm, and making way,... slowly, towards Edinburgh Quay (by the Leamington Lift bridge). Don't miss it!

More info www.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk/event/106089...
Canal boats at night illuminated by colourful lights
November 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Leaf clearing volunteers welcome! 🍂

Autumn is just around the corner. Our successful leaf clearing project depends on the commitment and goodwill of residents. We supply all the tools and coordinate collection!

Learn more: merchistoncc.org.uk/leaf-clearin...
Young people and adults clear fallen leaves in from the edge of a footpath.
September 20, 2025 at 3:56 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Want to make the Polwarth junction a safer, more pleasant place for the community?

⏳Please make sure to review the proposed redesign and give your views by 21 September!

merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
September 19, 2025 at 7:42 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Van Crime prevention. 🚐 🧰

Are you a tradesperson or van owner wanting to secure your van and the goods inside? Police Scotland are hosting two van crime prevention events:

Wed 24 Sept at B&Q Fort Kinnaird
Thurs 24 Sept at B&Q Hermiston Gait
September 18, 2025 at 9:03 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
There's now a shiny new litter bin at the bus stop at Polwarth Parish Church!

The much-used litter bin had been removed without warning, creating unsightly accumulations of litter all over the pavement. Thank you Cllr Neil Ross for pushing for a replacement!
A large black metal litter bin on the pavement next to a bus shelter.
September 18, 2025 at 8:25 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Poorly placed roadworks signs yet again obstructing people trying to get to school and work this morning.

On both sides of Granville Terrace between Merchiston Ave and Viewforth Terrace.

We've reached out to Edinhelp on the other place to report this...

@livingstreetsedi.bsky.social
A parent and child walk on a footpath which is obstructed by a large metal construction sign Two adults and a child walk on a footpath that is obstructed by a large construction sign.
September 17, 2025 at 9:31 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Here's the proposed redesign of this end of Merchiston ave/Granville terrace junction (view from diagonal opposite corner). The mouth of the junction is narrowed for drivers and there is a raised table, wider footpaths & dropped kerbs with tactiles to help pedestrians cross.

What do you think? 🤔
An artists impression of a junction showing raised table crossings, dropped kerbs and tactiles. This option also has a pedestrian refuge to aid north south crossings.
September 16, 2025 at 8:03 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
🛑 Doesn't a stop sign mean drivers need to stop and give way to pedestrians? The usual morning scene at Merchiston ave/Granville terrace.

The Council has proposed new designs for the entire Polwarth roundabout junction. Will they improve safety? Have your say!

merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
A group of seven school children stand at a junction waiting to cross. Vehicles have a stop sign but pass through the crossing without giving way to the pedestrian.
September 16, 2025 at 7:38 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Reminder! You can still review the designs for a new Polwarth junction and share your views by 21 September .

Let the council know if you support the overall changes, which design option you prefer and why, and if you have any other thoughts or concerns.

merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
A birds-eye view illustration of the redesigned Polwarth junction showing how the area will be transformed from a roundabout to a T-junction. There are two options for the Merchiston ave crossings. Option 1 has a pedestrian refuge Island whole option 2 has a third loading bay and dropped kerb crossing point. Polwarth Gardens looking east - artist's impression of the upgraded zebra crossing which is wider and located closer to the junction. Pavements are widened and there are planters and the edge of a designated loading bay.
September 8, 2025 at 11:53 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Must be student move-in day...🤔
September 6, 2025 at 3:03 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
A lovely late summer evening in Bruntsfield Links 🤩
A large green field with a sunset backdrop. The canopy of a large tree is in the foreground.
September 4, 2025 at 6:53 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Polwarth junction redesigned: We spent a great morning on the street speaking to residents about the proposed designs for a safer more pleasant junction. The vast majority of people have been supportive of changes!

View designs and give feedback by 21 Sept! merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
A hand holds up postcards with a headline Polwarth Junction Redesigned - Your views needed. The postcard includes an artists impression of the new designs. In the background is the current roundabout at Polwarth junction.
August 30, 2025 at 12:21 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Polwarth junction redesigned! There are two proposed options for the eastern end of the Polwarth junction.

We believe option 1 is better for pedestrian safety.

Read our assessment: bit.ly/PolwarthJunc...

Review the designs and share your own views with @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social by 21 Sept!
Proposed design Option 1. Photo illustration showing a row of shops with a widened pavement in front, and a crossing point with pedestrian refuge halfway across the street. The image illustrates a few people crossing the road at the crossing point and at another informal crossing point in the foreground. Proposed design Option 2. Photo illustration showing a row of shops with a narrow pavement in front, and a lorry parked in a loading bay in front. The image illustrates a person crossing the road at an informal crossing point in the foreground.
August 26, 2025 at 8:55 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
There are two design options for the eastern end of the Polwarth junction. We believe design Option 1 is better for pedestrian safety.

Read our assessment: merchistoncc.org.uk/community-co...

Please explore the options and share your own views with the City of Edinburgh Council by 21 Sept!
Proposed design Option 1. Photo illustration showing a row of shops with a widened pavement in front, and a crossing point with pedestrian refuge halfway across the street. The image illustrates a few people crossing the road at the crossing point and at another informal crossing point in the foreground. Proposed design Option 2. Photo illustration showing a row of shops with a narrow pavement in front, and a lorry parked in a loading bay in front. The image illustrates a person crossing the road at an informal crossing point in the foreground.
August 25, 2025 at 10:52 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
The @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social have developed these designs in close consultation with the Merchiston and Districts Community Council over the past 12 months, and we believe the changes will bring huge improvements for residents and local businesses. Please get involved and give CEC your views!
A birds-eye view illustration of the junction area covering Polwarth Gardens, Polwarth Crescent, Merchiston Avenue and Granville Terrace. The illustration shows the new road layout with a T-junction, enhanced zebra crossings, widened pavements, dropped kerbs, disabled parking bays, designated loading areas, raised tables and more.
August 25, 2025 at 10:41 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Polwarth Junction redesigned - view designs & give feedback by 21 Sept!

We are thrilled to share proposed designs for the new Polwarth Junction, replacing the current mini-roundabout. This follows our 2+ year community-driven safety campaign.

Full visuals at merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
A photo-illustration of the proposed upgrades to the zebra crossing on Polwarth Gardens. The zebra crossing is now wider and relocated slightly to the east, closer to the junction. The current Zebra crossing at Polwarth Gardens looking east. Photo-illustration of the proposed new T-junction and new zebra crossing at the South end of Polwarth Crescent. The pavements are significantly widened and road space is narrowed. There are new planters and cycle racks. The image depicts different kinds of people walking on the pavement and crossing the junction. The current road layout at the south end of Polwarth Crescent. Pavements are narrow and are hemmed in by guardrails. Pedestrians cross using a refuge.
August 25, 2025 at 10:41 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Lovely day as usual at the Canal festival today, even with the rain! 🌈,,⛅
June 21, 2025 at 2:51 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Today is the Edinburgh Canal Festival! It's a great day out in the community.

We will have a stall ur stalls opposite the Ashley Terrace Boathouse, next door to the Edinburgh Union canal society.

Hope to see you later!

edinburghcanalfestival.org.uk
June 21, 2025 at 8:46 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Our public in-person community council meeting and AGM is next week - all residents are welcome to join!

🗓️ 17 June
📍 Polwarth Tennis and Bowling Clubhouse
🗣️ Share your concerns and ideas!

#Edinburgh #Bruntsfield #ChurchHill #Fountainbridge
#Greenhill #Polwarth #Shandon #Viewforth #Merchiston
June 13, 2025 at 9:17 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Our next (in-person!) Public Meeting and AGM is coming up!

🗓️Tuesday 17 June at 7pm
📍Polwarth Tennis and Bowling Clubhouse

🗣️Residents are invited, as always, to attend and share their views

#Edinburgh #Bruntsfield #ChurchHill #Fountainbridge, #Greenhill #Polwarth #Shandon #Viewforth #Merchiston
June 13, 2025 at 9:05 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Pavement clutter: before and after!

Pleased @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social removed these redundant poles on Viewforth Terrace. Narrow pavements with many people walking to nearby schools; poles added hazards & buggies could barely squeeze through.

Much better now!

@livingstreetsedi.bsky.social
Before picture depicting a narrow pavement with a wall on the left side, utility boxes and two metal poles blocking the way. After picture showing the same placement with poles removed. Before picture showing people walking on the pavement and stepping into the road to avoid poles that were blocking the footpath.
June 7, 2025 at 8:30 AM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Calling for volunteers at the Edinburgh Canal Festival! 🌊

🛶 Short shifts, free t-shirt, snacks, and a great day out!

Meet new people + enjoy the festival after your shift 🎉

📅 Sat 21 June
📧 canalfest@fcct.scot

#EdinburghCanalFestival #VolunteerScotland #volunteeredinburgh
June 6, 2025 at 6:24 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
We had a great day at yesterday's #Bruntsfield Primary School Summer Fair! We spoke with community members about the #Polwarth Junction redesign and encouraged them to stay informed and comment when designs are released in the next few months.

#RoadSafety #community #Edinburgh
Two smiling people sit at an outdoor table. Behind them is a banner that reads Merchiston Community Council. The table has informative maps and flyers.
June 1, 2025 at 4:38 PM
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Before and after...

Contractors placed a dozen diversion signs on pavements in Polwarth while the Viewforth junction gets repaired. We asked @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social to get them moved and they are now on the road where they belong. This should be standard but it is sadly not. #pavementclutter
A large yellow sign announcing road works is on a pavement partially obstructing the footpath. A large yellow sign announcing road works is placed on the edge of the road but not obstructing the footpath.
May 23, 2025 at 3:42 PM