Five things you need to know today
New Town Quarter
A proposal of application notice (PAN) has now been lodged in relation to the site where the RBS building used to dominate at the foot of Dundas Street.
Planning permission was already granted for a “residential development with ground floor commercial uses and associated landscaping and infrastructure”. But in common with other developers who have backed out of Buy to Rent developments, it appears that developers, Ediston, have changed tack.
The developers have arranged two public consultations. One has already taken place in early October and the second will take place on 27 November from 2pm – 7pm at Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, 12 Bellevue Crescent, EH3 6NE.
The PAN now lodged with the local authority outlines a mixed use development with residential, office and commercial components – but also student flats. This is in an area where population is already high, waiting lists for registration with doctors are lengthy, and it changes the nature of what is named New Town Quarter. The development also has car parking, landscaping and public realm.
Members of the public have until 30 October to make comments on the developer’s website. The exhibition boards which those attending the public events will be able to examine are also published online here.
The change to the development is considerable – It is proposed that the development now includes 305 residential units of which 108 remain mid market rent or affordable), but it also includes 560 student beds along with some commercial units and workspaces.
Overtourism event
The Cockburn are holding an in person (and online) responsible tourism event on 30 October at Augustine United Church in the afternoon from noon to 5pm.
A spokesperson said: “Join us for an afternoon of discussions on Edinburgh’s tourism industry. Tourism is both a significant part of Edinburgh’s economy while also being a contributing factor to issues like the housing crisis. The proper management of tourism is therefore vital and needs to consider the wellbeing of residents, stakeholders, and tourists alike. Tensions resulting from Overtourism are high across Europe, and it is therefore more important than ever that Edinburgh anticipates the need to identify and implement responsible, sustainable strategies for managing its tourism industry.
“We will be joined by a number of guests, such as Dr Harold Goodwin, Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, Professor John Lennon, former Director of the Moffat Centre of Travel and Tourism Business Development, representatives from the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, and City Council officers.”
Tickets are on sale below.
At Lauriston Castle
It is more usual to talk about the Japanese blossom trees at Lauriston in the early summer but this event will allow you to drop in and see the trees with their autumn foilage.
Join Friends from Japan Sakura in Scotland for a day exploring Japanese Culture in the stunning setting of the Japanese Garden.
- Performances by stand up comedians, ‘Franponais’,
- Have a go at origami
- Make nature-inspired Japanese cards
- Learn how to wrap presents the Japanese way
- Ever wanted to try Japanese writing?
- Find out more about the art of Bonsai
Free but more details here
Fancy some Cold Turkey this Christmas?
A variety of creatives are being put on a plate for you to enjoy at the Cold Turkey waltz on 6 December. The Edinburgh Makar, Michael Pedersen is organising the event. It is BYOB and some acts are still to be announced.
Remembering Robert Fergusson
It is the 250th anniversary of poet Robert Fergusson’s death this week. While he was an Edinburgh poet, The University of Glasgow is heading up the celebrations. His statue stands (or strides) just outside Canongate Kirk.
Professor Rhona Brown, said he is significant: “Robert Fergusson is one of Scotland’s most important poets, but he is often misunderstood. Writing in both Scots and English, one of Fergusson’s key themes is theordinary life of Edinburgh, and he depicts the city, warts and all, in his masterpiece, Auld Reikie (1773). His poetry is astute and satirical, funny and razor-sharp.”
The podcast “Stories from Glasgow” will offer listeners insights into Fergusson’s life and work.
The episode featuring Professor Brown and Dr Amy Wilcockson, is available now and includes discussions about Fergusson’s life, readings from his poetry, and explores his influence on other poets, including Robert Burns.
In the podcast, Professor Brown describes Fergusson as a “poet’s poet” who influenced writers like Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
