This week at the council
Monday, 29th September, 2025
- 10.00 am – 2.00 pm Regulatory Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Tuesday, 30th September, 2025
Wednesday, 1st October, 2025
- 10.00 am Development Management Sub-Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers. Councillors are recommended to approve the planning application for the first statue of a woman on the Royal Mile. The statue of Dr Elsie Inglis is not without objection – there has been an amount of discussion.
- On Wednesday the discussion will focus on the planning issues. One matter which the planners seem keen on is that the size of the plinth should be reduced.
- Several people are designated as interested parties and will be invited to have their say – for about five minutes each at the meeting.
- Those who will speak include:
- Natasha Phoenix – Elsie on the Mile
- Ian McFarlane – Dr Elsie Inglis – Scottish Women’s
- Hospitals’ Trust
- Michael Hill
- Fiona Garwood – one of the original trustees behind the statue
- Dr Clea Thomson – a relative of the late Dr Elsie Inglis
- Ros Taylor
A paper from Edinburgh World Heritage has been added to the 1300+ documents which are now online related to this application.
In it EWH say: “Whilst we strongly support the installation of a monument celebrating the life and
achievements of an important female figure connected to history of Edinburgh
and recognise its positive contribution to the Outstanding Universal Value of the
World Heritage Site, we have some concerns about the design as proposed. The
original aspiration was for an accessible statue presenting Elsie in a down to earth
and more feminine manner. The memorial was expected to draw people to Elsie
and her story and inspire young people, in particular young girls, who see so few
contemporary or historic role models interpreted across the historic environment.
Presenting Elsie so formally on an extremely high plinth is not in line with the
aspirations that we so keenly supported.”
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Open in new tab - 1.00 pm Pentland Hills Regional Park Joint Committee – Main Council Chamber – City Chambers
Thursday, 2nd October, 2025
- 10.00 am Culture and Communities Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Friday, 3rd October, 2025
Labour Party
An Edinburgh MSP has been administratively suspended by the Labour Party over the weekend following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The Labour MSP, Foysol Choudhury, MBE, was elected in 2022 and had already been named as the party’s candidate for the new constituency of Edinburgh Northern.
Anas Sarwar MSP, the Scottish Labour Leader who is in Liverpool at the party’s conference, has said little about the details.
Mr Choudhury is now sitting in parliament as an independent MSP. Mr Sarwar told the BBC that there is an internal investigation and this is being dealt with under the party’s independent complaints procedure. Until that investigation has taken place the MSP has lost the whip.
Mr Sarwar made a speech on Sunday in which he mentioned the nine Scottish MPs who are government ministers.
He spoke out about the threat from Reform, with a message for Nigel Farage the leader of the party. He said: “In Hamilton, Reform attempted to set community against community, and even cast doubt on my identity.
“The truth is Farage didn’t even know where Hamilton was, he probably thought it was a stage show in the West End.
“So I say to Nigel – Scotland is my home. I am working day and night to change my country for the better. My story is Scotland’s story.
“Whereas you are a pathetic and poisonous little man that doesn’t care about Scotland, doesn’t understand Scotland, and that’s why Scotland will utterly reject you.
“All Reform can do is create noise that risks keeping the failing SNP in power.
“And the SNP and John Swinney shamefully talked up Reform and attempted to push people towards them, because they would rather do that than talk about their own record.
“Well I am glad to say that the good people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse led the way and sent them both packing.”
New play park
As part of their development at Edinburgh Park Parabola has lodged an application to develop a children’s playground on land adjacent to Lochside Way, EH12 9FX.
This will be positioned on the land in front of the office building at New Park Square – and the Patina Bakery. It is at the Edinburgh Park Central tram stop and there is also a car park close by.
Read the planning papers here
October edition The Edinburgh Reporter
Our October print issue is out on 1 October so keep your eyes peeled in the usual places.
If you would like to have your own copy delivered then please subscribe here.
And while you wait for the ink to dry on our latest issue here is the September paper for a final read. Click on the image below.
Edinburgh Diwali
It is ten years since the capital began celebrating light, culture, and community and this year Edinburgh Diwali marks the anniversary on 2 November.
Organisers say this will be a “spectacular celebration” with a colourful parade through the New Town, music, dance and cultural performances, and the return of public fireworks displays to Princes Street Gardens at the Ross Bandstand.
The then Lord Provost and Indian diaspora from the city established the event and it has gone on to become one of the UK’s most prominent public Diwali celebrations, attracting around 10,000 spectators to the parade and performances to Edinburgh’s city centre.
Since 2015, Edinburgh Diwali has showcased the spirit of the Indian festival of lights and Scotland’s rich multicultural tapestry by bringing together communities to celebrate diversity.
Anoushka, Aditi, Sanjana, Chelcie, Simran. Garima. Edinburgh Diwali. © 2023 Martin McAdam
