A Westminster MP has reached out to Scottish Water requesting a meeting to address concerns over reports of pollution entering the Water of Leith via The Murrayburn.
Dr Scott Arthur, Edinburgh South-West, has also asked his office to monitor the situation regarding user conflict in coming months to see if improvements to existing shared-space signage should be made.
Additionally, Dr Arthur has committed to circulating guidance produced by the British Horse Society for horse riders’ who use of the path.
The moves follow as recently survey and public meeting in Balerno and, following that, Dr Arthur has met the Water of Leith Conservation Trust and with the Natural Heritage Team at the City of Edinburgh Council.
Dr Scott Arthur said: “It’s clear from this survey that the Water of Leith is one of our area’s greatest assets.
“People value it as a place to walk, cycle, and improve their well-being, but they’ve also raised important concerns about user safety, courtesy and water quality. I’ll be taking these issues up with both the Council and Scottish Water to ensure we see real improvements that make the Water of Leith safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone who uses it.”
In May, he published a survey encouraging constituents to share their experiences of using the Water of Leith. It asked residents to share what they enjoy about the Water of Leith Walkway and what, if any, improvements they would like to see.
The survey was answered by over 450 respondents, and the results, and subsequent public meeting, demonstrated a strong positive feeling towards the Water of Leith which is a central feature of Dr Arthur’s constituency.
Residents expressed a sense of gratitude for having access to such an expansive greenspace in the city and valued the nature and wildlife that the space offers.
The work of the Water of Leith Conservation Trust was widely recognised, with respondents supportive of efforts to protect and enhance the waterway. Almost 50 per cent of people believe that wildlife along the river is increasingly abundant which is reflective of conservation efforts and the time dedicated to improving the river’s water quality.
However, the survey also raised concerns. A dominant issue was user conflict, largely between cyclists and pedestrians, as well as with dog walkers and horse riders. Horse dung on the path, litter, and a lack of bins, as well as safety issues, were also highlighted.
Due to strong engagement with the survey, Dr Arthur held a public meeting at the Balerno Parish Church Hall in June.
This meeting enabled a more in-depth discussion of the themes that the survey brought to light.
Concerns were also raised about pollution levels, particularly in reference to alleged sewer overflows discharging into the river via the Murrayburn.
WINTER SPARKLE: Snow on the ground near Currie on the Water of Leith. Picture Nigel Duncan
