
5 minute read
An Update By Councillor Max Mitchell
An Update From Councillor Max Mitchell
Inverleith Park Drainage
Advertisement
Residents may have noticed work taking place on the north east quadrant of Inverleith Park. Starting last month on 14th February, the work got underway to help resolve the drainage issues that have been an issue for many years. Even a level of rainfall that was not particularly heavy could easily overwhelm the current drainage system causing flooding of the grass and paths. This new system will help prevent flooding and speed up recovery of the grass areas. The work is carbon neutral and should be completed before the end of March.
Water of Leith Closures
Finally! The reinstatement works of the land slip above the Water of Leith at Dean Path are very nearly finished. Council officers from Parks & Green Spaces are very optimistic that the walkway will be able to reopen fully at the end of March. Some work may still need to be finished on the bank, but it is very good news after having closed for a second time in 2016. Unfortunately, the situation with the timber walkway behind The Britannia Hotel has still not been resolved as it is not in the Council’s ownership. Council officers are, however, trying to assist with its repair ASAP.
LEZ and Short-Term Lets
You may recall I wrote in previous Stockbridge Spotlights about the Council establishing a low emission zone (August/September 2021 issue) in the city centre and the zoning of the city as a short-term lets pressure zone (October 2021 issue). These decisions have now been taken by the Council. This means that from summer 2024, vehicles not meeting specific emissions standards will not be able to enter the city centre without being fined, and a property functioning as a short-term let will require planning permission to operate and it will need to be appropriately licensed. Interestingly, the Council is not able to enact either without the Scottish Government’s approval, so we will have to wait for their verdict.
Bus Travel for Under 22s
As of 31st January 2022, residents of Scotland aged 5-21 are able to access free travel on bus services across Scotland with a new or replacement National Entitlement Card or Young Scot Card. Information about the scheme and how to apply is available on Transport Scotland’s website. Residents with any questions about the scheme can contact Transport Scotland directly at concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Inverleith Ward councillor Max Mitchell by email, max.mitchell@edinburgh.gov.uk, or by phone 0131 529 4409, with any local issues or questions.

All About Studio 48!
Over the last 8 years I’ve had the pleasure of being able to teach children’s art classes in my studio, and now, I’m excited to be embarking on a new chapter in a new location! I’ll still be teaching all of my usual classes, just over in a bigger and more suitable space at The Matrix (62-66 Newhaven Road). Not only does this enable me to offer larger class sizes, but it also means we’ll be offering adult art classes, as well as being able to host events such as birthday parties!
New Adult Art Classes

I’m really pleased to be able to offer adult art classes in the new studio. These classes will be taught by Rosemary Taylor and Eriko Kono, both wonderful artists who will be sharing their passion and expertise. Current classes offered include:
Each of these classes will be 2 hours long and run for 10 weekly sessions, beginning at the end of April. The cost for each term is £216, with some or all of the materials provided, as well as refreshments. To book for watercolour or mixed media contact Rosemary at artstudiorjt@gmail.com or for papercrafts and papercutting contact Eriko at ebzkono@gmail.com. For more details wisit www.sallyannjohns.com.
Watercolour
Build confidence in using watercolours. We’ll explore different ways of using the paint by incorporating and adding a wide variety of media, subjects, and techniques to enhance each piece of work, plus use traditional and more unconventional approaches to achieve some stunning results.
Papercutting
This course is designed to grow your confidence in creating and stylising your own papercut designs while developing papercutting skills. We explore the concept of positive and negative space, and how to enrich narratives in monocoloured 2D designs by incorporating a variety of textures, lines and colours.
Papercrafts
Enjoy papercutting in a friendly and relaxed ambience. This course guides you through a range of projects that will provide a base for inspiration to create your own work of art, including hanging rosettes, gift boxes, cards in various 2D to pop-up styles, a Wycinanki-style decoration, mini plants in pots, papercuts in a box frame, and lanterns.
Mixed Media
This class will explore a huge range of media including oil and chalk pastels, graphite and coloured pencils, paints, inks, papers, fabrics, threads, and more. To make the most of these different media we’ll employ techniques such as painting, printing, stitching, sgraffito, and collage.
My children’s classes focus on learning art in a fun way, within a supportive and relaxed creative environment. Subjects covered include line & shading, perspective, composition, and figurative drawing. We also look at different materials, such as clay and plaster, as various craft techniques are explored.


I ensure that there is a welcoming noncritical atmosphere that is focused on the art and the art process in a positive way for enjoyment and pleasure, rather than any particular academic outcome. The Easter term begins at the end of April and runs for 10 weeks, with classes suitable for ages 6-10 or 10-14.
Visit www.sallyannjohns.com to book.
New Studio Opening Party 10th April
I’m opening the doors so that everyone can come check out the new space at The Matrix. On 10 April from 2-4pm I’m having an Open House, which of course includes making crafts! Everyone is welcome to join, and we will be doing a variety of Easter-themed Crafts that will be suitable for all ages. Crafts include paper bunnies and bunny cones – with all materials being provided. This is a drop-in so come by anytime between 2 and 4pm, and to help keep track of numbers please book tickets for the number of adults and children that will be coming. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Any questions please email sally@sallyannjohns.com. I look forward to seeing you there, this is just the beginning of a bustling new studio! Sally
