An Update From Councillor Hal Ostler

I love this time of year, Spring has sprung and the trees and flowers are blooming: there is so much to look forward to. It is also the time of year when we start to move around more and with lighter evenings, go out later, meet up with each other and maybe enjoy an evening ‘al fresco’. Those of us who are lucky enough to live within walking distance of Stockbridge are blessed with a broad range of fine restaurants and places to eat, covering pretty much anything that might tickle your fancy.

But fine eateries aside, what truly makes this part of the city special (in my opinion) is the Greenspace. It is hard to believe that the beautiful and tranquil walk along the Water of Leith upstream past St Bernard’s Well through the Dean Village, past the Modern Art Gallery and either on to Roseburn or up onto the northern pathways, exists right in the middle of a city. Downstream is just as special: along Rocheid Path, past the Colonies to Canonmills and onto the Botanics or link up to the wonder that is Warriston Cemetery.

Alternatively if you feel that a little more exercise is called for, visit Inverleith Park, where in addition to the usual football, rugby and cricket there is lawn bowls, tennis, table tennis, outdoor exercise equipment and a running track - or join one of the many outdoor exercise classes. You could of course just take it easy, sitting in the peaceful Rose Garden, reading a book or wander over to the hill above Inverleith Pond to watch the ducks and swans and enjoy one of the best views of the Old and New Town.

This is a very special part of the city and I have been lucky enough to call it home for over 25 years. Over those years I have got to know the many groups and volunteers who work so hard keeping all these spaces clean, safe and fit for us to enjoy. Friends of Inverleith Park, who not only look after the Rose Garden but have raised the resources to put in the free outdoor exercise equipment by the childrens’ playpark, and the table tennis tables. Friends of Warriston Cemetery, whose tireless work has helped make this beautiful space the place it is today. The Water of Leith Conservation Trust, who have done an incredible job on keeping the Water of Leith corridor not only healthy but thriving - so much so that we have otters and kingfishers. Friends of Dean Village, who along with the Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council and Water of Leith Conservation Trust organise litterpicks along the path from Dean Village through to Falshaw Bridge. Sustrans, who organise regular litterpicks on the northern pathways. All these groups of volunteers and many others give up hours of their time to pick up our litter, remove fly tipping and repair damaged infrastructure, leaving the rest of us free to enjoy our Greenspaces.

There are many other groups that I have not mentioned here, as sadly there is not space to list them all. So thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who takes the time to make this such a wonderful place to live, work and visit it is truly appreciated.

If there is anything I can help you with or if you want to know more please do email me at hal.osler@edinburgh.co.uk and I would be delighted to assist.

Deceased Houses

Respectfully Cleared