As work on the redesign of Picardy Place continues, there has been considerable debate about how well the final scheme will eventually satisfy competing needs. 

There’s also been social-media discussion about how safe the temporary arrangements at York Place are, particularly for pedestrians braving westbound traffic. 

Now local resident DFM looks closely at another crossing in the vicinity, and questions just how safe and accessible this temporary solution really is.

As you read this, early copies of the February Spurtle are already traipsing their way across the barony like lost tourists in search of something authentic. 

We begin on Page 1 with a backward glance at the cause of all the mud, continue with better news about the cause of all the emptiness, look forward to plans for getting more quickly from one blighted spot to another, and introduce two delightful new faces to a delighted Bellevue. 

Latest news from Edinburgh Council’s Planning Portal reveals another refusal for change of use from domestic dwelling to commercial short-term let (STL). 

This one concerns a first-floor flat in Montgomery Street (Ref. 19/04099/FUL), and the accompanying report serves as a useful model for anyone seeking to object to similar applications in future. 

The City of Edinburgh Council has announced that it recognises the vital role of local government in addressing climate change. In May last year, it formally declared a climate emergency and committed to becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2030.

In November 2019, the Council launched an online survey to ascertain what Edinburgh residents think about the climate emergency, and what local actions should be taken to safeguard the planet for future generations.

Police Scotland has issued an appeal for information following an assault on Baxter’s Place. 

We reproduce their press release below. 

Police Scotland is appealing for information after a 47-year-old man was assaulted by a group of three men in Edinburgh.

The incident happened on Tuesday 14 January 2020 at around 3.30am in Baxter’s Place, at the junction with London Road.

Detective Sergeant Iona Cory said: