Civic space / Planning / Tourism

No. 154 McDonald Road – 10 years on

Rise of a local institution

Broughton Primary and Higher Grade School opened in November 1896 to much acclaim and excitement. 

It’s almost that time of year again.

Don’t know about you, but there’s nothing I love more than busying myself with plans for the big day.

Yes, I’m obviously talking about the start of Edinburgh’s Winter Fun™.  For me, this holiest of events captures the real meaning of the season.

It heralds six weeks of untrammelled joy for Auld Reekie. How privileged we are.

The city will soon feel like a different place: a magical realm beyond time and petty concerns. At least, it will after a third cup of expensive mulled cider.

At the latest Development Management Subcommittee meeting, councillors upheld officers’ recommendations and refused planning permission for an annual spiegeltent and bar in St James Square [see Spurtle, Spurtle, 15 September; Council webcast].

EDINBURGH'S CHRISTMAS CANCELLED

Live events involving mass gatherings at Edinburgh’s Christmas 2020 have been cancelled due to ‘uncertainty’ surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

The season will instead be celebrated like Hogmanay online and from home.

At last week’s meeting of the Policy & Sustainability Committee, councillors unanimously agreed to appoint a ‘service provider’ to deliver a consultation on the future, from 2022 onwards, of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals (Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay).

This decision followed earlier consultation with the All Party Oversight Group, which will continue to oversee the appointment and consultation processes.

DOSH TRUMPS TRANQUILITY

At yesterday’s virtual meeting of the Policy & Sustainability Committee, councillors considered a report proposing the deferral of this August’s proposed Summer Sessions in West Princes Street Gardens.