The Scottish Government has confirmed, via our MSP Ben Macpherson, that its land at Granton Park Avenue (behind Lidl) – currently the site of an ad-hoc Traveller encampment – will be cleared and secured with fencing by the end of January 2026. The site has, according to the Government, already been cleared of fly-tipped waste and will be monitored for further fly-tipping.
This update comes after a third stakeholder meeting took place in early September, aimed at resolving the ongoing issue of the encampment on Scottish Government land earmarked for the development of The Art Works. Chaired by Ben Macpherson, it was attended by a representative of our Community Council, along with local City Councillors, senior police officers, Fire and Rescue, City of Edinburgh Council officials, Scottish Government, and other MSPs.
After slow progress at previous meetings, the third meeting in September saw significant steps agreed, and these are now being actioned. This includes removing fly-tipped waste, identifying the individuals and groups who currently live on the site, conducting equality impact assessments and investigating alternative accommodation and provisions for them prior to a Sheriff’s order to clear the site in January.
We hope to keep residents updated on this matter.