Present. Stephen (city council), Donald (community council chair) , Andy (Friends of St Margaret’s Park).

These are my rough notes based on my recollection and not minutes.

Chat first

Stevie said there has been interest from the senior management team in this scheme and Andy said that he had received an email suggesting that visitor levy money should be available for this. We have about 20 existing planters for adoption, 40 businesses interested and 30 plus volunteers. But we have not advertised anything yet as we need something to offer people.

Items discussed

1. Governance and how the scheme will work? It’s a local empowerment governance scheme overseen by the community council delivering a low-cost, low-bureaucracy, high-impact model with continuity built in. It takes advantage of the lessons learned by in Bloom groups across Scotland as well as providing 21st century governance.

2. Discussion on stone planters grills- Stevie still trying to find someone to lift the grills. Annual plants go in end of May so still time.

3. What happens if someone stops looking after a planter – Multiple adopters per planter provide built-in resilience. Oversight by the Community Council ensures long-term continuity. Council-held records ensure visibility of all participating parties. Vacant planters get taken by someone else.

4. Who organises advice? The existing council advice will be used – Hanging baskets, Sponsorship signage, Street furniture and public realm use. There will be supporting documents like Approved plant lists, Health and safety risk assessments, Maintenance guidance (watering, seasonal care, etc.)

5. Livery – do we have signs saying “Supported by Corstorphine and Clermiston Community Council , City of Edinburgh” Plus Logo? Yes. Comms team have agreed with the addition of the  City of Edinburgh logo.

6. The zoo have not replied to our last email yet. Will check in with them but not on critical path for getting planters out there.

7. The one thing we need is approval to install flowers outside businesses in accordance with council guidance like the example below.

We have built up an enthusiasm from businesses. Corstorphine in Bloom should get a list of businesses who wish to install such planters and the street planning team will come out and survey the street one afternoon.

Stevie suggested we keep in touch weekly going forward.