May 2026

Following our recent meeting with City of Edinburgh Council representatives on 15th May, we have some exciting progress to share! Momentum is building, and we are working hard behind the scenes to clear administrative hurdles so that our volunteers and local businesses can start seeing visible improvements on our streets this spring and summer.

Here is a summary of where things stand and what is happening next:

1. Council Coordination & Official Support

To help navigate the various local authority channels smoothly, the Council is looking to assign a dedicated, named coordinator to the Corstorphine in Bloom project. Discussions regarding who will take on this clear remit are scheduled for the week commencing 18th May. Furthermore, with new Visitor Levy funding coming on stream soon, the Council is highly enthusiastic about using our initiative as a city-wide model scheme for community-led greening.

2. Insurance and Permissions Secured!

• Group Insurance: We are delighted to report that our Edinburgh Greenspaces Registration has officially been received. This means we are now fully insured to carry out the various planting and maintenance tasks detailed in our informal group documentation.
• High Street Troughs: We currently have 8 local shops eagerly waiting to install trough planters directly outside their premises. Council representatives are actively reviewing the specific approval processes to get these placed as quickly and safely as possible.

3. Active Travel & Stone Planters Getting a Refresh

We have good news:

• Blacksmiths are scheduled to remove the restrictive metal grills and barriers from the existing stone planters this week, bringing these sites back into use.
• The Council has kindly offered to personally arrange and plant up these key locations, including the Active Travel planters at Featherhall and Carrick Knowe.
• Note on plant care: Two of our stone planters are unfortunately suffering from ground elder and will require specialized treatment to completely clear the weeds before they can be fully restored.

4. A Cleaner, Greener High Street

Overgrown pavements can make our shopping areas feel neglected. The Council is contacting the Clean Streets team to organize a physical clean-up. Moving forward, they will also provide guidance on how volunteers and local businesses can safely collaborate to keep our neighbourhood tidy and welcoming.

Additionally, the council will be compiling an overview document with planting suggestions and practical advice for businesses. While the council is providing this framework, local businesses will retain full ownership of their shop front decisions.

5. Developing the “Green Safari” Trail with Edinburgh Zoo

Our discussions regarding an animal-themed trail linked to native planting are still in the early stages, but the ideas are blossoming! Early suggestions include planter “wrap-arounds” featuring animal themes. The Council is allocating an officer to join our upcoming engagements with Edinburgh Zoo to help map out approved locations, installation requirements, and interpretation materials.

What’s Next?

The Council is expected to come back to us with a formal plan for our first agreed phase during the week commencing 25th May. Our ultimate goal remains creating beautiful, floral gateways into Edinburgh that our community can be proud of.

Planters on business ground can go ahead so we are focussing on that for the moment.