Note of Corstorphine in Bloom meeting 21 July 2026

Present – Andy, Donald, Emma

The council has been extremely helpful in getting us this far. With the visitor levy coming in and the many city centre projects on the go as a result of this funding, we are perhaps less of a priority with the council’s limited priorities. The council have previously said there is a need for ensuring the planters are all the same, something seen in towns across Scotland. A plan is being developed, but they are not ready to share that plan. 

We have evidenced the ability to get volunteers out as well as get engagement from businesses. 

Within that context, we agreed on the following points. 

  1. Can we be part of the planning to understand what is happening and feed in constructive points for the traders and community in Corstorphine and Clermiston.
  2. Can we have a process for approving street-based planters? There will be areas the floral gateways will not touch.
  3. Sam to write to Andy Williams asking for a meeting with the following agenda points
    1. Thanks to council staff for the amazing job they have done with plants and barrels, working long hours to help us achieve this
    2. Can we be part of the planning for floral gateways and planting so we can contribute constructively?
    3. When can we get the process for requesting a street-based planter?
    4. When will our shopping areas look like many other towns across Scotland?
  4. Donald to write to all six councillors asking for their support given the number of volunteers and businesses signed up. We want to be part of the planning and need a process that allows businesses to invest in their area with the placement of planters 
  5. Andy to email Fiona Bennet and Alan Beal asking for support
  6. A one-page newsletter should be sent out highlighting successes, asking for gardeners with experience to meet up. Momentum and keeping folk involved is essential. 
  7. The possibility of bulbs and window planters hanging from stone planters was discussed.
  8. The admin of planter volunteers was discussed and minimising the interaction for Janice. It was suggested the parks became the guardians of the groups within their orbit. 

Other points

The funding application for ÂŁ4500 will not be decided until mid-autumn

Keep Scotland Beautiful is coming on Thursday to review what we have done. 

Businesses can have sponsorship advertised with council rules