Almond Neighbourhood Partnership
Environment and Heritage Working Group
Note of Meeting on 27 June 12
Drumbrae Library Hub – Park Grove Room
Present:
Eunice SmithDavidson Mains and Silverknowes Association
Jim ConnerPartnership Development Officer [SfC]
David KylesCountryside Ranger Service
Robin WhiteNorth West Edinburgh Eco Club
Robbie BrechinKirkliston Environmental Group
John LawsonCurator of Archaeology
Mgt. LaingEnvironmental Wardens
Apologies
Judith SansonRatho Community Council
Jenny HargreavesCountryside Rangers Service
Mike HarleNewbridge Residents Association
Iwan ThomasPark Ranger
Joyce FaulknerGreenferry
Patricia EasonCramond Community Council
1Introductions.
As above
2Note of Meeting 26 March 12
Minute of meeting correct – Agreed
2.1Matters Arising
LCP/Action Plan - It was confirmed that Jim Conner had circulated members with the revised Action Plan that incorporated the changes members had requested at the meeting.
3Environment Wardens Report
Margaret Laing requested that she give her report at this stage as she would have to leave the meeting on other business - agreed
Margaret outlined the initiatives undertaken by the environmental wardens in the Almond NP area. These included:
D/Mains High St – Littering initiative
Lovers Lane, SQF – dog fouling initiative
Queensfery HS
Margaret exhibited an example of the new temporary dog fouling signs which can be moved about and placed in areas with increased reports of dog fouling. Following Margaret’s report there was a short Q&A session.
3Heritage
Discussion Topic – Heritage Event/Leaflet/ Booklet
Jim introduced this item and emphasised that no decision had been taken by the sub group on the type of initiative to be progressed, nor areas where any event/leaflet or booklet would be targeted. There followed a short discussion on this particular topic with nearly all contributing, where this starting point to the discussion was confirmed.
Following on from the above, there was an open and wide ranging discussion on the most appropriate type of project that would increase general knowledge of locations of heritage and historical interest in the
Almond area and beyond. Arising out of this discussion it was agreed, firstly, that a heritage themed event would not be the best use of resources at this time, but could be considered at some point in the future. Secondly, that an Almond wide map identifying locations of heritage and historical interest should be developed.There was further discussion as to the format of a map and after considering a large number of leaflet/booklet examples,it was agreed to pursue a fold out type map. Finally, it was agreed Jim would contact CEC’s Design Dept. in progressing the project and that further sub group discussion would take place in developing this proposal.
4Projects Report
4.1River Almond
Robin White reported on proposals by SEPA to demolish several weirs on the river. This proposal had aroused considerable opposition since the weirs were linked to the riversides industrial development and were of historical significance. Discussions were ongoing with SEPA and representatives of the local Heritage Trust and it was hoped the demolition proposals would not be taken forward.
4.2Davidson’s MainsPark
Eunice Smith reported on developments within D/Mains Park. Several grant applications had been successful in funding new tree planting, replacing lost and damaged species.
4.3Parks Officer - Update
Jim provided a short update on his discussion with Douglas Cruickshank, where he identified recent projects in the Almond NP area. These included Ferry Glen and surrounding area confirmed for ‘Green Flag’ assessment. New notice boards would be erected in the following locations:
Allison Park - Kirkliston
King George V Park – Inchcomb
Cramond Foreshore
4.4 Cammo Estate
David Kyles updated the meeting on events relating to the estate.
The Green Flag result should be know in near future and a considerable amount of work had been undertaken by the ‘Friends’ groupin preparation for the assessment.
The Home Farm buildings had now been sold to CALA homes and he understood two new homes for sale would be built on the cleared site.
4.5River Almond Walkway
David reported on developments relating to the walkway and outlined a number of specific improvements and renovations planned for, over a period of years.
4.6Cramond Heritage Project
John Lawson provided details of proposed projects relating to the roman fort remains at Cramond. A large archive of books photographs/illustrations of archaeological excavations at Cramond had recently been acquired by CEC Archaeological Services; in addition there were a large number of Roman and archaeological artefacts. The first stage of the project would be to analyse, conserve and publish an archive. This would be followed by:
Community education workshop
DigitalMuseum
Project website and project diary
Community archaeology survey and excavation programme.
The estimated cost would be £80k with approximately £40k committed to date. John’s report was followed by a Q&A session and it was agreed the sub group would assist where possible in progressing the various stages of the project
5Date of Next Meeting
Agreed week beginning the 3 Sept as a possible date and VAT RUN SQF as location. Jim to confirm date and meeting details.
Jim Conner
Partnership Development Officer
West Neighbourhood Team
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