Leith Business Association

Graham Russell in his role as Leith Walk and West End Business Co-ordinator was involved in the installation of 'I Love Leith' pavement stickers, however these have recently started to disappear, according to an article in the Edinburgh Evening News on 26 August:

No love lost after Leith sticker thefts

It is disappointing that vandals have seen fit to remove these stickers which are part of the 'Open for Business' initiative to promote Leith during the cosntruction of the Edinburgh Tram line.

The revised business case and discussion on the future direction of the Edinburgh Tram Project which was to have been discussed by the City of Edinburgh Council in September has been postponed for a month, according to a report in the Edinburgh Evening News on 25 August:

In the name of God... Move your tram

The main part of the article conerns a discussion over whether the tram currently stored on Princes Street will / should be moved to make way for a procession by Pope Benedict during his forthcoming visit. The end of the article however mentions the postponement of the discussion at the Council meeting which will be held on the same day as the Pope's visit.

Concerns had been expressed that by scheduling a late session of the Council, the Tram Project business case would not have received the scrutiny it deserves.

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, the Transport Convenor has stated that in order to provide the councillors and the public with as much information as possible, and to permit ongoing discussions with Bilfinger Berger, the discussion is to be delayed.

Edinburgh North and Leith MSP Malcolm Chisholm has branded as 'unacceptable' possible plans to cut back the Edinburgh Tram Line, as reported in the Edinburgh Evening News on 20 August 2010:

Tram route cutback plans are branded 'unacceptable'

Mr Chisholm, in a letter to Finance Secretary John Swinney has said that three years of disruption for no tangible benefit would be unacceptable to local businesses and residents.  He is urging Mr Swinney to allow the Council to borrow money against future business rates to complete the works.

There is no indication in the article whether Mr Chisholm is advocating this course of action on the basis of the original, outdated Final Business Case, or whether the revised Business Plan due to be presented to the Council in September would affect his recommendation.

Since implementing a ban on A-Boards on the Royal Mile and Rose Street on 1 July the council have uplifted a number of boards and issued warnings to traders who have been ignoring the ban, according to an article in the Edinburgh Evening News on 2 August:

Sign of the times as Council enforces advertising ban

On the first day of the ban the council uplifted 15 boards from the Royal Mile and a further 10 on Rose Street.  Traders must pay a £50 penalty to have the boards returned.

Although the ban does not extend beyond the city centre, businesses should not be complacent, as the council may look to extend the scheme, or apply a more rigid application of the rules in other areas.  Anyone who currently uses an A-Baord should familiarize themselves with the legislation, to ensure that they comply. (See also the Council's 2004 report.)