Use of the basins at the Water of Leith’s mouth is strongly contested. Tensions are raised because of inappropriate and controversial planning decisions. Planning applications for individual projects, threatening encroachment of the Water of Leith basins in a piecemeal fashion, make no sense.  An overall local development plan and long-term vision for the area is essential.

In addition, siltation poses an increasing flood risk that has led to flood insurance being denied to some residents and businesses.

The community needs access to easily available information concerning who owns what and where in the basins, risks posed, and proposed plans affecting the community.

Friends of the Water of Leith Basins is proposing a baseline study identifying the current state of rights, responsibilities and tenure over the basins, with a special focus on flood risk, maintenance of the boats and quay walls. This will form a basis of discussion toward strengthened and representative management between residents, CEC Water of Leith 2000, Forth Ports and private developers.

We have a funding opportunity through Leith Chooses! But we’ll need community votes in this participatory budgeting process on March 3rd. More on this later when we find out how you can support us in person or online.