What the candidates are saying - Conservatives

We asked all political parties to set out their position on the future of the Roseburn Path ahead of the Scottish elections, and we welcome the responses received.

Several candidates have given strong, clear commitments to protect the path as a valued green corridor and safe, accessible route for walking, wheeling and cycling. These responses recognise the path’s importance to the local community and align closely with our call to safeguard it for future generations.

We were pleased to see that the Conservatives oppose the council's proposals.

Christopher Cowdy, Conservative candidate for Edinburgh Northern

"One significant issue residents right across the city have raised with me has been about large, expensive vanity projects.  A perfect example is the proposed extension of the city’s tram line between Granton and the city centre, along the Roseburn Path.  Residents, cyclists and walkers in the area have pushed back against the possible loss of a popular greenway filled with flora, fauna and wildlife.  Although I recognise the arguments that the tram could be delivered alongside a cycle lane and walkway, it would mean destroying the natural habitat that has built up over years and the loss of a much loved “lateral park”.

As part of the Conservative Group on the City Council, I have sat on both the Transport and the Finance Committees and I have spoken out to save both the greenway and the huge amounts of money needed to deliver the project.  Around £1Million of officer time has already been spent with a further £40 Million needed for a Business Case Report to justify a total build cost of between £2-3 Billion.  Money could be used more effectively on transport infrastructure without adding pressure on Council Tax to support this level of borrowing.

The need for a public transport system connecting the new residential developments around Granton to the city centre are also recognised but there are much more cost effective and flexible options available and I advocate Bus Rapid Transit options similar to Belfast’s “Glider” that cost only £100Mil for 24km of line.

As it stands, the proposal is not only objected to by many city wide residents but funding has also been rejected by Scottish Government making the project unviable.  If I were elected I would support this position and campaign to reject the proposal for Scottish Government funding."

Photo: Christopher Cowdy on the Roseburn Path