What the candidates are saying - SNP

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 delighted to receive commitment from the SNP that no tram will be built on the Roseburn Path, should they be elected.

Euan Hyslop, SNP candidate for Edinburgh Northern

"As a local resident, I want to be clear from the outset that I share the concerns of those campaigning to protect Roseburn Path. I recognise how important this linear park is to our community, and I believe it is a vital local resource that should be protected.

This is not an abstract issue for me — I live right next to the path. My partner and I use it daily to get to our cafés in Roseburn and Goldenacre, and I regularly take my son along it on his scooter to escape the cityscape and explore the abundant wildlife.

At the same time, I also want to set out the current position of the SNP Group which will be far more consequential than my own personal view when it comes to decision-time later in the year. 

‘The SNP Group support the expansion of the tram and the role it must play in the wider sustainable transport network in the city. It is our view that progressing feasibility work on the proposed southern leg to the Royal Infirmary is the immediate priority until feasible options are presented for the northern leg that respect the transport hierarchy which places the needs of those walking wheeling and cycling first. The development of the tram network in the south of the city overall not only provides a regional link to Midlothian and East Lothian that satisfies criteria for Scottish Government funding but boasts significant benefits to connect high density residential areas to mass public transport. The growing population of Edinburgh requires mass transit solutions to address congestion and meet our climate goals.’

Any decision on tram expansion must balance the benefits of new routes with the importance of maintaining safe, accessible and well-loved local green spaces and active travel corridors.

I share the view that our path must remain a safe and enjoyable space for local people and an important part of the North Edinburgh Path Network."

Photo: Euan Hyslop on the Roseburn Path