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Colinton Community Conservation Trust
To preserve for the benefit of the people of Colinton, the natural and cultural heritage that exists in and around Colinton in land of particular beauty and environmental or recreational value or buildings and structures of historical, architectural or constructional interest.
Website under construction.
The Colinton Community Conservation Trust, Edinburgh is a registered Scottish Charity that was founded in 2000. It is also a Limited Company by Guarantee in Scotland.
The initial aim of the Trust was to buy the Dreghorn polofield, to secure it in perpetuity for the local community, as an amenity open space. Although this bid failed, the Trust remains alert for any feasible opportunity to acquire the polofield, once the planning process to determine whether or not this greenfield site should be developed has been completed. Not withstanding its origins, the trust was deliberately given a wide ranging objective to preserve the natural and cultural heritage in and around Colinton.
Today, the Trust seeks to improve the local environment in partnership with other local organisations. The emphasis is upon delivering high quality conservation projects on the ground. As a charitable organisation, the Trust can draw funds from the Lottery, charitable trusts and government agencies to tackle conservation projects in and around Colinton.
Colinton Triangle
The first major project for the Trust was the construction of a new footpath, at an easy gradient, through a public garden in the heart of the village. This also included a redesign of the planting within the garden area. This was followed by floodlighting work around the tall sycamore tree in the centre of the village.
The final phase of the Triangle project, which is the interpretation of aspects of Colinton's history will commence shortly in the extended belvedere. The extended belvedere has already provided views down the Long Steps into Colinton Dell, and provides a gathering place for guided walks.
The Trust shares the maintenance of the Triangle garden with the City Council. Volunteers organised by the Colinton Garden Club undertake the Trust's part of this work. Ideas for the interpretation phase are discussed with the Colinton Local History Society.
Phoebe Traquair Railings
The second major project for the trust was the restoration of the Phoebe Traquair Railings at the foot of Bridge Road. The railings were designed by Phoebe Traquair in 1924 with the help of Sir Frank Mears. Phoebe, a Colintonian, was one of the leading artists of the Arts and crafts Movement in Scotland and the first woman to be elected an honourable member of the Royal Scottish Academy. These railings are listed by Historic Scotland.