Edinburgh Council has said it wants to hear from the local community regarding the future of one of the city's historic parks.

The local authority has compiled a survey, asking visitors to the park what they think about the facilities and features the park has to offer. Any feedback received will then be studied and used to shape a design plan for the park's regeneration.

Saughton was originally established as part of Saughton Hall in the 17th century. It was then purchased by Edinburgh Council and opened to the public between 1900 and 1905. In 1908, it was redesigned for the Scottish National Exhibition, which included new features such as sporting facilities, a bandstand and botanical gardens.


A proposed £5.3m project to restore the park and its historic features has been put forward, and last year, the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded almost £400,000 to the Council to develop a design plan and to prepare a bid for funding to implement the work. Included in the planned improvements are the restoration of the park's walled garden, bandstand and stables for community use, improvements to sports pitches and circuits for walking and running and the active management all trees, woodlands and hedges.

Councillor Adam McVey, Environment Vice Convener, said: "Saughton Park might not be as well-known across the city as Princes Street Gardens but it is undoubtedly one of our hidden jewels, with a fantastic range of gardens and sports facilities.

"However, this space also has an incredible wealth of history which deserves to be recognised. I would encourage anyone who uses the park – or thinks they might like to – to participate in this survey and help us make the most of it."

The survey can be found here and runs until 30 September 2014.

(JP/CD)