AGM CHAIR REPORT 2026
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
WRA Chairman’s report – April 2026
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
It’s been relatively quiet in Warriston since our last AGM. I am glad to report that the estate is looking good and our efforts to become a crime free neighbourhood continues to be our aim. It feels good to be part of a neighbourhood that is friendly and with hardly any disturbances.
Under the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland initiative, we used to share information on crime prevention and community safety issues. This past year we have asked neighbours to register directly with NWS alerts rather than rely on Bill Keil to circulate alerts. I don’t think many residents have signed up but our FB site gives neighbours the immediate opportunity to communicate if anything untoward happens.
Our committee met 3 times last year as the hard work that we have put in over the last dozen or so years has had such a positive effect across the community. I’d like to pay thanks to our local councillors; Julie Bandel, Hal Osler and Max Mitchell for their help on local matters. If we are to remain a crime free zone we need everyone to play their part in staying safe; ensuring that our houses, sheds, cars and valuables are protected from potential intruders.
My thanks once again go to all our committee members but I’d like to thank 2 individuals in particular. Firstly, Bill Tait has been instrumental in looking after our community garden by the steps at the end of Warriston Gardens that lead down to the lower Goldenacre path. We had a great turnout in mid-March with over 20 residents attending our annual community tidy up. There was a suggestion that this group meet on a more regular basis and we will consider this as we move through the year.
Secondly, I’d like to thank Bill Keil, our Neighbourhood Watch Convenor. He attends meetings of the Stockbridge & Inverleith Community Council where we share information on crime prevention and he also ensures the smooth production and distribution of our newsletter. He has been a great sounding board to me and his enthusiasm for our community is very much appreciated.
To our willing band of committee volunteers, Stuart Telford, Claire Ritchie, Sam Lea, Adam Perek, Anthony Bishop and Lisa Sommerville thanks for your continued support. We do have a couple of places free on the committee. The time commitment is not exactly onerous but if you are interested, please shout out!
One area of concern that is regularly brought up at committee meetings is the issue of barking dogs on the estate. I used to have a dog and occasionally he did bark. It’s when dogs excessively bark that causes friction between neighbours so may I appeal to all dog owners; please train your dog accordingly and encourage them to quieten down!
I am aware of only one death over the last year; Douglas Watters who lived on the Drive. If I missed anyone else who has passed during the year, I do apologise and my heartfelt sympathies are with all the families who have lost a loved one or friend over the last year.
The WRA continue to support the Friends of Warriston Cemetery. We are very lucky to have this peaceful spot on our doorstep and I know that a number of residents support their good work as active volunteers. As a committee we do not get involved with issues concerning the cemetery and we would ask that you direct your communication directly to the ‘Friends’ should anything be of concern.
For those residents who live on the Gardens we are aware that parking and speeding continue to be an issue with those that use the playing fields at Heriots. We continue to remain in dialogue with George Heriots School and will continue to monitor this situation. Reducing speeding on the Gardens is a priority as is addressing inconsiderate parking and inappropriate driving behaviour.
May I thank Walter McKay and the Goldenacre Bowling Club for allowing us to host our committee meetings in this building. What an asset to have this facility on our doorstep and if you are interested in taking up bowls or using the club, please contact Walter directly. https://www.facebook.com/GoldenacreBC/
The Carlton Bridge Club is also based here https://www.bridgewebs.com/carlton and there’s also a scabble club that meet on a regular basis.
The WRA are hopeful of liaising with the Bowling club to secure more community events across the year including exploring the idea of hosting community coffee mornings, yoga and wellbeing sessions.
Across the road is the Heriots Rugby and Cricket clubs. Their bars are open during the rugby and cricket seasons and they are always keen to welcome new members.
Feel free to watch cricket this coming summer and pop into the ‘Bat & Nail’ for a fabulous pint. It’s one of the best views of cricket and of Edinburgh’s skyline from the balcony of the clubhouse!
The Heriots Rugby Clubhouse also hosts live jazz every Friday night at the Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club – Check the schedule out at https://www.edinburghjazz.com/
We are also blessed to have the Botanical Gardens on our doorstep. Please consider becoming a member of this amazing world-renowned visitor attraction https://www.rbge.org.uk/support-us/
There is plenty of other opportunities and areas for our committee and residents to consider. Whilst the WRA was set up to address crime on the estate we are keen to expand our sustainable reach. If demand exists it might be an idea to encourage the installation of community charging hubs for electrical vehicles.
I’d also like to convert a few car parking bays on the estate as part of the City of Edinburgh Council Enterprise Car Club scheme and with the close proximity of the playing fields and cycle path network, could we create a hub for the Voi E bikes scheme?
This sustainable aim will need additional volunteers to drive these initiatives so if you are interested in helping us please do speak to any of the committee members at your leisure.
Finally, I hope you do not mind me repeating my closing words from last year but I firmly believe that one of the joys of living in Warriston is our community spirit and sense of civic pride.
Edinburgh is a beautiful city and the Warriston estate, with its close proximity to the city centre, Botanical gardens and Inverleith Park helps make our friendly neighbourhood a very special place to live.
I hope that all residents feel the same way and we are grateful for your support.
That concludes my Chairman’s report from the last year.
Comments