The Culture and Communities Committee of City of Edinburgh Council met on 2 October 2025 to discuss a range of issues, including the Right to Grow scheme, the condition of Colinton basketball court, the Community Centre Strategy, the Sports Pitch Strategy, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ, the Culture and Communities Committee Revenue Budget, Playparks Investment, a statutory consultation to remove Common Good status and establish a new primary school at Hunter's Hall Park, and erosion on Calton Hill.

Right to Grow

The committee was scheduled to discuss a motion by Councillor Osler on the Right to Grow scheme, and to review a scoping update on the scheme.

The Right to Grow campaign aims to ensure that everyone has access to land to grow food, regardless of their background or income.

Calton Hill Erosion Emergency

Councillor Finlay McFarlane submitted a motion regarding an Erosion Emergency on Calton Hill. The Calton Hill Conservation Trust had declared an erosion emergency after a dry summer led to loss of grass and topsoil.

The motion noted a successful joint re-turfing project, and requested that council officers work with the Trust to establish a project to combat erosion this autumn, and to improve grass cutting practices on the hill.

Community Centre Strategy

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Community Centre Strategy, specifically its strategic aims and future options. Community centres provide a range of services and activities for local communities, and the strategy will set out how these centres will be developed and improved in the coming years.

Sports Pitch Strategy

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Sports Pitch Strategy for Edinburgh 2025-2027, and to review a draft action plan. The strategy aims to improve the quality and accessibility of sports pitches across the city.

Colinton Basketball Court

The committee was scheduled to discuss a report on Colinton Basketball Court. The agenda did not provide any further information about the specific issues to be discussed in relation to the basketball court.

Playparks Investment

The committee was scheduled to receive a progress update on playparks investment. This would cover the work that has been carried out to improve play areas across the city.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

The committee was scheduled to scrutinise the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Scrutiny Review 2024/25 and Service Delivery Review Update. The SFRS is responsible for providing fire and rescue services across Scotland, and this review examines its performance and delivery of services in Edinburgh.

2027 Tour de France Grand Départ

The committee was scheduled to receive an update report on the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ. Edinburgh is bidding to host the start of the 2027 Tour de France, which would bring significant economic and tourism benefits to the city.

Common Good Status at Hunter's Hall Park

The committee was scheduled to discuss a statutory consultation to remove Common Good status and establish a new primary school at Hunter's Hall Park. Common Good land is land owned by the council that is held in trust for the benefit of the community. Removing Common Good status from the park would allow it to be used for other purposes, such as building a school.

Culture and Communities Committee Revenue Budget

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Culture and Communities Committee Revenue Budget Monitoring 2025/26, specifically the Month Three position. This report provides an overview of the committee's financial performance and identifies any areas of concern.