Council reveals plan to restore walkway closed after landslip

ONE of Edinburgh’s most popular scenic paths is to be restored for thousands of walkers and cyclists – eight years after it was first closed following a landslip.

The Water of Leith walkway is described as a “tourist hotspot”, leading from historic Dean Village to the National Galleries of Modern Art.

Used daily by walkers, cyclists and nature lovers, the section of the route between Dean Village and Sunbury Place was closed following a landslip in 2012.

Despite reopening in 2014, movement in the embankment caused further significant damage to the path, which has remained closed since 2016, with barriers forcing users to take a detour.

Edinburgh City Council said that, due to the impact of Covid-19 on construction work, a commencement date for the restoration would be determined in line with government guidance.

The work, including restabilising the slope above the path, removing vegetation, landscaping, installing drainage and restoring the walkway and railings, will then take about 26 weeks, meaning the path could open next year.

Donald Wilson, the city’s Culture and Communities convener, said: “We are delighted to have been able to reach a solution for the reinstatement of this part of the Dean Path along the Water of Leith.

“Its restoration will return a key section of our off-road paths network, which I know will be welcomed by the many people who enjoy using it. We are now progressing design and technical plans and will get to work as soon as possible.”