How we are engaging with the local community
Stakeholder engagement
We have engaged with local businesses and community representatives through regular meetings to keep them informed of the project timeline, scope, and progress. We have also provided a dedicated contact point for ongoing communication.
Support measures
We are implementing a range of mitigation strategies, including clear signage, visitor information and advertising to help maintain footfall and visitor awareness during the works.
Consultation on design
We have considered various design options, including alternative surfacing proposals, to balance the historical character of the area with cost and time efficiencies, and are engaging with stakeholders to explore practical solutions.
Future support for businesses
We are also considering potential measures such as voucher schemes for affected businesses and will continue to work with partners to identify additional ways to assist.
As well as the engagement already taking place with business and community representatives, we have also been highlighting a number of wider business support opportunities that may be of particular benefit during the works.
- Business Champion Network – a forum to maintain open communication between the Council and businesses through quarterly Teams meetings. This provides an opportunity to discuss challenges, share updates and build stronger local networks.
- Business Gateway – free, tailored business advice and support, including webinars, tutorials, guides and access to market research. Advisors are available to link businesses into free specialist expertise.
- Forever Edinburgh – tourism businesses can benefit from a free listing on the Forever Edinburgh website, promotion of offers and events and opportunities to sign up for the business newsletter and LinkedIn page. Unlocking opportunities to reach millions of prospective leisure visitors and residents through the Forever Edinburgh online platforms.
- Resident Rewards Programme – launched in 2021 to encourage residents to re-engage with their city’s leisure, hospitality, and cultural offering. Businesses involved benefit from
- brand promotion through media spend
- increased visibility among local residents
- advocacy through positive word-of-mouth.
- Marketing and visitor Information – clear signage and visitor communications will be in place to maintain awareness and accessibility. Advertising support will also be provided to highlight South Queensferry as a destination throughout the construction period.
- Small Business Saturday 2025 – we are exploring opportunities to spotlight Queensferry during this nationwide campaign on 6 December 2025, showcasing local businesses and driving additional footfall.
Read more information about this support that is available to businesses.
The final project plan has developed through detailed conversations with various stakeholders including local residents, businesses, schools, councillors and the Community Council.
Data Protection
Any information shared with the project team will be used to inform the development of this project and may be shared with contracted organisations if deemed necessary, appropriate and compliant with GDPR legislation.
Can you add in some detail here about previous and ongoing engagement – just a list will do.
The final project plan has developed through detailed conversations with various stakeholders including local residents, businesses, schools, councillors and the Community Council.
Conservation area and street finish
Recent feedback has been around the street finish, in particular setted streets. To clarify this, at its meeting on 9 March 2018, the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee approved the “Finalised Strategy for Setted Streets”.
As part of the principles that were approved within this report, it states that setted streets that fall within the World Heritage Site and/or are in a conservation area will be protected.
Queensferry High Street is within the Queensferry conservation area and the setts must be renewed.