The Area

Welcome to the Flower Colonies Area. We are a vibrant community in the City of Edinburgh, about a mile and a half southwest of the city, just off the Slateford Road and beside the Caledonian Brewery

The area has its own residents association, which aims to look after the safety of its residents, preserve its architectural heritage, and improve the area for the future. A committee meets regularly and sends representatives to other local initiatives like the Shandon Local Food Group, and to the Merchiston Community Council on behalf of the residents. The goal is also to arrange events for the local community where they can meet neighbours and get to appreciate fully their local environment.

At present, there are plans for development of the old factory inside the flower colonies area. The local community, with the help of other interested parties, has been campaigning for this development to be sensitive and intelligent: unfortunately the design drafted by the developer's architect is neither of these. Our activities involve both objecting to the current proposals, as well help create our own community-led contra plan which takes into consideration the needs of the council, the developer and the local residents.