PLANS have finally been made for a sinkhole to be repaired in Longstone, a year after it appeared.
The sinkhole collapsed in early June 2024, on the public right of way connecting Longstone Road to Stenhouse Mill Lane.
As the area was believed to belong to the Earl of Morton, the council was unable to intervene and rectify the damage.
Now, however, estate research has revealed that Edinburgh City Council own a wall next to the Water of Leith which is connected to the sinkhole, and they can therefore repair the area – but not until June this year.
The city council plan to discuss the hole at a meeting next week, in anticipation of which they state: “Estate Research indicates that the landowner is Earl of Morton; however, an agreement in place means the retaining wall adjacent to the Water of Leith is the council’s responsibility.
“From preliminary investigations, it is likely that the retaining wall is being undermined and scouring by the river has caused the sinkhole to appear on the footpath.
“Engineering consultants have been engaged with a scope to investigate, provide a design solution and tender, and project manage the works required to completion.
“Once the engineering consultant has been appointed, then thorough investigations will commence with an initial use of underwater cameras to determine the extent of scour damage to the retaining wall.
“An approved design will then allow a method statement to be prepared and allow a tender for the remediation work to commence.
“The repairs to the retaining structure will probably need to be completed from the riverbed of the Water of Leith and be subjected to restrictions around the fish spawning season (March to May) and will need to ensure compliance with SEPA and NatureScot conditions and regulations.
“Therefore, it is unlikely that remedial works will not start on site before June 2025.
“Therefore, shorter term, the existing path diversion will be improved for cyclists and pedestrians using materials to match the existing whin-surfaced track; this work is due to commence in January 2025 and will remain in place until the works to the sinkhole are completed.”
Alan Gordon, secretary for Longstone Community Council said today: “Our community are delighted that clarity of responsibility has been obtained on the back of councillor Ross McKenzie’s motion.
“We had great engagement from various members of the Transport & Environment Committee who visited the site and helped drive this forward.
“It’s an important right of way locally and the only crossing we have currently to neighbouring communities, which is why we are excited about the new ‘Longstone Link’ bridge crossing next to Sainsbury’s beginning a consultation early this year.
“Our community needs better connectivity to reach local services.”
