On Thursday, 8 October at 7pm, I will be hosting a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing at St Michael’s Parish Church Hall. The film will be followed by a short discussion. If you would like to attend, please register your interest by completing this form: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/sL2NxNMtei

Andy is right - Rough sleeping is complex, but that doesn't mean we should stop trying. Me on Edinburgh: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/08/20/r...

Rough sleeping is complex, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying in Edinburgh

Nobody can fail to welcome Andy Burnham’s commitment to ensuring that people sleeping rough in England are offered a bed for the night. At a basic human level, that should not be a controvers…

scottarthurmp.wordpress.com

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with John Loughton, Chief Executive of Young Scot. It was great to gain insight into the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes to make the Young Scot card such a valuable resource for young people across Scotland.

"The issue returned later when a Labour member, who identified himself as a gay man, challenged the candidates over the party’s direction on LGBT rights." It me.

‘How can I stay?’: Trans rights clash dominates Scottish Labour hustings

Michael Marra and Joe Fagan faced questions on women’s health, single-sex spaces and trans rights at the Scottish Labour leadership hustings.

heraldscotland.com

A planning application has been submitted to build Temporary Residential Accommodation at 96 Stevenson Road (junction with Westfield Road). Details and ability to comment here: citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/a...

I unreservedly welcome today’s announcement from the Scottish Government. It’s an important step, but it’s also worth recognising that the developer behind the proposed data centre at Wester Hermiston had already voluntarily committed to carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The Evening News is covering the results of my Water of Leith survey - links below. Evening News report: www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/conflic... My blog on the issue: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/08/14/l...

Redford Road, again!

It was a pleasure to spend a few hours in Spylaw Park this afternoon, seeing Creating in the Park in action thanks to Colinton Village Hub.

There are 12 stops on the Pentland Open Studios Art Trail this weekend, & I decided to dip my toe in the water by visiting one: postudios.org It was lovely to finally meet Jenny Matthews in person. We'd previously met online, but it was great to see her in her studio home: www.jennymatthews.co.uk

More than 450 people shared their views in a constituency survey and ran on the Water of Leith, highlighting both what they love about the Water of Leith and where improvements are needed. Full report here: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/08/14/l...

Local Residents Show Strong Support for the Water of Leith

More than 450 people shared their views in a constituency survey, highlighting both what they love about the Water of Leith and where improvements are needed. The full report is linked below. The W…

scottarthurmp.wordpress.com

Don't forget, it is Pentlands Open Studios this weekend. Details: postudios.org

I spent a really interesting few hours today with Jenny, a local Scottish SPCA Inspector, seeing first-hand the incredible work they do to protect animals across Edinburgh. Over the course of around 4 hours, we visited a number of properties where concerns had been raised about the welfare of pets.

Best seat on the bus!

Best seat on the bus!

The latest growth figures confirm that the UK has the fastest-growing economy in the G7. That is genuinely positive news and an encouraging sign that we are beginning to see the benefits of the Labour government's first two years in office.

It was great to start my day on Tuesday alongside a local postie, MK, helping deliver letters and parcels to residents across the part of Sighthill and chatting with people along the way.

Watching people on Blackford Hill watching the eclipse.

Edinburgh South West today.

22B Mcleod Street (Gorgie) - A planning proposal has been submitted by the Council to demolish the existing Social Club & replace it with a residential accommodation for people in need of housing support. Details & ability to comment here: citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/a...

This is good coverage of my Water of Leith survey results - it is based on entries from almost 500 people! I will share a link to the report later. Report- theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2026/08/wate...

Best seat on the bus!

After a largely grey weekend, it was a real pleasure to get back out in the sunshine today for a street surgery. Rather than sitting in an office waiting for emails to arrive, today we were out in Sighthill, knocking on doors, & listening directly to residents about the issues that matter to them.

I had a great start to my day my meeting with Scorcha & Riya from Cancer Research UK. Scorcha brought her dog, Hamish, - a real attention seeker. We discussed the implementation of my Rare Cancers Act & building on Archie Goodburn's powerful and moving appearance on BBC Breakfast.

Recess - Reflecting on last week as this week begins.

Recognising the work of Friends of the Pentlands: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/08/09/r...

Recognising the work of Friends of the Pentlands

It was great to join the Friends of the Pentlands lunch this week at the excellent Swanston Farm & Brasserie and hear more about the fantastic work they do across the Pentland Hills. Despite op…

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Today was the 48th Hailes Quarry junior parkrun, and I'm proud to say it was my 40th time volunteering at the event! My event report here: www.facebook.com/DrScottArthu...

It was great to visit WHALE Arts on Friday and spend some time with their community. We enjoyed a fantastic lunch prepared by the brilliant team at SCOREscotland, with flavours from different cultures coming together beautifully. A curry followed by custard, two of my favourite comfort foods!

Happy international cat day from my baby - Millie.

Balerno Farmers Market was buzzing today... so I got myself some honey... and pies!