Let's talk about street weeds, my blog: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/08/02/l...

Let’s talk about street weeds.

There can be few clearer signs that Edinburgh is Scotland’s worst funded local authority than the weeds now spreading across streets throughout our capital city. The photo below was taken on …

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The Burnham Bounce - The shift we’re seeing isn’t coming from nowhere, it’s coming from people who’ve felt politically homeless for months. Since Andy Burnham became Labour leader, many who had drifted to the Greens or Liberal Democrats are now returning. Story: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

In politics, hope will always be more powerful than division. My blog on the Greater Manchester Mayor election: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/08/01/i...

In politics, hope will always be more powerful than division.

People said the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election would be the first major test for Andy Burnham. Others claimed it would be one of the biggest by-elections in modern British political history…

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Offer? The city had to demand it! Well done to the Labour Councillors that did not give up on this - this funding has to be a lifeline for local businesses.

Proud of our team. Over 900 constituents helped in July. 💪♥️

Dr Scott Arthur MP (Edinburgh South West) 🌍🌈🌹@drscottarthurmp.bsky.social · 6d ago

It's 31 July, so how did my office perform last month? 📈 We opened 923 new cases and completed 1,074. 📂 We currently have 972 cases open and just 38 emails awaiting action. Since July 2024 when I was elected, we've completed 14,715 cases. That's roughly 20 cases every single day for over 2 years.

Looks like Labour has stormed the Greater Manchester byelection. Votes still being counted but we're told they've won in places where Reform UK and the Greens dominated in May – including all wards in Green MP Hannah Spencer's constituency. "It's a massive turnaround," says Labour source.

It's 31 July, so how did my office perform last month? 📈 We opened 923 new cases and completed 1,074. 📂 We currently have 972 cases open and just 38 emails awaiting action. Since July 2024 when I was elected, we've completed 14,715 cases. That's roughly 20 cases every single day for over 2 years.

Wondering what this is on Calder Road? All is explained: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/07/30/e...

Evaluating ‘driver distraction’ in Edinburgh South West

The Scottish Government is deploying new camera technology for the first time to understand the scale of mobile‑phone use and seatbelt non‑compliance among drivers, these are considered to be ‘driv…

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Embarrassing Scotland - the Scottish Government's "tax disaster" has made it to the Washington Post. See: Scotland crosses the Laffer Curve - The Washington Post share.google/2Is7lqzWErW9...

Being a bee isn't so much fun when it's raining.

Best seat on the cruise ship.

Last week I experienced something new: I stepped inside a Maggie's Centre for the very first time, and it was not just any Maggie's Centre - it was the 1st one ever built, at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. @maggiescentres.bsky.social My blog: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/07/28/a...

A visit to Maggie’s in Edinburgh to see where it all started

I’ve mentioned here before that I’ve had the privilege of meeting Maggie’s Chief Executive, Dame Laura Lee, on a couple of occasions. I also learned that she was the cancer nurse …

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Shelter says the Scottish Government can (and must) do more to cut homelessness, write to your MSP here: act.scotland.shelter.org.uk/scotlands-ne...

This morning I made it through to Glasgow for the first session at Scotstoun Stadium for the Commonwealth Games. Good luck to everyone who took part, and many thanks to all the staff and volunteers who kept us safe.

We need more Council homes in Edinburgh - A coalition of charities is calling on the Scottish Government to commit to matching the Andy's ambition and ensure that any additional funding as a result of Barnett consequentials are spent on council housing. See: share.google/0oNqNh8J23kU...

I am so pleased to see the Evening News raising the profile of this show at Edinburgh Printmakers. The show is worth a look, and they also have a great cafe if you want to rest your feet. Story- www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...

Won at Appeal - First Gillespie Crescent, and now Atholl Crescent - scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/07/26/w...

Won at Appeal – First Gillespie Crescent, and now Atholl Crescent

At the beginning of this week, I wrote to the Scottish Government regarding the decision to uphold an appeal for the proposed student housing development on Gillespie Crescent. Let me be clear: my …

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Welcomed a fantastic 48 young folk who ran, jogged, and walked around the course. Girls were dominating today with Isla claiming an impressive first place while setting a new female course record, & claiming most of the PBs. We all know girls are more resilient in the tougher weather of course. 💪

£10.8 billion for the UK economy - My visit to Farnborough International Airshow: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/07/26/m...

My visit to Farnborough International Airshow

I had a fascinating day at the Farnborough International Airshow this week. People who follow this page will know that I have a keen interest in transport and aviation. I certainly wouldn’t c…

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While tourism brings enormous benefits to our capital, we also need to be honest about its challenges. My blog on Edinburgh's "Tourist Tax": scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/07/26/e...

Edinburgh’s Tourist Tax Is Long Overdue, Now We Must Make It Count

I’m incredibly proud of Edinburgh. I’m proud that our city attracts people from all over the world because of its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, outstanding bars and restaur…

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It was great to catch up with people at the Westside Shed Summer Market today. I had a chat with Wester Hailes Tool Library, and got a lovely lunch via the volunteers and Stacey at the Health Agency. 😋

Edinburgh South West today!

In Edinburgh South West, we're blessed with great local pubs. These places provide employment for countless people. That's why I joined MPs across Scotland in signing a letter to the Scottish Government, urging them to follow Andy example & cut business rates for pubs to help secure their future

We will never forget them. ❤️

Planning in Scotland needs reform. At the very least, the Scottish Government needs to reverse its decision to block communities having a right to appeal decisions. Story: BBC News - Anger as 544-bed hostel gets go-ahead in Edinburgh www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Today, I rediscovered my love for Gorgie Community Farm (see my earlier post). Communities shape us, and we shape communities. For so many of us, Gorgie Farm has been part of our lives: a place full of memories, learning, and simple joy. I’m convinced its best years are still ahead.

I hope future generations forgive us for this: ✔️ Rejected by the local community. ❌️ Developer appeals before the council reaches a decision. ❌️ Approved via an appeal to the Scottish Government. Story: www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...

Absolutely chuffed to bits to be appointed as a minister in Department of Energy Security and Net Zero working with a brilliant team: @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social @katiewhitemp.bsky.social @martinmccluskey.bsky.social @michaelshanksmp.co.uk Margaret Curran and @blairmcdougall.com

I was one of the Scottish MPs who wrote to the Scottish Government demanding clear answers on the rollout of the promised £2 bus fare cap: www.scotsman.com/news/transpo...

Demand for clarity on £2 bus fare cap rollout amid uncertainty over SNP's pledge

Scottish Government says it will “progress” scheme during its committed 100-day timescale

scotsman.com

I had a constructive meeting with Michelin Mobility Intelligence about vehicle movements in Edinburgh. The data they use is collected anonymously from mobile phone applications, & they can identify where people are making sudden stops, whether they are using cars, bikes, or trucks. More>>