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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane

@finlaymcf.bsky.social
406 followers 74 following 144 posts

SNP Councillor for Edinburgh’s City Centre & Culture Spox Recipient of the Attitude Magazine Pride Award & MABC Campaigner of the year ‘22.

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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
People who support the 25% culture uplift: SNP ✅ Lib Dem’s ✅ Cockburn Association ✅ Fringe Society ✅ Festivals Edinburgh ✅ Community Arts Orgs ✅ Conservatives❓ Labour ❌ Greens ❌ www.heraldscotland.com/news/2652075...
heraldscotland.com
Cockburn Association: Edinburgh festivals will 'suffer' without tourist tax support
The heritage group has said support for Edinburgh's festivals is an 'entirely legitimate use' of income raised via the new visitor…
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Very glad indeed this has passed. Commitment for all Premier Parks to have a Changing Places Toilet secured ☑️ Access matts to help wheelchair users enjoy our green spaces where these bathrooms currently exist on their way ☑️ www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinbur...
edinburghlive.co.uk
Disabled Edinburgh school pupils' outing to park cancelled over 'access issues'
A motion has been raised for the council to improve access to the capital's parks.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
There we have it - £1.24m worth of funding proposed because the SNP took action to restore Leith Customs House, safeguard the historic Tron Kirk and FINALLY rebuild the iconic Portobello Kilns. Secured via amendment authored and argued for by yours truly as SNP Culture Spox 🙂
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The Edinburgh Reporter @edinreporter.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Spectacular lightning shots As the capital basked in warm weather during the last week some spectacular thunder and lightning also appeared in the skies early on Friday morning.... theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2026/06/…
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
Spectacular lightning shots
As the capital basked in warm weather during the last week some spectacular thunder and lightning also appeared in the skies early on Friday morning. Rather than staying home under the duvet, photographer Tom Duffin was out in the early hours with his camera to collect images of the weather. On Thursday temperatures reached 31.2C in Threave, Dumfries and Galloway, but on Saturday in Edinburgh the Met Office predicts a balmy 22C with a chance of rain later. And the good news is the pollen count has reduced to moderate.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Thanks to the Herald for covering - proud to champion the brilliant Oaklands School Community and to work for a world where everyone can enjoy what Edinburgh has to offer equally! www.heraldscotland.com/news/2620445...
heraldscotland.com
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Huge congrats and well done to all volunteers involved in this years #MeadowsFestival - it takes a LOT of work but such a great community event 😍
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
It’s a privilege to be in the position to recognise the work (often voluntary) of citizens of Edinburgh. We have so much to thank David Black for in the Old Town and beyond. www.scottishlegal.com/articles/dav...
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SpokesLothian @spokes.org.uk · 11/05/2026
#WaverleyStation 🚲🚲 🤔 Where do #AbandonedBikes go? Here-> www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/edinbur... 👍 @networkrailscot.bsky.social @thebikestation.bsky.social via @edinburghminute.com @edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @davesthompson.bsky.social
Picture of Bike Station van collecting abandoned bikes from Waverley...

Thursday 7 May 2026
Edinburgh Waverley donates abandoned bicycles to local cycling charity

Region & Route:
    Scotland’s Railway: Scotland 

Edinburgh Waverley station is supporting sustainable travel and local communities through a renewed partnership with The Bike Station, a charity dedicated to making cycling accessible to everyone.Edinburgh Waverley donates abandoned bicycles to local cycling charity

Region & Route:
    Scotland’s Railway: Scotland 

Edinburgh Waverley station is supporting sustainable travel and local communities through a renewed partnership with The Bike Station, a charity dedicated to making cycling accessible to everyone.

Each year, dozens of bicycles are left unclaimed at Scotland’s busiest railway station. Over the past two years alone, more than 60 bikes have been abandoned after efforts were made to reunite them with their owners.

Bicycles can be stored in the station’s cycle racks for up to two weeks. After this period, warning notices are issued before bikes are moved into secure storage, where they are held for six months. If they still go unclaimed, they’re passed on for reuse.

The Bike Station is a charity that recycles donated bicycles, refurbishes them, and sells them at affordable prices. Proceeds are reinvested into projects that help people across Scotland access cycling, alongside maintenance classes, training courses, and affordable repair services.

The first uplift under the refreshed partnership took place on 22 April, with around 30 bicycles collected and transferred to Polmont Prison, where they will be serviced and cleaned as part of the refurbishment process.

The partnership will help reduce clutter at the station’s heavily used cycle racks while supporting sustainable transport, skills development, and wider community benefitsAaron Patrick, customer service assistant at Edinburgh Waverley, said: “We know not everyone can afford a brand-new bike, and having the chance to cycle can make a big difference to people’s everyday lives.

We work closely with communities across our network, so it’s great to support organisations like The Bike Station, which help people get around in a more affordable and sustainable way, while also building confidence.”

Sasha Taylor, CEO of The Bike Station, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with our colleagues at Edinburgh Waverley again. The Bike Station originated in Waverley Station many years ago and the impact of working together is as relevant now as it was then.

“Recently our team collected 40 bikes which will be refurbished and made available through our free to access bikes programme, Kids Bike Life, which enables more families to choose cycling in our city".
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
No library closures in Edinburgh? You have Edinburgh SNP councillors to thank. Delighted with this outcome of the (necessary) libraries review. A credit to the hard work of senior officers, trade unions and our excellent librarians who are lynchpins of communities. 📖
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Polls closed. Hope you all used your vote (no matter how). There are people across the world who don’t have the opportunity, it’s something worth protecting. 🗳️
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
So happy to see this commitment in the SNP Manifesto. I have so many friends trapped with extortionate and dubious factor fees and have seen first hand the damage an absentee / negligent landlord can do in the process of their neighbours trying to organise a common repair.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
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Calton Hill Conservation Trust @caltonhill.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Calling CLARINDA! Calling SYLVANDER! Would you like to read a few lines of Burns? We are hoping to have readers for our Agnes 'Nancy' Maclehose walk on 26 April. Write to <chair@caltonhilldrive.org>. FYI @finlaymcf.bsky.social
Cover of Sylvander and Clarinda, the Love Letters of Robert Burns and Agnes M'Lehose, edited by Amelia Josephine Burr
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
🎭 ❤️ www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Edinburgh King's Theatre set to open in July after four-year makeover
Capital Theatres have given a look behind the scenes of the dramatic transformation of the 120-year-old theatre.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
❤️‍🔥
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Spent this morning with Dumbiedykes residents holding a wee town hall in The Braidwood & then Voy biked over to the EICC for SNP Campaign Conference 🙂
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Cllr Stephen Jenkinson @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
My concern here is we have spent a decade discussing George Street and delivered nothing. Unless there is some compromise across the political groups in the Council we’ll still be talking about ‘what should be done’ with Princes Street in 2036! www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
edinburghnews.scotsman.com
Edinburgh city centre: Future of Princes Street and George Street up for debate
Big changes to two of Edinburgh's most famous streets are expected to be the focus of debate at the City Chambers later this year.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
As the city rushes to catch up and create a policy to manage AI, I was proud that my addition to the cities AI policy passed unanimously and was adopted. As a UNESCO city of literature renowned for our festivals and art scene the world over we must ensure we lead from the front.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
One year ago the Old Town Community Council was functionally extinct. Tonight we had to hastily shift our digs to a meeting room in the City Chambers tonight because there were too many people to fit into The Crannie… 😍👍
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Open sesame! Historic Environment Scotland works to mitigate the castle rockfall have enabled this much loved local cut-through in Princes St Gardens to reopen. Work still to do to open remaining closed parts of the garden 👷 🪏
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
More good news for the auld toon 🫶 theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2026/02/upco...
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
Upcoming roadworks on Royal Mile to replace “unsightly” security barriers
AS PART of a push to replace “unsightly” barriers on the Royal Mile, roadworks will start soon to install new, retractable security bollards.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Yet again - Labour found cash to buy a deal with the Conservatives who keep them in power - but nothing for youth work. Bookmark this for a few months time when yet again there is not enough to go around and services are left underfunded. No hope 👍
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
“Finlay McFarlane says he feels as if it is his "mission" as a councillor to ensure visitor levy funds are used constructively in the Old Town” Yes, he does! x.com/finlaymcf/st...
x.com
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Rest In Power 🤍
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Great to see coverage of this most recent ward win! Thanks to Grassmarket Residents, Edinburgh Council's Archaeologist, Edinburgh World Heritage and the Scottish Covenanter Memorial Association for the collaborative working to get to this point. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2586313...
heraldscotland.com
Historic Grassmarket memorial in Edinburgh has been restored after years of neglect
The Covenanters Memorial in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, commemorating 17th-century Scottish Presbyterians, has been restored after a major…
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
When I met with the Children’s Hospital charity late last year, they highlighted the sudden financial burden placed on families who have a seriously ill wee one. This includes travel expenses to and from the hospital. We own a bus company, and could do something about this. 👇
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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
5 ways our Budget delivers for people in Scotland, explained in under a minute. 👇
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Much to welcome in SNP Scottish Government Budget but Edinburgh Kings Theatre receiving an extra £1.25m towards its magnificent redevelopment is a real highlight. Comes alongside £11.65m for the new Art Works Project in Granton. www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/scottis...
artsprofessional.co.uk
Scottish government makes good on £20m culture boost in draft budget - Arts Professional
The Scottish government has reaffirmed its pledge to increase cultural spending by £20 million as part of its draft budget announcement for the next financial
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Calton Hill Conservation Trust @caltonhill.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
13th LITTER PICKUP: Saturday, 17 January 2026, 10.00 from outside the City Observatory/Collective. Lasting 90 minutes. Equipment & refreshments provided. All welcome — members and NON-MEMBERS. Please bring gloves. Let us know you are coming — via <info@caltonhilltrust.org>.
Calton Hill Conservation Trust litter collection in Greenside, 11 December 2024
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Great to be out and about in the Auld Toon this morning offering assistance and listening to residents views 🌞
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Back at my desk and busy! 💼 Live / Work here? Run a business / theatre / castle? Have something to say about Edinburgh’s magnificent city centre? I want to hear from you 🫡 📞0131 529 4005 📧 Cllr.Finlay.Mcfarlane@edinburgh.gov.uk
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
This behaviour continues to bring the whole council into total disrepute which affects trust in all of us. Labour are hell bound to protect / promote him though incl suspending a Lab Cllr who (rightly) wouldn’t give up her committee place for him. 🤷‍♂️ www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottis...
dailyrecord.co.uk
Ex-council leader Cammy Day used fake name to lodge complaint about colleague
The former Labour leader of Edinburgh City Council has issued an 'unreserved apology' after the Sunday Mail uncovered evidence of the bizarre ploy.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
That’s the last meeting of 2025 wrapped and I will now take a few days to be with family. Outwith urgent cases, bear with me and I will be back to you in the New Year. Thank you constituents for all your support through 2025, it’s an honour representing you. Merry Christmas 🎄
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
“If I could turn back time…” 🎤 🕰️ Restoring some civic pride to Tollcross! www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2025/12/19/t...
deadlinenews.co.uk
Tollcross Clock step further to reinstatement as council back motion
COUNCILLORS have approved a motion to continue work towards reinstating the Tollcross Clock during yesterday’s (THUR) full council meeting.
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
With a few weeks to go, I’ve logged & resolved nearly 500 constituent cases this year. I publish these figures annually to try to be open and accountable to those I have the privilege of representing. These figures exclude committee, community council & spokesperson work.
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SpokesLothian @spokes.org.uk · 24/11/2025
🌲 If buying a #ChristmasTree get it delivered by #CyclingGardeners 🚲 #CargoBike --> www.tollcrosstreeworks.com @edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @tollcross-cc-edin.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social
Picture of xmas tree in Cycling Gardeners of Edinburgh


Local Bike delivery
£5.00

Description

This service cost £5 and is available to anyone within 10 minutes cycle from our yard in Tollcross (Cycle time taken from google maps)
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Calton Hill Conservation Trust @caltonhill.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
THANK YOU to our volunteers & our donor, Alan Lawson & the Seven Hills Race, for +60 square metres (m2) of turf laid today (18 Nov.) on the top of the hill. 300 m2 in total — responding to Erosion Emergency. Statement by the community & local media. @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social
Three hundred square metres of turf laid in front of the National Monument, Calton Hill in response to the Erosion Emergency, 12 & 18 November 2025
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Calton Hill Conservation Trust @caltonhill.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
BRAVO & THANK YOU to all our skilled, hard-working volunteers. We laid 240 square metres today (12 November 2025) in a great concerted effort. The turf came late — and the weather forecast was bad for tomorrow — but the job was completed just in time!
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
What a mission! Huge effort from @caltonhill.bsky.social, volunteers from around the city and council parks officers! Massive amount of ground reinstated in front of the National Monument 😎 Time for a hot bath!
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Cause & Effect ☺️
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Calton Hill Conservation Trust @caltonhill.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Trust & partners now returfing 240 square metres: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for 12 and 13 November. Please write <chair@caltonhilltrust.org>. FYI @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @scotsman.com @scotnational.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Have been so proud to support the Truat since it was a Friends Group… local people rolling their sleeves up to protect one of Edinburghs most iconic landmarks 😎
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Cockburn Association @thecockburn.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
www.thenational.scot/news/2551550...
thenational.scot
Bid to fight erosion at popular Scottish city landmark launched
EXTRA efforts to fight erosion on Calton Hill in Edinburgh have been called for by councillors over fears "managed decline" is harming the…
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Thomas Lynch @thomaslynch.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Hey @finlaymcf.bsky.social well done on what you said yesterday during the community centre review. It was helpful for you to be so clear about the concerns. Fingers crossed for the months ahead. Thomas
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Looks great! A brilliant bit of citizen science. Naysayers said the barren ground would be forever so - it only took a bit of muscle and thinking to prove that wrong. Future looking bright for Calton Hill 💪
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Angus Robertson @angusrobertson.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
✍️I want to hear constituents’ views on use of the Edinburgh’s Tourism Visitor Levy. While it is great to see the City in festival full swing, Edinburgh residents’ priorities must come first. Get in touch at angus.robertson.msp@parliament.scot
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Huge thanks to City Centre Cleansing Teams for lending some muscle to the Tron Square residents Day of Action! The results are so impressive and speak for themselves. 🧼
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Well The Spurtle knows what’s up! Really looking forward to seeing what can be achieved in our parks with the council looking to find Friends and Trusts Groups in recognition of their mammoth voluntary efforts! 🌳 🌲 🌷
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
This is a big day for me. It has been such a privilege helping Ginnie, Rod and Team Filmhouse since the awful day CMI went into liquidation. A herculean effort from all involved. Now we have to support it with our patronage! The doors - they did open!
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Cllr. Finlay McFarlane @finlaymcf.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
I know for certain how Tommy Sheppard would have voted. Chris Murray MP, can disabled residents in Dumbiedykes, the Old Town and Tollcross count on you? www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
bigissue.com
Could the government's disability benefit cuts be blocked by Labour MPs?
More than 100 Labour MPs have backed an amendment calling for the disability benefit cuts to be blocked. Here's what it means.
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