Sign in

Iain McFarlane

@streetsofyourtown.bsky.social
121 followers 279 following 37 posts

Town planner, ex bookseller, Go Betweens fan, here for place and urban thoughts. Local and strategic planning lead at City of Edinburgh Council. Politically restricted officer.

PostsRepliesMedia
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
And build denser, more sustainable places!
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Then there’s what’s built; low density car reliant estates or at density to support good viable public transport and local businesses and services. More of the same or sustainable places….
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
@eastcoastbuses.bsky.social as you don’t reply on facebook, just trying here. Disappointing service over the last week. Check fb for details.
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Or pipework
010
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Not to mention the pigeon message
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
No, that was Gary Neville I think….
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
That REM gig was immense. Hoochie Coochie Club I saw….possibly Three Johns? Will need to check back
010
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Paul Quinn and the Independent Group
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
How much are thy allocating for carbon capture? Dutch that instead…..
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Generally, permitted development rights under recent-ish change in Scotland. Complete disconnect between policy and pd. Built in problem.
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
Trumpesque…..
010
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Smiths shops have looked a shambles for years, don’t know how they survived so long.
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Saw an article the other day about a new ‘immersive Titanic experience’ which I may avoid….
010
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
Rae Radford @raeradford.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
#BookSky
535390877772
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Noted! Thanks.
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Fab, but a common name version might help!
100
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Thoughts on this appreciated. Already working on the next one so feedback is useful. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cityplan2030
edinburgh.gov.uk
City Plan 2030
We are preparing a new local development plan for Edinburgh – City Plan 2030. The new plan will set out policies and proposals for development in Edinburgh between 2020 and 2030.
000
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
The City of Edinburgh Council @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Congrats to our planning team for recognition at the Scottish Design Awards. Draft plans to transform Seafield into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood received a gold award 🥇https://www.7narchitects.com/journal/masterplanning-gold-for-seafield-masterplan-at-the-scottish-design-awards
021
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
A Maxi. They’ve really corrupted the Mini
010
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
There’s certainly a difference between number of homes being built and amount of land with permissions. No business will build a home unless someone can get a mortgage to buy it or pay market rent. Without other need being funded somehow (in SE Scotland it’s over 60%), it simply won’t get built.
100
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Should be red
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
I find modern academic writing often a chore to read and a frustration of learning rather than positive communication. Simplicity is not a crime but seems to be consciously avoided rather than embraced.
020
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
When did using kinda/kind of every fourth or fifth word become so heavily used? I can remember hearing it from someone about 7 or so years ago, now it’s everywhere. Or at least in every conversation I hear from people in Edinburgh/Scotland. Has it become infectious?
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Radio snooker
000
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
The City of Edinburgh Council @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
There is a week left to give us your views on our draft plan to transform Seafield into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood - consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/seafield...
Artist's impression of new housing and a park along the coastline at Seafield.
177
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
Anyone know what the density dph of this is?
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
Looks pretty low headlight so hope it’s not too springy….
110
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
That’s a great shop too
010
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Radiohead at Subway Edinburgh. Maybe holds a couple of hundred at a squeeze? Probably 20 people in. Not too long before re-release of Creep. Or REM at Coasters, less than 1000. Both great!
020
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
Tiago Mota Saraiva @tiagoms.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
#placemaking
094
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Yes, very much so. Working hard to get that in Edinburgh, in part returning to models of the past, tenements, colonies, terraces with a mix of uses.
020
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
It’s useful, at least. There’s a need to think bigger. New places can work if they have the numbers and density to support the right public transport and local services. Recent articles have bemoaned the lack of these and never mentioned density. That’s a blocker to building good places
100
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
Richard Hebditch @richard.hebditch.org · 07/03/2025
New: 2025 housing developments combine wrong location, wrong transport & low density. Result is car dependent ‘tarmac’ estates which increase congestion, limit housing choices for those who don't want to drive everywhere & damage existing town centres. www.transportfornewhomes.org.uk/jigsaw-puzzl...
transportfornewhomes.org.uk
‘Jigsaw puzzle’ developments are creating car-dependent estates - Transport for New Homes
Our latest report reveals that new housing estates being built in England resemble a jigsaw puzzle with some of the most important pieces missing.
1710
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
Scottish Construction Now @scottishconstructionnow.com · 06/03/2025
A significant project to regenerate the Granton area of Edinburgh has received a grant of almost £16 million to enable the provision of new affordable, energy efficient homes.
scottishconstructionnow.com
Granton area regeneration receives £16m from Scottish Government
A significant project to regenerate the Granton area of Edinburgh has received a grant of almost £16 million to enable the provision of new affordable, energy efficient homes.
053
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
Edinburgh World Heritage @edinburghwh.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
🚨 Amazing job alert 🚨 @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social is looking for a Senior Planning Officer specialising in Conservation and Design. Deadline: 18 March 2025 Apply here: myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/cit...
myjobscotland.gov.uk
Senior Planning Officer - Conservation & Design - EDN30190 | City of Edinburgh Council | myjobscotland
View details and apply for this town planning role in Edinburgh with City of Edinburgh Council on myjobscotland
011
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Surely the first question is what’s the percentage of need and demand for affordable tenures and who’s going to fund building them? Agree on the issue of construction capacity too though.
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Fascinating perspectives. The pro social point resonates, something often lacking in the UK
010
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
Danny Yee @dannyyee.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
some observations about Tokyo: notes on the world's most successful failing society www.persuasion.community/p/10-observa... (Persuasion) - "How a compact metro area of 37 million people manages to feel this relaxed isn't really a mystery: the city declared war on cars, and then won that war."
persuasion.community
10 Observations About Tokyo
Notes on the world's most successful failing society.
195
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
The City of Edinburgh Council @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Tune into the Culture and Communities Committee this morning where Members are discussing Firework Control Zones, an Events Strategy for the city, consultation feedback on the Ross Bandstand and much more: edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/...
The front of the City Chambers building and balustrade on a sunny day.
032
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Seems to be a fundamental lack of understanding in govt that no matter how many homes are granted planning permission, they’ll only be built when or if people have mortgage funding to buy them or there’s funding for affordable/BTR homes. They can only ensure delivery if they find ways to fund them.
010
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
They…I’m not medieval
000
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
But should thy not realise that?
100
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
1 or 4 Or social cities v antisocial cities Or good cities v bad cities Or cities of life v cities of insulation Or cities of life v cities of inertia
110
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Brandenburg concertos played fast sound like techno
010
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
The City of Edinburgh Council @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
We've created a draft plan to transform Seafield into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood and we want to hear your thoughts. Find out more about our plans and how you can share your views: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article...
Artist's rendition of a vibrant beachside community development. The image shows a bustling boardwalk with people walking and engaging in various activities alongside a sandy beach with waves lapping at the shore. Modern and traditional styled buildings, including residential apartments and quaint houses, are visible. Green spaces, a playground, and neatly landscaped areas enhance the scenic beauty of the coastline.
0124
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Calming, beautiful space
010
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
World Bollard Association™️ @worldbollardassoc.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
💛WIN A BOLLARD💛 The most popular competition in the history of social media is back. It's the prize you've all been waiting for. Repost and follow to be in with a chance of winning this gorgeous Monoscape Bridgeford Smooth Grey Concrete Bollard worth £252.42. #WorldBollardAssociation
661170715
Iain McFarlane @streetsofyourtown.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Lynx maker presumably thinks Africa all smells the same……
020
Reposted by Iain McFarlane
Jessica de Heij @jdeheij.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
“So instead of only considering metrics such as ‘housing density’, planning also needs to factor in access to green spaces, affordable housing, cultural amenities, and overall inclusion. Holistic and culturally responsive approaches to city-making can foster health, wellbeing, and equity for all.”
2106