An independent candidate in Thursday’s Southside/Newington by-election is making Holyrood Park access a campaign issue, arguing against calls to extend pedestrianisation on Queens’ Drive.
Campaigners have long pushed for vehicles to be banned from the road through Holyrood Park, saying it would make the route safer for pedestrians, cyclists and visitors heading to Arthur’s Seat.
Candidate rejects ban plan
But Roisin Keirdashian says that approach would not reflect what local people want. The single mum said: “[The plan] exposes the kind of arrogant and disconnected thinking that has become common among Edinburgh’s political class,”
She added: “Queen’s Drive is a vital artery for local people,”
“We are sick of these assaults on our traditional rights of access.”
Keirdashian, 37, said residents should be represented by “independent voices” who will put their interests first.
The Edinburgh native said: “Local residents feel ignored, pushed aside and increasingly cut off from their own city
“The council increasingly seems to prioritise the interests of Edinbugh University, property developers, tourism and big business over the people who actually live here.”
Current access rules in Holyrood Park
At present, all roads within the park are closed on weekends. The High Road is open to vehicles between 9.30 am and 3.00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
In September 2024, campaigners seeking a ban on cars in Holyrood Park were left disappointed after a new strategy document approved by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) did not include such provisions.
HES sets access rules for cars and other vehicles within the park independently of City of Edinburgh Council.
Keirdashian also targets housing and the university
Keirdashian has also argued that Edinburgh University should contribute a portion of its international student fees revenue toward social housing projects.
She said: “The University of Edinburgh is a billion-pound business and the city’s largest landowner.
“The council’s desire to accommodate the University’s business model comes at the direct expense of local residents.
“The more students the university attracts, the more housing is required, all this while Edinburgh Council has a self-declared housing emergency and locals are being priced out of the city.”
According to Edinburgh University’s 2024/25 Annual Report, the institution has experienced “challenges” in “attracting new international students” in recent years.
The university is in the midst of a £140 million cuts drive, with as many as 1,400 staff at risk of losing their jobs.