Merchiston Community Council
13 March 2010 
Speaking up for the people of Merchiston  
Community Information

We have no single High Street or shopping centre in our area. We do have a very vibrant high street area around Brunstfield and Churchhill but then again we have an excellent small shopping area around Shandon along with a few shops in Polwarth and Dundee Street. All provide a vital service to residents. We have detailed what Community Services are available on that page but here we would like to draw your attention to Community events and groups. We can highlight what we are aware of, but this facility will be best served if you let us know what is going on and where and when.
For example:
  • Merchiston and Polwarth Neighbourhood Watch group, who meet twice a year with speakers, has its next meeting in Polwarth Parish Church on Sunday 11th May at 2:00pm

  • The Canal Society operating from Ashley Terrace boathouse at Lockhart Bridge where you are invited to join them on Sundays. Every Sunday, weather permitting, rowing boats are available for hire at £5.00 per hour per boat, from mid morning till around 5pm. Members of the community hold events on the canal e.g. On April 12th 2008 - ALP (Adult Learning Project) Tollcross are organising a regatta at Lochrin Basin and the Society is planning a midsummer cruise to Bowling and the Clyde. The trip is open to all members who have their own boats and should take 7/8 days to complete.

  • The Polwarth Toddler Group aims to provide a friendly, safe environment for children to participate in various activities and for parents/carers to meet. They have a wide selection of toys, bikes, trampoline, slides, dressing up etc. In fine weather they often meet in the garden.

  • The Polwarth Nearly New Sales are organised by two working mums, assisted by a huge team of other mums, dads, church staff and local volunteers.
    They are run on a non-profit basis with all proceeds going to local charities or other worthy causes.
    Catch up on nexty sale opportunity Here and a Toy Sale on 15 November 2008.
    Click on the links to find out more.

  • The Eric Liddell Centre and the Churches all have a wide list of activities available, including Pilates, Country Dancing, Scouts, Rainbows etc and we would direct you to them to see what is currently available.

  • North Merchiston (Boys and Girls) Club in Watson Crescent is a voluntary youth organisation, established in 1921, based in its own premises in Watson Crescent. The club is affiliated to the Edinburgh and Lothian Clubs for Young People, the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Scotland, and ultimately to Youth Link Scotland.
    The aims of the club are:
    ❆ to promote the moral, intellectual, social and physical wellbeing of its members; and
    ❆ to cultivate friendly relations with clubs having similar objectives.
    Although initially a boys’ club, membership has been open to girls since 1941. The premises have been made available to a group of elderly people and a group of adults with learning difficulties. During the summer holiday period the hostel style accommodation is available for use by various groups. Our Community Policeman, John Goodall, holds his monthly surgery here.

  • On the 6th May 1892 at the Windsor Hotel, Princes Street, Edinburgh a meeting was held, the purpose of which was to form a club for the pursuit of tennis and bowling in the Polwarth / Merchiston area of the city. A new suburb with a tram terminus. Merchiston Tennis and Bowling Club has been a pleasant open green oasis since. They are a friendly lot always looking for new members. You don't even have to be retired to join. The tennis section has a thriving youth group, with regular coaching sessions, and the bowlers are keen to welcome youngsters too.
    The bowling season starts on 12th April. Children from 10 years old can apply to become junior members of the club. Their classification will change to Intermediate status when reaching the age of 16 years. Juniors (12 -16years old) will consist of male and female youngsters. Junior : No joining fee and Yearly subscription 2008: £5.00. The club has two SBA qualified coaches to instruct these youngsters in the correct procedures, one is male and one is female.
    The tennis starts mid-April and is also aiming to attract more members, especially family members with children.