Cockburn Association - Edinburgh Civic Trust

21/08/2026

Edinburgh’s public art shouldn’t stop at the city centre.

The recent pause on new permanent statues and monuments in Princes Street Gardens gives us an opportunity to think more widely: about what we commemorate, whose stories we tell, and where across Edinburgh those stories belong.

From the Colinton Tunnel to Leith’s murals, Balgreen’s community artwork and Helen Crummy’s memorial in Craigmillar, some of Edinburgh’s most interesting public art is already rooted in its neighbourhoods.

Our latest Friday blog asks whether the whole city should be our canvas.



Read more 👇

Public art should tell Edinburgh’s stories across the whole city

14/08/2026

Edinburgh’s historic environment is more than an inheritance. It is part of the city’s infrastructure.

Our latest blog looks at what that means in practice, from new Visitor Levy funding for Leith Custom House, the Tron Kirk and Portobello’s historic kilns to the lessons of the recent Princes Street fire.

Historic buildings can support jobs, communities, culture and the wider economy, but only if they receive the maintenance, investment and imaginative reuse they need. The experience of places such as Dovecot Studios, Summerhall and the new Fringe Central shows what can be achieved.

For 150 years, the Cockburn Association has argued that Edinburgh can change while respecting the qualities that make it distinctive. That principle remains as relevant as ever.

Read the blog: https://tinyurl.com/47cyus8c

11/08/2026

Historic buildings to get restoration funding from new tourist tax

Leith Custom House, Tron Kirk and Portobello kilns to benefit

10/08/2026

Join us for another Cockburn Conversation on 2 September 2026, 17:00–18:30 on Argyle House.
We’re still confirming speakers, but wanted to get this on your radar early.
Registration link: https://thecockburnassociationcopy.beaconforms.com/form/7a9df852

07/08/2026

Looking Up: The Story of the Scott Monument

The Scott Monument turns 180 this year. But how much do we know about the story behind one of Edinburgh’s most familiar landmarks?

Our latest blog explores its remarkable origins, its place between the Old and New Towns, and the enduring challenge of balancing Edinburgh’s heritage with a changing city.

Read the full story 👇

Growth and inheritance need not come at each other’s expense

06/08/2026

Important Data Security Update

The Cockburn Association has been notified of a cyber-security incident affecting Beacon CRM, a third-party provider that we use to manage supporter information.

Beacon has advised that an unauthorised party gained access to its systems using compromised credentials.

Our Beacon records do not contain banking or payment card details, as these are not integrated into our Beacon database.

We are are monitoring the situation closely.

Protecting your personal information is extremely important to us, and we will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

05/08/2026

Mark your calendars. 📅
Doors Open Days Edinburgh & East Lothian returns 26–27 September!
This year’s theme: Heritage at Risk — Revive, Resist, Reimagine.
Full venue list in the weblink below.
Coordinated by The Cockburn Association as part of the National Doors Open Days programmes run by Scottish Civic Trust
https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/edinburgh

31/07/2026

Arthur's Seat is one of Edinburgh's most treasured landscapes – a place of remarkable geology, wildlife, history and recreation. Recent fires are a stark reminder that this iconic landmark is increasingly vulnerable during prolonged dry weather.

Protecting Holyrood Park requires all of us to play our part. By taking care when visiting and respecting fire safety guidance, we can help safeguard this unique landscape for future generations.

Read our latest blog to find out why Arthur's Seat matters so much to Edinburgh:

Arthur's Seat reminds us that Edinburgh's landscape shaped the city first

28/07/2026

As coordinators of Edinburgh Doors Open Days 2026 (26-27 September), we are recruiting volunteers to help bring it to life across the city! Whether it’s data collection, social media support, or being a friendly face at a venue, there’s a role for you. Send your CV, cover letter and availability to [email protected] by Monday 17 August.

23/07/2026

As an alternative festival fringe event, we’re inviting you to channel your inner Cockburn. On the 26 August 17:00 - 18:30, we will be hosting a free online Cockburn Conversation on City Plan 2040 and The National Conversation. We would love for you to come along and to share your views with us. Link in bio to sign up.