Grassmarket Residents' Association
GRASS
GRASS is a community group open to residents of the
Grassmarket and streets leading off it and to anyone with an interest in the area.
Our aims are to foster good community relations, organise local events, encourage sustainable improvements and engage with planning and development issues that affect the
area.
We also liaise with other organisations such as the Old Town Community Council with an interest in the Grassmarket.
What we do
GRASS was formed in 2009 to address common concerns affecting residents such as the use
of public space and the night time economy. We have since broadened our activities to
include responding to planning issues and the development of green spaces. Planning is an
issue at the moment with major hotel developments at India Buildings, Victoria Street and
King’s Stables Road and with the rise of short-term lets/Air B&Bs resulting in a significant
loss of residential accommodation.
West Port Garden
Our Gardening Group has transformed the historic West Port Garden, opened in 1910 and
inspired by Patrick Geddes, into a community garden, in partnership with the City of
Edinburgh Council. It combines individual vegetable plots with seating and plantings for
everyone to enjoy.
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The West Port Gardening Group meets every Sunday, weather permitting, from 2pm to 4pm
when the Garden gate is open.
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Keeping in touch
We welcome new members and gardening volunteers at all times.
The GRASS committee meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm. Please contact us by email or leave your email address in the box below for occasional updates.
Email: