Transport and environment vice convener, Councillor Karen Doran, joined local councillors in Monday to hear from Clark Contracts’ project team about how the project is progressing as it reaches the halfway point.

The renovation, which began in August 2017, includes landscaping, replanting of floral beds, construction of a new café and the refurbishment of the park’s Winter Garden.

Now well underway, work has so far seen the restoration of the park’s 110-year-old bandstand, the creation of 1 mile of new pathways and thousands of roses, shrubs and other foliage planted.

Councillor Doran said: “It’s wonderful to see work progressing on this fantastic project, which is set to restore one of our most striking parks to its former glory.

“Up until now development has been under wraps and I’m sure local people and passers-by must be keen to see what’s going on, so it’s great to be able to find out what changes have been made so far.

“Now we’ve had a taste of what exciting developments to come, I’m really looking forward to seeing the final product, to be enjoyed by the community and all those who visit.”

The major revival of the early-twentieth century park was made possible thanks to £3.8m of Heritage Lottery Funding and earlier this year was awarded an additional £99k from WREN’s FCC Scottish Action Fund, which will contribute to the installation of a new playground. The project has also benefited from almost £50k from the SUEZ Communities Trust, enabling the construction of a multi-use games area.

The wider project to develop Saughton Park is expected to last until late November 2018 and will see the refreshment of some its key features - installed for its opening as a park in 1908 - including the botanical garden and winter garden.

Amongst other improvements will be the restoration of the park’s stable block as a community venue and base for project partners the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley), the construction of a new café and the installation of furniture, lighting and new paths across the site.

Michael Scanlan, director, Clark Contracts, said “It is fantastic to be working on this exciting regeneration project at Saughton Park. We are looking forward to seeing the park being enjoyed again by the local community.”

It is anticipated that the newly restored park will be fully opened by December 2018. Find out more about the project here.