AN upgraded Edinburgh active travel path has been officially named after a famous explorer who once studied in the area.
Speirs Bruce Way, which provides a ‘vital’ link in the north of the capital, was formally opened today (June 5) and celebrates the accomplishments of William Speirs Bruce, a late 19th century scientist known for his expeditions to Antarctica and who studied at the Scottish Marine Station for Scientific Research in Granton.
The core path in Edinburgh’s Granton Waterfront connects the heart of the neighbourhood with public transport links and shops along with Granton Beach, the future cultural and leisure offering at West Shore Studios, the promenade, and a planned coastal park. Speirs Bruce Way will also serve a future housing development to the west of the path.
Upgrades to the route include widening the path to provide space for both pedestrians and cyclists, the installation of new lighting and path access improvements at the north end where it meets West Shore Road.
The project forms part of the wider £1.3 billion Granton waterfront regeneration programme and has been supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s places for everyone programme. Plans for the wider regeneration of the area to make Granton Waterfront a new sustainable coastal town for Edinburgh include 3,500 net zero homes, a new primary school and lots of green and open spaces.
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said, “This major upgrade has not only brought a key walking, wheeling and cycling route back into use, but has created a much more accessible and safe space for people to spend time, whether travelling with a wheelchair, using a buggy or out for a jog.
“Today I was delighted to help officially open the path, which recognises the area’s former student and pioneering explorer, scientist and oceanographer William Speirs Bruce.
“Our £1.3 billion regeneration of Granton Waterfront is one of the largest and most ambitious projects of its kind in Scotland. Improving connectivity and strengthening active travel links is central to this, and our wider ambitions to achieve net zero by 2030, reduce kms travelled by car and to create a safer, more sustainable and pleasant transport future for Edinburgh.”
