Come join Citizen for the first of our regular meetings to Re-imagine the City.

Wednesday 15th January,

St Columba’s by the Castle, 14 Johnson Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW 8BE

7.00-9.00 pm

The meeting will be in two parts. First we hear from Douglas Robertson on the recent independent research about Airbnb in Edinburgh and across Scotland. Second we will discuss solutions and responses.

The report concluded:

Reduced availability of residential housing – with the impact on affordability of housing, the associated falls in resident population and fears over the long term sustainability of communites.

– with the impact on affordability of housing, the associated falls in resident population and fears over the long term sustainability of communites. Impact on quality of life and well-being for residents – due to constant disturbance of residents from visitors where there are concentrations of short-term lets in particular areas, and in high density property types, including those with shared common space and stairs/closes such as tenements.

– due to constant disturbance of residents from visitors where there are concentrations of short-term lets in particular areas, and in high density property types, including those with shared common space and stairs/closes such as tenements. Impact on congestion and changing communities – While the increase in tourism is associated with local economic benefits, it is also identified with bringing some problems of congestion, significant demands on the local infrastructure, and changes to communities including lack of amenities and shops for local residents.

In the second part we will hear from activists from the PLACE Edinburgh network of residents about how to respond to and report unlawful Airbnbs as part of a wider discussion about how to change the housing culture in Edinburgh and confront the forces that drive it. PLACE is a grassroots group finding the balance between short-term lets and protecting liveable, affordable communities in Edinburgh. Follow them at @PLACEEdinburgh

Meeting is free but ticketed. Register to attend so we can manage numbers.

Go here to book your ticket.