Why are Edinburgh's Greenways are painted green? – Steve Cardownie

Steve Cardownie heard a theory about Edinburgh’s Greenways that he’s not quite sure whether to believe.

Some might think Edinburgh's Greenways are green because it's more eco-friendly to travel by bus than car (Picture: Susan Burrell)

Yesterday’s paper carried a colour photograph, taken in 1997 of the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in Parliament Square celebrating the affirmative vote cast for Scottish Devolution in the previous day’s referendum.

Amongst the crowd in the photograph I recognised a particular haircut, which has never changed over the years, belonging to none other than David Begg, the former councillor, transport convenor and a Hibs season ticket holder.

I was informed that Edinburgh’s Greenways bus lanes were down to his insistence that they would not be painted red, the common colour in some other cities, as it bore to much of a resemblance to maroon. This story was told to me by a former Jambo Lord Provost so perhaps should be taken with a pinch of salt.

However, there is no denying that David did leave his mark on Edinburgh’s transport system.

As recently as last year, Professor Begg called for a parking space levy to be applied, and not only at the workplace, arguing it should also cover all non-residential car parking, including out-of-town shopping centres.

Using an analogy devoted to another mode of transport, it is safe to say that David was never afraid to rock the boat.