Comment: Lorne Street deal a victory for community spirit

The Lorne Street campaign is a victory for community spirit.

The prospect of some families who have lived in their homes for decades being uprooted clearly led to a very upsetting and unsettling time.

Today we have news that the 92 properties involved have been sold to Places for People Scotland, a subsidiary of the Castle Rock Edinvar housing association.

This is as a direct result of the campaigning by residents and local politicians, including MSP Ben Macpherson, who refused to simply accept that they would be forced out of their homes.

Rather than sell off the homes individually, this result means that a settled community can stay together in the homes they obviously hold very dear.

Congratulations to them and to Castle Rock who have inherited some fantastic tenants.

It’s a real victory for community spirit and some welcome good news.

Well done Tracy

Today we honour another of Edinburgh’s unsung heroes.

Tracy Rendall has just picked up this year’s Sir William Y Darling Bequest for Good Citizenship, an annual prize which recognises citizens who have gone the extra mile to help the community.

She picked up her award at the City Chambers from the Lord Provost her work in raising awareness of spina bifida and juvenile arthritis, disabilities which affect two of her children. She also fits in chairing the Craigentinny Primary School parent council and volunteering for the Sick Kids Foundation.

That one person to devote so much time to helping the community and good causes at the same time as being a busy working mum is nothing short of incredible.

Enjoy your well deserved moment in the spotlight Tracy.