Major addition planned in grounds of Edinburgh private school

Plans have been submitted for a new assault course playpark in the grounds of Edinburgh private school Mary Erskine's.

The school applied in early July for permission to build a new children's playpark made with outdoor timber structures, in the grounds of Ravelston School Campus, at 95 Ravelston Dykes Road. The school’s neighbouring properties have since been notified of the proposals.

The proposed new playpark is a ‘dual assault course layout’ with carefully positioned play equipment built around a large tree, creating a mirrored challenge route for competitive relays and individual play.

How the new proposed assault course playpark would look, at Mary Erskine's School in Edinburgh. | GLM Architects and Surveyors

placeholder image — How the new proposed assault course playpark would look, at Mary Erskine's School in Edinburgh. | GLM Architects and Surveyors

If approved, it will include a large rope climbing unit, ‘rubber bound mulch’ as safety surfacing on the ground, and a Robinia stilts course - a unique sensory experience in a vertical trail format.

The proposed addition to the grounds of the school campus in Ravelston would be delivered by Caledonia Play, who said in the planning documents: “At the heart of this development is a magnificent mature Sycamore tree, around which we have built a vibrant social and play hub featuring wide-access seating.

“This allows for high footfall during active play while also offering peaceful zones for quiet interaction and relaxation. Our design philosophy centres on encouraging teamwork, independent learning, physical challenge, and imaginative free play.

“The layout and selection of equipment promote inclusive, informal socialisation and personal growth through movement and exploration. Inclusion and access are a key consideration in our design ethos.

“Using a low maintenance and hard wearing, rubber bound mulch surface across the entire area introduces full access to all elements.

“We have also created a wide access route with resting points leading from the main path to the play area.”

The proposed layout of the assault course at the school in Revelston Dykes. | GLM Architects and Surveyors

The proposed play equipment at Mary Erskine’s would include stepping log columns, monkey bar rings, a natural log bench, hanging log steps, hanging ropes, and parallel wires.

There would also be cross wires, a Robinia standing log, chin-up bars, and a zigzag balance bridge, striding timber stilts, a traversing net.

The site of the proposed playground is bounded by an expanse of parkland around the trees. This proposal involves the installation of an access footpath to the north, and excavation to install surfacing and supports for playground apparatus, with a limited amount of excavation within the edges of retained trees.

The council’s planning department will now decide upon this application, which has so far received no public comments on the online planning portal.

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