Campaigners pursued for legal costs

Edinburgh City Council is to pursue a campaign group for the costs it incurred during a legal dispute over a new school.

Portobello Park Action Group (PPAG) had raised an action at the Court of Session, claiming that the council had no right to use a local park as the site of the new Portobello High School.

However, the petition was dismissed by Lady Dorrian as it was entered too late.

PPAG has said it will appeal against the decision.

Phil Wheeler, the council’s finance leader, said: “Enough is enough. The council has incurred significant legal expenses to date, in excess of £75,000, and the appeal will incur considerable additional costs.

“We have a duty to Edinburgh’s taxpayers to ensure their money is not wasted and we intend to pursue PPAG for their [the taxpayers’] costs to date.

“We will also use all measures available to us to protect the council taxpayer from further expense arising from the ongoing legal proceedings.”