Green light for new park

A PLAN to build a major new country park on the site of a disused quarry has been approved by the city council.

More than 100 homes are to be built in the derelict property in Ratho, including townhouses, apartments and detached homes that will be accessible from Wilkieston Road. The entire 26-hectare site will also be reshaped to create a lakeside setting with woodland walks.

The project, which features a small loch as a centrepiece, is expected to be completed by late 2015.

The plans also include a second, smaller body of water connected to the Union Canal to create a 75-berth marina.

Once completed, the park will be linked to both the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena and the canal to create a major leisure area.