Six-year grassland battle over

COMMON land in a housing estate has been transferred to a homeowners’ association following a long battle.

The grassland, at the 124-home Margaret Rose Estate in Fairmilehead, was expected to be signed over by developer Taylor Wimpey after the completion of building work in 2007.

However, the final formalities have only just been completed, following a six-year negotiation.

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald, who offered his assistance to the Margaret Rose Owners Association in their fight, said: “This estate is one of the most picturesque parts of my constituency and it is comforting to know that it is all now in the hands of its residents.

“I was involved only in the last year of the process but that was enough to allow me to appreciate the owners’ great relief and satisfaction that it is now complete.”