
The Edinburgh
Old Town Association (OTA) is an organisation that works on behalf of residents
and businesses in the Old Town of Edinburgh to influence the way the area
is developed and to improve the environment and quality of life. Set up in
1976 to encourage the regeneration of Edinburgh's
historic centre, the Association has grown to possess a strong and recognisable
voice. Your support will help maintain that voice and let your voice be heard.
What area does the OTA cover?
The OTA
covers the Old Town Conservation Area (roughly the area of the map above),
though it will comment on matters outside this if it will affect the Old Town.
For example, the OTA is a member of the Forthright Alliance opposed to the
second road crossing of the Forth.
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What
does the OTA do?
On the
members behalf, the OTA:
- Monitors all planning
applications in the Old
Town (which can be
accessed using the Planning Portal), and
participates in the planning process. The OTA is consulted by the City of
Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Executive on matters
affecting the Old
Town.
- Lobbies relevant
authorities on issues affecting life in the Old Town.
The OTA, for example, is represented on the panel of experts considering
the draft legislation on licensing.
- Arranges events for
members to increase their knowledge and enjoyment of the Old Town.
For more
information on our activities, please click
here to see our recent newsletters and annual report:
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Who are members of the OTA?
People
who live in, work in or simply just love the historic heart of Edinburgh. We even have members outwith the UK who want to stay in touch with happenings in
the Old Town.
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How do members benefit?
OTA
members:
- give their support to an
organisation devoted to the well-being of the Old Town of Edinburgh;
- receive regular newsletters
with information and comment on issues of current interest or concern;
- can participate in
members' meetings
- attend a range of
activities: visits to places of interest (many not usually open to the
public), guided walks, talks on a variety of topics, question-and-answer
sessions with officials from the local authority, Police, etc.
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The Brownlee Trust
The
Brownlee Trust disburses small grants for projects in the Old Town
of a social, educational or artistic nature involving or of benefit to young
people. For further information click here.
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How does the OTA operate?
Members
elect a committee which meets once a month to consider issues of concern to the
Old Town and its residents, workers and
visitors. The committee represents the members; it provides an accessible forum
for your views on matters of local interest such as amenity, noise, traffic,
parking and liquor licensing.
The OTA
is an affiliated member of the Cockburn Association, a member of the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust and has links
with the Scottish
Civic Trust and the Old Town Community Council (formerly the Canongate
Community Council).
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How to join
Membership
of the OTA costs from as little as £3 a year. Just complete the membership form and return it with your
subscription to the address below. If you are a UK tax-payer and sign the
declaration on the reverse, your subscription is worth a further 28% to the OTA
at no extra cost to you.
Note: to
print the membership form, you will need a
free acrobat reader
.
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Contact the OTA
3 Buchanan Court
130 Calton Road
Edinburgh EH8 8JQ
Email info@eota.org.uk
Scottish
Charity no SC009217