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.

Return to top

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:

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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).

Return to top

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 .

Return to top

Contact the OTA

3 Buchanan Court
130 Calton Road
Edinburgh EH8 8JQ

Email info@eota.org.uk

Scottish Charity no SC009217