Helen Todd
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helenrambler.bsky.social
Helen Todd
@helenrambler.bsky.social
1.3K followers 670 following 360 posts
Retired in 2024 from Ramblers Scotland; Chair Planning Democracy; board member Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre; volunteer with Spokes; Hon Fellow Scottish Env LINK.
Interested in walking, cycling, mountains, Scottish politics, CND, climate change, gardening.
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
#BudgetUK

👍 Two significant structural changes

1. Road-user charging principle accepted, #PerMile for EVs (FVs pay #FuelDuty)
2. Fuel duty inflation-link to restart after previous govt's freeze [EV charge also inflation-linked]

🤔 We'd have also liked..
1. #SUV charging
2. Tax/vat on #AviationFuel
Transform Scotland budget response... Transform Scotland‬ ‪@transform.scot‬ · 41m 🚗 UK Budget Response from Transform Scotland Transform Scotland spokesperson, Emilia Lauder, welcomes the Chancellor’s baby steps toward fairer motoring taxes. The new mileage-based charge for EVs and long-overdue changes to fuel duty finally move us closer to a 'polluter pays' system. ‪Transform Scotland‬ ‪@transform.scot‬ · 41m Replied to Transform Scotland But, Emilia says the Chancellor missed a major opportunity. SUVs - the UK’s heaviest, most polluting vehicles - remain untouched by tax reform. A Large Vehicle Levy could raise nearly £2bn a year to reinvest in public transport and address the damage these vehicles cause. Campaign for Better Transport response... Welcomes fuel duty inflation-link and rail fare freeze but wants tax on aviation fuel Road.cc welcomes Cycle to Work scheme will continue unchanged No change to Cycle to Work Scheme in Budget, Treasury confirms — despite reports spending cap would be introduced Reports hinted a spending cap would be re-introduced to the tax-relief scheme, but Cycle to Work Alliance "happy to confirm no changes" to scheme... by Callum Devereux UPDATED Wed, Nov 26, 2025 15:38 2 The Cycle to Work scheme has been left unaffected by the Chancellor's Budget despite reports suggesting a spending cap would be introduced, as confirmed by a Treasury spokesperson in an email to road.cc. Government sources had briefed the Financial Times leading up to the announcement that there would be a clampdown on “tax breaks for high earners riding £4,000 e-bikes in the Surrey Hills”. But no mention of the scheme was made in either the chancellor's speech, or the report from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), a Treasury-funded fiscal watchdog that leaked details of the Budget before Reeves made her announcement. It later apologised and said the report was released early due to "a technical error".
November 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
This is a great listen! As a daily reader of The National I’m very grateful it exists. It shines a light on many issues and perspectives missed by other mainstream media. And I love that the staff is so young and committed. All power to you, Laura! @lauraewebster.bsky.social
talkmedia.bsky.social Talk Media from thebiglight.com @talkmedia.bsky.social · 10d
We were delighted to welcome Laura Webster @lauraewebster.bsky.social , Editor of The National
@scotnational.bsky.social, onto Talk Media last week where she spoke to Stuart Cosgrove about the paper, the challenges facing print media and - of course - THAT huge BBC story.
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
🌲 If buying a #ChristmasTree
get it delivered by #CyclingGardeners 🚲 #CargoBike

--> www.tollcrosstreeworks.com

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @tollcross-cc-edin.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social
Picture of xmas tree in Cycling Gardeners of Edinburgh Local Bike delivery £5.00 Description This service cost £5 and is available to anyone within 10 minutes cycle from our yard in Tollcross (Cycle time taken from google maps)
November 24, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
redropescot.bsky.social
A blast of the Arctic in the #Cairngorms on our trip to Milehouse at Kincraig last weekend. Good to practise using a group shelter before we went - fortunately didn't need it!
A fantastic day for everyone who went up Sgor Gaoithe or Mullach Clach a'Bhlair, but pretty challenging too! ❄️❄️
View across the Cairngorms plateau under blue and cloudy skies - snow and ice. An orange group shelter being demonstrated in a hostel dormitory, possibly 2-3 people inside it. Woman standing on the Cairngorms plateau, in snowy conditions under blue skies Walker on a snowy track on the Cairngorms plateau, snow covered moorland all around
November 22, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
#A701 'relief road' petition

--> pentlandhouse.com/cbxpetition/...

Spokes view--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info @shona-mcintosh.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @midlothiancan.bsky.social @thebonnieloon.bsky.social @mrjasonrose.bsky.social
Heading of the petition, plus picture of the fields to be built over Stop the £55 Million A701 Relief Road Target: 1000 Received: 537 53.7% The Issue Midlothian Council has submitted a £55 million plan (25/00521/DPP) for a “A701 Relief Road” — but the evidence shows it will make congestion and environmental problems worse, not better.
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
raptorpersuk.bsky.social
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn't tell even half the story.

Study included less than half (45%) of estates rearing & releasing non-native gamebirds. MSPs need to interpret results cautiously & appropriately.

raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/11/21/n...
New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn’t tell even half the story
In spring 2025, news emerged that the GWCT (Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust) was going to be conducting a pilot study to look at the number of non-native gamebirds (Pheasants & Red-legge…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:37 AM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Blue skies but a very cold wind in the Pentlands today. Enjoyed the snow! A taste of winter in mid-autumn. ❄️☀️🥾
Woman on an icy path running through moorland beside a wall, all covered in snow. Views of snowy mountains in the far distance A snowy path heading up to hills A view from the Pentlands hills across snowy ground to Bonaly reservoir and beyond to Edinburgh A man in hiking gear on a snowy hill in the Pentlands
November 19, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
caltonhill.bsky.social
ANGUS MILLER @geowalks.scot, the well-known geologist, is giving a programme about Calton Hill’s geology on Tuesday 25 November 18.00. entitled: 'WHERE'S THE VOLCANO? THE MAKING OF CALTON HILL'. Online/Zoom. Free public event. All welcome. Contact for info/ invitation. 1/
Volcanic rocks smoothed by the last glaciation, Calton Hill, Edinburgh
November 19, 2025 at 1:28 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Excellent event at @natlibscot.bsky.social to mark 50 years since the founding of SCRAM. I wasn’t there in 1975, but husband was involved in demos vs Torness nuclear power station, along with many others there today. Much was achieved, but nuclear - power and weapons - still on UK political agenda ☹️
Publicity for an event to commemorate 50 years since the founding of SCRAM, Scottish Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menace
November 18, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
treesforlife.bsky.social
JOB OPPORTUNITY: CALEDONIAN PINEWOODS PARTNERSHIP PROJECT MANAGER 🌲

Lead a partnership to restore Scotland’s iconic Caledonian pinewoods

Salary: Starting from £37,362
Hours: 35 hrs/pw, permanent
Deadline: 16 November

Apply now 👉 treesforlife.org.uk/about-us/wor...
📷Gus Routledge
November 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
redropescot.bsky.social
We're off on the train to North Berwick for our next day walk, Saturday 29 November. Why not join us? Non-members are welcome. A walk up Berwick Law, a circuit of Balgone Lake, with optional tea & scones at the end. More info and sign up details here:
forms.gle/bREVyRGQraKY...
Man standing above North Berwick on Berwick Law, looking down on the town and the sea, on a winter's afternoon.
November 17, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social
This evening, we’ll be sharing a very special collection of portraits at an event in the Scottish Parliament.

These beautiful photographs, taken by Angela Catlin, capture the strength, courage and resilience of people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.

1/2
November 18, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
edi.bike
🚲 edi.bike | issue 119 | 17th Nov '25

North-South Tram Extension Consultation Midnight Today, 17th Nov; Voi Bikes in Cycle Racks Update; November Transport & Environment Committee Round-up; plus events, infrastructure, route closures & more:

buttondown.com/edi.bike/arc...

#bikeSky #edinburgh
A group of around ten protesters stand under the sandstone arches of the City Chambers on a cold, wet Royal Mile, its pavements shining and reflective of the buildings opposite in the rain - the protestors hold up hand-painted clocks, a large hand-painted road name plate reading ‘Cowgate’, and a long vinyl banner that reads ‘Delays Cost Lives! Support Active Travel Now!’. They are being addressed by a middle-aged man dressed in black, carrying a black umbrella - the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson.
November 17, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
marklazarowicz.bsky.social
A thread on what Mahmood's policies could have meant after WW2. And for anybody who protests the comparison isn't valid, this is precisely what is being proposed for Ukrainian refugees, no matter how long they've been here, even if it is years until there is peace.
marklazarowicz.bsky.social Mark Lazarowicz @marklazarowicz.bsky.social · 11d
My father was in the Polish Air Force that fought the Nazi & Soviet invasions in 1939, in the Polish are units in France in 1940, & from 1941-5 in the Polish Air Force under UK command. Severely wounded. He stayed in UK after war as he didn't want to return to Stalinist Poland. Not formally..
November 17, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
#Tram consultation - Spokes submission

--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

🙋 You have till midnight Monday for your own response!
HERE--> consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-nor...

@edi.bike @edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
Intro... Tram, Granton to Bioquarter consultation Spokes Planning Group response, November 2025 1. Introduction Spokes has the objective of promoting cycling as part of an overall sustainable transport and access strategy. As such, we support a growing tram system for Edinburgh, provided cycling is well catered for in the project design and operation. The aim of the tram is to reduce car traffic, and to head off potential traffic growth in development areas such as Granton and the Bioquarter. If successful, this is a huge benefit to walking and cycling, as well as its benefits in terms of congestion, public health and climate. However, the project should be accompanied by complementary measures to further encourage use of public transport and active travel, for example bus gates, traffic filters, and, notably, congestion charging. It is well established that traffic reduction is best achieved by a carrot/stick combination. The tram project must support and promote active travel as a whole, and cycling in particular, and must not introduce additional dangers without effective mitigation. The Council has ambitious targets to increase cycle use, much of which must come from novice and inexperienced cyclists, as well as visitors and locals using an expanding bike hire scheme. As such it is essential that there is a safe, comprehensive and connected bike network of segregated bike lanes and low-traffic areas, easy and safe to use by anybody, and with any kind of cycles - including cargobikes, adapted bikes, hire bikes, etc. Introducing the tram should be seen and planned from the outset as an integrated sustainable transport place making project, not a tram-only project into which cycling and walking have to be slotted in once all the tramline decisions are taken as happened with tramline 1 and to a considerable (though lesser) extent in the Newhaven extension. The Bridges corridor is hugely problematic.. 8. City Centre to Bioquarter Top issues ● The section through North and South Bridges is of extreme concern to Spokes, with no cycle provision, new tramlines and continued through traffic on a road where width is at a premium. This is making cycling provision far worse than in the current bus lanes. The project should include a bus gate / modal filter (as was planned, though never implemented, as part of the Spaces for People proposals ) potentially single track sections (like at Roseburn) and fully segregated cycle provision, or consideration to tram tracks on one side of the road and a bidirectional bike path on the other. For the reasons in the following two bullet points, many cyclists will continue to use this corridor - our above section on Bikes and Tramlines notes that Princes Street as a good example of this, with many choosing not to use the quieter George Street when it is less direct or lacks desired destinations. Thus cycling conditions must be safe. ● Whilst alternative north-south routes for cycles are proposed in the consultation, these would not suit all journeys, with many cyclists using the Bridges to travel between South Edinburgh and Leith given the more suitable gradient and directness than the Mound. And whilst there is a brief reference to the proposed Meadows to George Street route on the west side of the Bridges, there is no reference to the east side, where the Mobility Plan suggests a new active travel bridge connecting from the Old Town to Leith Walk. Such projects must be an integral part of the tram project provision including during the construction phase, also providing a permanent legacy of improved provision once finished. ● The Bridges corridor is a major residential, shopping and destinations location, and many cyclists use it for that reason; indeed many live along or just off the corridor. Routes via the Mound or Pleasance are irrelevant as alternatives for these categories of user.… linking the North Ed Network to the new canal path without descending and re-ascending - a transformative opportunity - diagram. ● Connecting Roseburn to the new Canal link path - The sketch below shows a possible layout for this crucial linkage. The yellow dotted line shows a ramp down to Russell Road, but this is possibly optional if it would cause engineering difficulties, given that most people will stay at high level, whilst those needing to descend or ascend could do so at Roseburn or at the nearby ramp to the new canal path. Finally, we understand that earlier discussions with Network Rail did not meet objections to a bridge provided that all necessary clearances are achieved. Picture of single-track shopping-street tram in Amsterdam
November 16, 2025 at 10:32 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
What a contrast! Wild winter adventures above Glen Feshie in the #Cairngorms today, and then down to a lovely, peaceful and sunny Caledonian pinewood below.
A woman walking up a snowy and icy mountain path through spindrift, with wooded lowlands behind Woman walking on an icy track in snowy moorland on the Cairngorm plateau A track leading downhill through snowy moorland with green, wooded land below Caledonian pinewood in Glen Feshie with a track running through
November 15, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
☝️ #TramlineCrashes - see above

? Had a tramline crash
? Want to minimise your risk

See HERE--> www.spokes.org.uk/documents/pu...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @leftwing66.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @sw20.info
Cycleroute crossing tramlines at non-ideal angle at Haymarket. Tramline layout makes a better crossing difficult. Start of spokes webpage about tramline crashes... Contents 1. Important – Reporting tramline crashes 2. Minimising your chances of a tramline crash 3. Developments & documents relating to Edinburgh tram 4. Other useful tram documents [not Edinburgh], including design guidance 1. Reporting tramline crashes All crashes or other incidents relating to tramlines should be reported – this will help future potential victims by identifying causes and possible remedial measures. It may also help you if you later decide to make a claim for injury or damage. See our reporting page which covers.. Making an official report to the Council Spokes survey/records of crashes, to help identify causes and press for improvements Police – when/why report a tramline crash? Claiming for injury or damages [also see para 2301 in (2) below for some successes]
November 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
ramblersscotland.bsky.social
Absolutely, Helen!

From 2015 to 2022, IPA funded 450 local projects worth £12.2 million, delivering approximately:

155 miles of path upgrades
80 bridges
1,000 signs
500 gates
500 seats

Pound-for-pound, that's *remarkably* impactful and popular investment!
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
walkhighlands.co.uk
Scotland’s long-awaited overhaul of farming subsidy has faieds to replace “invaluable” lost funding for paths and public access, warns @ramblersscotland.bsky.social

www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/post-br...
Post-Brexit farm payments betray Scottish walkers, charity warns
Scotland’s long-awaited overhaul of farming subsidy fails to replace “invaluable” lost funding for paths and public access, a leading walking charity has warned.  It had been widely expected th...
www.walkhighlands.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Come on ScotGov, this is unforgivable - and stupid! Funding for paths, etc, has always been part of the agricultural funding farmers could bid for, since 2005. It’s a tiny proportion of the overall farming budget. If land managers can’t get £££, why should they pay for this public good themselves? 😡
ramblersscotland.bsky.social Ramblers Scotland @ramblersscotland.bsky.social · 15d
Quality trails = more healthy, happy walking people. 🚶

So we're shocked to learn that ScotGov’s post-Brexit farm subsidy system will fail to replace lost funding for paths and access. ➡️ www.ramblers.org.uk/post-brexit-...

Scotland will be left with the worst funding for outdoor access in Britain.🤦🏻‍♀️
A grassy track alongside a loch with a pointy mountain beyond.
November 12, 2025 at 11:40 AM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Heading home after an interesting day at the Scottish Environment LINK annual congress. Always a good discussion - but so many (familiar) barriers to progress & delivery on nature & climate issues.

Great to catch up with ‘old’ colleagues, and thanks to staff!
@scotlink.bsky.social
A panel discussion at a conference in a hotel room, audience seated around tables
November 11, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
thecommongreen.scot
A detailed examination of how weak the new Land Reform Bill is likely to be in practice.

The only thing I'd add is that if Scotland had implemented @thecommonweal.bsky.social's Property Tax, this is estate could owe a little under £159,000 per year for its land.
www.commonweal.scot/policies/tax...
November 10, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
🙄 #PrincesStreet plans unfit for modern #European capital

Spokes deputn to 12.11.25 Planning Cttee
--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

@edi.bike @thecockburn.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @chasbooth.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @mthmttcoe.bsky.social
Start of Spokes deputation... CEC PLANNING COMMITTEE, 12.11.25 - written deputation from Spokes 7.3 Non-Statutory Planning Guidance – Finalised Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy The proposed draft guidance, whilst including many worthwhile proposals, has one over-riding failing, in that it completely neglects the huge area of land occupied by roadway, and assumes it must stay as now. It is as if we have separate Planning and Transport departments rather than a unified Place department. This cannot be the right approach for a holistic view of Princes Street and the Waverley Valley. Nor is it right that large amounts of money should be invested without the whole area being considered in a unified manner. Spokes Recommendation to the Committee RECOMMENDATION In conclusion, we ask that the Committee postpones adopting the Guidance until such time as these issues have been properly addressed, to provide a holistic approach to the entire area including the sort of provision for sitting, walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport which is normal in the premier streets of other European capitals. Spokes deputation refers to Richard Murphy architect proposals, with pictures showing bus & tram only in Princes St, with bike lanes and much wider footways. The Richard Murphy Princes Street proposals are a very similar concept to the above examples, as in this drawing and video clip from his report. Figure 1. Still image from Richard Murphy Architects fly-through (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LZLsfozjqc) Resurfacing of the footway and carriageway is very costly and presents a rare opportunity to modify kerblines that may not return for another decade or more. In addition to footway extension, carriageway redetermination presents an opportunity for protected cycle infrastructure. Princes Street continues to be a popular cycle route for many journeys, including to destinations on the street itself. Indeed, anecdotal and crowdsourced evidence suggests it continues to be as or more popular than George Street. bus, taxi, tram & bike congested in Princes st (old photo, but still the same!)
November 10, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
#A701/ #A702 'relief'/link road 🚘🚘🚘

Spokes objection--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

🙋🙋 You have till midnight Fri 7 Nov to object
HERE--> planning-applications.midlothian.gov.uk/OnlinePlanni...

@edi.bike @johnrobson87.bsky.social @rupenash.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @sw20.info
Map of proposed new road Introduction to spokes submission A701 Relief Road and A702 Link Road 2025 Planning application Spokes response - November 2025 Summary Spokes strongly object to the principle of the A701 Relief Road and A702 Link Road proposals, and therefore to this planning application. If built, these roads will aggravate the issues they are supposed to alleviate. The proposed scheme particularly fails to meet the “Takes climate action” and “Improves our health and wellbeing” Priorities identified in the National Transport Strategy,1 and also runs counter to the national policy to reduce car use as part of the commitment to achieving net zero by 2045.2 Whilst there are some notable improvements for cyclists included in the latest plans, the scheme as a whole will create a more dangerous environment for cycling in Midlothian and south Edinburgh. It will also further entrench the dominance of car use in Midlothian, making it even more difficult for future generations to switch to using sustainable modes of transport. The time, money and other resources being allocated to this project should instead be spent on projects which will actually help solve these problems, such as improving the public and active travel networks in Midlothian. Below we list general and specific comments on the proposals.
November 7, 2025 at 7:25 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Weirdly warm walk along the Water of Leith from Balerno today. Peak beech! Still time to catch the last of the autumn colours.
Saw 2 herons, a hint of an otter and no kingfishers.
@wolct.bsky.social
@ramblersscotland.bsky.social
Three pictures of autumnal leaves on trees beside paths running along the Water of Leith in Edinburgh. Mostly russet coloured beech leaves.
November 6, 2025 at 5:04 PM