Joanne’s BIG ambition
South Queensferry is a town with more than just two bridges and a wonderful view.
Interior designer Joanne McDonald lives and works in the town and is secretary of Queensferry Business Association.
She is also involved –with other local businesses, community organisations and government groups – in South Queensferry Ambition, a group that plans to get the whole community to help make the vision a reality.
“I’ve lived here for quite a while,” Joanne said of why she got involved with the Queensferry Ambition.
“I love it and I want to give something back.”
We have a vision for the future
South Queensferry is a town with a vision – and the residents aren’t shy about telling you all about it.
“I live here and also run my business,” said Joanne McDonald, owner of Luma Interiors and secretary of the South Queensferry Business Association (QBA).
“It’s a lovely place to live. It has one of the most fantastic views in the world, but we haven’t capitalised on it. There’s a lot of potential.”
Thoughts like this are why Queensferry Ambition, a group with representatives from local community organisations, business and government groups, was formed.
“It’s a new kind of organisation, seeking to fill a gap between the Council and local communities,” said QBA chairman Douglas Flett.
“It’s an example of a community getting together to decide what we want,” added Joanne, “to influence the planning process.”
“In the past,” said Douglas, “we’ve mainly been reacting to planning applications.
“One of the reasons for an organisation such as the Queensferry Ambition is because there’s more legislation than there used to be.”
In 2005, 1,400 local residents were surveyed to see what they thought and Queensferry Ambition members have been building on that response and plan more surveys in the future.
Robert Farrelly, director of Quality Scotland, has just been appointed to lead them.
He said: “Through consultation, we will identify appropriate viable projects that meet the ambitions of a thriving community. We look forward to going out and delivering for the people of South Queensferry.
“Queensferry has grown in a fractured way during the commuting boom and lacks a road infrastructure to deal with the volume of coaches that pass through, rarely stopping because of the inadequate facilities.”
So what does the vision for Queensferry include?
“We need signs and safe and easy pathways around town,” said Joanne. “A lot of people come out here on weekends and holidays – it’s extremely popular.
“There are a lot of houses, too, and the centre doesn’t support this. Parking is difficult for both residents and visitors. Dalmeny Station’s another example –
if I were a stranger in town, I’d be none the wiser on where to go when I got off the train.”
Douglas agreed that linking public areas with pedestrian and cycle pathways is crucial. His hope is that there would also be a new visitor centre, museum, cafe and community facility, as well as a series of maps, history boards, directional and illustrated signs.
“The residents of Queensferry would benefit from an improved environment where visitors are a good thing and not a burden,” he remarked, “and traffic is managed and not a blight.”
Need to know
Would you like to get involved? Contact Douglas Flett on dgj.flett@uk.iccc.net or 0131 331 3310.