The Calton Hill Conservation Trust, formerly the Friends of Calton Hill, was established in 2023 to make the hill a cleaner, safer and more beautiful place. Meetings, walks and events are held relating to geology, archaeology, history, astronomy and biodiversity. Regular litter pickups and volunteering days are arranged and the we apply for grants for restoration projects to improve the condition of the hill and its facilities, following many years of neglect. Membership is open to all.
We are registered as a charity with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and our number is SC053572.
Policies
As laid out in Standing Orders (1 November 2025), the Trust undertake to:
1. Support sustainable visitor access that protects the hill’s unique character and heritage, and ensures it remains an attractive and rewarding destination, both for the sake of the hill itself and the wider tourism economy.
2. Combat physical degradation of the hill and advocate for its good upkeep and maintenance.
3. Improve on-site information for both locals and visitors.
4. Make the hill more accessible to all.
5. Protect the hill as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so we have a more beautiful natural environment with better quality and variety of wildlife, based on the encouragement of native species of flora and fauna.
6. Establish a nature reserve on the western side of the hill.
Office bearers
A trained archaeologist with a life-time involvement in publishing, Simon also manages a mountain nature reserve in Hokkaido (Japan) with his wife. He launched the action group that became the Trust in 2023.
With a background in sustainable heritage, Susan lives near the hill and visits regularly, enjoying nature, history, and the views.
A professional historian, Vikki moved to Edinburgh from Melbourne in 2018. She lives with her family on the western side of the hill.
Working as a food and festivals consultant from his Hillside home, Simon has developed a deep affection for Calton Hill.
Other board members
The Calton Hill Conservation Trust board were first elected on 18 May 2024. Simon Preston was co-opted on 23 June 2024, while Adrian Laird Craig and Gerry Wells were co-opted on 15 January 2025. Vikki Brooks, Simon Holledge, James McCormack and Hartley Millar stood for re-election on 17 May 2025 and were duly re-elected.
Links
Calton Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), mainly for its geology which forms part of the Arthur’s Seat volcano complex. As a semi-natural area of woodland and grassland, it is the most significant wildlife area in the centre of Edinburgh. It is one of the city’s six ‘premier parks’ and is listed on the register of the ‘Common Good’.*
The Calton Hill Conservation Trust work closely with the other organisations that have an interest in the hill:
Astronomical Society of Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh Council
Calton Consort, local chamber choir
The Collective, an art gallery that leases the City Observatory
Edinburgh Green Spaces Forum, umbrella group for friends of green spaces
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT)
New Town and Broughton Community Council (NTBCC)
Old Edinburgh Club
Regent, Royal, Carlton Terraces and Mews Association (RRCTMA), a residents organisation
Regent, Royal and Carlton Terrace Gardens, an adjoining communal garden <no website>
Royal High School Preservation Trust, currently restoring the Old Royal High School on Regent Road
Scottish Environment Link, forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community
The Windsor Street, Elm Row, Leopold Place & Montgomery Street West Association (WELM), a residents association on the north side of London Road
also:
Edinburgh Access Panel
Edinburgh World Heritage
Historic Environment Scotland
NatureScot (statutory name Scottish Natural Heritage)
*The Common Good is the property of the people of Edinburgh that pre-existed the present City of Edinburgh Council, but which is now held in trust by them. The land of Calton Hill as well as the City Observatory and Cannon, and the Dugald Stewart, National, Nelson and Playfair Monuments are on the Common Good Register.