Drumsheugh Gardens Upkeep Committee (DGUC) is responsible for management and maintenance of the Gardens to ensure they will remain a delightful and enjoyable environment, a prominent Edinburgh New Town Garden in one of the most sought after areas of the City. Owners of property who have entitlement to access private Gardens, pay an annual fee towards the upkeep of the Gardens as managed by a team of volunteers.
A principal aim is to ensure that views of the Victorian terraced buildings, as seen from within the Gardens, should be respected as much as the views into the Gardens from the buildings
The DGUC held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 15th April 2024 in The Bonham Hotel. A summary of principal matters discussed is provided on the News page. The DGUC welcomed Jacqueline Easson as our new Chair (limited to a 2-year period at Jacqueline's request).
The 2025 AGM is scheduled for Monday 14th April 2025, more details for which will be issued in due course.
Due to stormy weather in 2024, the popular Ceanothus (California Lilac) lost stability and failed. The fallen bush was removed and options for replacement are to be considered. The Ceanothus in bloom (May/June) was regularly photographed, but sadly had weakened previously, a condition from which it never recovered. In January 2025, further stormy weather was experienced and three Committee Members carried out visual inspections of the Gardens and concluded that, apart from considerable evidence of fallen minor branches and twigs, no risks were identified. The next full tree survey by our Arboriculturist is due to be carried out in 2026.
A welcome to Drumsheugh Gardens is extended to The Resident Hotel, opened in November 2024, a splendid replacement for one of the most critiscised buildings in Edinburgh's New Town. The HMRC Meldrum House was left as an eyesore, covered in a protective skin to prevent spalling concrete from endangering the public. The Resident, a 164-room apart hotel becomes the largest single contributer to DGUC funds (as they have more floorspace than any other commercial or residential occupier).
The Gardens are occasionally used for events, on the proviso that the DGUC is provided with several weeks of notice period. Before permission is granted, event hosts are required to confirm that they will comply with a list of issues/restrictions, principally designed to protect the privacy of ALL residents in Drumsheugh Gardens, all of which can be made available upon request through the Contact page to applcants only, once a date/purpose, with a full list of intentions and numbers attending has been defined. Hosts do not have exclusive access as all owners are fully entitled to use the Gardens at all times.
