Vicky Allan
LightNews LightNews
banner
vickyallan.bsky.social
Vicky Allan
@vickyallan.bsky.social
750 followers 430 following 53 posts
Journalist and author, writing about climate, green energy, environment for Herald. Books about wild swimming, trees and more...
Posts Replies Media Videos
vickyallan.bsky.social
Thanks to Spokes for sharing thoughts on the tram consultation.

If you're blocked by the paywall you might like to grab our great subscription deal, which ends on Monday
www.heraldscotland.com/subscribe/?u...
November 30, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
ercscot.bsky.social
Yesterday, @vickyallan.bsky.social wrote about the campaign to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage in @heraldscotland.bsky.social.

Get up to speed on how sewage pollution has become an issue, why communities are struggling with it & what must be done: www.heraldscotland.com/news/2563820...
‘Toothless’ sewage enforcement sparks calls for national clean-water plan in Scotland
Experts warn Scotland’s sewage enforcement is “toothless”, urging a national plan to fix pollution, improve monitoring and protect communities.
www.heraldscotland.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
spokes.org.uk
#EdinburghTram

@vickyallan.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
interviews us

-> www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/2564...

@edi.bike @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @chasbooth.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @sannedd.bsky.social @edinburghtrams.bsky.social @edinpl.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
Herald article headline & picture of bike & tram Winds of change ♻️ Why cyclists fear dangers of new Edinburgh tram route 25th November Start of article When it comes to Edinburgh trams and cycling, I’m probably guilty myself of having focussed all too much on the matter of what the preferred route will mean for the leafy Roseburn Path. It was one of the headline stories in our recent Future of Edinburgh Trams series – and, after cycling up and down its verdant avenue a few times, I wrote about what cyclists were saying about their much-loved route. Some were vehemently against the plan. One described it as "the best commute you can imagine in a city". But Spokes, the Edinburgh cycling campaign, was broadly supportive of the compromise of a single track tram down the path, with cycle and walkway running alongside. What was striking, though, was that, for Spokes, this wasn’t all about the Roseburn Path. They have a wider, more holistic view, and there were other issues that the cyclists involved in this campaign brought up - not least some of the dangers a new tram route might bring for cyclists. Their response to the tram consultation reflects that wider view. Spokes member, Ian Maxwell explains this as informed by the campaign's "previous experience during the planning and construction of Edinburgh’s existing tram routes". "In 2007," he says, "we invited a Dutch planner with extensive knowledge of tram design to visit Edinburgh and review the proposals for Princes Street and Leith Walk. “In his report Hans van der Stok from Goudappel mobility consultants commented that: 'The introduction of a tram system is a chance to emphasise other means of urban transport than private cars.' This would of course always include safe travel by bike” We know that one of the aims of the tram extension is to reduce car traffic and to head off potential traffic growth in development areas such as Granton and the Bioquarter, and, if that is the goal, Spokes suggests that Edinburgh needs to follow the Dutch lead. “The project,” Maxwell says, “should also be accompanied by complementary measures to further e… part 2 For Spokes, tram introduction should be about creating “an integrated sustainable transport place-making project”. “It shouldn’t be 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.” READ MORE: The future of Edinburgh trams Is Edinburgh tram consultation a ‘false choice’? Here’s what the evidence says I cycled the Roseburn Path - here’s why so many cyclists love and defend it Most strikingly, the campaign note that the proposals could bring new dangers for cyclists, and advocates that it should avoid introducing “any major new risks to cyclists”. Spokes, for instance, highlights the fact that “the kerb-adjacent tram stops proposed at North Bridge and Newington would be intolerably dangerous, forcing on-road cyclists to cross tram tracks at an extremely dangerous angle”. Maxwell also points out that on the route through North and South Bridge, cyclists are “immediately adjacent to tramlines” and observes that this had been “a cause of ongoing crashes, injuries and compensation claims at Haymarket and Princes Street”. He writes: “Given very limited space on the road and for pedestrians, Spokes has suggested a range of alternatives, including single-track tram southbound and Market Street/ Pleasance northbound - there are many similar examples in Nottingham, Dublin and Amsterdam. Another alternative is the Mobility Plan’s long-term ambition of a tramline in Morrison Street and the Meadows, an option also favoured by Edinburgh World Heritage.” Spokes also suggests that the proposed North Bridge tram stop should be replaced by stops at Waverley Steps and at North Bridge arcade. “This would serve,” Maxwell says, “Princes Street, Waverley Station and the Old Town more effectively than tram users having to walk from a congested tramstop in the middle of North Bridge.” “Further sout… end of article.. Other issues they raise include how, staff and patients at the Royal Infirmary will reach the tram stop. And what of the Roseburn Path? Spokes has pointed out “plusses and minuses to both the Roseburn and the Orchard Brae route options”. “On Roseburn," the campaign says, "the now planned single track running, with battery powered trams, certainly lessens the negatives there, but ecology and ambience suffer a loss even with mitigation measures. "However, since it was Spokes who, years ago, argued to install tarmacked paths on disused railways which were entirely occupied by nature, including draining wetland cuttings, perhaps we cannot complain too much! The Orchard Brae option introduces new onroad tramline dangers, but of course leaves Roseburn untouched.” Sign up for the Winds of Change newsletter and get a weekly update on all things climate and energy. Finally, if Roseburn is the Council’s chosen option, Spokes urges that the plans include a cycle and pedestrian bridge over the tram and mainline railway, linking Roseburn path to the "fantastic new path to the canal", avoiding the long ramps down to road level and up again. "This bridge," Maxwell says, "is already an aspiration in the Council’s Mobility Plan and would be a truly transformative improvement in the city’s offroad network." Roseburn has, of course, its other issues. It’s a wildlife corridor, home to badgers, foxes, rabbits, bats, and arguments about what happens there are much about green space and biodiversity as they are about bikes. I am a fairly nervous cyclist. The virtue, for me, of the Roseburn Path, when I have used it, is partly that it feels safe, and away from the traffic - away from worrying about cars, buses or getting caught in tramlines. But Roseburn is just one path, down a route I take infrequently, and, in reality, what would actually make me into a more regular cyclist is the feeling that all routes are safe, whatever part of town. Nothing comes without d…
November 26, 2025 at 5:53 PM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Efforts to save and expand the Caledonian pinewoods are failing in most places - and a new report, in @heraldscotland.bsky.social lists why and calls for change
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2565758...
'Magnificent formations of nature' at risk from SNP policy
Leading scientists and conservationists warn Scotland’s ancient Caledonian pinewoods are at risk from deer, invasive species and flawed forestry…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:54 AM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Final day of City of Edinburgh tram consultation. Wondering what the Roseburn Path route will mean for bikes? Here's what cyclists are saying... 🚴
heraldscotland.bsky.social The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · Nov 11
Many of those defending the Roseburn Path are cyclists. @vickyallan.bsky.social took a spin down the active travel route to find out what it is they love about it

www.heraldscotland.com/news...
November 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
spokes.org.uk
☝️ TRAM

"fantastically comprehensive" Spokes response says @edi.bike

@spurtle.bsky.social @turvill.bsky.social @alastairdalton.bsky.social @threadinburgh.scot @lauralaker.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social @holyroodmag.bsky.social @severincarrell.bsky.social @vickyallan.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 9:33 AM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Deadline for the City of Edinburgh consultation on the new tram build is midnight today. If you want a quick catch up on all the issues (plus a few long reads) - here's the @heraldscotland.bsky.social full series The Future of Edinburgh Trams from last week.
www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/...
The Future of Edinburgh's Trams: Cost, impact, and what the next stop is
A decade on from a troubled launch, Edinburgh's trams have become a success, carrying a record number of passengers. Now, a proposed £2 billion…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:45 PM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Should the war on cars extend to SUV EVs?
As part of an @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Scotland's Energy Future series I've looked at the impact of carspreading, and ever larger SUVs on net zero and a just transition.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2556826...
Should the war on cars extend to EVs?
Carspreading is increasingly being identified as a problem as SUVs grow bigger. But it's not only petrol and diesel, we need to worry about - it's…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:18 AM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Jobs, bills, heat pumps, fuel poverty. Scotland's stalling heat transition risks leaving people out in the cold, and industry uncertain. Where we are at - and the big ideas. 🔥

Part of an @heraldscotland.bsky.social series, Scotland's Energy Future
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2556624...
Heat pumps. How do we avoid clean heat becoming 'two-tier' and making people poorer?
The Herald examines the human cost of Scotland’s troubled heat pump rollout — and the risk of leaving households behind in the race to net zero.
www.heraldscotland.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
heraldscotland.bsky.social
Do the jobs figures add up? What are the opportunities and the questions? What’s the plan for workers rights?

www.heraldscotland.com/opin...

@vickyallan.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
kirstyshughes.bsky.social
Good piece by @vickyallan.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/2545...
'I can't afford an EV. And anyway, isn't car sharing better for the planet?'
It is, for those who weren’t aware of it, World EV Day. But for many of us a more realistic way to reduce our footprint is car sharing.
www.heraldscotland.com
September 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM
vickyallan.bsky.social
The John Muir Trust AGM today takes place against a backdrop of tensions and calls for resignation of both Chair and CEO
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2544305...
John Muir Trust criticised for alleged 'toxic culture'
Former staff, trustees and a previous chair of Scotland’s wild places charity, the John Muir Trust, have called for the resignation of its chair
www.heraldscotland.com
September 15, 2025 at 10:27 AM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Could Galloway Dark Sky park lose its status because of windfarms lights? How do we fight climate change and make sure we hold onto other disappearing aspects of the natural world?
Fascinating chat with concerned Dark Sky Ranger, Matthew MvFadzean
heraldscotland.bsky.social The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · Aug 27
The expansion of windfarms around Galloway Dark Sky Park is causing stargazers to worry it could lose its status due to aviation lights

www.heraldscotland.com/news...

@vickyallan.bsky.social
August 29, 2025 at 12:36 PM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Cumulative forestry projects 'swamping' Langholm, say locals. The town is surrounded by land management changes. But the one upsetting some locals most is a conifer proposal for Warblaw. 🌲
My latest piece for @heraldscotland.bsky.social D&G series

www.heraldscotland.com/news/2541415...
'We’ve got encroaching forestry. It's swamping the town, economically, physically'
The land around Langholm is changing, driven by nature restoration ambitions, carbon and timber market. But it's a forestry scheme that has upset…
www.heraldscotland.com
August 26, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
heraldscotland.bsky.social
Dumfries & Galloway has the second highest percentage of old people. But many young people choose to stay in the region - and love it

www.heraldscotland.com/news...

@vickyallan.bsky.social
August 25, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
neilmackay.bsky.social
I really enjoyed this from my colleague @vickyallan.bsky.social in @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/2519...
This is what it was like to have years of tramworks outside my door
My children grew up with the Edinburgh tram works on our Leith street. A new line is proposed. Here's what I learned
www.heraldscotland.com
June 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
heraldscotland.bsky.social
heraldscotland.com/news/25205710.fewer-bus-stops-make-edinburgh-buses-faster/

(7/10)

@vickyallan.bsky.social
June 5, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
heraldscotland.bsky.social
heraldscotland.com/news/25206419.can-city-failed-just-eat-bikes-now-go-dockless/?ref=ial

(10/10)

@vickyallan.bsky.social
June 5, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Reposted by Vicky Allan
heraldscotland.bsky.social
Catch up with the first three days of the series 👇

heraldscotland.com/news/subscri...

@vickyallan.bsky.social @turvill.bsky.social @martin1williams.bsky.social @brianjaffa.bsky.social
June 5, 2025 at 4:36 PM
vickyallan.bsky.social
It's been such a joy -not to mention fascinating - to be on the team for the Herald's new series about my home city, Edinburgh.

Starting next Tuesday.

Pick up a paper 🗞️ or subscribe for great investigative reporting about tourism, festivals, transport, education and more ...
heraldscotland.bsky.social The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · May 30
We, at the Herald, know and love the beautiful, “mad god’s dream” of a city that is Edinburgh.

That's why next week, we have turned our investigative focus on the capital, asking the big questions about how it is set to change and what would make it thrive

www.heraldscotland.com/news/2520152...
May 30, 2025 at 10:52 AM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Scottish Forestry is facing a potential third legal challenge in a year! And yet again it's over a commercial conifer plantation, chiefly Sitka. My piece for @heraldscotland.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2512226...
'We believe the decision by Scottish Forestry was unlawful.'
For the third time in a year, the Scottish Government’s forestry regulator is under threat of court proceedings - over a Sitka plantation (again).
www.heraldscotland.com
April 29, 2025 at 4:47 PM
vickyallan.bsky.social
ICYMI My piece on Murray Hall, and my collaboration with trans writer Milo Clenshaw was published in @heraldscotland.bsky.social the week before the Supreme Court decision.
Its illustration of how trans people have always been with us feels more pertinent now
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2508019...
Did the Murray Hall scandal, which rocked 1901 New York, lead back to Scotland?
Murray Hall's death from breast cancer in 1901 caused a scandal in New York. It was a mystery whose Scottish links still intrigue us now
www.heraldscotland.com
April 24, 2025 at 3:28 PM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Great column here by Neil Mackay on free speech. But challenging to live. Who of us doesn't like, and protect, one free speech more than another?
April 24, 2025 at 3:21 PM
vickyallan.bsky.social
I felt lucky to interview Johan Rockström, the @pik-potsdam.bsky.social scientist behind the planetary framework ahead of his getting the Edinburgh medal.

But what he says is both chilling and challenging. It's a wake up.

In @heraldscotland.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/2509...
'You cannot focus only on oil, coal and gas. You have to do everything'
If there’s one scientist in the world who has the big overview on the health of planet Earth, it has to be Professor Johan Rockström
www.heraldscotland.com
April 17, 2025 at 6:37 AM
vickyallan.bsky.social
Publication day! 🥳

I wrote this historical novel with trans writer Milo Clenshaw.
It happens to publish at the time of the Supreme Court ruling and some shocking transphobia out there online.

Share stories. 
Come together.
Buy the book here
blackandwhitepublishing.com/products/murra…
April 17, 2025 at 5:56 AM