How much is the subscription? The current subscription for 2025/2026 is £190 with an Early Bird offer of £170. This covers maintenance of the Gardens and any tree works required. We have three large Wych Elms, and a contingency fund must be sustained in case the trees contract Dutch Elm Disease. The costs for felling and removal of these large Elms are considerable.
Do I have to pay the subscription? Yes. All householders in 1–19 Learmonth Gardens and 1–23 South Learmonth Gardens have a legal obligation to pay the subscription. Householders with the addresses 12 Learmonth Gardens Lane and 1A Learmonth Place are within this scope because these properties are contained within the main buildings in Learmonth Gardens. This obligation was tested in court in 1984 – the individual who refused to pay ended up paying all outstanding subscriptions and full LGA costs.
I'm selling my flat. Do I have to pay? If you own the property on the due date of 31 August, you are liable for the full payment. You can of course enter into a private arrangement with your purchaser to pay a proportion of the subscription; however, it is your obligation to ensure that the Learmonth Gardens Association receives the full subscription. Please contact the treasurer if you are selling your property to help the Committee update the records.
Who can use the Gardens? The Gardens are for exclusive use by residents of 1–19 Learmonth Gardens, 1–23 South Learmonth Gardens, 1A Learmonth Place and 12 Learmonth Gardens Lane.
How do I get a key? You should have been given a key when you bought your house. If you are a tenant, your landlord/agent should give you a key. The key will open all four gates. Gates must be kept locked at all times. If you do not have a key and you have recently bought your house/flat, contact your solicitor and have them ask the previous owner for the key. Additional keys are available at a small cost. Please contact the Treasurer.
Are dogs allowed in the Gardens? No. Dogs are not allowed in the Gardens, even on a lead. We are lucky to have Inverleith Gardens and the Water of Leith nearby that are dog friendly.
Are ball games allowed? No. Ball games and cycling are not allowed.
Can I hold a social event in the Gardens? Yes, eligible households can hold a social event in the Gardens. You are asked to ensure any noise and disruption is kept at reasonable levels in consideration of other householders. If you want to hold a private event, please contact the Chairof the LGA beforehand to explain your intentions.
Are barbeques allowed in the Gardens? We have two designated stone-slab barbeque areas – one opposite Learmonth Place and the other opposite 13 LG. These stone-slab areas are the only place where barbeques are allowed. Barbeques on the path, tree stumps or grass are not allowed.
You are responsible for returning the Gardens to their pristine condition after any such event.
When is the AGM? The AGM is held in May each year. Notice of the AGM is given to all householders by newsletter and email at least 21 days before the AGM. Any member wishing to raise a motion at the AGM must lodge the intention at least 14 days before the AGM.
Can I propose a motion at the AGM? All suggestions are welcome. Everyone benefits from active management, participation and good ideas for improvement. Contact a committee member and your proposal will be added to the AGM agenda.
How do I access the minutes of the AGM? You can download the latest AGM minutes.
I'd like to help with the Gardens. What can I do? Anyone wishing to help with the maintenance and development of the Gardens is more than welcome to join the Committee. The Committee meets about four times a year.
The key won't work. The key opens all four gates. Check to see if your key opens a different gate. You may need a new key. Contact the Maintenance team and let them know which gate is causing problems. Please refrain from climbing on the gates because this is jamming the locking mechanism.
Can the tree canopy be lifted to allow more light in? No. All our trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order. This has been put in place to maintain the tree canopy in the City of Edinburgh. We need to submit planning application to Edinburgh Council before we can carry out any pruning or other tree works. The planning decision takes between 4 and 6 weeks.