Friday June 26th 2026
Katherine Sangster, MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, Scottish Labour Party writes her monthly column for Midlothian View.
It is a privilege to represent communities across Midlothian and Edinburgh and Lothians East, and in doing so, I am constantly listening to what matters most to residents and local businesses. One issue comes up time and again in my conversations: anti-social behaviour. It is a real and growing concern that is impacting people’s sense of safety and affecting the vitality of our high streets.
When I speak to residents and business owners, the message is clear. People want to feel safe in their communities. They want to see a visible police presence on our streets, officers who have the time and the resources to respond to concerns, and meaningful action to tackle ASB.
I have spent time meeting with businesses along our high streets to better understand the impact anti-social behaviour is having on their employees, their customers and their livelihoods. I have also had many conversations with constituents from across the region about how these issues are affecting their daily lives. These conversations are vital. They ensure that the reality of people’s experiences is reflected in the work I do in Parliament and in the action, I continue to push for locally.
I recently participated in a debate in the Scottish Parliament where I emphasised the importance of a joined up, collaborative approach to tackling anti-social behaviour. This is not something that one organisation or one community can address alone. It requires partnership between government, police, local authorities, businesses and residents.
It also requires us to ensure that everyone can feel safe using public services, on our high streets and in our neighbourhoods. Residents should feel confident when travelling on our buses, it is important that young people use their free bus travel responsibly so that it remains a positive opportunity for all.
While the challenges are clear, I have also seen the positive impact of communities coming together to make a difference. In Craigmillar and Niddrie, local people and organisations have taken a proactive and holistic approach, particularly around the challenges with ASB experienced on Bonfire Night. Community clean ups, local activities and family events have created opportunities for people of all ages to come together safely and take pride in where they live. These efforts show the power of community and what can be achieved when people work together.
I have also been engaging directly with local policing teams to better understand what they need to tackle anti-social behaviour effectively. Our police officers work incredibly hard to keep us safe, often under significant pressure, and I am very grateful for their commitment. Our police need resource if we want to see meaningful change for our communities.
At the same time, it is vital that we continue to strengthen the partnership between residents, businesses, community organisations and public services. Lasting solutions come from working together, sharing responsibility and building stronger, safer communities collectively.
Midlothian is one of the fastest growing areas in Scotland, with a population that is increasing at a rate well above the national average. This growth brings opportunity, but it also places additional pressure on local services. When this is combined with concerns about a lack of visible police presence, it is clear that action is needed to give police greater resources.
I will continue to make the case for the resources our communities need, and to ensure that the voices of residents and businesses are heard clearly. Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live, work and travel, I will stand up for communities in Midlothian and across Edinburgh and Lothians East.
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