Councillors in Edinburgh are set to vote on a proposal aimed at opening some of the city's private gardens for public access. Scottish Greens councillor Dan Heap has put forth a motion advocating for this initiative, emphasizing the significant health benefits associated with green spaces. Heap noted that many private gardens in Edinburgh are comparable in size to public parks, yet are inaccessible to the public. He pointed to Queen Street Gardens, which spans nearly 20 acres, as an example of a large private area that could benefit the community if opened up. The proposal also suggests that the council could assist owners' associations with maintenance and insurance needs arising from this change. Supporting the motion, Edinburgh Central Green MSP Lorna Slater stated that access to these green spaces could be transformative for residents in built-up areas, allowing them to enjoy nature and improve their quality of life. The Culture and Communities Committee is scheduled to vote on this motion soon, marking a potential shift in how urban green spaces are utilized in Edinburgh.