Chief executive of the non-profit organisation Essential Edinburgh visited our camp tonight to discuss the arrangement of our camp and how it could be re-calibrated in order to accommodate the winter festivities planned to take place within the square.

Occupy Edinburgh consented Mr Neil’s proposal to move our tents and camping equipment to the edges of the square to free the central area to allow the inclusion of a stage, lights and decorations and an area for the public to view the festivities. In addition, the chief executive offered our camp additional storage to accommodate the space we will lose.

Mr Neil promised that our occupation could re-convene in the center of the square when the winter festivities end on January 4th 2012.

The Green Group on the Edinburgh City Council has submitted a motion, asking that the council support our Occupy Edinburgh. The motion will be considered at a full council meeting on the 24th of November.

Occupy Edinburgh are encouraging all their supporters to contact their local councillors to support the motion.

See below the motion from the Green Group:

THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL

24th November 2011

GREEN GROUP MOTION

Support for Occupy Edinburgh

Council:

Notes that the encampment of citizens in St. Andrew Square, ‘Occupy Edinburgh’, represents one part of a growing, global movement for real democracy, authentic global equality and justice, and a sustainable economic and ecological future;

Notes that this occupation, together with the more than 1000 others worldwide, is not simply a protest, but an effort to bring to life the inclusive, equitable and sustainable systems desired;

Notes that this movement, and its participants in Edinburgh, have significant support in the wider population;

Believes that given the mistakes made by financial traders, the profits of these companies and their shareholders should be tapped before cuts are made to public sector spending. It is unacceptable that bailouts are being paid for at the expense of public services, and this must never be allowed to happen again;

Believes that an economy functional only on top of endlessly growing consumption is causing significant environmental damage and must ultimately deplete our planet's resources and cause irreversible environmental damage. This must end now;

Believes that these demands are not only fair, but are in fact the only reasonable response in the face of the crisis faced by our current economic system, our communities and our planet;

Believes that, by setting a example, Edinburgh can help our national governments, and the wider world, to finally accept the real and fundamental changes that are so desperately needed to salvage a sustainable future;

Thus supports the values of Occupy Edinburgh;

Supports the participants of the St. Andrew Square occupation in demanding that these values be recognised and acted upon by all governmental bodies in the UK, and worldwide;

Commits to return our democracy to the people, and to work together immediately to create a new, sustainable and equitable Scotland.

Proposed: Maggie Chapman