Fake signs urging horse riders to 'pick up' poo along Edinburgh walkway to be removed by council

Fake signs installed along Edinburgh’s water of Leith walkway urging people to “pick up after your horse” are to be removed by the council.

Bearing the local authority’s logo, it initially appeared the signs had been affixed to trees along the path by council staff.

A councillor has now confirmed however that it was the work of an unknown member of the public taking matters into their own hands.

“This signage was not installed, or approved, by the City of Edinburgh Council Natural Heritage Team,” Scott Arthur said in a post on social media.

Cllr Arthur, who is convener of the transport and environment committee, said an investigation was ongoing in a bid to find out who was responsible and urged people to get in touch if they had any information.

He said: “In the meantime, the council will arrange for these signs to be taken down.

“Whilst it appreciates the inconvenience horse dung presents, horse riders are entitled to use this route and there is no legislation which prevents horse fouling, unlike dog faeces which can pose a significant health risk to humans, particularly young children, horse manure does not present a health risk.

“With that said, horse riders are encouraged by the council to follow good practice as provided by the British Horse Society which states ‘whenever possible move your horse off the path before it dungs’.”