Edinburgh pioneer who 'gave so much to the city' dies suddenly as tributes pour in

Barbara Cummins was the first female Chair of the Cockburn Association
-Credit: (Image: Cockburn Association)


Tributes have been paid for a pioneering Edinburgh woman who had a "passion" for the capital.

Barbara Cummins passed away at home on September 12, following a short illness. She was appointed as the first female chair of the Cockburn Association in 2023, and was previously the director of heritage at Historic Environment Scotland.

Barbara, who lived in Colinton, was branded a "good 'un". Her colleagues said she "gave so much to the city".

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Cockburn Association Director, Terry Levinthal, told Edinburgh Live: "The only thing we can say is that we're all deeply saddened and shocked.

"It all happened so suddenly. It was only a few weeks ago she was chairing a meeting, the deterioration was just so fast.

"She chose to stand down two weeks ago. She gave so much to the city, to the wellbeing of Edinburgh."

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Taking to X, The Cockburn Association said: "It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our recent Chair Barbara Cummins who died yesterday (12 September) peacefully at home following a short illness.

"Her last formal blog with us summarised her passion for planning, places and Edinburgh so we repost as our tribute to someone who gave so much to the city and Scotland."

Peigi MacKillop replied: "Awful news, she was a good 'un."

Barbara Cummins passed away at home following a short illness
Barbara Cummins passed away at home following a short illness -Credit:Historic Environment Scotland

Stuart Eydmann commented: "Sad news."

Her biography on the Cockburn Association website reads: "Barbara graduated from Queen’s University of Belfast with a degree in geography before completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Town and Country Planning at Edinburgh College of Art/Heriot Watt University and an MBA at Edinburgh University.

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"She has been a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute since 1990."

When she was appointed Chair, she said: "This is an exciting time for the Cockburn as we approach the 150th anniversary and there will be much to reflect back on and celebrate.

"I also know I have big shoes to fill and many challenges ahead as Edinburgh continues to evolve in the face of global issues and local pressures. I know the Cockburn has an important role to play in helping to shape the future, as well as celebrating the past, of this unique city."