Edinburgh City Council has begun a public consultation on the construction of the new controversial Portobello High School.

It will invite the public’s views on proposals to take a Private Bill to the Scottish Parliament in early 2013, to address the legal issue currently preventing the use of Portobello Park as the site for the new Portobello High School.

The City of Edinburgh Council wants to construct a new school to replace a 1960s tower block.

But local community organisation Portobello Park Action Group (PPAG) has cited a law which states the authority have no right to build on common good land.

The group launched a legal challenge and won their appeal in September.

But councillors have voted to pursue the Scottish Government to gain permission under special circumstances.

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The 'special circumstances' claim refers to the fact they are entitled to dispose of any such land provided it is sanctioned by the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.

Edinburgh Council has said it will build a new park where the current high school stands to "make up for the loss of green space".

Households in the Portobello area will receive a leaflet outlining the proposals.

Road shows will also be run at venues mainly in the Portobello area throughout December and January.

Exhibitions will be displayed in Piershill and Portobello Libraries.

As well as this, two public meetings will be held on 9 January 2013 at Portobello Town Hall and on 17 January 2013 at Meadowbank Sports Centre.

The consultation will run until 31 January 2013.

Councillor Paul Godzik, the city's Education, Children & Families Convener, said: "We've always been clear that Portobello Park remains by far the best option for a new school and in November the Council unanimously endorsed the option to pursue a Private Bill through the Scottish Parliament.

"We now want to hear what the community thinks of our proposals and it's crucial that we get as much feedback as possible from residents in both Portobello and the wider Edinburgh area. I'd encourage everyone to take some time to give us their views."

(IT/GK)