GRANTON Youth’s streetwork team and @theedinburghwheelsproject will be hanging out at Drylaw Skate Park on Tuesday 4th April from 4-8pm giving instructor led skate lessons, playing tunes, showing off their skate skills, and giving out free food!
Come along, tell yer friends and fam, and bring us an easter egg or ten!
GY x
Locals being invited to celebrate the opening of Granton Station Square this Saturday will also be given a sneak peek of the magnificently refurbished Edwardian Granton Station building.
Completion of the square and station building is the first major milestone of the City of Edinburgh Council’s wider £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront. All are invited to attend the free community event.
The site had lain vacant for years before it was bought over by the Council in 2018. The £4.75m restoration of the building, together with the development of the square, were partly funded through the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Town Centre Fund.
The name for the square was chosen following an online consultation with local residents.
The station building will be managed by social enterprise charity Wasps Studios, who work across Edinburgh and Scotland, to provide affordable workspace for artists and the creative industries. Wasps will be taking on the building shortly to start their internal fit out.
When opened the charity will be providing space to support around 40 jobs, as well as helping around 100 people each year with creative business development opportunities. Alongside this they will deliver a heritage programme for local people and railway enthusiasts on the unique history of the location as well as providing exhibition space to showcase local talent. They’ll also host workshops and a series of outdoor and online events for locals, with the potential to attract thousands of visitors to the area.
The newly created public square in front of the building will be host to events and local community activity throughout the year. Council leader Cammy Day will cut the ribbon to open this fantastic and innovative new public space and everyone attending will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the newly refurbished historic Granton Station building ahead of it officially opening later this year.
Previous Chair of Scotrail John Cameron CBE will also unveil the National Transport Trust Red Plaque ‘Red Wheel’ with Cllr Day on Granton Station building. The Transport Heritage programme commemorates Britain’s rich and globally important legacy in the development of transport.
Family fun will be part of the celebrations from 11am to 2pm on the day where visitors will meet some local crafters, makers and organisations at the market stalls and will be able to join in with play and arts activities on the lawn. There will also be performances from Edinburgh College students and the Newhaven Community Choir.
Local S3 pupils from Craigroyston Community High School have also been busy creating beautiful artwork symbolising the area with local artist Shona Hardie to be displayed from this weekend down Waterfront Broadway for everyone to see as they make their way to the event.
A history exhibition will also be displayed on the square’s two new art benches, which going forward, will provide free exhibition space year-round.
Granton Waterfront will partner with cultural organisations to curate a changing programme of work inspired by and/or created by local artists and residents on the benches. The project was launched in March 2023 with a themed exhibition ‘Past, Present, Future’ to showcase historic and current-day images of key heritage assets within the area.
Forth Councillor Cammy Day said: “We’ve taken local people with us through every step of this process to reach this first major milestone. Seeing the refurbished Granton Station and iconic clock as well as the new square in all its glory feels very significant for the project and is another reason to come along and help us celebrate at this fantastic event.
“They sit at the heart of our £1.3bn regeneration of the wider area and will be a focal point for the community and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.
We’re creating homes, jobs and new communities at Granton Waterfront and you can already see construction well underway for the first of the 3,500 net zero carbon homes. We’re building over 70 new mid-market and social rent net zero homes, with the first new residents due to move in at the end of this year.
“And on the far side of Forthquarter Park the Western Villages site is making good progress to deliver 444 net zero homes. Also included in the plans are a new primary school, health centre, active travel routes and improved transport links, as well as workspace, community and cultural spaces.
“We’ll also be marking the start of works on the neighbouring iconic Granton Gasholder shortly. It will create a multifunctional public space that can be used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike so look out for work starting there soon.
Scottish Government Regeneration Minister Tom Arthur said: “Completion of this project represents a significant step forward in the regeneration of Granton Waterfront.
“Through funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, this new work space for artists demonstrates the powerful role our communities can have in helping transform their town centres and neighbourhoods by investing in their future.”
Audrey Carlin Chief Executive Officer Wasps said: “We are very excited to be showcasing the building, which we plan to operate under the name Granton Station Creative Works, to visitors for the first time on Saturday 11 March. We hope creative people will come to view for the first time this much-needed creative hub for both the local community and Scotland’s creative sector.
“The transformation of such an important building with its strong connection to the industrial heritage of Granton has been wonderful to be part of, and a huge credit must go to the City of Edinburgh Council and their contractors for turning our collective vision for a sustainable future for this important historic building into reality.
“At Wasps, we are passionate about supporting Scotland’s creative economy, and Granton Station Creative Works is a testament to our commitment to providing affordable, high-quality workspaces, encouraging collaboration, creativity and innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this project will have on the Granton community and the wider creative economy in the years to come.”
Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, officially opened the new Granton Early Learning and Childcare building with Head Teacher Lorraine Cusack and Senior Early Years Officer Lesley Watt yesterday.
Five new settings based on primary school sites – Craigentinny, Granton, Nether Currie, St John Vianney and St Mark’s – have opened up in the Capital in the past few months providing places for an additional 500 children.
Cllr Griffiths said: “This is an exciting time for early learning and childcare in Edinburgh with five new settings opening recently providing places for over 500 children.
“As a Council we will do everything we can to ensure our children get the best possible start in life on their journey to becoming successful learners and confident individuals.”
PICTURES: Greg Macvean
LOCAL residents are being encouraged to sign up for a community tree-planting session next week to help create a new woodland in Granton.
Granton Crescent is to be home to Edinburgh’s latest Wee (or Tiny) Forest as part of the Council’s work to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The creation of the new Wee Forest has been made possible by funding from Banister Charitable Trust.
The City of Edinburgh Council, in partnership with Earthwatch Europe and Edinburgh Lothian Greenspace Trust, is hosting a special planting day on Thursday 2 March from 1pm – and all are welcome.
A Wee Forest is a dense, fast-growing, native woodland about the size of a tennis court and is capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years. It also provides rich opportunities for engaging young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.
Earthwatch is pioneering the initiative in the UK, using a forestry management technique developed in Japan by Dr Miyawaki in the 1970s. By encouraging the trees to grow in tightly packed formation, fighting each other for sunlight and nutrients, they will grow ten times faster than a traditional forest.
The new Wee Forest – which will be planted at Granton Crescent by local residents and local primary school pupils – will not only be attractive locations for wildlife, but for people too, and will provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.
Volunteers can book a place on any of these dates via Eventbrite.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “Our newest “Wee Forest” allows residents to be directly involved in tackling the nature and climate crises by being involved in the planting, maintaining and development of the forests in their own community. The Wee Forests will also help us work towards our goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and to be net zero.
“A Wee Forest brings the benefits of a forest – connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and supporting urban wildlife – right in the heart of our community within urban spaces in the city.
“For each Wee Forest, we look to engage a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers to act as ambassadors for their local forest. Volunteering as a Tree Keeper is a great chance to get more involved in your Wee Forest’s development and track the amazing environmental impact of the site and I would encourage everyone to find out more by contacting Earthwatch.
“I hope residents will join the planting on 2 March. The planting is free to attend and open to all ages. Equipment is provided on the day but feel free to bring along your own gloves and spade.”
Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.
“It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to be working with City of Edinburgh Council to bring these inspiring spaces to the Capital.”
Come join us for wassailing at Granton Castle Walled Garden on the 19th February from 2 – 4pm. There will be activities, songs and refreshments all inspired by the wonderful apple trees.
Wassailing is an anglo-saxon tradition where the fruit trees are blessed with offerings of song, food and drink to encourage them to provide a bountiful harvest.
We will gather together and give the trees of our orchard a much needed cheer and scare away all of the bad spirits! Bring along some friends and family, and perhaps make yourself a lovely apple themed crown to wear.
Cash donations are appreciated but not required, if you have any questions please ask!
For details on how to find us visit our website:
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was found seriously injured in the Granton Mains East area.
Around 7.35pm on Friday, 3 February, 2023, a 40-year-old man was found seriously injured and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Detective Sergeant Will Dickson, of Corstorphine CID, said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident. We believe someone assisted the injured man and we would urge that person to contact police.
“Anyone who may have witnessed what happened or has any information that may assist our investigation should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3368 of 3 February. Alternatively, details can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Granton’s last remaining gasholder will be transformed following a £1.24 million award from the Scottish Government’s low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme.
Councillors at the Development Management Sub-Committee on 25 January approved planning permission for the next stage of redevelopment of the iconic Granton Gasholder.
Today, it was also announced that the project’s application to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund has been approved. This will tie in with the overall programme of delivery and will secure up to £1.3m of further grant funding to take this stage of the works forward.
As the restoration of the Gasholder frame continues, work will begin in Autumn 2023 on public realm improvements to the surrounding land.
Ultimately, the goals of the restoration are to ensure development of the surrounding sites can take place whilst opening up the area to create a multifunctional public space that can be used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “Neglected sites are often found in more disadvantaged settings and can become no-go areas or hamper community development. By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.
“The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract private investment to locations which have lain dormant for years. It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer, and more prosperous.
“This green space development at the Granton Gasholder will bring a significant boost for the community and enhance wider regeneration. I look forward to seeing the completed project.”
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I am delighted that councillors have recently approved planning permission for the exciting high quality open space element of the redevelopment to the historic Granton Gasholder.
“The restoration of the Gasholder frame is already underway through funding provided by the Council and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With today’s announcement that we’ve been successful in our bid to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, we’re now able to progress our plans for creating an exciting public space which will see this iconic structure breathe new life into Granton Waterfront.
“This important development represents our plan to transform the structure, the centrepiece of our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, into a visitor destination with high quality open space for everyone to enjoy.
“The wider regeneration is about using brownfield land to develop a sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood its residents will be proud of. It will be an area where people live in affordable, environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links, and access open and green space, arts, sports, and culture. Restoring the Gasholder is the first step in unlocking the wider regeneration.”
A derelict site once central to the Clyde’s shipbuilding industry will be transformed following a £2.4 million award from the low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme.
The Govan Graving Docks were used for final painting and repair of vessels but have lain empty for 40 years. The Scottish Government award to upgrade a riverside walkway and create green space by 2025 is intended to help attract business investment, reverse biodiversity loss and habitat decline and create a visitor attraction.
Further restoration of the historic dockyard will see it used for repairing heritage vessels, while a footbridge linking the site to neighbouring visitor destinations including the Glasgow Science Centre is planned once private sector funding is secured.
It is one of 15 transformational schemes sharing £10 million in 2023-24 from the Programme. Other successful projects include:
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur visited the Govan Graving Docks site to meet those behind the project. He said: “Neglected sites are often found in more disadvantaged settings and can become no-go areas or hamper community development. By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.
“The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract private investment to locations which have lain dormant for years, It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer and more prosperous.”
Councillor Richard Bell, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Govan Graving Docks is a unique site in Glasgow, offering both a glimpse of the city’s past and a view into a future where we realise the potential of this remarkable Clydeside location.
“The very welcome announcement of £2.4 million funding from the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme will allow work to dramatically improve the appearance of the site, create new public green space to be co-designed by the local community, and improve access and connections to Glasgow Science Centre.
“The support announced today will hopefully act as a catalyst for future funding and the development of further stages in the regeneration of the Graving Docks.”
Projects to receive funding from Stage 2 of the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme for 2023-24:
| Lead applicant | Application | 2023-24 (£) | Total Grant Recommended |
| City of Edinburgh Council | Granton Gasholder | £1,224,410 | £1,224,410 |
| Clackmannanshire Council | Clacks Community – Growing a new Future | £500,000 | £500,000 |
| Clyde Gateway | Shawfield Phase 2 – Remediation | £200,000 | £200,000 |
| Fife Council | Ravenscraig Skills Hub | £491,582 | £491,582 |
| Glasgow City Council | Cadder Woods Community Greenspace | £521,193 | £772,700 |
| Glasgow City Council | Community Net Zero Hub | £182,276 | £182,276 |
| Glasgow City Council | Govan Graving Docks | £368,794 | £2,368,794 |
| Glasgow City Council | Greening Royston | £797,121 | £797,121 |
| Glasgow City Council | North Maryhill TRA Green Infrastructure | £650,000 | £1,450,000 |
| Highland Council | Cromlet Invergordon | £400,000 | £400,000 |
| Highland Council | Longman Park | £850,000 | £2,150,000 |
| Midlothian Council | All Through Community Learning Campus Shawfair | £2,122,000 | £3,667,000 |
| North Ayrshire Council | The King’s Arms Irvine | £400,000 | £600,000 |
| Perth and Kinross Council | Millhaugh – Phase 1 | £93,808 | £93,808 |
| West Dunbartonshire Council | Residential development at Pappert Bonhill | £500,000 | £1,250,000 |
| £9,301,184 | £16,147,691 |
Painting for Pleasure’ weekend workshops at granton:hub, Madelvic House.
Saturday 11th February. Starts 10am – 4.30pm. (other weekend dates available) Painting tutor: Gareth Hutchison.
Full Price: £25 (£20 for granton:hub members and for state benefits/pension holders).
Why not destress, get expressive, be creative and enjoy a whole day relaxing at granton:hub, Madelvic House?
The Painting for Pleasure weekend workshop offers a wonderful and enjoyable creative experience with full 1-to-1 professional guidance & support at an affordable price. Welcome to all adults, whatever your age, creative experience or artistic ability. Enjoy the creative process and the time to practice painting for a whole day in the relaxing social atmosphere of Madelvic House.
Painting for Pleasure is a self-directed learning and art practice workshop. Meaning – you are free to choose from whichever area of visual arts and art materials you wish to explore and learn more about through artistic practice. With as much personal support and help, guidance and positive mentoring as you require to complete your first art project and more.
Granton:hub’s studio resident artist, Gareth Hutchison, will help you every step of the way. You can choose to use Acrylics, watercolours, oil painting to drawing, mixed media and collage. Art Materials are not provided, although Gareth does supply a small amount for you to try when necessary.
Painting for Pleasure weekend workshops – creating the time & place to practice creative painting.
For further details about ‘Painting for Pleasure’ weekend workshops and up-coming dates, please contact Gareth Hutchison at: g.hutchison@hotmail.com
Edinburgh College is set to open its doors for four open days this February to showcase its facilities to those considering applying for a full-time course in August 2023.
The College, which has campuses across the capital region, is hosting open days across all four of its campuses to allow prospective students to find out about the courses they can apply for, and to also see first-hand what it’s like to study at Edinburgh College.
Sighthill Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 7 February, Milton Road Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Thursday 9 February, Midlothian Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 21 February and Granton Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 25 February.
Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to head to College campuses to find out more about course options, funding options and accommodation, and to also meet representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA).
The College offers courses and professional training across a wide range of subjects within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Science, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.
Learners at any stage of their career or education journey will be able to find out more about the College’s beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, and continuous professional development courses.
Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place during the events, with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide demonstrations along the way.
Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming prospective students onto our campuses and giving them the chance to find out what it’s like studying at the College.
“Whether you’re a school leaver, looking to boost your current qualifications, or wanting to learn a new skill, the open days are a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the courses we have on offer. I encourage anyone who’s thinking about studying with us to come along.”
For more information and to book a place at the February Open Days, visit:
https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/open-days-february-2023
GRANTON Primary School’s fab Pupil Support Officers will be hosting a coffee morning the last Friday of every month from 9 – 10am.
Feel free to pop along for a hot drink, pastry and advice on a range of issues from attendance to school uniforms.
