Walking for Europe: Europe Day 2022

Edinburgh4Europe will mark Europe Day by launching two new EuroWalks in Edinburgh, highlighting connections with our European neighbours. 

 What will you do on Europe Day this year? The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) will mark the day by celebrating Scotland’s historic, and contemporary, links with our European neighbours. They have created a series of EuroWalks across Scotland to take in local landmarks with connections to European figures, places or historical events. 

 Edinburgh4Europe, the local EMiS group, is delighted to welcome Ben Macpherson (MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith) for the official opening of their Leith EuroWalk on Saturday, 7th May, at 11am outside the Custom House in Leith (65-67 Commercial Street). 

The EuroWalk highlights a variety of Leith’s links to Europe, including Mary of Guise, Norwegian whalers and trades with the Baltic states.

 On Monday, 9th May, a group of EMiS  volunteers will lead a guided tour on a EuroWalk around Calton Hill.

The walk will start at 5.30pm from the Paolozzi Statues on Picardy Place: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/europe-day-eurowalk-edinburgh-tickets-331385702557.

 The walking routes, with photos and information, can be found at this link: link: https://eurowalks.scot/, so these can be followed in person or investigated from your own home.

Looking to the future, the plan is to continue the growth of EuroWalks in collaboration with organisations such as Visit Scotland and to create a network of walks across Scotland, in cities, towns and the countryside, which collectively help us to celebrate our rich European heritage.

EMiS hopes these will achieve the twin aim of educating local residents (including the tens of thousands of European citizens who live in Scotland) and teaching visitors more about the connections between their own countries and Scotland.   

 EMiS wants this to be a truly collaborative, grassroots venture, drawing on ideas from people and communities across Scotland. Most of all, they hope to demonstrate the rich variety and scope of Scotland’s ties to the European continent.  Because Europe is our past, Europe is our present and Europe is our future.

 If you want to join in this enjoyable volunteer-led initiative, or have ideas or knowledge about a local European connection to include, please contact the EuroWalks team at walks4europe@gmail.com.

 Edinburgh4Europe:

 Edinburgh for Europe is a group that came together during the campaign in 2018 for a People’s Vote on the deal secured by the UK government to leave the EU. We are made up of people who are Scottish or EU citizens or both.

We are affiliated to the European Movement in Scotland, a movement which started after World War II and before the economic union began. We work to maintain good relations with citizens of European countries and to mitigate the effects of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.

Cruden Homes to hold public consultation on new Leith apartments

Edinburgh-based housebuilder Cruden Homes is to hold a digital consultation event on its exciting proposals to deliver much-needed housing in Leith.

Located on the site of the Edinburgh Carpet and Flooring Warehouse, on the corner of Salamander Street and Salamander Yards, the proposed development will aim to comprise 99 apartments.

Including a range of different sized apartments, the development will range from four to six storeys, with the added bonus of ground floor retail fronting onto Salamander Street. 

A web-based community consultation event, in line with Scottish Government Covid-guidelines, will allow the community to provide feedback on and shape the proposals.

This online public consultation event, where the development team will be available via a live chat function to answer any questions, will take place on Thursday 28th April between 3.30pm and 7.30pm at www.orbitconsultations.scot/salamanderstreet

Further information relating to the proposed development may be obtained at the above website, or if unable to view material online by contacting:

Email: salamanderstreet@orbitconsultations.scot

Address: Salamander Street Consultation, c/o Orbit Communications, 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE. Tel: 0131 202 3259

The event follows extensive engagement locally with key stakeholders.

Commenting on these proposals, Rory Stephens from Cruden Homes said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward these exciting proposals for consultation with the local community.

“This ambitious scheme regenerates the current brownfield site, delivering much-needed sustainable housing, including affordable homes, as well as providing a retail offering on the ground floor.

“We’re keen to hear community views, allowing us to further shape and refine our proposals for the site, and would urge those able to do so to participate.”

Police: Have you seen Aaron?

Police are asking for help to trace a 17-year-old teenager last seen in Leith. Aaron Strachan was last seen around 5pm in Leith Walk on Thursday (21 April). He is described as around 5ft 11, of average build, with short brown hair.

When last seen he was wearing a green/blue puffer style jacket, grey jogging bottoms and black Nike trainers.

Anyone who has seen Aaron or knows where he might be is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0696 of Thursday, 21 April, 2022.

Edinburgh Remakery celebrates outstanding achievement with Queen’s Award for Enterprise success

A vibrant social enterprise based in Leith’s Ocean Terminal has won one of the UK’S most prestigious business accolades, recognising outstanding achievement in social and environmental sustainability, coupled with significant and responsible business growth.

The Edinburgh Remakery, an environmental social enterprise based in Scotland’s capital, has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, recognised for its excellence in Sustainable Development. 

The Edinburgh Remakery teaches and adopts sustainable practices around repair and reuse to prevent valuable materials and resources, such as electronic devices, from going to waste, and reducing pollution and carbon emissions. In this way, the social enterprise aids the urgent need to change the UK’s economy to one that is more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

Elaine Brown, CEO of The Edinburgh Remakery said:“Receiving the Queens Award for Enterprise is an amazing achievement for us. We’re delighted to receive this recognition for our work in sustainability, and it is a great testament to the role of social enterprises in creating positive change in our communities.

“Putting people and planet first is at the heart of our operations, and this award is a triumph for the circular economy and its vital role in helping Edinburgh and the UK hit their ambitious net zero targets, ending waste and pollution, and helping people to Waste Less, Live More.” 

In 2021, the Edinburgh Remakery collected 39 tonnes of electronic waste collected from businesses and individuals across the UK, 352 people were taught repair and reuse skills to help them mend and extend the life of their belongings, and 412 free electronic devices were gifted to people in need across Edinburgh to tackle digital poverty and social isolation.

Now in its 56th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the country, with winning businesses able to use the esteemed Queen’s Awards Emblem for the next five years. The Edinburgh Remakery is one of 31 organisations across the UK to be awarded recognition in Sustainable Development. 

The Edinburgh Remakery team will head to Buckingham Palace next month to formally receive their Queens Award for Enterprise.

This year, 232 businesses representing every part of the United Kingdom and a range of sectors have been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen on her birthday as among the best in the country.

Awards have been won in the categories of:

  • International Trade (141 winners)
  • Innovation (51)
  • Sustainable Development (31)
  • Promoting Opportunity (9)  

Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: “This country is renowned for its entrepreneurial achievements and there is no greater showcase for it than The Queen’s Awards. It’s vital we celebrate the success of our businesses and recognise the contributions they make to communities across the country.

“I congratulate this year’s winners for their hard work and commitment over the last year and I wish them every success for the future.”

Earth in Common: Re’Bel-Tane event

☀️Are you ready for our next big event? We certainly are!

💚 Celebrate RE’BEL-TANE with us on April 30th! We have a number of exciting family friendly activities lined up for you, head to our website (link in bio) to take a closer look at what you can expect.

We are also super excited to have our beloved Hingabootery Café back open and running again which means we will be able to cater to all your coffee, tea and ice cream needs 🍦

New Community Hub launches at former Debenhams in Ocean Terminal

The former Debenhams store at Ocean Terminal has temporarily re-opened its doors to welcome community groups across Leith and the capital, as a new social enterprise delivered under the umbrella of the Living Memory Association.

The Wee Hub brings life to the empty unit while its future is decided.

For the next few months, The Wee Hub will occupy the ground and first floor of the old department store. As well as bringing in a variety of arts, drama and sports organisations to make use of the space, the Living Memory Association has constructed areas dedicated to dance and theatre, children’s play, crafts, a library and a ‘wee sit and knit’ (amongst many others) to bring people of all ages together.

It will also be the base for several community projects including the Wee Crowd of Folk, where anyone can dress or decorate one of the many available mannequins, the Wee Reekie, which invites people to paint where they live and the Wee Heritage Centre.

Whilst the wider shopping centre at Ocean Terminal is going through planning consents to revitalise the centre and introduce a mixed use offering in the longer term, this empty space of over 90,000 sq ft has been made available by the centre owners for community groups to use and enjoy free of charge.

Some of the community groups to take advantage of the new Hub space include:

  • Sikh Sanjog – local charity will host a mural project offering insight into the Sikh Community and a powerful response to the global pandemic along-with a celebration event
  • Salle Holyrood Fencing Club – intend to introduce schools and other groups to the sport and have three Team GB members in the team that will deliver group and individual lessons
  • Citadel Youth Centre – offers a wide range of social, recreational, and educational activities for children and young people in Leith and plans to use space as a separate breakout area to its main location on Commercial Street
  • Thistle Model Makers – a group of railway modellers based in Edinburgh will use part of the ground floor to display some of their exhibition layouts set in Britain, Europe and the US
  • Street Soccer – already located within OT its facilities will extend to use the hub to continue its mission to inspire and empower young people through football starting with an Easter event bringing their Hexagol to the centre, a fully-inclusive mobile sports arena, allowing players of all ages to practice and play in a safe environment
  • Think Circus – their talented team of performers and creators will hold a variety of engaging and entertaining workshops and performances to bring people together
  • Tinderbox – will use the space to continue to support young people to gain new skills, confidence and a sense of possibility through music and arts.
  • Edinburgh Festival Carnival – will display the vibrant carnival costumes for 2022 as well as use the hub as a making space for artists and community participants
  • Giraffes About Town – The Wee Hub provides studio space for artists painting their giraffe sculptures for Edinburgh Zoo’s sculpture trail due to hit the streets of Edinburgh this summer.

Miles Tubb, project co-ordinator of The Living Memory Association said: “Our new community hub provides a much-needed lifeline to groups on the back of Covid that require additional and flexible space to support their needs.

“Whilst this is a temporary facility for us to use and enjoy, it is fantastic that Ocean Terminal has had the drive and determination to repurpose the unit for the community, rather than leaving it to stand empty.”

Michelle Macleod, Centre Manager at Ocean Terminaladded: “As a team we are excited to welcome this incredibly varied mix of sports and arts community groups to the centre.

“As our community opens up again post COVID, these organisations will bring new energy to the centre and create more reasons beyond our current retail and leisure offering for new and existing audiences to come to OT.”

A dedicated website for The Wee Hub will be launched shortly detailing the activity schedule for the groups, as well as upcoming special performances.

The Hub is keen to hear from organisations across the city who may want to use the space for one-off events and would welcome contact to comhist@googlemail.com

CCTV appeal following serious assault on Leith Walk

Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault in Leith. Officers have released images of a man that they wish to speak to as they believe he may have information that can assist their enquiries.

The incident happened around 11:30pm on Tuesday, 7 September, 2021 outside the Mousetrap pub on Leith Walk.

A 30-year-old man was attacked and sustained injuries to his face, which required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Officers believe that the man shown in the image may have information that could assist them and would appeal to him or anyone who recognises him to contact them.

The man shown in the image is described as 20 to 30 years old, between 5’10 and 6 foot, of thin build with a short, shaved haircut. He is shown in the images wearing a two-tone The North Face jacket with a black upper section and a light blue lower section.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, of Gayfield CID, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim and our inquiries have been ongoing.

“If you have any information about this incident or can identify this man, please contact us on 101 quoting incident number 3440 of 8th September 2021 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” 

Citadel announce new Leith show

CITADEL ARTS GROUP present a performed reading of new Scottish comedy

NAN & RITA and the DEAR DEPARTED

By Edinburgh writer Carolyn Lincoln

Top actors Lynne McCallum (Still Game, Taggart) and Estrid Barton (Howard’s End, Still Game, Theodosia) will once again team up for the new Scottish comedy Nan & Rita and the Dear Departed by Edinburgh writer Carolyn Lincoln.

Directed by Adam Tomkins, this is the pandemic-postponed follow-up to Nan & Rita and the Holy Grail which won great feedback in 2018:

“Entertaining dialogue…very clever and genuine use of Scots… fine satirical touches.” “A breath of fresh air and a bloody good laugh.” “Full of energy…well performed… excellent timing… lovely warm performances.”

This lunchtime performance will be in the popular PLAY, PIE AND DOCKERS PINT format. Arrive at Leith Dockers Club at 12:30 for your pie and drink and the performance starts at 1pm. Make sure you allow for extra travelling time because of the current tram works.

Carolyn Lincoln is a former Glasgow Herald staff journalist, radio ‘soap’ writer and occasional contributor to The Scotsman.

Over the years Leith based registered charity Citadel Arts Group has sought to encourage older writers and creatives to take professionally-produced drama and new writing to places and people other Scottish drama doesn’t usually reach.

Performance details

Wednesday 27th April 2022.

Leith Dockers Club, 17 Academy Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7EE.

People should arrive at 12.30 to collect their drink and pie (meat or veg). 

The show starts at 1pm.

Ticket price: £8 / £6 (senior citizens, students, unemployed)

Tickets can be reserved from lizhare@blueyonder.co.uk or paid for at the door, subject to availability. 

Further information: Adam Tomkins (Director) adam.paul.tomkins@gmail.com       

New programme at Leith’s Dr Bell’s Family Centre

📣

Our new programme is live

📣

Starting Monday 25th April. If you live in Leith, have at least one child under the age of 5 you can sign up to some of our fantastic groups. If you would like to know more information or sign up, please drop us an email at info@dbfc.org.uk

🧡
💙

Dr Bell’s Family Centre@drbellsfamily

Our new programme is live Starting Monday 25th April. If you live in Leith, have at least one child under the age of 5 you can sign up to some of our fantastic groups.

If you would like to know more information or sign up, please drop us an email at info@dbfc.org.uk