Leith legends team up!

Leith Athletic Football Club girls team netted a visit to Paolozzi at 100 at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two this weekend.

Celebrating the 100th birthday of Leith artist Eduardo Paolozzi the free exhibition has taken over two rooms on the ground floor of the Edinburgh gallery. 

All kitted out in their brand-new Paolozzi shirts, a tribute to the man himself, the Leith team marvelled in 60 works including prints, tapestries, collages and sculptures.

There’s no substitute for Paolozzi! 

About Paolozzi at 100 

National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two 

Open now till 21 April 2024 

Admission Free  

Paolozzi at 100 | National Galleries of Scotland 

Red carpet treatment for Screen Education Edinburgh filmmakers

LAST weekend Leith Theatre rolled out its red carpet for an for an unforgettable celebration of the latest cohort from the BFI Film Academy Edinburgh and South East Scotland Short Course.🌟🍿

Screen Education Edinburgh learners spent the past few months working collaboratively towards their Preparing to Work in the Film Industry NCFE Level 2 qualification, while working together to write, direct and edit their own short films.

The result? Three phenomenal short films; “To Janice,” “To Be a Woman is To Be in Conflict,” and “I’ve Waited”, which we had the privilege of screening on the big screen at Leith Theatre. 🎥🙌

Huge congratulations to all the learners for their outstanding films, hard work, and the remarkable stories they’ve brought to life. Your creativity and passion have left us inspired and delighted to be part of your undoubtedly incredible filmmaking journeys.🎉

🤝 Thank you to BFI Film Academy, The National Lottery, The City of Edinburgh Council and Screen Scotland for making this course possible.

SCREEN EDUCATION EDINBURGH

Innovative green hydrogen shore power trial launched at port of Leith

A consortium of four Scottish renewable and maritime companies have been awarded a UK Government Department for Transport grant of over £535,000 to develop an innovative UK-first approach that will use clean, green hydrogen energy to reduce carbon emissions from vessels when berthed in port. 

Supported by Forth Ports, the highly innovative trial will see the large tugs operating out of The Port of Leith powered by green hydrogen when tied up. The green hydrogen will be produced from treated wastewater from a nearby water treatment works, without compromising local water supplies. 

The year-long trial, run by partners Forth Ports, Waterwhelm, Logan Energy and PlusZero, will deliver a state-of-the-art demonstrator system for green hydrogen shore power which marine vessels can use when they are berthed, removing the need for the diesel-powered systems which are currently in use on some quaysides. 

The project draws together leading Scottish innovation and technology with sustainability expertise from the water, energy and transport sectors, and will be the first of its kind to be demonstrated at a UK port – leading the way for a circular economy approach to port decarbonisation across the country. 

The project will act as a precursor to the deployment of green hydrogen in shore power supply to large ships and vessels, addressing an important challenge in decarbonising the maritime industry, particularly in remote locations or areas where a connection to the main electricity grid is not available. 

Alasdair Smith, Commercial Director of Targe Towing, part of the Forth Ports group, said: “This is an exciting project for Forth Ports and Targe Towing as we work towards our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across Forth Ports group operations by 2032, and becoming net zero by 2042. 

“Our tug fleet currently uses diesel-powered generators to provide electricity when tied up in port. This new green hydrogen system shows how tugs or other vessels can be completely emission-free whilst berthed.

“The project will also serve to widen our knowledge and experience of working with hydrogen, which provides a foundation for future endeavours towards a net zero future. We look forward to starting this project with our partners in the Spring.”

Using specialist water treatment technology provided by Waterwhelm, fresh re-use water will be made from wastewater from the treatment works site in Seafield, Edinburgh, which will then be used to produce hydrogen at Leith Port. 

Waterwhelm’s leading technology enables water re-use and desalination processes to operate at significantly lower pressure, providing lower maintenance benefits as well as a world-beating reduction in electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

Dr Richard Wood, Research and Developer Manager and Engineer from Waterwhelm said: “Following a successful feasibility study, we are delighted to be partnering with Forth Ports, Logan Energy and PlusZero to deliver a combined state-of-the-art demonstrator system at the Port of Leith for the production, storage and utilisation of green hydrogen to supply green shore power. 

“Waterwhelm’s system will utilise waste heat and wastewater to produce re-use water for electrolysis – a new, innovative approach which is much needed to support the drive towards decarbonisation whilst reducing the upcoming demand on local water networks.”

Green hydrogen specialist partners Logan Energy and PlusZero will apply their expertise to bring the clean power solution to the port – a significant collaboration that highlights major strides in Scottish hydrogen innovation. 

Using a process known as electrolysis, East Lothian-based Logan Energy’s electrolyser technology will split the re-use water into oxygen and hydrogen. 

The hydrogen will then be used as a clean fuel for PlusZero’s combustion engine which will generate green electricity to provide shore power for the tug boats when they are in port, replacing the need for polluting diesel generators. 

Bill Ireland, Chief Executive Officer of Logan Energy said: “Hydrogen-based solutions can play a pivotal role in decarbonisation and achieving net-zero targets both in the UK and globally.  We’re honoured to be part of this consortium that can develop one such application where our innovative solutions can benefit UK industry.

“Logan Energy’s fully integrated system approach will take green energy and Waterwhelm’s clean water supply and produce, compress, and store hydrogen for the purpose of powering PlusZero’s equipment, without producing any emissions.  This will be a key demonstration within the marine sector that can be easily replicated elsewhere.”

David Amos, Managing Director at PlusZero said: “There is a huge amount of momentum behind hydrogen as an accelerator to the global energy transition.

“PlusZero’s ready-to-go clean power solution replaces the need for polluting diesel generators across multiple sectors of the economy – construction, events and production, and the industrial sectors.

“We are delighted to be demonstrating the true promise of this technology alongside our partners and Forth Ports, a company which is already leading the way in making Scotland’s renewables future a reality.”

The project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. CMDC4 is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.

The UK Government Department for Transport Maritime Minister Lord Davies said: “Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides relies on cutting edge technology to propel it to the next level.

“The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK.

“Transformative solutions can help shape the future landscape of the maritime industry and support jobs in coastal communities.”

Deidre Brock MP calls for discussion on future of Leith’s Old Town Hall if Police decide to leave

The Old Town Hall in Leith should be considered for community use if Police Scotland vacate the building, according to Deidre Brock MP. 

The station is one of those up for possible closure as part of Police Scotland’s estate review. 

Built in 1828, the Category A listed building still contains the original Leith Burgh Council debating chamber. 

The Edinburgh North & Leith MP said: “If Police Scotland decide that the old Leith Town Hall is no longer appropriate for modern policing, there should be a discussion about how it can be utilised for the community. 

“It is a wonderful building that holds a unique place in Leith’s history, and I hope the Council will consider how it can best be used for the benefit of current and future generations of Leithers.”

Missing: Have you seen Kevin?

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for assistance in tracing Kevin Sweeney (33yrs) who has been reported missing from the Leith area of the City.

Kevin was last seen on 7th January 2024 in Pilrig Street, Edinburgh. His current whereabouts are unknown and we are becoming increasingly concerned for him.

Kevin is described as being male, white, 5ft 9 tall, average build with an auburn beard and short fair hair.

If you believe you have seen Kevin or have any information please contact 101 quoting incident no. 1669 of the 19/01/24.

Ben Macpherson calls for new police station for Leith

MODERN ‘FIT FOR PUPOSE’ FACILITY AT VICTORIA QUAY?

EDINBURGH Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson is urging the Scottish Government to consider siting a new police station in Victoria Quay.

Writing to Justice Secretary Angela Constance yesterday, the local MSP said: “As you are aware, Leith Police Station in my constituency is one of those being  considered for closure, as part of Police Scotland’s estate review.

“In terms of the  current building in Leith, this is understandable as the current location is within the  old Leith Chambers which, while being a remarkable historic building, is not optimal  for twentieth century policing or meeting shared aspirations like net zero.  

“However, there is a very strong case for retaining a police station in Leith –  especially given recent and projected significant population growth in the locality and surrounding areas! This could be realised in the form of a new Leith Police Station  within a colocation premises, which would enhance public service provision and  make financial sense.  

Therefore, I am writing to state that I think Victoria Quay could potentially provide an  ideal location for a new Leith Police Station, collocated with other public services.  

“The under-utilisation of Victoria Quay is well known and I have previously liaised with  the Permanent Secretary about how it could be used going forward, to potentially  provide more for Leith and the wider needs of the public and local economy.  

“I would be grateful if the Scottish Government and Police Scotland could consider  the creation of a new Leith Police Station to be established in Victoria Quay?

“I have  copied the this correspondence to the Edinburgh Commander (Police Scotland) and  the Permanent Secretary. “

Green light for new clean vehicle charging hub at Ocean Terminal

A new clean vehicle charging hub at Leith Waterfront’s Ocean Terminal is to power up after being approved by City of Edinburgh councillors. 

The hub, powered by SSE, will form part of the major redevelopment of Ocean Terminal which is currently underway, and which will create a sustainable new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with the provision of new homes, health and leisure facilities and new active travel options for centre users and the surrounding community. 

Located at the front of the Ocean Terminal building, adjacent to the current south car park, six state-of-the art EV chargers powered by traceable, clean renewable energy will be able to charge up to 12 vehicles at a time, with two of the bays in the hub designated for accessible parking.

The new site will allow electric vehicle drivers to charge their cars whilst visiting the facilities at the redeveloped Ocean Terminal centre – including a cinema, gym, bingo and family entertainment venue Level X. The ultra-rapid charging facilities of up to 150 kilowatts (kW) will allow drivers to get back on the road within an hour of plugging in. 

On 10th August 2023, the ultra-rapid EV Charging Hub from SSE Energy Solutions was installed and launched at the Gapton Hall Retail Park in Great Yarmouth, managed by M7 Real Estate for Oxford Properties. Sir Brandon Lewis CBE was in attendance for the unveiling.

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said: “Having recently received planning consent to deliver our Masterplan for Ocean Terminal, we are delighted that our vision for a new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with sustainability at its core is taking shape so quickly as we bring this new EV charging hub to the area. 

“As the future of Ocean Terminal changes, so too do the needs of our centre users and we are proud to be working with our partners at SSE, a company which is at the forefront of decarbonisation solutions, to meet modern requirements for clean fuel and green travel options.

“And with the new hub able to charge an electric vehicle in an hour, it will provide the perfect reason to visit the new and improved Ocean Terminal for a meal, film or browse of the shops!” 

On 10th August 2023, the ultra-rapid EV Charging Hub from SSE Energy Solutions was installed and launched at the Gapton Hall Retail Park in Great Yarmouth, managed by M7 Real Estate for Oxford Properties. Sir Brandon Lewis CBE was in attendance for the unveiling.

Kevin Welstead, EV Director from SSE Energy Solutions said: “We’re proud to announce this site with Ocean Terminal which will provide ultra-rapid EV charging facilities for their customers to have at their disposal.

“At SSE, we’re dedicated to helping get people on the road to net zero. By providing high-quality EV Charging hubs we are supporting both the public and businesses across the UK and Ireland to make the transition to electric vehicles.

“This site is a perfect example of how drivers can conveniently and quickly charge their electric vehicle as they go about their day.”

Ocean Terminal has recently welcomed the approval of its Masterplan to construct 530 new homes alongside commercial facilities to give a new lease of life to the Ocean Terminal centre, which originally opened in 2001.

Alongside the successful Tram to Newhaven, the plans will add significant provision of cycle parking and an expansion of the cycle route along Leith waterfront, creating new active travel options for centre users and the surrounding community.

Not such a Happy New Year for Citadel as funding slashed

Local MSP slams ‘drastic and nonsensical cut in funding’

Funding award grants for voluntary sector organisations is invariably difficult – for cash-strapped councils there is never enough money available to meet ever-growing demands.

There are winners and losers, but the latest round of funding decisions has caused particular anguish for Leith’s Citadel Youth Centre, who have learned that their annual award will by slashed by a swingeing £125,000.

Citadel’s Willy Barr (above) explained: “The city council’s Education, Children and Families meeting that took place on Monday 18th December to recommend grant awards to third sector organisations across the city.

“In the lead up to their meeting the Committee had not published a table of grant awards as they normally do, instead they contacted us on the Monday afternoon to inform us we had been recommended for a “partial award” of 50% of what we applied for, equating to £50,000 per year. We had applied for the maximum capped amount of £100k to fund our work with children and young people.

“This news has come as a huge disappointment, as although we expected a cut from our current annual grant of £175,000 per year, this reduction of £125,000 has been way more than we anticipated and will now seriously impact on the services and supports we offer to the local community, many of whom are already impacted by poverty and related issues affecting their mental health and well-being.”

In an appeal for their support, Willie Barr raised his concerns over the scale of the cut with local MSP Ben Macpherson, MP Deidre Brock and Leith councillors, making them aware of the size of the disinvestment in the Citadel, and the potential implications this could have on local services for local children, young people and their families.

As well as contacting Citadel’s local Leith politicians Willy will also be pressing Council Leader Cammy Day – who was himself once a youth participation worker in North Edinburgh – to rethink the scale of the cut, which is due to come into effect from 1st April.

In total 68 community-based organisations will benefit from the Connected Communities Edinburgh Grant Programme 2024-27 which was approved by the Education, Children and Families Committee on Monday 18 December.

Organisations were invited to apply for a grant of £10k minimum and £100k maximum per year to one of three funding strands – Learning Outcomes, Health and Wellbeing and Youth Work.

Both NHS Lothian and Police Scotland also contributed funding to the awards.

Eighty nine applications were assessed with total bids totalling £16.7m over three years for an available budget of £10m.

This was carried out by trained assessors before going to a moderation panel consisting of the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), Lothian Association of Youth Clubs (LAYC) and an independent chair.

Sixty eight organisations had their bids approved either in full or partially with the new grants programme running from 1 April 2024 through to 31 March 2027.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Convener for the Education, Children and Families Committee, said when the awards were announced: “The Connected Communities Edinburgh grants programme aims to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and their families right across Edinburgh.

“The three different funding strands mean we can direct resources to deliver outcomes that best support those most impacted by poverty.

This new programme is a really good example of partnership working at its best. We listened to third sector and voluntary organisations about their first-hand knowledge of what the need was in our communities and where funding should be directed.

“Getting to today’s decision has involved a lengthy and really robust assessment process and I want to thank everyone who has contributed. We will of course continue to monitor the progress of the funding over the coming three years to ensure the outcomes promised for our communities are being delivered.”

A really good example of partnership working at it’s best? Willie has pointed out concerns over the funding process:

Lack of Transparency:

“In the first instance, the whole process of applying for our grant has been suffered from a lack of transparency and has had a feeling of secrecy about it.

“There has been no consultation with us or the wider sector, similar to what has happened in previous years. Instead, there has been a short briefing opportunity for organisations to attend, facilitated by L.A.Y.C. and E.V.O.C. who have both been paid £120,000 and £100,000 respectively from the grant fund. (No application from them required!)

“Although this is public funds, there is still a refusal to share information about who has been awarded a grant and how much they are recommended to receive. This veil of secrecy surrounding this committee’s business doesn’t feel like an open democratic process.

“If you check the practice of other committees, such as the 5th December Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, which published a full list of agencies recommended (and not) for No One Left Behind funding prior to the meeting (pp106-107)

https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/g7026/Public%20reports%20pack%2005th-Dec-023%2010.00%20Housing%20Homelessness%20and%20Fair%20Work%20Committee.pdf?T=10)

Lack of Impact Assessment:

“By the Committee’s own admission, there has been no impact assessment carried out on their decisions relating to these grant proposals.

Apparently, any impact assessment process will take place once organisations are told the level of their award which seems a bit late to me. What is really lacking is asking for an impact assessment specifically focusing on the implications of withdrawing financial support from organisations in a sudden manner.

“There may be ways the city council could support organisations in a way to avoid drastic service cuts, or even closure, by a graded reduction in funds.

(note that this goes against one of the central recommendations from the Lessons Learned from previous third-party grant processes that “An Equalities and Rights Impact Assessment should be completed prior to the report going to Committee so that Members are able to make decisions that take account of that information and recommendations for action.” (3.26)

Willie concluded: “Our normal activity for everyone at the Citadel at the start of any new year is around planning and positive thoughts about what opportunities lie ahead, but to be honest, I anticipate this decision will have a huge impact on current morale.”

Urging a rethink, local MSP Ben Macpherson appealed to funders ‘to reconsider this drastic and nonsensical sudden cut in funding, which will negatively affect a well-known respected and impactful organisation’.

Leith MP Deidre Brock said: ““I’m very concerned by this news. A funding cut of this size will have profound effects on the ability of the Citadel Youth Centre to continue to provide anything like the level of amazing services and support to vulnerable individuals and families in Leith they provide now.

“I find it shocking there has been no dialogue with any of the organisations involved, no impact assessment of the consequences of this cut in funding and by the wholesale lack of transparency throughout the grant process.

“This will, I greatly fear, have long term impacts and consequences wider than the organisations involved, impacting communities already reeling from Westminster Tory cuts.”

The Spirit of Leithers Facebook page also commented: “We try not to do current affairs too much on the Spirit of Leithers page, but come on CEC – the Citadel Youth Centre has been a Leith institution for decades.

“It is a shocking blow for Leith and many individuals and groups in the community. This project has supported so many Leithers over decades by delivering a superb service and saving the Council significant funding as a result of its preventative and direct work.

“I hope we will hear much more about the thinking behind this and a change of heart from City of Edinburgh Council.”

Tales from the Witches Sabbath

Free Event celebrating McDonald Road Library’s 120th anniversary

‘Tales From The Witches Sabbath’ aims to highlight the persecution of women in Scotland’s frightening Witch Trials from the 16th-18th Century.

Joss Cameron, Amy Dudley, both singers, in collaboration with author John Tantalon intertwines stories and songs.