Category: Leith

Crunch and Munch: Hibs challenge poverty at Hermitage Park

Hibernian FC takes part in ‘Challenge Poverty Week’ by ensuring no child goes hungry at Hermitage Park Primary School. 

Hibernian Community Foundation are delighted to launch ‘Hibs Crunch and Munch’ with local partner school Hermitage Park Primary in an exciting initiative that will see every pupil at Hermitage Park Primary School receive a free piece of fruit every school day.  

 2020 has seen Hibernian Community Foundation and Hermitage Park Primary work together on a number of programmes which have supported pupils and families in the local area.

Throughout lockdown Hibs have provided weekend food parcels to pupils at home and developed digital educational resources to ensure learning can continue away from the class room. Hibs have also delivered ‘Score Goals’, an eight week project with primary 6 pupils with a focus on football, exercise and healthy eating.  

 Hibs Crunch and Munch will become a significant element of Hibs Class at Hermitage Park as the school aims to support pupils learning in the classroom in as many ways across a number of curriculum areas including literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing. 

 Hibs Crunch and Munch will also support Hibernian Football Club’s pledge to be the greenest club in Scotland as they have already identified ways in which extra resources can be shared. Over the summer Hibernian Community Foundation has saved over 2300kg of CO2 by sharing food that would otherwise go to waste. 

 Lisa Black, Deputy Head Teacher at Hermitage Park Primary School said: “We are proud to be a Hibernian partner school. The ‘Hibs Crunch & Munch’ is another example of how they are helping Hermitage Park Primary students thrive emotionally, socially and behaviourally.

“Hibs are helping us tackle childhood obesity, reduce playground litter and offer an opportunity for the pupils to develop social skills by sitting down together to eat the fruit.

“Hibernian Football Club has a long and proud tradition of working to support local communities and we are grateful to be supported by them”.  

Charlie Bennett Hibernian Community Foundation CEO commented: ‘We’re really excited to be working with pupils and teachers at Hermitage Park and we’re pleased we can support the health and wellbeing of the pupils in this way.

“Like the school we want to ensure children in our communities are healthy and we hope the ‘Hibs Crunch and Much’ will make a significant contribution to this’. 

Annette tackles Kiltwalk challenge to support RNIB

Leith resident Annette West has helped to raise £2,250 for sight loss charity RNIB Scotland after taking part in the Virtual Kiltwalk last Sunday.

Annette (above, left)was one of eight people who walked six miles along the Water of Leith, in two groups of four to maintain social distancing.

“I have experienced sight loss for over 30 years but have always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland,” says Annette (60). “I just wanted to do the Virtual Kiltwalk to help give something back.

“I found the walk very easy and relaxing. I also found that pathway easy to get around as there was not too many steps. Socially distancing was only a problem when the path was narrow and when people in the opposite direction were trying to pass by. I think the route is very popular for walkers on Sundays.

“It was really good to meet up and spend quality time with friends before we all went back to our own lockdown homes. It gave me a sense of freedom by being out in the open. I also felt re-connected with nature and that it was great to meet other human beings.

“After the walk I felt that my spirits had been lifted and that going back home, I was mentally and physically in a good place.”

You can still donate to Annette’s fundraising page for RNIB Scotland until Monday 21 September:  https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/netwalk2020

Heart of Newhaven’s on the box!

An STV item about our plans went out on the 6 O’Clock news bulletin on Friday (11th September).  It included an on-site interview filmed outside Victoria primary School and was very upbeat.

Please pass the word around so that those who haven’t seen it can watch it on whatever catch-up services they have available.

We need you! Now the Hard Work Begins !

Anyone under the impression that it’s all over bar the shouting must think again. We’ve barely started!

In my last Update I was delighted to confirm that the City of Edinburgh Council had agreed to our request for the Community Asset Transfer of Victoria Primary School. But that word request is crucial. Without the Council’s agreement under the Community Empowerment (2015) Scotland Act no one could do anything.

Now no one can prevent us succeeding unless we ourselves fail – and we certainly don’t intend to fail. The important word here is WE because that includes YOU.

Why has the Council granted our request? The official statement on their website says:The community benefit is substantial compared to the value of the asset.The request will make a significant positive contribution to The City of Edinburgh Council’s aspirations and values.

We can now reveal “the value of the asset” – £785,000. But the Council can’t give it away. They need money from its sale to build the new school in Western Harbour. However, before they could put it on the open market they were required by the 2015 Act to offer it first to “the community”.

If we could show we would use it to meet their aims they would give us a discount. So they reduced the price by £85,000. 

The £700,000 we will pay will help build the best Primary School in the Edinburgh whilst we go on to create Scotland’s first specifically dedicated Multigenerational Community Hub. That should make YOU feel very proudand very determined to succeed in the huge challenge ahead. 
We’ve already started fundraising. We had to begin our Business Plan long before we succeeded in our CAT application – and before the challenge of a global pandemic.

Our charity, The Heart of Newhaven Community SCIO, has already applied to the Scottish Land Fund for the entire cost of purchase and fees. This Fund is provided by the Scottish Government to make grants for exactly the kind of thing we are doing.

But it is not a bottomless purse and there are many applications. We will know the degree of our success before the end of November but in addition to buying the site we need money for changes – including a lift to make the imaginative Heritage Suite more accessible. 

We are working NOW so that if by next March the purchase is complete, an arrangement can be made for the children to continue to use it until their new school is ready.

Every stage needs planning, so we are preparing ways for the Heart of Newhaven Community to grow together, supporting each other to create that Better Normal that is going to characterise life after Covid19.

You will shortly receive a personal invitation to become closely associated as a MEMBER of our dedicated SCIO SC04419.  But you needn’t even wait for that.
A growing number of people are volunteering and asking “Is there anything I can do now?” You won’t be left waiting for long for an answer!

In fact, you could answer the question for yourself and tell us what you would like to do. Look at our developing website heartofnewhaven.co.uk to get a bright idea and tell us what you think.

Rodney Matthews

Chair and Vision Facilitator, The Heart of Newhaven Community

Police seek witnesses to Pier Place motorcycle accident

SERIOUS ROAD CRASH – PIER PLACE, NEWHAVEN

Officers at Edinburgh Road Policing Unit are appealing for information after a road crash in Pier Place, Newhaven on Tuesday (8 September).

At around 3.20pm on Tuesday afternoon, a 56 year-old woman was crossing the road in Pier Place when she was struck by a Triumph motorbike being driven by a 61 year-old man.

Police and Ambulance attended – the woman was taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she is being treated for leg injuries. Her condition is described as stable.

The 61 year-old man was also taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was released after treatment for a leg injury.

Officers at Edinburgh Road Policing Unit are appealing to any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information to contact them. They would also like to hear from anyone driving on the road who has dash-cam footage.

Information can be passed to officers through 101 quoting reference number 2039 of Tuesday, 8 September, 2020.

New partnership offers hope to people with experience of homelessness and addiction

A new partnership has paved the way to Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) leasing a two-bedroom property to Steps to Hope, a charity which supports people experiencing homelessness and addiction. This will give Steps to Hope service users who, having achieved sobriety, are ready for a fresh start in a home of their own.

Two new tenants have already been identified by Steps to Hope, who having previously been homeless and had recent experience of addiction, have demonstrated that they are ready for this next step, alongside continuing with regular recovery meetings and contact with experienced support workers.

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, (above) said: “We are proud to be the first housing association to pilot providing accommodation support for Steps to Hope.

“Through the scheme, people who have clearly demonstrated that they are well on the path to full recovery will have the stability of a high-quality place to call home. Having a home is something many of us take for granted, and it’s fantastic to be able to work with Steps to Hope to give this security to their service users.”

Richard Roncero, Founder and Operations Manager of Steps to Hope, said: “We are absolutely delighted Port of Leith Housing Association have leased us this aftercare property. It will provide continued support to those who have engaged with Steps to Hope and achieved sobriety.

“This homely environment will give them the opportunity to continue to maintain their recovery whilst having somewhere safe and secure as a base. We aim to get those living in this property their own tenancy down the line which will complete the picture of homeless/addiction to housed/recovered.”

Annette will do Kiltwalk along Water of Leith to say thank you to sight loss charity

Undeterred by lockdown, the Edinburgh Kiltwalk is happening in virtual form this year, and still inviting people to raise funds for their favourite charity, money that will be topped up by a further 50 percent from Sir Tom Hunter’s Foundation.

Clearly, tartan-clad hordes can’t descend on the streets of the capital as in previous years. Instead, this September the Virtual Kiltwalk can be completed in your local area, keeping within social distancing guidelines. Over the weekend September 11-13th you simply don some tartan, go for a walk of any length, and raise funds for your chosen cause.

But if walking isn’t your thing the organisers invite you to create your own Kiltwalk challenge. You can skip a mile in tartan, do a kilted ‘trampoline-a-thon’, or even an all-day Highland fling!

Annette West is both walking and talking the walk. She will be raising much needed funds for sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, which is based in Edinburgh.

“I have experienced sight loss for over 30 years but have always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland,” says Annette (60). “Since having two successful eye operations to restore my sight four years ago my life has changed again. I now feel that I want to give back something to RNIB Scotland by taking part in the Virtual Kiltwalk.”

Annette  aims to walk the Water of Leith on Sunday, September 13th, starting from Cannon Mills and finishing at Colinton, a distance of six miles.

“People can either join me at the start and do the whole walk to the finish, or join me anywhere along the route,” she says. “I was inspired by listening to Kings Church Sunday service on YouTube and they talked about walking along the Water of Leith. It was a light-bulb moment as I live in Leith and can invite a few of my friends to join me along different sections and make my way back home.

“The Water of Leith is beautiful and local so, taking into account social distancing and restrictions which may still be in place, I can do a mini walk.

“I decided to do the Virtual Kiltwalk after a conversation with a friend, Irene, who I have known and have worked with for many years but who is terminally ill with cancer. She suggested to me that I could get a piece of paper and write whatever came into my head relating to why I might want to do the virtual Kiltwalk.

“So I thought, firstly, this is my way of saying thank you to the RNIB Scotland for all the years that they have helped me on my sight loss journey. I want to help other people with sight loss by sharing my story, knowledge and experience. I want to help them feel confident about themselves in order to live happy, meaningful and purposeful daily lives.

“I also believe that staying mentally healthy is essential. During this period of lockdown we all have to take responsibility for our own mental state and this has given me something to focus on. I feel that a healthy mind and body go hand in hand. During lockdown, I have found it very difficult to take exercise and stay motivated. But since hearing about the Virtual Kiltwalk, I have become re-energised and it has rekindled my passion for walking.

“And as a radio presenter with the Heart Song Live station, I can appreciate the value of sharing my story and hope that it can help to inspire, encourage and help others to fully live their lives.”

To sponsor Annette, please donate to her page at 

https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/netwalk2020

Police appeal following serious assault on Leith Walk

Police are appealing for information after a 35-year-old man was seriously assaulted in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, 27 August, 2020.

The incident happened around 1am outside Spey Lounge on Leith Walk.

The victim was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment to a serious head injury.The suspect is believed to be male.

Detective Inspector Clark Martin, of Edinburgh CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and witnessed the assault but has not yet spoken to police to come forward.

“I would also ask anyone who was driving in the area and has a dash-cam to check back and see if there is any footage that may be able to assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 0307 of 27 August, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Councillors to discuss Halymre Street ‘vision’

A proposed housing-led ‘vision’ for the Leith Walk/Halmyre Street area has been published by the Council to help shape future development of the site. This follows consultation with the local community and other groups and organisations in Leith including community councils and other landowners.

The ‘Place Brief’, which includes a mix of other uses in addition to housing, lays out the basic principles for development for open and green space and movement around and into the site.

A potential cycling connection linking Stead’s Place and Thorntree Street has been included. The Brief will guide future planning applications for three pieces of land all with different owners including the former tram depot on Leith Walk and a former mill building currently being used as a bingo hall.

Councillors will be asked to approve the ‘Place Brief’ at the Planning Committee on Wednesday (2 September).

Over the last few years there has been extensive community led consultation to identify community priorities for the area going forward. This was followed up in January 2020 with a number of drop-in events in local venues and an online consultation to provide people with the opportunity to have their say on the future of the area.

Cllr Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener, said: “We’ve carried out extensive consultation on this site locally for several years now and I really appreciate all of the feedback we’ve been given to help us to make sure this area complements its surroundings and is somewhere people want to be.

“What’s important here is that the Place Brief can be used to help coordinate development on the site to achieve the best outcome going forward for the local community.

“People have told us that there is already a strong feeling of community in the area and we want to build on that as well as respect the architectural heritage and character that people have also said is so important.”

The Place Brief creates a framework for co-ordinated development by the different land owners and is flexible enough to accommodate change. It is likely that different parts of the site will be developed at different times and some areas such as the bingo hall may not change their use.

There will be further opportunities for the public and interested groups to give their views throughout the planning process.

Britannia tops survey of UK’s favourite historic attractions

The Royal Yacht Britannia has been rated the UK’s favourite historical attraction, according to a new Which? survey.

The Queen’s former yacht, permanently moored on the waters of Leith in Edinburgh, came out on top when over 4,000 Which? members were asked to rate the UK’s 50 most visited attractions on criteria including facilities, entertainment and lack of crowds. 

The Royal Yacht Britannia, which visited 144 countries during its 44 years in royal service, topped the table with a customer score of 90 per cent. Visitors gave it a five-star rating for food and drink, information, and value for money.

Visitors told Which? it was an “outstanding attraction”, “immaculately kept” and that staff were “very kind and helpful”. One respondent told Which?, “I thought we would spend about two hours there and in the end were practically the last to leave”.

It was followed by Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in Yorkshire, the country’s largest monastic ruins, with a customer score of 89 per cent. Those who rated it highly described the setting as “magical” and “suited to a slow pace and contemplation”. 

The Abbey also scored well for information and value for money with both receiving five stars. It also achieved a further five stars for lack of crowds and queues, meaning visitors can enjoy the ruins and the Water Garden with plenty of space to roam between the two.

Stourhead House and Gardens received the third highest customer score (88%), followed by the Tower of London (87%), the most expensive of the 50 attractions. Entry to the popular London attraction costs £30.30 a head for adult non-members, but visitors gave it four out of five stars for value for money, with a wide range of exhibitions to enjoy as part of the ticket price.

Durham Cathedral was the highest scoring free attraction, with a customer score of 85 per cent – putting it joint seventh out of the 50 attractions (alongside Dover Castle, Culzean Castle, Titanic Belfast and Tyntesfield). Visitors gave it five stars for lack of crowds and value for money. 

While visitors recommended the guided tours and attending a service to enjoy music from the choir, the Cathedral has since temporarily suspended singing and choral music as a result of measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

At the other end of the table was Southend Pier, the world’s longest pleasure pier, with a respectable customer score of 63 per cent. Although it features at the bottom of the list, it scored four stars for accessibility and lack of crowds. Visitors praised the walk along the pier as a way to blow away the cobwebs and liked the option of taking a train from one end to the other to enjoy the views.

However, it scored just one star for entertainment and engagement, facilities, and food and drink. Some visitors complained that the pier was “run down” and “not the most exciting place in the world”.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “With so many of us holidaying in the UK this year, we’re all looking for new places to explore and these results provide plenty of inspiration, with some excellent lesser-known attractions alongside the favourites we already know and love.  

“Our findings show that visitors value learning something new from the historical attractions they visit, while providing value for money is another common feature of those near the top of the table. What’s clear though is that whatever your budget, whether you’re looking for a stroll down a pier or a saunter through a palace, the UK is blessed with fantastic locations for great days out.”

Which? reveals the UK’s top 50 historic attractions

LeithLate: lighting up Leith’s History Mural

Come see the Leith History Mural in a whole new LIGHT!

Due to popular demand we are bringing back this FREE outdoor event – this time for a total of 10 NIGHTS!

Tim Chalk and Paul Grime’s mural installed in 1986 depicts Leith’s rich and varied social history. Double-Take Projections have artistically re-imagined the mural through light projections using the artists’ original artworks, adding beautiful animations and a bespoke soundscape.

But feasting your eyes is not the only feast of the evening …

LeithLate is also teaming up with the amazing organisation Empty Kitchens Full Hearts (EKFH), who provide meals on a daily basis to over 500 individuals facing food insecurity. Each night of this event, between 19:30 – 21:00, EKFH are opening up to the public and event attendees, serving their high-quality meals nextdoor in the outdoor collonade at Leith Theatre. You can purchase some delicious scran to help them raise funds and continue with their vital work in the community.

Attendance to the Light-Up Leith History Mural is free but ticketed. Time-slots throughout each evening are bookable in advance in order to ensure the amount of people viewing at any given time will be able to maintain a safe social distance.

Whilst attending the event, please be respectful of other people’s space and help us mitigate any Covid-19 risk by keeping a 2m distance from other attendees. We would also recommend audience members wear a face covering while attending the event.

The Leith History Mural is located on the corner of Ferry Road and North Junction Street, next to Leith Library and Leith Theatre. Projections will run throughout each evening on a loop.

This event is part of LeithLate’s Leith100 programme marking 100 years since the amalgamation of Leith with the City of Edinburgh. For more information about the programme visit www.leithlate.co.uk.

The event is made in collaboration with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Curating Conversations across the Arts research project, with funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.