First Minister welcomes recognition that ‘Westminster is not working for Scotland’ BUT second independence referendum is ‘off the table’
First Minister John Swinney has pledged to work “constructively and collaboratively” with the UK Prime Minister to devolve further powers to Scotland “for the benefit of the people we serve.”
While the UK Government disagrees with the Scottish Government that the best future for Scotland is as an independent European nation, the First Minister said both do agree that Westminster is not working for people in Scotland, and the best decisions are taken by those who live here.
Mr Swinney also welcomed the commitment made by Mr Burnham to respect the constitutional role of the Scottish Parliament.
First Minister John Swinney said: “While the Prime Minister and I disagree on independence, we do agree that Westminster does not work for people in Scotland. And when the people of Scotland take issues into their own hands, the best outcomes will come about.
“To that end, I will work constructively and collaboratively with him to devolve more powers from Westminster to Scotland – as long as those proposals drive economic growth that is felt in higher wages, better jobs, more opportunities for business to start and expand, and support with the cost of living.
“Today’s meeting of the National Economic Council was a welcome start of work to develop the UK Government’s new principle of ‘devolving by default’ and the Prime Minister has been clear that he will not bypass the Scottish Parliament in this endeavour.
“I welcome that commitment, and look forward to our Governments jointly developing a plan to consider further devolution to Scotland that will boost economic growth.”
THE UK GOVERNMENT’s ACCOUNT OF THE MEETING:
The Prime Minister met with the First Minister of Scotland in Glasgow following a meeting of the National Economic Council today (Friday 30 October).
The Prime Minister and First Minister agreed the meeting at the NEC had been extremely positive. They said it had been a valuable exercise in starting the process of exploring how each government could contribute to regional empowerment, reindustrialisation and achieving good growth in every postcode.
They agreed that now there would be a policy sprint led by No10 North, involving officials from both governments, to take this agenda forward.
Outside that process, the Prime Minister said the UK Government would review and respond to a range of issues raised by the First Minister.
This would not include a second independence referendum in Scotland, which the Prime Minister has repeatedly made clear, is off the table.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for Edinburgh North Western Alex Cole-Hamilton has lodged a parliamentary motion congratulating Edinburgh Zoo on the birth of three capybara pups.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo confirmed that zookeepers discovered the pups on 28 October, after they were born overnight to parents Luna and Rodney. The new arrivals are younger siblings to Bru, who was born in May and became the first capybara born in Scotland in 18 years.
The Edinburgh North Western MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament recognising the births and paying tribute to the hard work of the zoo’s staff and zookeepers.
Commenting on the news, Alex Cole-Hamilton said:“I am absolutely delighted to see the number of capybara pups in Scotland increasing.
“Since Bru became an internet sensation earlier this year, he and his proud parents, Rodney and Luna, have captured the hearts of people across Scotland and beyond.
“These latest arrivals are a fantastic addition to Edinburgh Zoo and a real testament to the dedication and expertise of its hardworking staff.
“I’m very proud to have Edinburgh zoo in my constituency and would encourage everyone to visit the zoo, meet the growing capybara family and support this much-loved Edinburgh institution.”
The latest National Museums Scotland listings with highlights including upcoming exhibitions, Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire at the National Museum of Scotland and Art of Commemoration at the National War Museum.
EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
OPENING SOON Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Saturday 14 November 2026 – Sunday 18 April 2027 Tickets from £13.50, concessions available.
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire will reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world. This exhibition will bring the military communities of Rome’s most northern frontier to life through new research, significant loans from across Europe, and previously unseen archaeological discoveries.
Visitors will encounter objects and stories that bring a vibrant and diverse frontier community to life. This will include finds from a 2nd century AD Roman fort at Inveresk, East Lothian. Central to the exhibition will be two spectacular altars from the fort’s Mithraeum (a temple to the god Mithras).
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/Roman-Scotland-Life-on-the-Edge-of-Empire
Scotland’s First Warriors Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Until Sunday 16 May 2027 Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free
Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.
Scotland’s First Warriors is supported by Postcode Lottery players
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/scotlands-first-warriors
National War Museum Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG Open daily, 09:45 – 16:45
OPENING SOON The Art of Commemoration Saturday 5 December 2026 – Sunday 14 January 2029 Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free, tickets to the castle need to be purchased
The Art of Commemoration explores the story behind the Scottish National War Memorial, one of the most important 20th century buildings in Scotland. The exhibition brings together original architectural drawings, artworks, objects, and archival material.
Learn more about the first proposals to build a National Memorial in 1917, through to its opening a decade later. Find out about the women artists involved in the Memorial’s creation, and how they provided a nuanced perspective on the experience of war. Explore the impact the Memorial had on Scottish identity, and hear from those who work within the Memorial and continue to be inspired by it.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/the-art-of-commemoration
EVENTS
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Museum Socials Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Third Friday of the month 10:30–12:00 Free, ticketed
Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
The Sunday Sketch Meet at the Entrance Hall Information Desk on Level 0 Sunday 25 October 14:00 – 16:00 £15 (Members and Concessions £13) Ages 16+
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. All abilities are welcome at this relaxed and informal session. Each month we will explore a different theme, and all materials are supplied.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch
Music at the Museum Hawthornden Court, Level 1 Tuesday 3, 10 & 17 November 11:30 – 12:15 and 13:30 – 14:15 Free, drop-in
In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of the museum on Tuesdays. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo or ensemble.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/music-at-the-museum
Find out Fridays Grand Gallery and Learning Centre, Level 4 Until 26 February 2027 Friday afternoons during term time,13:30 – 16:00 Free, drop-in
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons with our Learning team. Find out fascinating facts and hear surprising stories about our collections and get hands on with some of our favourite objects.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/find-out-fridays
Curiosity Club Learning Centre, Level 4 Sat 31 Oct 2026 – Sat 27 Mar 2027 10:30 – 12:00 £10 (Members £9) Ages 7-11
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities and gallery visits.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club
Relaxed Curiosity Club Learning Centre, Level 4 Sat 31 Oct 2026 – Sat 27 Mar 2027 14:30 – 15:30 £10 (Members and Concessions £9) Ages 7-11
These relaxed sessions are designed for children with additional support needs and their families.
Get inspired through games, activities and an optional gallery visit. Explore some of the fascinating facts and stories behind our collection. We aim to create a fun, friendly, and relaxed environment for ASN children to explore our Curiosity Club activities with the reassurance of their parents/carers being with them or nearby.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-curiosity-club
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Scotland Sun 1 Nov & 6 Dec 10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30) Free, drop-in
A monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to families with neurodiverse children, neurodiverse young people and adults
adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Sensory Sunday Learning Centre, Level 4 Sun 1 Nov – Sun 7 Mar 11:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 15:00 Free, ticketed Ages 5-10
Children with additional support needs and disabilities and their families are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions.
Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families. Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun, hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday
Magic Carpet Learning Centre Event Space, Level 2 Mon 9, 16 & 23 Nov 10:30 – 11:15 and 11:45 – 12:30 £5 (Members £4) Ages 0-4
Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way.
Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about our topic.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet
Museum Late: When in Rome Fri 20 Nov, 19:30 – 22:30 £26 (Members and Concessions £24) Ages 18+
A night of Roman-inspired revelry in the spectacular setting of the National Museum of Scotland after hours, inspired by the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
When in Rome, do as the ancient Romans do! Get ready for a night like no other with music, bars and Roman-themed performances and activities throughout our galleries.
Meet the Makers: Prehistoric and Roman Scotland Grand Gallery Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov 10:00 – 16:00 Free, drop in All ages
Free, drop-in demonstrations and displays showcasing craftsmanship of the past.
Contemporary makers will represent craft skills from Bronze Age Scotland to the Roman military occupation. Discover how pottery, jewellery, textiles, leather, tools, and wooden objects were made in the past. Inspired by our major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/meet-the-makers-prehistoric-and-roman-scotland
Creative Workshop: Roman Pottery Learning Centre Studios Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov 10:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:30 £50 (Members and Concessions £45) Ages 16+
Master potter and ancient pottery specialist Graham Taylor leads a workshop on the skills and techniques of ancient Roman Pottery making and decorating, inspired by objects on display in the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire. Working with a pot fresh from Graham’s wheel, participants will create their own replica pot that will be taken back to the Potted History workshop, fired, and returned to them.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-roman-pottery
In Conversation: Tìr nam Beann, Scotland’s Gaelic Mountain Culture Auditorium Wed 25 Nov 18:30 – 20:00 Free, ticketed Ages 14+
An evening panel conversation exploring the relationship between Gaelic culture and Scotland’s hills. Join us after hours at the museum for a panel discussion. Explore the relationship between Gaelic culture and Scotland’s hills in the 21st century.
Còmhradh panail feasgair a’ rannsachadh a’ cheangail eadar cultar na Gàidhlig agus beanntan na h-Alba. Thigibh còmhla rinn às dèidh àm dùnaidh aig an taigh-tasgaidh airson deasbad panail a rannsaicheas an ceangal eadar cultar na Gàidhlig agus beanntan na h-Alba san 21mh linn.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/in-conversation-tìr-nam-beann-scotlands-gaelic-mountain-culture
Drawn Together Grand Gallery Mon 28 – Thu 31 Dec 10:00 – 16:00 Free, drop-in
Join us this festive period and be inspired to sketch some of the fascinating objects in our collection.
Pick up a pencil and paper from our table in the Grand Gallery and head off to explore the museum or sketch together at our tables. When you’ve finished, why not add it to our mini-gallery and let others admire your work? Come along with the whole family or enjoy some mindful time by yourself or with friends.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/drawn-together
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight Every second Sunday of the month 10:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life Last Tuesday of every month 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Relaxed Afternoon is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life
Adult Workshop: Festive Willow Weaving Learning Centre Sat 28 Nov 10:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:30 £40 (Members and Concessions £35) Ages 18+
Choose from four half-day festive willow workshops for adults at the National Museum of Rural Life.
Led by willow artist and forager Max Johnson, choose from one or more workshops to make a willow wreath, star, or reindeer and tree to take home. All workshops are suitable for beginners and all materials and equipment will be provided.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/adult-workshop-festive-willow
Family Workshop: Festive Felt Learning Centre Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec 10:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 15:30 Tickets from £15 (Members £12) Ages 7+
Create your own festive felt tree decoration in this family craft workshop at the National Museum of Rural Life. Led by felt maker and artist Natalia Kerr, families can work together to make either a felted Highland cow or pig in a blanket tree decoration to take home.
Jane Meagher writes about Bonfire Night preparations
Bonfire Night should be an opportunity to bring communities and families together to enjoy a much-loved tradition (writes JANE MEAGHER).
Sadly, however, previous years have shown just how quickly things can go wrong when fireworks are used irresponsibly. Dangerous behaviour has put members of the public at risk, disrupted bus services, affected local businesses and exposed emergency service workers to unacceptable danger.
This is not how most people want to celebrate, and we cannot allow the actions of a minority to put others at risk or spoil the occasion for our communities.
That’s why, last year, we stepped up our collective efforts with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our community partners to help keep Edinburgh safe. And I’m sure you were as pleased and relieved as I was that last year’s events passed off without serious incident and that the vast majority of people enjoyed them safely and responsibly.
It really did feel worlds apart from what had gone before – and we’re doing all we can to plan for another positive result this year.
This includes the reintroduction and expansion of our Firework Control Zones, which will see fireworks prohibited in 14 areas of the city (including private property) from 30 October to 8 November.
These zones aim to reduce disturbance, anti-social behaviour and litter, while protecting people and communities from the distress and dangers fireworks can cause. Alongside Police Scotland’s use of Dispersal Zones and other enforcement measures, they form an important part of our wider efforts to prevent disorder and keep people safe.
However, enforcement alone is not the answer. We also need to raise awareness, support families and young people, and help everyone understand the risks associated with fireworks.
Since the start of this year, we have been working with schools, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to educate young people about safety, while investing in positive activities and alternative opportunities that help steer them away from anti-social behaviour.
Peer-to-peer education is equally important, as they can often have the greatest influence on their friends, helping to challenge risky behaviour and encourage safer choices.
By providing funding for youth programmes and alternative activities in the run-up to Bonfire Night, we can help ensure they have positive opportunities to come together and enjoy themselves safely.
Alongside this work, council teams and community volunteers are taking practical steps to reduce risks on the ground. This includes clearing hazardous materials, tackling fly-tipping, checking known hotspots and coordinating CCTV to help prevent unwanted items from being used to start dangerous fires.
Ultimately, keeping Edinburgh safe is a shared responsibility. By acting responsibly and looking out for one another, we can protect our communities and ensure the celebrations are enjoyable for everyone.
So, as we approach fireworks season and Bonfire Night, I would urge you to play your part. Please plan ahead and, wherever possible, attend an organised fireworks display.
These events offer a fantastic way to enjoy the excitement of Bonfire Night while helping to reduce the risks associated with fireworks being set off in our streets and neighbourhoods.
Please also follow the safety advice, be mindful of neighbours who may be particularly vulnerable to noise and report dangerous or anti-social behaviour to the police.
Together, we can help make this Bonfire Night another safe and positive occasion for the whole city – and one we remember for all the right reasons.
Council Leader Jane Meagher’s article first appeared in the Evening News.
NATIONAL Lottery Community Fund Scotland are excited to share that 73 grassroots, ethnic-minority led projects will receive £863,691 through the Ethnic Minority Development Fund.
The funding will help to unlock more opportunities for diverse communities across Scotland including 42 new projects that are either receiving National Lottery funding for the first time or have not received funding in the past three years.
Delivered in partnership with CEMVO Scotland (The Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations Scotland), the programme has awarded over £1 million to 107 organisations since 2023.
The Ethnic Minority Development helps organisations build confidence, capacity, skills and experience, strengthening their ability to access future funding and support their communities.
Read more details about the projects on our website:
We are really looking forward to this forthcoming event with author Sheila M. Averbuch – for all writers of fiction who are looking for help on the path to publication!
What are the top pitfalls that bedevil writers when pitching their books? Do self-published authors still need a pitch, even if they’re not seeking an agent?
Sheila is the author of of ‘Pitch Your Book: write the letter that hooks an agent on your novel’ and is an expert voice in this field.
We look forward to welcoming Sheila – and you! – to Granton Library on Wed 18th November at 6.30pm. The event is open to everyone, no matter what stage of your writing career you are at. Booking is strongly advised – using our Eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/how-to-get-an-agent-with…
All proceeds will go to creating more setting up home packs, containing essentials for care experience young people’s first homes including cutlery, crockery, bedding and cleaning supplies.
Additional £700,000 to bring empty homes back into use
Additional funding will help return a number of empty homes into use as affordable housing or temporary accommodation, supporting more families into settled homes of their own.
A further £700,000 is being allocated to help homeowners fund the necessary repairs and refurbishments needed to bring empty homes back into use. The funding, which will be split across 10 local authorities, can be used to establish or extend grant schemes for empty homeowners.
This means that the Scottish Government is now investing £2 million this year to transform empty homes into productive use.
A report published today by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership shows that a record number of empty homes were returned to active use during 2025-26.
Announcing the fund at the Partnership’s conference in Glasgow yesterday, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We want everyone in Scotland to be able to have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home.
“While house building remains the cornerstone of our approach to increase supply, we’re using every lever available to make sure existing homes support the needs of our communities too. That’s why this funding matters.
“Temporary accommodation can act as an important safety net, but we also recognise the impact that long-term stays can have particularly on children’s wellbeing and stability. This funding may help councils to move households from temporary into settled permanent accommodation.
“Our investment of £5.7 million in the Partnership approach has delivered real results with more than 15,000 empty homes brought back into use since 2010, including a record 2,285 in the last year alone. This latest investment will help local authorities turn more empty homes into affordable housing for people that need them the most.”
Tahmina Nizam, National Manager of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: “This additional Scottish Government funding to support efforts to tackle empty homes across Scotland’s local authorities will be welcomed throughout the sector.
“We know that sustained, targeted investment in empty homes can deliver real and measurable outcomes, with the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership annual survey showing a record 2,285 formerly empty properties brought back into use. Rather than lying vacant, these are now providing homes for thousands of individuals and families across Scotland.
“This has only been possible through a step-change in empty homes work. Additional investment has enabled not only the expansion and growth of empty homes services across councils, but also the sort of targeted grant support for individual projects that this new funding will help to deliver.
“We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government, local authorities and others in the sector to ensure that this additional resource can deliver the best possible outcomes, bringing an increasing number of empty homes in Scotland back into use as affordable housing.”
From taking charge as Mayor of Leith to airing local frustrations at the Complaint Department, the Leith Imaginarium invited people to help shape what Leith could become in 2028 and beyond
Supporter of the bid for Leith to become inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028, Chitra Ramaswamy, hosts Leith local to discuss their stories and memories during Sunday’s Imaginarium. Image credit: James Duncan
Leithers shared their stories, hopes, ideas for the future and frustrations on Sunday (25 October), as the Leith Imaginarium brought the town’s UK Town of Culture 2028 consultation to the Wee Museum of Memory at Ocean Terminal.
The free drop-in event formed part of the work to make sure Leith’s bid is shaped by the people who know the town best. Leith is one of 15 places shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, in the same year it will mark 900 years since its first written record.
A mother and son, visitors to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, putting their thoughts on the interactive map. Image credit: James Duncan
Rather than a traditional consultation, the Imaginarium used a series of playful activities to explore what people love about Leith, what needs to change and what they want the town to become.
Visitors were invited to sit in a giant Mayor of Leith chair, don a ceremonial chain and answer the question: “If you were Mayor for one day, what would you do?”
Elsewhere, a colourful Leith Washing Line grew throughout the event as people pegged up comment cards sharing “a story I love”, “something Leith needs”, “a big idea”, “my hope for 2028” and nominations for “Leith heroes”.
A visitor to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, puts her thoughts on the Leith Washing Line. Image credit: James Duncan
At the Complaint Department, people were encouraged to get their gripes off their chest by recording frustrations, obstacles and things they would like to see change, before being asked to imagine what a better alternative could look like.
A giant illustrated map became a collective portrait of the town, with visitors marking places they love, hidden gems, places with potential, and areas they feel need attention.
The Complaints Department hosted by Jed Milroy of Tinderbox Collective as part of Sunday’s Imaginarium event. Image credit: James Duncan
There were also Sofa Stories, capturing people’s memories and hopes for Leith; a poster-making activity exploring what makes people proud of the town; and a roaming exercise collecting words and lines towards a collaborative song or poem. Visitors were given a Leith Passport on arrival, collecting stamps as they shared stories, hopes, ideas, what they felt was missing and their local heroes.
A group of visitors interact with the giant map of Leith at the Imaginarium event as part of the Leith Town of Culture 2028 bid. Image credit: James Duncan
What Leith had to say
While the team will now work through the material gathered during the day, some strong themes are already emerging. Early feedback from conversations at the Imaginarium highlighted Leith’s heritage, the impact of change, and the importance people place on Leith maintaining its own identity distinct from Edinburgh.
The wider consultation has deliberately been structured around four questions: what makes Leith, Leith; what is missing or needs more care; what should happen in 2028; and what people want Leith to be like afterwards.
The ideas and stories gathered at the Imaginarium will now feed into the development of Leith’s final UK Town of Culture bid and its plans for 2028. The bid is being developed by the Leith Culture Partnership with the backing of more than 80 local and national organisations and public figures.
A visitor to the Leith Town of Culture 2028 Imaginarium event on Sunday 25 October, puts her thoughts on the Leith Washing Line. Image credit: James Duncan
Susie Gray and Jenny Mungall, co-ordinators of Leith’s UK Town of Culture bid, said: “The Imaginarium was about giving people of all ages lots of different ways to tell us what matters to them about Leith. We wanted to hear the good things, the big ideas, the things people want to protect and the things they want to change.
“There was so much warmth and pride in the room, but also really thoughtful conversations about Leith’s heritage, how the town is changing and what its future should look like. We’ve now got a huge amount to take away and work through, and that will directly help us shape the plans for 2028 and Leith’s 900thanniversary.
“Our developing plans are very much centred on celebrating Leith’s rich cultures and heritage and the brilliant work that already happens here, and making sure that Leithers have a real say in what comes next.”
The Imaginarium follows other public conversations around Leith as the bid develops. The final bid is due to be submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 30 November, with the winner expected to be announced by 31 March 2027.
