Ferryhill pupils stand out from the crowd thanks to hi-vis donation

School pupils at Ferryhill Primary School in Drylaw can now stand out from the crowd thanks to an eye-catching set of high-visibility vests provided by Artisan Real Estate and their development and construction partners.

Regeneration specialist Artisan, together with fund manager partner REInvest Asset Management S.A and contractor Metropolitan Demolition, are currently transforming the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh into a spectacular homes-led development.

Now that demolition is currently underway, the developers are keen to work closely with the local community in advance of the home sales launch later this year. This includes helping out the local Ferryhill Primary school with the gift of ‘high-viz’ vests to enable the pupils to travel safely in and out of school.

“The schoolchildren are all delighted with their spanking new bright orange high visibility vests,” explains Eilidh Mitchell, Depute at Ferryhill Primary School.

“It means we can now safely plan for more trips away from the school, knowing that every pupil will be safe and be seen, whatever the weather conditions. It’s great to work in partnership with the developers who will be building just around the corner from us. And we look forward to continuing our relationship as the exciting new development comes to fruition.”

David Westwater, Artisan’s Regional Director for Scotland, David Westwater, says: “We had a great time giving the vests to the very well-behaved schoolchildren at Ferryhill Primary School, and we are pleased that our contribution will make life a little more interesting for everyone.

“As with any major development, it’s important to establish positive and close relations with our neighbours – and we look forward to many more opportunities to engage with more individuals, groups and organisations that work hard to make their local community so vibrant and so special.”

Michael Hirst, Director at Metropolitan Demolition, adds: “We are delighted to help out at Ferryhill Primary School. The demolition is progressing well at the Ferry Road site, and we subscribe to the highest levels of neighbour consultation and engagement throughout the process.

“Developing good relations with our neighbours is an important part of this.”

The demolition of Deutsche Bank House – near the Crewe Toll roundabout – is due to complete in the summer, with construction of a low-carbon residential community starting later this year.

Known as ‘525 Park View’, the new neighbourhood will provide 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing. Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces. 

For more information, and to register interest in 525 Park View, visit:

www.525parkview.co.uk

Tomorrow: Knitting and Cuppas at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

We’re doing some knitting on Wednesday morning!

We’d love for you to join us – whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’ve never picked up a pair of knitting needles. We have some pros in our group who can help you learn, or bring along your own project if you would like.

We’ll be having a natter, plenty of cuppas and some lovely pastries too!

Our sharing shelf is also stocked up on this day so it is a great time to be in the centre.

Community Hub morning at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

FRIDAY 21st FEBRUARY from 10am – 12.30pm

Need advice, support, or just a friendly chat? Drop into our Community Hub Morning this Friday 10am – 12:30pm for a cuppa and connect with local organisations that can help.

Meet experts from:

✅Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – money, benefits & housing advice

✅ Manor Estates & Tenants Federation – tenant support & housing help

✅ Community Police – safety & local issues

✅ Energy Advice & Home Energy Scotland – energy-saving tips

…and more!

You can also find out about how you can support your local community by becoming a Community Councillor.

Community Council recruitment is underway across the capital and Drylaw Telford’s returning officer Cllr Vicky Nicholson – who was a member of the local community council before becoming a city councillor – will be available to provide information and answer your questions

No appointments needed – just drop in! Come along, bring a friend, and let’s build a stronger community together!

Drylaw Orchard Celebrations

SUNDAY 23rd FEBRUARY in EASTER DRYLAW AVENUE

Drylaw Good Apples are holding a celebration in the two secret orchards on Sunday 23rd February.

There will be a light maintenance session first in the orchards between 11-1pm followed by a hot lunch at the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre 1.15-2.15, and then back out again 2.30-3.30 for singing and music from the incomparable Jed and Jo to celebrate the start of Spring in the Orchards.

Come along for all or some of it! Bring your friends and neighbours.

All ages and abilities welcome!

Leather workshops at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Join us for hands-on leather-making workshops at the centre, guided by our volunteer leather crafter, Bence! Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about crafting with leather.

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 Thursday 20th February 6-8pm: Create your very own leather card holder – a practical and stylish first project.

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 Thursday 27th February 6-8pm: Build on your skills with a simple leather wallet, ideal for those who’ve attended Workshop 1 (but not required!)

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 Details:

Cost: £5 per workshop
Capacity: a few spaces still available for each session!
Important: We’ll be working with sharp tools and needles. Participants must feel comfortable and confident using these.

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 Booking is essential – spaces are limited! Message or call us to reserve your spot.

Drylaw Litterpick Walk

MONDAY 3rd FEBRUARY from 10am – 12pm

Exciting news!

We have loads of new kit from Sustrans’ Love Your Neighbourhood project. Litterpickers, hoops, wipes, gloves, and best of all – trolleys!

FEBRUARY LITTERPICK WALK

Time: Monday Feb 3rd 10-12pm

Location: Drylaw Neighborhood Centre 67b Groathill Rd North

Fitness level: Easy

Led by: Cecile and Natalie

Monday Yoga sessions at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

New year new Yoga class for 2025!

These classes are run by expert Yogini Stephanie Knight for beginners and those with some experience.

There are two classes:

Mondays 1-2.15 Chair Yoga for those who would need to sit down and use the prop of a chair to do the poses.

Mondays 2.30-3.34 Beginners’ Yoga for those who can manage standing and using a mat on the floor for the poses.

Recommended donation per class: £3-5 depending on your ability to pay.

This contributes towards the costs of running the class which we are keeping as low as possible by bringing in external funding.

Please remember we receive no government or council funding to run our activities at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.