Tracy Gilbert MP welcomes investment in community solar projects in Edinburgh North and Leith

Tracy Gilbert MP has welcomed significant UK-wide investment in community renewable energy projects, which will deliver tangible benefits for local communities in Scotland.

The Great British Energy initiative is backing a total of £4 million into the UK’s community energy sector, supporting 48 community energy projects across Scotland, including two major developments in Edinburgh North and Leith.

  • Granton Project CIC – Harnessing solar power for community growth, receiving £70,043.
  • Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op (Phase 3) – Developing local solar capacity, awarded £484,500.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “These investments demonstrate the UK Government’s commitment to renewable energy and to supporting communities across the country. I am pleased that two of these are in my constituency in Edinburgh North and Leith, which is becoming a true renewables hub.

“The projects will not only generate clean energy but also empower local communities with long-term benefits. Initiatives like these are helping to build a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.”

The Great British Energy investment is part of a wider effort to drive community energy generation growth across Scotland and the UK, ensuring that local areas can take an active role in the renewable energy transition.

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-opEdinburgh Solar Co-op phase 3£484,500
Granton Project CICHarnessing solar power for community growth£70,043

Talk about nature in Granton

NATURE IN GRANTON: WE WANT YOUR VIEWS!

More or less trees, foxes or gulls? Get that grass cut or let the wildflowers grow? Is nature helping with your mental health, or helping kids let off steam? Are there ways we could help nature thrive more, or should we tarmac the lot?!

Would you be up for chatting about nature in Granton for an hour for a £10 voucher (for Morrisons or Granton Garden Bakery – your choice)?

We’ll be running focus groups: Tuesday 7th October: 10-11am or 11.30am-12.30, at Pilton Community Health Project, 73 Boswall Parkway. (tea/coffee and biscuits provided).

Places limited: to sign up please email: tom@grantoncommunitygardeners.org

We’re also launching an online survey, and would be grateful if anyone local could spend a few minutes filling it in (as much or little as you like):

https://forms.gle/q6xaTgmW3g2fp5yK9

Community Lunch back today at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

COMMUNITY LUNCH – RETURNS TODAY!

Menu for Friday the 3rd of October 🥣

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:

Roast pork with parsley sauce

Cauliflower cheese (v)

Herby vegetables

Spiced apple cake with custard

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Serious assault on West Granton Road: Do you know these men?

Police Scotland have released images of two men who may be able to assist an enquiry into a serious assault which took place on West Granton Road, at around 10.15pm on Saturday, 23 August, 2025.

The first man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 35 to 45-years-old with dark hair and beard. He was wearing a black Under Armour T-shirt and Adidas jogging bottoms.

The second man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 18 to 25 years-old, wearing glasses, a black hooded top with an Adidas Original logo and black jogging bottoms.

Detective Constable William Doughty, of Corstorphine CID said: “I would encourage these men or anyone who may recognises them to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3999 of 23 August 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

St Columba’s Waterfront Art Walks

WATERFRONT ART WALKS RESTART 20th OCTOBER

Our Waterfront Art Walks are back next month! They’ll be starting from 20th October, and leaving from St Columba’s Hospice Care reception.

Spaces are limited, so contact Emma to book your spot at emma.kelso@funerals.scot

The walks are designed for people who have experienced loss in the past two years, and are gentle, creative strolls designed especially for those navigating grief.

Together, we’ll explore the local landscape through art-making, reflection, and connection.

Facilitated by Caledonia Funeral Aid’s Emma Ritchie and St Columba’s Hospice’s community artist Isla Macleod, you will be warmly welcomed to share space with others who understand and find comfort in nature and community.

Breakfast Walk with Chat Cafe

THIS MORNING at 10am from PILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT

TODAY for #ChatCafe, we’ve got something a little different planned!

We’ll be joined by Min from @ramblersscotland so it seems only fitting that we take ourselves outdoors for a #Walk.

Meet Nathalie and Min 10am @ PCHP before setting out on foot for a lovely walk and breakfast picnic of #Pancakes and #Chai.

What a beautiful start to a #Monday. If you’re a #Woman and would like to join, please come along.

We hope to see you all!

#FiveWaysToWellbeing

#Walking

#ActiveTravel

#BreakfastPicnic

#LivingInHarmony

#Outdoors#

GreenTherapy

#Connect

#takingstepstobetterhealth

Doors Open Day at granton:hub

As part of our @doorsopendays activities we will have an exhibition of work from Claire Vaughan (1974 – 2024)

Overcoming multiple obstacles and health problems, Claire managed to create a collection of bright and beautiful paintings which will be showcased in her memory.

🗓️ 27th & 28th September 10am – 4pm

Please drop by and have a chat with our volunteers!

See you then.

Getting here – Madelvic House is just off the cycle path, has a dedicated car park and is a 2 minute walk from the number 19, 16 and 200 bus stop. Address is Madelvic House, Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh EH5 1HS

Special notice: Madelvic House is not fully accessible. We do have a portable ramp to allow wheelchair and powerchair users to get into the building, which you will have access to, and once in the building there is level access but there is no wheelchair accessible toilet.

Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts: No community lunch today

KITCHEN REOPENS NEXT WEEK

We’re undergoing essential maintenance this week, which means a change in our usual operations!

This means there will no community lunch today 🥣 (Friday 26 September)

🥣 Meal deliveries restart on the 30 September.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding 🌟

Empty Kitchens Full Hearts closed for essential maintenance

NO COMMUNITY LUNCHES TODAY AND NEXT FRIDAY (26TH)

We’re undergoing essential maintenance next week, which means a change in our usual operations!

As a reminder, this means:

🥣 There will be no community lunch today (19 September) or 26 September

🥣 Our kitchen is closed from the 22nd to 26 September. Meal deliveries restart on the 30 September.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding 🌟