Category: Granton

“Wee Forest” heading to Granton Crescent 

Call for volunteers to join tree planting

LOCAL residents are being encouraged to sign up for a community tree-planting session next week to help create a new woodland in Granton.

Granton Crescent is to be home to Edinburgh’s latest Wee (or Tiny) Forest as part of the Council’s work to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The creation of the new Wee Forest has been made possible by funding from Banister Charitable Trust.

The City of Edinburgh Council, in partnership with Earthwatch Europe and Edinburgh Lothian Greenspace Trust, is hosting a special planting day on Thursday 2 March from 1pm – and all are welcome.

A Wee Forest is a dense, fast-growing, native woodland about the size of a tennis court and is capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years. It also provides rich opportunities for engaging young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.

Earthwatch is pioneering the initiative in the UK, using a forestry management technique developed in Japan by Dr Miyawaki in the 1970s. By encouraging the trees to grow in tightly packed formation, fighting each other for sunlight and nutrients, they will grow ten times faster than a traditional forest.

The new Wee Forest – which will be planted at Granton Crescent by local residents and local primary school pupils – will not only be attractive locations for wildlife, but for people too, and will provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

Volunteers can book a place on any of these dates via Eventbrite.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “Our newest “Wee Forest” allows residents to be directly involved in tackling the nature and climate crises by being involved in the planting, maintaining and development of the forests in their own community. The Wee Forests will also help us work towards our goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and to be net zero.

“A Wee Forest brings the benefits of a forest – connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and supporting urban wildlife – right in the heart of our community within urban spaces in the city.

“For each Wee Forest, we look to engage a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers to act as ambassadors for their local forest. Volunteering as a Tree Keeper is a great chance to get more involved in your Wee Forest’s development and track the amazing environmental impact of the site and I would encourage everyone to find out more by contacting Earthwatch.

“I hope residents will join the planting on 2 March. The planting is free to attend and open to all ages. Equipment is provided on the day but feel free to bring along your own gloves and spade.”

Louise Hartley, Tiny Forest Programme Manager at Earthwatch Europe, said: “Tiny Forest provides rich opportunities for connecting young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.

“It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action. We are delighted to be working with City of Edinburgh Council to bring these inspiring spaces to the Capital.”

Come Wassailing at Granton Castle Walled Garden on Sunday 19 February

Come join us for wassailing at Granton Castle Walled Garden on the 19th February from 2 – 4pm. There will be activities, songs and refreshments all inspired by the wonderful apple trees.

Wassailing is an anglo-saxon tradition where the fruit trees are blessed with offerings of song, food and drink to encourage them to provide a bountiful harvest.

We will gather together and give the trees of our orchard a much needed cheer and scare away all of the bad spirits! Bring along some friends and family, and perhaps make yourself a lovely apple themed crown to wear.

Cash donations are appreciated but not required, if you have any questions please ask!

For details on how to find us visit our website:

https://www.grantoncastlewalledgarden.org.uk

Police appeal for witnesses following Granton Mains East incident

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was found seriously injured in the Granton Mains East area.

Around 7.35pm on Friday, 3 February, 2023, a 40-year-old man was found seriously injured and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Detective Sergeant Will Dickson, of Corstorphine CID, said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident. We believe someone assisted the injured man and we would urge that person to contact police.

“Anyone who may have witnessed what happened or has any information that may assist our investigation should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3368 of 3 February. Alternatively, details can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Granton Gasholder moves forward to next phase of development with £1.24 million grant

Granton’s last remaining gasholder will be transformed following a £1.24 million award from the Scottish Government’s low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme.

Councillors at the Development Management Sub-Committee on 25 January approved planning permission for the next stage of redevelopment of the iconic Granton Gasholder.

Today, it was also announced that the project’s application to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund has been approved. This will tie in with the overall programme of delivery and will secure up to £1.3m of further grant funding to take this stage of the works forward.

As the restoration of the Gasholder frame continues, work will begin in Autumn 2023 on public realm improvements to the surrounding land.

Ultimately, the goals of the restoration are to ensure development of the surrounding sites can take place whilst opening up the area to create a multifunctional public space that can be used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “Neglected sites are often found in more disadvantaged settings and can become no-go areas or hamper community development. By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.

“The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract private investment to locations which have lain dormant for years. It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer, and more prosperous.

“This green space development at the Granton Gasholder will bring a significant boost for the community and enhance wider regeneration. I look forward to seeing the completed project.”

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I am delighted that councillors have recently approved planning permission for the exciting high quality open space element of the redevelopment to the historic Granton Gasholder.

“The restoration of the Gasholder frame is already underway through funding provided by the Council and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With today’s announcement that we’ve been successful in our bid to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, we’re now able to progress our plans for creating an exciting public space which will see this iconic structure breathe new life into Granton Waterfront.

“This important development represents our plan to transform the structure, the centrepiece of our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, into a visitor destination with high quality open space for everyone to enjoy.

“The wider regeneration is about using brownfield land to develop a sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood its residents will be proud of. It will be an area where people live in affordable, environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links, and access open and green space, arts, sports, and culture. Restoring the Gasholder is the first step in unlocking the wider regeneration.”

A derelict site once central to the Clyde’s shipbuilding industry will be transformed following a £2.4 million award from the low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme.

The Govan Graving Docks were used for final painting and repair of vessels but have lain empty for 40 years. The Scottish Government award to upgrade a riverside walkway and create green space by 2025 is intended to help attract business investment, reverse biodiversity loss and habitat decline and create a visitor attraction.

Further restoration of the historic dockyard will see it used for repairing heritage vessels, while a footbridge linking the site to neighbouring visitor destinations including the Glasgow Science Centre is planned once private sector funding is secured.

It is one of 15 transformational schemes sharing £10 million in 2023-24 from the Programme. Other successful projects include:

  • Creation of a community learning campus on the site of a former Midlothian colliery
  • decontamination and redevelopment of former military land at Cromarty Firth to enable construction of 93 affordable homes
  • reuse of vacant and derelict buildings in Fife as an employment and training hub for rural green jobs and apprenticeships
  • support for community-led food production in Clackmannanshire

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur visited the Govan Graving Docks site to meet those behind the project. He said: “Neglected sites are often found in more disadvantaged settings and can become no-go areas or hamper community development. By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.

“The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract private investment to locations which have lain dormant for years, It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer and more prosperous.”

Councillor Richard Bell, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Govan Graving Docks is a unique site in Glasgow, offering both a glimpse of the city’s past and a view into a future where we realise the potential of this remarkable Clydeside location. 

“The very welcome announcement of £2.4 million funding from the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme will allow work to dramatically improve the appearance of the site, create new public green space to be co-designed by the local community, and improve access and connections to Glasgow Science Centre. 

“The support announced today will hopefully act as a catalyst for future funding and the development of further stages in the regeneration of the Graving Docks.”

Projects to receive funding from Stage 2 of the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme for 2023-24:

Lead applicantApplication2023-24 (£)Total Grant Recommended
City of Edinburgh CouncilGranton Gasholder£1,224,410£1,224,410
Clackmannanshire CouncilClacks Community – Growing a new Future£500,000£500,000
Clyde GatewayShawfield Phase 2 – Remediation£200,000£200,000
Fife CouncilRavenscraig Skills Hub£491,582£491,582
Glasgow City CouncilCadder Woods Community Greenspace£521,193£772,700
Glasgow City CouncilCommunity Net Zero Hub£182,276£182,276
Glasgow City CouncilGovan Graving Docks£368,794£2,368,794
Glasgow City CouncilGreening Royston£797,121£797,121
Glasgow City CouncilNorth Maryhill TRA Green Infrastructure£650,000£1,450,000
Highland CouncilCromlet Invergordon£400,000£400,000
Highland CouncilLongman Park£850,000£2,150,000
Midlothian CouncilAll Through Community Learning Campus Shawfair£2,122,000£3,667,000
North Ayrshire CouncilThe King’s Arms Irvine£400,000£600,000
Perth and Kinross CouncilMillhaugh – Phase 1£93,808£93,808
West Dunbartonshire CouncilResidential development at Pappert Bonhill£500,000£1,250,000
  £9,301,184£16,147,691

Painting for Pleasure at granton:hub

📣 Painting for Pleasure’ weekend workshops at granton:hub, Madelvic House.

🗓️ Saturday 11th February. Starts 10am – 4.30pm. (other weekend dates available) Painting tutor: Gareth Hutchison.

🏷️Full Price: £25 (£20 for granton:hub members and for state benefits/pension holders).

Why not destress, get expressive, be creative and enjoy a whole day relaxing at granton:hub, Madelvic House?

The Painting for Pleasure weekend workshop offers a wonderful and enjoyable creative experience with full 1-to-1 professional guidance & support at an affordable price. Welcome to all adults, whatever your age, creative experience or artistic ability. Enjoy the creative process and the time to practice painting for a whole day in the relaxing social atmosphere of Madelvic House.

Painting for Pleasure is a self-directed learning and art practice workshop. Meaning – you are free to choose from whichever area of visual arts and art materials you wish to explore and learn more about through artistic practice. With as much personal support and help, guidance and positive mentoring as you require to complete your first art project and more.

Granton:hub’s studio resident artist, Gareth Hutchison, will help you every step of the way. You can choose to use Acrylics, watercolours, oil painting to drawing, mixed media and collage. Art Materials are not provided, although Gareth does supply a small amount for you to try when necessary.

Painting for Pleasure weekend workshops – creating the time & place to practice creative painting.

For further details about ‘Painting for Pleasure’ weekend workshops and up-coming dates, please contact Gareth Hutchison at: g.hutchison@hotmail.com

Edinburgh College set to open its doors to prospective students during February Open Days

Edinburgh College is set to open its doors for four open days this February to showcase its facilities to those considering applying for a full-time course in August 2023.

The College, which has campuses across the capital region, is hosting open days across all four of its campuses to allow prospective students to find out about the courses they can apply for, and to also see first-hand what it’s like to study at Edinburgh College.

Sighthill Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 7 February, Milton Road Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Thursday 9 February, Midlothian Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 21 February and Granton Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 25 February.

Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to head to College campuses to find out more about course options, funding options and accommodation, and to also meet representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA).

The College offers courses and professional training across a wide range of subjects within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Science, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.

Learners at any stage of their career or education journey will be able to find out more about the College’s beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, and continuous professional development courses.

Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place during the events, with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide demonstrations along the way.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming prospective students onto our campuses and giving them the chance to find out what it’s like studying at the College.

“Whether you’re a school leaver, looking to boost your current qualifications, or wanting to learn a new skill, the open days are a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the courses we have on offer. I encourage anyone who’s thinking about studying with us to come along.”

For more information and to book a place at the February Open Days, visit: 

https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/open-days-february-2023

Money worries? Local help available

WORRIED about your energy bills?

Find out about help you can get to heat your home more efficiently and reduce your heating bills at: http://homeenergyscotland.org

You can find local support and advice at:

http://edinburgh.gov.uk/costofliving

Granton Information Centre

Advice on welfare rights, housing, rent arrears, debt and money.

Call 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458

Email info@gic.org.uk

New Book Club at Granton Library

We have a couple of new evening groups starting up here at Granton Library.

The first is a monthly book group. First meeting next Wednesday 30th November. Please bring a book you’ve read recently for discussion – we will also discuss what sort of group you’d like this to be.

Tea and coffee will be provided. We look forward to welcoming you!