TEA & BISCUITS WITH DAVID MUNRO
Wednesday 14 October from 6.30 – 7.30pm
Next Wednesday we’re delighted to welcome David Munro to Granton Library – his childhood patch!
Find out all about David’s writing process and his inspirations – he’s a history lover so you can find out how this feeds into his work.
Also an opportunity to discuss the process of creating and marketing your own books.
Light refreshments will be available!
Children from Granton Primary school have put together a colourful exhibition of their artwork to mark the 30th anniversary of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in Edinburgh.
The birthday celebration commemorating three decades since the Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1995 has been used as inspiration for 28 artworks beautifully painted and mounted by the pupils themselves.
They feature historic landmarks and buildings such as Edinburgh Rooftops, The Royal Mile, White Horse Close, the Mercat Cross and many more.
The class of primary four pupils worked with local artist Stephanie Walker on their ‘Imagine if…’ project. Stephanie helped the children put together artwork using the Old Town to help spark excitement and curiosity for the world around us. The aim of the project is to create a connection and a sense of wonder for the valuable heritage Edinburgh is so famous for.
The exhibition is to open in the Museum of Edinburgh running from Saturday 10 October until Sunday 10 January next year.
Local artist Stephanie Walker said: “It’s so exciting to see the ‘Imagine if…’ project come together. It’s about to open now and the children are so excited to see their work professionally displayed.
“They put so much hard work into their designs and final paintings following a series of art sessions to help them imagine and create their work.
“We visited the World Heritage Site twice and the children brainstormed and shared ideas about what they had seen. They used the areas historic features such as the cobbled streets and listed buildings as visual aids to start their paintings. After some time sketching they all settled on their favourite scene. They should be so proud of the colourful and vibrant work they have created.”
Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing this project brought to life in the Museum of Edinburgh in the heart of the city’s World Heritage Site.
“The children have put so much effort into the paintings we are going to display. ‘Imagine if…’ is both creative and educational as it has allowed the pupils from a different area of the city to use art to help bring to life different aspects of the World Heritage Site such as the buildings and skylines that they find inspirational.
“It is important that we preserve our World Heritage Site for future generations and I’m hoping this experience, seeing their work so beautifully displayed, means they will remember it and will value passing on their knowledge about what they have learned about how special the site is to others in the future.”
Photography enthusiasts are also being encouraged to enter a competition to celebrate the 30 years milestone running until the end of October.
Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.
The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.
Captions for the artwork in the exhibition
Edinburgh Rooftops
Sima
In class I enjoyed learning about old people from Auld Reekie, especially the caddies.
The Fantastic Royal Mile
Jumana
I liked how we could decorate our art folders and draw fascinating artefacts like statues and paintings.
The Mercat Cross
Georgia
My favourite artefact in the museum was the sedan chair because it was interesting learning about who would travel in it.
The Adventures of Auld Reekie
Sophia
Thank you for helping me with the amazing art project. I liked the ancient artefacts because they were marvellous.
Edinburgh World
Nicolas
Thank you for helping me with my art. I liked the Royal Mile.
Nelson’s Sedan Chairs
Andikan
My favourite part was when we looked at Canongate Kirk because there was a place where we could sketch the Nelson Monument.
White Horse Close
Mason
Thank you for inviting my class to the Museum of Edinburgh. It was a splendid time. I loved learning about the artefacts.
The Skyline of Edinburgh
Jasiu
My favourite part about the art project was the Gelli printing and the acetate.
Auld Reekie Buildings
Ava
On the trips to the museum I loved exploring the incredible objects and sketching them because I found them remarkable and fascinating.
The Royal Mile
Isabella
My favourite thing to do at the museum was when we were sketching someone or something.
The Great Firework Party
Amelia
My favourite artefacts are the stag’s head, the Greyfriars Bobby statue and the Great Fire picture. I’m very proud and happy with my work.
The Oldest Building in Town
Julia
My favourite artefact to learn about was Greyfriars Bobby because it’s impressive he sat on his owner’s grave for 14 years!
The Grand Colour
Prerak
It was amazing to visit the Museum of Edinburgh. It was wonderful exploring and I enjoyed learning about Auld Reekie. It was so fun.
The Sunset in Edinburgh
Sammy
It was delightful to visit the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. I liked learning about Auld Reekie.
Hidden Edinburgh
Isla
Thank you for helping us with art. In class I liked painting on the Gelli mat.
The Castle Wall and Bakehouse Close
Liam
In class I liked the drawing and acetate and Gelli printing. Thanks for taking us to the Museum of Edinburgh.
Fireworks at the Royal Mile
Jake
I was very excited to go to the Museum of Edinburgh but my favourite part was when we did the sketching.
The Golden Castle and Tower
Lily
My favourite artefact was Greyfriars Bobby because he is very cute and adorable. I love Greyfriars Bobby!
Golden Old Reekie
Joey
Thank you for inviting our class to be part of the impressive art project. It was remarkable to visit the Museum of Edinburgh.
Beautiful Edinburgh
Ellie
Thank you for letting us do the activities. I felt proud and happy.
Auld Reekie City
Tony
My favourite part was when we did the Gelli printing. In class I liked the rolling because it was satisfying.
Castle Fireworks
Dantie
Milhelmina The Countess
Millie
The Caddie and the Castle
Jack
A Castle
Ragnar
Jailbreak from Edinburgh Dungeon
Chase
Edinburgh Castle
Youssou
The Old-Fashioned Road
Eylem
More than 90,000 people took part in Wee Read as Scotland came together yesterday to celebrate the joy of reading – smashing the campaign’s original target of 50,000 pledges.
Wee Read, led by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and funded by the Scottish Government as part of the National Year of Reading 2026, invited people across Scotland to make a simple pledge to read on 7 October. The campaign reached its 50,000 pledge target more than a week before the official reading moment, with a total of 90,717 people pledging to get involved.
Across the country, people of all ages and interests joined the national reading moment, making time to enjoy whatever they like from novels and poetry to comics, magazines, newspapers, recipes and more.
Libraries, schools, workplaces, families and communities marked the day in their own ways, creating a shared celebration of reading and demonstrating that there is no single way to take part.
Activity ranged from East Renfrewshire’s dedicated Harry Potter readings and South Lanarkshire’s Gruffalo scavenger hunt, to a BSL Bookbug session in Paisley, school visits in Edinburgh and Midlothian, family activities in South Lanarkshire and community reading sessions in Inverclyde.
In Motherwell, a readathon in the library’s immersive room surrounded readers with calming imagery of their choice, before the Wee Read mantra video and a message from Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan were showcased.
Across the length and breadth of the country, libraries and communities also hosted reading hours, storytelling, book swaps, quizzes and crafts, reflecting the many different ways people came together to make time for reading.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said: “I’m delighted to support Wee Read. Stories, songs and words form the bedrock of our lives, our culture, our history and our future. Scotland’s plays, books and comics are internationally renowned, as are our playwrights, authors and illustrators.
“Reading and writing play a lifelong role in learning and wellbeing, and in tackling poverty, which remains a key priority for this Government. That’s why we’re taking action to improve access to books and encourage reading for pleasure, through programmes including Bookbug, Read Write Count with the First Minister, Reading Schools, and the School Library and Public Library Improvement Funds.
“Just a few minutes of reading for enjoyment reduces stress and improves wellbeing, and for children it has a positive impact on learning and attainment at school. By taking part in Wee Read, you’re joining thousands across Scotland helping us build a country where reading is valued, shared and enjoyed by all.”
The campaign also highlighted the important role Scotland’s libraries play in helping people find something they enjoy and make reading part of their everyday life – beyond the national reading moment.
With free access to a wide range of reading materials, alongside digital resources, reading groups, events and activities, libraries offer something for people at every stage of life.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Reaching over 90,000 pledges for Wee Read is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful reflection of the enthusiasm for reading across Scotland.
“We set out with a simple ambition – to give people a reason to make time for reading and to celebrate the many different ways that reading can be part of our lives. Seeing so many people, communities and organisations take part has really brought that notion to life.
“Whether someone read for five minutes or fifty, picked up an old favourite or discovered something completely new, we hope Wee Read reminded them of the joy that reading can bring and, importantly, encouraged people to keep that habit going beyond 7 October.”
Wee Read forms part of the UK’s National Year of Reading 2026, a year-long celebration of the pleasure, inspiration, connection and opportunities that reading brings.
Alison added: “Wee Read may have taken place on one day but the campaign’s message is intended to last much longer: there is no right way to read, every read counts and there is always time to read something you enjoy.
“Our libraries are here all year round to help people find their next read, discover something new and connect with their community. And if you didn’t manage to join in with Wee Read, that’s no reason to miss out – you can pick up something new at any time.
“We’d encourage everyone to keep that spirit going, make space for reading and turn to their local library for inspiration, new ideas and everything else it has to offer.”
Find out more and discover ways to keep reading at www.WeeRead.scot.
Share your Wee Read memories and recommendations using #WeeRead26.
LITTER PICK – 30th OCTOBER from 2pm
We would like to invite all the local residents for our final BEACH CLEANING event in 2026 at Wardie Bay on Friday 30th October. We are very grateful to R2 for their ongoing support in organising our litter picking events.
Do remember that we also have some litter picking equipment at Granton Parish Church we are happy to loan to local community groups.
Any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk
‘WE’LL TRANSFORM THIS FORMAL INDUSTRIAL SITE INTO A NEW COASTAL TOWN AND COMMUNITY’ – COUNCIL LEADER JANE MEAGHER
First Minister John Swinney has marked the start of construction on one of Scotland’s largest net zero housing developments as part of the latest chapter of Granton Waterfront regeneration,
The development will provide 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, 14 commercial units and a new primary school on former industrial land.
It is part of a wider £1.3 billion transformation of Edinburgh’s waterfront that will create 3,500 homes, new leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.
The First Minister joined local school pupils at the site, including young people who have benefited from construction courses supported through Scottish Government investment in Granton’s regeneration.
John Swinney said: “This is one of the largest regeneration projects Scotland has seen in decades and a major vote of confidence in Edinburgh’s future.
“For years, people have looked across this waterfront and seen disused industrial land. Today, we are laying the foundations for a new community that will be home to thousands of people.
“Through our investment, hundreds of families will have affordable, energy-efficient homes as we transform Edinburgh’s waterfront into a thriving neighbourhood with new homes, schools and businesses.
“We are putting the people of Granton at the heart of this transformation, with better transport links, new green spaces, apprenticeships, skills training and investment in local organisations.”
Jane Meagher, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is a big step forward for Granton and the whole city, as construction begins on the first phase of one of the largest public sector led regeneration projects of its time.
“Through our joint efforts we’ll transform this former industrial site into a new coastal town and community. It’s important that those living in neighbouring communities benefit from the investment we’re making in the area.
“Our Place Accelerator approach will ensure residents see the benefits, including more green spaces to enjoy and opportunities for local young people to gain hands on construction skills and qualifications through work on site.”
Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, which works with Cruden Homes to deliver Granton Waterfront Construction Pathway courses for school and college pupils, said: “Edinburgh College has been at the heart of the Granton community for many years and we’re delighted to be involved in the next stage of its regeneration.
“Not only will this project provide hundreds of new homes in the area, this is already providing hundreds of opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in the construction industry.
“These opportunities could be transformative for our learners – allowing them to gain vital skills and develop a career in the sector.”
Is it too early for the C word yet? …….. oh well!
OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR IS BACK FOR THE 4TH YEAR IN A ROW
This time taking place on Saturday the 28th of November at St David’s Episcopal Church from 2pm – 4pm.
Our families together group and other service users are working hard behind the scenes planning, getting creative and getting crafty to make sure it’s another great year.
We are on the look for donations for our tombola, raffle and bric a brac stalls so if you can help in anyway then please get in touch via social media or email julie@grantonyouth.com
All money raised from the fair goes straight back into GY projects.
Gy xx
Free family circus skills session! with Think Circus
“
Cirque Du Cycle is bringing circus to your community this October 
We bring circus skills and creative play to parks and community spaces around Edinburgh using our custom built e-Cargo bike.
Our experienced team of tutors and volunteers make circus skills accessible to people of all ages through skill sharing, play and a little bit of circus magic. 
So come along and throw, catch, twist, twirl and have fun with us! 
Everyone is welcome, no experience needed, just come ready to play.”
Will you join us for a wee read on the 7th October?
#WeeRead26 is a national campaign to celebrate the joy of reading and to encourage people to set aside time to read. Any genre counts!
Join thousands of people across Scotland and pledge to read 6 minutes on the 7th October: https://www.weeread.scot/#pledge
We will be hosting a Cosy Reading Hour at Granton Library to celebrate the Wee Read and complete the challenge together!
Bring your own book or find your new favourite read on our shelves.
Take a blanket and a cushion with you for extra cosiness!
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Edinburgh College’s Waterfront Nursery has become the first non-local authority early years setting in Scotland to secure a national certification for serving fresh, local and sustainable food.
The nursery, which is operated by the College, gained the Food for Life Served Here (FFLSH) Bronze certification, for serving food that’s good for health, the environment and the local economy. The nursery serves 34,000 meals each year.
Nursery Manager Catherine Buchanan and Chef Lukasz Szyszka received the FFLSH Bronze certificate from Food for Life Scotland’s Business Development Manager – Scotland Sue McVey during a celebration event at the nursery.
The Food for Life Scotland (FFLS) programme, led by Soil Association Scotland and funded by Scottish Government since 2009, provides a framework through which local authorities and public sector sites can ensure they are serving good food.
This is done by meeting a set of standards to achieve the FFLSH certification at Bronze, Silver or Gold level.
Since 2024, Food for Life Scotland’s remit has expanded to support caterers to achieve the certification in the wider public sector. Waterfront Nursery has become the 26th Scottish public sector site to do so. Through the process of gaining the certification, Waterfront Nursery has increased the amount of scratch cooked food on the menu.
As part of the Food for Life Served Here Bronze certification, Waterfront Nursery also ensures that a minimum of 75 percent of dishes are cooked from scratch using unprocessed ingredients. Meals are also free from undesirable trans fats, sweeteners and additives, and use free range eggs, higher welfare meat and ingredients from sustainable and ethical sources.
Waterfront uses produce from a wide range of sustainable providers, including the likes of Bonaly Farms for milk, Blacketyside Fruits for strawberries, and East Lothian Produce for cabbage, potatoes and parsnips.
Catherine Buchanan, the Manager of Waterfront Nursery, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received this recognition from Food for Life Scotland, which highlights our dedication to providing our early learners with the absolute best quality of food possible.
“Ensuring our children are well-fed with fresh, local and sustainable food is just part of our approach, which always has our learners at its very heart. This award is the culmination of months of hard work from so many people at Waterfront, and we’d like to thank every single person involved in getting us to this stage.”
Sarah Gowanlock, Programme Manager, Food for Life Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Waterfront Nursery to the Food for Life Scotland programme and congratulate them on being the first non-local authority early years setting to achieve the Food for Life Served Here Bronze certification for their meals service.
“The early years are a crucial period for developing healthy diets. We’re delighted that children at the nursery will be eating more scratch cooked and sustainable food every day.
“The Food for Life Scotland team can offer support to public sector caterers across Scotland, to follow in the footsteps of Waterfront Nursery and our other public sector certification holders in Scotland.”
