A gunman who murdered a gangland rival outside a Granton pub on Hogmanay 2023 has been jailed for life.
Grant Hunter, 34, shot Marc Webley outside the Anchor Inn just before midnight on New Year’s Eve two years ago.
Hunter pleaded guilty to murdering Webley and attempting to murder a second man, Stuart Pearson, who was also shot but survived his injuries. Hunter will serve a minimum of 26 years for the crime but was told he may never be released.
Hunter approached Marc Webley and Stuart Pearson outside the pub, where he produced a gun and fired four shots at the men. Stuart Pearson was injured but Marc Webley died from his injuries in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Jailing Hunter for a minimum of 26 years, Judge Lord Mulholland said: “You fired four shots which showed beyond any doubt that you wanted him dead.
“You shot another man who could have came to his aid which shows further intent.
“It is blatantly sinister that you wanted your victim to see your face which is an aggravating factor. In doing so you removed your mask and this was your undoing as the police knew you and people knew you which led to your swift arrest.
“The public are grateful to the police and forensic scientists for bringing you to justice.
“Gangsterism is not acceptable in a civilised society – this is a civilised society. The public will not put up with this gangsterism and the courts will not put up with it.
“Anyone going to court for carrying out this type of criminality can expect a lengthy prison sentence.
“As I said to you previously, this is not Chicago of the 1930s. Scotland is a civilised place without tolerance for gangsterism.
“You have left a mother without a son and two boys without a father. Your cowardly actions will haunt you for the rest of your life.”
Join MycoBee Mushrooms CIC and discover the power of functional mushrooms and their benefits for our well-being. Explore, learn, and try some mushroom tea.
All events are free to join. To book your place, email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book: info@mycobee.org.
20 December, 1-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden
Màiri McAllan and Maree Todd applaud homelessness charity’s supported accommodation as an exemplary alternative to temporary accommodation
Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, and Minister of Drugs and Alcohol Policy, Maree Todd, visited leading homelessness charity, Social Bite’s pioneering supported accommodation village in Edinburgh yesterday to explore the model and discuss its success in breaking the cycle of homelessness, addressing addiction issues and reducing social isolation.
Accompanied by Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn MBE and Cyrenians CEO Ewan Aitken, the ministers were given a tour of the village including a look inside one of the innovative nest houses which, since launching in 2018, have helped break the cycle of homelessness for almost 100 people.
One of three Social Bite Villages currently in progress in Scotland, discussions centered around the models as an excellent alternative to temporary accommodation, their track record in helping people leave homelessness behind for good, and their impact in addressing addiction issues.
The Ministers applauded the charity’s innovative approach and its ambition to scale the projects country-wide to help as many people as possible out of homelessness and addiction, build independence and gain safe and secure housing and employment.
The charity called upon the ministers to look at the current welfare and temporary accommodation systems in the UK and to work together with them to back the bespoke village model as a viable and effective way of meeting the needs of people across Scotland. There were also discussions around how more cross-portfolio working between housing, homelessness, health and addictions policy-makers, could truly make the difference for people with addictions in Scotland.
Josh Littlejohn said:“I’m grateful to Màiri McAllan and Maree Todd for taking time to visit the Edinburgh Social Bite Village.It was brilliant to discuss the ways we can better support people who are facing homelessness and to have the opportunity to explore the challenges around access to recovery facilities, as we gear up to submit our planning application for a village in Dundee.
“We have called for backing from both ministers to help us scale our tried and tested Village model across the country, and hope they will be able to show continued support as we work with our partners to find appropriate solutions to preventing homelessness and addiction.”
Danielle, who lived in the Edinburgh Village in 2022, shared some of her experience:“The Village gave me stability, it has a calming atmosphere – it was the first place I could call home since childhood.
“I owe so much to Social Bite, to the Village, and everyone who helped me along the way while living there and beyond.”
Ewan Aitken, Chief Executive of Cyrenians, said: “The Social Bite village is the epitome of a public health approach to homelessness, relying on partnership between two charities, and the experience of those with lived experience, to provide a service which is truly tailored to the needs of the people who use it.
“I was delighted to be able to meet both the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol and the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, using the village as an example of the kind of collaborative approach that we need to across the public, private and third sector.
“Because if we are to truly tackle homelessness and drugs and alcohol harm, we need to understand how those two problems intersect and how we can all work together to combat them.”
The Village will soon undergo a move from its current site to a new site in Granton, where it will continue to house up to 16 people who have experienced homelessness. The new location will bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax, and the introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback.
Charity partner and fellow homelessness prevention organisation, Cyrenians, will continue to deliver round-the-clock support.
Cyrenians has been a key part of Social Bite’s work in supporting the reintegration of people into the community by helping residents to develop skills and confidence.
The garden will remain closed between 19 December and 5 January.*
Our last volunteering session of the year will take place on 19 December, and we will be welcoming volunteers again through our gates on 5 January.
If you would like to visit the garden and are not a volunteer, our visiting hours are 1-3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Last chance to visit this year is on 14 December. We are looking forward to seeing you again on 10 January.
Wishing you all a lovely festive season.
*This does not affect the event run by Mycobee Mushrooms on 20 December. It will still happen as advertised.
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you today. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu today:
Tomato and root veg soup Fish pie with veg Pea and lemon bites Chocolate and coconut slice
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.
Funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund will protect the built heritage of Granton Waterfront
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are investing £1.34 million and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) are investing £1.24 million from their jointly funded Heritage and Place Programme into Granton Waterfront.
With the funding, the City of Edinburgh Council will bring the area’s historic buildings and structures back to life through restoring, upgrading and connecting these facilities with the wider community. The money will also be used to support new opportunities for the community to explore and celebrate Granton’s heritage.
Each building and structure awarded the funding has its own unique story to tell about the history of Granton Waterfront, stretching from the late Victorian era to the early modern period. Together, they reflect the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The funding secured will ensure that future generations will enjoy what they have to offer in the years to come.
Restoration projects
Granton Lighthouse
At Granton Lighthouse, a full refurbishment of this nineteenth century C-listed building, including major fabric repairs and accessibility enhancements, will create a new flexible, creative, learning, enterprise and community development space, operated by arts charity Out of the Blue.
Madelvic House
Madelvic House, a B-listed building from the 1890s, will also benefit. Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.
Granton Station building platforms
The magnificent Edwardian former Granton gasworks railway station building is one of the capital projects that will benefit from the funding. It has already been beautifully refurbished and is occupied by social enterprise charity WASPS.
The funding will be used to carry out upgrades to the disused platforms and introduce a heritage arts installation with green space that supports biodiversity.
Granton Castle Walled Garden
The Council is also working with the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden to carry out structural restoration to the boundary walls and doocot. This will build on initial works the Council has already carried out, helping to ensure its continued use as a community garden and food education hub.
Beyond physical restoration, the project places strong emphasis on community engagement and skills development.
As part of the funding secured, a dedicated Community Heritage Officer will be appointed to lead a programme of heritage activities, including open days, exhibitions, walking tours, and volunteering opportunities.
These events will be developed with local people and organisations to make sure they reflect the community’s interests, aspirations and the heritage that they care about.
Numerous community organisations are involved in the initiative, including Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Wasps, Granton:Hub, and Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
Their collaboration ensures that the heritage investment not only preserves the past but also empowers the present and future generations.
The work will all be completed by 2030 and as it continues interpretation boards will also be installed to support navigation, explain the significance of the place and improve visitor experience and engagement.
Sir Mark Jones, Chair of the Board at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Heritage has always played a vital role in shaping places and communities, and it’s important that it continues to do so.
“Through our Heritage and Place Programme investment in Granton Waterfront, we’re supporting a place‑based approach that not only conserves historic buildings but reconnects them with the people who live here today.
“From local landmarks like the Lighthouse and Madelvic House, to community assets like the walled garden and industrial heritage embedded in Granton Station, each helps to tell the story of Granton’s past.
“By restoring and upgrading them, we’re ensuring they remain at the heart of its future – creating inclusive and accessible spaces for generations to come.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re very grateful to be awarded this funding to carefully restore the built heritage of Granton Waterfront as part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the area.
“A key aim of the project is to involve the local community in our plans for these listed buildings and structures as we bring them back to life for local people and visitors to use and enjoy for generations to come.
“As part of the restoration work we will deliver traditional skills training in partnership with Edinburgh College and local contractors will focus on construction and conservation skills that support career development and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area’s heritage.
“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is guided by a “place first” approach and we’re aiming to reconnect heritage sites and create inclusive, accessible spaces that foster wellbeing, creativity, and social cohesion.
“The project will also support activities at Granton Castle Walled Garden, enhancing local food production and education, and helping to alleviate food poverty.
“This project, along with the recent refurbishment of the gasholder and creation of Gasholder 1 Park, demonstrates our commitment to celebrate the historical legacy of the area.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Granton is in the midst of major regeneration which will deliver exciting new opportunities for the area, creating new homes and bringing existing and new communities together.
“In that context, Granton’s heritage offers strong anchor points for community connections and our investment of £1,248,86, thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure heritage sits at the heart of Granton’s regeneration underpinning its character and values.
“Heritage connects people, cultures and communities to a place. We are investing in Granton as a place that supports community, embraces cohesive and sustainable economic regeneration, and cultural connections with a genuine pride in place.”
granton:hub responded: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce that granton:hub has been included in a £2.9 million investment as part of the Granton Waterfront Regeneration project
“Madelvic House which is ‘B’ listed and from the 1890s will also benefit.
“Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.
“We are thrilled to be in fantastic company alongside @grantoncastlegarden @ootbdrillhall and look forward to seeing their projects expand and develop for the local community in Granton.”
The Granton:hub AGM takes place this Saturday 29th November, from 11am – 2pm.
This is a chance to come together as a community, hear about everything we’ve been up to@over the last year, and find out what’s ahead for 2026.
Next year marks a significant step forward for the hub, as we look to renovate our historic building – preserving its heritage for future generations while making it more accessible and welcoming for everyone in the community.
CCScotland Green Tease: Living well locally is taking place next week
Join us for a day of workshops and conversations about how cultural activities can contribute to creating sustainable and regenerative communities.
When: 11am-3pm, Thursday 27 November
Where: North Edinburgh Arts
Join us at North Edinburgh Arts to understand how cultural activities can contribute to creating sustainable and regenerative communities.
In particular, we’ll explore the role of culture in 20-minute neighbourhoods – creating walkable and wheelable places where everyone can access their daily needs.
The morning session will be an introduction to pre-existing place-based work in Scotland. Lesley-Anne Rose will share her reflections on the importance of culture in place planning and community work, Pippa Cook will introduce the Place Standard Tool and Rebecca Dillon-Robinson will outline the policies supporting local living and 20-minute neighbourhoods in Scotland.
At 12pm, we’ll break for a shared lunch of soup and sandwiches.
The afternoon session will involve creative mapping of Granton (North Edinburgh? – Ed.) and the places where participants live and/or work.
This is an opportunity for participants to reflect on how culture can support sustainable development or regeneration in their communities. We’ll end the afternoon by developing a toolkit incorporating culture into placemaking.
Agenda
11am: Teas and coffees
11.20am: Introduction to pre-existing place-based work in Scotland
12pm: Lunch
12.30pm: Creative mapping workshop
2.15pm: Co-developing a toolkit incorporating culture into placemaking
Join us at granton:hub for our next exhibition, a 20 year retrospective from artist Anna V Phillips running Friday 28th to Sunday 30th November.
Artist statement:
“Brought up in a very artistic home, I’ve always had a deep love for art – but like many creative journeys, mine has taken a few detours along the way.
I moved to Aberdeen in 1978, where I studied Occupational Therapy, and stayed until 2006, during which time I was married and raised three Children.
I attended watercolour classes from 2003 – 2006. These included drawing, acrylics, gouache and soft pastels.
I lived in Houston, Texas for nine years (2006 – 2015).
I volunteered at The Printing Museum, where I met Charles Criner (1945 – 2025) the artist in residence. Charlea mentored me and introduced me to a wide variety of printing techniques – leaving a lasting impression on my artistic path.
I discovered @grantonhub Painting for Pleasure weekends in 2018, and with that, a new chapter began.
This is my first exhibition since my return to Edinburgh in 2015, so I have chosen to display artworks that follow my artistic journey.
I hope you take time to visit and enjoy this exhibition.”
What if the day after Black Friday was all about culture, kindness and community?
On 29 November, we’re joining Fair Saturday Scotland – a global movement celebrating creativity and social good.
Granton Castle Walled Garden will be open to visitors between 1-3 pm, with MycoBee Mushrooms CIC hosting Living Fungi: The Art & Science of Cultivating Mushrooms. Learn why mushrooms are so important for us and our planet.
Let’s celebrate creativity and community together!
20 December, 1-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden
Granton Castle Walled Garden will be open to visitors between 1-3 pm, with 