It’s almost a year since The Pitt reopened its doors on the Granton Prom, opening up a huge and much-needed community space in North Edinburgh.
We just want to take a moment to say thank you — to everyone who’s stopped by for a quick pint, come along to one of our events, or supported us in any way.
Every visit, every dance, every bite, and every cheer helps us keep building something special here. You’re helping us grow a space that’s not just about great food and live music, but about connection, creativity, and community.
Come along to The Pitt for a Christmas lights switch-on and festive gathering, accompanied by live music from talented local artists, carol singing, free seasonal treats and hot drinks.
And, as always, The Pitt’s street food market and bar, huge indoor seating area with pool table and table tennis and an under 5s play area.
A major public consultation on the future development of Edinburgh’s tram network closes on Monday (17 November). The consultation began on 25 August and ran for 12 weeks.
The Council are seeking the public’s views on the proposed new tram routes from Granton in the north of the city to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the south.
A detailed business case was developed to extend the existing route from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, which was successfully completed in 2023 and now carries over a million passengers a month.
This consultation will inform the development of a Strategic Business Case (SBC) for the expansion, which will then be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.
The proposed new route can be broken down into three main sections:
Granton to the city centre:
From Granton to Ferry Road / Crewe Toll there is a single route. From Ferry Road / Crewe Toll to the following section, two alternative route options are being considered: the Orchard Brae corridor or the Roseburn Path.
For Orchard Brae, the route would head to the west end of Princes Street along Orchard Brae, Queensferry Road (via the Dean Bridge) and Queensferry Street.
It is estimated that this option would cost between £650m – £850m and is forecast to carry around 3.75m passengers per annum by 2042.
For Roseburn Path, the route connects to the existing line west of Haymarket via an old railway line which winds from Ferry Road/Crewe Toll before reaching Craigleith and heading towards the west end and city centre.
This option is estimated to cost between £350m-£480m and is forecast to carry around 4.25m passengers per annum by 2042.
It also examines the potential to install high quality walking, wheeling and cycling alongside the tramline on the Roseburn Path, and look at the potential to protect and enhance the local ecological network.
The entire route is forecast to cost between £2bn-2.9bn, depending on the final options selected, and carry around 38m passengers by 2042.
City centre to BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary:
The proposed route would begin at Princes Street on the existing tram infrastructure, allowing bus and rail interchange in the heart of the city centre.
The route would then cross the North Bridge, and run through Nicolson Street, Newington and on to Cameron Toll, then west towards the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Potential extensions to Midlothian and East Lothian:
We’re working closely with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils and SEStran, the regional transport partnership, regarding potential future mass transit connections beyond the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.
This includes exploring a ‘tram-train’ (a light rail vehicle than can operate on tram and rail tracks) concept with Network Rail on the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR).
Other potential options include connections with Musselburgh Railway station and Queen Margaret University (QMU) in East Lothian and to Shawfair with interchange opportunities into Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
Speaking at the launch of the consultation, Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi award-winning tram service.
We need to prepare for the future. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next 20 years. Whilst this shift is a true sign of our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and crucially on the city’s transport infrastructure on which we all rely.
“Managing this growth also means tackling the climate, nature and housing emergencies. To meet these significant challenges, we need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this.
“Edinburgh Trams already offers a reliable and fast service, allowing residents and visitors to move around sustainably and efficiently, and with some of the cheapest fares in the country. The broader benefits of cleaner air and emphasis on active travel surrounding the network are equally as important.
“Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all. From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.
“The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come.
“I’d encourage everyone to engage with this consultation and help to shape the next chapter in the history of Edinburgh’s transport.”
The full details of all the sections mentioned above can be found in the consultation papers.
Residents can give their views until Monday 17 November online on our Consultation Hub.
The next step, should members agree on the SBC, would be to move to the next stage of development, as set out by Transport Scotland, which is the OBC.
Please join us for a community walk along the coast from Wardie Bay to Granton / Royston (the ‘Brick’) Beach to search for flat oyster shells on Remembrance Day for Lost Species.
Meet on November 30th 2025 at 2pm to walk together and find out about the restoration of seagrass habitats and European flat oyster populations in the Firth of Forth – a species which used to be abundant and was fished to local extinction around 100 years ago.
Together, we will search for evidence of these flat oysters, and there will be talking and sharing about our concerns for the health of the sea and the species who live in, and depend on, it.
We anticipate the event lasting 1.5 hours. It may be cold, so please bring a flask of something hot and wear warm clothes and suitable footwear. We will end at The Pitt where a variety of drinks and food will be on sale.
This event has been thought up by Katie Smith from Granton Community Gardeners who is working to gather local knowledge about our wildlife and build a Granton nature restoration plan, and Tamsin Grainger, local walking artist with an interest in local history and community wellbeing.
Free (you can make a donation to cover costs if you like).
Everyone is welcome including children and dogs. This walk will be manageable on wheels. We aim to be inclusive and open.
A 34-year-old man has been convicted of murder following the death of Marc Webley in Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve, 2023.
Grant Hunter (pictured below) pleaded guilty to murdering the 38-year-old and the attempted murder of a second man, aged 39, subsequently named as Stuart Pearson, at the High Court in Edinburgh today, (Thursday, 13 November, 2025).
Two other people, Emma McVie, 35, and Gary Robertson, 22, both also pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to the incident.
Robertson admitted supplying cash in the build-up to the murder, as well as helping to dispose of a firearm afterwards, while McVie (pictured below) admitted attempting to destroy evidence.
Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Hogmanay (Sunday, 31 December, 2023), after a firearm was discharged outside the Anchor Inn on West Granton Road.
Mr Webley and the 39-year-old man were taken to hospital, where Marc Webley was pronounced dead a short time later.
Detective Superintendent Graham Grant, senior investigating officer, said: “The violence involved in this case, which resulted in the death of a young man, is absolutely senseless.
“Our thoughts are with the family of Marc Webley today following these convictions.
“Although this was a targeted attack, there was absolutely no regard for the safety of the local community by discharging a firearm outside a busy pub on New Year’s Eve.
“One man lost his life and another was seriously injured but this incident could also have left other people seriously injured – or worse – and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Violence and the carrying of firearms is completely unacceptable.
“I believe these convictions sends a message to those involved in serious criminality that we remain determined to bring you to justice.
“This was a complex investigation involving a range of specialist officers working closely with our partners.
“I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation.”
Hunter, McVie, and Robertson are all due to be sentenced at a later date.
One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward.
The delivery plans include new housing which will be enhanced with a new primary school (the school to be delivered through a separate contract), retail units, public and open green space.
This would be achieved through entering into a development agreement with Cruden Homes to deliver site wide enabling, infrastructure and new homes.
Each of the 847 new homes will be fitted with an air source heat pump providing residents who move in with new, warm, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes, with fairly priced energy bills.
At least 45% of the homes will be affordable – 214 will be for social rent with the rest a mixture of mid-market rent and homes for sale. Some will also be suitable for families who require wheelchair accessibility.
The revitalisation of Granton Waterfront’s historic buildings and industrial built heritage, coupled with the delivery of new leisure and recreation opportunities, will significantly increase visitors to the area, creating new local employment opportunities.
The overall development will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city, through a mix of energy efficient buildings, gas free heat solutions, cycling and walking paths and a nature-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation.
This exciting regeneration in the north of Edinburgh, set to start early next year and due for completion in 2033 will build on early action projects already underway in Granton Waterfront. If approved by the Finance and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, the business case will then be considered by Council on Thursday, 18 December.
Some of these projects are already complete with others taking shape. Tenants are already living in 75 new ‘net zero ready homes’ for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View. A short distance away Western Villages has 444 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social, mid-market rent and some for sale, which are nearly all occupied. A further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea are also due for completion in Summer 2026.
At the heart of this nationally significant development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gasholder 1 Park’.
The iconic gasholder frame has been restored and can be seen for miles around as it is lit up after dark. It has a new public park created within the frame making it a spectacular focal point in the area. The historic former Granton Station has been refurbished as a creative hub and has a new civic square in its grounds.
The Pitt has opened in a repurposed industrial building at 20 West Shore Road and the core path through the development has been upgraded and named Speirs Bruce Way.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“The £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline is hugely significant for our Capital city. It is the largest public sector led project of its kind in Scotland. Over the next 10 to 15 years, it will continue to set the standard for sustainable economic growth in Edinburgh.
“We’re using the largest brownfield site we own to deliver the first phase of this project, with our development partner Cruden Homes. We will be delivering new and affordable, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes which will provide our residents with fairly priced energy bills.
“The retail and leisure units we will deliver will provide an opportunity for local people to enjoy recreation and access employment. We’ll also be improving public transport and cycling and walking paths as well as education services. Our aim is to help to reduce child poverty as well as address the nature and climate emergencies we face locally and globally.
“Our investment in this major project for the Capital further reinforces our approach across the city to achieve low carbon affordable living for as many of our residents as possible. Our aim is to make Edinburgh more inclusive and well connected to support prosperity and wellbeing for those in the Granton Waterfront area and across the city region.”
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said:“We’re proud to be playing a leading role in delivering this landmark regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline.
“Granton Waterfront is a bold and innovative project that will create a distinctive new coastal neighbourhood with a real sense of place, centred around much-needed, high-quality, energy-efficient homes and sustainable infrastructure.
“Working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, we’re not only building net zero ready homes but also creating valuable community benefits, from local employment and apprenticeships to investment in skills and supply chains.
“This next phase marks an exciting milestone in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and connected future for the Capital.”
Phase 1 of the project has been made possible through the Council securing funding from the Scottish Government – capital grant funding from its Housing Infrastructure Fund as part of its commitment through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, along with revenue funding through an innovative Place Based Accelerator grant. This was formulated with the support of Scottish Futures Trust.
The Place Based Accelerator grant is an innovative funding model that will allow the Council to take forward the development in return for achieving outcomes for the people in the north of Edinburgh including achieving targets related to improvements to health and wellbeing, educational attainment and local employment opportunities.
Granton Waterfront regeneration supports the delivery of the City of Edinburgh Council Business Plan, the Edinburgh City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Plan 2030, Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024 – 2030 and the Edinburgh 2030 Climate Strategy. It also supports the delivery of key national policy objectives as set out in NPF 4, Housing to 2040 and the Programme for Government, 2025-2026.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “For people living in Granton and north Edinburgh, this investment means real improvements to daily life. Families will have access to affordable, energy-efficient homes that are cheaper to heat.
“Young people will get construction training and local job opportunities. Parents will see new safe walking and cycling routes to schools and shops and green spaces where their children can play.
“Our support for this project is directly tied to delivering outcomes that matter to local people—improving health and wellbeing, creating jobs that go to local residents first and supporting community organisations.”
Neil Rutherford, Senior Associate Director at the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “This innovative outcomes-based Place Accelerator, backed by Scottish Government and partners, is unlocking new opportunities for people in north Edinburgh and delivering benefits for the wider city.
“We believe the Place Accelerator shows how smart funding and collaboration can turn ambition into action, helping create healthier, fairer, and more prosperous communities.”
Work on more affordable homes and a new waterfront primary school to begin next year
New investment will enable hundreds of affordable homes to be provided in the first phase of Scotland’s largest brownfield regeneration project.
Funding of up to £42 million from the Scottish Government will support the construction of the country’s biggest low carbon housing development on former industrial land at Granton in Edinburgh.
Work is expected to start early next year on the site which will feature 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, and a new primary school and space for 14 businesses.
It is part of a wider £1.3 billion programme to regenerate Granton Waterfront which will ultimately deliver 3,500 new homes, space for leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.
The new funding package is being provided to City of Edinburgh Council over a 20-year period. Payment is conditional on the Council meeting targets including creating job and apprenticeship opportunities and investing in non-profit organisations to tackle disadvantage in the north of Edinburgh.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to tackling Scotland’s housing and climate emergencies while supporting communities that need it most.
“By working in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, we’re unlocking £220 million in private sector investment to transform Granton Waterfront into a thriving coastal community with hundreds of net zero homes, a new school and business space.
“Communities in Granton are at the centre of this project and will directly benefit from improved transport links, green spaces and job opportunities as we regenerate this important brownfield site.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I welcome this funding to help us deliver the first phase of this hugely significant £1.3 billion regeneration project at Granton Waterfront in the north of the capital.
“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is about helping make Edinburgh more inclusive by improving educational attainment, health and well-being, local employment opportunities and eradicating child poverty. I’m really pleased we’ve received this new funding as we’re committed to delivering these important outcomes to create better opportunities for the people living in this area.”
The Scottish Government will provide the City of Edinburgh Council with up to £2.1 million per year over a 20-year period to support the first phase of Granton Waterfront’s regeneration.
Payment is conditional on the council meeting targets related to the delivery of walking and cycling routes, green spaces, construction skills training for local secondary pupils, investment in non-profit organisations and establishing a fund to reinvest developer contributions in jobs and businesses in Granton.
The Scottish Government is providing an additional £16 million towards the first phase of the project through its contribution to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
Public sector investment is estimated to leverage a further £220 million of private sector investment in houses and business space.
Are you a band with an eclectic collection of funky Xmas tunes?
Are you part of a choir or singing group who’s renditions of Christmas carols and pop hits leaves audiences dabbing at their eyes?
Are you a guitar-toting independent artist who is just dying to put their own twist on Christmas classics?
We want YOUUUU for our Christmas celebrations at The Pitt (Pittmas?) We will be having various musical performances and opportunities to play across the festive season, starting from late November.
We are in particular looking for groups and choirs from across North Edinburgh, but if you are from a bit further afield, please get in touch anyway!
Discover the power of poetry as a tool for remembrance, on Tuesday 11th November from 6.30pm-7.30pm.
This guided session offers a gentle and welcoming space to reflect on loved ones through poems about memory, love, and loss. You are invited to join us in writing, sharing your own poems, or simply listening to others.
No poetry experience is needed; all are welcome to participate in this shared experience.
Light refreshments will be provided.
This session will be facilitated by our dramatherapist, Sally McRae.
