Category: Leith

Local cruise ship levy could raise over £1 million for Edinburgh

A cruise ship levy could help to ensure residents benefit from Edinburgh’s popularity as a cruise ship stop.

In a formal response to be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy consultation, the council has expressed strong support in principle for a levy to help it manage tourism sustainably at Edinburgh’s ports.

The response also calls for any legislation to be based on evidence and involve greater consultation with ports and the cruise ship industry, as well as close working with other local authorities and regional partners.

Close to 217,500 cruise ship passengers visit Edinburgh and the region annually, with a significant number docking in Leith, Newhaven and South Queensferry. Currently, passengers are exempt from paying local visitor levies.

While any legislation to introduce a national Cruise Ship Levy is still to be developed, comparisons to similar sized destinations suggest it could raise over one million pounds for Edinburgh and the region.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Next summer we’ll become the first city in Scotland to launch a visitor levy, but under the Scottish Government’s legislation cruise ship passengers will be exempt.

“We consider it fair to treat all overnight visitors to Edinburgh the same, whether they choose to stay in a hotel, a short-term let, a campsite or a cruise ship.

“With public finances under increasing pressure, we believe this legislation should be used to empower councils to raise more income locally to better manage cruise ship tourism and pollution in our waters. As such, income raised should be ringfenced for the local area.

“In our waters we’re seeing more ships docking year on year, larger ships, and with that comes an environmental impact. Cruise ship tourism affects local communities and services just as other tourism does.”

You can view the City of Edinburgh Council’s draft response to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy Consultation.

A final version will be submitted shortly, including amendments agreed at a meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 27 May.

What’s at Stake – a new exhibition by Contemporary Art Practice students 

Edinburgh College’s HND Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) students invite you to their upcoming graduate exhibition What’s at Stake at Mote 102. 

Join the CAP year 2 students for their opening event on 29th May as they celebrate an exciting new exhibition, marking the end of their time at Edinburgh College. The launch will take place between 6pm – 8pm, and all are welcome to attend. 

The opening event at artist space and gallery Mote 102 (102 Ferry Road, EH6 4PG) will allow guests to see a preview of the work, as well as meet the next wave of contemporary artists over drinks and nibbles. 

The exhibition will then run from 30th May – 1st June, daily from 11am to 5pm, where viewers will get the opportunity to appreciate the work before it moves to the group’s second exhibition space at City Art Centre on the 11th June.

CAP lecturer Alan Holligan said: “What’s at Stake is a testament to the dedication and vision of our graduating artists.

“This exhibition not only showcases the depth of their creative exploration but marks a bold step into the wider art world. We’re immensely proud of their achievements and excited for what lies ahead.”

What’s at Stake will feature contemporary artwork on a variety of themes, including 2D, 3D, and installation/video, so come along and join the CAP graduates in celebrating the end of two incredible years. It’s going to be quite a party! 

CAP year 2 student Bronwen Winter Phoenix said: “I’m so excited to see everyone’s art on display at Mote 102 – we’ve all worked really hard, and we’ve got some great work we can’t wait to show you!” 

Mote 102 is a not-for-profit, curated, changing artist space in a former chemist shop in Leith. The gallery hosts local artists, makers and gardeners with an eye to the wider world.

Exhibitions, events, residencies and the pop-up shop Made by Hand are in occupation on a rolling programme throughout the year.

Accessibility Information:

Venue Access:

Single step access at the front of the venue will have a temporary ramp at the opening event and upon request during general opening times

Internally the rear of the venue is accessible via 2 steps which will have a temporary ramp for wheelchair users during the opening event and upon request during general opening times.

Toilet Facilities:

There are no public toilet facilities in the venue.

Parking: A mix of paid and free on street parking are availble in the surrounding area:

Public Transport:

7, 14, 21 busses stop on Ferry Road withing 20m of the venue

10 bus stops on Great Junction Street approx 200m from Venue

11 bus stop on Newhaven Road approx 200m from the venue

Opportunity to pay last respects to Sir Tom Farmer at Easter Road today

Following the family funeral for Sir Tom Farmer this morning, the hearse will pass by Easter Road Stadium at 12:45pm to allow members of the public and Hibernian supporters to pay their respects to the Club’s former owner.

Hibs Heroes Summer Camps

☀️⚽HIBS HEROES SUMMER CAMP IS BACK⚽☀️

This year we are kicking-off the summer camps on July 7th at Leith Academy!

With different camps in different locations, choose the one that best suits you!

Sign up now to spend the holidays playing football with Hibernian Community Foundation

Click to sign up! https://bit.ly/437rWr9💜💚

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals ‘deliver significant benefits to city and Scotland’

Early-bird tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession on sale Friday, 30 May at 10am

Ahead of releasing early-bird tickets for this year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and the ever popular Torchlight Procession on Friday at 10am, event organisers Unique Assembly today publish the report on Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals 2024-25.

Encompassing both Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay New Year festival, the report highlights the substantial positive impact these events have on both the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole. 

Created and designed by Unique Assembly on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council, the seven weeks of winter events and attractions not only brought festive cheer to residents and visitors to the city who came together to enjoy the capitals world famous celebrations, but also provided significant economic and community benefits which continue to impact positively year-round.

Visitors to the city centre enjoyed a feast of festive fun in the heart of the capital – discovering the traditional Christmas Market including the iconic Christmas Wheel and Around the World Starflyer, visiting the outdoor Ice Skating and new Ice Bar experience, enjoying family funfair rides and illumination trails, watching live music concerts, festive shows and community events, and of course that all-important visit from Santa himself. 

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals continues to support local communities with over 160 local community groups and charities engaged with through the Edinburgh’s Christmas Schools & Communities Initiative, distributing more than 8,000 free community tickets and ride tokens to people across the city.

In addition, being a platform for local talent and community events is an important part of Edinburgh’s Christmas, including the Winter Windows Schools Competition, which showcased artwork by pupils from 24 schools, displayed beneath the Castle in the beautiful setting of Princes Street Gardens.

While many people want to join and enjoy the city centre festivities it is not that simple for some and therefore a new Silent Light Projection Show brought Christmas cheer and festive illumination to communities across the city.

In 2024, working with the Council’s Education Team, the Winter festivals were able to bring that cheer to Granton Primary School, Stockbridge Primary School, Gilmerton Community Centre and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. 

EWF24-25 – UAL POST EVENT REPORT final May 25Download

The report underscores the Winter Festivals’ commitment to the local community through its charity partnerships. 

This year, Edinburgh’s Winter Festival directly raised funds for local charities One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland, supporting crucial work in fighting inequality and homelessness within Edinburgh.

Furthermore, the festivals continued their support, both financial and operational, for Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness and When You Wish Upon a Star through the annual Santa Fun Run, confirming the commitment of both organisers and festivalgoers to giving back.

The Concert in the Gardens also played a role in charitable giving, with donations from ticket buyers for supporting Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Overall more than £15,000 was donated by visitors through both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay events.

While audience and sales data for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was impacted by the cancellation of the major outdoor events, pre-cancellation data confirms that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay continues to attract local audiences (33%) as well as visitors to the city (31% international and 36% from the rest of the UK).

Edinburgh’s Christmas data shows that a similar mix of Edinburgh & Lothians residents (37%), visitors from Scotland (21%) and elsewhere in the UK (32%), while a good number of international visitors (10%) attended this winter. 

Across a total attendance of over 2.8million to Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, strong attendance from international visitors demonstrates the international appeal which not only boosts the local economy but also enhances Scotland’s global tourism profile.

In addition, 74% of market stall traders in the Christmas Markets were Scottish, supporting the local creative crafts, drinks, food and gifts industries both financially and through profile. While 76% of artists and creatives who took part in Edinburgh’s Winter festivals events were local.

In the annual audience survey over 70% of visitors from out with the city cited Edinburgh’s Christmas as the primary reason for travelling to Edinburgh, staying an average of 1.85 nights.

Over 90% of respondents were satisfied to extremely satisfied with their experience with over 95% agreeing that Edinburgh’s Christmas is a valuable and iconic part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, bringing a festive spirit to the city.

90% also said they are more likely to return to Edinburgh during the festival season because of their experience. The average spend was £537 across eating out, attractions, retail and in bars and pubs. 

An increasing number of local residents are taking up their special ticket offer at Edinburgh’s Christmas with 101,500 discounted EH postcode tickets sold this year.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The findings of this report demonstrate that Edinburgh’s world-famous winter festivals don’t only draw a huge international crowd, boosting the economy and adding to the city’s vibrant calendar of events, but, crucially, they deliver significant benefits to Edinburgh’s local communities, businesses and charities.

“This is despite the cancellation of last year’s outdoor events, showing just how far reaching the programme events is. I look forward to finding out more about this year’s plans, which look set to brighten the city in the winter months.” 

Roddy Smith, CEO of Essential Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals are a crucial period for our city centre and again it is very pleasing to see our residents and visitors coming in such large numbers. 

“With such a varied and appealing Festival programme, combined with the high quality hospitality and retail offering in the city centre, Edinburgh continues to be an attractive destination to enjoy the festive season.  We are already looking forward to what’s in store for this year.”

Louise MacLean, Business Development Director, Signature Group, said: “The Winter Festivals in Edinburgh provide a vital boost for hospitality in December. The surge in footfall, driven by visitors seeking festive entertainment, food, and drink, brings a much-needed increase in sales to all our venues across Edinburgh but particularly George Street and the New Town.

“Since the eastward shift in footfall with the appeal of St James, the Winter programme is not just welcomed by us, it’s crucial to our Christmas trade which often sustains us through the hard month of January. 

“We can plan for this due to knowing that Unique Assembly’s festivals will bring revellers to the city. From there, we must ensure these visitors become our guests.”

Despite the cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to weather conditions over the four days, the festival still welcomed significant numbers to its many sold out indoor events with over 25,000 attending over the four days including The Night Afore Concert with Idlewild and the Bairns Revels and New Year Revels in Assembly Rooms, the ever popular Hogmanay Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral, as well as a late addition with Hot Dub Time Machine playing a quickly arranged intimate Hogmanay gig in Assembly Hall.

The new first of  January club nights in Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches closed this year’s festival on New Year’s night.

The popular free New Year’s Day First Footin’ Cultural Trail attracted an audience of over 15,000, including many family groups to 18 venues across the Old and New Towns, this year extending its footprint welcoming Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches into the programme.

First Footin & Sprogmanay presented 44 acts with 298 performers for the event programme, and as part of its participatory music event, Come Away In, renowned folk artist Karine Polwart welcomed 150 participants to join a community choir for uplifting performances on New Year’s Day at St. Giles’ Cathedral. 

Sprogmanay welcomed a family audience of 5,500 to take part in lots of New Year arts, crafts and activities, including magic, dancing unicorns and giant I-puppets through a collaboration with National Museum of Scotland. Free family ceilidhs took place in Assembly Roxy and Portobello Town Hall offering a truly Scottish experience for families on New Year’s Day both in the city and beyond. 

Despite the cancellation of outdoor events, a survey of attendees at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay saw 71% say they were satisfied to extremely satisfied with their festival experience, 93% agreed it is a valuable part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, 89% said the event made them feel proud to be part of Scotland’s celebrations and 90% would recommend Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to friends or family.

Those who travelled to join the celebrations stayed an average of 2.25 nights spending £958 on their stay. 87.5% of visitors spent money on eating out, 79.5% in bars and pubs, 56% on attractions or tours, and 56% on retail. 

The total economic impact of the Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals was calculated last year at £198M, combining the financial impact of both Edinburgh’s Christmas (£150M) and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (£48M).

This represents a return of £244 for every £1 invested by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC funding contribution of £812,456 towards Edinburgh’s Hogmanay), whilst making a significant contribution to the year-round health and prosperity of the city. 

Alan Thomson from Unique Assembly said: “We take a lot of heart from this report that even having lost our outdoor events at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to weather, the Winter Festivals have still delivered not just wonderful and joyful opportunities for people to come together, but also huge benefits for the people of Edinburgh and for Scotland across traders, local families, communities and charities and our tourism businesses.

“We are working on our plans for this coming winter’s celebrations and look forward to sharing those with you very soon.”

This report demonstrates that Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals ‘continue to be a vital asset to the city and Scotland, providing not only memorable experiences but also significant economic benefits and valuable support to local communities and charities’.

Leith’s Crocus Award for Duncan Place Community Hub manager Nicola

Congratulations to Duncan Place Community Hub Manager Nicola Lamberton who received The Elizabeth Wardlaw Leith Citizenship Award (aka The Crocus Award) from Leith Festival at their AGM on Thursday evening. The award recognises those who have gone above and beyond in service to the community.

Every day, the Duncan Place team, resident charities, community members, family, friends, and a whole host of other amazing people who are part of Duncan Place, are in awe of – and inspired by – the dedication Nicola gives to keeping Duncan Place Community Hub running.

Nicola has worked tirelessly, above, and beyond to make sure that Duncan Place exists as a space for community. From campaigning to save the building, to being the driving force behind forming and growing the charity that would take over the running of the building.

It’s no exaggeration to say, if it wasn’t for Nicola, Duncan Place Community Hub would not be here. Well done, Nicola, and thank you for all you do for the Leith community. ❤️

The award is named after the late Elizabeth Wardlaw, who was an active member of the Leith community, serving as minister of Hermitage United Free Church in addition to becoming a Leith Councillor.

She served in that capacity for over 20 years. Reverend Wardlaw was dedicated to the Leith community and her constituents, instigating many initiatives and helping countless people and families over the years.

The name and design of the award recognises a project instigated by Elizabeth who initially organised children from Leith and St Mary’s (Leith) Primary Schools to plant crocuses to brighten up the links in Spring way back in the 1980’s.

The Crocuses spread, and the beauty of them in spring brings much pleasure to many. They are a fitting memorial to Reverend Wardlaw.

Letter: Quintinshill Rail Disaster

Dear Editor

As a schoolboy, which was not yesterday, I undertook work experience at the National Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh in a building on Queen Street that now functions as serviced apartments

My task was to catalogue pictures relating to an event which, to my shame, I had never heard of – the Quintinhsill Rail Disaster.

Taking place on 22nd May 1915, at the height of the First World War, the event occurred at the Quintinshill signal box near Gretna Green and remains the worst rail disaster in British history. A train packed with nearly 500 members of the Leith Battalion of the Royal Scots travelling from Larbert collided with a local passenger service at Quintinshill.

Straight afterwards, a Glasgow-bound express train smashed into the wreckage at Quintinshill, setting off a devastating fire which engulfed the troop train. In total, around 226 people were killed (215 of whom were soldiers) and a further 246 people were injured.

Some bodies were never recovered, having been wholly consumed by the fire, and when the bodies of the men of the Royal Scots were returned to Leith, where they were buried together in a mass grave in Rosebank Cemetery.

As we mark the 110th anniversary of this disaster, it is heartening to see continued recognition of this event, including a new exhibition at the Drill Hall in Dalmeny Street, Leith.

Yours faithfully

Alex Orr

Marchmont Road

Commemorating Leith’s association with the worst ever UK rail tragedy

On the morning of May 22nd 1915, Quintinshill near Gretna witnessed the biggest train disaster in British railway history. 

Three trains had collided resulting in 226 fatalities. Most of the dead were soldiers who had trained at the Drill Hall in Leith, on their way to Gallipoli.

Those who had waved their young sons, brothers, sweethearts and friends off only days earlier were soon to be faced with the solemn task of identifying their loved one’s body in the Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street in Leith.

Back in 2015 thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust, who now own and manage the Drill Hall as an arts centre and much loved resource for the community, marked the centenary of this disaster, with an exhibition and theatre performance.

What’s happening

On Thursday 22nd May 2025, 110 years to the day of the tragic crash will assemble many of the 2015 participants for a special reunion screening of Ray Bird’s short film, Gretna 100. The film illustrates how a participatory arts project can have a long lasting impact for participants and audience alike.

To mark the centenary of the disaster in 2015, a group of community actors from Active Inquiry and Strange Town Young Company researched and devised a piece of promenade theatre, Persevere, which guided the audience around the Drill Hall enabling them to catch glimpses of stories of Leithers 100 years ago.

There was also a separate research group which included descendants of those who were involved in the tragedy, an exhibition group and the production of the Tree of Life, with a glass artist and Pilmeny Youth Centre. Ray Bird (Drill Hall based filmmaker) made a great film of the project, which will be screened on Thursday 22nd May 2025.

Comments on the project 

‘The Out of the Blue Drill Hall is historically associated with a hugely significant tragedy for the Leith community. Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund we were able to explore the impact on individuals and families by people undertaking their own research, uncovering stories and presenting them to the people of Leith – and beyond! Ray Bird’s film documented the process of the community’s involvement in the context of exploring the impact of the 1915 tragedy to powerful effect’- Out of the Blue CEO Rob Hoon 

“difficult not to be moved and shaken by the profound sense of place, time and continuity conjured up by this fine 24-strong community company” – Joyce McMillan  –  The Scotsman – ‘Persevere’ review 5th June 2015

“It was a great experience to be part of a project which engaged with the history of our local area, whilst simultaneously engaging with the community that lives here now” – Gretna 100 participant

Part of the ‘Out of the Blue is 30’ events series.

Utilita Energy Hub in Leith set to host Hope 4U takeover day this weekend!

High street hub welcomes financial support experts to its free Community Room

Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub, and her dedicated team are looking forward to welcoming financial support experts from Hope 4U to the hub’s Community Room on Saturday, 17 May. 

The Utilita Energy Experts are joining forces with Hope 4U to help hub visitors check if they are on the best energy tariff, with hints and top tips on how to significantly lower energy bills. 

Advice will also be available for those who are eligible for the Attendance Allowance – a disability benefit for people aged 65 or over, who have a long-term illness or disability and need frequent help with personal care or need regular supervision.

Looking forward to the weekend’s takeover day, Natasha said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Hope 4U team in support of the vital work they do to improve financial sustainability and to offer advice to those who may not be able to afford their bills, or who may be struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over their head.

“Depending on your situation, you may also qualify to apply for Warm Home Discount or be eligible to apply for grants from other organisations.

“We’re all too aware that the rising costs of living and reduced public funding have made food and fuel poverty worse. That’s why we are proud to collaborate with Hope 4U to provide the local community with the tools they need to help alleviate the hardship caused by rising costs.

“No matter what you need, our friendly team in Leith are on hand to help with your energy queries, whether you want to learn about smart meters, get energy efficiency advice, or just want a chat in a welcoming environment.

“Plus, you can top-up your energy in store with PayPoint and Payzone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Utilita customer or not – our top-ups include many other energy suppliers too.”

The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available. 

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk. 

See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.