Mike Andersen, the Lib Dem candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today called for Scotland’s sewage network to be upgraded and for a blue flag system for Scotland’s rivers to be introduced.
This comes as new analysis by the Liberal Democrats revealed that Edinburgh North and Leith is one of 14 Westminster constituencies in Scotland where there is no monitoring of sewage dumping pipes.
Across Scotland in 2023 sewage was dumped 21,660 times, an increase of 10% on 2022. However, the problem is likely to be far worse because, unlike in England, hardly any dumping pipes are monitored.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have launched plans for a Clean Water Act that would see:
Scotland’s Victorian sewage network updated;
Every sewage dump monitored and published with binding targets for their reduction;
A blue flag system for Scotland’s rivers;
A complete ban on the release of sewage in protected areas such as bathing waters.
The proposals for Scotland are part of a UK-wide campaign by the Liberal Democrats to clean up waterways and get governments to take action.
Mike Andersen said: “SNP ministers have become spin doctors for the government-owned water company and outdated standards. Bosses are taking home bumper bonuses while millions of litres of sewage gets dumped into our rivers, lochs and beaches.
“Monitoring of sewage dumping is so lacking that there is no monitoring whatsoever in Edinburgh North and Leith. In England, at least there is proper monitoring in place so that we know the scale of the problem.
“On Thursday, you can use your vote to end the appalling sewage scandal. Scottish Liberal Democrats want a Clean Water Act for Scotland to update the sewage network, proper monitoring to find all the dumping, and a complete ban on this filthy practice in protected areas such as bathing waters.
“Liberal Democrats up and down the UK have led the campaign to turn the tide on the sewage scandal. If you elect a Liberal Democrat MP in Edinburgh North and Leith you will get a hardworking local champion who is focused on getting the sewage out of our rivers and winning the change our country desperately needs.”
You can find data for all Scottish Westminster constituencies here.
Foundation Course applications open – be among the first to study at Leith School of Art’s new campus
Graduates speak about how LSA transforms artists’ lives
Leith School of Art is opening a superb new campus which will be the base for its acclaimed Foundation Course.
The one-year course is recognised by students as the passport to art degree programmes of their choice.
LSA is also renowned for its outreach in areas of multiple deprivation and the opportunities it offers people with artistic talent who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access art courses and tuition.
The spacious new Albion Road Campus will be ready for this September’s intake of Art and Design Foundation Diploma students and will also host an expanded One Day Painting Course.
LSA is also working with the SQA to credit rate the School’s Art and Design Foundation Course at an SCQF Level 7 from September 2024.
This advanced level is equivalent to completion of the first year of a Scottish university degree, enabling LSA students to progress directly into the second year of their chosen art and design degree.
Nick Devison, The School’s Principal, said:“This is a landmark moment for Leith School of Art – the new campus will be an amazing place to study art, as a student on our Foundation Course, or any of the other courses which will be taught there.
“We are also celebrating lots of other good news – something that’s really welcome as art education generally is going through such tough times.
“It’s brilliant for students that they can take our Foundation Course and earn the credit points they need for progression into the second year of a degree course.
“And we are already in the position that our Foundation Course is so highly rated that 95% of graduates get into the university art degree course of their choice.
“All this underlines our commitment to offering the very best of art education to the people of Edinburgh.”
Located in a 19th-century former printworks at 66 Albion Road, the new campus provides a superbly lit 3,000 square foot studio and other facilities.
With the major works close to completion, a £30,000 fundraising appeal is underway to cover the costs of fully fitting out the building (donations can be made at www.leithschoolofart.co.uk).
A campus launch event took place yesterday (Thursday, 27 June), featuring an exhibition of work by students on LSA’s Mentoring Course, which enables artists to further develop their work.*
Val McLean, LSA Course Leader and Tutor, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our prestigious Mentoring Course end-of-year exhibition in this remarkable new space, as part of our campus launch celebrations.
“It’s a fantastic platform to showcase the outstanding work and artistic growth of our talented students. And I’m thrilled about our upcoming move to the new campus. With a larger cohort of students we have tremendous opportunities ahead.
“We can nurture the artistic development of more aspiring artists, collaborate on innovative teaching approaches, and craft a truly dynamic and enriching learning experience.”
An exhibition of work by the most recent intake of Foundation Course and year-long course students has also been taking place at LSA’s North Junction Street Campus, a former Norwegian Seamen’s Church.
Inès Ross, a Foundation Course graduate who is going to Falmouth University to study Fine Art, said:“I have had the experience of a lifetime, LSA has helped with my development as an artist and I’ve met so many amazing people this year, teachers, pupils and beyond.”
The School is currently working to increase the level of outreach work it does with secondary schools – mostly in areas of multiple deprivation through the LSA Schools Programme.
One aim is to work with teachers to identify talented children at an early age and nurture them through to the stage where they are ready for university.
What students say about our Foundation Course:
The Art and Design Foundation Diploma stands out for many reasons, including the excellent staff/student ratio, the emphasis on both arts practice and theory and the large amount of time students get to spend with tutors and in the studio. It is also closely tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student.
Sula Reid who went to LSA straight from school:“Leith offered more than I could have hoped. I made friends for life and discovered so much about myself and my artistic capacity. Leith offers a space where you can truly be yourself. The guidance and dedication of the tutors is remarkable, they put so much love into their work.”
Erin Gibbons:“LSA was so supportive and gave me the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I would absolutely recommend LSA to everyone.”
Laura Bullock, a mature student who has been accepted to the Master’s programme at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee:“The dedicated support of the amazing team of experienced tutors and support staff was invaluable. Leith School of Art is such a special place to study, and the Foundation Course sits firmly in its heart and mine.”
Kathryn Adkins:“The course has been incredible. I learned so much about a variety of art media and techniques. LSA provides a wonderful, safe and supportive environment.”
James Sinclair:“The course pushed me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to expand my skills. Being part of a creative community has been inspirational.”
Shona McIntosh, a former Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist:“The Leith School of Art Foundation Year changed my life completely. After further studies I now practice as a conceptual artist, exhibit and sell my work and had a two-month residency on the Galápagos Islands. I could never have achieved this without LSA’s Foundation Course.”
Applications are still open for the 2024-25 Foundation Course. Information can be found here.
LSA offers bursaries and concessionary rates for students unable to afford the fees. See here.
* Launch event refreshments were sponsored by local companies, Moonwake Beer Co and Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, the event showcased a sample of Leith’s thriving independent business and art and culture scene; consolidating Leith’s reputation for being one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods.
One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five Victorian pools, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, will be celebrating 125-years of ‘serving’ the city of Edinburgh and is calling on any keen bakers to join in the festivities.
The venue will be holding a Bake-Off event to celebrate the occasion on Friday, 28th June and is asking local businesses, staff and customers to embrace their inner Mary Berry to create some delicious cakes and tray bakes to raise funds for their Active Communities programmes.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities supports 12,500 people annually who face the greatest barriers to get active – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty. As a venue, they hold 23 Active Community classes each week, and Leith Victoria is one of Edinburgh Leisure’s busiest venues supporting hundreds of people in the local community.
The Bake-Off judging will take place at 11.20 – 11.30am following a busy Aqua and yoga class that takes place earlier in the building, when participants often congregate for a coffee and a blether after. Prizes will be awarded to the best bakes.
June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s previous Chief Executive, who retired in March 2024 after 38 years’ service with Edinburgh Leisure, will be Chief Judge, along with Jen Holland, their new CEO and one of Leith Victoria’s regular customers Christine, 71 years, who attends 19 classes a week at the Leith Viccies, as it is affectionately known locally.
The original Victoria Leith Baths were opened in 1899 by Provost John Bennet. The original plaque is still on display at Leith Victoria Swim Centre. A plaque is also still on display on the exterior of the building which says, ‘Leith School Board, Swimming Baths, 1896’ and there is still the old red and white ‘Baths’ sign on the exterior of the building.
Leith Swimming Baths (now restored) linked to the ‘Public Baths’ (i.e. rows of enamel baths) and Laundry (both now demolished to create the Victoria Swim Centre). The baths were in use until the late 1970s, due to the high number of Leith dwellings lacking bathrooms up to that time. In the good old days, men got changed on one side of the pool, and ladies on the other. Obviously that no longer happens but the baths do have individual changing cubicles around the outside of the pool.
Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria explained: “At 125 years old, Leith Viccies is rich in history, and we also know it holds a special place in so many people’s hearts locally, with customers of a certain vintage telling us how they learnt to swim here many years ago and have carried the tradition on with their children and grandchildren learning to swim here too.
“So, if there are any keen bakers locally for whom Leith Viccies holds a special place in their memory bank and would like to get involved, please get in touch. It’s all a bit of fun but will hopefully raise much needed funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which supports so many different groups of people.”
If there are any keen bakers who would like to contribute a traybake, biscuits, cookies or cake for the event, the team at Leith Victoria would love to have your support. Please get in touch with:
We’re excited to share further details of plans for our community picnic event this Saturday.
We’re looking forward to learning about nature and conservation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), providing some fun activities for kids, offering a chance to refresh your wardrobe at the clothes swap, and hearing your views about the park and how we can make improvements.
All activities are free of charge, so just bring your family, friends, food and something to sit on.
Oh, and let’s not forget to keep hoping for a wee bit of sunshine!
More than 2,000 daily bike trips on Leith Walk in May, following completion of cycle lanes between Leith and Picardy Place
New traffic data collated by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, has revealed how the growing network of cycle routes in Edinburgh is encouraging record numbers of people to travel by bike.
Through May 2024, a daily average of 1,812 bikes were recorded travelling on the cycleway on Leith Walk, with a peak of 2,107 journeys on 30th May.[1]
Demonstrating the significant year-on-year growth in cycling on Leith Walk, a total of 219,070 bike journeys were recorded along the route between January 2024 and the end of May 2024 – almost double the number recorded over the same time period in 2022 (117,969). Data shows that cycling volumes are at their highest during commuting times, indicating many people are using the route for everyday journeys.
Data was captured by an automatic counter located on the cycle path at Picardy Place, one of Cycling Scotland’s nationwide network of counters, funded by Transport Scotland to help measure cycling levels across Scotland.
In addition, a survey organised by Cycling Scotland to monitor traffic over a 48-hour period between 15th and 16th May, recorded that bikes accounted for 9.1% of all journeys on Leith Walk: a level of modal share rarely seen in Scotland.
A person cycling on Melville Street separated cycle lane, part of the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) route in Edinburgh
On the other side of the city centre, Melville Street also recorded a high cycling modal share of 6.4%. The number of cycling journeys in Edinburgh is up 12% compared to May 2023, and up 19% compared to May 2022.
The sustained growth in bike journeys seen on Leith Walk comes after the completion of fully separated two-way cycle lanes along the 2km route, as part of the Trams to Newhaven project, connecting communities in Leith and Edinburgh’s city centre. The route was developed by City of Edinburgh Council, with funding from the Scottish Government.
The route has also recently connected to the newly opened 4km City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), which runs from Roseburn to Picardy Place via Haymarket Train Station, and is already seeing increases in cycling.
Leith resident Elspeth, who uses the Leith Walk and CCWEL routes to cycle to work in Edinburgh Park several times a week, said: “I use the Leith Walk cycle lanes regularly – for travelling to work but also for lots of other shorter journeys, like popping into town or visiting friends.
“The separated cycle lanes have made my bike journeys so much more relaxed, and thanks to CCWEL, it’s now almost completely on separated cycle lanes. It means I can go whatever pace suits me without feeling rushed with traffic on my tail.”
“I love how it gives me independence and allows me to get about town. I find getting around by bike is great for my physical and mental health, and I love the passing waves and nods from other people on bikes in the morning!”
People cycling on Leith Walk
Rowan Simpson, Monitoring and Development Officer at Cycling Scotland, said: “It’s really encouraging to see more than 2,000 people are cycling on Leith Walk each day – yet more evidence that where Scotland builds networks of connected cycling routes, separated from vehicle traffic, more people travel by bike.
“We know that road safety is the single biggest barrier to more people cycling, and the early success of Leith Walk and City Centre West to East Link underlines the critical role of safe, convenient, separated cycle routes, if more people are to choose cycling for short and medium journeys.”
“The new cycle routes make it possible to cycle to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket stations more safely, supporting multi-modal journeys by bike and public transport and helping more people to choose sustainable transport.
“With transport the largest source of carbon emissions in Scotland, we need to help more people to cycle, walk and wheel safely. Investing in dedicated, separated cycling lanes, limiting polluting traffic growth and helping everyone to access bikes, training and bike storage are all key actions to reduce our climate impact and improve health.”
Person cycling southbound on Leith Walk
Transport and Environment Convener of City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “These are really exciting counts that showcase the significant growth in cycling on Leith Walk following completion of the Trams to Newhaven project and the connection with the recently opened City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL).
“The Leith Connections project will be continuing the segregated cycle infrastructure and public space improvements, from the Foot of the Walk northwards, first to Commercial Street and ultimately to Ocean Terminal in the north, Hawthornvale path in the west and Seafield in the east.
“This improved connectivity, and better active travel and public transport links support our wider ambitions to achieve net zero by 2030 and active travel across Edinburgh.
“Once the Leith Connections project is complete, this improved route will not only provide a safer environment for people walking, wheeling and cycling but will transform the area to create a more pleasant, welcoming space to spend time.”
Person cycling northbound on Leith Walk
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans, added: “Edinburgh residents want to safely and easily get around without needing to rely on a car. This new data shows the demand that can be unlocked by delivering safe walking, wheeling and cycling links like the City Centre West to East Link.
“People in Edinburgh know that every time they decide to travel under their own steam, they are helping their health, our planet and improving the quality of the air we all breathe – and delivering more of these opportunities has support across the city.
“It’s so important to build on the success of projects like CCWEL and deliver even more high-quality, active connections which give everyone fairer, better choices to reach the places they need to.”
10-11.30am Meet at the Balfour Street entrance. We can provide litter pickers and gloves – or bring your own. We’ll also be doing some path edging and hole filling so please bring a shovel if you have one and want to help with these tasks. Children are welcome but must be supervised by a responsible adult.
Since January this year there has been a 38% increase on the previous year of women seeking help from Edinburgh Women’s Aid due to experiencing domestic abuse.
At the same time, the longer-term impact of the pandemic has made accommodating families in shared homes more challenging. Fear of infection, lack of personal space and the impact of lockdown on children have prompted Edinburgh Women’s Aid to review their current shared accommodation options within the city.
Edinburgh Women’s Aid approached Harbour Homes who are providing up to four two-bedroom flats to be used as emergency accommodation. Those living in the flats leased to Edinburgh Women’s Aid will receive weekly support and a safe and furnished home.
Heather Kiteley, Chief Executive at Harbour Homes said:“In 2022-23, 90% of recorded domestic abuse incidents in Scotland took place inside the home.
“We care deeply about the work Edinburgh Women’s Aid are doing to provide support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse. We extend our support to Edinburgh Women’s Aid and will do all we can to assist those living in the emergency accommodation we provide.”
Karen Griffiths, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Women’s Aid said:“We are incredibly thankful to Harbour Homes for their support in leasing this emergency accommodation to us.
“The flats will provide a safe and stable environment for women and any accompanying children who are at risk of homelessness because of Domestic Abuse, whilst they are supported by Edinburgh Women’s Aid to recover.”
General public and former whalers and their families sought to help co-design new online Whalers’ Memory Bank
In June 2023 the South Georgia Heritage Trust and the South Georgia Museum launched a project called The Whalers’ Memory Bank.
Supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is about creating a living, growing digital time capsule where veterans of the whaling industry, their families and communities can come together to contribute and share their stories with a wider audience.
Since then, the South Georgia Museum has been busy collecting hundreds of stories, photographs and memorabilia from the former whaling communities – the response has been amazing.
But we want to make sure we tell these stories in a way that captures everyone’s imagination. Presenting stories in a way the former whaling communities want to see, but also in a way that appeals to a wider audience so they can understand this important slice of Scottish social history.
That is why we are putting out a call for anyone who wants to join us either for a short workshop or just drop in and find out more and give us your thoughts.
Over the weekend of 22 and 23 June there are a number of opportunities to join in and help us through a range of workshops and drop-in sessions that are taking place.
Saturday 22 June – we will be at The Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine. We will be running a workshop from 10.30am until 12.00 which we are encouraging people to book onto. We will also be running a drop-in session for general visitors to the museum from 2-4pm.
Sunday 23 June – we will be at The Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. We will be running a workshop from 11.00am until 12.30 which we are encouraging people to book onto. We will also be running a drop-in session for general visitors to the museum from 1.30-3.30pm.
Each workshop will last about an hour and a half and we would welcome any former whalers and their families to come along, bring any memories or stories you want to share but, most importantly, be happy to help us shape our early thoughts and ideas on the Memory Bank.
But you don’t need to have had any association with whaling to join in. We are really looking forward to getting input and feedback from the general public so you can also either book onto one of the workshops or come and join us anytime during the drop-in sessions over the weekend should you be at either of the museums.
To book onto a workshop on either Saturday 22 or Sunday 23 May email memorybank@sght.org or just drop in if you want to join us for a more casual chat at the drop-in sessions.
Please note there is an entrance fee for both museums. Workshop attendance is free, but if you wish to visit the rest of the museum once it is ended there will be a reduced entrance fee of £4 for the Scottish Maritime Museum and £5 for the Scottish Fisheries Museum.
Helen Balfour, Community Engagement Officer for the Memory Bank said:“The story of modern whaling in the Southern Hemisphere is a controversial one with British companies playing a key role in the industry.
“These companies had a largely Scottish workforce, with many from Shetland. Now, only a dwindling number of men survive that have first-hand memories of this industry, an integral part of Scottish and Shetland’s social history.
“As someone from a family with many connections to whaling, I am conscious that this is story well known to some but not one that is more widely understood or discussed. We don’t only want to delve into the stories of whalers, we want to explore questions such as: why was whaling so important? how did it help power the world between the wars, and what was it like to live, and work from the remote island of South Georgia in the Southern Ocean?
“We have already done some workshops in Shetland in May where we really learnt a lot from whalers, their families and the community. We want to continue that work and hope to see as many people as possible over the weekend of 22 and 23 June to help us shape and tell this hidden piece of Scotland’s social history.”
Linda Fitzpatrick, Head Curator at the Scottish Fisheries Museumwho is also helping with the wider collections management of the project said: “This unique project has many features that resonate with the work we do at the Scottish Fisheries Museum to engage audiences with topics relating to the heritage and development of fishing technologies, including whaling.
“There is no doubt that reflecting on whaling is problematic: it was brutal and exploitative, and few would welcome its return. Nevertheless, the industry was an important feature of Scotland’s industrial development and generated a distinct and vibrant culture.
“This is an important moment, therefore, to reach out to ex-whalers and their communities to capture the living memories of those who took part in the industry and to preserve them for the future.
“We warmly invite anyone with an interest in the subject to come along over the weekend to either museum over the weekend of the 22 and 23 June.”
10-11.30am
Meet at the Balfour Street entrance.
We can provide litter pickers and gloves – or bring your own.
We’ll also be doing some path edging and hole filling so please bring a shovel if you have one and want to help with these tasks.
Children are welcome but must be supervised by a responsible adult.
