Category: Leith

Knife Angel leaves Leith – but Not In Vain campaign goes on

Month-long programme to tackle knife crime makes it’s mark

knife angel

Throughout September, communities across Edinburgh have taken part in activities designed to help people understand the risks associated with carrying knives and explore how to prevent violence.

The 27-foot Knife Angel sculpture, created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades, has provided a powerful focal point for conversations about the devastating impact of violence and knife crime.

As part of the programme, 500 pupils were funded to attend Code at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The gritty theatre production explores county lines gangs and violence through rap, parkour and BMX stunts.

The performance prompted important discussions among pupils, teachers and peers about the realities and consequences of violence.

Pupils from 13 high schools also attended Balisong, an educational play about knife crime produced by Strange Town. With support from Forth Ports, the production has toured high schools across Edinburgh, reaching thousands of pupils.

Young people have also played a key role in a creative project which saw 92 pieces of pupils’ artwork selected to form a mosaic on a Lothian bus. The artwork focuses on keeping safe and being kind, providing a positive message that was seen by people across the city.

Police Scotland school engagement officers have worked with schools and young people throughout September as part of ongoing efforts to prevent violence before it starts.

The Local Policing crime prevention team took part in community workshops, while officers have been providing local retailers with advice and guidance around the responsible sale of knives.

The Council held a closing ceremony on Friday to mark the end of the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh. The event brought the community together to reflect on the month’s activities and consider how partners can build on this work to continue reducing violence and knife crime across the city.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The Knife Angel has provided a powerful opportunity to bring people together and have important conversations about knife crime, violence and how we can make our communities safer.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Knife Angel programme, particularly our schools, young people, community organisations, Police Scotland and our other partners. The creativity and commitment shown throughout the month has helped keep these important conversations going.

“Although the Knife Angel is now leaving Edinburgh, the work does not stop here. The partnerships, conversations and lessons from the past month give us a strong foundation to continue working together to prevent violence and keep our communities safe.”

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “Edinburgh Division has been proud to have supported the Knife Angel residency alongside Places For People, City of Edinburgh Council and over 100 partners to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of violence crime and the support available to those affected by crimes of this nature.

“There is no place for violence in our society and our officers work daily with our communities and partners to respond to incidents of violence when they arise and support a range of diversionary activities aimed at deterring at risk groups from getting involved in violence.

“During the month of the Knife Angel residency we have helped keep people safe by patrolling the transport network, providing local retailers with advice on the responsible sale of knives, delivering inputs to schools on the dangers of weapon carrying, and, crucially, listening to those impacted by violence across our communities, including children and young people, about their experience of violence. This is all in addition to enforcement activity targeting perpetrators of violence.

“The Knife Angel has provided a platform for discussion reaching millions, united partners to roll out education programs, community engagement events, practitioner events and the sharing of accounts from those impacted by violence. However, the work does not end when the Angel goes, we remain committed to tackling violence in communities.

“If you are a young person who knows information about violent crime, including weapon possession, you can report it 100 percent anonymously via Fearless, the youth service of independent charity Crimestoppers, at fearless.org.

“If you are an adult, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or directly to Police Scotland by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Together we can keep Edinburgh a safe place to work, live and visit.”

 The Council will continue to work with partners, schools, and communities to support violence prevention and build on the work inspired by the Knife Angel’s visit.

And for Lisa Petrie, the remarkable wee mum who lost her son John McNab in a stabbing last September, the campaign goes on. The Angel may have moved on, but Lisa’s determination to ensure her terrible loss is Not In Vain remains as strong as ever.

More information about the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh and the Book of Remembrance is available on the Council’s website.

Edinburgh CIC launches Winter Coat Exchange amidst “perfect storm”of energy price rises and El Niño predictions

The Leith Collective hopes its Winter Coat Exchange will bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those struggling this winter

Energy prices are set to reach a three-year high this winter, with an even greater hike to bills expected to hit households in the new year.

These increases, coupled with the knock-on effects of a significant El Niño will create a “perfect storm” for families already struggling to afford the basics to stay warm this winter, according to local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, which is launching a Winter Coat Exchange on Thursday 1st October to help bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need this winter.

Last year, The Leith Collective rehomed more than 10,000 good quality coats. This year, they hope to distribute even more, plus for the first time jumpers, blankets, scarfs, hats and gloves, and they are calling on local businesses and organisations to play their part. 

The initiative is being launched in response to the announcement from the energy regulator, Ofgen, which outlined a rise in the price cap from October. This will add an extra £60 to the typical annual household energy bill, setting bills at a three-year high. What’s more, energy prices are predicted to rise again in January 2027, with current forecasts suggesting the price cap could increase by a further 25%. 

All this comes amidst warnings from UN officials that a significant El Niño is likely to occur towards the end of 2026, with some forecasts predicting the strongest event on record. The direct effects of this El Niño will be felt across the globe and may heighten instances of extreme weather, leading to adverse effects on global food supply chains and energy prices. 

In response, Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective is urging locals to act now. “Families here in Edinburgh are facing real hardship, and the prospects for this winter are bleak if we don’t step in and help.

“We’ve spoken to countless people who can’t afford to heat their homes, cook a decent meal or buy coats and jumpers to stay warm.

“That’s why we’re calling on businesses, organisations, charities, community groups and individuals to donate and distribute good quality winter clothing to bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need.”

Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective.

The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can help themselves to warm winter clothes without charge and without judgement.

Author Event at Leith Library

We are delighted to invite everyone to a very special author event!

Writing Well and Failing: in conversation with Ely Percy and Lucy Ribchester on Wednesday 30th September, from 6 – 7.30pm, at Leith Library.

Ely Percy talks about setbacks, perseverance and the perception of literary success – hosted by Lucy Ribchester.

Book your free tickets here: https://writing-well.eventbrite.co.uk

Leith’s Muse Hair named Best Hair Salon in Scotland

A third-generation Leith hair salon that has stood in the same Ferry Road premises since 1960 has been named Best Hair Salon at the 2026 Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards.

Muse Hair, a family-run salon with 66 years of history in the area, took home the title at the 15th annual SHABA awards in Glasgow, beating competition from salons across Scotland.

For Muse, the win is less a sudden arrival than the latest chapter in a story that began more than six decades ago.

Three generations of the same family have worked from the Ferry Road premises, through extraordinary changes in hairdressing, fashion, business and in Leith itself.

Owner Scott Finnigan said: “Winning Best Hair Salon means a huge amount to us. You’re in a room with some of the best people in the industry, from every part of Scotland, so hearing Muse called out was genuinely a bit surreal.

“But what makes it really special is the history behind it. We’re third generation. We’ve been working from the same premises on Ferry Road since 1960.

“Leith has changed beyond recognition. Hairdressing has changed beyond recognition. Somehow, through all of that, we’re still here.”

The Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards bring together leading salons, stylists, colourists, barbers and beauty professionals from across the country.

Muse reached the final alongside 15 other salons, while members of its team were also recognised individually, with Amanda Stanton shortlisted for Best Female Stylist and Best Female Colourist, and Mac Torrance shortlisted for Best Hair Extensionist.

Scott said the award reflected far more than what clients see from the chair. “There’s a version of running a salon that looks quite simple from the outside. You make the place look good, open the doors and cut hair.

“The reality is years of training people, building a culture, maintaining standards, fixing mistakes, adapting, listening, developing young stylists and constantly asking whether you can do things better.

“That part is invisible to most people, but it’s the part that matters.”

Muse has built its reputation around combining serious technical standards with an intentionally relaxed, unpretentious approach.

“We’ve never wanted Muse to feel corporate or overly polished,” Scott said. “We want people to walk in and immediately feel at ease. We take the work seriously, but not ourselves.

“There should be good conversation, good music, a bit of chaos, a lot of laughter — and, at the end of it, really good hair.

“To be recognised at this level while still feeling completely like us is probably the best thing about it.”

For a business with roots stretching back to 1960, the award also comes at a time when independent high-street businesses face unprecedented pressure.

For Muse, however, longevity has never meant standing still.

The salon continues to invest in education, emerging talent and the development of the next generation of hairdressers, while remaining independent and family-run.

Sixty-six years after the first generation opened the doors on Ferry Road, those doors are still open.

And now, above them, sits one more accolade: Best Hair Salon in Scotland.

Football legends join Utilita Energy Hubs for National Football Rebooted Day 2026

Utilita Football Rebooted

Saturday, 3 October 2026 will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host National Football Rebooted Day 2026 – a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots and make the beautiful game more accessible for families and young people.

Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport, and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.

Club mascots will be on hand at each high street Hub to welcome fans and pose for selfies, while Football Rebooted Ambassador David James MBE will lead the national celebrations from Derby. Meanwhile, Southampton FC legend Francis Benali will visit the Shirley Hub in Southampton, and former Middlesbrough FC players David Wheater and Craig Hignett, alongside current women’s player Megan Borthwick, will make a special appearance at the Hartlepool Hub.

Visitors to the Leith Energy Hub in Edinburgh will be welcomed by a Hibs Club Mascot and invited to donate football boots via a dedicated Football Rebooted collection point. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including Hibernian FC football tickets, signed merchandise, an energy-efficient Air Fryer, and other spot prizes.

The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Natasha Baillie, Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub Supervisor, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport, no matter their background or financial situation. Football Rebooted Day is a fantastic opportunity for people across the UK to support their communities through a simple act of generosity.

“By donating a pair of football boots, supporters can help keep young players active in the game they love, while giving quality equipment a second life instead of sending it to landfill.”

Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.

Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home. All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.

Event Details

The National Football Rebooted Day forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.

Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026

Time: 10am to 2pm 

Cost: Free to attend and open to all

Location: Utilita Energy Hub, 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA

For more information about Football Rebooted and how to get involved, visit www.footballrebooted.co.uk.

Police appeal following fatal crash on Salamander Street

Road policing officers are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash in Edinburgh.

At 6.36pm last night (Wednesday, 23 September 2026), while on routine patrol, two officers signalled for a Yamaha YZF R6 motorcycle to stop in the Seafield Road area.

The motorcycle failed to stop and, at 6.37pm, was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle on Salamander Street, at the junction with Bath Road.

The 40-year-old male rider of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured. He was arrested in connection with a road traffic offence and enquiries are ongoing.

Salamander Street was closed for around nine hours while investigations were carried out and fully reopened at around 4am.

Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died, and we will continue to keep them updated on our investigation.

“Specialist crash investigators are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened and I’m appealing to anyone who saw the collision or was in the area and may have information which could be relevant, to come forward. I’d also ask drivers with dash cams to review their footage for anything which may be significant and bring it to our attention.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting incident 2932 of 23 September.

PlayAway for a Day!

Tinderbox Collective hosts conference & exhibition exploring the intersections between creative technology & game-design with arts, education & community work

Sat 24 October 2026 10:00 – 16:45 at Out of the Blue

  • Tinderbox Collective hosts one-day conference and exhibition exploring the intersection of creative technology, games, the arts, education and community sectors.
  • What happens when artists, game designers, educators, technologists and community organisers get into the same room? Who gets to shape the technologies entering our schools, cultural spaces and everyday lives? How can artists create work that’s not only interesting, but useful, playful and genuinely for people? 
  • Expect inspiring talks, thought-provoking panels, interactive exhibits and plenty of opportunities to share ideas, spark conversations and make new connections
  • Tech experience both welcome and not needed – open to artists, designers, educators, youth & health workers, and researchers

PlayAway is back with a one-day gathering for anyone curious about where creative technology, games and interactive media meet the arts, education and community work. 

Expect honest conversations, practical demos, new ideas and plenty of time to meet the people behind the work. You don’t need to be a tech expert – or any kind of expert – to take part. Come with questions, share what you’re working on and have a look around.

Talks and panels will feature artists and organisations such as Olesya Ilenok, Martin Disley, Farhad Ahmed, Drake Music Scotland, Datakirk, Youth Link Scotland, Produced Moon, Visible Fictions, Biome Collective and more. 

Hear about immersive musical experiences for children in hospitals, how creative technology can help organisations connect with communities, and how emerging technologies such as AI might interact with this work.

Tinderbox Collective will be hosting a ticketed conference and a free exhibition of digital works. Exhibits include Tamagotchi Seance #3: Memory Garden, Nick Murray’s experimental narrative game inviting players to build a collaborative memory garden; Stone Life I, II & III, Iona Zawinski’s playful interactive sculptures; Lowtek Lightbook, Alastair Low’s pop-up game book where players interact through a projected character; and Phone Call from the Edge of the Universe, Lucy Middleton’s narrative game played through a phone booth.

The day will finish with an informal get together at Leith Victoria Bar, offering the chance to continue conversations, share ideas and make new connections.

Tinderbox Collective Senior Producer Luci Holland says: “It’s great to be bringing communities together to explore these topics, and to share the learning and work within them.

“We ran the first PlayAway online during the pandemic in 2021, and so much has changed since then. Now feels like the right time to be diving back into these questions and starting new conversations about technology and how it can be used creatively across different sectors.” 

PlayAway for a Day takes place Saturday 24 October 2026, 10am-4.45pm.

Tickets (£10 and pay-what-you-can) are on sale at

Play Away 2026

Theatre tackling knife crime returns to Edinburgh schools as Strange Town joins Knife Angel project

“Pupils voluntarily handed weapons in” – Council funds performances for local high schools

Leith-based charity Strange Town is taking its powerful knife-crime play BALISONG back into Edinburgh schools this autumn, as part of the Knife Angel project, with performances planned for pupils across 13 high schools.

The production, written by award-winning Scottish playwright Jennifer Adam and directed by Strange Town Artistic Director Steve Small, explores the consequences of carrying a knife through the story of a 15-year-old boy who brings a butterfly knife home after a school trip.

The tour comes at a time of growing concern about knife crime and youth violence in Edinburgh. Police Scotland figures show that crimes committed in a public place involving a knife rose by 29% between 2022/23 and 2024/25, from 178 offences to 250. 

Strange Town has seen first-hand the impact theatre can have in opening up difficult conversations with young people. When BALISONG previously toured schools, pupils voluntarily handed in weapons after seeing the production.

The play was originally commissioned by No Knives Better Lives and, between 2017 and 2019, toured schools in every local authority in Scotland. It has since been brought back to Edinburgh as part of Strange Town’s wider programme of high-quality theatre for young audiences.

The charity’s Touring Company has now delivered 62 free performances to more than 7,000 pupils across 25 Edinburgh schools, tackling issues including knife crime, consent, online bullying and climate anxiety.

Each performance is followed by teacher-led discussion, giving pupils the opportunity to reflect and talk openly about the issues raised.

Steve Small, Artistic Director and Joint Executive Director of Strange Town, said: “We know BALISONG works because we have seen what happens when young people encounter it. On our previous tour, pupils voluntarily handed in weapons. Teachers told us that the play opened up conversations they simply could not have started in the same way themselves.

“That is why we are so pleased to be taking BALISONG back into Edinburgh schools as part of the Knife Angel project. Theatre doesn’t lecture young people or tell them what to think. It allows them to see themselves, their friends and the consequences of choices in a different way, and then gives them the space to talk.

“We will be working with 13 high schools during this tour. At a time when concerns about knife crime and youth violence are so high, it is vital that we give young people opportunities to have these conversations before a crisis happens.

“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Edinburgh Council for supporting this project and helping us bring this work to young people. We also want people to understand that organisations like Strange Town cannot deliver this work without ongoing support.

“If you believe young people deserve access to ambitious, high-quality theatre that can genuinely make a difference, please come and see BALISONG at the Traverse and consider supporting the future of Strange Town.”

That impact has also been recognised by teachers working directly with pupils. Head of Drama at Drummond Community High School said: “As a drama teacher, I see firsthand the transformative power of live professional theatre in shaping young minds.

“It allows for meaningful discussion and reflection on themes that are current to the society they live in.”

Martin Hutchison – The City of Edinburgh Council said: “Tackling knife crime and youth violence requires a partnership approach, with prevention and early intervention at its heart. We are pleased to support the return of BALISONG to Edinburgh schools as part of the wider Knife Angel project.

“Creative approaches can provide young people with a safe and engaging way to explore difficult issues, challenge perceptions and have conversations that might otherwise be difficult to start.

“Reaching pupils across 13 high schools gives this project an important opportunity to engage young people directly and encourage positive choices.

“We are grateful to Strange Town for the important work they continue to do with young people across Edinburgh and look forward to seeing the impact of this project.”

The Edinburgh tour forms part of the wider Knife Angel project, which aims to bring communities together to raise awareness of the devastating impact of knife crime and encourage prevention and positive action.

Strange Town believes that high-quality theatre has a unique role to play in this work. By putting young people at the centre of a compelling story, BALISONG creates space for empathy, debate and reflection rather than simply presenting statistics or warnings.

The charity is also inviting members of the public to support the project by attending a special performance of BALISONG at the Traverse Theatre at 7pm on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September.

Tickets for the Traverse performance are available here: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/balisong 

The public can also help Strange Town continue its work with young people by making a donation to support future productions, school tours and accessible creative opportunities.

To support Strange Town: https://strangetown.org.uk 

Strange Town is a Leith-based charity that has spent more than 18 years creating accessible, high-quality theatre and creative opportunities for young people.

Its Touring Company works with professional emerging artists to create original productions specifically for young audiences, bringing theatre directly into schools and creating opportunities for pupils to engage with challenging issues in a safe and accessible environment.

The Balisong Theatre production is funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and  Forth Ports, and is part of a wider programme of events whilst the Knife Angel Sculpture is in Edinburgh –  supported by Places for People Scotland and Police Scotland.

More people than ever using Edinburgh’s bike lanes

More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk

  • More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk, Edinburgh
  • 67,572 cycle journeys recorded on Leith Walk in the month of May, a 25% increase on May 2025
  • Record share of journeys on York Place being made by bike

New traffic data analysed by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, shows the continuing success of high-quality cycle lanes, with record levels of cycling seen on key routes in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Over a 48-hour period in May 2026, traffic surveys recorded 5,653 bike journeys on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk – a record at this location.

Cycle journeys accounted for 11% of all methods of travel on Leith Walk, with more bikes than cars counted during one morning rush hour period (8-9am, Wednesday 13th May) – the first time this has been observed on an on-street cycle route in Edinburgh.

On nearby York Place, where protected cycle lanes now connect the City Centre West East Link route to Leith Walk, 2,018 bikes were recorded over the 48-hour period, amounting to 4.7% of all travel methods recorded, both marking new records for the location.

This cycling modal share is a significant increase on the first survey conducted on York Place in May 2021, when bikes accounted for only 2.1% of journeys – a sign of the growing impact of the new cycling infrastructure.

In addition to results from this 48-hour traffic survey, a permanent cycle counter on Picardy Place at the top of Leith Walk has been recording its highest levels of cycle traffic in 2026. 67,572 cycle journeys were recorded through all of May 2026 compared with 54,193 throughout May 2025 (an increase of 25%).

Great Junction Street in Leith saw a record 2,043 bikes counted over the two days, with a cycling modal share of 4.4%. This follows the recent completion of Leith Connections project, with a new protected cycle lane connecting Leith Walk to Commercial Street.

At all of these locations, strong peaks in cycling were seen at morning and evening rush hours, indicating that more people are travelling by bike for everyday journeys, like commuting to and from work.

Analysis of traffic levels also shows that long-term increases in cycling modal share at these locations are primarily due to more people cycling, rather than any corresponding decrease in vehicle traffic.

Traffic surveys carried out by Cycling Scotland, in partnership with local authorities, involve a temporary camera counting all passing traffic at more than 50 locations across Scotland. The surveys count all travel modes including pedestrians, bikes, cars, buses, vans and larger goods vehicles.

Conducted biannually each May and September, with funding from Transport Scotland, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “I am pleased to see Cycling Scotland’s latest figures on cycle lane use in Edinburgh. The record levels of use across the city particularly on Edinburgh’s City Centre West-East Link demonstrates the infrastructure we are providing is helping more people than ever travel by bike for everyday journeys.
 
“Active travel is pivotal in helping people save money, improve their health and reduce transport emissions – walking, wheeling and cycling is transformational for both people and planet.
 
“We are investing £226 million in active and sustainable travel this year, and the evidence shown by these figures highlights how this funding is creating safer and easier routes that will lead to more people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”

Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh City Council Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These new figures speak for themselves.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen city cycling records being consistently broken. This is a direct consequence of our commitment to creating and improving cycling infrastructure across Edinburgh, as part of our City Mobility Plan.

“We’ve also seen the overwhelming popularity and success of our cycle hire scheme, delivered by Voi, providing a convenient and economic way for people to get around.

“It’s never been easier to cycle in the Capital, so I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to give it a try.”

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “What we see clearly from the data is where Edinburgh invests in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, more people are travelling by bike.

“The high volumes of cycling that we continue to see around morning rush hour tells its own story, with people evidently using these new routes to make everyday journeys by bike, including to work. We’re also seeing signs of a strong network effect, as routes begin to join together and make more journeys possible.

“Altogether, more people cycling is a net benefit for everyone, for our health, for reducing harmful pollution and reducing congestion on our streets. We need more safe cycling routes, to bring these advantages to more people across Edinburgh and Scotland.”