SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER at 7pm
Join us at Grace Church Leith in welcoming Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stephanie Staples to Leith this Saturday 13th at 7pm!
Pay what you want,
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/an-evening-at-grace-church…
A 22-year-old man who died in Leith on Tuesday (2 September, 2025) has been named as John McNab.
Around 2.10am, police received a report a man had been injured on Great Junction Street at Bonnington Road. Emergency services attended and John died at the scene.
Specialist officers are continuing to provide support to his family.
A 16-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with the death. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Thursday, 4 September, 2025.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, of the Major Investigations Team, said: “I would like to extend my sympathies to John’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and anyone with information should contact the inquiry team through 101, quoting reference number 0239 of Tuesday, 2 September, 2025.
“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
SIXTEEN YEAR OLD YOUTH ARRESTED
A 16-year-old male youth has been arrested in connection with the death of a 22-year-old man in Leith yesterday (Tuesday, 2 September, 2025).
Around 2.10am, police received a report a man had been injured on Great Junction Street at Bonnington Road, Edinburgh.
Emergency services attended, however the 22-year-old man died at the scene.
His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification has yet to take place.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance of the Major Investigations Team said: “Our thoughts remain with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Officers remain in the area carrying out enquiries as our investigation continues, and we would urge anyone with concerns to speak to them.”
Edinburgh’s pioneering Regenerative Futures Fund has reached a major milestone in its long-term effort to shift power and resources into the hands of communities tackling poverty, racism and the climate crisis.
From 97 proposals, a Panel, made up of 15 Edinburgh residents with direct experience of poverty and racism, selected 34 projects to advance to the next stage of funding.
50% of selected projects are led by Black and People of Colour, reflecting the city’s commitment to dismantling racism, tackling the climate transition, ending poverty, and addressing the interconnected challenges shaping a just and thriving future.
Included among the projects initially selected are local initiatives Lauriston Farm Collective, Muirhouse Youth Development Group and R2 (above).
The Resident’s Panel has spent months listening, learning and working through each application with care, mapping projects across the City by geography, theme, and approach. Projects selected will enter the capacity-building phase, from August until December, giving groups the time, space and funding to develop full proposals for long-term, unrestricted funding.
Proposals submitted at the start of 2026 will then be considered for an annual award of £100,000, for ten years. Between 10 and fifteen projects will be selected.
However, the work of the fund goes beyond this as all 34 groups, and dozens more from the initial 97 projects, have registered interest in joining the Regenerative Futures Fund wider network for peer learning, collaboration and collective action – a shared movement for the future of Edinburgh.
“We’re here to build movements, as well as to distribute funds,” says Aala Ross, Co-Head of the Fund. “If we accept that the Fund exists to redistribute power, not just resources, we can reimagine our role as something more powerful.
We nurture conditions for collective power, we build trust across difference, and we learn together, to challenge the systems that shape our lives.”
Leah Black, Co-Head, adds: “We’re flipping the usual script on funding. We’re saying: here’s the time, here’s the space, here’s the support – now let’s imagine and build the future we actually want.
“That’s what makes this different. It’s rooted in care, equity and collaboration, and it’s led by the people who live and breathe these challenges every day.”
The Regenerative Futures Fund is backed by some of the UK’s biggest charitable funders, including the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Robertson Trust, Turn2us Edinburgh Trust, Foundation Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council.
Crucially, these funders have stepped back from decision-making, placing control firmly with local people.
City Council Leader Jane Meagher said “Five years ago, Edinburgh became the first UK city to set a target date to end poverty. To achieve this, we must be ambitious and drive the change that is so greatly needed, which means being brave and being innovative.
“We know this is a challenging time for the third sector and we’re working to increase stability for organisations. By giving greater, longer-term support to community projects, they can get on with what they do best – supporting residents, tackling poverty, and changing lives.
“Edinburgh’s Regenerative Futures Fund is a unique new fund to help us achieve just that and end poverty together.
“I’m excited to see a shortlist drawn up by individuals with lived experience of poverty and looking forward to funding awards being presented early next year.”
In September, the wider network of applicants and community groups will come together for the first time to begin a city-wide journey of learning, connection and shared action.
The Fund is also inviting new partners, funders, donors, philanthropists and supporters to join this long-term collaborative effort to reimagine how resources are shared in the city.
For more information, including the list of the 34 projects in the capacity-building phase, visit Services 4 — Regenerative Futures Fund | Working Together Towards A Regenerative And Just Future For Edinburgh | Community Fund | Scotland – UK
EXHIBITION: THE ART of TAKING UP SPACE
Edinburgh charity U-evolve, which has been supporting young people’s mental health since 2015, will host The Art of Taking Up Space, a three-day exhibition showcasing artwork created and curated by young people across the city.
The free exhibition takes place from 30th September to 2nd October 2025 at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Leith.
Marking U-evolve’s tenth anniversary, the project is the culmination of an 8-week art and wellbeing programme, co-facilitated by the charity’s resident Art Therapist, alongside local artists and art students. Young people have explored their experiences of mental health, trauma, resilience and hope, using creativity as a tool for healing, connection and change.
Alongside the exhibition, U-evolve is partnering with organisations including the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Ripple, LGBT Youth Scotland, Circle and Craigroyston Community High School to deliver pop-up workshops.
These partnerships aim to open up community spaces, widen access and encourage youth engagement with art as a pathway to improved wellbeing.
Alison Wright, Art Psychotherapist & Development Worker at U-evolve said: “I’m so proud of the young people who’ve taken part in our art therapy workshops.
“Art has given them a way to express feelings they can’t always put into words, and it has opened up space for conversations in a safe, informal way. The work going on display is honest and from the heart and shows how creative support groups, along with plenty of snacks, can support healing and better mental health!”
Susie McIntyre, U-evolve’s CEO added: “Our 2025-28 strategy is all about creating space for young people and places where they feel safe, heard and empowered.
“The Art of Taking Up Space will highlight just how vital these spaces and services are for healing, wellbeing, and engaging young people in therapies that resonate. We can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the city to the exhibition and to share these pieces from our amazing young people.”
A young person who has taken part in the art therapy courses commented: “These sessions have always been so helpful and even life-changing. I don’t know how my life would have been without this support.”
Since opening in 2015, U-evolve has supported around 200 young people annually, delivering more than 1,000 hours of free coaching, counselling and therapeutic services each year.
Based in Leith, the charity works extensively across North Edinburgh and the South East of the city, reaching young people aged 11 to 21, many of whom face significant challenges linked to poverty, inequality and trauma.
The Art of Taking Up Space is part of The Big Ten, U-evolve’s anniversary project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the event is sponsored by local Leith opticians Cameron Optometry.
The three days will feature several exhibition spaces, a retrospective of U-evolve’s decade of impact and an evening celebratory launch event on 30th September.
Tickets for the launch event, along with more information about U-evolve, are available at www.u-evolve.org.
First session MONDAY 8th SEPTEMBER from 1 – 2pm
New dementia-friendly community singing – Music for Memory with The Forget Me Notes Project
Starting Monday 8th Sept 1pm til 2pm at St James Leith junction of John’s Place/ Duncan Place/Wellington Place.
Free and all welcome.
2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.
Outer Spaces is revitalising communities across Scotland by turning vacant commercial properties into vibrant creative hubs.
On Saturday 23rd August, a visit facilitated by the Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) brought Foysol Choudhury MSP to the Edinburgh Art Festival Pavilion at 45 Leith Street, where he met artists from the Project Cube Studio Programme and witnessed the initiative’s impact first-hand.
Since launching in 2021, the Scottish charity Outer Spaces has been transforming unused office buildings into hubs for creativity, collaboration, and the rise of new artistic voices.
To date, it has brought more than 120 vacant properties back to life, providing free studio space for over 900 artists working across disciplines such as painting, installation, and more.
The Pavilion also houses HOST, a new six-month residency co-presented by Outer Spaces and the Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF25). HOST gives early-career artists the chance to work in the heart of the city, offering a platform for visibility and growth with support that extends well beyond the festival season.
At a time when rising studio rents and limited opportunities leave many emerging artists struggling to find a place to work, Outer Spaces is breaking down barriers.
Its work supports artists to create and connect, sustains creativity as a vital part of a fair society, and accelerates Scotland’s cultural future by nurturing new voices.
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: ““It was inspiring to see so many talented young artists confidently presenting their work. Opportunities like this don’t just happen; they’re made possible because organisations like Outer Spaces and the Scottish Contemporary Art Network open doors, providing free studio space and a platform for artists to create, connect, and thrive.
“Too often, the high cost of studios and the shortage of opportunities mean that emerging artists struggle to find resources to create. That’s why initiatives like this are so important. They give artists the chance to develop their work, build confidence, be part of Scotland’s cultural sector and shape its future.
“My thanks to Outer Spaces and SCAN for the warm welcome and for the brilliant work you do to support creativity in our communities.”
Photo credit: Neil Hanna (@neilhannaphoto)
A THRIVING business hub dedicated to charities has been praised for the outstanding service and massive savings it is delivering to the Third Sector.
New research has revealed that Norton Park – which is next door to Easter Road stadium in Edinburgh – can provide high-quality office space to charities at up to 80% lower than some market prices.
Independent commercial property specialist CuthbertWhite was commissioned to benchmark Norton Park against the rest of the market and underline its vital place for the capital’s not-for-profit sector.
The objective report found Norton Park, which is currently home to 25 charities and no-profits, stands apart from other serviced offices in the city, not just on cost, but on security, quality, and long-term value.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “For many third sector organisations, cost and stability are the two biggest challenges.
“This report highlights what we’ve long known – that Norton Park is affordable while also offering a secure and high-spec base where organisations can thrive.”
Set within a fully modernised Grade B listed former school and church, Norton Park combines flexible leases, all-inclusive rent and a supportive, environment.
CuthbertWhite found that space in Norton Park is provided at 50% to 80% below market rates, providing stability and the kind of professional setting usually reserved for non-Third Sector tenants.
Organisations based at the hub include major charities like Cyrenians, Samaritans, Social Work Scotland and Edinburgh Young Carers.
The research highlighted the not-for-profit business hub delivers inclusive rent covering everything from high-speed broadband and utilities to cleaning and maintenance – with no hidden costs.
It also praised the site’s modern amenities, which include soundproof call pods on every floor, EV charging points, secure cycle storage, full lift access, breakout spaces, and a tenants’ lounge. A programme of regular events such as yoga, cinema clubs and lunch-and-learn sessions further enhances the community feel.
Chris Cuthbert of CuthbertWhite: “We work with many high-end commercial operators across Edinburgh and can say with confidence that Norton Park is a true outlier.
“It delivers tremendous value with quality features and, crucially, offers a level of leasing security to tenants that can be a challenge to find elsewhere in this sector at a similar price point.”
The site has maintained a 95 per cent occupancy rate over the past three years, and more than 60 per cent of current tenants have been based there for over five years – a testament to satisfaction and long-term commitment.
Within the 30,000 sq ft building are units from 60 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft, accommodating 1-40 desks. Norton Park also operated a dedicated co-working space, which allows non-profits to rent desks as needed.
Ewan Aitken, CEO of Cyrenians, said: “‘Not only are the facilities at Norton Park excellent value for money, but there is also a wealth of opportunities for collaboration with others in the Sector.
“The sense of community developed here at Norton Park, and supported by the staff here, is one of the key reasons we are delighted to call this our ‘central’ home.
Keith added: “Owning our premises means we can pass those savings directly on to our tenants. It also means we can plan with certainty, reinvest in our facilities and offer a truly sustainable future for the charities and social enterprises we support.”
With rent and service charges set at least 50% below market rates, the annual saving to the sector is significant — effectively matching what tenants would otherwise spend on a traditional premises. Last year alone, that translated to a saving of £515,000. Assuming similar savings year on year since opening, the cumulative value to the sector is now estimated at over £12 million.
Keith added: “These are estimated figures, but whatever way you look at it, our value to the Third Sector in Edinburgh is incredible.
“We are currently exploring how to more accurately calculate the wider social value that Norton Park delivers to the sector, the local community and the city.”
Cuthbert White’s report also highlighted that many commercial serviced office spaces operate under management agreements and leases that can end offering little to no tenure security. Norton Park’s owner and occupier model is the opposite, offering vital, long-term peace of mind to tenants.
Norton Park is Edinburgh’s first office complex exclusively for charities and social enterprises, offering discounted rates for registered charities, community groups and public sector organisations.
WEDNESDAY 27th AUGUST from 10.30am – 12 noon
Brand new monthly ‘Tea and Blether’ at The Wee Museum of Memory in Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre starting this week on Wednesday 27th August at 1030am in association with our pals at Alzheimer Scotland.
Full information above – all welcome!
