Category: Leith

Top councillors shortlisted in annual LGIU and CCLA national Cllr Awards

LEITH LEFT-WINGER NOMINATED FOR AWARD

40 local councillors from across England, Wales and Scotland have been shortlisted for the 2025 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards, the only national awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary work of councillors.

Only one – Katrina Faccenda – is a City of Edinburgh Councillor. Leith councillor Ms Faccenda is nominated in the Innovator of the Year category.

Now in their 16th year in England and 8th year in Scotland, the Cllr Awards highlight the vital contribution of councillors, often the unsung heroes of local democracy.

From championing residents’ interests to leading innovation in public services, councillors play a crucial role in shaping communities and improving lives, and they do so while giving up their time and energy for what is often a voluntary, unpaid role.

This year’s competition was extremely tight with more than 400 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. 

The full England & Wales shortlist is available here and Scotland shortlist can be found here.

Winners in England & Wales will be announced on Tuesday 18 November at the Guildhall in London while winners in Scotland will be revealed on Wednesday 5 November at the Glasgow City Chambers. 

The Cllr Awards judging panels comprise senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors. This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Our annual Cllr awards demonstrate the best of local government. With more thn 400 nominations, competition was extremely tight with inspiring stories of councillors up and down the country going the extra mile to 2improve their local area. 

“Councillors are at the heart of local democracy, working tirelessly to support their communities and drive change. These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day.

“This year’s shortlist is a testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across the country.

“Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”

Lee Jagger, Local Government, Relationship Manager, CCLA said: “Every one of the councilors on the Cllr Awards shortlist this year has had a significant and positive impact on their communities and on the lives of their individual residents.

“That’s what the councillor role is all about – ordinary people trying to make the places that we live and work better.

“CCLA is very proud to have supported these Awards from the very beginning and to be part of this important celebration of the best of local government.”

LeithChooses: Applications Open!

WELLBEING IN LEITH GETS LEITHCHOOSES 2026 FUNDING BOOST

LeithChooses is delighted to announce that applications are now open for funding bids for community projects across the wider Leith area! 

Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 for a project that ‘enhances well-being for Leithers’ and applications will be put to the public vote on 24th January 2026 at Leith Community Centre, Kirkgate at the much-loved LeithChooses Community Vote Day. 

This year saw 11 new projects receive funding, following an exceptionally busy vote day, including a new children’s running group, summer holiday workshops for children and parents, tea dances for seniors, a playground mural and a multicultural celebration day.  

LeithChooses Chair, Councillor Susan Rae, said “Many organisations from Leith have benefited from our participatory budget fund in the past, and we are excited to see what innovative projects Leith groups come up with this time, on the theme of ‘well-being in Leith’.  

“LeithChooses is entering its 15th year and we never fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and resilience of Leithers.” 

“We are really excited to see what ideas come forward’ said Councillor Jack Caldwell, also on the Steering Group.

“From Newhaven to Broughton, Constitution Street to Hillside, LeithChooses has funded many groups and activities and this year should be no different.”

Sally Millar, Leith Links Community Council and Steering Group member, stressed the need to get applications in soon. “Participatory Budgeting allows communities to have a direct say in how community budgets are spent and to choose priorities for spending.

“The voting day is a great chance for organisations and the public to meet others who live, work, study or volunteer in the area. Get those applications in!”

The application window is open until 22nd October 2025. You can fill it in by visiting leithchooses.net/applications-for-leithchooses-2025-26-are-now-open. 

Support is available for any organisation that wishes to take part, please get in touch via leithchooses.net/would-you-like-help-with-your-application.

LeithChooses was started in 2010 as “£eith Decides” and disperses Community Grant funding for Edinburgh Council Wards 12 and 13.

More information on LeithChooses, please contact susan.rae@edinburgh.gov.uk or visit leithchooses.net.

Coming Soon: Local Resistance

Something exciting is coming! Keep your eyes peeled for more information!

FILM HUB SCOTLAND are proud to support LOCAL RESISTANCE, a programme of local film screenings curated by – and for – communities in Wester Hailes, Muirhouse, Craigmillar and Leith.

WHALE Arts‘s touring programme will celebrate local stories of self-organising and solidarity across Craigmillar NowNorth Edinburgh ArtsThe CrannieDuncan Place LeithWHALE Arts. And just look at these beautiful posters 😍

✨ Get tickets: whalearts.co.uk/local-cinema/

👉 Read our interview with Local Resistance coordinator, Morvern Cunningham: http://filmhubscotland.com/…/the-local-cinema-network…/

Death on Great Junction Street: Victim named

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.”

Arrest following yesterday’s death on Great Junction Street

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 Regenerative Futures Fund Moves into Next Phase

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

Edinburgh art show spotlights youth mental health and need for safe creative spaces

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.

New Music for Memory Group

FORGET ME NOTES at ST JAMES CHURCH LEITH

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.

https://www.forgetmenotes.org.uk

Outer Spaces: MSP visits creative hub

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.

Foysol Choudhury MSP visited to Outer Spaces (EAF Hub 45 Leith Street) Pic Neil Hanna 07702 246823

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 visited to Outer Spaces (EAF Hub 45 Leith Street) Pic Neil Hanna 07702 246823

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)