Category: Leith

More than 10,000 free coats to be redistributed to those in need this winter 

The Leith Collective launches Winter Coat Exchange to coincide with energy price cap rise

On Tuesday 1st October 2024, the energy price cap will rise by 10%, taking a typical annual household bill to £1,717. One Edinburgh Community Interest Company predicts this increase will push many struggling families over the edge.

To help in the fight against poverty, The Leith Collective is launching its Winter Coat Exchange on Tuesday 1st October to coincide with this energy price cap rise. Having redistributed almost 10,000 free coats last winter, founder Sara Thomson predicts even more will be needed this year to provide warmth and comfort to those in desperate need.

According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, more than one million people live in poverty in Scotland, with nearly half of those people (490,000) living in very deep poverty. The energy price cap rise will hit those trapped in poverty the hardest and will no doubt force many to sacrifice basic essentials such as a warm winter coat.

And so, The Leith Collective is calling on businesses, organisations, charities and community groups across Scotland to register as an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point. That way, they can redistribute good quality coats to those who need them – free of charge, no questions asked – and provide much-needed comfort this winter.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Sara said; “This is the fourth year of running the Winter Coat Exchange and sadly I think our help will be needed more than ever this year.

“So many people are already at breaking point because of the cost of living crisis, and now gas and electric bills are set to rise yet again. Last year we redistributed almost 10,000 coats to those in need and we’re bracing ourselves for even greater demand this winter.” 

One of the first organisations to sign up to the scheme this year was the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “Going without basic necessities such as a warm winter coat can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing.

“So we’re proud to be playing our part in the fight against poverty by signing up to be an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point and we implore as many other local organisations to do the same so we can make a real difference.”

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 get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.

Wind Turbines in Leith: Information event in Leith Community Centre

THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER from 3 – 7pm

Manufacturing wind turbines in Leith Docks? Big new plans!

Drop in, learn more, ask questions & give your views.

26th September between 3pm and 7pm, Leith Community Centre, Newkirkgate

#Leith

Missing girl: Have you seen Bonnie?

POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned for the wellbeing of Bonnie Bradley, 13, who’s missing from Leith.

Bonnie is white, 5ft5 in height, of average build and has long brown hair. It is not known what she is wearing.

Inspector Quentin Russell, Police Scotland, Edinburgh, said: “We have been making extensive enquiries since Bonnie was reported missing but so far she has not been traced.

“There was a possible sighting of her getting on a No 11 bus on Ferry Road, Leith between 2pm and 3pm on Friday, 13 September, but that has yet to be confirmed.

“We believe she is still in the Edinburgh area and may be staying with someone she knows but again, as she is only 13-year-old, we need to make sure she is safe and well.

“She has not been away from family for this length of time hence our and her family’s concern.

“If you have any information on Bonnie’s whereabouts please call police via 101 quoting incident number 0771 of 11 of September 2024.

“We’d also urge Bonne to return home or get in touch with police as soon as possible.”

AdvoCard Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy with Milestone Exhibtion and Community Events

Independent advocacy charity, AdvoCard, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special exhibition and a series of events highlighting its work and its impact from 1994 to 2024.

The exhibition will be held at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall from Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th October 2024, running from 10 a.m. daily (end times may vary).

30 Years of Advocacy

The journey of AdvoCard began in the early 1990s when a steering group formed to explore the need for independent advocacy services in Edinburgh.

By 1994, with funding from Edinburgh City Council, the organisation was officially established, led by a small team of three part-time staff, including founding member Karen Anderson, and a small group of dedicated volunteers.

By 2001 they had moved to their first office in Leith and began expanding their service into the South East Locality of Edinburgh, becoming city wide in 2003. 

In 2009, they expanded again, opening a second site at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital to complement the original office in Leith and have continued to grow to meet the increasing demand for services. 

 Today, AdvoCard operates from two main offices: the Duncan Place Community Hub in Leith and the Andrew Duncan Clinic at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Morningside with a team of 20 staff and 18 volunteers.

Over the years, they have expanded their original remit to include advocacy for people with problematic substance use, outreach services, a welfare and benefits advocacy worker, prison advocacy and a volunteer team who support people navigating complex challenges related to health and social care, medical treatments, and decision-making processes.

Independent Advocacy focuses on ensuring that people can have their voices heard in decisions impacting their health and well-being, providing an essential service to those often left unheard. In todays current climate of reduced funding for health and social care services, AdvoCard are playing an increasingly vital role in helping individuals understand and assert their rights. 

Celebrating 30 Years with Community Events

AdvoCard’s 30th anniversary will be marked with an exhibition at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall from 8th to 12th October. This exhibition will showcase the organisation’s history, its evolution, and its impact on the community over three decades. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with staff and volunteers, learning more about the vital role independent advocacy plays in empowering individuals.

AdvoCard workers will also be celebrating with a special event on Thursday 3rd October from 3pm at its former offices on 322 Leith Walk (now home to the Indigo Hair and Beauty Salon), where the salon has generously donated eight free treatments for AdvoCard’s staff and its volunteers. 

AdvoCard invites the media and the public to join in these celebrations, meet the team, and learn more about the crucial services they provide.

Karen Anderson, founding member of AdvoCard and current board member, reflects on the organisation’s milestone: “That AdvoCard has grown and developed so much over the years is a testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication of the many staff, volunteers and  board members who have been involved over the years.”

Advocacy partners (service users) have shared how AdvoCard has positively impacted their lives:

– “AdvoCard took the time to listen to me, which helped me regain my confidence and self-esteem. They couldn’t change my issues, but they empowered me to face them.”  

– “My advocacy worker has been amazing. I feel that I’m taken more seriously now and am regaining power I felt I had lost.”

– “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of AdvoCard.”

Volunteers also speak about the significance of independent advocacy:

– “It’s important to help people voice their opinions when they are struggling. I want to make sure they are heard while maintaining their agency.” 

– “Making a difference by challenging unfair systems is incredibly rewarding.”  

– “Helping someone resolve issues affecting their daily lives is why I volunteer.”

Police appeal for witnesses following Leith arson attack

POLICE are appealing for information after three cars were deliberately set on fire in Leith.

Around 11.35pm on Monday (9 September 2024), a black Vauxhall Crossland, a black Vauxhall Corsa and a white Vauxhall Corsa were on fire at a premises on St Clair Street, Edinburgh.

The fires were extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and there were no reports of any injuries.

Detective Constable Kirsten Luke said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with any information to contact us.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything around this time or who may have dash cam footage which could assist us to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4241 of 9 September, 2024.

Funding secured to help parents seek work and maximise income

Single parents and families with young children living in Leith and north Edinburgh can continue to access a free service providing employability and income maximisation advice.

This comes after the Scottish Government announced an extension of its Accessible Advice Fund to existing providers, including Harbour Homes. This will total just over £98k of funding from 2023 until March 2026. Grants are being distributed by AdviceUK on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The service is provided by Harbour Homes’ Placemakingteam who have been working alongside local community organisations to support parents.

One partner organisation is Leith-based Kin Collective, a social enterprise working to support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in pregnancy and early parenthood.

Kathryn Lawrence, Director of Kin Collective said: “We have been so grateful to have received support from Jane Whiting and Harbour Homes for our parent community.

“Jane has been a frequent guest at our weekly perinatal group to chat to parents and provide information about the tailored 1:1 support available.

“This has been particularly relevant to families who are facing a range of challenges including reduced income due to maternity and parental leave, parents seeking new employment, the issue of high childcare costs, a lack of provision, and in some cases support with existing employment and flexibility to work around family life.”

Kathryn added: “We have received excellent feedback from parents that have worked with Jane on an individual basis, in particular that her input has been instrumental in helping to secure new roles and employment.

“To date Jane has worked with 16 parents so far and we are delighted to have been able to work with Jane and Harbour Homes on this project and receive such invaluable support.”

John Murray, Placemaking Manager at Harbour Homes said: “This funding extension is a testament to the positive impact this service has already had on the lives of the people receiving advice.

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue this important work.”

Parents in Leith and north Edinburgh interested in learning more about this service should contact jane.whiting@harbour.scot.

Primrose Street murder: Two brothers convicted

Two men have been convicted following the death of a 59-year-old man in Leith.

The body of Garry O’Neill was found in a flat on Primrose Street on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023.

At the High Court in Edinburgh today – Monday, 9 September, 2024 – Jamie Boulton, aged 55, was found guilty of murder following the death of Mr O’Neill.

Nathan Boulton (above), aged 49, was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

They will be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr O’Neill’s family and friends and we hope that the result in court brings them a degree of closure.

“This was a deliberate act that ended in a death and Jamie Boulton will now face the consequences of his actions that day.

“His brother Nathan Boulton, now faces justice after he tried to conceal what happened.

“We would like to thank the public for their assistance and support during our investigation.

“Violence is not acceptable in our society and Police Scotland will use all the tools it has to investigate and bring those intent on committing crime and harm in our communities to justice.”

The Force reawakens at Vue this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema’s most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

Spanning over 46 years of epic moments and ground-breaking action launched from the mind of George Lucas, every episode of the iconic science fiction franchise will be screening at Vue sites in Edinburgh this Autumn as part of the Back on the Big Screen offering, telling the tale of the rises and falls of the mystical Jedi across ten films.

Blasting off with the original trilogy of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (September 7), Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (September 14) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (September 21), heroes such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and the two loveable droids R2-D2 & C3PO must protect the universe from the nefarious Empire – led by legendary big screen villain Darth Vadar and Sith mastermind Emperor Palpatine.

Marking its 25th anniversary since its release, Star Wars Episode I : The Phantom Menace kicks off the prequel trilogy on September 28, which retells the story behind Darth Vader and how the big bad got their origin from humble beginnings learning about the Force as a young boy. Alongside Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, revisit fantastical sci-fi worlds and take part in epic battles on September 28.

The third and final ‘sequel’ trilogy will bring the most recent Star Wars films to the big screen with Episode VII: The Force Awakens (October 1), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (October 5) & Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (October 5) retuning to Vue as well.  Following the events of the original films, a new threat emerges in the galaxy and it’s up to characters such as Ray, Finn and BB-8 to take on this new threat – led by the shadowy Kylo Ren.

Rey (Daisy Ridley) in STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.

Alongside these mainline films, Vue will also be bringing the prequel Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to the big screen again on September 29.

This gripping crowd-pleaser tells the story behind the ragtag group of heroes who helped kickstart the original adventures by claiming top secret information for the Rebels about the Empire’s ultimate weapon – The Death Star.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: ‘Generations of film fans have fallen in love with the Star Wars story on the big screen over the years, so we’re hugely excited to bring this sci-fi saga back to Vue – offering a way for families and fans to enjoy their favourite Jedi and Sith moments on the big screen.

“Whether you’re a fan of the originals, the prequels or the newer titles, we welcome fans to enjoy these films as they’re meant to be seen on the big screen so they can enjoy every lightsaber duel, every spaceship battle and every loveable character at home at Vue.’

Tickets for the Star Wars Back on the Big Screen releases start from £6.99 when booked online. To find out more visit www.myvue.com

Getting you fit and healthy at Leith Primary School

GETTING YOU FIT AND HEALTHY AT LEITH PRIMARY SCHOOL

10 week term, starting from 23rd September

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Monday 18.30-20.30 – Tai Chi : International Yang Style

Tuesday and Thursday 18.15-19.15 : Gentle Exercise

Tuesday and Thursday 19.30-20.30 : Fitness Bootcamp style to get you fit

Wednesday 18.15-19.15: Zumba Dance and Zumba Gold

Wednesday 19.30-20.30: Latin Dance

For the 10 week term, starting from 23rd September

Standard Fee: £50.40 Concession Fee: £25.50 Reduced Fee: £20.00

Ring 0131 556 7978 to book a place

Or online https://adulteducationedinburgh.spydus.co.uk/

Seafield reimagined

Vision for new coastal neighbourhood

A masterplan to transform Seafield in north-east Edinburgh into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood, was published yesterday by the Council.

The masterplan will also connect its coastline to the surrounding communities in Leith, Portobello and Craigentinny.

Currently, the area is primarily made up of car showrooms, trades, light industry as well as Lothian Buses’ Marine Depot and the Council’s Seafield Household Waste Recycling Centre. The draft ‘Seafield Place Brief’ and ‘Draft Seafield Masterplan’ have been produced to add detail to the allocation in the Council’s local development plan, City Plan 2030, as one of 44 pieces of land across Edinburgh allocated as an ‘Opportunity Site’ for development.

Planning Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: “Our draft plan focuses on the creation of a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood at Seafield to help address the city’s housing emergency.

“Options for higher density flats, with the clear aim of 35% of homes on site being affordable, are being explored with stunning views across the Firth of Forth alongside excellent community facilities.

“We’re estimating the site could potentially deliver as many as 2,700 homes with a range of other styles of housing such as colonies and townhouses. We’ll also make sure there are opportunities for employment and community uses.

“Our bold vision to transform this area would open up the Seafield section of Edinburgh’s coastline creating an attractive and seamless promenade linking to the waterfront communities that already exist on either side.

“I’d like to thank the local people and businesses whose views have helped get us to this stage and I look forward to receiving further feedback from the upcoming consultation to help us finalise our plans.”

A new primary school, GP surgery and plenty of green space are also proposed for Seafield as well as a Waterfront Park.  Improved public transport, walking, cycling and wheeling routes linking to the wider area are also included. The provision of a heat network to help the city with its net zero target is planned. This would also help to keep utility bills down for future residents.

The area under consideration stretches from Seafield Street in the north to King’s Road in the south. The eastern boundary of the site is the Forth Estuary, while the western boundary is defined by a railway line and by Seafield Recreation Area. Seafield Road East, part of the A199, runs through much of the site. As Seafield is a coastal area, work is also ongoing with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to make sure we mitigate against any future flood risk.

If approved for consultation by the Planning Committee next week, residents, businesses and other organisations interested in the area will be asked to give their views on the ‘Draft Seafield Place Brief’ and ‘Draft Seafield Masterplan’, developed following extensive consultation with local people and businesses.

You can watch next week’s meeting on the council website.