Category: Leith

Edinburgh Energy Hub supports Utilita’s renewed Pride365 Pledge

Leith hub offers warm, safe space on the high street for the whole community

Utilita’s high street Energy Hubs strive to provide ‘Safe Spaces’ for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond – welcoming people to host events, meetings, and more in a supportive environment.

No matter whether you are a Utilita customer or not, the Leith Energy Hub team is always happy to give free energy saving advice, something Hub Supervisor Natasha Baillie says is very important given the current cost-of-living crisis – and they’re also able to offer energy-saving products at competitive prices.

As an energy supplier that was created with the mission to offer consumers better service and a fairer deal, people have always been at the heart of Utilita – and its high street hubs provide an inclusive environment for staff, customers and the wider community.

The energy supplier’s renewed pledge to Pride365 ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued at Utilita, not just for a day, a week or month, but all year round.

The Utilita Pride365 Pledge

365 days of the year, Utilita Energy is committed to:

  • Standing proudly with the LGBTQ+ community

We’ll be vocal and visible in our support for LGBTQ+ inclusion every single day – both within our company and out in the world.

  • Creating ‘Safe Spaces’ for everyone

Our Energy Hubs will provide ‘Safe Spaces’ for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond – welcoming people to host events, meetings, and more in a supportive environment.

  • Giving back to our community

Whenever we run awareness day activities, we’ll donate to local LGBTQ+ charities chosen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group. This supports not only our communities but also any staff who may need these vital resources.

Utilita Founder and CEO, Bill Bullen, commented: “At Utilita, inclusivity isn’t just a goal; it’s who we are. Our core values align seamlessly with the Pride365 pledge as we work every day to create a workplace – and a world – that is fair, sustainable, and a little bit smarter.

“We’re not afraid to challenge the norm or stand up for what’s right. For us, that means building a supportive environment for everyone – from our customers to our team and the communities we serve – and our hubs offer something rare in the energy world – a friendly, face-to-face service.

“Our core values – fairness, smart, and sustainability – are at the heart of everything we do. They drive us to create an honest, inclusive, and nurturing culture for our customers and staff alike.”

Making inclusivity know no bounds

Leith Energy Hub Supervisor, Natasha Baillie, added: “Having a presence on the high street lets the public know that the Utilita team are here for everyone and all you need to do is pop down for anything you may need help with, customer or not.

“We aim to make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to in a warm, safe space and with a cuppa if you’d like one!  Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.”

Utilita’s partnership with Pride365 is an integral part of its commitment to make inclusivity know no bounds. 

Natasha concluded: “We’re committed to continually evaluating and taking positive steps towards improving inclusion both within and outside our business, and we recognise the impact this will have on ensuring a happy and successful team and community. 

 “Together, we’re proud to create a brighter and fairer future for everyone – every day of the year.” 

Utilita Energy Hubs are high street locations where customers can top up their accounts, check their balances, and get energy-saving advice – based not just in Edinburgh but also Gosport, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Luton, Derby, West Bromwich, Sheffield, Leicester, Blackburn, Huddersfield and Hartlepool. 

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA. See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub. 

Have your say on plans to transform Seafield

Seafield to become ‘new environmentally friendly neighbourhood’

The city council is inviting residents to share their views on the regeneration of Seafield to make sure it responds to the needs and wishes of the local community.

As a key site for delivering the goals set out in the Edinburgh City Plan 2030, plans for the narrow stretch of land include a new promenade, GP surgery and opportunities for new shops and workplaces.

The coastal site could also include as many as 2,700 new homes, with 35% of homes being affordable, to address the Capital’s housing emergency. Future residents will benefit from the provision of a heat network which will help keep energy bills down whilst contributing to the city’s net zero targets.

The consultation, which closes on Wednesday 30 April 2025, will build on the first two stages of engagement and consultation carried out to date. Residents can attend a drop-in session to discuss the plans, or they can take part in an online survey via the Consultation Hub.

Planning Convener James Dalgleish said: “Our draft plan to transform Seafield into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood will take us one step further to tackling our housing emergency and reaching net zero by 2030.

“This is a chance for residents to shape the future of the area – whether it’s about improving transport links, preserving green spaces or introducing new community facilities and we’re eager to hear everyone’s ideas for a Seafield that serves the whole community.

“I’d encourage everyone to share their views with us by filling in our online survey or coming along to one of our consultation drop-in events.”

 The in-person events will take place on the following dates and times:

  • Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue, Edinburgh, EH15 1AU, Saturday 8 March 10:30-1:30pm
  • Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH6 4AE, Friday 21 March 12:30-3:30pm
  • Craigentinny Community Centre, 9 Loaning Road, Edinburgh, EH7 6JE, Saturday 22 March 10:30-1:30pm

Police appeal for information following Leith fire

Detectives are appealing for information following a fire in Leith.

The fire happened around 12am this morning (Sunday, 16 February, 2025) at a block of flats on Prince Regent Street.

There were no reported injuries.

Detective Constable Luke Wilson said: “The fire is being treated as wilful and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact us.

“We also ask anyone with private CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 0053 of 16 February, 2025.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Leith Arches gig and workshop to celebrate International Women’s Day

Sunday 9th March
GIG 7-10pm / Workshop 3-5pm
Leith Arches 6 Manderson Steet EH6 8LY

EMERGING ‘Woman band’ Machine Orchid are hosting an event to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025.

MACHINE ORCHID  are Aurora Engine Harp, synths /  vocals, Caro Bridges guitar / vocals and Emma Lloyd Violin, vocals and electronics.

All profits will go to WOMEN’S AID EDINBURGH. 

Other sets will come from harpist ESTHER SWIFT, folk singer KIRSTY LAW and Glasgow artists CURLEW. 

Blending electronics and real instruments MACHINE ORCHID will present a set focused on women’s rights to include an acapella protest song ‘3 Rings’ about women’s safety / victim blaming, ‘Sharks, Bears Wolves,’ a song about toxic masculinity.

Sprinkled with  electonic fizzles, polyrhythms their pefomance will also embed an electronic soundscape made up of Trump’s comments on women – ‘In His Own Words’.

In the afternoon the group will host an interactive women focused dynamic and empowering singing workshop that explores what it means to be a woman in 2025. 

TICKET LINK HERE 

Woman band ‘Machine Orchid’ (Aurora Engine / Emma Lloyd / Caro Bridges) Host International Women’s Day gig and singing workshop raising money for WOMEN’S AID

Machine Orchid are an emerging ‘woman band’ from Edinburgh blending harp, guitar, and violin with lush harmonies, electronic fizzles, and a deep connection
to the natural world made up of Emma Lloyd (contemporary composer and violinist, harpist Aurora Engine /Deborah Shaw (“Magical and Delicate’” Tom Robinson) and Caro Bridges, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter.

The one off International Women’s day gig also hosts trailblazing harpist harpist Esther Swift, provocative folk singer Kirsty Law and the Glasgow based roots and electronic artist Curlew (Gill Higgins).

In the afternoon the band who are all composers and choral leaders will host an interactive women focused dynamic and empowering singing workshop that explores what it means to be a woman in 2025.

Through songs addressing themes like women’s safety and the impact of the Trump era on women’s rights, this two-hour afternoon session aims to inspire, uplift and unite.

TICKET LINK HERE 

Utilita Energy Hub invites local footie fans to meet top Hibs players today

Hibs players will be visiting Utilita’s exclusive high street Energy Hub in the buzzing port district of Leith this afternoon.  Members of the club’s first team are set to arrive at 3.30pm for fan photos and a signing session.

Utilita Energy Expert, Caitlin Allardice, said: “We’re proud to support a number of football initiatives, including Football Rebooted, Switch Before Pitch, and the Utilita Kids and Girls Cups, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the Hibs players to our Energy Hub in Newkirkgate Shopping Centre.

“We’ll be offering a game of keepy-uppy for the children to take part in during the school holidays and the winner will score themselves a Hibs football. The first 20 kids to take part will each be given a colouring kit which comes in a Utilita branded football boots bag. Green sweeties and green apples will also be available on the day and we hope a good time will be had by all!

“As well as giving youngsters the opportunity to take selfies with the Hibs players, their grown-ups can also benefit from free and simple energy advice to help make their energy spend go further. So why not swing by this Wednesday afternoon for a cuppa and some top tips on how to cut energy usage at home?”

Utilita and Hibernian F.C. share many common values, with the two biggest being pro-planet and pro-local community. Since partnering with the Club, Utilita have been proud supporters of a number of key community outreach projects, delivered in partnership with the Hibernian Community Foundation. 

The hugely successful Leith Energy Hub offers face-to-face customer service, energy efficiency advice and technology, access to interactive kid-friendly energy efficiency apps, and a dedicated community space that is open for the public to book and use from Monday to Saturday. Local footie fans can also purchase Hibernian F.C. merchandise in-store.

Utilita Energy Hubs are high street locations where customers can top up their accounts, check their balances, and get energy-saving advice – based not just in Edinburgh but also Gosport, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Luton, Derby, West Bromwich, Sheffield, Leicester, Blackburn, Huddersfield and Hartlepool. 

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA. See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub. 

Invest in libraries, invest in communities: the cost of cuts is too high

An OPEN LETTER from ALISON NOLAN, chief executive officer of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)

Did you know that over the past decade, 53 public libraries across Scotland have closed their doors for good – without replacement ? 

The same public libraries which provide essential access to trusted information and education for all, which ignite a lifelong love of reading from early years, and which serve as warm, welcoming spaces where everyone is welcome without any expectation to spend. The same public libraries which, time and again, deliver enormous value to communities across the country, only to find themselves at risk when budgets are debated. 

I’ve written to councillors across Edinburgh, before crucial budget decisions are made for the next financial year, to remind them what investment in public libraries truly means.

At the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), the advocacy body for Scotland’s network of over 500 public and mobile libraries, we understand the delicate financial situation that councils must navigate but we would urge those considering cuts to their library services to think again.

It’s no secret that the cultural sector is under unprecedented pressure but the narrative that austerity measures justify these cuts is shortsighted. This isn’t just a story of diminishing buildings and bookshelves; it’s a story of lives disrupted. 

These closures are deeply felt because libraries represent so much more than the sum of their parts. Public libraries remain the most popular service local government delivers. Closing these doors means cutting off opportunities — a cost far greater than any savings achieved.

Libraries are proven to deliver significant economic and social returns, with research from Suffolk Libraires revealing a £6.95 return of economic benefit for every £1 invested through improved literacy, better mental health and stronger communities. And of course, when this investment figure is flipped, we see that the closure of public libraries will result in the community losing out on £6.95 of economic and social benefit for every £1 that is invested elsewhere. 

The troubling trend of closures and cuts to library services across the country all too often disproportionately affects rural communities, exacerbating existing inequalities by stripping away vital access to education, digital resources and safe spaces for social interaction.

For these communities, libraries are not a luxury but a necessity. They provide essential services to support job applications, digital literacy training and social connection. To lose them is to deepen the isolation already felt by many.

Ask yourself: where else can citizens turn for support with their health, finances and employment? Libraries do it all under a single roof. They make real change to people in communities right across Edinburgh and play a central part in how the council brings about change. 

Libraries drive forward crucial national agendas including preventative health – with the Health on the Shelf research report showing they save NHS Scotland £3.2m every year, bridging the digital divide by offering free access to PCs, Wi-Fi and digital support for a range of essential services, and fostering social cohesion by hosting a diverse range of community events. And this is all in addition to their core function: to encourage reading and provide a range of trusted reference materials. 

As cuts and closures loom across the country, we’re urging local decision-makers to prioritise sustainable investment in libraries. Cutting library budgets is a false economy. The cost of losing libraries extends far beyond financial savings, impacting education, mental health and community cohesion. But it’s not just closures that we’re concerned about. 

The slow, salami-slicing effect that has been seen over recent years, with opening hours cut – decreasing by 13%, on average – budgets slashed and staffing numbers reduced is felt across communities, with 1 in 3 voicing fears that their whole service is at risk. 

Where councils have embraced the importance of libraries, the benefits are clear. 22 out of the 32 local authorities have not made any cuts to their library services in the last decade; instead, they are choosing to invest in their future, from creating learning hubs which have seen unprecedented loan figures, to developing dedicated ‘Maker Spaces’, reinforcing the role that libraries play as the originators of the sharing economy by offering access to emerging technology, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, as well as sewing and embroidery equipment. 

In a recent survey from the Association of Public Libraries in Scotland, over 93% agreed that using the public library improves their quality of life, reminding us of the immense value that a public library holds, evolving to meet the needs of modern Scotland with the emergence of whole-community assets that can be used by educators, small businesses, community groups, and individuals to help people right across Edinburgh achieve their potential, while retaining their fundamental purpose: to connect, inspire and empower. 

These services are a source of inspiration, but they remain the exception rather than the rule. To fulfil this potential, they need more than goodwill — they need sustainable funding. 

No other community asset can deliver the vast economic and social benefits that a thriving public library service can, and so we would urge decision-makers to prioritise investment in their communities.

Anything less would be a failure we cannot afford.

ALISON NOLAN

Chief executive officer of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)

Tomorrow: Archaeology workshop at Leith Library

Join us for a special workshop with ArchaeologyUK and the Museum of London Archaeology tomorrow – Wednesday 12th February:

drop in any time from 11am- 3pm

*this event is for adults aged 18+

Exhibition: The Heart of a Community

LEITH ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EASTER ROAD

Two FREE open house weekends at Leith St. Andrew’s Trust’s “The Heart of a Community”, a new exhibition at the church, celebrating its history, its role in the community to date and its future potential.

These open days are free and un-ticketed.

“Leith St. Andrew’s Trust invites you to join us in reflecting on the past, learning more about our own local history and helping to shape the future of Leith St. Andrew’s Parish Church at The Heart of the Community.

This event will be a lovely opportunity to see the exhibition space, meet our historian, trustees & volunteers, engage with other community members and enjoy learning more about the cultural heritage of this wonderful building.”

https://fb.me/e/hEJzVZwHC

Leith Theatre’s decades long campaign hits a high note with pledge of support from National Lottery Heritage Fund

Leith Theatre Trust today revealed that it has secured a significant funding package potentially worth £4.5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Just days after being included on the Theatres Trust ‘Theatres at Risk’ Register for the ninth year, and shortly after securing a 50 year lease of the complex from City of Edinburgh Council, Leith Theatre Trust is delighted to announce Heritage Fund backing of its ambitions to create an innovative cultural venue at the heart of its community.

An initial award of £247,947 for its Back to Life: the theatre that isn’t just a theatre project supports Leith Theatre to develop its capital refurbishment plans in close collaboration with The National Lottery Heritage Fund in order to secure the full remaining funding award of just over £4.2m.

The development support from the Heritage Fund also strengthens a community engagement programme, helping to ensure local people remain at the heart of the Leith Theatre story.

An impressive civic space, now suffering from damage and decay, Leith Theatre is a Grade B listed building with classic interwar architecture and a unique political history, built to commemorate the incorporation of Leith into the City of Edinburgh’s new boundaries in 1920.

Lengthy periods of closure have preserved many original features, making the theatre a distinctive and valuable heritage site. Time has left its mark, but despite deterioration, the space retains much of its classic detailing, with its ‘authentic’ and ‘faded grandeur’ continuing to resonate with all who visit.

Between 1961 and 1988, it served as a venue for the Edinburgh International Festival, hosting performances by world-renowned musicians like the Amadeus Quartet and Benjamin Britten. The theatre hosted contemporary music in the 1970s, with iconic bands like AC/DC and Kraftwerk performing on the stage.

As it reawakens, Leith Theatre has woven itself into the local community, making it an important local asset, celebrating the heritage and civic pride of Leith.

As one of few buildings in Edinburgh to sustain war damage, the theatre was closed in 1941. The Main Auditorium has now been closed for more than half its life, yet Leith Theatre has still taken its place in the community weaving an incredibly rich story and heritage.

Without support, the curtain could have fallen on Leith Theatre’s rich social and cultural history forever. This funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund opens up the possibility of significant refurbishment and a year-round, permanently open Leith Theatre for the first time since its initial opening.

The Future

As a mid-sized music and performance venue, Leith Theatre’s past informs its future. However, the building is not just a space for entertainment but also a much-loved community hub appealing to a diverse and intergenerational audience.

The Trust’s ambition is to save this valuable community asset so it can take its rightful place at the heart of Leith and in the cultural landscape of Edinburgh, contributing to local vibrant life and ultimately benefitting future generations.

The vision for the refurbishment is to ensure the building fulfils these original purposes but as a contemporary space that preserves the charm and heritage that makes it so enthralling to visitors. It will be a remix of the old and the new, retrofitting the iconic venue to preserve its rock-and-roll spirit while hitting the right notes on sustainability.

Everyone will be able to take part in the refurbishment project through events and heritage opportunities, allowing many people to access the venue and play their part in preserving and creating Leith and the City of Edinburgh’s history. People can stay up to date on these opportunities by signing up to the organisation’s newsletter and social media channels.

In the longer-term, this project ensures organisational sustainability in order to offer employment opportunities and skills development, bringing economic and social benefits to Leith.

Leith has featured in several ‘best neighbourhood’ polls and articles in recent years due to its mix of creative businesses, artists, Michelin starred restaurants, vibrant bar scene and new tram links direct from the airport. Leith Theatre’s return at last gives the area and Edinburgh a brilliant mid-size live music and performance venue in an accessible, yet out of city centre location.

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive from Leith Theatre Trust said: “We are delighted with this initial support from The National Lottery Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can continue to progress our strategic plans to revitalise and reimagine this beautiful heritage building.

“This is a significant milestone, and I am very proud of the team that has helped realise this ambition, which is one that I have been aiming for since appointment. It will be invigorating working in partnership with the Heritage Fund to develop and bring visibility of such an exciting lottery project to the heart of Leith.”

Anna Higham, Funding and Finance Manager from Leith Theatre Trust, said: “This project to bring Leith Theatre back to life really shines a spotlight on heritage and how important it is for communities to retain buildings of local value.

“Although this feels like the culmination of lots of hard work, it is really just the beginning, and we are excited to continue our next step development plans and launch our full capital fundraising campaign.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: “We are thrilled to be able to help make plans for a restored and revitalised Leith Theatre a reality.

“As a historic theatre with nearly a hundred years of stories, creativity and characters there is so much to celebrate and explore in its heritage.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, Leith Theatre Trust’s plans for the future will be developed with the community ensuring this wonderful theatre has a bright future as a lively venue and as a place for local people to experience and be involved in the arts, culture and creativity.”

MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, said: “It’s a wonderful building and I have been pleased to support the Leith Theatre team, and dream, in any ways that I could, since being elected in 2016.

“I recall first being shown around the place back then, when it was in a state of disrepair, and the progress in the years since has been remarkable. I pay tribute to all of the staff, board and volunteers for everything that has been achieved up until now.

“The space is a fantastic venue, and I cannot wait to see and hear the shows and concerts that will now take place in the near future. Leith is a creative and energetic hub, and I am excited for what is ahead for this theatre.

“I predict there will be significant demand to perform on the stage – by musicians, actors and other various artists alike – and many audiences are in for a treat! Congratulations to everyone involved in getting to this moment, and here’s to a bright future ahead! Open the curtains and turn up the amps!”