Category: Leith

Utilita expands its popular Summer Sustainability Clubs beyond the school holidays

Inspiring local youngsters to become the next generation of eco-champions

Utilita is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Summer Sustainability Club, a free programme of fun, hands-on activities for children and families, taking place across all 12 of its high street Energy Hubs.

Designed to inspire the next generation of eco-champions, the Summer Sustainability Club blends creativity, education and play to help children understand sustainability in an engaging and accessible way.

The initiative builds on Utilita’s award-winning High 5 campaign, which encourages households to adopt simple, everyday behaviours to save energy, reduce waste and lower bills.

Children and families visiting the Leith Utilita Energy Hub at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA will be able to take part in a series of free sustainability-themed activities throughout the summer. 

Next up, youngsters will be able to take part in the following interactive sessions:  

  • Friday, 28 August 12-3pm: Energy and Saving Power at Home

Through interactive games, activities and discussions, children and families will discover what’s wasting electricity in the home and learn practical ways to reduce energy consumption and save money.  

  • Friday, 4 September 12pm-3pm: Food Waste

This engaging session will explore ways to waste less food through interactive discussions and activities. Participants will also take part in a fun “grow your own pumpkin” task, encouraging sustainable food habits from an early age.

Natasha Baillie, Hub Supervisor in Leith, said: ” The school holidays will no doubt have been an expensive time for many families. Keeping children entertained, managing household costs and, during the warmer months, trying to keep homes comfortable can all put added pressure on family budgets.

“That’s why we’re proud to offer free activities that give children the chance to learn, create and have fun, while parents and carers can access practical support and advice on saving energy and reducing household bills.

“Our Summer Sustainability Clubs have proven to be very popular, helping to bring the community together and showing that small changes at home can make a real difference to both the environment and household finances.”

A key part of the programme is the support and expertise provided by Utilita’s Energy Hub Eco Experts, who are on hand to guide families through each activity, offer practical advice and share simple ways to reduce energy use at home. These specialists play a vital role in helping communities build sustainable habits, ensuring that lessons learned during the workshops can be carried into everyday life.

The Summer Sustainability Club reinforces Utilita’s commitment to community engagement, education and environmental responsibility. By combining hands-on learning with real-world advice, the initiative aims to empower families to make small, meaningful changes that contribute to a more sustainable future.

All activities are free to attend and open to children of all ages. 

For more information about Utilita’s energy-saving advice or the High 5 campaign, visit your local Energy Hub or go to www.utilita.co.uk.

Ben Macpherson leaves government

STAYS ON AS EDINBURGH NORTH EASTERN & LEITH MSP

Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education Ben Macpherson has tendered his resignation from the Scottish Government for health-related reasons.

Accepting his resignation, the First Minister thanked Mr Macpherson for his contribution to government.

EXCHANGE OF LETTERS

Dear First Minister,

As discussed, I write formally to tender my resignation as a Junior Scottish Minister. As you know, I admire and respect you very much – personally and as First Minister. I also appreciate and acknowledge the sacrifices you make to serve as First Minister. I have, however, reflected very deeply in recent months about my position and priorities in my life, and feel I need more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical well-being.

Without the constraints and demands of a Ministerial role, I also want to have more time and scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, and to pursue various political passions outwith government. Therefore, I have come to the very difficult decision that holding Ministerial office is not right for me at this time, and I wish to pass it on. I will do all that I can to support a handover to my successor.

I was very proud re-join the government in September 2025, and to serve you and Scotland again, using my experience to pick up the role quickly and get meaningful things done. I have worked hard and carried the responsibility carefully, to make a real impact and achieve positive progress. Thank you for this remarkable honour.

There is much still to progress and complete but the portfolio is in a stronger place, with the necessary strategic workstreams up and running, and actions in process. Stakeholder / key partner relationships are positive, working with us on shared aims. A collegiate spirit and approach has been created to confronting shared challenges.

I want to express my gratitude for all the support I have received in the last year from my private secretaries and all the Scottish Government officials I have worked with. We have done good work together and I am proud of the difference we have made

Moreover, it has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Universities Scotland (and all universities), Colleges Scotland (and all colleges), the Scottish Training Federation (and their members), the Careers Collaborative, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the business community and our enterprise agencies, YouthLink Scotland and Youth Scotland, and many others too.

My apologies to you and all involved for the inconvenience of this resignation, and thank you for kindly understanding my reasoning. Again, this has been a very difficult decision for me, and I reiterate strongly my support for both you and the government.

With my very best wishes and much gratitude,

Ben Macpherson

:: Letter from the First Minister

Dear Ben

Thank you for your letter. I appreciate that this will not have been an easy decision and that you have reflected carefully before you have reached your conclusion.

You have made a significant contribution in government not least as Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education where the Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026 was passed under your leadership. I know you have been closely involved in work to co-design and co-deliver the future of Scotland’s college and university sectors – work that has cross-party support.

And, I know that during your time in post you gave a fresh impetus to our support for youth work and made great strides in improving our apprenticeship system and strategic skills planning, in close cooperation with the business community.

In previous ministerial roles, during your time in social security, you were closely involved with the expansion of the Scottish Child Payment and launching the Adult Disability payment. And, your work in international development remains relevant to the programme we take forward in this area to this day.

These are but a few examples of your contribution from your time in a wide range of portfolios – including finance, external affairs, rural affairs and climate, as well as in education most recently.

I know the diligence in which you serve the people of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith as an SNP MSP, and I look forward to you continuing to do so in the SNP parliamentary group.

I hope that the time away from government you are now taking can lead you a stronger, more resilient place. You have my very best wishes in doing so.

Yours, for Scotland,

JOHN SWINNEY

Ben Macpherson won the redrawn Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith seat in May with a majority of over 3000 votes from the Scottish Greens.

Ben Macpherson told followers on Facebook yesterday: ‘After reflecting deeply over recent months about my position and priorities in my life, including my mental and physical well-being, I have today stepped away from my additional role as a Minister in The Scottish Government (continuing as an MSP, for clarity).

‘This was a very difficult decision, but it is the right one for me just now. I need more time to be able to attend to other important aspects of my life, and will also now have even more scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, which I care so very much about.

‘I’m proud of my achievements in the role and, to be clear, John Swinney and the government will continue to have my strong support, as will my successor. I’m looking forward to this new chapter!’

Changes to the Scottish Government ministerial team will be announced in due course.

Sign up for Big Forth Cleanup

Big Forth Cleanup! 28th, 29th,30th August

We’re calling on people all around the Firth of Forth coastline to join us and this is a special callout to folk in East Lothian who might be interested in organising or joining a beach clean along our coastline!

We already have a few beach cleans taking place in east Lothian, but we’d love to see even more communities getting involved!

When you register your beach clean, you’ll have the opportunity to add it to the Big Forth Cleanup map. You’ll also receive lots of useful information, including:

♻️ Top tips for beach cleaning

📍 Information to help you plan your event

🗑️ Guidance on waste disposal from your local authority

Every clean makes a difference, so why not get involved and help us make an even bigger impact along the East Lothian coastline?

👉 Register your beach clean and get involved! https://balancedhorizon.org/big-forth-cleanup/

Have questions? Email us at bfc@balancedhorizon.org

Young Edinburgh changemakers celebrated for driving positive community impact

YMCA Edinburgh recognised at global summit for creating leadership opportunities for young people driving community change

Eleven-year-olds Edie Chaw and Tarek Hydara Estribio are being celebrated by YMCA Edinburgh after showcasing that you don’t have to be an adult to drive real change. Both are residents of Cables Wynd House in Leith and active members of youth-led advocacy groups supported by the charity, and they are leading the charge in helping develop their neighbourhood for the better.

Edie and Tarek are active participants in several of YMCA Edinburgh’s initiatives, including The Cables Wynd House Youth Residents Forum, a youth-led advocacy group where they held consultations with their peers and collaborated with adult residents and Making Rights Real to present a comprehensive housing report to the City of Edinburgh Council. As part of the initiative they were also consulted on public space improvements.

Edie and Tarek are also involved in The Next Generation Youth Forum, a programme focused on empowering the next generation of changemakers. They also work on local green space projects, sustainable food and composting workshops, and creative community awareness programs like climate-themed banner workshops as part of their involvement in the Climate Change Group.

The success of these youth-led initiatives by YMCA Edinburgh was recently recognised on the global stage.

At the 2026 YMCA World Council in Toronto, Mike Kerracher, Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Edinburgh, represented the organisation alongside international leaders and Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.

Speaking on a panel, the event had 1,400 representatives from over 120 countries, Kerracher showcased how organisations can move beyond merely consulting young people to actively creating genuine opportunities for them to lead.

Now, YMCA Edinburgh is launching a renewed call to create these leadership opportunities locally and nationally, emphasising that youth are ready to drive real community change if given the chance.

Mike Kerracher, CEO of YMCA Edinburgh, said: “Edie and Tarek are fantastic examples of what happens when young people are empowered to take the lead.

“True community change happens when we stop making decisions for young people and start making decisions with them, when we give them a genuine seat at the table and invest in their ideas, they shine.”

Edie Chaw, 11, said: “Sometimes people think only grown-ups know how to fix things, but kids see the neighbourhood differently.

“When you don’t only ask adults, but also ask what kids want, and when everyone actually listens to each other we can come together and combine our ideas to create something everyone wants.”

Tarek Hydara Estribio, 11, added: “Being part of these projects helps me learn how to communicate, work as a team, and socialise with lots of different people.

“It’s given us a real chance to speak up because we just want to be heard, and it feels great to know we’re actually helping to make things better.”

This international recognition follows a highly successful year for YMCA Edinburgh, which supported over 250 individuals across its services. Mentorship remains a cornerstone of the organisation’s success.

Over the last year, 39 dedicated volunteer mentors provided vital one-to-one support to 59 young people. As a result, 98% of participants reported improved access to opportunities and 94% experienced enhanced wellbeing.

Alongside these programmes, the organisation successfully delivered seven weeks of free holiday activities, expanding sports, outdoor learning, and wellbeing support for local families.

YMCA Edinburgh is committed to creating even more opportunities for young people to lead, influence decisions, and shape the future of their communities.

Young people who want to make a difference are encouraged to get in touch to find out more about the Next Generation Youth Forum and other participation opportunities. The organisation is also keen to hear from adults interested in volunteering as mentors, collaborating with young people around meaningful climate action in the local community, or supporting its wider work. 

Whether through mentoring, partnership, fundraising, or simply encouraging a young person to get involved, everyone has a role to play in empowering the next generation. To find out more, email admin@ymcaedinburgh.com. 

Celebrating Leith’s community champions: nominations now open

HARBOUR HOMES – NORTH EDINBURGH COMMUNITY AWARDS

There will be more than a few winners on the books at the north Edinburgh Community Awards next month. An evening of prizes, entertainment and local pride will shine a light on the unsung heroes who make Leith one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods.

Leith has no shortage of local champions, whether that is supporting vulnerable residents, bringing people together, improving local spaces or helping to create opportunities for others.

Residents across the north of Edinburgh can nominate people who help make Leith one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant and connected communities across the following categories:

  • A neighbour who goes the extra mile
  • A young person doing something great
  • A volunteer who’s always lending a hand
  • A community group making a big difference

Those up for an award will be invited with friends and family to the free community awards night on Wednesday 30 September. This will feature Leith’s Big Bingo Night, a community supper and prizes.

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Harbour said: “Leith has always been a place where people look out for one another.

“The Big Bingo and Community Awards are a chance to celebrate that community spirit, recognise the incredible people making a difference, and bring everyone together for a great night out.

“Let’s make it a full house to thank the people who help make Leith such a special place to live, work and belong.”

To nominate a local hero, head over to the Harbour website.

To nominate by phone, call us on 0131 554 0403 during our opening hours.

Nominations close on Sunday 30 August.

Leith’s first French wine bar officially opens

Partners and wine experts Jonathan Heredia and Isla Mosquera have officially opened the doors to Chez Bernard, a new neighbourhood French wine bar and bistro located on the waterfront of The Shore in Leith.

As the first French wine bar in the area, it is set to become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike, whether for a long lunch or evening drink.

Chez Bernard is more than just a name to Jonathan and Isla. The new bar is a tribute to Jonathan’s grandfather, Bernard, and to the simple moments that shaped his lifelong love for food, wine, and the table. 

Jonathan spent many summers near the Atlantic coast of France, which is where his appreciation for a traditional ‘long lunch’ began.  While these long French lunches are a huge inspiration behind the venue, the space is also a vibrant wine bar, making Chez Bernard the ideal place to visit in the evening for a bottle of wine, fresh oysters, cheese and charcuterie, or simply a relaxed glass at the bar.

Opening Chez Bernard is the couple’s way of keeping Jonathan’s grandfather’s memory alive. In a fitting tribute, the perfect waterfront space for their vision became available just off ‘Bernard Street’, a clear sign to Jonathan and Isla that they had found their home.

Drawing on 15 years of combined experience in hospitality between them, Jonathan and Isla who are engaged, are bringing that expert knowledge and passion for wine to Leith with Chez Bernard. The pair have curated an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with the bistro’s authentic French and seafood offerings.

The menu at Chez Bernard caters to all occasions, offering great options whether diners are looking for a solo bite or food to share. Guests can expect classic French sharing plates, including a selection of artisanal French cheeses and charcuterie.

The bar also boasts an array of seafood dishes, featuring a salmon platter, dressed crab, and fresh oysters, alongside an assortment of hot dishes and additional sharing plates.

Co-owner Jonathan Heredia, said: “Chez Bernard is deeply personal for us. It’s a tribute to my grandfather and to the simple moments that shaped my love for food, wine, and the table.

“I spent many summers with my grandfather, which is where my love for a long, leisurely lunch began. When this beautiful space became available just off Bernard Street, it felt like absolute fate for both of us.

“This is our way of keeping his memory alive, and Isla and I want to bring a little of that continental warmth to The Shore. We want this to be a welcoming place to share good food, enjoy wine, and spend time around the table with the people you love.”

Chez Bernard promises an inviting, relaxed atmosphere perfect for afternoon grazing, evening drinks, or celebratory dinners with loved ones.

For more information, to view the menus, and to book a table, please visit:

https://www.chezbernard.co.uk/

Local man joins Hibernian board

Hibernian FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of long-standing associate of the Club and lifelong Hibs supporter – Jim Brydon – to the Board of Directors. 

Jim joins the Board as a Non-Executive Director, having worked closely with the Club for more than 20 years as a business associate.

Owner of JB Contracts (Scotland) Limited, West Pilton-born Jim has an established relationship with Hibernian, having supported the Club on a number of key projects, including the redevelopment of the Hibernian Training Centre, the renovation of Easter Road Stadium and various other facilities management and development projects over the years.

His involvement with Hibs extends well beyond his professional relationship with the Club. Jim was one of the early members involved in establishing Club 86 and has continued to contribute to and support the revamped Hibs Kids initiative over the years. 

He was also been a long-standing member of various Hibernian FC supporters’ groups including The Stanton Branch and The Carlton Branch, whilst contributing funds to support the Hibernian Community Foundation’s charitable work across Leith and the surrounding areas of Edinburgh. 

Jim also organised many Hampden trips from Silverknowes Golf Club – including the most memorable one of all on 21 May 2016!

Football-daft Jim has also coached youth teams for many years at Broughton Boys and then at Spartans Community Foundation.

Jim is also the younger brother of Hearts saviour Ann Budge, who rescued the Tynecastle club from imminent closure in 2014.

Hibernian FC Chairman Ian Gordon said: “I am delighted to be able to bring Jim onto the Board. He has a brilliant knowledge and understanding of the Club, and he knows what Hibs means to our supporters and the community.

“Since my family came to the Club, Jim was one of the first people who welcomed us to Edinburgh and has supported us all the way through. He is an incredibly loyal and trustworthy individual and is already intertwined with everyone at the Club, so it was an easy decision to invite him onto the Board.

“He has been involved in many key projects, developments and milestones throughout his time following the Club, and he will bring with him a vast range of local knowledge, experience and expertise to the Board.” 

Jim Brydon, Non-Executive Director at Hibernian FC, added: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity and to be invited onto the Board here at Hibs.

“Everyone who knows me knows that Hibs is an incredibly special Club for me, so when Ian approached me, I was honoured to accept the invitation.

“I will do my best to contribute ideas and offer my experience, opinion and guidance where required. This is an exciting time for the Football Club, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Jim is the latest addition to the Hibernian FC Board of Directors, which now includes: 

  • Ian Gordon, Executive Chairman
  • Dan Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
  • Kathrin Hamilton, Non-Executive Director
  • Malcolm McPherson, Non-Executive Director
  • Leslie Robb, Non-Executive Director
  • Colin Gordon, Non-Executive Director
  • Jim Brydon, Non-Executive Director

Forth Ports team up with Balanced Horizon to deliver largest ever beach clean of the Firth of Forth

Forth Ports team up with environmental charity Balanced Horizon to deliver largest ever clean of the Firth of Forth 28-30 August 

The Big Forth Cleanup will be a large-scale, community driven weekend of beach cleaning and juvenile lobster releases organised by Balanced Horizon in collaboration with Forth Ports.

The goal of the event is to clean as much of the coastline of the Firth of Forth over the course of the 28-30th August 2026, and is open to everybody of all ages. Pollution and litter are major problems facing this iconic waterway, with vulnerable and important wildlife species calling this environment home.

Balanced Horizon wants to clean the Forth up not only to protect these ecosystems, but also for everybody to enjoy the magnificent beaches and coastlines this part of the world has to offer. 

Katy Reid, Group Head of Sustainability at Forth Ports, said: “It’s great to be partnering with Balanced Horizon for our first Big Forth Cleanup, which will be a landmark event all around the Firth of Forth with coastal clean up and juvenile lobster release events taking place from 28 – 30 August.

“This coastline is central to Forth Ports’ Scottish operations and plays a vital role in supporting the economy, local communities and the rich diversity of wildlife found both on land and at sea.

Bringing people together to take action at scale will make a meaningful difference in caring for and preserving the coastline and local environment. We are very pleased that so many individuals, organisations and local beach clean community groups have signed up to join the event and we invite everyone to get involved and be part of something that can have a lasting impact on the Forth.”  

The event is self-led, meaning participants choose a beach to clean along the coast of the Firth of Forth. This can be done with the help of Balanced Horizon’s online interactive map, which shows the beach cleans part of the events that are taking place, helping participants target areas close to them, or identify areas in need of attention. You can join groups like the Scottish Seabird Centre, CLP Nature Action, and Coast to Coast Surf School with cleaning up our shores! 

Kerrie Flockhart, Project Lead at Balanced Horizon, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Forth Ports to unite communities from across the Firth in a shared effort to protect and celebrate this incredible coastline.

“As well as removing litter, we want to shine a spotlight on the many community groups and individuals who already dedicate their time to caring for our shores.

We hope this event will help connect more people with those local efforts, inspire new volunteers, and create a lasting network of people working together to protect the Firth of Forth for years to come.”

As well as beach cleans taking place over the weekend, there will also be releases of juvenile European lobsters on the Sunday (30th) of the weekend in North Berwick, Anstruther and Kirckaldy, led by Balanced Horizon’s Forth Marine Hatchery project as part of their efforts to boost wild European lobster populations. These releases will be open to the public to get involved with! 

With only a few weeks before we head out with our litter pickers, Balanced Horizon needs your help! If you are a group or an individual, please be encouraged to head to Balanced Horizon’s website to register to get involved. 

For inquiries, please contact bella@balancedhorizon.org

Community Dementia Day at The Craighall Centre

WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST from 10am – 3.30pm

Anyone affected by dementia is welcome to attend a community dementia day on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026 at the Craighall Centre, 210 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh from 10am to 3.30pm.

There will be a range of healthcare professionals on hand to give advice and information, see our website for more info:

https://www.edinburghhsc.scot/dementia_day_2026/

People with dementia and their family or carers are welcome to attend the community dementia day event on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026.

Those with the condition, worried about their memory or waiting for a formal diagnosis, are welcome to attend at the Craighall Centre, 210 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh from 10am to 3.30pm.  

There will be a range of healthcare professionals on hand to give advice and information including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians, Podiatrists and Music Therapists.

There will also be stalls from organisations, such as Alzheimer Scotland, VOCAL, Meeting Centres and Edinburgh Leisure.

The event will be held in the large hall in the Craighall Centre, at the opposite end of the building to the Memory Assessment and Treatment Service. It has a separate entrance which will be signposted.

  • There is limited parking at the centre, but free on-street parking is available nearby.
  • The number 14 and 21 buses stop outside the centre
  • Refreshments will be available
  • For more information phone Morna Russell on 0131 286 9620

New programme at Dr Bell’s

📣Our new programme is live! 📣

If you live in the Leith Community, have at least one child under the age of 5 or an expectant parent then you can sign up to some of our fantastic groups.

To sign up for our groups please follow the link –

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/dr-bells-family-centre…