FORTY managers from Asda central region – including local region manager Brian Boyle – will be taking a brave plunge into the chilly sea at Portobello at 1pm today to raise money for children in need (writes SHARON GRAY, Asda Leith’s Community Champion).
We have raised over £1000 so far, but are looking to raise more. Come along and give your support! Meet up at Bath Street entrance from 12:45pm.
Sharon has also sent some pictures of the Asda team in training:
Get your dancing shoes ready! 
We’re very excited for our next Croft Coorie-in which will take place on November 27th at Leith Community Croft 
From 11am we will have flea market stalls, (email greta@earth-in-common.org for a stall), a whittling workshop (sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/introduction-to…), as well as a crafting corner 
From 3pm we will have a Ceilidh with wonderful ‘Flaming Nora’ 
– we can’t wait to have a boogie together, so make sure to save the date!
A new vaccination clinic has opened this week in Ocean Terminal, making it even easier for you to get your first and second dose of the COVID vaccine.
The clinic is open seven days a week, from 11am to 7pm. You don’t need to make an appointment to attend, and you don’t need to be registered with a GP to get a jab.
Anyone over 12 can drop in, just make your way to the clinic which is on the first floor of the centre. If you’re coming to get your second jab, you must have had your first jab at least eight weeks ago.
To find out more about the COVID vaccine, visit NHS Inform.
A PRINT and design firm based in Leith has rewarded its employees with the keys to the business following their hard work during the global pandemic.
Launched from the living room of couple Bob and Joelle Kirkpatrick in the middle of the 2008 financial crash; Wee Blue Coo Ltd has established itself as a successful business, dispatching thousands of products globally each week and selling its products on multiple online marketplaces.
Bob and Joelle were both made redundant from their jobs in 2006 before setting up their business, creating posters from public domain images to retail on eBay. Fast forward 15 years, they now have a strong team of 30 members of staff – some of which have been employed for more than 10 years – and have an annual revenue of more than £2 million.
Having previously gifted a 10% shareholding to long term employee Allan Gray for his hard work and dedication, the three shareholders agreed that the move to employee ownership was in line with the company’s values by safeguarding the future of the business for the benefit of its employees.
The entrepreneurs began exploring the succession model in 2019 before enlisting the help of David Morrison of EQ Accountants. The owners began the process of transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust at the start of 2021 with the move being facilitated by expert Carole Leslie from Ownership Associates as well as the teams at EQ Accountants and Anderson Strathearn.
Bob Kirkpatrick said: “There are perhaps more well-known ways to make an exit from a business, however, this was the only real option to ensure we safeguarded the futures of those who have contributed to our company’s success.
“The Employee Ownership Trust seems like a perfect and logical way to structure any business.”
Joelle Kirkpatrick added: “Being a people led business has always been the very essence of who we are, which is why becoming an Employee-Owned business was the only option that was seriously considered.
“Running our business this way has ensured we have a motivated and dedicated team who feel valued. That has always been more important to us than the bottom line. Relaying this news to our team has, without a doubt, been the highlight of my career so far.”
Bob and Joelle have always sought to take care of their staff with perks such as flexible working and providing private healthcare to all employees with more than one years’ service.
Naturally the couple felt this was the next step for their business. The team were shocked and delighted at the news and are very excited at being given the opportunity to shape the future of Wee Blue Coo Ltd.
Graeme Slater, Warehouse Manager, said: “Now that we are an employee-owned company it means that we all have a say in the direction the company takes in the future.
“This is a great opportunity to help us to grow as a company and offers us the chance to enjoy a more secure and prosperous future.”
David Morrison, Partner at EQ Accountants, said: “Having advised Bob, Joelle and the team for many years, it is great to see them safeguard the future of their business by handing control to their dedicated workforce.
“This is great example of using an EOT as a solution to succession, whilst ensuring that employees are rewarded for their hard work. We look forward to continuing to support Wee Blue Coo as they thrive as an employee-owned business.”
The Employee Ownership Trust was introduced in the 2014 Finance Act to encourage business owners to consider a sale to employees as a feasible succession solution.
Founder of Ownership Associates, Carole Leslie, who has worked on the transitions of more than 80 private businesses to the succession model, said: “We are continuing to see increased interest from a variety of different businesses across contrasting sectors in making the move to employee ownership.
“It is inspiring to see two entrepreneurs succeed in their business throughout the difficulties of redundancy and a global financial crash. It is testament to their hard work that they have reached this momentous milestone.
“Bob and Joelle have always looked to put their staff first, and this transition is another chapter for the couple and the business. I would like to congratulate Wee Blue Coo Ltd, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Ownership Associates works exclusively within the employee-owned sector, supporting companies on their move to employee ownership and working with established employee owned businesses enabling them to maximise the ownership advantage.
For more information on Wee Blue Coo Ltd, please visit: https://weehappybox.com/
For more information on Ownership Associates: https://ownershipassociates.co.uk/
Join Intercultural Youth Scotland on November 16th for the launch of ‘BLOCK BEATS’, our new free music production program for BPoC young people!
With Anas SarwarMSP (Scottish Labour leader) cutting the red ribbon, Scottish Rap Artist ‘Chef’ performing, and an Open Mic competition for young artists in which Anas himself is on the panel – what’s not to love!!
You are invited to view the red ribbon cutting, ask questions to our panel and young performers and watch all of the following entertainment – 4 Duncan Place, Edinburgh, Scotland EH6 8HW, 5:30pm.
Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS) is a youth-led movement dedicated to improving the representation and participation of Black and People of Colour (BPOC) young people in Scotland.
Established two years ago as a small youth work organisation oriented towards BPoC youth, we have grown as a centre of support, creativity and activism for our community.
IYS offers a range of participatory programmes for young BPOC to learn vital skills and further develop themselves,recording music has just become another one!
Know a BPoC young person that wants to work with a music producer? Or are they looking for some experience recording and producing their own music? BLOCK BEATS is the place for them!
With a brand-new recording studio and access to our in-house producer, they can grow their skills to levels rarely seen in the Scottish music scene.
Block Beats gives two, 2-hour sessions with our music producer to make a track tailored to them. After this, they can then come and record their finished track in our studio – all FOR FREE!
Young people who participate in Block Beats will also be offered other performance opportunities at other great events throughout the year with IYS like SixFive socials, Scotland in Colour as well as opportunities for performances with partners.
For any questions please contact: blair@interculturalyouthscotland.org or call 07702546417
Live in Leith returns after its inaugural series in Spring 2021. Streaming on DICE with exclusive weekend access over 6-7th November 2021, the venue hosts Lizzie Reid, Scottish Album of the Year nominee; and Wester Hailes’ LOTOS/Last of The Old School, recently featured in a BBC Scotland documentary (https://bbc.in/3pllbA2), who are one of the key voices in Scottish rap.
Inset: Lizzie Reid / Live in Leith – C: Rory Barnes
After being successful in gaining 2nd round funding from Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund, Leith Theatre was able to once again reach audiences who have a love of new music and the venue while the building remains closed.
Live in Leith was able to re-engage with the local creative network and work alongside them to produce two incredible recorded sets while providing important income streams for industry professionals and the artists themselves.
Inset: LOTOS / Live in Leith – C: Rory Barnes
Hosted once again by Vic Galloway, Live in Leith puts a spotlight on 2 of Scotland’s rising stars at what is an important time in their careers.
The artists play a 20 minute set composed of current and new numbers followed by a get-to-know-you interview with host, Vic Galloway. The setting is Leith Theatre’s Female Chorus Room, a green room used for major productions in the venue. A special space, largely untouched since its 1961 refurbishment, the viewers get an AAA pass for these streams.
“These streams are not to be missed. The recordings are up close and personal with two of Scotland’s brightest talents. I am in no doubt, these acts will come back and headline our main stage as well as many other famous venues across the country.” – Callum Jones, Programme Curator & Coordinator
Tickets on sale now on a Pay What You Want scale:
https://dice.fm/venue/leith-theatre-6qp8
Every day in the UK, one individual volunteer, charity leader or community hero is recognised by the Prime Minister for the positive change they are making in their local area. Today, Monday 25 October, the award has been given to The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, for her outstanding sustainability campaign.
Founded in 2019, The Leith Collective provides a platform for 130 artists brought together by a common aim to recycle, repurpose, and reimagine items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill.
The retail space has evolved into a hub of creativity, playing host to inspiring workshops designed to support the local community. It also actively supports individuals with mental health issues by providing vital employment opportunities.
In January 2021, The Leith Collective became the UK’s first single-use plastic free shop of its kind and was later crowned runner up in the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Awards.
In July 2021, owner Sara Thomson took her message of sustainability west-side, opening The Clydeside Collective in Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, followed by The Camdentown Collective in London’s Buck Street Market in September 2021.
Most recently, Sara was specially selected to become a UK ‘One Step Greener’ ambassador and will showcase her story of how she is tackling climate change at COP26 in Glasgow next week.
As the COP26 summit nears, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was particularly keen to highlight people who are Climate Leaders in their communities and who are championing sustainability as Points of Light.
From Sara’s role as a One Step Greener ambassador and the inspirational work The Leith Collective is doing to showcase sustainability, the Prime Minister chose Sara to become the UK’s 1772nd Point of Light.
The Prime Minister wrote to Sara to personally thank her for her tireless work and she also received an official Points of Light certificate.
Sara commented: ‘This is such a genuine honour, I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award. In January 2021 The Leith Collective became the first plastic-free shop of its kind in the UK and since then we’ve seen more and more businesses take the plastic-free pledge.
“I’m thrilled that awareness of the importance of sustainability is growing and so many people are getting behind the campaign. I hope that by accepting this Point of Light award that others will be inspired to join us in creating a greener future for all.”
Curious about plans for a new multi generational community hub (The Heart) in Newhaven?
Join The Heart of Newhaven at Ocean Terminal on Friday 22 October 2-4pm for a chat and an exhibition called ‘Forth Reflections and Expressions of Wellbeing.’
The art work, produced as part of the Edinburgh Shoreline project, is created from the passionate responses of over a hundred people to a 1km stretch of the Forth coastline that is special to them.
A storyline of memories and visions of the Forth has emerged, linking the Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian coasts, biodiversity, people and communities.
We’re so excited to introduce our first “Croft Coorie-in”, coming Saturday 30th October – 11am-4pm!
The Croft Coorie-in is a new exciting community day hosted by Earth In Common on Leith Community Croft.
We want to create a warm inviting space to come together and embrace our community for a better and more just future for all!
Come and warm yourselves up at our Coorie-in where you’ll find: environmental workshops, a craft corner for carving pumpkins and making placards for COP26, flea market stalls, local organisations discussing their work, and a film screening of “NOT WITHOUT US” by @takeoneaction
A 15-year-old girl has been charged in connection with a racially aggravated assault. The incident happened shortly after 9pm last Friday (8th October) on Leith Street.
A report will be submitted to the youth justice authorities.
Chief Inspector Clark Martin said: ““Racism and discrimination of any kind is unacceptable and has no place in our society and we thoroughly investigate all incidents which are reported to us.
“We also work closely with a range of partner agencies, including universities and students organisations, to ensure students and young people feel safe in our city.
“We will be carrying out additional patrols in Edinburgh city centre to reassure people and to address any concerns. These patrols will be carried out with a specific focus on youth disorder.”
