Foysol Choudhury, Labour list MSP for Lothian Region, has been contacted by businesses, residents, and visitors in Leith regarding the escalating issue of anti-social behavior at the Foot of the Walk in Leith.
In response, Mr Choudhury organised an urgent community meeting with Leith Labour Councillor Katrina Faccenda, Police Scotland and local businesses from the Newkirkgate Shopping Centre.
Mr Choudhury has visited the location multiple times, witnessing the anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, which local businesses report as a daily occurrence.
Reports indicate that the behavior, centred around the benches in front of the shopping centre, includes assaults, drug use and the presence of weapons.
After the community meeting, Mr. Choudhury said: “The message from local businesses is clear — urgent action is needed before things deteriorate.
“The cry from local businesses here is clear – urgent action must be taken surrounding the behaviour on these benches outside Newkirkgate Shopping Centre.
“Workers should not have to battle thefts, discarded needles and assaults on a daily basis and members of the public should not have to face intimidation and harassment whilst just trying to pick up their shopping and prescriptions.
“I’ve been liaising with local businesses to hear their concerns and alongside my colleague Cllr Faccenda, we will be pushing for actions which could deter and tackle this behaviour.
“Police Scotland have also been very helpful in providing visibility in the area and suggestions of how we can tackle these incidents.
“I’ve already raised this issue via multiple channels and will continue to do so – by working together and by developing partnerships, I hope we can improve this situation for the local community.”
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault which occurred in Victoria Park last night (Friday, 12 July, 2024).
Around 6.50pm a 19-year-old man was with two friends in Victoria Park, off Newhaven Road, when they were approached by two men on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.
One of the men proceeded to stab the victim in the arm before they both made off on the bikes in the direction of Craighall Road.
Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as stable.
The first suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9, and was wearing a balaclava, all black clothing and black trainers.
The second suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9 and wearing black clothing.
Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack on the victim and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this attack.
“Victoria Park would have been busy at the time of the incident and we would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or may have seen the two suspects on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.
“We would also appeal to anyone with private CCTV or dashcam footage of the surrounding area to check in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.
“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3052 of Friday, 12 July, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Citadel Arts Group returns to its Leith roots with a new play this August.
LEITH CUSTOMS by Hilary Spiers and Laure Paterson, directed by Mark Kydd, is based on the memories of retired officials who worked in Leith Custom House during the 1970s and recall it with affection.
Promenade performances last 1 hour in and around Leith Custom House, on Thursday 8th Aug 3.30pm, Fri 9th Aug at 2pm and Sat 10 Aug at 3.30pm with Q and A after the show.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have welcomed 24 Sea Cadets from the Edinburgh District Sea Cadets, in a chance to learn more about life at sea and step aboard a cruise ship.
Last Thursday (27th June), during Balmoral’s inaugural call of 2024 to the Port of Rosyth, the Sea Cadets were welcomed by members of Balmoral’s Bridge Team, including Captain Steffan Ravneng, Safety Officer Euan Ross and two deck cadets.
Following breakfast with Captain Ravneng and a talk about life at sea, the cadets were taken to the lower decks including the engine control room and toured the public areas of the ship followed by a lunch in the Ballindalloch restaurant.
Edinburgh Trinity Unit, Leith Unit, Musselburgh Unit and Dunbar Unit
Ewan Galloway, District Officer for Edinburgh Sea Cadets, said: “Bringing together cadets from all across Edinburgh for a cruise ship experience was a remarkable opportunity to showcase and embrace the skills cultivated in the Sea Cadets.
“This visit not only highlighted the relevance of these skills in the maritime sector but also left every cadet feeling privileged and inspired.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful opportunity provided by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Seeing the cadets’ faces light up upon arriving at the beautiful ship, Balmoral, was truly delightful.”
Stuart Ferguson, Head of Quality and Resource at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “It’s always a real pleasure for us to welcome young people on board our ships to learn more about life at sea. As a business that places a huge amount of importance on supporting local communities, we are proud to have welcomed the Edinburgh District Sea Cadets aboard Balmoral.
“There are so many opportunities to grow, develop and lead fulfilling careers across the maritime sector and we hope to have inspired some of these bright young minds about what can be available in their own futures.”
Sea Cadets are a national youth charity founded in 1856, offering a variety of opportunities and adventures to young people aged from 10 – 18 years old following a rank structure similar to that of the Royal Navy.
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holidays in Scotland at Vue in Edinburgh – offering ample opportunity to spend quality time with the family now that the school year has finished.
Almost nine years since its enormously emotional debut warmed hearts and mini minds across the world, Inside Out 2 is now out on the big screen, inviting us back to the wonderful world of Riley’s mind and Emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. Now, as Riley reaches her teenage years, our gang meets a whole new cast of unfamiliar emotions which set them off on another marvellous adventure across the teenager’s mind.
Joining Joy and friends, this summer welcomes Gru and the Minion crew back with Despicable Me 4, which sees our former villain turned family man face off against new nemesis Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina. Expect more Minion mayhem, criminal capers and plenty of laughs when Despicable Me 4arrives at Vue on 12 July
Some recent family favourites are returning to the big screen this summer as part of Vue’s new Mighty Morning screenings which sees Garfield, IF,Kung Fu Panda 4 and Little Monsters back this summer holiday from just £2.49 when tickets are booked online.
As part of Vue’s recently announced family offering, Vue’s Big Shorts will be bringing some favourite children’s characters from television shows and web series back to the big screen, including The Gruffalo’s Child&Zog and the Flying Doctors.
These short and sweets screenings offer a relaxed big screen environment with dimmed lights and reduced sound, tailor-made for younger film fans aged one to four.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean Terminal, said: “We’ve got a great selection of new films and big screen entertainment on show, offering a perfect way to enjoy quality family time while school is out for the summer.
‘Even better, our Vue Mighty Mornings at 10am, will continue to show the latest kids’ films from just £2.49 a ticket if purchased online and £3.49 in venue. Parents and children can come along, immerse themselves in great stories and switch off.’
Tickets are available, along with more information on Big Shorts and Mighty Mornings, at www.myvue.com/family
Mike Andersen, the Lib Dem candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today called for Scotland’s sewage network to be upgraded and for a blue flag system for Scotland’s rivers to be introduced.
This comes as new analysis by the Liberal Democrats revealed that Edinburgh North and Leith is one of 14 Westminster constituencies in Scotland where there is no monitoring of sewage dumping pipes.
Across Scotland in 2023 sewage was dumped 21,660 times, an increase of 10% on 2022. However, the problem is likely to be far worse because, unlike in England, hardly any dumping pipes are monitored.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have launched plans for a Clean Water Act that would see:
Scotland’s Victorian sewage network updated;
Every sewage dump monitored and published with binding targets for their reduction;
A blue flag system for Scotland’s rivers;
A complete ban on the release of sewage in protected areas such as bathing waters.
The proposals for Scotland are part of a UK-wide campaign by the Liberal Democrats to clean up waterways and get governments to take action.
Mike Andersen said: “SNP ministers have become spin doctors for the government-owned water company and outdated standards. Bosses are taking home bumper bonuses while millions of litres of sewage gets dumped into our rivers, lochs and beaches.
“Monitoring of sewage dumping is so lacking that there is no monitoring whatsoever in Edinburgh North and Leith. In England, at least there is proper monitoring in place so that we know the scale of the problem.
“On Thursday, you can use your vote to end the appalling sewage scandal. Scottish Liberal Democrats want a Clean Water Act for Scotland to update the sewage network, proper monitoring to find all the dumping, and a complete ban on this filthy practice in protected areas such as bathing waters.
“Liberal Democrats up and down the UK have led the campaign to turn the tide on the sewage scandal. If you elect a Liberal Democrat MP in Edinburgh North and Leith you will get a hardworking local champion who is focused on getting the sewage out of our rivers and winning the change our country desperately needs.”
You can find data for all Scottish Westminster constituencies here.
Foundation Course applications open – be among the first to study at Leith School of Art’s new campus
Graduates speak about how LSA transforms artists’ lives
Leith School of Art is opening a superb new campus which will be the base for its acclaimed Foundation Course.
The one-year course is recognised by students as the passport to art degree programmes of their choice.
LSA is also renowned for its outreach in areas of multiple deprivation and the opportunities it offers people with artistic talent who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access art courses and tuition.
The spacious new Albion Road Campus will be ready for this September’s intake of Art and Design Foundation Diploma students and will also host an expanded One Day Painting Course.
LSA is also working with the SQA to credit rate the School’s Art and Design Foundation Course at an SCQF Level 7 from September 2024.
This advanced level is equivalent to completion of the first year of a Scottish university degree, enabling LSA students to progress directly into the second year of their chosen art and design degree.
Nick Devison, The School’s Principal, said:“This is a landmark moment for Leith School of Art – the new campus will be an amazing place to study art, as a student on our Foundation Course, or any of the other courses which will be taught there.
“We are also celebrating lots of other good news – something that’s really welcome as art education generally is going through such tough times.
“It’s brilliant for students that they can take our Foundation Course and earn the credit points they need for progression into the second year of a degree course.
“And we are already in the position that our Foundation Course is so highly rated that 95% of graduates get into the university art degree course of their choice.
“All this underlines our commitment to offering the very best of art education to the people of Edinburgh.”
Located in a 19th-century former printworks at 66 Albion Road, the new campus provides a superbly lit 3,000 square foot studio and other facilities.
With the major works close to completion, a £30,000 fundraising appeal is underway to cover the costs of fully fitting out the building (donations can be made at www.leithschoolofart.co.uk).
A campus launch event took place yesterday (Thursday, 27 June), featuring an exhibition of work by students on LSA’s Mentoring Course, which enables artists to further develop their work.*
Val McLean, LSA Course Leader and Tutor, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our prestigious Mentoring Course end-of-year exhibition in this remarkable new space, as part of our campus launch celebrations.
“It’s a fantastic platform to showcase the outstanding work and artistic growth of our talented students. And I’m thrilled about our upcoming move to the new campus. With a larger cohort of students we have tremendous opportunities ahead.
“We can nurture the artistic development of more aspiring artists, collaborate on innovative teaching approaches, and craft a truly dynamic and enriching learning experience.”
An exhibition of work by the most recent intake of Foundation Course and year-long course students has also been taking place at LSA’s North Junction Street Campus, a former Norwegian Seamen’s Church.
Inès Ross, a Foundation Course graduate who is going to Falmouth University to study Fine Art, said:“I have had the experience of a lifetime, LSA has helped with my development as an artist and I’ve met so many amazing people this year, teachers, pupils and beyond.”
The School is currently working to increase the level of outreach work it does with secondary schools – mostly in areas of multiple deprivation through the LSA Schools Programme.
One aim is to work with teachers to identify talented children at an early age and nurture them through to the stage where they are ready for university.
What students say about our Foundation Course:
The Art and Design Foundation Diploma stands out for many reasons, including the excellent staff/student ratio, the emphasis on both arts practice and theory and the large amount of time students get to spend with tutors and in the studio. It is also closely tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student.
Sula Reid who went to LSA straight from school:“Leith offered more than I could have hoped. I made friends for life and discovered so much about myself and my artistic capacity. Leith offers a space where you can truly be yourself. The guidance and dedication of the tutors is remarkable, they put so much love into their work.”
Erin Gibbons:“LSA was so supportive and gave me the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I would absolutely recommend LSA to everyone.”
Laura Bullock, a mature student who has been accepted to the Master’s programme at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee:“The dedicated support of the amazing team of experienced tutors and support staff was invaluable. Leith School of Art is such a special place to study, and the Foundation Course sits firmly in its heart and mine.”
Kathryn Adkins:“The course has been incredible. I learned so much about a variety of art media and techniques. LSA provides a wonderful, safe and supportive environment.”
James Sinclair:“The course pushed me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to expand my skills. Being part of a creative community has been inspirational.”
Shona McIntosh, a former Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist:“The Leith School of Art Foundation Year changed my life completely. After further studies I now practice as a conceptual artist, exhibit and sell my work and had a two-month residency on the Galápagos Islands. I could never have achieved this without LSA’s Foundation Course.”
Applications are still open for the 2024-25 Foundation Course. Information can be found here.
LSA offers bursaries and concessionary rates for students unable to afford the fees. See here.
* Launch event refreshments were sponsored by local companies, Moonwake Beer Co and Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, the event showcased a sample of Leith’s thriving independent business and art and culture scene; consolidating Leith’s reputation for being one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods.
One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five Victorian pools, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, will be celebrating 125-years of ‘serving’ the city of Edinburgh and is calling on any keen bakers to join in the festivities.
The venue will be holding a Bake-Off event to celebrate the occasion on Friday, 28th June and is asking local businesses, staff and customers to embrace their inner Mary Berry to create some delicious cakes and tray bakes to raise funds for their Active Communities programmes.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities supports 12,500 people annually who face the greatest barriers to get active – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty. As a venue, they hold 23 Active Community classes each week, and Leith Victoria is one of Edinburgh Leisure’s busiest venues supporting hundreds of people in the local community.
The Bake-Off judging will take place at 11.20 – 11.30am following a busy Aqua and yoga class that takes place earlier in the building, when participants often congregate for a coffee and a blether after. Prizes will be awarded to the best bakes.
June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s previous Chief Executive, who retired in March 2024 after 38 years’ service with Edinburgh Leisure, will be Chief Judge, along with Jen Holland, their new CEO and one of Leith Victoria’s regular customers Christine, 71 years, who attends 19 classes a week at the Leith Viccies, as it is affectionately known locally.
The original Victoria Leith Baths were opened in 1899 by Provost John Bennet. The original plaque is still on display at Leith Victoria Swim Centre. A plaque is also still on display on the exterior of the building which says, ‘Leith School Board, Swimming Baths, 1896’ and there is still the old red and white ‘Baths’ sign on the exterior of the building.
Leith Swimming Baths (now restored) linked to the ‘Public Baths’ (i.e. rows of enamel baths) and Laundry (both now demolished to create the Victoria Swim Centre). The baths were in use until the late 1970s, due to the high number of Leith dwellings lacking bathrooms up to that time. In the good old days, men got changed on one side of the pool, and ladies on the other. Obviously that no longer happens but the baths do have individual changing cubicles around the outside of the pool.
Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria explained: “At 125 years old, Leith Viccies is rich in history, and we also know it holds a special place in so many people’s hearts locally, with customers of a certain vintage telling us how they learnt to swim here many years ago and have carried the tradition on with their children and grandchildren learning to swim here too.
“So, if there are any keen bakers locally for whom Leith Viccies holds a special place in their memory bank and would like to get involved, please get in touch. It’s all a bit of fun but will hopefully raise much needed funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which supports so many different groups of people.”
If there are any keen bakers who would like to contribute a traybake, biscuits, cookies or cake for the event, the team at Leith Victoria would love to have your support. Please get in touch with:
We’re excited to share further details of plans for our community picnic event this Saturday.
We’re looking forward to learning about nature and conservation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), providing some fun activities for kids, offering a chance to refresh your wardrobe at the clothes swap, and hearing your views about the park and how we can make improvements.
All activities are free of charge, so just bring your family, friends, food and something to sit on.
Oh, and let’s not forget to keep hoping for a wee bit of sunshine!
