Category: Leith

Leith MSP gets back behind the bar to back local hospitality sector recruitment drive

Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson will be pulling pints behind the bar in Joseph Pearce’s today (Friday 17 September) to show his support for hospitality businesses in the local area and the city more widely.

One of the MSP’s first jobs was as a bartender and he worked in a number different hospitality businesses in the city throughout his twenties. While working in hospitality he has said that he developed practical, organisational and interpersonal skills which have benefitted him throughout the rest of his career, including as an MSP.

Brexit has resulted in major staff shortages within the hospitality industry, which is affecting opening hours and the capacity to serve customers.

Commenting on his support for local hospitality businesses and their recruitment drive, Ben Macpherson MSP said: “I developed many practical, organisational and interpersonal skills while working in hospitality, and I learned a lot about different aspects of society from meeting and listening to colleagues and customers alike. I also made a lot of new friends from all over the world, who I’m still in touch with to this day, and had some great times working with them.

“The sector still has some improvements to make when it comes to its fair work responsibilities – but I have seen significant and meaningful change since I worked behind the bar 10 years ago, and today there are many hospitality businesses offering fair pay, good career paths and fulfilling opportunities.

“The experience of the pandemic has reminded us that local hospitality businesses are a key part of our communities and our economy – they are where we so often come together with loved ones and friends, and provide the setting for so many joyful moments in our lives.

“Cafes, pubs, clubs and restaurants are an important part of our society and I would encourage anyone looking for work to consider what either a temporary job or a career in hospitality can offer as a chance to learn new, transferrable skills.”

Anna Christopherson, Co-Owner of Boda Bars, said: “Working in hospitality gives you people skills, integrity and sales skills that you will need in every job you ever have.

“I wish everyone would work in hospitality at least once in their lives. It is a great job that gives you freedom to work everywhere around the world.”

Non-profit dance studio House of Jack fully reopens!

House of Jack, a not-for-profit community interest organisation, has now fully reopened after 18-months of pandemic restrictions, welcoming back a bigger community than ever before to its dance studio at Ocean Terminal in Leith.

Founded and run by Artistic Director Ashley Jack and Studio Producer Becky Enoch, with the aim of making dance, and its many physical, social and mental health benefits, as accessible as possible to all, House of Jack dance studio offered multiple online classes free of charge throughout each lockdown. In the process they built an ever expanding global community of young people and adults alike who met regularly online to dance and connect, while the pandemic kept everyone physically apart.

Youngsters joined from not only Edinburgh, but also from further afield in Scotland, and even from around the world, including two children hailing from India.

The parent of one of the children joining from the Isle of Iona said, “The House of Jack zoom classes were a real game changer for my 11 year old daughter during lock down. We live on a small Hebridean island so she hadn’t been able to access the benefits of dance previously.

“Besides all the mental and physical benefits of movement to music, she now has a love of Hip Hop and a new skill and confidence to take through to high school on the mainland.

The first of its kind in the UK, House of Jack dance studio is located inside a shopping centre – Ocean Terminal – with all the benefits that provides its students and the families of its students, including free parking, being fully under cover, and with numerous shops, restaurants and further leisure opportunities in the same building.

Ashley said: “We have a strong belief in the power of dance to connect people, build confidence and self-esteem while creating outlets for expression, and have strived to create a studio that is as welcoming as possible, with something for everyone regardless of age or level of experience.

“As a non-profit, fees are kept to an absolute minimum and participation in annual shows is always free for all children, including rehearsals and costumes, to remove as far as possible any financial barriers to taking part.”

Over the pandemic, House of Jack CIC secured generous funding from The National Lottery via Creative Scotland which allowed the studio to offer totally free, live and online world-class dance training and invaluable Q&A sessions with renowned dancers from around the world, even including LA-based Marty Kudelka (Justin Timberlake’s exclusive choreographer), Jaja Vankova (Step Up 5, So You Think You Can Dance), Deydey (the first female World Popping Champion), and many more.

A House of Jack regular who attended the Marty Kudelka workshop said, “Yesterday was a dream come true. Thank you so much to Mr Kudelka for taking the time to share his amazing talents and skills [and t]hank you to House of Jack for being able to put this on and having us learn from literally one of the dance industry greats!“

Becky added: “Between major lockdowns, while the studio was able to open to small numbers of under-18s, some of the local children who had attended online finally met for the first time at in-person studio classes, while adults classes continued via Zoom.

“What made such a difference, however, was that we were able to find new ways to connect, whether through the Q&A sessions with famous choreographers or by creating dance videos.

“In the run up to Christmas 2020, instead of the studio’s usual big theatre Christmas Show, we created Christmas-themed videos for each children’s class, something for the children to focus on and have fun with and for the parents to view and keep, in the absence of a show DVD!” 

Now reopened fully, with waiting area and changing rooms again, the focus in the studio remains firmly on safety, keeping class numbers to a safe level, giving everyone plenty of space and following all guidelines.  The Ocean Terminal studio is buzzing again with a renewed sense of hope that everyone can dance to a better future.

Irvine Welsh backs ‘magnificent’ Old Leith Rediscovered project

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £90,100 to The Living Memory Association to create a unique experience of the streets, buildings and people of old Leith. The project, named Old Leith Rediscovered, is a collaboration between the Living Memory Association and Spirit of Leithers Facebook page.

The Living Memory Association, in partnership with The Spirit of Leithers, is excited to be opening a second Wee Museum of Memory in Ocean Terminal later this month which will be dedicated to the project. The new venue will also have a walk-in exhibition space to celebrate the memories, places and people of Leith.

Much of old Leith was swept away as part of Edinburgh’s ‘improvements’ of the 1920s and 1960s and knowledge of what was lost now relies mainly on old street maps and photographs.

One of these maps, a Fire Insurance Plan dating to 1892, records significant details, such as building footprints, construction materials, number of storeys, room arrangements and function, location of doors and windows, and much, much more. For an example showing the old Kirkgate, see here.

Using a digital copy of this map created by the National Library of Scotland, Old Leith Rediscovered will add a wealth of information, including hundreds of surviving images scattered across numerous collections, to bring the historic townscape of Leith to life.

The project team conceived of Old Leith Rediscovered during lockdown as a way to celebrate the history of Leith and her people, to foster a pride and inquisitiveness about Leith’s past, and to provide a focus for Leithers to share memories and stories of days gone by. The interactive web-based map of Leith will be published online at the end of 2022.

Miles Tubb, Project Co-Ordinator, The Wee Museum of Memory, said: “We are thrilled to have received funding for this exciting project, which will link these wonderful historical maps with the Leith community.

“We are especially delighted to be working in partnership with Spirit of Leithers Facebook page, National Library of Scotland and Ocean Terminal. Our Wee Museum of Memory has been based in Ocean Terminal for over 7 years and this new unit dedicated to memories of Leith will bring different generations together to learn about the rich history of the Leith community.

Christopher Fleet, Map Curator at the National Library of Scotland, added: “We are delighted to be associated with this project, which will integrate our maps with related historical information, including photographs and oral history resources.

“Maps present the past in one of its most engaging forms, allowing endless insights into what was there, and into how people lived and worked. Moreover the plans that form a focus of this project are one of the most detailed types of urban mapping ever surveyed of places such as Leith.

“We are thrilled that this project has been funded, as it will provide new ways of enjoying and understanding the maps, as well as gathering new information for further research.”

Irvine Welsh, author of the Leith-based classic novel Trainspotting, said: “In the current age of drab uniformity, as manifest in our urban architecture and design, where modern construction renders everything generic, it’s important to remember the richness in the heritage of places like the great port of Leith.

“Thanks to this magnificent project, Leithers old and new can now immerse in the vibrant community of bygone days. As Bob Marley once said ‘in this great future you can’t forget your past…’ So we can now connect with where we came from, which you have to be able to do in order to truly know where you are going.”

Fraser Parkinson, administrator of Spirit of Leithers Facebook page, said: “Our page is dedicated not just to buildings and streets but to the people of Leith who have come before and are here today.

“This project is another huge step in building bridges across the globe between all those who wear their association with Leith as a badge of honour. We look forward to welcoming visitors and hearing from them at the new Spirit of Leithers and Living Memory Association unit at Ocean Terminal.”

Let’s Talk Waste: Saving the Planet in just six minutes!

Share sustainability hacks at The Leith Collective’s ‘Let’s Talk Waste’ event 

The climate is in crisis and every second counts. But what if all it took was just 6 minutes of your time to help turn things around? Local Edinburgh businesses, artists, and makers are being invited to give just a few minutes of their time to share their top tips at a special ‘Let’s Talk Waste’ event in the capital later this month.

Brought to you by The Leith Collective – crafters, makers, artists and business owners will come together on Thursday 23rd September to discuss ways in which they are reducing their waste and making a difference.

Taking place at Ocean Terminal, the evening will feature a diverse range of speakers; from a maker who creates unique works of art from items otherwise destined for landfill, to a sustainable refill shop, Weigh To Go, and local plant shop, Seb’s Urban Jungle.

The timing of the event is perfect, falling in the middle of Recycle Week, running 20th – 26th September, the aim of which is to galvanise the public into recycling more of the rights things, more often.

It also comes just a month ahead of the crucial COP26 summit which The Leith Collective’s founder, Sara Thomson, will be attending as one of 13 specially selected One Step Greener ambassadors. Her role there will be to share how she is doing her bit to tackle climate change and inspire others to follow suit. 

Commenting ahead of ‘Let’s Talk Waste’, Sara Thomson explained: “The event is part of The Leith Collective’s ongoing sustainability campaign which aims to encourage people to reuse, recycle and relove everyday items, and we wanted to open up the platform to as many local businesses and artists as possible to help spread the message of sustainability far and wide. 

“Knowledge is power, and by sharing inspirational stories and exchanging top tips in this accessible, easy-to-digest 6-minute format, everyone can learn something new, and together we can make a massive difference.”

EVENT INFORMATION

‘Let’s Talk Waste’ will take place at the ex GAP store on the Ground Floor level of Ocean Terminal on Thursday 23rd September, 6pm – 8:30pm. The event is free to attend and refreshments will be provided.

Earth in Common launches fundraiser following arson attack

Environmental action charity Earth in Common (formerly Leith Community Crops in Pots) have launched an online fundraising campaign following an arson attack on the project.

Earth in Common’s premises were subject to a ‘devastating’ arson attack on Saturday evening.

They explained: “Fortunately no one was hurt, however as a small charity with the community at the heart of what we do this is devastating. The cost to our infrastructure, recycling facilties is over £2000 and the valuable time and effort put in by our staff/ volunteers is unmeasurable.”

Earth in Common have been overwhelmed by messages of support and have now set up a fundraising campaign on the Justgiving platform.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution please go to: 

https://bit.ly/EICJUSTGIVE 

The Earth in Common team are also organising a Clear Up Day this Saturday (18th September) from 10am-4pm – check out their website for latest information.

A hundred new affordable waterfront homes for Granton

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and its subsidiary Persevere Developments Ltd (PDL) are marking Scottish Housing Day 2021 today by celebrating the opening of 104 affordable homes on Edinburgh’s waterfront.

The properties at Heron Place, Heron View, Heron Lane and Hesperus Crossway are situated at Granton Harbour and make up a stretch of the city’s large-scale waterfront regeneration programme. 

The development has been designed with existing and new communities in mind and has a sunlit central courtyard which residents will be able to enjoy together. In total there are 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent.

The completion of this development brings the number of affordable homes provided by PoLHA in north Edinburgh to over 3,000. 

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive said: “It was a pleasure to visit our new development on Granton’s waterfront and to meet some of its new residents this Scottish Housing Day.

“The location is close to various paths and networks that interconnect north Edinburgh’s greenspaces. I am sure the community here will enjoy making the most of the city’s coastline and all the sustainable transport options it offers. 

“That Scottish Housing Day is focusing on housing and the climate emergency this year is of personal importance to me. This new development has the lowest Environmental Impact Rating, good insulation, and is fitted with air quality monitors throughout.

“We as an industry have a long way to go to reach net-zero, and I am committed to working closely with colleagues on even more ambitious solutions to the climate challenges we face in the months and years to come.”  

CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “The Granton Waterfront Regeneration is one of the most significant of its kind in Scotland with housing being a key part of the City’s vision for its transformation.

“CCG’s journey at the waterfront began at Heron Place and works continue to be progressed with Port of Leith HA on a further 304 homes on an adjacent development.

“It’s an exciting time for the area and the wider housebuilding programme in Edinburgh and we are delighted to be playing our part as we embark on a further 600+ homes which are set to commence in 2022.” 

Cezary Grabski, 27, works in Customer Operations for Standard Life. Originally from Poland, he is moving from elsewhere in the Granton area, and says: “I feel very lucky to have found this housing association and this beautiful development.

“The flats are brand new, finished to a very high standard, in a great location and with stunning views of the water and Edinburgh Marina.” 

Sarah Watson, 25, a Clerical Officer working with NHS Lothian, is moving to one of the new mid market properties from the Saughton area of the city. Sarah said: “I immediately fell in love with the area and the picture of the flats were to die for!

“I can’t fault anything in regard to the process of applying for a mid market property and would highly recommend anyone to have a look at some for yourself. I can’t wait to move in and make my new flat a home.” 

John Donald, 47, is an Accounts Assessor for the Scottish Legal Aid Board. He is moving from Great Junction Street in Leith and says: “I am delighted to have found this mid market rental property in such a great location. I have lived in private rentals since moving to Edinburgh 16 years ago.

“With my youngest heading to university this year I had been thinking I would probably have to move out of the city to find something more affordable. Thankfully I saw the mid market flats available in this development and I am now excited to be moving into a brand new home in a great and developing part of Edinburgh.” 

Port of Leith Housing Association has ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025.

You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025. 

Adult Education Art Course enrolling now

We have a few places available in an adult education outdoor art course that will offer some weather protection as it is based at Ocean Terminal, with indoor and outdoor opportunities, great views, lots of ventilation, social distancing and a lovely friendly tutor. 

The course is running on 21st and 28th September from 10.30-1.30pm (3 hours each session). Enrolments must be made by Tuesday 14th September so please act quickly and please spread the word.


You can book by going onto www.joininedinburgh.org or using this link: https://www.joininedinburgh.org/activity/18183/

Fees are £24.75 for the standard fee and £15 for senior citizens, students and people receiving benefits. 

It is a great way to ease back into adult education courses (which we hope will be back soon) and will offer an opportunity to have some technique demonstration and support for your creativity to progress, whether a complete beginner or someone who has been sketching for years. 

The tutors work can be reviewed on her website: 

http://www.jennylupton.com/about.htm

Information on the course: 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:

No entry requirements and everyone welcome! The course will be based at Ocean Terminal, with access to an outdoor area as well as an indoor shop floor with plenty of space for social distancing – so you can choose to be outdoors and indoors during the time.  The views are excellent and lots of exciting scenarios to sketch.

OVERVIEW / INTRODUCTION TO COURSE:

A chance to sketch outdoors in companionable quiet with as much or as little tutor input as desired, a loose course structure devised to gently stretch your abilities with a suggested (but ultimately optional) focus, technique and/ or medium each week, the opportunity to get peer and tutor feedback (again, if desired) or to just enjoy yourself.

HOW THE COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT: 

See above. A loose structure with suggested foci and media but lots of choice and flexibility to reflect varied student needs and interests.


WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: 

Students will be provided with support to develop their own style, through guidance on techniques and feedback from the tutor.


RESOURCES / ADDITIONAL COSTS REQUIRED BY STUDENTS:  

Art students need to provide- a decent quality sketchpad, A3 size, with a minimum paper weight of 90 mcg; sketching pencils of preferred density (2B minimum suggested); bottle of water for wet media; optional watercolours/ watercolour pencils/ oil bar/ dry pastels/ charcoal/ sketching pens/ acrylic paints/ brushes; a sun hat and sun cream or waterproof jacket depending on the forecast comfortable and practical footwear; water bottle; hand sanitiser; a folding camping stool or small cushion for sitting on; snack (optional).

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES: 

See above for sun hat, sun cream, hand sanitiser, kitchen or toilet roll for tidying up wet materials and spillages.  Please sharpen pencils in advance or use pencil sharpeners rather than Stanley knives or other blades to lessen the likelihood of needing the First Aid box! 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN BAD WEATHER: 

Course will go ahead.

Music to Your Ears: celebration as Bross Bagels teams up with Jackpot Peanut Butter

Two pioneering food brands have joined forces to shine a light on grassroots music venues, while celebrating a classic food combination of bagels and peanut butter.

This weekend, (Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th September), Bross Bagels will reveal the first in a range of limited-edition bagels, which will hero purpose-led brand Jackpot’s unique peanut butter, which ranges from their original to the more creative twists including raspberry, wasabi and cookies ‘n’ cream.

Bross Bagels will launch a new limited-edition bagel every weekend throughout September, with profits from the bagels going towards national charity, Music Venue Trust, which supports and endorses local UK music culture.  The partnership will help raise funds and support for grassroots music venues at a time of need for music, culture, artists, their teams and crew. 

With the aim of celebrating grassroots music venues across the country, each limited-edition peanut butter bagel will be inspired by music and performance and named after a famous song or lyrics. 

The bagels will be available at the Portobello, Leith and Bruntsfield Bross Bagels shops across Edinburgh, every weekend throughout September.

The partnership aims to celebrate a classic food combination, while shining a light on grassroots music culture, a sector that has like many, been significantly impacted by the pandemic.  The collaboration is a unique celebration of culture, music and independent venues, subjects close to the hearts of both brands.

Jackpot Peanut Butters will also be available to buy in all Bross Bagels shops throughout September, with a donation from the sale of each of the limited-edition bagels and Jackpot Peanut Butter pots going toward Music Venue Trust. 

Launched in 2015, Jackpot Peanut Butter is an all-natural, traditional American peanut butter made in the UK – not dissimilar to Bross Bagels, who present authentic Montreal style bagels, made in Edinburgh.

The limited-edition bagels will kick off tomorrow (Saturday 4th September) with the (I can’t get no) Satay-Faction – a sesame seed Bross bagel filled with hot smoked salmon, Jackpot Peanut Butter, Bross’ infamous frickles, shrettuce, fresh chilli, coriander, and Mama Bross’ rock sauce.

Since the brand launched in 2017, Bross Bagels has been committed to working with other independent brands who are equally dedicated to their craft, and traditional production methods, while giving them a modern twist.

Commenting on the latest collaboration, Bross Bagels founder Larah Bross said; “We’re always looking for ways to work with other brands who have a similar commitment to their craft that we do.  When we came across Jackpot Peanut Butter, we felt there was a real synergy in our purpose, passions and love of good food and music that bring people together.

“Bross Bagels was founded on the joy of sharing foods that conjure up memories.  For me growing up, there was nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a bagel – especially a peanut butter and jelly bagel!  We all have our comfort foods – and they’re comforting because food connects us to one another. 

“Music conjures up the same sense of memory, belonging and connection, which is why we’re proud to be supporting both Jackpot and the Music Venue Trust.  And we had a hole lot of fun creating the new bagel recipes and names!”

Rupert Leigh, Creator and MD of Jackpot Peanut Butter said; “Bagels and Peanut Butter is a winning combination, as are music and food.  Never has there been a more important time to support grassroots music venues, and we’re thrilled to be able to work in collaboration with Larah and the Bross Bagels team to continue to support and nurture the culture of music.

“The sale of the bagels and Jackpot peanut butter pots will be donated to the Music Venue Trust, helping to support that next generation of music makers and fans – helping them grow and continue to entertain, and will highlight the need to look after and invest in our music culture.” 

For more information visit www.brossbagels.com

Duncan Place Community & Enterprise Hub launches £300 Community Event Fund

Duncan Place Community & Enterprise Hub is ready and waiting to welcome you inside.

With restrictions easing we can once again come together to learn, share, and enjoy making, watching and taking part in community activities.

If you would like to hold a community event, workshop, class, performance or similar, then apply to be in with a chance of winning £300 (plus room hire) to help make it happen!

We have 6 pots of £300 to hold events in the coming months.

Pots of £300 will be awarded as follows:

  • for an event for those aged 12yrs and under.
  • for an event for those aged 13-18yrs.
  • for an event for senior members of our community.
  • for a multi-generational event.
  • others.

Criteria:

  1. Your community event must take place in Duncan Place and be open to the Leith community.
  2. If your event will cost more than £300 you must be able to evidence that the remaining budget is in place.
  3. All health and safety and covid guidance in place at the time of the event must be followed.
  4. Any required insurance must be in place by the time of the event.
  5. Any re-usable equipment purchased for the events will remain the property of Duncan Place for use at future community events.

How it will work

Complete the application form and return it by Mon 1st November 2021.

The trustees will consider all applications, choose the winners and their decision will be final and suitable dates will be agreed upon.

We will accept applications from individuals or from groups/ organisations.

Duncan Place trustees are open to considering all types of community events but are particularly keen to support those that could be repeated to help reduce social isolation in Leith.

Forms can be returned by email to: info@duncanplace.org or by post to Nicola Lamberton, Duncan Place Community & Enterprise Hub, 4 Duncan Place, Leith, EH6 7NT

The successful applicant will be announced on or before Mon 20th December 2021.

Event planning and delivery can then take place in the months that follow.

If you are unsuccessful in being awarded one of the £300 pots but have another way of funding your class, workshop, performance etc, please remember that we offer affordable room hire. Please enquire via info@duncanplace.org

There is no minimum or maximum number of words. Please just let the boxes expand as needed.

This is the first time the Duncan place trustees have opened this fund.

We aim for it to be as simple and inclusive as possible.

We are open to considering all sorts of ideas so please just give it a try – you never know where it might lead!

It can be a one-off, or a small series of events over a few days/ weeks – just go with your ideal & we’ll consider it.

Application Form