Category: Leith

Leith Links robbery: Witness appeal

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a robbery which occurred in the Leith area on Monday night (12 August, 2024).

Around 11pm a 38-year-old woman was walking through Leith Links, close to Duncan Place, when she was approached by a man who grabbed her rucksack, causing her to fall to the ground.

The suspect made off towards Restalrig Road and Link Gardens.

The suspect is described as a white male, 30 to 40 years-old, 5ft6 and of thin build. He was wearing a long sleeved top, trousers, a dark baseball cap and spoke with a Scottish accent.

He was also in possession of a black and green mountaineering style rucksack which contained clothing and a number of high value items.

Detective Sergeant Ashley Rea said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured during the robbery however it was still a very distressing experience.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the surrounding area around 11pm on Monday night who saw a man matching the suspect’s description, or who may have private CCTV or dash-cam footage of significance, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2616 of Monday, 12 August, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Planning application submitted for refurbishment of Edinburgh’s Calton Square office building

A planning application for the proposed refurbishment of the Calton Square office building, currently home to Baillie Gifford, has been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council by Ardstone Capital on behalf of the building owners.

The vision for Calton Square is to create a best-in-class office building, comparable to the best in Europe, with the best possible Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) standards and lowest carbon footprint.

Located at the top of Leith Walk, the scheme provides almost 200,000 sq ft of office accommodation, with a number of roof terraces, co-working areas and a striking internal atrium that has the potential to act as an auditorium. 

Fronting onto Leith Street the building, which dates from the 1990s, needs updating and to refurbish it will require significant remodelling and intervention. This includes replacing many elements of the existing asset including windows, façade, lifts and entrances.

However, much of the existing structure will be retained, with materials re-used on site or recycled.

Sustainability and net zero objectives have been established as a key consideration, delivering first class energy and environmental performance standards, with best-in-class ESG ratings. The current green roofscape and gardens will be enhanced, with a courtyard or atrium space provided in the centre of the building.

Commenting on this, Craig McDonald, Principal and Managing Director of Ardstone Capital UK, acting as development manager on behalf of the owner and its advisory team, said: “We are delighted to be submitting the planning application for Calton Square to City of Edinburgh Council.

“The dialogue with the Council and other stakeholders has been very productive, and the application seeks to deliver an office building comparable to the best in Europe, which will serve Edinburgh well into the future.

“With the highest environmental performance standards, and the lowest possible carbon footprint, this refurbished building will seek to deliver improved ground floor activity and accessibility.

“Calton Square will address the recognised demand for top quality office space in the capital, while making an important contribution to the city, and we look to continue engaging with the Council and local community as the application progresses through the planning process.”

Leith sheltered housing tenants take on 1,280-mile walking challenge

A group of 26 tenants living in Leith have walked the distance from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End on paths around north Edinburgh. The group challenge recreated all the steps of the famous route over six weeks.

The walk was inspired by the success of the group’s virtual NC500 walk during lockdown in 2020. Harbour Homes’ sheltered housing coordinators recognised the benefits of a group challenge to promote movement for mental health.

The group exceeded the target distance by travelling over 1,280 miles on foot. This equates to over three million steps in six weeks.

Ellen who joined the walk said: “The virtual walking group was a great incentive to get up every morning and walk instead of sitting watching TV.

“I started to feel better about myself.”

Craig enjoyed the challenge and said: “It showed how much effort everyone put into the challenge.

“It was very worthwhile.”

Michael added: “I liked the challenge, it was really good for the body and mind.

“I really enjoy the walking group and catching up with everyone.”

Maureen Combe, Sheltered Housing Manager at Harbour Homes said: “There would be no challenge without our tenants, and we are very proud of the dedication shown by the walking group this summer.

“It is well known that one of the best things we can do to look after our mental health is to move regularly, and the benefits increase when we move as part of a group.

“I’m eager to see what our tenants accomplish next!”

Harbour Homes’ sheltered housing coordinators plan to keep the momentum going with more walking activities and challenges throughout the year.

Police: Have you seen Rory?

POLICE are appealing for the assistance of the public in tracing 20 year old Rory Dowling-Clarke, who has been reported missing from Granton, Edinburgh.

Rory was last seen at 2pm on Monday 29th July, 2024 in the Granton area and is thought to have since been in Leith and the City centre.

If you have any information please contact 101 and quote police incident 2038 31/07/24.

Ocean Terminal and Royal Yacht Britannia agree new 25 year lease

Five star attraction commits to long-term future as part of reconfigured destination on Leith’s waterfront 

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OT (Ocean Terminal) and The Royal Yacht Britannia have agreed a new 25 year lease which will cement OT’s position as the leading tourist destination on Leith’s waterfront. 

The five-star attraction voted Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023 – 2024 has committed to a long-term future with OT as part of the redevelopment project and multi-million pound redevelopment of the site. 

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said: “This is a significant development for the reconfiguration of the site, and we are absolutely thrilled that The Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions, has agreed a 25 year lease with OT. 

“I am in no doubt this will be a formidable partnership, cementing our position as a leading tourist destination on Leith’s waterfront, furthering our ambitions for the wider regeneration of Leith, and the local community around the site.”

A spokesperson for The Royal Yacht Britannia added: “We are delighted to have secured the long-term future for The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith as part of the exciting redevelopment of Ocean Terminal, and we look forward to moving into our state-of-the-art visitor centre and fantastic new gift shop in early 2025.”

Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world, travelling more than a million nautical miles, serving the Royal Family for over 44 years.

Today, she is a five-star visitor attraction and exclusive evening events venue. 

Action needed to tackle antisocial behaviour at Newkirkgate

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.”

Appeal for witnesses after stabbing in Victoria Park

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.”

LEITH CUSTOMS

MEMORIES OF LEITH CUSTOM HOUSE – A PROMENADE PLAY

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.

FREE TICKETS from lizhare@blueyonder.co.uk/07770 623 924.

Places are limited.

Edinburgh District Sea Cadets welcomed aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral in Rosyth

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.

For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ sailings from Rosyth, please visit: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/cruises-from-edinburgh-rosyth