Category: Leith

Lisa Petrie named Community Champion at Harbour’s north Edinburgh awards

An inspirational mother who has campaigned for tighter security around knife sales following the death of her son has been recognised for her tireless work at Harbour Homes’ north Edinburgh Community Awards.

Lisa Petrie was named Community Champion at Harbour’s annual north Edinburgh Community Awards, held on Wednesday 30 September.

Tenants and local community members nominated neighbours, volunteers and community groups they felt deserved a big thank you. The categories were Good Neighbour, Community Champion, Community Group and Special Recognition.

Lisa began campaigning for tighter restrictions on the sale of knives following the death of her 22-year-old son, John McNab, in Leith in September 2025. She is campaigning for all knives to be placed in locked cabinets to crack down on shoplifting and ensure knife sales are carefully monitored.

Her campaigning work caught the attention of the media and people across north Edinburgh, who nominated her for the Community Champion Award.

She has also been distributing bleed kits across Edinburgh. Her work was recently recognised in the Scottish Parliament, where First Minister John Swinney committed to making the kits available at community hubs across Scotland.

On receiving her award, Lisa said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I didn’t expect it. I’m overwhelmed. “I started this to raise awareness and to save someone else from going through that, kids and adults. So I’m absolutely blown away by this.”

Lisa is now hoping to get into schools across Edinburgh to tell her story.

She said: “I think kids relate more to a realistic story than something from a textbook, so if I need to go around every school in Edinburgh to tell my story and John’s story, then I will.

“We’re looking at changing the law and we’ll keep pushing for bleed kits.”

In the Good Neighbour category, winner Joan Robertson, described by her neighbours as a “lifesaver in many ways”, was recognised for her kindness. Joan often goes above and beyond to look after her neighbours by taking in parcels, looking after pets and keeping contact details in case anything happens.

She was also nominated for Community Champion for her work in the wider Leith community, including at the Leith Polisbox.

On winning Good Neighbour, Joan said: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked.

“You just get on and do it. Do as you would be done by.”

The Community Group award was shared by the Girls Wellbeing Groups run by YMCA Edinburgh and the Pilmeny Development Project.

Girls attend the group for many reasons, including anxiety, stress, low confidence and friendship difficulties. The groups provide a safe space to develop confidence, friendships, self-care and life skills.

On receiving the award, Dawn Munro from YMCA Edinburgh, who runs the groups, said: “I think the girls will all be really chuffed with it.

“It’s really important to empower young girls with life skills. Our group is all about improving physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing. The world isn’t in a great place for young girls and women. But because our group starts at age eight, we can then transition the girls throughout the key stages of life.”

Nicola Hutchinson, from the Pilmeny Development Project, said: “We’ve worked hard to get the group to where it is and it’s nice to have some recognition in the community because it’s been going for over five years.”

Dawn and Nicola were joined by Robyn, who started out as an attendee at the Girls Wellbeing Group and now works with the group as a young volunteer.

The last award of the evening went to a group of Harbour tenants called the Leith Legends. The group set off on a 3,070-mile journey from Easter Road Stadium in January this year. Their challenge was to ‘March to the Match’ virtually by walking the distance from Edinburgh to Boston at locations around the city.

They finished in time for Scotland’s first World Cup game, then walked enough steps to get home again.

Heather Kiteley, chief executive of Harbour Homes, said: “The north Edinburgh Community Awards were a chance to bring people together for an evening of food, music, bingo and celebration.

“It was inspiring to see the incredible connections across the Leith and north Edinburgh communities and the strength of community spirit in the room.

“Every nominee and winner should be proud of the difference they make, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact they have on the lives of our tenants and the wider community.”

SHORE THING: Campaign aims to entice more visitors to Leith and Newhaven

A five-month campaign to bring more residents and visitors Leith and Newhaven, from the top of Leith Walk through Leith, The Shore and onwards to Newhaven, in response to the disruption to travel caused by the Princes St fire launched yesterday (1 October), developed by Forever Edinburgh, in collaboration with local businesses.

More by the Shore [edinburgh.org/morebytheshore] will feature three activations which aim to build awareness, inspiration and demand among residents and visitors for the wide range of unique local businesses and experiences in Newhaven and Leith from the top of the walk down to The Shore and everywhere in between.

A new illustration of the area has been created for the campaign by local artist Kate George, who is based at local arts centre Out of the Blue.

The three activations are More by the Shore Specials (1st October to 8th November), More by the Shore Sparkles (14th November-3rd January) and More by the Shore Savings (4th January-28 February).

Throughout the programme, residents and visitors can enjoy a range of offers, deals, exclusives, ‘double your money’ voucher opportunities in partnership with itison and a new iconic hero festive event to be announced in the coming weeks.

The first stage of the campaign, More by the Shore Specials, has been curated by Forever Edinburgh to showcase the unique dishes, drinks, products and experiences which are only available on Leith Walk and in Leith, The Shore and Newhaven.

Some have been created for the campaign and others already on their menus and shelves, alongside discounts, two-for-one deals and added-value offers.

Businesses taking part in the campaign include Leith Makers, The Royal Yacht Britannia and Fingal Hotel, Victoria Bar, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Loud & Clear, Pekoe Tea, Portal Leith, Griffen Fitness and Qupi Café.

Details of all the Specials, and where to find them, are at on the Forever Edinburgh site at edinburgh.org/morebytheshore/specials

More by the Shore then moves into two further stages, covering the festive season, one of the busiest trading periods of the year, and January and February, traditionally the quietest.

Both these stages will include a partnership with itison which sees Forever Edinburgh delivering a programme of 40,000 sponsored vouchers for use at participating businesses in the area.

Anyone spending £5 on a voucher will have their money doubled to receive a £10, and in the new year, Residents with an EH postcode can enjoy an enhanced voucher offering, spending £7.50 for a £15 voucher in return, with the cost of savings covered by the campaign.

More by the Shore Sparkles will include buy £5, get £10 back vouchers for both residents and visitors. Alongside this, there will be festive content, a new hero winter lighting event and local events to encourage footfall down Leith Walk, to the Shore and onto Newhaven.  

More by the Shore Savings in the New Year will extend the voucher scheme, but exclusively for EH postcode holders in partnership with itison and Forever Edinburgh’s existing Resident Rewards scheme. It will also feature After 5, a content series which promotes the area’s evening offer, from winter menus and late openings to live music, screenings and creative workshops.

Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams and JCDecaux are key partners in the campaign, with More by the Shore promoted across the city through bus and tram advertising and outdoor digital displays, alongside a full media campaign and new video and photography of the areas which will be shared for free with local businesses for use in their own marketing. 

Watch the More By The Shore campaign video here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABu-ACo0iQM

The initiative follows the fire on Princes Street on 9 July, which stopped trams running to Leith and Newhaven until 29 August. During and after this period footfall in Leith Walk, Leith and Newhaven fell significantly. More by the Shore will support businesses affected by the travel disruption and sets out to change the perception that the area is difficult to get to. 

The activity aims to create immediate benefits by encouraging visits and spend during the autumn and winter period, while leaving a lasting legacy through increased awareness of Leith and Newhaven, stronger connections between audiences and the area, and campaign assets that can continue to support businesses beyond the campaign period.  

Both bus and tram services provide convenient connections to the area from across Edinburgh and the Lothians.  

Trams operate from the city centre to Newhaven every 7 minutes, with the journey from Princes Street to The Shore taking around 17 minutes, and the journey from Princes Street to Newhaven taking approximately 27 minutes.

In addition to tram services, the bus network provides direct connections to the area from across the city, including local neighbourhoods such as Portobello and Granton.

Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson, owner of the Victoria Bar on Leith Walk, said: “When the trams stopped, our trade dropped by around 10% almost overnight. The convenience of the trams makes visiting Leith and Newhaven easy and the area is very much worth visiting.

“The trams are back and there’s a lot happening here this autumn and winter, with Cocktail week in October, Victoria’s 20th Anniversary Month in November and some Scandinavian Hygge in December and January. Now’s the time to come and see us.”

Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I am delighted to see the campaign launching, promoting the fantastic shops, restaurants, bars and other businesses in Leith, the Shore and Newhaven.

“I know that businesses in these areas were severely affected by the disruption following the Princes Street fire, at a time of year that they usually rely on for an increase in sales.

“It is only right that we do all we can to help these businesses get back on their feet – which is why a large portion of the Scottish Government funding package has been set aside to support this.

“The campaign aims to encourage more people to visit and spend money in these wonderful areas of the city. From exclusive products, offers and discounts and special events, there’s something for everyone.

“We’ve worked with, and listened to, local businesses to bring the campaign to life, which I’m pleased to say will run all the way to the end of February.”

Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director at Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said: “Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are proud to support this campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to discover everything that Leith, The Shore and Newhaven have to offer.

“These vibrant destinations are home to a unique mix of attractions and independent local businesses, making them some of Edinburgh’s most exciting places to explore.

“Whether travelling by bus or tram, visitors can enjoy a convenient, seamless and sustainable journey, connecting them directly to the heart of the area. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire more people to leave the car at home, explore more of the city, and enjoy all that these thriving communities have to offer.”

More by the Shore is funded through the £5 million announced by the Scottish Government in August to support recovery from the Princes Street fire, administered by the City of Edinburgh Council. 

More by the Shore is free for businesses to join. Around 30 have signed up so far from 50-plus expressions of interest and outreach by the Forever Edinburgh team.

There is still time for businesses to get involved – businesses interested in taking part in any or all activations can find out more and sign up at:

http://www.edinburgh.org/corporate-and-media/visit-leith-and-newhaven-campaign-business-sign-up

LeithChooses applications close 12th October

Applications for LeithChooses 2026/27 close in less than two weeks: apply by 12th October

Constituted community groups can apply for project funding of up to £5,000, but only until 23:45 on Monday 12th October 2026, so please ensure you apply in good time. Though this deadline has been extended in the past, this is unlikely to happen this year and going forward in order to be fair to those who submit their applications on time.

As usual, projects should be new or adding new value (not continued funding of an existing service) that will be of benefit to the community in Leith. Projects should be designed to start after 31st March 2027 and run until March 2028 at the latest. This year’s theme is ‘Greater Leith Harmony’.

Apply now using our online form at edinburgh.gov.uk/applyleithchooses. If you need the application form in a different format, please contact leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Before you start, download and read the LeithChooses guidance notes to check your project is eligible and to help you put your application together. You can also read additional guidance from Edinburgh Council and a sample application form.

Application deadline: 23:45 on 12th October 2026
Theme: Greater Leith Harmony
Online application form: edinburgh.gov.uk/applyleithchooses

Supporting documents:

Need help? Get in touch today. With the deadline so close, please email leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk as soon as possible so there’s time to talk through your project.

Our final online applicant information session is TODAY 30 September from 5.30pm to 6.30pm online. Register to attend

Don’t miss your chance to make a difference in Leith. We look forward to hearing your ideas for new projects.

The LeithChooses Steering Group

Knife Angel leaves Leith – but Not In Vain campaign goes on

Month-long programme to tackle knife crime makes it’s mark

knife angel

Throughout September, communities across Edinburgh have taken part in activities designed to help people understand the risks associated with carrying knives and explore how to prevent violence.

The 27-foot Knife Angel sculpture, created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades, has provided a powerful focal point for conversations about the devastating impact of violence and knife crime.

As part of the programme, 500 pupils were funded to attend Code at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The gritty theatre production explores county lines gangs and violence through rap, parkour and BMX stunts.

The performance prompted important discussions among pupils, teachers and peers about the realities and consequences of violence.

Pupils from 13 high schools also attended Balisong, an educational play about knife crime produced by Strange Town. With support from Forth Ports, the production has toured high schools across Edinburgh, reaching thousands of pupils.

Young people have also played a key role in a creative project which saw 92 pieces of pupils’ artwork selected to form a mosaic on a Lothian bus. The artwork focuses on keeping safe and being kind, providing a positive message that was seen by people across the city.

Police Scotland school engagement officers have worked with schools and young people throughout September as part of ongoing efforts to prevent violence before it starts.

The Local Policing crime prevention team took part in community workshops, while officers have been providing local retailers with advice and guidance around the responsible sale of knives.

The Council held a closing ceremony on Friday to mark the end of the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh. The event brought the community together to reflect on the month’s activities and consider how partners can build on this work to continue reducing violence and knife crime across the city.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The Knife Angel has provided a powerful opportunity to bring people together and have important conversations about knife crime, violence and how we can make our communities safer.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Knife Angel programme, particularly our schools, young people, community organisations, Police Scotland and our other partners. The creativity and commitment shown throughout the month has helped keep these important conversations going.

“Although the Knife Angel is now leaving Edinburgh, the work does not stop here. The partnerships, conversations and lessons from the past month give us a strong foundation to continue working together to prevent violence and keep our communities safe.”

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “Edinburgh Division has been proud to have supported the Knife Angel residency alongside Places For People, City of Edinburgh Council and over 100 partners to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of violence crime and the support available to those affected by crimes of this nature.

“There is no place for violence in our society and our officers work daily with our communities and partners to respond to incidents of violence when they arise and support a range of diversionary activities aimed at deterring at risk groups from getting involved in violence.

“During the month of the Knife Angel residency we have helped keep people safe by patrolling the transport network, providing local retailers with advice on the responsible sale of knives, delivering inputs to schools on the dangers of weapon carrying, and, crucially, listening to those impacted by violence across our communities, including children and young people, about their experience of violence. This is all in addition to enforcement activity targeting perpetrators of violence.

“The Knife Angel has provided a platform for discussion reaching millions, united partners to roll out education programs, community engagement events, practitioner events and the sharing of accounts from those impacted by violence. However, the work does not end when the Angel goes, we remain committed to tackling violence in communities.

“If you are a young person who knows information about violent crime, including weapon possession, you can report it 100 percent anonymously via Fearless, the youth service of independent charity Crimestoppers, at fearless.org.

“If you are an adult, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or directly to Police Scotland by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Together we can keep Edinburgh a safe place to work, live and visit.”

 The Council will continue to work with partners, schools, and communities to support violence prevention and build on the work inspired by the Knife Angel’s visit.

And for Lisa Petrie, the remarkable wee mum who lost her son John McNab in a stabbing last September, the campaign goes on. The Angel may have moved on, but Lisa’s determination to ensure her terrible loss is Not In Vain remains as strong as ever.

More information about the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh and the Book of Remembrance is available on the Council’s website.

Edinburgh CIC launches Winter Coat Exchange amidst “perfect storm”of energy price rises and El Niño predictions

The Leith Collective hopes its Winter Coat Exchange will bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those struggling this winter

Energy prices are set to reach a three-year high this winter, with an even greater hike to bills expected to hit households in the new year.

These increases, coupled with the knock-on effects of a significant El Niño will create a “perfect storm” for families already struggling to afford the basics to stay warm this winter, according to local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, which is launching a Winter Coat Exchange on Thursday 1st October to help bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need this winter.

Last year, The Leith Collective rehomed more than 10,000 good quality coats. This year, they hope to distribute even more, plus for the first time jumpers, blankets, scarfs, hats and gloves, and they are calling on local businesses and organisations to play their part. 

The initiative is being launched in response to the announcement from the energy regulator, Ofgen, which outlined a rise in the price cap from October. This will add an extra £60 to the typical annual household energy bill, setting bills at a three-year high. What’s more, energy prices are predicted to rise again in January 2027, with current forecasts suggesting the price cap could increase by a further 25%. 

All this comes amidst warnings from UN officials that a significant El Niño is likely to occur towards the end of 2026, with some forecasts predicting the strongest event on record. The direct effects of this El Niño will be felt across the globe and may heighten instances of extreme weather, leading to adverse effects on global food supply chains and energy prices. 

In response, Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective is urging locals to act now. “Families here in Edinburgh are facing real hardship, and the prospects for this winter are bleak if we don’t step in and help.

“We’ve spoken to countless people who can’t afford to heat their homes, cook a decent meal or buy coats and jumpers to stay warm.

“That’s why we’re calling on businesses, organisations, charities, community groups and individuals to donate and distribute good quality winter clothing to bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need.”

Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective.

The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can help themselves to warm winter clothes without charge and without judgement.

Author Event at Leith Library

We are delighted to invite everyone to a very special author event!

Writing Well and Failing: in conversation with Ely Percy and Lucy Ribchester on Wednesday 30th September, from 6 – 7.30pm, at Leith Library.

Ely Percy talks about setbacks, perseverance and the perception of literary success – hosted by Lucy Ribchester.

Book your free tickets here: https://writing-well.eventbrite.co.uk

Leith’s Muse Hair named Best Hair Salon in Scotland

A third-generation Leith hair salon that has stood in the same Ferry Road premises since 1960 has been named Best Hair Salon at the 2026 Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards.

Muse Hair, a family-run salon with 66 years of history in the area, took home the title at the 15th annual SHABA awards in Glasgow, beating competition from salons across Scotland.

For Muse, the win is less a sudden arrival than the latest chapter in a story that began more than six decades ago.

Three generations of the same family have worked from the Ferry Road premises, through extraordinary changes in hairdressing, fashion, business and in Leith itself.

Owner Scott Finnigan said: “Winning Best Hair Salon means a huge amount to us. You’re in a room with some of the best people in the industry, from every part of Scotland, so hearing Muse called out was genuinely a bit surreal.

“But what makes it really special is the history behind it. We’re third generation. We’ve been working from the same premises on Ferry Road since 1960.

“Leith has changed beyond recognition. Hairdressing has changed beyond recognition. Somehow, through all of that, we’re still here.”

The Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards bring together leading salons, stylists, colourists, barbers and beauty professionals from across the country.

Muse reached the final alongside 15 other salons, while members of its team were also recognised individually, with Amanda Stanton shortlisted for Best Female Stylist and Best Female Colourist, and Mac Torrance shortlisted for Best Hair Extensionist.

Scott said the award reflected far more than what clients see from the chair. “There’s a version of running a salon that looks quite simple from the outside. You make the place look good, open the doors and cut hair.

“The reality is years of training people, building a culture, maintaining standards, fixing mistakes, adapting, listening, developing young stylists and constantly asking whether you can do things better.

“That part is invisible to most people, but it’s the part that matters.”

Muse has built its reputation around combining serious technical standards with an intentionally relaxed, unpretentious approach.

“We’ve never wanted Muse to feel corporate or overly polished,” Scott said. “We want people to walk in and immediately feel at ease. We take the work seriously, but not ourselves.

“There should be good conversation, good music, a bit of chaos, a lot of laughter — and, at the end of it, really good hair.

“To be recognised at this level while still feeling completely like us is probably the best thing about it.”

For a business with roots stretching back to 1960, the award also comes at a time when independent high-street businesses face unprecedented pressure.

For Muse, however, longevity has never meant standing still.

The salon continues to invest in education, emerging talent and the development of the next generation of hairdressers, while remaining independent and family-run.

Sixty-six years after the first generation opened the doors on Ferry Road, those doors are still open.

And now, above them, sits one more accolade: Best Hair Salon in Scotland.

Football legends join Utilita Energy Hubs for National Football Rebooted Day 2026

Utilita Football Rebooted

Saturday, 3 October 2026 will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host National Football Rebooted Day 2026 – a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots and make the beautiful game more accessible for families and young people.

Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport, and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.

Club mascots will be on hand at each high street Hub to welcome fans and pose for selfies, while Football Rebooted Ambassador David James MBE will lead the national celebrations from Derby. Meanwhile, Southampton FC legend Francis Benali will visit the Shirley Hub in Southampton, and former Middlesbrough FC players David Wheater and Craig Hignett, alongside current women’s player Megan Borthwick, will make a special appearance at the Hartlepool Hub.

Visitors to the Leith Energy Hub in Edinburgh will be welcomed by a Hibs Club Mascot and invited to donate football boots via a dedicated Football Rebooted collection point. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including Hibernian FC football tickets, signed merchandise, an energy-efficient Air Fryer, and other spot prizes.

The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Natasha Baillie, Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub Supervisor, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport, no matter their background or financial situation. Football Rebooted Day is a fantastic opportunity for people across the UK to support their communities through a simple act of generosity.

“By donating a pair of football boots, supporters can help keep young players active in the game they love, while giving quality equipment a second life instead of sending it to landfill.”

Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.

Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home. All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.

Event Details

The National Football Rebooted Day forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.

Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026

Time: 10am to 2pm 

Cost: Free to attend and open to all

Location: Utilita Energy Hub, 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA

For more information about Football Rebooted and how to get involved, visit www.footballrebooted.co.uk.