Category: Leith

Invisible Cities launches new nationwide project

Tours focus on distinct neighbourhoods within iconic cityscapes 

Invisible Cities, the alternative tour guide company that introduces locals and visitors to some of our greatest urban heartlands, is launching a new nationwide project. 

The social enterprise, which has generally focused on city centres, is now delving deeper into local neighbourhoods and encouraging everyone to discover what is on the doorstep there – from Glasgow’s once-notorious Gorbals slum area to Manchester’s Fallowfield and the inspirational women of Edinburgh’s Leith. 

Zakia Moulaoui Guery, CEO and Founder of Invisible Cities says, “Every year we take thousands of tourists and locals on our tours but, If there is one thing lockdowns have brought us all, it is a new appreciation for our local areas.

“Until now we have tended to focus on city centres or easily-accessible areas but we have realised that our local areas, neighbourhoods and some lesser-known places are also well worth exploring. 

“As a result, we’ve created Invisible Neighbourhoods and curated a series of fascinating new tours detailing some really interesting facts and locations that will appeal to anyone visiting or living in these vibrant areas.” 

Invisible Cities trains people who have previously experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city.  Invisible Neighbourhoods, a series of tours, events and products, has been designed by these well-informed guides with support from local communities in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester – with more neighbourhoods in the pipeline. 

In Edinburgh children can discover the stories behind the powerful women of Leith, a port with a dynamic community and rich maritime history. 

Through a complete Trail Pack, including a Leith tote bag, activity pack, stickers and colouring pencils, youngsters can learn who these inspirational women were and the extraordinary things they achieved – all while exploring this legendary waterfront.  

In Manchester, consultations with the local community in Fallowfield, traditionally a student area with a diverse population, have helped to shape a brand-new local tour. Shorter in length than usual and free of charge for schools and local organisations, this tour aims to give people an insight into their own neighbourhood. It has been supported by The Manchester Wellbeing Fund and Barratt Homes. 

In Glasgow the focus is on the Gorbals and Lauriston. With support from Urban Union, a walking tour will kick off soon with the possibility of self-guided trails also on the horizon for families to discover this lesser-known part of Glasgow.  

Regular Invisible Cities tours are also available in York and Cardiff. 

For more information on Invisible Neighbourhoods visit http://invisible-cities.org/invisible-neighbourhoods 

‘Transformational redevelopment’ planned for Ocean Terminal

Ocean Terminal has submitted a pre-application notice with the City of Edinburgh Council for a transformational redevelopment that will see the 20-year-old centre open up to the waterfront. The vision is to create a destination that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in Leith.

Having purchased the shopping centre in March 2020 because of its significant potential, Scottish owners, Ambassador Group, have used insights gained over the past eighteen months to advance plans to turn Ocean Terminal into a gateway to the waterfront for the local community, adding to the wider regeneration of Leith.

The new masterplan for the site includes a new mixed-use space that maximises the location and aspect on to the Firth of Forth, created at a new linked entrance to the centre. Reflecting the change in people’s priorities post-pandemic, the proposal promises a mix of indoor and outdoor space achieved by the demolition of the existing north multistorey car park and the former Debenhams store to allow the remaining building to be reconfigured with updated spaces for new commercial opportunities facing a dramatic streetscape to the waterfront.

There will be a consolidation of Ocean Terminal’s recent shift in strategy to attract and retain tenants that are aligned to local and national policy objectives supporting ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’.

Complementing the continuing regeneration of Leith which has seen new homes, schools and businesses emerge, the proposals support local jobs while also cementing Leith’s distinct appeal as a popular choice for visitors to the Capital.

The final stage of the masterplan is to introduce a mix of much-needed housing on the waterfront, integrating with the trams to Newhaven extension and new local amenities, to add to the vibrancy of the local community and the sustainability of the local economy.

Following the submission of the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) today (18th August, 2021), Ocean Terminal will now conduct public consultation beginning with an online exhibition set to go live on 23rd September.

A full planning application is expected in early 2022, with a view to start works later that year.

The redevelopment represents an investment of more than £100 million.

Chris Richardson is the managing director for Ambassador Investments, which is responsible for developing a range of residential properties and commercial buildings across Scotland, all of which have industry leading environmental credentials.

He said: “We’re planning a transformational redevelopment that will finally realise Ocean Terminal’s potential as a leading waterfront destination, whilst placing the changing priorities of residents, businesses, visitors and shoppers centre stage.

“The retail industry and the local environment has evolved significantly in recent years and this redevelopment will create a sustainable destination that people will continue to enjoy for years to come.

“This is an exciting time for Ocean Terminal, and we look forward to sharing that vision as we move forward.”

Ambassador Group has a vision for Ocean Terminal which has been advanced and adapted over the course of the pandemic. Having seen how local people want to interact with the centre and the need for public space, it is clear that Ocean Terminal is an important part of Leith and the area’s regeneration story. 

The firm’s vision is for a sustainable place for shopping, relaxing, working and living that will make the most of the centre’s unique waterfront location and fully embraces new environmental standards.

Throughout, there is a commitment to climate change mitigation and the promotion of sustainability, in line with Edinburgh City Council and Scottish Government net zero targets, through the use of energy efficient materials and low carbon energy generation.

Having already spoken with many of those with an interest in the success of Ocean Terminal, the early feedback has been very positive. The proposed redevelopment will happen carefully in distinct phases to ensure a smooth realisation of the vision. That includes a focus on continuity and consistency for existing tenants and other users of Ocean Terminal, while plans are put in place.

Ambassador Group has appointed the following advisers on the project: planning consultants, Turley, building surveyors, PMP, and architects, Keppie Design.

Today at Leith Links: Family fun at Edinburgh Climate Festival

The Edinburgh Climate Festival 2021, a free, family friendly & community-led marketplace event taking place for the first time in Leith Links East today from 12 noon to 7pm.

It aims at celebrating and inspiring climate action. Featuring performances, stalls, kids’ and adults’ activities and more, this is not to be missed! 🌎 💚 ♻️ 🌳

Highlights of the ‘marketplace’ festival include:

• Family/Kids area 👪

• Market and stalls 🎪

• Background music, Live DJ 🎵♪

• Upcycling workshops ♻️

• Henna painting ✋

• Seed planting workshops 🌾🌱

• Storytelling and arts and craft 🎨

• Free clothes repairs 🧵 ♻️ 👚

• Free bike repairs 🚲 🔧

• Electric bike trials 🚴

• Free shop with clothes, books, shoes & more! 👚👠👗📚

• Free Yoga classes 🧘🏽‍♀️

Please join share the facebook event for more updates: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/125587702982065 

#EdinburghClimateFestival

Rotten to the core: Charity Food van stolen in Leith

UPDATE: VAN RECOVERED

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a food charity’s delivery van was stolen in Leith.

The white Ford Transit van, one of two main delivery vehicles belonging to social enterprise Edinburgh Community Food, was taken sometime between 1.30pm on Monday, 9 August, and 6am on Tuesday, 10 August, when it was parked on Tennant Street.

The van, registration number SH12 XVO, is distinctive with a large strawberry logo on the sides and rear with the words – edinburgh community food – clearly written on it. (van pictured below is not the stolen vehicle but shows the logo)

Sergeant Elaine McArthur Kerr, of Leith police station, said: “Edinburgh Community Food relies on its vans to deliver to people and businesses in the city and this theft is a shameful act given that it obviously belongs to a charity.

“Edinburgh Community Food delivers fresh fruit and vegetables to people on low incomes and sells it to staff, patients and visitors in city hospitals. This theft has left them seriously inconvenienced and having to hire a replacement.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to trace the van and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen it since it went missing to get in touch. If you can assist please contact us on 101, quoting incident 0689 of Tuesday, 8 August, 2021, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Edinburgh Community Food CEO Brenda Black, said: “We need the van to deliver essential fresh food supplies to isolated people throughout Edinburgh.

“We spent the pandemic making sure the most vulnerable people in Edinburgh got food and essentials to keep them going through the worst of times.

“We continue to deliver food to families, communities and other organisations who really need them but this theft has halved our capacity.”

Let’s hope this vehicle is returned to it’s owners without delay.

UPDATE: VAN FOUND – THURSDAY 12 AUGUST

Officers in Edinburgh can confirm that a food charity’s delivery van which was stolen in the Leith area of the city has been recovered.

The white Ford Transit van, one of two main delivery vehicles belonging to social enterprise Edinburgh Community Food, has been traced to the Newhaven area and enquiries are ongoing to find out how it got there.

Sergeant Elaine McArthur Kerr, of Leith police station, said: “Fortunately the van has been traced as a direct result of our appeal and I would like to thank everyone who responded to it.

“However, enquiries are ongoing to find out how it got there and we continue to appeal for information. I would ask anyone who saw the white Ford Transit with its distinctive large strawberry logo between 1.30pm on Monday, 9 August, and noon on Thursday, 12 August, to get in touch.

“If you can assist please contact us on 101, quoting incident 0689 of Tuesday, 8 August, 2021, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Return to full houses at Easter Road and Tynecastle

Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian football clubs have been granted dispensation by the Council to welcome back full capacity crowds at their upcoming home matches in the next few weeks.

The move follows the easing of Scottish Government Covid19 public health guidance.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’ve been working very closely and productively with both clubs on over the last few weeks and months to help ensure fans can safely attend home games within the parameters of the public safety guidance.

“It’s great that we’re now in a position to have both stadiums back at full capacity as Covid restrictions ease. I’m sure fans of both teams will be hugely looking forward to hearing the roar of their home crowds after such a long time and it’s bound to give a real boost to the players themselves too.

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This is great news for Hearts and Hibs fans who can get back to enjoying the football they love.

“Fans’ safety remains our number one priority and we’re delighted that with the easing of restrictions it’s now possible to welcome back the crowds at Easter Road and Tynecastle once again. We’ll keep things under review, as you’d expect, given the unpredictable nature of this pandemic, but for now we wish both clubs all the best with their return to capacity attendance.

Ben Kensell, Hibernian Football Club Chief Executive, said: “We are all really delighted to be able to welcome back our supporters. It is what everyone has been waiting for.

“While those fans who have attended our recent games have created a terrific atmosphere to spur the team on, we are looking forward to hearing what a full stadium can do. We would like to thank City of Edinburgh Council for their support throughout these challenging times.

Andrew McKinlay, Heart of Midlothian Football Club Chief Executive, said: We are thrilled that full capacity has been restored and would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for their support.

“We really can’t wait to welcome our fantastic supporters back in numbers for the visit of Aberdeen on August 21st and look forward to hearing Tynecastle Park at full voice for the first time in 17 months.”

Three men charged following homophobic attack on Leith Street

Three men, aged 23, 22 and 21-years-old, have been arrested and charged in connection with two alleged assaults and homophobic crime following an incident involving two men on Leith Street, which happened on Friday 30 July 2021.

The men have been released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

.Detective Inspector Mark McGraw said: “Any form of hate crime has a huge impact on those targeted.

“An attack on people because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race or beliefs, is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.”

Scotland’s first Superdry concept store to open in St James Quarter

Superdry has announced the opening of its first concept store in Scotland. The new 8219 sq ft store will open in St James Quarter on Monday, 9th August.

Superdry is built on style. Characterised by quality fabrics, authentic vintage washes, unique detailing, world leading hand-drawn graphics and tailored fits with diverse styling. The new concept store will host Superdry’s five style choice collections: Original & Vintage, Studios, CODE, Sport Performance and Superdry X – the only store in Scotland to house five all collections under one roof.

Superdry will join level two of the £1bn shopping district and will create over 20 new job opportunities in the capital. Superdry is the latest addition to the enviable list of world-renowned brands who have recently joined the St James Quarter family, including Aesop, Hamleys, The Kooples and Maki & Ramen.

To celebrate the opening, the first 100 customers who spend £50 or over will receive a free organic cotton gift and Superdry tote bag.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “This concept store is Superdry’s first in Scotland and we’re thrilled to add the brand to our exceptional line up within St James Quarter.

“The Superdry opening next week continues to underscore Edinburgh’s global appeal and further bolsters the St James Quarter retail offer. We’re excited to welcome guests to the new store next week.”

For more information and opening times, please visit https://stjamesquarter.com/

Join Edinburgh Climate Festival

Join the Edinburgh Climate Festival on Saturday 14th August from 12noon to 7pm in Leith Links Park.

It is a free, family friendly & community-led ‘markestyle’ event aiming to celebrate and inspire climate action.

Featuring performances, stalls, kids’ and adults’ activities, and loads more, this is not to be missed! 🌎💚♻️🌳PLEASE SHARE!

Highlights of the ‘marketplace’ festival include:

• Family/Kids area 👪

• Market and stalls 🎪•

Background music 🎵♪

• Upcycling workshops ♻️

• Henna painting ✋

• Seed planting workshops 🌾🌱

• Storytelling and arts and craft 🎨

• Free clothes repairs 🧵♻️👚

• Free bike repairs 🚲🔧

• Electric bike trials 🚴

• Swap shop/ free shop with clothes, books, shoes & more! 👚👠👗📚

• Free Yoga classes

Please share the event.

You can also register via: https://ecf21.eventbrite.co.uk⭐⭐

We are still welcoming applications for stallholders’ and activities at the festival!

Please email edinburghclimatefestival@gmail.com to get more details and to apply for your place at the festival. Spaces are still available. ⭐⭐

*** COVID-19 MEASURES ***

Restrictions and precautions will be based on Edinburgh’s COVID-19 level (currently level 2) ( https://www.gov.scot/…/coronavirus-covid-19-protection…/) and the Scottish Government events sector guidance (https://www.gov.scot/…/coronavirus-covid-19-events…/)

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer food, drinks or toilet facilities on site, but these can be found walking distance from the venue.

There are new, staffed public toilets 5 minutes’ walk away. We will be able to direct you to the closest establishments and Leith’s many eco-friendly businesses, including Earth and Commons’ market near the festival.

We ask you:

-Not to attend the event if you have COVID-19, have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.

-Wear a mask. 😷

-Respect 2 meters social distancing.

We reserve the right to ask someone to leave if they don’t adhere to these rules.

The Edinburgh Climate Festival is organised by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), The Welcoming Association, Earth in Common, the Salisbury Centre, SHRUB Coop and the Edinburgh College Students Association.

The festival is supported by Net Zero Scotland, and The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland.📷

The open day is a public event and photographs and films will be taken for use for marketing uses. 📷

Witness appeal following Leith Street assault and robbery

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery on Leith Street last Friday evening. The incident is being treated as a hate crime.

Detective Inspector Mark McGraw said: “The investigation into an assault and robbery against two men on Leith Street, Edinburgh on Friday 30 July is ongoing and being treated as a hate crime.

“We understand hate crimes can have a huge impact on those targeted, and an attack on people because of their sexual orientation, gender, race or beliefs, is not only abhorrent but will not be tolerated.

“Anyone who was in the Leith Street area of Edinburgh at around 9.20pm on Friday, 30 July, and may have information that could assist with our enquiry is urged to contact Police Scotland, quoting reference number 3663 of 30 July.”

Scotmid launches community pilot programme in Leith to help people make positive life changes

RISE, a collaborative pilot programme designed to help people involved in crime to make positive life changes has been launched by Scottish convenience retailer Scotmid.

Scotmid’s Project RISE (Recovering In a Supported Environment) will be initially piloted in Leith. It has been designed to proactively intervene and support those living in the local community by encouraging them to avoid potential criminal situations, suggesting alternative choices and signposting individuals to support services.

Project RISE will work in partnership with several organisations including Cyrenians, Turning Point, Link-Up, Connecting Circles and Police Scotland.

As a ‘restorative practice intervention’, it will be used as an alternative engagement model to provide solutions to a recurring problem, which in many cases, tends to be crime.

If successful, Scotmid hopes that the programme will be rolled out across other areas of the city, where additional resources and support would help make a difference. 

Nick McGuirk, Project RISE Project Manager at Scotmid, said: “As a retailer based in the heart of our communities, we are in a fortunate position to be able to identify and reach some of the most vulnerable people in our local areas.

“We’re pleased to work collaboratively with some fantastic charities to ensure we can support as many people as possible, helping them to make more positive life choices.”

Carmen McShane, Scotland Service Manager of Turning Point, said: “It has never been so important to make mainstream services more accessible for those who suffer from alcohol and other drug use.

“Accessing support and treatment can be a protective factor in reducing overdose, therefore, outreach work in Leith, and other local communities like this, is vital if we want to prevent drug-related deaths. I’m so pleased to work with Scotmid, Connecting Circles, Cyrenians and Link Up in this initiative to deliver the support to people in our community who need it.”

A Spokesperson at Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is looking forward to working alongside our partners in this pilot programme, designed to make positive changes for those who require support and help.

“We hope the programme will expand its work to other areas, so that people can avoid potentially dangerous circumstances, whilst flourishing in their communities.”