Category: Leith

Scottish Cup final: Hibs fans urged to enjoy the game SAFELY

Hibernian FC has urged supporters to enjoy today’s Cup Final and reiterated that they should watch – and hopefully celebrate – the match in line with Government restrictions and with consideration for others.

The Club confirmed yesterday that Easter Road Stadium would close on Friday and will not reopen over the weekend, regardless of the game’s outcome.

And following the harrowing scenes from Glasgow city centre – where a man had his hand blown off in a shocking pyrotechnic incident – the Club is asking fans to desist from any use of pyrotechnics. These are not safe, can cause severe injuries, and can be harmful to health – particularly to those suffering from any respiratory illness.

Fans can now enjoy the game with families or close friends provided they do so in line with Government restrictions – so basically up to six adults from three households, whether in a private home or hospitality setting.

The game is being televised live via Hibs TV to International Subscribers and is also being shown on BBC and on Premier Sports – so loads of options to watch.

In his open letter to all supporters, Hibernian Chairman Ronald J Gordon said: “I also want to ask one more time for your support and patience. Please, cheer the team on, but please do it with your friends and your family and do it within the Government restrictions that are there to protect us all. Let’s not be part of anything that risks the progress made in tackling the pandemic.”

The Club is asking supporters to resist the temptation to gather unsafely in large numbers and making it clear that there will be no opportunity, sadly, to celebrate together as we would all like if Jack Ross and the players cap a great season by winning the Scottish Cup.

By adhering to the rules, Hibernian fans can help bring a return to stadiums a little closer.

Scottish Cup Final: Police Statement ahead of cup clash

On Saturday, 22 May, 2021, St Johnstone and Hibernian go head to head in the Scottish Cup Final.

There is always significant interest in these extremely important fixtures and despite the match being played behind closed doors, this weekend’s game will be no exception.

The game is eagerly anticipated and passions can run high. However, fans can be assured that preparations for policing any gatherings in relation to the match are well underway with public safety being Police Scotland’s primary concern.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The Scottish Cup Final on Saturday is an important day for everyone involved with St Johnstone and Hibernian football clubs and we will have an appropriate policing plan in place to maintain public safety.

“It is vitally important that both sets of fans avoid gathering in large groups and stick to the regulations in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“I also want to take this opportunity to remind people that the use of pyrotechnics is extremely dangerous. We have seen from events in recent weeks that the consequences of their use can be severe, you might not just injure yourself using them, but you could also seriously injure those in your vicinity.

“Police Scotland is already working with both teams and our partners, including the Scottish Government, to ensure the match goes ahead safely and supporters follow the restrictions for their own safety and that of the wider public and our officers.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but officers will not hesitate to use enforcement powers as a last resort.”

Rebel, rebel: Munro disciplined

Cllr Gordon Munro has had the Labour group whip removed following his abstention on the Council budget vote.

The Leith councillor believes the SNP, Labour’s partners in the sc-called Capital Coalition, is not standing up for Edinburgh.

Gordon Munro said: “I stand by my decision to abstain in the budget vote. Edinburgh needs full and fair funding. It needs to prosecute its case forcefully which it commits to do in the coalition agreement.

“I accept the decision taken by Edinburgh Labour.’’

Labour Group leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “As part of our Labour Party rules, and by not supporting the budget proposals, an internal disciplinary process from Edinburgh Labour has agreed that the Labour Whip will be removed from Cllr Gordon Munro until return of Summer recess 2021.

“Gordon is a long standing, hard working councillor and a valued member of the Labour Group.”

Despite losing the Labour whip Councillor Munro, who also abstained in last year’s Budget vote, will still be expected to support the Capital Coalition in any forthcoming votes.

GMB Scotland press for proper employment status for 2,800 HM Coastguard rescue workers

GMB Scotland is pressing for proper employment status for more than 2,800 HM Coastguard rescue workers based at 310 rescue stations around the UK.  About 900 of these workers are based in 116 rescue stations around the coast of mainland Scotland and the Islands. 

The duties of HM Coastguard rescue workers include help rescue people trapped on the coast, for example on cliffs, stuck in mud or in the water, search for missing people, report and deal with pollution and other hazards and help emergency services and local authorities during emergencies, for example flooding.  

These HM Coastguard rescue workers can be called out at any time of the day or night so they work irregular hours. They may have to work in hazardous situations for long hours and may have to carry out physically demanding tasks. 

HM Coastguard rescue worker can have other employment. Required skills include: first aid, water rescue, map work, search techniques, communications and skills needed in for local area, for example rope rescue, mud rescue etc. 

GMB Scotland is demanding that their status as workers is properly recognised and the work they do is properly valued and recognised.

Like for other recent high profile workers in irregular employment across the UK the union is prepared to litigate to obtain justice for these brave men and women. 

Numbers of HM Coastguard rescue workers on irregular hours by Areas across the UK 

Area 1 Scotland & Orkney Islands 137 
Area 2 North Scotland 126 
Area 3 East Scotland 97 
Area 4 Inner Clyde to River Tay and East Scottish Border 134 
Area 5 North East England 122 
Area 6 East of England (Yorkshire, Humberside & Lincolnshire) 134 
Area 7 East Anglia 155 
Area 8 South East England 152 
Area 9 : Southern England including Isle of Wight 202 
Area 10 : South West England 175 
Area 11 : Cornwall including Isles of Scilly 162 
Area 12 : North Devon including Severn Estuary 176 
Area 13 : South East Wales to Mid-Wales 203 
Area 14 : North West Wales 162 
Area 15 : Great Orme to West Scottish Border including the Lakes 152 
Area 16 : Solway to Firth of Clyde including Northern Ireland 190 
Area 17 : Kintyre to Mull, Isle of Arran and Inner Hebrides 159 
Area 18 : Loch Linnhe to Outer Hebrides including Skye & the Small Isles 160 

 Gary Smith, GMB Scotland Secretary, said: “These 2,800 brave men and women who work in all weathers to rescue people and save lives are denied even the most basic rights of respect and recognition by their employer HM Coastguard. 

“Staff with over 30 years experience are being axed without the basic right of being represented by their Union. The HM Coastguard rescue workers risk their lives to help and save others but are treated worse than any other Government worker. Urgent action needs to be taken to show respect for these unsung heroes. 

“The union is prepared to litigate for these workers, so they can be properly recognised as part of the HM Coastguard rescue workforce and to ensure their basic employment rights are respected.” 

Police step up Ocean Terminal patrols to tackle increase in antisocial behaviour

Police officers will be carrying out focused patrols following a recent increase in antisocial behaviour at Ocean Terminal

Community Inspector Colin Fordyce of Craigmillar Police Station said: “We’ve seen an increase in antisocial behaviour incidents at Ocean Terminal recently involving groups of youths.

“One of our priorities in Edinburgh is dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour. We will be focusing our patrols in and around Ocean Terminal to tackle the issue with a zero tolerance approach. Enforcement action will be taken if anyone is identified as being involved in any criminal behaviour.

“Our local residents and businesses have had a tough enough time recently, and it’s not acceptable for them to have to put up with the reckless behaviour of a small minority of youths intent on causing trouble.

“I ask that all parents and carers speak with their children and young people about the impact that antisocial behaviour has on others.

“If you see any criminality in the area, call 101, or 999 in an emergency to help us hold offenders to account. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Utilita Hub Manager shares energy-saving tips

After over a year in and out of lockdown, many of us have turned to technology to keep ourselves entertained – from binging on hit Netflix shows such as Tiger King and Bridgerton, to making daily purchases via Amazon Prime.

But as things continue to ease up, and we edge ever closer to the Great British Summertime (and freedom!), we may be planning exciting days out with friends and family – many of whom we haven’t seen in several months, or even a year!

Before you step outside and enjoy the sunshine, take a moment to check around the home for any appliances which may be on standby. Doing could save you £30 a year – not bad!

Debra Clason, Hub Manager at the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith, Edinburgh, has shared her top tips for saving energy during this time:

  1. Dust off the clothes horse

As the days get warmer, pull out the clothes horse from the back of the cupboard and dry freshly washed items quickly in the sun without the need of the tumble-dryer.

  1. Check your heating

When the weather heats up, check your heating and make sure it’s either off because it’s warm enough outside, or that it set lower to save you in the long run.

  1. Stay cool with cross ventilation

Create a cool breeze through the home by opening a window at the font and another at the back, to let air free flow through rooms – and save the fan until things really heat up!

  1. Make the most of the great outdoors

As the weather improves after being cooped up inside for several months, make the most out of the great outdoors. Less time in the home enjoying ourselves means less energy used.

Debra comments: “Our research reveals on average, British homes have 10 unused items plugged in and switched on at any time. Across the UK’s millions of homes, those with at least one TV waste a staggering £432 million on unnecessary energy every year by leaving the set on standby. 

“By simply switching your appliances off at the power source after using them, you could save £30 a year.”

“Find other tips on how you could save £163 each year on energy bills with our Energy High 5 movement.”

Stanley Odd celebrate release of new album with live recorded performance from Leith Theatre

Stanley Odd  

The Last Night In (a music film): STAY ODD live from Leith Theatre 

Date: 8th May 2021 @ 8.30pm 

Presented by Handsome Tramp Records in association with Creative Scotland

Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/2QNoQra 

Scottish hip-hop mainstays Stanley Odd have announced they will be playing a unique performance  of their latest album STAY ODD from the iconic main auditorium of Leith Theatre.

The band formed in  Leith over a decade ago. Now, four albums and almost twelve years later, the six-piece are returning  to the place where their journey began for a celebration of live music – and of Staying Odd.  

The band are known for their electric live performances and, although we cannot dance together just  yet, have decided to bring their explosive live show to fans’ living rooms.

The event will be ticketed  however – recognising the uncertain times that we’re living through – fans have the choice of four price  options. The standard price is £10, but fans will be offered an option of £5 – or nothing at all – to  ensure the gig is as accessible to all. An additional option of £20 will also be available to folks who  want to show some extra support. 

The album itself, described by BUZZ Magazine as the band’s “most accomplished work yet,”, was  recorded over a four-year period and showcases the sound of a band who are nothing but confident in  their Oddness.

STAY ODD takes the listener on a journey through the global news cycle on a stolen  bicycle, to a place where lying politicians are at odds with iconic female figures, and tales of witches  are interspersed with classic hip-hop. Each track is as truly unpredictable as the last. 

The album dropped on April 12th after being teased for over a year with the release of lead single  Where They Lie in February, and then another every six weeks since July. This stunning music film of  the band live from Leith Theatre is made possible by Creative Scotland’s Sustaining Creative  Development fund. 

The Last Night In was born out of the same desire to engage with their fans.

Frontman Dave Hook,  aka MC Solareye, says of the show: “Playing in this beautiful, semi-derelict space – on the floor in the  middle of the room – sort of represents all of the empty venues around the country just now.

“The Last  Night In is a bittersweet celebration of live spaces as well as of STAY ODD getting played in full – start  to finish.” 

Connect with Stanley Odd: Facebook Instagram Twitter Bandcamp

Pictures: Danny Bonnar

Barratt Homes leads affordable housing drive across Edinburgh

Barratt Homes East Scotland is leading the drive to bring much-needed modern and affordable homes to popular areas of Edinburgh.

The homebuilder has announced a multimillion-pound investment that will see almost 100 new homes – a mix of social housing and mid-market rent – created across three developments.

Alison Condie, Managing Director of Barratt Homes East Scotland said: “We’re committed to using our position as one of the country’s leading housebuilders to work in partnership with housing associations to develop well-integrated and modern low cost homes all across Edinburgh’s diverse neighbourhoods.

“High quality affordable housing has a huge role to play in addressing some of the most important societal challenges of our time – and we’re proud to help communities thrive by creating homes that meet their needs.”

In south Edinburgh, this includes 24 homes at Lime Grove in Burdiehouse and 29 homes at Heritage Grange – bringing a total of 161 affordable homes to the site once the development is completed. Both projects, which are due to complete by spring 2023, are being delivered in partnership with Castle Rock Edinvar – one of the country’s largest housing associations.

Both developments will provide high quality housing for families in particular, with a new primary school near Heritage Grange, Frogston Primary School, due to open in 2021.

Barratt Homes East

In the vibrant district of Leith, a £6m project will commence to create 43 new affordable homes at Barratt Homes’ Merchant Quay development, built in partnership with the Port of Leith Housing Association.

The homes, which aim to welcome residents by summer 2023, will be the first delivered at the Baltic Street site in recognition of the urgent need for affordable housing.

Barratt Developments – which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – has to date delivered over 1,000 homes across Edinburgh through the Affordable Housing Policy, making the group one of the biggest contributors to affordable housing land supply in the city in the last 15 years.

This feeds in to the wider Scottish Government goal of providing 50,000 new affordable homes – with work safely kickstarting with urgency following delays caused by national lockdowns. 

For more information about Barratt Homes’ properties and locations, visit 

www.barratthomes.co.uk.