Category: Leith

Lorne Primary School celebrates 150th anniversary with series of community events

This year marks 150 years since Lorne Primary School first opened its doors. To mark the milestone pupils, families and the local community are invited to join a programme of special events to celebrate learning, community and resilience:

  • Heritage Exhibitions featuring historic photographs and memories from alumni and community archives
  • Community performances and pupil showcases highlighting arts, music, and storytelling
  • Involvement in Leith Festival Pageant showcasing the brilliant work of pupils and teachers
  • Collaborative projects with local partners exploring the school’s role in Leith’s history and future
  • In-School Events such as a ‘Back in the Day’ Disco, a time travelling film that explores Lorne pupil experiences over the last 150 years and a celebratory tea party for staff, alumni, dignitaries and pupil representatives

Officially opened in February 1876, the first headmaster, the Reverend James Forsyth, welcomed pupils into the newly completed school building in late 1876, laying the foundations for a legacy of learning that continues today.

The much-loved Victorian school has played a vital role in shaping the lives of generations of Leith’s learners and their families.

Built on land secured from the Governors of George Heriot’s Hospital, the school was originally designed to accommodate up to 500 children. The school grew alongside its community and in 1898 a third storey was added to meet the needs of the increasing pupil numbers, and by 1901 the roll had risen to 900 pupils.

During the Second World War, the school building was temporarily repurposed as a civic restaurant, offering meals to local people affected by wartime disruption, while many pupils continued their studies in temporary settings around the city.

In 1962, a fire in the roof of the building led to the closure of the school for a decade. The school reopened in 1973 with 282 pupils. Today the school is a vibrant, multicultural learning community with over 150 pupils representing over 25 home languages.

Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish said: “It is incredible to see Lorne Primary School celebrating its 150th anniversary.

“This important milestone provides a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the impact that the school has had on the lives of many learners over the years as well as on the wider Leith community.

“While a lot has changed over the past 150 years, the school remains deeply rooted in the heart of the community, and today Lorne Primary School is a vibrant, modern, nurturing and inclusive school.”

Commenting on the milestone, Lorne Primary School Head Teacher, Lindsay Kennedy said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 150 years of learning at Lorne Primary.

“This anniversary is a tribute to every pupil, family, and staff member who has been part of our journey. We look forward to continuing our legacy of nurturing curiosity, compassion, and achievement for many generations to come.”

Youth convicted for the murder of John McNab in Leith

A 17-year-old male youth has been convicted of the murder of John McNab that happened in Leith in September, 2025, and a further serious assault in Portobello in March, 2025.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Wednesday, 6 May, 2026). He will be sentenced at a later date.

John McNab, aged, 22 was found injured on Great Junction Street at the corner of Bonnington Road in the Leith area around 2.10am on Tuesday, 2 September, 2025. He died at the scene.

A 17-year-old male youth was stabbed around 8.45pm on Friday, 21 March, 2025 at The Promenade in the Portobello area. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of John McNab at what is a very difficult time for them. And also with the victim seriously injured in the separate incident.

“An extreme level of violence was used in these incidents. This kind of behaviour is never acceptable and will not be tolerated. This conviction sends a message to anyone carrying knives that they will be apprehended and dealt with robustly.

“I would like to personally thank the officers who worked on these harrowing investigations and the public who significantly assisted my investigation team.”

Superintendent Neil Wilson said that proactive work is being carried out across Edinburgh to educate young people and tackle knife crime and violence.

“I can’t stress enough the devastating impact weapon carrying and use has on our communities and our thoughts go out to all who have been affected by this type of crime.

“Officers regularly carry out patrols in areas where knife crime is reported and we urge the public to support us and get in touch with any information or concerns that they have.

“While bringing offenders to justice is vital in keeping communities safe, education to prevent offending happening in the first place is key, along with promoting positive life choices.

“We have a number of new initiatives on violence prevention in Edinburgh involving partners and young people and details will be unveiled in the coming months. These will focus on raising awareness of the dangers of carrying weapons and the impact of violence.

“Edinburgh is a safe place to live, work and visit but we will not be complacent. We know that violence remains a concern in our communities and we’re determined to do everything we can to reduce harm and keep people safe.”

Since her son’s murder Lisa Petrie has tirelessly campaigned to address knife crime and has embarked on a mission to increase access to blood kits across the city:

My name is Lisa Petrie. On 2nd September 2025 my son, John McNab, was fatally stabbed on a street in Leith, Edinburgh. He was 22.

We were best pals, we were inseparable at times, and now it feels like I’ve lost my right arm and my left leg.

No family should ever get that phone call.

I’m determined that John’s death will not be in vain, and one simple change could help stop other families going through this.

Right now in the UK you often need ID and staff checks to buy alcohol, razors or even energy drinks. But in many supermarkets, kitchen knives sit openly on shelves, easy to steal or buy with minimal challenge.

We’re calling on major supermarkets and retailers – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and others – to:

  • Put all kitchen knives in locked cabinets or behind customer service counters
  • Fit security tags to knife packaging so alarms trigger if someone walks out with them
  • Only allow knives to be brought to the till by staff, with strict over-18 ID checks

We’re also asking the UK Government and Scottish Government to work with retailers and Trading Standards so secure storage and display of knives becomes the norm, building on existing laws that already restrict knife sales to under-18s.

This won’t end knife crime on its own and it won’t stop online sales. But letting lethal weapons sit unsecured on supermarket shelves is an obvious weak point we can fix now – just as we already do for alcohol and razors. It’s a basic safety measure, not a ban.

Please add your name. I will deliver this petition, and John’s story, to the CEOs of the major supermarkets, the Scottish Government and the Home Office.

The more signatures we have, the harder it is for them to ignore us. I don’t want any other family to live with the pain we do.

Please consider signing Lisa’s petition (below):

https://www.change.org/…/lock-away-knives-in…

Tomorrow: Pitch to Plate community meal at Easter Road

🚨 PITCH TO PLATE – MULTICULTURAL MEAL 🍛💜💚

Join us this Tuesday 5th May for a free community meal hosted by Hibernian Community Foundation & SABS.

🥘 Homemade curries, rice, naan & salad..

🍎 Fresh fruit sponsored by Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland

💬 Everyone welcome

📅 Tues 5 May 2026

⏰ 6–8PM (Doors 5:50PM)

📍 Easter Road Stadium, EH7 5QG

✨ Free Entry | No Booking Needed

Please share widely – thank you 🙌

Hibs: A Tribute to Absent Friends

SATURDAY 16th MAY

Hibernian supporters are invited to submit tributes to friends and family who have sadly passed away ahead of our final home game of the season against Motherwell on Saturday 16 May at Easter Road.

An annual tradition, messages and photographs from supporters will be displayed on the stadium screens before kick-off, allowing fans to remember fellow Hibees who are no longer with us and have passed away in the last year.

Tributes should include the person’s name, a message of no more than 150 letters (including spaces), and one photograph. To be included, please complete the form below by midday on Wednesday 6 May.

Submit a tribute here

Supporters attending the match are encouraged to be inside the stadium around 30 minutes before kick-off to view the tributes.

If you have any questions or issues with your submission, please get in touch with us at marketing@hibernianfc.co.uk

Gretna 111 exhibition at Out of the Blue Drill Hall

18 – 23 MAY – FREE ADMISSION

Exhibition announcement! 📢

The Gretna 111th Anniversary Pop-Up Exhibition commemorates the Gretna train disaster, which killed over 200 men from the 1/7th Royal Scots who were based here at the Dalmeny Street Drill Hall).

🌟 Curated by The Royal Scots Regimental Museum, the exhibition is designed to raise awareness of the crash, which took place in May 1915.

🌟 The Drill Hall has been chosen for this exhibition due to its history of being the 7th Battalion’s Drill Hall and its association with the people of Leith. 216 members of the 7th Battalion were killed during the disaster on the morning of 22nd May 1915.

🌟 Central to the exhibition will be the Tree of Life which contains the names of all 216 men. This will be supported by display boards featuring the stories of local soldiers and their families.

🌟 There will also be a diorama of Larbert Station (where the soldiers originally departed from) that captures the time when the soldiers were about to embark on the troop train.

🌟 We’ll be sharing more information in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, why not pop the dates in your diary! 📅

📅 Monday 18th – Saturday 23rd May

⏲️ 10am – 4.30pm

📍The Out of the Blue Drill Hall

🎫 Free entry

To find out more just head over to our website.

https://outoftheblue.pulse.ly/thvvxdlsvf

Photograph (c) The Royal Scots

Man arrested and charged for drugs offences in Edinburgh

A 48-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences in Edinburgh.

Police officers executed warrants at Salamander Street, Breadalbane Street and Western Harbour Way yesterday. Cannabis with an estimated street value of around £895,000 was discovered along with cash.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Wednesday, 29 April, 2026.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This significant recovery demonstrates the ongoing efforts to combat serious and organised in Edinburgh.

“We remain committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.

“Information from the public is vital in helping us target those involved in the supply of drugs. Anyone with concerns about drugs in their area is encouraged to contact police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Full Circle expedition: Veterans sail into Leith carrying Invictus Games Flag on 2,000-mile UK adventure

Two traditionally rigged tall ships, Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew, crewed by a rotating team of 70 wounded, injured and sick (WIS) veterans and serving personnel, sailed into Leith, yesterday (Thursday 23 April) as part of the Full Circle Expedition.

The voyage, coordinated by local veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, aims to raise £300,000 so the charity can purchase a second tall ship to support more veterans facing PTSD, physical injury, isolation and a loss of confidence.

Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event that uses competitive sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of WIS service personnel and veterans, bringing together nations from around the world to share their journeys of resilience.

Full Circle set sail from Falmouth on 17 March 2026 and will travel anticlockwise around the UK, stopping at 22 ports in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, before returning to Falmouth on 11 June 2026.

The voyage will carry the Invictus Games Flag around the UK, building momentum towards the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 one-year-to-go event at the NEC in July 2026.

The crew is expected to dock in Leith for eight days. There, the Invictus Flag will be handed over to the City of Edinburgh and raised to honour the crew, local veterans and all of those competing at the Invictus Games. Formalities will also a civic drinks reception hosted by the Lord Provost at the City Chambers.

Further engagements across the visit will include a commemorative Anzac Day wreath laying at Edinburgh Castle, live music and cultural gatherings, and a series of community visits such as to SS Explorer and the Poppy Factory.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said: “At Babcock, supporting veterans is a responsibility we take seriously. Leaving the Armed Forces can be challenging, particularly for those who are wounded, injured or sick, which is why initiatives like Full Circle are so important in helping to restore confidence, purpose and connection. 

“We are proud to sponsor the Leith stop on this remarkable journey, backing a programme that recognises service in a meaningful, practical way and helps veterans to thrive long after their time in uniform.”

To donate to Full Circle and help Turn to Starboard purchase a second tall ship, so that the charity can support more veterans facing challenges such as PTSD, physical injury, isolation and loss of confidence. visit: 

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/t2sfullcircle

Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard said: “This expedition brings together two organisations committed to empowering veterans through challenge, camaraderie and community, each united in the belief that adventure can be truly transformative.

“While Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 harnesses the spirit of sport to inspire recovery and rehabilitation, Turn to Starboard draws on the unique challenges of life at sea to rebuild confidence, restore purpose and help veterans navigate life with intention and fulfilment.

“More than a voyage, this expedition is a powerful story of courage, service and renewal, showing how adventure and the sea can heal, inspire and bring people together.

“We can’t wait to bring this inspiring message to Leith to reach more veterans and highlight their challenges and remarkable achievements.

“The journey is divided into five legs, with a crew changeover for each one: Falmouth to Chatham, Chatham to Edinburgh, Edinburgh to Oban, Oban to Liverpool, and Liverpool back to Falmouth.”

Paul Miller, Army veteran and skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said: “Being part of this expedition fills me with real pride. It has reminded me how far I’ve come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together.

“Sailing the Invictus Games Flag around the UK is deeply meaningful. It represents courage, determination and community – values that we must hold on to after military service ends.

“Taking the Invictus Flag on this journey feels especially meaningful. It carries the hopes of so many people rebuilding their lives through courage and community. Seeing Turn to Starboard and the Invictus Games come together in this way is powerful – every mile we sail, and every donation raised, helps build resilience and support the veteran community.”

Full Circle forms part of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 Impact Programme. Through teamwork, challenge and time at sea, the expedition will help inspire the recovery and rehabilitation of WIS veterans who are suffering from trauma as a result of their service.

Captain Lee Hazard RN, Director of Special Projects, Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 said: “With the Invictus Games Flag onboard, these remarkable veterans led by Turn to Starboard will utilise their military skills to sail with purpose and skill. Full Circle shows that recovery doesn’t only happen on the field of play – it happens through challenge, connection and community.

“As we build towards Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, the Full Circle Expedition is helping the nation see the strength and resilience of those who serve today and those who have served before them.”

To follow the expedition on social media, visit:

www.turntostarboard.co.uk and www.invictusgames2027.org; and follow progress through Instagram (@fullcirclet2s and @Birmingham_2027), TikTok (fullcirclet2s and weareinvictusgames), Facebook (Full Circle T2S and Invictus Games Birmingham 2027), X (@Birmingham2027) and LinkedIn (Turn to Starboard and Invictus Games Birmingham 2027).

Turn to Starboard would like to thank Babcock International Group for their support of the Leith Stop as well as the Invictus Games Foundation, Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, principal partner ATCO and our founding partner AirTanker; and partners – Team Forces, Palo Alto, Forces Support and Just Giving ; and official supporters – Aku, Gill, Morrisons, Mustang Survival, NSSLGlobal and SunGod for supporting the Full Circle Expedition.

PICTURES: Gareth Davies

Edinburgh MP says websites advertising prostitution “facilitating industrial scale sex-trafficking”

TRACY GILBERT URGES POLICE TO LAUNCH CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

On Tuesday, 21 April 2026, Tracy Gilbert MP, the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, accused websites advertising prostitution of facilitating industrial-scale sex-trafficking in Scotland and revealed she has written to Police Scotland urging them to launch a criminal investigation into the websites, which continue to openly operate in Scotland.

Websites advertising prostitution are commercial online platforms dedicated solely or partly to advertising individuals for prostitution. A report in February by the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner identified nearly 63,000 listings of women across 12 websites advertising prostitution in the UK at a single point in time. In just one month, the same websites received almost 41.7 million visits. 

Frequently referred to as ‘pimping websites’, the UK Government has acknowledged through a written parliamentary question that “adult service websites are now the most significant enabler of trafficking for sexual exploitation”.

Leading a debate in the UK Parliament on sex trafficking in Scotland, Tracy Gilbert MP argued that it is not just third-party criminals using these websites who should be the focus of police attention. Instead, it should be the website operators themselves facing investigation for sex trafficking.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2046563957708558669

In her speech, the Edinburgh North and Leith MP revealed that she had written to the Chief Constable at Police Scotland, urging a criminal investigation into pimping websites.

She stated that websites advertising prostitution knowingly aid prostitution and facilitate the travel of individuals for prostitution – by listing and categorising prostitution adverts according to whether the advertised individual will do so-called ‘outcalls’ – which is where a person travels to the sex buyer for the purpose of prostitution.

These actions, Tracy Gilbert MP stated, mean that the websites themselves constitute human trafficking operations under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015.

Following the debate, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “It is a national scandal that the individuals operating Adultwork and Vivastreet have not only been allowed to operate for years with total impunity, but that they have been publicly presented by Government and the National Crime Agency as partners in tackling sex trafficking.

“Pimping websites openly and explicitly facilitate the transportation or transfer of individuals for prostitution. The operators of these platforms publish prostitution adverts in a standardised format – which includes specifying whether the individual being advertised will do ‘out-calls’. …Facilitating the transportation of individuals for prostitution is built into the architecture of Adultwork and Vivastreet.

“I believe the seriousness and scale of these activities warrant an immediate criminal investigation.”

report_behind-the-profile_sexual-exploitation-and-trafficking-through-adult-services-websitesDownload

Spring Forage at Leith Community Croft

Join us at Leith Community Croft for a playful gathering rooted in nature, foraging, and connection.

This is a guided, small-group experience designed to help you step out of the noise of daily life and into something a little softer, a little lighter — where curiosity, play, and presence lead the way.

Dates:

• Saturday, 2 May, 1-3pm

• Saturday, 16 May, 1-3pm

• Saturday, 30 May, 1-3pm

What to expect:

• A warm, informal welcome to the space

• Playful time outdoors (slow wandering, noticing, playful exploration of the land)

• Seasonal, nature-based practices (simple, accessible, and lightly guided)

• Building knowledge of seasonal plants and easy preparations

This isn’t a workshop in the traditional sense — there’s nothing to get right. It’s an invitation to slow down, follow your curiosity, and engage with the croft in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and a little bit playful.

Who it’s for:

• Anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or in need of a reset

• People curious about nature-based practices (no experience needed)

• Those who want a playful, supportive space with a touch of lightness and joy

Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing — we’ll be outdoors for the duration of the session.

Spaces are limited to keep the group small and personal.

Book your place using the link in our bio!

Well earned award for the Dreadnought pub in Leith

The Dreadnought was recently declared Edinburgh Pub of the Year by members of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Branch of CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale.

During the previous year, CAMRA members had been visiting pubs and scoring their beer – making  an assessment of  how well it had been kept and served, submitting their scores online. 

In February, members met to consider a short-list of the highest scoring pubs. This had been compiled  using an algorithm that takes account of the number of people scoring, the number of visits the scores related to, as well as the scores themselves.  The pubs on the short list were  those which  consistently offered well kept beer. By secret ballot, members then voted for their Pub of the Year, in the 3 areas the Branch covers – Edinburgh, the Lothians outside Edinburgh, and the Borders.

The photograph (TOP) shows pub landlord, Toby Saltonstall, on 15 April, being presented with a framed commemorative certificate by Chris Miller, Branch Chair, at a gathering in the pub.

The presentation was greeted by much applause, from the crowd of regular patrons who had assembled to celebrate this special event.

The pub has been runner-up on a number of occasions, so this win was not entirely a surprise!