Category: Leith

School children to get a ‘smart start’ to the New Year thanks to the Leith Collective’s free uniform exchange

With the cost of living crisis weighing heavily upon people’s minds and the expense of Christmas adding up, many people are understandably worried about how they will afford to pay for even basic essentials in January. And so, one local Community Interest Company is acting now to alleviate that anxiety with the launch of their free unform exchange.

Taking place at The Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird as well as the Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, the ‘Smart Start’ initiative will see locals donate good quality school uniforms to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Kids grow so quickly. Parents tend to buy a whole new uniform at the start of the school year in August and often find their child has already outgrown it by the Christmas break.

“Yet these uniforms are often still in perfectly good condition and could easily do another child a turn. Our Smart Start initiative aims to make it as easy as possible for people to donate their unwanted uniforms, so that someone in need can make use of them.”

The unform exchange is not only a practical response to the cost of living crisis, but also to the climate crisis – a cause which lies at the heart of The Leith Collective. As Sara Thomson explains; “Smart Start is a sustainable solution that aims to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer, thus promoting a circular economy and helping to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.”

The Smart Start uniform exchange comes just a few months after the launch of The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which has received an overwhelming response, with over 1,000 coats donated and collected by locals so far.  

People can donate and collect garments at The Leith Collective in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and the St Enoch Centre during opening hours. No tights or socks can be accepted but all other good quality uniform items are welcome.

Leith Creative Trail this Saturday

Welcome to Leith Creative Trail – A day when you can hit up the best of Leith’s Markets and Open Studios.

It will be a jammy time, when you can visit some of Leith’s wonderful creative venues, filled to the brim of artists and craftspeople selling and exhibiting their products. 

Take the trail in whatever order you desire. We recommend starting at Coburg House Open Studios, scooting to Leith Farmers Market, hopping up to see Ruth Lesile at Custom Lane, sliding across the road to Edinburgh Open Workshop Makers Market and then meandering your way through to Out of the Blue – Drill Hall Market.  

Experience the Water of Leith, Quay and the vibrant, sunny (100% guaranteed) streets of Leith with fresh eyes.

Ready to get planning? You can download a digital map HERE, or can also pick up a paper copy of the map at any of the participating venues.

Follow @leithcreativetrail for all the updates and some groovy content! 

Port of Leith Housing Association and its subsidiaries rebrand as Harbour

An important new chapter has begun for Port of Leith Housing Association and its subsidiaries which have revealed new names and branding.

Harbour is made up of:

  • Harbour Homes (previously Port of Leith Housing Association)
  • Harbour Lettings (previously Persevere Developments Ltd, a mid market rent company)
  • Harbour Connections (previously Quay Community Improvements, a placemaking organisation and social enterprise)
  • Harbour Multi-Trades (previously TB Mackay Energy Services, a boiler, maintenance, repairs and multi-trades provider)

Harbour Chief Executive Heather Kitely said: “We’re excited to unveil our new branding which reflects our growth to become a family of organisations all working together to make a positive impact on people’s lives in Leith, north Edinburgh and beyond by providing excellent affordable homes and a wide range of services.

“I’m very proud of everything each member of Harbour has achieved to date. I’m confident that as Harbour we will continue to find new ways to support our brilliant communities and to provide vital services that make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The rebrand process began in October 2020 with an extensive research and consultation process. You can read more about the rebrand story at:

www.polha.co.uk/rebrand. 

Residential-led proposals for Ocean Point 2 in Leith revealed by Harrison

Property developer S Harrison Developments have revealed ‘exciting proposals’ for a residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith.

Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, whose occupiers include VisitScotland,  the brownfield site will aim to comprise a mix of residential homes for rent alongside other potential uses, which are currently being ascertained. These will occupy two buildings on the site.

Located in Leith, voted in October 2021 by Time Out as one of the “world’s coolest neighbourhoods”, the proposed development is conveniently situated just two miles from Edinburgh city centre and is likely to be attractive to those seeking to live and work in the area, taking advantage of local shops, bars, restaurants and cafés.

The tram line extension between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal will also provide connectivity between the development and the city centre within 20 minutes.

Two public exhibitions on the proposals will take place on Tuesday 13th December and Thursday 9th February between 2pm and 7pm at Ocean Terminal.

Further information will also be posted on the website at:

www.oceanpoint2.com

Harrison has a long pedigree of working in the city, ranging from delivering the Malmaison at St Andrew Square to student developments at Westfield and Gorgie and hotel development at Osborne House, Haymarket.

A spokesperson for Harrison Developments commented: “We are extremely excited to reveal our proposals for this brownfield site. There are serious demands on housing supply in the city and this is a superb location in what has been voted one of the world’s ‘coolest neighbourhoods’.

“The proposals will significantly assist in the regeneration of this part of the city and we look forward to engaging with the local community, providing it with the opportunity to input their views and shape our ambitious proposals.”

Cyrenians Gamechanger ‘Baffies ‘n’ Blankets’ Big Slipper event

Cyrenians Golden Years, in partnership with Hibernian Football Club and Hibernian Community Foundation hosted their second Gamechanger Baffies n Blankets Big Slipper give-away lunch at Hibs stadium in Easter Road yesterday (Monday 14 November 2022).

Amy Karp, Service Manager for Golden Years, said: “The day was a great success with around 80 people joining us for our big slipper event, some of whom enjoy our free Gamechanger Lunch every Monday at the Stadium.”

Each person received a free pair of brand new, high quality, safe and cosy baffies (more like indoor shoes).  We had 3 podiatrists on hand to give everyone a precise measurement.  We also threw in a cosy blanket for chilly winter evenings.”

The event comes at a good time when the Cost of Living Crisis is forcing many people, including older people to make difficult choices such as having a hot meal or putting the heating on.  A well fitted pair of quality slippers can help keep the warmth in and importantly reduce the risk of trips and falls in the home.

Lewis Melee, CEO of the Hibernian Community Foundation, said: “Hibernian Community Foundation has a long and proud tradition of being at the centre of the community and providing support. 

“We see every community members’ health and wellbeing as a priority and this is a small part of what we do to support every year.

“Hibernian CF are pleased to be working with Cyrenians.  We share values including innovation and respect in working with older people.”

All Blacks visit local school children to support them doing the Daily Mile

● The All Blacks stopped off in Edinburgh today on their Northern Hemisphere tour to inspire children across Scotland to get moving. 

● This is the All Blacks’ first visit to Scotland since 2017, and tomorrow they will face Scotland in the highly-anticipated Autumn Internationals match. 

● The All Blacks are supporting The Daily Mile to help millions of children improve health & wellbeing by exercising for 15 minutes a day. 

● All Blacks Captain Sam Whitelock said: “It’s fantastic to be in Scotland supporting the charity of our sponsor INEOS and getting the chance to run alongside the kids and teach them some of our best rugby moves! We’ve been so impressed by the work The Daily Mile is doing to get kids more active and bring communities together through daily exercise – it’s something so simple but effective that everyone can benefit from.” 

The All Blacks took time out from their Northern Hemisphere tour today to visit schoolchildren in Edinburgh to help inspire more children across the country to get active through The Daily Mile. 

60 local school children from Leith Walk Primary School had the opportunity to take part in a very special Daily Mile with their guests from New Zealand and receive rugby skills coaching from All Blacks players at an event day hosted at Drummond Community High School. 

This comes as Scottish children stepped their way into the history books in October, making Scotland the world’s first Daily Mile Nation. It means that more than half of Scottish primary schools are now participating in The Daily Mile. 

The initiative encourages children to run, jog, wheel or walk for just 15 minutes a day in the fresh air with friends – promoting mental and physical wellbeing, which is especially important to help reduce the strain on the NHS this winter. Teachers can also take part alongside children, strengthening important school relationships and attainment outcomes. 

It was started by former Head Teacher Elaine Wyllie MBE of St Ninian’s Primary in Stirling in 2012 and has grown every year, with the support of INEOS. Globally, there are now nearly 4 million children taking part in 16,000+ schools in 87 countries around the world. It is endorsed by some of the most successful athletes including marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, British track and field athlete Eilidh Doyle and the All Blacks. 

Founder of The Daily Mile Elaine Wyllie MBE, said: “We are forever grateful for the incredible support we receive from athletes around the world and we can’t thank the All Blacks enough for taking time out of their busy schedules to come down and share their passion for daily exercise with the local schoolchildren.

“Their influence really does go a long way to inspire kids to get active outdoors and join in with their schoolmates. Just 15 minutes of daily physical activity improves a child’s mood, concentration and memory – enhancing their ability to learn.”

All Blacks Captain Sam Whitelock, said: “It’s fantastic to be in Scotland supporting the charity of our sponsor INEOS and getting the chance to run alongside the kids and teach them some of our best rugby moves!

“We’ve been so impressed by the work The Daily Mile is doing to get kids more active and bring communities together through daily exercise – it’s something so simple but effective that everyone can benefit from.” 

Headteacher at Leith Walk Primary Mr. Gorrie, added: “This has been a terrific opportunity for the children at Leith Walk Primary School to take part in the Daily Mile alongside the All Blacks, and to receive some rugby coaching from the most famous of all international teams.

“The children have had a terrific time today. They were so excited to meet the All Blacks. “Seeing the amazing skill and fitness of the All Black players first hand, will certainly have increased the children’s motivation to be active and participate in sport.

“On behalf of everybody who attended I would like to say a huge thank you to the All Blacks and wish them all the very best for the rest of their Northern Hemisphere tour. I hope they visit us again soon!”

Local politicians to host Cost of Living events on Friday 18 November

On Friday 18 November @DeidreBrock & Ben MacPherson are hosting Cost of Living Help & Advice Events at @Leithcomcentre & @RoystonWardieCC.

As well as us & our teams, national & local organisations will be there to assist.

No appointment necessary.

Please spread the word.

#Leith

#Edinburgh

Community safety: Dispersal Zones in place for fireworks weekend

Don’t get caught up in anti-social behaviour on Bonfire Night!

Police Officers have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in these posters.

Please attend organised events only and always keep safe.

🔥

#OpCrackle

#KeepingPeopleSafe

Help those whose Christmas is in danger of becoming a casualty of the cost of living crisis

The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange

With the cost of living rising ever higher, many of us are scrutinising our spending and cutting back. Frivolous non-essentials are the first things to be struck off the shopping list, and there is a genuine fear this could mean many families will be forced to sacrifice their Christmas in order to make ends meet.

However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Tuesday 1st November will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its three Scottish stores. 

Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. All items will be available for anyone to collect at Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

The Christmas initiative comes just a month after the launch of The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which has received an overwhelming response so far, with over 1,000 coats donated and collected by locals.  

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why she is keen to build on the momentum of the winter coat exchange and go further to help those who are struggling;

“For many people, 2022 has been a real financial struggle, and buying a Christmas tree and festive food will prove to be too much of a stretch this year. These things aren’t ‘essentials’, and it’s highly likely that for them Christmas will be yet another casualty of the cost of living crisis.

“But I believe everyone deserves to have a nice Christmas, and what better way to spread festive cheer than by donating to others and lifting their spirits when they need it most.”

Christmas trees and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal, The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, and The Clydeside Collective at St Enoch Centre during opening hours.

It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations that those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a much-needed helping hand.

It’s time for the last Pitt on Pitt Street!

TONIGHT and tomorrow we’re open on Pitt Street for the final time ahead of our move to Granton. See what’s on – below!

Friday (Ceilidh only)
6pm Doors open
8pm Tunes from The Radges

Saturday
12pm – 6pm Free entry to food stalls and bar
6pm Doors open for the ceilidh
8pm Tunes from The Dance Bandits

Food and drink from our residents (Spot., Free the Chilli, The Buffalo Truck, Ròst, Barnacles & Bones, Barney’s) and guests (Goodtimes Tacos, The Peruvian, The Funnel Cake Co.) will be served both days!

Also expect to see the familiar face of Wacky Winyl with us.

Halloween costumes are very welcome!

As thanks for subscribing to our newsletter, enjoy 25% off with the code ‘pittpals’. Grab your tickets to the ceilidhs below, or join us Saturday day for food and drink alone!

Tickets