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.
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.
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.
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!
SNP MP Deidre Brock has called on the Royal Mail to stop the threats of job cuts to postal workers and engage meaningfully with the Communications Worker Union to find an acceptable solution to prevent further postal strikes.
In a joint letter from SNP MPs to the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Mail, the Royal Mail Chief was told that it is “unacceptable to see the language employed by Royal Mail in threatening its workforce with job losses because they dare to ask for a fair work package.”
Postal workers across the UK are on strike again today, with several more strike days planned for early next month, from the 2nd of November to the 4th of November.
Last week, the Royal Mail’s announced its intention to slash 10,000 jobs, citing the strike action and low parcel delivery sales as the reason. Deidre Brock MP has described this move as a “tactic” and has accused Royal Mail of “acting in bad faith”.
Ms Brock added: “Postal workers across Edinburgh North and Leith are struggling to make ends meet in the face of soaring energy and food costs while Royal Mail shareholders benefit from bumper profits in the millions.
“Royal Mail staff and their families need financial security. The decision to strike will not have been easy for any of them, but this is about more than pay; it is also about protecting the postal service we all rely on and value.
“Rather than making threats to workers, Royal Mail need to get back to the negotiating table – in a meaningful way – and put our communities at the heart of discussions.”
Castle Community Bank (Castle) the credit union based in Leith, Edinburgh, has boosted its growth plans and financial inclusion ambitions by making key appointments to its Board and Executive team.
Experienced non-executive director Stephen Pearson has been appointed as Chair of the Board. Following a career in law and financial services, Stephen has also recently been appointed Chair of the newly formed Financial Inclusion For Scotland.
As Chair of Castle, Stephen will be responsible for leadership of the board, ensuring that it effectively oversees Castle as it continues to grow and support its members through the cost-of-living crisis.
Last year Castle appointed a new chief executive, Adrian Sargent, who, alongside the previous chair, Ian Irvin, has overseen a period of substantial growth to ensure its sustainability in a difficult financial climate.
In addition, on 1 October 2022 Suzanne Gush was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Suzanne has significant financial services experience and will support the board and management team in this next phase of Castle’s growth.
Stephen Pearson said: “The current cost-of-living-crisis and challenging UK financial climate, illustrate how important it is that all communities have access to fair savings and loan products as well as financial education.
“I’m looking forward to helping Castle and its partners make a positive difference in north Edinburgh and beyond, at such a key time for the organisation.”
Adrian Sargent said: “Stephen will be a great asset for Castle as we continue growing. Being fintech enabled, Castle is now well placed to help its members from a position of increasing strength. With Stephen’s fresh perspective and ethical fintech-savvy, Castle can find new ways of supporting our members.
“At Castle we are about sustainability for both the organisation and the community, and we are passionate about working hard for our communities. I’m excited about the next chapter for Castle, working with Stephen, Suzanne and the rest of the team.”
Castle offers savings and loans like any high street bank, but instead of making a profit for shareholders, Castle can invest surplus revenue into projects supporting its community.
As a credit union, Castle is regulated by both the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) who are part of the Bank of England.
The Castle team sees the community bank as a force for good for its members who can access fair products that would otherwise be unavailable to them from mainstream banks. Castle also seeks to encourage thrift and financial well-being – essential tools for surviving the cost-of-living crisis.
POLICE are appealing for information after an unprovoked assault on two teenagers in Leith.
The incident happened in the Albert Place and Leith Walk area shortly after 1am yesterday (Wednesday, 19 October).
A group of males on electric motorbikes approached the two male teenagers, aged 19 and 18.
The 19-year-old suffered a stab wound to his leg during the incident and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
The 18-year-old was treated at the scene for an injury to his leg sustained while attempting to get away from the group.
The group of males, all described as white, wearing balaclavas, gloves, rucksacks and dark clothing, then left the scene on their motorbikes in the direction of Albert Street.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “This was a completely unprovoked incident and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the group of three males on motorbikes involved.
“Our enquiries so far suggest they have been riding their motorbikes a short time earlier in the city centre so I would urge anyone who believes they may have seen them to get in touch.
“Anyone else with any information can get in touch with us by calling 101, quoting reference 174 of 19 October, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A mother’s experience of caring for her severely disabled son is the basis for a new play which will be performed next month at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Caring, by Rhona McAdam from Edinburgh, describes the daily struggle of living with a disabled teenager, and is based on her own life story.
The play, performed by Citadel Arts Group on November 3 and 4, with support from the Lottery, will be free, with a special invitation extended to carers’ groups in the city.
Rhona McAdam, who lives in Colinton, says: “It’s a realistic view of a mother caring for her teenage son.
“She is finding it tougher to care for him because he has a lot of physical care needs. Now he’s getting older she is maybe mothering him too much. In the play it’s his fifteenth birthday and she’s telling him he can’t have another beer.”
According to charity Care for Carers there are now more than 800,000 adult carers in Scotland, and 82 per cent have no time for respite or breaks.
Rhona based the character of Joey on her own son Ruairidh, who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and died this year, aged 29, shortly after she finished writing the play.
Boys and young men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy lack a protein which causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to respiratory problems and difficulty swallowing.
The writer hopes others will be able to relate to the story.
“These are characters and these are their struggles – but it could be any teenager or any mother.
“All Joey wants to do is play on his X Box For Joey it’s a world where he can do things, run, and fight.”
In the play the character of the mother struggles to look after herself as well as her son, but comes to realise she needs to find a way to do this.
“I tried to make it realistic. Mum is no saint – in fact neither Mum or Joey is angelic. They are both a bit grumpy with each other. Mum is tired and a bit frustrated and Joey resents his mum for being annoyed.
“I wanted to show the reality of caring – but also that normal life goes on – whatever difficulties you face.”
Rhona McAdam was one of the writers of Leithers One Family, the play based on a family of Leithers, which Citadel Arts Group created and staged online during lockdown.
A version of the play Leithers Live, was performed at Custom House, Leith in June.
As well as losing her son this year Rhona also lost her husband Iain, who died during lockdown in December 2021. Writing the play and working with Citadel has given her a welcome focus.
She says: “I have written short stories before but I have really enjoyed being part of the collaborative process and working with actors and directors.”
Caring, which will be directed by Mark Kydd, will be staged at the Storytelling Centre on November 3 and 4.
The part of Mum will be played by Laverne Edmonds, Joey will be played by Fraser Allan Hogg, while Dale McQueen will take the supporting roles.
Liz Hare, director of the Citadel Arts Group says: “It will be a very welcome return to the Storytelling Centre for us. Although we are usually associated with Leith, the group originally performed at the Storytelling Centre. It’s a beautiful theatre space and we’re delighted to be going back.
“We’ve done a lot of work with Care for Carers and the Carers’ Group from the Eric Liddell Centre running creative writing workshops and Rhona’s play fits in really well with that. We did an early run through of the play with Edinburgh carers and they gave feedback and suggestions to help with the development of the script.”
Erica Whitaker Wallis, of Care for Carers said: “Across Scotland, there were an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 unpaid carers before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Survey work from Scottish Government in September 2020 suggests the number of adult carers had grown to around 839,000. As a result of the pandemic 90 per cent of carers are spending more time caring, with 82 per cent having had no access to respite or breaks from caring.
“It is therefore more important than ever that we continue to shine a light on the vital contribution that unpaid carers make to our society.
As an organisation we work alongside community partners to provide carers with access to short break opportunities which this year has involved providing drama workshops with Citadel Arts.
“For a carer, just a few hours break away from their caring role can make a big difference to their wellbeing which is why we view these partnerships as so important.”
The project received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Director Mark Kydd said: “I think people will enjoy the play. In spite of the seriousness of the subject matter it’s surprising, it’s funny and it’s playful.
“Because the character Joey loves gaming he wants to be a superhero of his own story and that adds a fantasy element to the narrative.”
Caring, by Rhona McAdam, will be performed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh on November 3 and 4, with a matinee on November 4
Thursday 3 November, 7pm
Friday 4 November, 4pm and 7pm
There will be a Q and A after the matinee on November 4 with Erica Whittaker Wallis from Care for Carers.
One of Edinburgh’s most famous streets is set to be significantly revitalised by an exciting range of independent retail businesses which are due to be opening their doors during the next few months.
Drum Property Group has unveiled a host of new tenants for its refurbished ‘Red Sandstone’ building which extends from 106 to 154 Leith Walk. Following a major redevelopment project the distinctive two-storey building, first completed in 1933 in the Scottish Art Deco style, now provides flexible space for up to 10 ground floor retail units, together with a range of open-plan first-floor business suites overlooking the foot of Leith Walk.
New retail tenants include Hobz Bakery, Cornelius Wines, vintage clothing store Rhinestone Cowboys, Chorrito Sauce Company and Design Eat Repeat, a design store and gallery space.
They join Leith Depot, an established bar, restaurant and music venue which has been based at the location since 2015 and has recently signed a new lease expanding the venue and extending its stay at the retail parade.
Known simply as ‘The Red Sandstone’, the building forms an iconic gateway to Drum’s £50 million transformation of the 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site, which will bring 148 new homes to the rear of the development linking Leith Walk to Pilrig Park and beyond.
Graeme Bone, Drum Group’s Managing Director, is excited by the widespread level of interest in the Red Sandstone – both in the retail units and in the office suites above. He said: “The Red Sandstone, as a distinctive entry point for our new development, will provide both a new focus and destination for the foot of Leith Walk.
“And with more tenant and business announcements to be made shortly, the eclectic mix of occupiers attracted to the building will bring something a little different to the city centre, continuing the rich tradition of diversity and independence which makes this area such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.”
Hobz, which means ‘bread’ in Maltese, was established in early 2021 by Matt Mallia, who began selling his bakery produce at the Leith Walk Police Box and at Leith Arches, and quickly established a devoted customer base.
Matt said: “I immediately felt welcomed to the Leith area, and quickly began looking for a ‘brick and mortar’ shop in Leith. The Red Sandstone soon emerged as the top contender in my search for a permanent home for Hobz and we’re so glad to be able to launch in an area with so many other artisan producers.”
James Wrobel, owner of Cornelius Beer and Wine added: “For almost two decades, Cornelius gained a reputation as one of Edinburgh’s very best off-licenses, with a very wide range of drinks that manage to be both affordable and slightly outside the mainstream.
“We are very excited to now be opening on Leith Walk, one of Edinburgh’s most historic and important thoroughfares, with both a thriving local community and a lot of commuter traffic.”
Leith Depot has been based in the Red Sandstone since 2015 and is now set to be expanded and improved as part of the building’s refurbishment. Owner Julie Carty said: “Everyone at Leith Depot is looking forward to an exciting and prosperous future for all who will reside in the Red Sandstone Building at Steads Place.”
The Chorrito Sauce company specialises in producing small-batch, handmade hot sauces in a range of exotic flavours – including Chipotle, pineapple and garlic and Carolina Reaper honey and Bourbon. Design Eat Repeat is an ever-changing space celebrating creativity with a shop that showcases leading independent British design brands, together with gallery space for emerging designers.
For more information on The Red Sandstone and its mix of retail and office spaces, visit: www.theredsandstone.com or contact office agents Culverwell on 0131 243 9617.
For more information on Drum Property Group’s Stead’s Place site, visit: www.steads-place.com
**Leith Links Litter Pick**
Saturday 22nd October 10am til 12 noon
Start your weekend off by taking positive action with others in your area on a community litter pick of Leith Links.
Bring your own litter picker or gloves if you have them, however we also have a supply.
