Are you a local community group, small business, or artisan looking to showcase your talents and connect with the community? Join us at Leith Gala Day 2025 on Saturday 14th June at Leith Links!
This is your chance to share your products, services, and passion with thousands of visitors while celebrating the vibrant heart of Leith. From food stalls to crafts, performances, and community activities, there’s a spot for everyone.
Date: Saturday 14th June 2025
Location: Leith Links
Apply now to be part of one of the biggest events on the Leith calendar!
Reminder that this year we will be serving three community lunches a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 to 2pm, as well as our monthly ‘Pitch to Plate’ multicultural meals with Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society – SABS.
All meals are served out of our new Hibernian Community Hub in the Famous Five Stand at Easter Road Stadium, and have vegetarian and takeaway options.
Please share this news with anyone you think needs to know.
Newly revealed figures have highlighted the scale of sewage pollution in Scotland, with 165 spills recorded at the Seafield sewage treatment works in Edinburgh last year. These spills resulted in partially treated sewage being discharged into the sea for a total of 890 hours, raising serious concerns about environmental protection and public health.
Managed by the French utility company Veolia under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement with Scottish Water, Seafield is one of nine sewage sites operating under similar contracts.
Across these facilities, more than 500 sewage overflows were reported in 2023, amounting to a total of 3,500 hours of discharge. Major spillages were also recorded at locations such as Newbridge, Blackburn, Whitburn, and East Calder.
Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, has called for urgent action to address the ageing infrastructure and improve oversight of sewage discharges.
MSP Choudhury said: “The scale of sewage pollution in Scotland is unacceptable. Communities across the country, including here in Edinburgh, deserve clean beaches, rivers, and waterways.
“The current system is failing, and this must change.”
Mr. Choudhury has seen the Seafield site become a source of concern for residents, particularly after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued a warning in July 2023 advising against swimming at Portobello Beach due to high bacteria levels.
In May 2024, residents were encouraged to report odour and noise issues from Seafield via the Leith Links Community Council’s online nuisance report form to ensure complaints are sent directly to elected officials, including MSPs and councillors, to keep the pressure on to address these longstanding problems.
Choudhury said: “The Seafield Sewage Treatment Works has exposed local Leithers to a series of appalling odour and sewage leaks. What impact does this have on the local environment like the Water of Leith and the Forth?”
“Scotland’s beaches and waterways are among our most cherished natural assets. It’s not enough for operators to claim compliance with licenses— people deserve transparency and action to safeguard our environment and health.”
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PFI CONTRACTS
The Seafield plant and others like it are managed under PFI contracts, but MSP Choudhury has questioned whether this model delivers for communities. In the Highlands, a PFI sewage plant has already been brought back under public control following the expiration of its contract.
Foysul Choudhury continues to raise questions and engage with local communities to demand greater accountability from operators and stronger action from the Scottish Government when it comes to polluting Scotland’s waterways.
LOOKING AHEAD
The PFI contract for Seafield is due to expire in 2029, at which point the plant will revert to public control under Scottish Water. Mr. Choudhury hopes that this transition is used as an opportunity to overhaul the system, upgrade facilities, and end the cycle of sewage spills polluting Scotland’s rivers and beaches.
A spokesperson for Veolia responded: “We operate the Seafield Waste Water Treatment works in line with the SEPA licence conditions and everything that leaves the plant has been treated.
“Even during significant rainfall, the works are designed and operated to ensure all wastewater goes through our screening, grit removal and settlement processes before being discharged.
“We work with the local community, SEPA and Scottish Water to provide an effective service for residents and the environment and support continuous improvement works. We have a doors open policy where members of the public, councillors, MPs and MSPs can visit the site.”
At the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Plant, there is only one exit point of the plant with two outfalls. This is where final effluent (fully treated wastewater) leaves the facility.
In times of significant rainfall, contents from the settled storm overflow or settled primary overflow tanks would also be discharged from this point.
These discharges are licensed and only take place under significant rainfall events in full accordance with the site’s licence.. All discharges are treated to some extent and no raw sewage is discharged from the plant.
These should not be classed as “dumping events”. Storm discharges are continuously monitored, and the data shared with Scottish Water and SEPA
Veolia did operate a wastewater contract in the Highlands with Scottish Water and at the end of its contract period it transitioned back to Scottish Water as originally agreed after 25 years of successful service. This was not due to any inference of poor performance.
Veolia is required under the licence at Seafield to report data to SEPA and this has always been done in compliance with the licence.
As Veolia is a private company working with Scottish Water, our operations are sampled every day, which is more frequent than regulated water companies.
This is an additional level of scrutiny and gives greater assurances that we are compliant with our SEPA licence.
SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY FOUNDATION and Dr Bell’s Family Centre (Dr Bell’s) are encouraging parents to take the plunge in Scotland’s wild waters and improve their mental wellbeing.
The Foundation has provided £4,500 to Dr Bell’s to support its ‘mindful dips’ initiative which provides wild swimming sessions for parents who are looking for a break from the challenges of parenthood.
Founded in 2006 in Leith, Edinburgh, the charity provides a welcoming space for families with young children where they can receive encouragement, support, and advice in a relaxed atmosphere.
For parents, the demands of caregiving can often come at a cost of their own wellbeing as they prioritise the needs of their children.
Recognising the need for a respite, Dr Bell’s introduced a groundbreaking wild swimming programme, giving parents the chance to take a mindful break from the pressures of parenthood.
Designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing for parents facing stress, anxiety, and isolation, the sessions cater for all levels of swimmers, whether they are seasoned veterans or new to the water.
Held at nearby natural swimming spots, the mindfulness dips provide parents with guided experiences in cold water immersion from trained professionals, helping them to reduce stress, improve their mood, and build resilience against the pressures of life.
“Parents often put themselves last time and time again, and that often takes a toll,” explainsMegan Henry, Early Years Manager at Dr Bell’s Family Centre.
She said: “This programme is about giving them a moment to focus on themselves, surrounded by nature and a supportive community. It’s not just swimming, it’s a chance to breathe, reset, and reconnect.
“Many of those who attend the sessions have never done wild swimming before, and while they may be nervous, stepping into the cold water has an immediate impact. They feel calmer, more in control, and even excited to face the challenges of parenting.”
The programme’s success lies in its holistic approach. Alongside the swims, parents benefit from mindfulness exercises, group discussions, and ongoing support from the Dr Bell’s team.
By combining physical activity with mental health strategies, the programme offers parents the support to help their wellbeing.
The Scottish Building Society Foundation’s funding has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, and will help the programme expand in the future, offering more parents the opportunity to experience wild swimming.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society, said: “By supporting the wild swimming programme, we’re not only helping parents, we’re also creating ripple effects that benefit their families and communities.
“We’d encourage any parent who is struggling, or just needs a little bit of support to contact Dr Bell’s. While you may not want to take the plunge into Scotland’s wild waters, they will be on hand to offer help and advice where needed.
“As a mutual organisation, we are committed to strengthening communities across Scotland. The charities supported through this round of funding reflect the incredible work happening on the ground to tackle issues such as isolation, mental health, and youth development.
“All of the charities The Foundation supports are fantastic causes, and for many people, community groups and charities serve as a vital lifeline. We understand their impact, and with the support of our members, we are committed to continuing our part in helping them thrive and make a lasting difference.
“We look forward to supporting them further in 2025, empowering them to continue making a positive difference, and we are proud to be part of their journey.”
Leith Theatre is proud to reveal it will be the Edinburgh home of Restless Natives: The Musical.
The brand-new stage version of the classic Scottish film will kick off a three-month summer programme of theatre, music and film co-commissioned by Restless Natives’ producers, Andy Paterson and Wild Yak Productions, and the Leith Theatre Trust team.
Welcoming audiences back into the venue is a significant milestone for Leith Theatre. This curated collaboration will offer a rare and exciting chance to enter the faded grandeur of a theatre that has remained largely the same since opening in 1932. This pop-up summer season will be a unique opportunity for audiences to glimpse at the theatre’s future while it continues on its journey towards restoration.
Original Restless Natives screenwriter and now lyricist, Ninian Dunnett, director Michael Hoffman and composer Tim Sutton, inspired by Big Country songs and themes, will open the season by delivering a not-to-be-missed full stage musical designed to delight devotees of the original movie and capture the hearts of a new generation.
A charming sense of national pride is built as intrepid underdogs Ronnie and Will become Highland Highwaymen, holding up buses and winning international renown, fleecing tourists with panache, with all the quirky idiosyncratic fun coming to Leith Theatre’s raked stage in June 2025.
Although the Trust have operated on a pop-up basis in the past bringing a wide range of cultural activity, the creative focus has more recently been within the TV and film industry hosting a large number of shoots and productions. Excitingly, this will be the first theatre production to make Leith Theatre its home since 2018.
Restless Natives: The Musical will commence a summer 2025 programme, providing audiences with a chance to enjoy live cultural experiences in this iconic heritage venue while supporting Leith Theatre’s preservation.
Restless Natives producer Andy Paterson is thrilled to see the musical leading the summer programming for the venue: “We are so inspired by the Trust’s vision for this incredible building.
” Our memories of shooting key scenes from the film just a few hundred yards away on the Western Harbour make this new partnership all the more special.
“We can’t wait to bring the Clown and the Wolfman back to their actual and spiritual home in Edinburgh.”
By partnering with Restless Natives, Leith Theatre Trust will shine a spotlight on the building’s history and restoration journey and bring an exciting cultural experience to the stage that fits with all of the film, music and theatre connections that already make up the venue’s heritage.
Will this be the end of the story or the beginning of a legend?
Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive from Leith Theatre Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce Leith Theatre as the Edinburgh venue and to work in partnership to deliver this incredible three-month summer season, starting with Restless Natives: The Musical.
“Despite the challenges posed by our building’s health, we remain committed to being at the heart of cultural life in Leith. This theatre adaptation blends theatre, film and music which is everything we love, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome this exciting crossover and summer opportunity to our venue.”
Andy Paterson, who was one of the producers of the film and lead producer on Restless Natives: The Musical, said: “The moment we walked into Leith Theatre we had a feeling that we’d come home.
“The unique atmosphere and personality of the venue chimed with Ninian’s story. Both embody the resilience, the spirit of Scottish community, a sense of perseverance and solidarity – and the belief that with the right values and serious ambition, you can make something great.”
As the appetite for South Asian content continues to grow across the UK, Vue Edinburgh Ocean is proud to be showcasing films from across the region throughout the year.
This month alone, Vue is screening four titles, kickstarting with Sky Force, a gripping story inspired by extraordinary true events surrounding one of the deadliest air strikes between India and Pakistan, and Deva (from 31 January) which follows a brilliant yet rebellious police officer who uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal while investigating a high-profile case.
Malayalam movie Praavinkoodu Shappu will be arriving at Vue next week (24 January). Set after hours at a toddy shop, it follows 11 people who have stayed inside, playing cards and drinking all night. When the owner of the shop is found hanging dead in the middle of the shop, SI Santhosh finds himself caught up in a web of mysterious and strange suspects.
Also arriving this month is the Tamil crime drama Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 (from 31 January), following a loving husband and father drawn into a dangerous crime network.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “The appetite for South Asian films continues to soar and Vue is proud to champion this brilliant content.
“Dedicated film festivals and cultural events celebrating South Asia’s vibrant storytelling, coupled with increasing global recognition and growing audience demand, have helped shine a spotlight on this incredible industry.
“We’re proud to call ourselves home to so many brilliant South Asian titles this year.”
Please pop into the Leith Community Centre in the Kirkgate, from 12, to meet up with all sorts of fun people, and to vote for your top Leith charities/community groups.
Free refreshments, kids welcome = free face painting!
Have you ever fancied abseiling off the UK’s tallest whisky distillery? Now is your chance to take on a sky-high challenge for a great cause – raising vital funds to protect Scotland’s children.
Scotland’s national children’s charity, Children First has limited spaces available to descend 100ft down Scotland’s first ever vertical distillery, Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh on Sunday 11th May.
The unique experience gives participants fantastic views across Edinburgh’s skyline and the historic Royal Yacht Britannia.
Funds raised from the event will go towards supporting Children First’s work to protect children from harm and to support them to recover from trauma and abuse. The charity helps children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support.
Michelle Supple, director or fundraising, marketing and communications at Children First, said: “We’re very excited to offer Children First supporters the chance to take part in this brand-new fundraising event.
“It provides a unique opportunity to see Edinburgh’s landscape from a different angle while abseiling down the Port of Leith Distillery.
“All children should have hopes, dreams and opportunities. But, for many they don’t exist. At Children First we work with families, funders, supporters, partners and volunteers to protect all Scotland’s children. Every penny raised from this fantastic event will help to transform children’s lives and give them a brighter future.
“Our fundraising team are on hand to support you every step of the way to make a difference for Scotland’s children and young people.”
Event details:
Date: Sunday 11th May 2025
Location: Port of Leith Distillery, 11 Whisky Quay, EH6 6FH
Registration Fee: £20
Minimum fundraising target: £200
Age requirement: Participants must be aged 11 years and older
What’s your Edinburgh? To celebrate Edinburgh 900, join Dr. Katie Ailes for a free poetry workshop inspired by your impressions of the city.
We’ll write short poems about places and experiences in Edinburgh that are meaningful to you. No previous experience writing poetry required; all are welcome-
Come along and join in Tuesday 21st of January at 6pm!
Workshop participants will be invited to submit their poems to the Edinburgh 900 bookmark competition, where winners will have their poems printed on 300 bookmarks and distributed at libraries across the city.
To take part in the workshops and bookmark competition, you must be resident in the Edinburgh (EH) postcode area.
Please note that you do not need to participate in a workshop in order to submit to the bookmark competition, and participation in a workshop will not be a factor that judges will consider.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! 
SECURE YOUR STALL!
Location: Leith Links
Visit www.leithfestival.com for more details and to submit your application.
