Category: Leith

Leith Chooses 2026 sees ten new community projects get the go-ahead

Community projects have been given the green light after another successful public vote at the annual Leith Chooses event.

Thanks to the decisions of people in the Leith (ward 13) and Leith Walk (ward 12) areas of the city, the following organisations have received Community Grant Funding to progress projects that seek to improve wellbeing in Leith:

  • Dr Bell’s Family Centre – ‘Wellbeing in Leith’
  • Milan Senior Welfare Organisation – ‘Leith Connections’
  • Leith Community Growers – ‘Dùthchas – Growing an Orchard for the People’
  • Edinburgh Community Food – ‘Tasty Tales of Leith’
  • Water of Leith Conservation Trust – ‘Coalie Coalition Resources’
  • Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council – ‘Efficient and Healthy Cooking’
  • Pilmeny Development Project – ‘Wellbeing in Leith: Supporting Older People Out of Isolation’
  • Living Memory Association – ‘The Wee Hub’
  • Mustard Seed Edinburgh – ‘Roots and Routes: Conversations on Easter Road’
  • Kin Collective Family Wellbeing – ‘Kin Begins: Community Wellbeing Pregnancy Support’

From a community orchard to activity programmes tackling social isolation, this year will see the start of a variety of exciting new experiences in the area.

A full description of each project can be found on the Leith Chooses website.

PIC: Tim Duffin

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “It’s great to see so many fantastic local projects benefitting through the Leith Chooses scheme. I look forward to seeing the difference this investment will make over the coming months.

“Participatory budgeting gives residents a genuine voice and real influence over how public funds are allocated, and it has been delivering meaningful results in Leith for more than a decade.

“I’m delighted that nearly £2million of income generated from the visitor levy is now going to use participatory budgeting to support activity that makes a difference for communities right across Edinburgh.”

Steering Group Chair Councillor Susan Rae said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in another successful Leith Chooses. I’m really looking forward to seeing these new projects develop.

“There’s a big push for Participatory Budgeting across the city of Edinburgh, and I’m just delighted to see it continue in Leith, well over a decade since it was first conceived.”

Steering group volunteer member and Harbour Homes’ Placemaking & Employability Officer Rachel Hutton said: “I was truly impressed and inspired to be part of my first Leith Chooses event.

“The passion of local people and the commitment shown by fund applicants are remarkable — qualities that would make anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Leith proud. This is what community involvement looks like in action.”

Steering Group Member Councillor Jack Caldwell said: “Once again, hundreds of people turned out to support wellbeing in Leith.

“Community Grant Funding continues to be vitally important for residents of all ages, and it’s great to see so many people across our neighbourhoods share so much enthusiasm for community wellbeing, and we’ll no doubt see some great projects take shape.”

Three Hands to host live webinar on Utilita Energy Hub community screens this weekend

THIS Saturday, 14 February at 11am, the team at Three Hands will take to the large community screens inside Utilita’s high street Energy Hubs to promote the opportunity to speak directly to some of the UK’s biggest businesses, to tell them what does doesn’t work for you as a customer.

The session will introduce hub visitors to the work Three Hands does to bring real‑world insight into organisations such as high street banks, energy companies and insurance providers, ensuring that people whose voices are often overlooked are represented in important conversations.

The team will explore the positive impact lived experience has already had in designing solutions that genuinely meet community needs. They are now looking for more people with lived experience to share their views to help even more businesses meet a fully diverse range of needs. 

After hearing about the work Three Hands do, attendees will be invited to join their Lived Experts Research Community.  Being a member of the community means being contacted directly about paid opportunities to share your views via online or in-person group discussions, or 1-1 interviews.

Participants will always receive a thank you payment for their time via bank transfer or gift voucher.

We’d love to hear your voice!

Donna Hall, Utilita’s Partnership Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Three Hands’ ongoing mission to create stronger links between organisations and the communities they serve, ensuring that real experiences drive real change.

“Why not pop along this Valentine’s Day as we’d LOVE for you to have a chance to share your voice with the Three Hands team.  Hot drinks will be available and our friendly Energy Experts can also provide top tips for saving energy and staying warm this Winter.”  

A Three Hands Lived Expert added: “Since working with Three Hands over a year now, I can truly say that it has been the best decision of my life.

“I am blessed to be working with such a great team that has given me back the confidence and courage to actually tackle the challenges I face every day in my life.”

One Three Hands client said: “The personal experiences and insight these sessions provide have been invaluable and enabled us to ensure that the improvements we make will actually make a difference.”

Where’s my local hub?

The first Utilita Energy Hub opened in 2018 as there was a demand to bring face-to-face dialogue to the retail energy sector.  Since then, they have opened multiple hubs around the UK to serve local communities – and be part of them. 

  • Leith Energy Hub: 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
  • Isle of Wight Energy Hub: 121 High Street, Newport, PO30 1TP
  • Shirley Energy Hub: 7A Shirley High Street, Shirley, Southampton, SO15 3LR
  • Gosport Energy Hub: 67 High Street, Gosport, PO12 1DR
  • Luton Energy Hub: Unit 47 Luton Point, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2TD
  • West Brom Energy Hub: 3D Astle Park, West Bromwich, B70 8NS
  • Leicester Energy Hub: 56 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FB
  • Derby Energy Hub: Unit 8 St Peters Street, Mall, Derby, DE1 2NR
  • Sheffield Energy Hub: Unit 2, 5 St. James Row, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield, S12EU
  • Huddersfield Energy Hub: 71 New Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2BQ
  • Blackburn Energy Hub: Unit 158, The Mall, 28 King William St, Blackburn, BB1 5AF
  • Hartlepool Energy Hub: Unit 1, Jubilee House, York Road, Hartlepool, TS26 9EN

See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.

Local MP calls for stronger protection for retail workers as shoplifting soars

Scotland has seen a drastic 129% rise in shoplifting since 2021, with 48,564 recorded incidents in the year ending September 2025, according to figures from Police Scotland. Yet only 2,854 people were convicted in 2023/24, showing a growing gap between crime and accountability. 

Tracy Gilbert MP, who worked on the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-Restricted Goods and Services) Scotland Bill before her election to Parliament and has a long history in the trade union movement advocating for worker rights, said: “These figures are deeply concerning. Retail workers are on the frontline, facing increasing risk from shoplifting and associated crime, yet our laws and policing are not keeping pace. Workers and communities deserve better protection.

“This is not just about crime statistics, it’s about real people, and real communities. Adequate resources are required to ensure effective policing, and support for retail staff is urgently needed to tackle this growing problem.”  

The Protection of Workers Bill, which Tracy contributed to before her parliamentary career, provides a vital framework for safeguarding retail staff, ensuring they can carry out their roles safely and without fear. 

Tracy Gilbert added: “We must act now to ensure that Scotland’s workers and communities are protected.

“I will continue to advocate for better policing and laws that safeguard those on the frontline by working with trade unions and employers to ensure retail crimes are reported and prosecuted.”

OMNI enters home stretch of landmark £5 million refurbishment

Edinburgh’s affordable leisure and entertainment hub, OMNi has announced its centre-wide  refurbishment is progressing well and is due to complete at the end of March 2026. 

OMNi is home to brand favourites including Vue, Boom Battle Bar, Wetherspoon, Escape  Hunt, The Glasshouse Hotel, and Edinburgh Street Food.  

The £5 million transformation, which began last summer, is delivering significant  enhancements to the public realm.

These include new flooring throughout the centre, an  upgraded and more visible main entrance, modern LED lighting, new seating zones, and  extensive internal structural improvements.

Together, these upgrades will create a more  vibrant, welcoming, and contemporary space for the local community in the heart of  Edinburgh. 

OMNi is planning a series of celebrations to mark the completion of the project, with further  details to be shared in the coming weeks. 

Neil Mackie, OMNi Edinburgh Centre Manager, said: “We’re thrilled with the progress of the refurbishment and can’t wait to reveal a revitalised  OMNi this spring. These improvements will create a more welcoming and vibrant space for  everyone who visits, works, and relaxes here in the heart of Edinburgh. 

“With the refurbishment entering its final stage, we’re now shaping our celebration plans and  can’t wait to mark the completion with our community soon!” 

International investment group Triple B acquired OMNi in April 2024 and announced its  commitment to enhancing communities and promoting positive experiences through  transformative real estate projects.

The investment will help OMNi kick-start its journey of  evolution, with locals at the heart of the project. 

Refurbishment updates will be available throughout via the OMNi website and social media  channels. OMNi Edinburgh is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening  times may vary, including Bank Holidays.

Leith sheltered housing tenants to walk 3,070 miles ahead of Scotland’s first match at the FIFA World Cup

A group of sheltered housing tenants living in Leith have set off on a 3,070-mile walking challenge from Easter Road Stadium.

The ‘Leith Legends’, comprising two teams, are walking the distance from Edinburgh to Boston in 140 days to virtually arrive at the Gillette Stadium ahead of Scotland’s first game against Haiti.

The ‘March to the Match’ will be the longest journey attempted by tenants who have previously walked the distance from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End (1,280 miles) and from Alloway to Dumfries in the footsteps of Robert Burns (60 miles).

The challenge officially kicked-off with a walk around Easter Road Stadium, with the two walking squads adorned with Scotland flags and team t-shirts. They will finish their challenge on Sunday 14 June to coincide with Scotland arriving at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Maureen Combe, Sheltered Housing Manager at Harbour Homes said: “This is an exciting year to be a Scotland supporter. With this challenge, both football fans and non-football fans alike can get involved in all the thrills and the atmosphere that a World Cup brings.

“It is known that increased movement and group exercise are among the best things we can do to look after our health as we age, and those taking part are motivated by the benefits walking brings to them. This year’s teams are up for the challenge, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!”

Kathleen Devine who is participating in the challenge said: “I joined Leith Legends and March to the Match to improve my walking and get my steps up.

“I really enjoyed our first team walk at Easter Road Stadium. It was lovely to participate, and being part of a team walking together felt really good. It was great to meet tenants from the other developments.

“I’m really looking forward to lots more walking and counting our steps together until we reach Boston!”

The two teams taking part are ‘We’re Still-Game’ and the ‘Pro-Aimers’. They will be aiming to walk a collective 22 miles per day for 140 days.

Harbour Homes is the largest social landlord in Leith, currently providing over 3,000 high quality homes at affordable prices in places people want to live.

Harbour consists of Harbour Homes and three subsidiary companies: Harbour Lettings, Harbour Connections and Harbour Multi-Trades.

To find out more please visit: www.harbour.scot/homes

Hibernian Community Foundation: Burns Supper Tea Dance

On Thursday Hibernian Community Foundation, in partnership with Pilmeny Development Project and Edinburgh Community Sports Hub, held our annual Burns Supper Tea Dance at the Hibs Supporters Club in Sunnyside!

The Dance was attended by over 90 elderly people in our community: coming together to enjoy warm company, a traditional Burns’ supper, hours of dancing, and the official Hibs Bagpiper @Lou_piper (above).

The Burns Supper Tea Dance is one of four events we hold a year to bring together elderly people from our community as part of our work in the Leith Older People’s Project.

Slàinte mhath!

Edinburgh College students serve up a Royal feast

A group of Edinburgh College students had the right Royal honour of helping cater and host a ship-naming ceremony attended by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in the Port of Leith this week.

Princess Anne took part in the ceremony at Forth Ports Cruise Terminal, breaking a bottle of whisky against the ship’s hull and formally naming the vessel POLE STAR.

The students worked alongside professional caterers in a variety of roles, with some cooking up a storm in the kitchens, others taking on front of house duties to make sure all the VIP guests were as comfortable as possible, and some preparing delicious baked goods and cakes to be enjoyed by all.

The event was put on by East Coast Catering Ltd, which is ran by Edinburgh College graduate Kieran Wight, with our students providing vital support. Their hard work was recognised by The Princess Royal herself, who stopped for a chat and learned from the group all about the skills they are being taught on their course.

Adam Robertson, a Level 1 Hospitality student, set out from his home in the Borders at 5am to make sure he was in Edinburgh in time to do his part in the kitchen. He said it was all worth the effort: “When we found out there was an opportunity to cook for such a prestigious guest, I was desperate to do it.

“I think if you want to go out and work in a professional kitchen, it’s so important to have this sort of experience behind you. The College has given us so many amazing opportunities in the short time I’ve been here, and it’s really helped build up my confidence.”

Jodie Dixon is studying HNC Events and she said it was an honour to take part: “I don’t think you can turn down an opportunity like this, to get involved in a literal royal event.

“There’s so much you can learn just by being here, and it’s really nice knowing you’re part of a group that’s all supporting each other too. The lecturers have been great, and have provided us with a lot of support, but they’re also great at letting us go and do our jobs, it makes you feel like you’re trusted.”

Stephanie Tanner, the Head of School for Cookery, Hospitality, Events, Travel and Tourism, said the experience will prove invaluable for the students: “It’s a proud day for everyone at the College, seeing them putting all of their training to use in the real world, and doing so incredibly well.

“Getting the chance to take part in events like this gives them such an advantage when it comes to finding work after graduation. Employers will be able to look at their CVs, and say ‘Wow, they’ve catered an event for a member of the Royal Family!”

Aisha Elshani, a Professional Cookery lecturer, said the students represented the College well: “They’ve all worked so hard, leading up to the event and on the day itself, and it’s really nice to see how well they are all doing.

“They’re all getting on with their jobs, and just conducting themselves really professionally. I think they all have bright futures ahead in the industry”.

Utilita Energy Hub to host Leith Chooses voting due to lift closure at Newkirkgate

The Utilita Energy Hub in Leith will host part of this weekend’s Leith Chooses voting event after the lift at Newkirkgate Shopping Centre was confirmed to be out of order.

This year, the people of Leith will help decide how just over £44,000 of Edinburgh Council funding is allocated to community projects aimed at improving wellbeing across the area. Leith Chooses is a long‑running example of participatory budgeting, giving local residents a direct say in how public money is spent.

Voting Day – Saturday, 24 January 2026

Voting will take place at Leith Community Centre on Saturday, with a quiet voting hour from 11am, followed by general voting from 12pm to 3pm.

Due to the lift closure at Newkirkgate, volunteers in branded t‑shirts will be stationed throughout the area to support anyone requiring step‑free access.

Voters can either:

  • Access Leith Community Centre via the ramp in the Lidl car park, or
  • Cast their vote at the Utilita Energy Hub, located on the ground floor of Newkirkgate.

At the Utilita Energy Hub, visitors will find volunteers ready to assist, along with complimentary hot drinks, biscuits, and free energy‑saving advice.

Who can vote

Anyone aged 8 or over who lives, works, studies, or volunteers in Leith is eligible to vote. All votes will help determine which local projects receive funding to support community wellbeing.

Online voting also available

Those unable to attend in person can vote online from 27 January to 10 February at:  www.edinburgh.gov.uk/voteleithchooses.

Voters attending in person are also welcome to cast their vote online if they prefer.

Support on the day

Anyone needing additional assistance during the event can contact the team on 07718 569916.

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub, located at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA, is open Monday to Saturday.

The Hub offers free community space that can be booked by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.

More information about Utilita Energy Hubs can be found at: 

https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.

Vue Edinburgh Omni welcomes luxurious new seats

Film fans in Edinburgh can enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s biggest and comfiest Ultra Lux seat at its venue located within the Omni Centre on Greenside Row.

The Ultra Lux is the best seat in the screen and is available for Edinburgh customers to experience now.

88 Ultra Lux seats have been installed across Vue Edinburgh Omni’s 12 screens. Each seat provides the very best view of the screen and comes with a host of premium features including an extra-wide armrest, beverage cooler and personal table for snacks and beverages, and back and leg rests which recline independently, allowing customers to find the most relaxing viewing position possible.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to Edinburgh Omni and are excited for our customers to enhance their experience on their next visit. It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.”

The investment means that customers can now book Ultra Lux seating at both of Vue’s Edinburgh venues with its Ocean Terminal venue introducing the seating in November last year.

Tickets for Vue Edinburgh Omni can be booked online by visiting myvue.com.