Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an assault and robbery in Leith.
At around 2.10pm on Tuesday (24 November) two men and a woman forced entry into a property on Buchanan Street where a 45-year-old man was assaulted and various personal items were stolen.
He was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment of serious but not life threatening injuries.
The first suspect is described as a white man, around 5ft 10in tall, of a large build and in his 20s. A second man is described as white, around 5ft 7in tall with a thin build and in his 30s.
Both men were wearing dark clothing, black beanie hats and black surgical masks.
The female suspect is described as white, around 5ft 5in tall with long hip length auburn hair. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a red and black checked shirt, pink trainers and spoke with a local accent.
Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor, of Edinburgh CID, said: “We are appealing to members of the public who may have seen anyone matching these descriptions around the time of the incident.
“The three suspects headed off in the direction of Iona Street towards Easter Road.”I would ask if you were in the area and noticed anyone acting suspicious that you contact police.
“If you have any CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage the could assist with our investigation, please get in touch with officers.
“Police can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident number 1641 of Tuesday, 24 November, 2020 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Ocean Terminal has partnered with The Leith Collective to launch an inspiring new community initiative to make sure that no one misses out on having a Christmas tree this year.
Gift a Tree invites anyone who has an artificial Christmas tree that is no longer in use to donate it to the waterfront shopping centre’s ‘tree bank’ so that it can be given to a new home and a new family.
As part of the initiative, tree decorations and baubles are also being sought so that the trees can start their new life with a bit of guaranteed sparkle.
Donations are being collected at The Leith Collective store on the 1st floor of the centre (opening hours – 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday) until 6 December. Anyone who can re-home a tree is welcome to visit the store from 1 December to select a tree and a box of decorations (availability dependent) to take away.
Michelle McLeod, Ocean Terminal Centre Manager, said: “We want to make Christmas happy for as many people as possible and a Christmas tree is very much a part of a happy Christmas.
“It is a great way of recycling artificial trees that would otherwise gather dust in an attic somewhere or end up being thrown out to make way for a new one, when they could so easily be appreciated and decorated by a new family.
“We are part of a very generous and caring community in Leith and exchange initiatives like this in the past have always been extremely well supported. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.”
Sara Thomson of The Leith Collective, added: “Giving a helping hand to another family and helping to recycle surplus trees and unneeded decorations is a great way to support the local community.
“I would like to thank everyone who makes a donation – and I’m looking forward to seeing what wonderful Christmas treats arrives at our ‘tree bank’.”
For anyone wishing to donate:
Any artificial tree is most welcome – big, small, dusted with pretend snow… we can’t accept fibre optic trees however and please ensure it has its stand!
All decorations in good condition welcome except for tree lights.
Please donate to The Leith Collective store, 1st floor next to Zizzi (opening hours are 10-6 Mon to Sat 11-5 Sun)
Trees will be accepted until 6th December. Collections can be made from 1 December.
The controversial Trams to Newhaven project passed another milestone this week when the first tracks were laid in Leith – on Friday 13th.
Contractors have begun constructing the 2.91 mile line and are currently working on the sections next to Ocean Terminal and in Tower Street, Leith.
Thursday’s full council meeting approved the continued construction of the line in light of an updated Final Business Case (FBC) reflecting on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the project.
The report includes a series of scenarios, developed to stress-test the FBC, each of which demonstrate the economic case for the project remains positive, and in all but one scenario the impact on Council reserves if the project is cancelled would be greater than continuing construction.
On Friday, Council leader Cllr Adam McVey visited the site at Ocean Terminal to see work progressing.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see tracks in the ground in Leith – it’s a real milestone for this major project. We’re already beginning to see the route take shape and get an idea of just what a positive impact it will have on the local community.
“It’s particularly encouraging to know that the economic and business cases for Trams to Newhaven remain sound, despite the challenges of this year. Now we can progress with this exciting stage of the scheme safe in the knowledge that it will deliver the maximum benefits for local residents and the city as a whole.”
Despite the council facing mounting financial challenges the Trams to Newhaven project has the full backing of the Labour group, the SNP’s partners in the ‘Capital Coalition’.
Depute Leader, Labour’s Cammy Day, said: “It’s essential that we continue to invest in sustainable, clean transport and Trams to Newhaven is a key example. There is no doubt in the positive effects this scheme will have on the environment, the local economy and in encouraging development along the line.
“I’m delighted that the updated business case supports this as progress with construction continues apace.”
Work on the Trams to Newhaven project was instructed to stop on 25 March following guidance from the First Minister on COVID-19 and recommenced in June. An updated programme shows that the project is still working towards Spring 2023 for completion and is forecast to be delivered within the agreed £207.3m budget.
The council says the project’s completion will play a key role in the future growth and development of the city.
Delivering the tram line to Leith will unlock a large area of the city for housing and economic development, while providing a low-carbon, clean mode of transport to densely populated communities, they maintain.
Meanwhile rumblings persist that all is not well with the project’s finances, and Lord Hardie’s inquiry into the original Edinburgh Trams fiasco – years late, tens of millions of pounds over budget and delivering far less than was promised – rumbles on …
Edinburgh residents are urged to celebrate what’s on our doorsteps in a festive season campaign that encourages shoppers to support local businesses when looking for the perfect present.
Launched today and extending through 2021, the ‘Shop Here This Year’ campaign shines a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the city. It celebrates the quality independent retailers, eateries, and personal shopping experiences which bring our local high streets to life.
Highlighting unique aspects of each area, the campaign, aligned to the Scotland’s Towns Partnership Shop Local activities, will roll out across the Council’s digital platforms under the hashtag #shopherethisyear.
Businesses and shoppers are urged to get behind the campaign, sharing on their own social channels and supporting the local businesses which have such a vital impact on the city economy, local supply chains and local jobs.
The 11 areas that will be the focus of the campaign include: Leith & Leith Walk, Gorgie & Dalry, Bruntsfield & Morningside, Nicolson & Clerk Street, Tollcross, Royal Mile, Greater Grassmarket, Queensferry, Corstorphine, Stockbridge and Portobello.
For each location, the campaign will use real customer reviews to champion the range of unique experiences and products available across Edinburgh.
To mark the campaign’s launch an ultimate Christmas hamper of Edinburgh goodies, worth around £400, from businesses across the neighbourhoods is up for grabs.
Prizes include a tour and delicious samples from local gin distillers, Harris Tweed face coverings, luxury shortbread, selected fine wine, local jams, chutneys, cheeses, baked goods, festive treats and more.
To explore these fantastic vendors by bike, Just Eat Cycles include an annual pass in this giveaway and Edinburgh Zoo are giving away a VIP pass for the whole family to their Christmas Zoo experience.
For a chance to win, Edinburgh residents are asked to take to social media and share what makes their favourite independent shops special, using the hashtag #shopherethisyear and tagging @Edinburgh or @ThisIsEdinburgh on Instagram. Terms & Conditions apply, please go to Edinburgh.org for more details.
Councillor Kate Campbell, Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, said: “There are so many amazing independent retail businesses across our city offering a unique and personal experience while contributing much to our local communities, local economies and providing jobs.
“It goes without saying that all sectors have suffered because of the Covid-19 pandemic this year. That’s why, more now than ever, it’s so important that we all support our local businesses.”
Vice Convener Councillor Mandy Watt said: “It’s so important that businesses get behind this campaign so we can all share the collective message that people across Edinburgh should #shopherethisyear – we’re all in this together and its inspiring to see the hard work put in by retailers to keep customers safe while they shop local.“
Small Business Champion Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Edinburgh businesses have invested in, innovated and adapted their operating arrangements to comply with continuing Tier 3 restrictions to keep patrons, customers and staff safe.
“They deserve our thanks and, more importantly, our support – as a Council, and as a city. With the festive season and #SmallBusinessSaturday2020 (on 5 December) fast approaching, I hope Edinburgh residents and businesses will embrace the #shopherethisyear initiative: by shopping local, by creating, liking and sharing posts on social media and by encouraging families and friends to do so too.”
Beth Edberg, who runs Scottish food emporium Cranachan and Crowdie on the Royal Mile, said: “Businesses across Edinburgh have never needed residents to shop local more than they do now in the run-up to Christmas. That’s why this new Shop Here This Year campaign is so very welcome”.
The campaign, aligned with the #ForeverEdinburgh city-wide partnership initiative, has been funded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership as part of the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign which is designed to encourage shoppers across the country to think local first.
Santa Claus brought the magic of Christmas to Ocean Terminal when he made a secret visit to the waterfront shopping centre to check that everything was just perfect for the opening of his grotto on Thursday 3 December.
Caught on CCV footage here, Santa tests out the hand sanitiser and puts on his mask, before snapping his fingers to conjure up this year’s festive sparkle and dazzling grotto.
So, while Christmas 2020 will be a little different, the elves at Ocean Terminal aren’t letting coronavirus ruin the Christmas spirt. Santa and his helpers are working hard to give shoppers a small piece of normality this festive season.
Having tested out his new grotto and switched on the Christmas lights Santa will now return to the centre on 3 December and will stay there every day through to Christmas Eve (excluding December 7-9), celebrating the festivities in a safe and socially distant way.
A specially designed festive screen has been installed in the grotto to ensure all government guidelines are met and visitors, big and small, can still experience the excitement of a trip to see Santa.
As well as Santa’s grotto, the weekly market becomes the Christmas Market, opening daily from 25 November through to 23 December.
Located on the ground floor, the market will offer a wide variety of artisan food and handcrafted gifts from local Scottish traders. New for this year is a winter photo competition in partnership with The Leith Collective offering all photography enthusiasts the chance to appear in Ocean Terminal’s Winter Landscape Photo Exhibition.
Ocean Terminal, Centre Manager, Michelle Macleod said: “We wanted to give our customers a sense of normality, so the centre is looking fabulous and nothing is stopping us enjoy the full spirit of Christmas. Santa will be here and spreading joy just as every year.
“Not everyone wants to shop online, and nothing really beats the buzz you get when you spot just the right gift or fill the boot of your car with presents you know family and friends are going to love.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone and I think that a small piece of normality, and a familiar setting is something that everyone can appreciate. We’ve worked hard to put extra measures in place to ensure a safe and socially distanced festive season can be enjoyed by all.”
The Leith Collective leads the way in making 2021 the year of going green
As far as New Year’s resolutions go, to become the UK’s first ever plastic-free shop of its kind is quite an ambitious one. But local business owner, Sara Thomson, is determined to kick off 2021 in the most environmentally friendly way possible, and she’s hoping other businesses will be inspired to follow suit.
Sara is the founder of The Leith Collective which showcases the work of more than 120 artists and makers from all over Scotland, brought together by a common aim to reuse, recycle, reclaim, and resell items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill. As of 1st January 2021, The Leith Collective will ban all new plastic in its Edinburgh store.
However, it is a task that has proved to be more difficult than first expected according to Sara: ‘There is plastic in so many everyday things – things you would never have imagined contain plastic; it can be incredibly deceptive. So we’ve had our work cut out for us researching and sourcing alternatives.’
From re-imagining their visual displays and finding upcycled and biodegradable packaging, right down to the finer details such as switching to non-plastic sticky tape and barcode stickers, they’ve thought of everything.
Describing how it all started, Sara explained; ‘The idea came to me during Lockdown. It was amazing going for a walk each day and seeing nature flourish untouched, right before my eyes. Then came the stark contrast, seeing just how quickly single-use masks and plastic gloves were being discarded on beaches and roadsides, causing untold damage. I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing, I had to take action.’
Sara’s biggest hope is that other businesses will learn from her example and adopt a similar approach. ‘It’s not easy to find accurate plastic usage statistics because generally businesses don’t want to broadcast the fact they have a huge plastic waste problem. However, we just hope our pledge to become a plastic-free shop inspires other businesses to think about their own environmental impact and what steps they too can take to minimise their effect on the world around us.’
With this in mind, The Leith Collective is inviting local business owners to visit their store or get in touch via phone, email or social media where Sara will be happy to pass on any information that might help them in their own quest to go green – from ideas on how to avoid plastic and reduce waste, to tips on where to find the best alternatives.
Ultimately, Sara’s hope is that her New Year’s resolution inspires a new plastic ban revolution.
The Leith Collective can be found at RU65, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. Opening hours are Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.
New campaign ‘Leith Gives’ appeals for help to ease pressure of pandemic over winter months
Seventeen North Edinburgh charities, alongside community organisations, local schools, rugby clubs and others brought together by the Leith Trust, have joined forces in a bid to support people most likely to be hit hardest by coronavirus and associated restrictions this winter as a new collaboration, Leith Gives.
With food banks at risk of being overwhelmed and people likely to feel more isolated during winter months, Leith Gives is hopeful that, with successful fundraising, they will be able to do everything possible to support vulnerable people in December and January.
John Evans, Leith Gives, (above) said:“Leith Gives is seeking support to raise funds for vulnerable households facing a challenging lockdown amid the second wave of the COVID pandemic. This will allow us to provide tailored food hampers and other household essentials to vulnerable individuals and families in the run up to Christmas and again in late January.
“We also plan to provide gifts and other items people may need to celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Hanukah and other festivals, and to offer practical help to get people online and connect with loved ones or support groups.
“People in Leith and north Edinburgh are well known for looking out for the most vulnerable members of our communities and I’m confident that with their support and the collective knowledge and expertise of all the members of Leith Gives, we can spread some hope during what is likely to be a testing winter.
“We believe this approach to be impactful and innovative in its collaboration and every penny raised goes to help the people we support.’’
The Scotch Whisky Action Fund (SWAF) has announced its support of three organisations based in Edinburgh working to tackle the effects of alcohol misuse and promote responsible drinking.
The fund was established in 2013 by the Scotch Whisky Association and has made over 50 awards to innovative projects across Scotland working to reduce alcohol-related harm. The aim is to inspire innovation and develop small, grassroots projects that can develop into larger scale initiatives. The Fund is managed by Foundation Scotland and awards are decided by an independent panel.
The projects granted funding in this year’s awards aim to ensure that the effects of alcohol misuse can continue to be addressed in a supportive setting, and recognising that this support is all the more important because of the pressures on everyone’s lives caused by COVID-19.
The projects have adapted how they deliver support during the current restrictions, so they can operate in COVID-secure ways, including embracing virtual platforms.
Rowan Alba, a homeless charity based in Leith, also provides support on tackling alcohol misuse in the community.
The SWAF funding will build upon their pilot work providing training for Edinburgh pub staff on recognising and engaging with older people in the community living in extreme isolation and at high risk of alcohol related harm.
Helen Carlin, CEO of Rowan Alba, said: “The SWAF funding will help to strengthen the work that Rowan Alba is doing in the local community to address the harm that alcohol can have, particularly when combined with social isolation.
“Leith has an amazing community spirit; everyone looks out for each other. This funding will help us to build on these relationships and meaningful conversations that can make a real difference in ensuring that someone gets the help that they need. We would like to encourage pubs and bars throughout the city to contact us if they would like to be involved in the training being provided.”
Fast Forwardis based in Edinburgh and supports young people to make informed choices around risk-taking behaviours, including knife crime, substance misuse, gambling and gaming and alcohol related harm.
The SWAF funding will contribute towards the ‘Own It!’ project, created by Fast Forward’s Arts-Based Project Director Kai Peacock, which uses a virtual platform designed to empower young people about making positive decisions around the use of alcohol. The project will be tested on groups of young people across 10 areas of Scotland, starting in West Lothian.
Allie Cherry-Byrnes, Chief Executive of Fast Forward: “The skill and enthusiasm of the Fast Forward team have helped us create the Own It! project, that will help support young people to explore the impact of risk-taking behaviours, particularly alcohol related harm.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Scotch Whisky Action Fund to continue the development of the project, ensuring that it can be used by as many groups as possible via its digital format. If any youth-based organisations in Scotland would like to be involved in the project as it develops, we would urge them to contact us to discuss it further.”
Edinburgh Young Carers (EYC)is Scotland’s largest independent young carers’ service, providing respite and support to young people aged 5-25 who care for or are affected by someone else at home – usually a parent or sibling.
Edinburgh Young Carers is receiving funding from the Scotch Whisky Action Fund for the second time, towards a dedicated project aimed at tackling the impact of COVID-19 on its service users. The SWAF funding will be used to support the work of the organisation’s Health and Wellbeing service, helping to give young carers quality time to take a break, talk about what is affecting them, and the opportunity to learn coping techniques.
Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Young Carers, said:“We are grateful to have been awarded funding from the Scotch Whisky Action Fund again, and for the Award Panel’s understanding in the wake of COVID-19 which allowed us to adapt our plans and project delivery.
“The SWAF funding will help to give our young carers strength and resilience to deal with the ongoing situation, which for many has had a serious impact on their home life, their sense of isolation, and their access to respite time. We also look forward to sharing the learnings from this project with other organisations in Scotland’s caring sector.”
Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association said: “The Scotch Whisky industry is committed to tackling alcohol misuse and supporting the organisations receiving awards this year is very important to us.
“It’s particularly important at a time when COVID-19 is putting enormous pressure on individuals, families and communities across Scotland. These projects represent part of the industry’s broader commitment to tackling alcohol misuse.”
An update to the final business case for the Trams to Newhaven project, which reflects the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, concludes that the economic case for the scheme remains positive.
The review aims to assess the impact any changes in public transport demand as a result of the crisis could have on the economic and financial case, first approved in March 2019. On Thursday (12 November 2020) members of the Transport and Environment Committee will be asked to consider the updated final business case (FBC) and to approve continuing with the construction of the project.
The Council’s economic advisers, have developed a series of possible scenarios to stress-test the findings in the original FBC. These range from a return to business as usual to a permanent reduction in demand, taking into account short-term COVID-19 impacts and views on future growth. In each of the scenarios, modelling suggests that the economic case for the project remains, with a benefit-to-cost ratio of above one.
Financial assessment has found that the project can still be delivered within the budgeted £207.3m and that, in all but one of the scenarios, the impact on Council reserves if the project is cancelled would be greater than continuing construction. While it is possible there could be a future call on Council reserves to support financing costs as a result of COVID-19, in each scenario the scheme will finance itself, albeit in different timeframes.
The refreshed FBC also highlights that the completion will play a key role in the future growth and development of the city. Delivering the tram line to Leith will unlock a large area of the city for housing and economic development, while providing a low-carbon, clean mode of transport to densely populated communities.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “It’s clear that the events of this year have had an unprecedented impact on the way we travel and that we’ll continue to feel the effects for the foreseeable future. In light of this, it’s essential that we assess the potential economic and financial impacts on such a significant transport infrastructure scheme.
“I’m pleased that the economic and financial cases for Trams to Newhaven hold up despite the ongoing pressures resulting from COVID-19. The delivery of this project is essential for the Capital’s green recovery, providing sustainable, low-carbon travel to one of the city’s most densely populated areas. We now have reason to be cautiously optimistic as we progress with construction.”
Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “The Trams to Newhaven project is exactly the kind of investment we need post-COVID-19 to ensure Edinburgh is a thriving, forward-looking place for people to live and work in and to deliver much needed housing, jobs and investment into north Edinburgh.”
An updated programme shows that the project is still working towards Spring 2023 for completion and is forecast to be delivered within the agreed budget.
Over recent months, Edinburgh has experienced a significant drop in demand for public transport, with long-term consequences expected including a decline in income to the tram service.
The review of the FBC takes this into account, with even the most optimistic of scenarios projecting that passenger numbers won’t return to pre-COVID levels until the mid-2020s. Finally, the review of the FBC acknowledges the impact of COVID 19 on Lothian Buses and does not rely on any further payment of the extraordinary dividend which was anticipated in the original FBC.
Since March 2019 several local and national strategies have emerged to further support the introduction of high capacity, high quality public transport in the city. While Scotland’s National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) envisions ‘sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport’, Edinburgh’s draft City Mobility Plan strives for a greener, safer and connected transport system.
The tram will support the delivery of transport policies such as City Centre Transformation, which proposes a series of interventions to provide a more liveable, people-friendly city centre and requires a mode shift to public transport to help deliver a 10-15% reduction in city centre car traffic in the medium term and a 25-30% reduction in the longer term.
While the city council pushes ahead with the trams project, the Inquiry into the Edinburgh Tram project also continues – albeit at a snail’s pace.
The inquiry aims to establish why the original Edinburgh Tram project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered significantly less than projected.
The inquiry, under Lord Hardie, was set up in June 2014 but is yet to report any findings.
Back in June a spokesperson for the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry told the BBC: “The findings of the inquiry into why the Edinburgh Trams project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and delivered significantly less than planned will be made available at the earliest opportunity.
“Lord Hardie’s remit is to conduct a robust inquiry and it will take as long as is necessary to get the answers required to fulfil the terms of reference.
“We continue to make good progress, including managing more than three million documents on the inquiry’s evidence database for handover to National Records of Scotland.
“A relevant set is also being prepared to be made available on the inquiry’s website to accompany the published report at the appropriate time.”
A scathing review by Audit Scotland in February 2011 noted the original tram project had been undermined by poor planning, cost underestimates, contract disputes and a lack of clear leadership by the council – a lengthy catalogue of calamities which has cost taxpayers £ millions.
Leith Library has opened as Edinburgh’s newest Covid-19 testing centre as part of the UK Government’s drive to make testing more accessible to local people.
This will be the third City of Edinburgh Council building to operate as a test centre following the Usher Hall and Gate 55 Community Hub in Wester Hailes.
The building, also home to the Registrar’s Office, will provide an additional and safe centre for anyone showing symptoms.
Anyone attending an appointment will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the centre safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “Our top priority is keeping Edinburgh’s residents safe and the best way to do that is by encouraging people to follow the latest guidance and get tested if they have any Covid-19 symptoms.
“Our two other sites in the city centre and west Edinburgh have been helping hundreds of people every week to get tested so it’s really welcome that we now have a third site open in the north of the city.
“We’ll keep the use of Leith Library under review and if we’re in a position to safely reopen the library in the New Year we’ll work with the government to find alternatives.”
Cammy Day, Depute Leader, said: “It’s important we play our part by providing the government with buildings to carry out the testing which has been going really well. We now have three centres open in different parts of the city and I urge anyone with symptoms to follow the guidance and make sure they get checked out.”
The Leith Library testing site is open now between 8am and 8pm and can be found at 28 – 30 Ferry Road.
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Anyone who tests positive will be contacted by contact tracers to help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with and protect others from further transmission.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from contact tracers, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.
