Briggs Visits Leith Academy

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs visited Leith Academy yesterday to talk with their S3 modern studies class. The visit was organised so that pupils could ask Miles about his role as an MSP.

It was an opportunity for the politician to listen to the ideas and concerns of young people in Scotland.

Miles Briggs said: “I always enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk with my constituents. The young modern studies pupils at Leith Academy asked very insightful questions about my role as an MSP.”

Hats off to Scottish SPCA following swan rescue

‘Hoppy’ ending for Shore’s snared swan!

The Scottish SPCA was alerted at the beginning of April to a swan spotted with a baseball cap tangled around her foot. Scotland’s animal welfare charity received a call to their animal helpline after a member of the public became concerned about the welfare of the bird, who lives on The Shore in Leith. Continue reading Hats off to Scottish SPCA following swan rescue

Feeding 1000 bellies, not bins, across Leith!

There’s an old expression that ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’ Well, think again! Environmental charity Changeworks is hosting a free lunch on Sunday 6 May 2018 made from food that would otherwise have gone to waste. Continue reading Feeding 1000 bellies, not bins, across Leith!

Ye ken The Junction?

Have you ever been involved with The Junction? If you have, we want to hear from you! This year, The Junction celebrates 13 years of supporting the young people of Leith and we’re planning to produce a booklet that tells our story. One section of this booklet will be dedicated to positive stories from people who have had a part in our journey, whether that’s as a client, volunteer or any other form of involvement. Continue reading Ye ken The Junction?

Leith Fort housing in the running for three awards

An ambitious 94 affordable homes project, which is creating a new community at Edinburgh’s Leith Fort, has been shortlisted for a trio of awards.

The £11.5 million housing development which is co-owned by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) is in the running for the forthcoming RICS, RIAS and Homes for Scotland awards which will take place later this year.

The homes are built on the former 18th century Leith Fort site and welcomed residents last year.

Sixty two of the colony style properties are owned by PoLHA for mid-market rent, with 32 units owned by the City of Edinburgh Council for social rent.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, said:“We’re thrilled to have helped to restore this area to its former glory and to have created a neighbourhood where people want to live and to set down their roots.

“We are very proud of this successful modern interpretation of the Edinburgh colonies which has brought much needed high quality, affordable housing for families in Leith and North Edinburgh. We’re delighted it has been shortlisted for three industry awards, providing great recognition for us and our partners.”

The new properties have been modelled on the Edinburgh colonies concept and are a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes. A feature of this development is that all homes have access to private south west facing gardens.

The main contractor was CCG (Scotland) Ltd and the development was funded by PoLHA, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government.

Cllr Kate Campbell, Housing and Economy Convener, said: “The Council and Port of Leith set out to deliver modern, affordable homes on the historic Leith Fort site but the development has created so much more than housing.

“It has community spirit right at its heart and it is great to see so many award nominations coming in. Our aim is to deliver 20,000 affordable and low cost homes in the next decade bringing prosperity to every person in every neighbourhood.”

Nicola McLachlan, Project Architect, Collective Architecture, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Port of Leith Housing Association, The City of Edinburgh Council and the local residents within Leith.  The project heralds an exciting time in Leith’s rich history and plays an important role in stitching the Fort back into the community – both physically and socially – and encourages positive interaction between neighbours.

“It is wonderful to see that the residents are already making their own mark within the community and flourishing within their new homes.

“I am delighted to see how well the restrained palette of materials and careful detailing sits calmly within its context.  Everyone involved with the project has worked collaboratively with the client group to ensure these homes stand the test of time; their skills and experience shine through within the project.”