TODAY (Thursday 18 December), from 1.30pm to 2.00pm, join us and the Greater Pilton Singers for a performance of their specially penned song Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton, surrounded by the Resistance exhibition at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two!
Written collaboratively by members from North Edinburgh Arts Art For Grown Ups Project and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group – also with musician and activist Penny Stone – the choir created a gentle yet mighty protest song, evoking nostalgia and hope.
As well as their own anthem, they will perform a couple of classic soul and activism songs. The song has been developed as part of the Resistance outreach programme, which has culminated in the exhibition Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh at the Portrait Gallery until 30 April 2026.
The convenor of Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF), a local housing charity, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the organisation at their latest AGM.
The recipient of the award, Betty Stone (formerly Betty Stevenson) became convenor of the charity in 2005 and has been a volunteer and activist for the organisation for over 30 years.
Edinburgh Tenants Federation is a tenant-led charity that supports tenants across Edinburgh to understand their housing rights, have their voices heard, and influence decisions about housing and related services locally, city-wide, and nationally.
In a letter acknowledging the award, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Jane Meagher said: “I have known Betty for a very long time, and I have never met anyone who has shown such care, commitment and dedication to her work.
“She has long fought for better housing conditions for people in Edinburgh and tenants across the city have known no stauncher champion of their rights than Betty. This award is most well deserved and I’m sure will be welcomed by the many, many people that Betty has helped over the years.”
Betty was presented the award by Vice-Convenor Paul Vaughan at the organisation’s AGM.
The evening saw Betty renominated to the organisation’s Executive Committee as Convenor for a further term of three years.
Following receipt of the award, Betty said: “I am honoured to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from Edinburgh Tenants Federation, especially this year as we celebrate our 35th anniversary.
“I have worked as volunteer campaigning for better housing services in Edinburgh for the past 30 years. I have witnessed a lot of change in the housing landscape, yet, reflecting on my journey, I can see similarities between now and the 90s, and how in many cases we are still working to ensure social housing in Edinburgh is safe and accessible.”
Betty encouraged people to get involved in the local community and join the Federation, saying: “It’s the collective voice of the people that gets the job done. Those interested in setting up a residents’ and tenants’ group, or even just learning more about housing in Edinburgh should reach out to become a part of our network.”
Founded in 1990 from a merger of tenant networks to collaborate over similar housing issues, ETF has been at the forefront of the housing debate in Edinburgh campaigning for better tenants’ rights in areas such as stock transfer, rent increases and tenant living conditions.
Today, its volunteers work closely with the City of Edinburgh Council to help inform tenant participation strategy across the city.
Join the Federation – it’s free!
Joining Edinburgh Tenants Federation is simple. Membership is completely free of charge and open to any tenants’ or residents’ organisations in Edinburgh – regardless of who your landlord is.
Equally, if you live in an area without a tenants’ group, you can still join as an individual associate member, and organisations that share our aims and values can also become associate members.
To find out more about membership, contact the Federation office by email at info@edinburghtenants.org.uk or call 0131 475 2509.
Edinburgh Leisure is celebrating one of its own as Josh Ward, Swim Teacher at its iconic Leith Victoria Swim Centre, scooped the Rising Star Award at the recent Scottish Leisure Network Group Awards.
The Scottish Leisure Network Group (SLNG) is a not-for-profit organisation for leisure and sport providers in Scotland. Founded in 2003, its purpose is to help members, such as local authority leisure trusts and university sports departments, share best practices, provide industry guidance, and develop benchmarking processes.
Josh’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. Starting out on Edinburgh Leisure’s Positive Destinations programme – an employability initiative supporting young people from deprived areas – Josh faced significant challenges. Surrounded by negative influences and lacking financial support, his future could have taken a very different path.
Instead, Josh embraced the programme, earned his lifeguard qualification, and began his career as a Leisure Attendant.
Recognising the need to create a positive environment for himself, Josh made the brave decision to transfer to a venue further afield, away from peer pressure. That move marked a turning point.
With encouragement from his manager, Josh trained as a Swim Teacher, gaining his Scottish Swimming Teaching Qualification. Two years on, he’s not only thriving but inspiring others.
“Josh is a fantastic role model for our team and for the young people who come through our programmes,” said Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria, who nominated him for the award.
“His journey shows what’s possible when someone is given the right support and opportunities. He’s passionate, committed, and always goes the extra mile for his swimmers and colleagues.
“Josh’s approach to swim teaching reflects the values of our organisation, creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality experiences for all his participants. He is known for building strong relationships with children and adapting his teaching style to meet individual needs.
“He has played a key role in supporting both participants and less experienced staff, particularly through our Care-Experienced and Active Communities programmes. His patience and ability to connect with others make him a trusted and respected member within his team.”
One customer commented said “Josh is doing a great job running the Skills & Development and Master’s swim classes. He’s always friendly, encouraging, and brings great sets for us to swim. His feedback on technique has significantly improved my swim times.”
Josh’s success comes as sportscotland celebrates Role Models in Sport this December, highlighting individuals who inspire others to get active and achieve their potential. Josh embodies that spirit – from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a trusted and respected Swim Teacher who makes a real difference in his community, said Jack Martin, Coaching Workforce Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.
Edinburgh Leisure offers a range of career pathways, from entry-level roles to specialist coaching and teaching positions. Josh’s story is a powerful reminder that a career in leisure isn’t just a job – it can be life-changing.
Find out more about careers with Edinburgh Leisure at:
MUIRHOUSE Housing Association delivered a spectacular Christmas event filled with family fun to kick off the festive season.
The Association laid on a sparkling seasonal celebration where its office car park came alive full of festive cheer. Families gathered and the holiday spirit was everywhere ensuring a perfect start to the Christmas festivities!
Chief Executive Susan Bell said the occasion was full of festive cheer and an event filled with fun and happiness.
The highlight of the occasion was undoubtedly the Christmas tree lights switch-on, generously sponsored for the third consecutive year by Kerax Land Ltd, the landscaping and estates contractor for the housing association.
The event featured a variety of family-friendly craft activities, writing letters to Santa and musical bingo with the best Christmas melodies. Everyone joined the sing-along dancing and swaying away with each other.
Kevin Matthews Founder of BLAST Boxing shared information and highlights how sports like boxing benefit not just kids, but whole families.
BLAST Boxing is a Community Interest Company which seeks to improve mental health for the many communities of Edinburgh & beyond.
Refreshments were served up and everyone enjoyed free hot food with a delicious Lebanese twist from Lazeez Street Food and Catering Services, adding an international flair to the event.
As part of the celebrations, everyone was entered into the raffle for the chance to win tickets to see Goldilocks and the Three Bears presented by Forth Children’s Theatre at North Edinburgh Arts Centre.
A guitarist from the community singing group Ama-zing Harmonies led everyone in carol singing with all-time greats like Jingle Bells, When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney and to finish the event everyone joined in with We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
“We are incredibly thankful to everyone who attended. It was the perfect event to kick off the festive season,” said Susan.“It was wonderful to see the community come together again, and the excitement from the children who came along was truly heartwarming.
“We hope everyone enjoyed themselves and wish everyone a wonderful Christmas.”
Susan also extended her thanks to the staff team for their hard work in organising and making it such a success.
Deborah Brown, Muirhouse’s Community Engagement Officer, said it was the perfect seasonal occasion to engage with tenants and the wider Muirhouse community. This highlights Muirhouse Housing Associations commitment to fostering community spirit and bringing people together during the holiday season.
CCScotland Green Tease: Living well locally is taking place next week
Join us for a day of workshops and conversations about how cultural activities can contribute to creating sustainable and regenerative communities.
When: 11am-3pm, Thursday 27 November
Where: North Edinburgh Arts
Join us at North Edinburgh Arts to understand how cultural activities can contribute to creating sustainable and regenerative communities.
In particular, we’ll explore the role of culture in 20-minute neighbourhoods – creating walkable and wheelable places where everyone can access their daily needs.
The morning session will be an introduction to pre-existing place-based work in Scotland. Lesley-Anne Rose will share her reflections on the importance of culture in place planning and community work, Pippa Cook will introduce the Place Standard Tool and Rebecca Dillon-Robinson will outline the policies supporting local living and 20-minute neighbourhoods in Scotland.
At 12pm, we’ll break for a shared lunch of soup and sandwiches.
The afternoon session will involve creative mapping of Granton (North Edinburgh? – Ed.) and the places where participants live and/or work.
This is an opportunity for participants to reflect on how culture can support sustainable development or regeneration in their communities. We’ll end the afternoon by developing a toolkit incorporating culture into placemaking.
Agenda
11am: Teas and coffees
11.20am: Introduction to pre-existing place-based work in Scotland
12pm: Lunch
12.30pm: Creative mapping workshop
2.15pm: Co-developing a toolkit incorporating culture into placemaking
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – our Christmas jumper workshops!
These were a huge hit last year so start getting excited now! On Saturday 22nd and 29th of November, we will be running drop-in craft sessions (2pm – 4pm).
We will provide wool, felt, pom-poms etc – please bring a spare old jumper or t-shirt if you have one! We will provide some old jumpers as well.
We can’t wait, and we look forward to seeing you all wearing your beautiful Christmas or festive jumpers throughout December!
LIFT is proud to be supporting John’s Mum in spearheading her mission to ensure as many public spaces as possible have access to “Bleed Kits” in John’s name.We will be raising funds to purchase as many kits as possible to ensure lives can be saved.
If you want to donate please see information on the poster, BUT correct bank details are:
Sort Code: 80 11 05
Account Number: 00205715
Muirhouse Millennium Centre
Lisa and the LIFT staff will be undertaking training to use the kits correctly and we will supply a flyer explaining exactly what to do if you ever find yourself using one-off John’s Bleed Kits.
John McNab “Not in Vain” campaign spearheaded by Lisa and Dale supported by LIFT@ MMC
WHAT’S ON TODAY – Thursday 11 December at North Edinburgh Arts 
Winter Pop-Up Market | 11am–3pm
Dementia-Friendly Film Club: Scrooge | 1.30–3.30pm
Garden Sessions for Adults | 1.30–4pm
Youth Arts Collective | 4–6pm
Women’s Wellbeing Workout | 6–7pm
Talk: Scottish UFOs | 6–7.15pm
Adult Social Club (16+) | 6–8pm
