North Edinburgh News – Page 11 – The NEN

Tomorrow: Bike Marking event at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Reminder: Bike Marking Event – This Friday

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

11:00 – 14:00 No appointment required. Just turn up with your bike!

We hope to see you there!

Positive progress in tackling housing emergency, councillors told

Positive progress is being made on in tackling Edinburgh’s housing emergency, according to updates considered by the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on Tuesday (25 August 2026).

Since the Housing Emergency Action Plan was agreed in 2024, 1,473 affordable homes have been completed by the Council and partners, 1,144 sites started and 866 additional suitable temporary accommodation properties purchased.

There has also been a significant reduction in the number of families with children living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

In addition the Ask and Act pilot scheme has been launched in Wester Hailes, which aims to prevent people from becoming homeless at the earliest opportunity by working with partners across the public and third sector.

Members also agreed to end the suspension of the Council’s allocations policy, put in place to prioritise people facing homelessness, following progress in reducing the number of void Council homes alongside an increase in the supply of suitable temporary accommodation. This follows the commitment of the Council to invest £1.6bn in affordable housing.

A new grant scheme will also provide eligible owners of empty homes with up to £20,000 to bring properties up to a lettable standard. In return, owners will be required to make the property available for Private Sector Leasing for a period of three or five years.

The grant scheme is intended to allow empty home owners who do not have the financial means to address necessary works to bring the home into use. In turn, this will contribute to the number of suitable temporary homes available, easing pressure on the current housing emergency. Overall up to £600k is to be granted through the scheme.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “I’m encouraged by the progress being made to tackle Edinburgh’s housing emergency, with significantly fewer people not being provided with temporary accommodation, and a reduction in the number of children living in unsuitable accommodation.

“Everyone has the right to a safe and suitable place to call home. The pause on housing allocations has helped us prioritise those facing homelessness, while we work to increase the supply of temporary accommodation across the city.

“Bringing empty homes back into use is another important part of increasing the supply of housing. This funding will help owners meet the costs of essential works while, in return, making these homes available for private sector leasing for a 3 or 5 years.

“If you or a friend or relative own an empty home, I would urge you to find out more about how the support available.

“There is still much to be done, but I’m encouraged by the progress being made on the Housing Emergency Action Plan, which demonstrates tangible improvements being made.”

Efforts to increase suitable temporary accommodation include bringing houses back into use, purchasing properties and commissioning new temporary accommodation.

While in place, the suspension of the allocations policy allowed more than 350 households, including 200 families, to be moved out of unsuitable temporary accommodation and directly into a settled tenancy.

Read the reports, Suspension of Allocations Policy, the Empty Homes Grant Scheme and Housing Emergency Action Plan – Biannual Update on the Council website.

PYCP: The return of Chat and Chill!

We’re delighted to let you know that our popular Chat and Chill sessions are returning.

No sign up required. Just pop in on Wednesday’s between 12noon and 1.30pm from 9th September for some lunch and a chat

Children under 5 are welcome but they must be supervised at all times.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2 weeks.

#pycp

#Chat&Chill

Countdown is on to Drylaw’s Harvest Festival

10 days to go until our Harvest Festival!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you all to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday 5th September, 11am–2pm for an afternoon of food, activities and things to see and do.

There’ll be plenty happening throughout the day, including:

Apple picking and apple pressing

Garden activities with Trudi and our volunteers

Garden plant sale

Tummies Not Trash stall and a free lunch from the Scran Van

Dr Bike activities

NGS Cargo Bike art activities

Craft stall, henna artist, face painting and temporary tattoos

Tombola and bake sale

Drumming with Moving Music

Football activities with Spartans

Bouncy castle

Musical statues with Bev

…and more!

The event is free to attend, so bring along family, friends and neighbours and spend some time in the garden with us!

Saturday 5th September

11am–2pm

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Creative sessions for children at North Edinburgh Arts

Our creative sessions for local children are back this week after the summer break! Let’s get messy, move, and make things together.

CREATE (ages 0–5, with parents/carers)

Thursdays 10am–12pm & Saturdays 10.30am–12.30pm | Starts 27 August

A hands-on, messy-play art experience for our youngest artists and their grown-ups, using low-cost materials you can easily recreate at home.

Saturday Arts & Dance (ages 5–12)

Saturdays 10.30am–12.30pm | Starts 29 August

A relaxed morning of art-making, games, movement and play, split into two age groups (5–7 and 8–12).

Both sessions are completely free and run during term time, for families living in Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton & Drylaw. Healthy snacks are provided.

Places are first-come, first-served, so we’d recommend arriving in good time to avoid disappointment. Registration is required (but if you’ve already signed up earlier, no need to do it again)

Visit our website for more details or get in touch with us:

https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/whats-on

*Please note there will be no sessions on Saturday 5 September due to the NEA building closure for essential works.

Images by Olly Benton: Creative sessions at the North Edinburgh Community Festival 2026

Tour de France Grand Depart 2027 ceremony to be hosted by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

As Britain prepares to welcome the start of the 114th Tour de France in 2027, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been appointed by Grand Départ GB 2027 to deliver the opening moment of the Grand Départ – the iconic official team presentation.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will stage and produce a spectacular opening ceremony celebration to begin the Grand Départ, including the official Presentation of Riders Ceremony for the 2027 Tour de France, on the early evening of Wednesday 30 June. The event will see the world’s top elite cyclists and their teams introduced to fans, ahead of the stage starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July, during a spectacular event to be held at The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

Blending the Tattoo’s seven decades of world-class outdoor performances with the heritage and energy of the Tour de France, the ceremony will feature the cultures of all three nations that the race passes through, as well as a Highland welcome, massed pipes and drums, a bespoke song created by Angus MacPhail of the iconic Scottish band Skippinish, and cultural showcases celebrating the best of Britain and France. The event will blend elite sport, world-class Scottish traditional arts and community participation.

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “We are thrilled to bring the artistry and energy of the Tattoo to the Riders Presentation Ceremony on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade next year.

“This event is not only a chance to showcase the United Kingdom and Scotland to a global audience, honour the athletes, and inspire millions, it’s also a celebration of our ability to adapt and innovate.

“For over seventy-five years, the Tattoo has delivered unforgettable performances rooted in Scottish tradition, but this marks an exciting new chapter as we expand our production portfolio into other iconic major international events.

“By partnering with the Tour de France, two globally recognised national brands on a world stage, we are creating an experience that will resonate far beyond Edinburgh, leaving a legacy for audiences both at home and abroad.”

Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo added: “The creative production team have perfected the process of making a Tattoo on the iconic esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle.

“The opportunity to apply those years of experience in the service of a different global story is exciting all of us. Same breathtaking stage, same traditional Scottish performance at our heart, a different compelling story to be told to the audience!”

Positioning Edinburgh Castle at the heart of an unforgettable international moment for sport and culture, a live audience of 8,500 fans within the arena – and millions watching live globally – will experience a production filled with music, movement, special effects, and storytelling.

In addition to fans at Edinburgh Castle, thousands more are expected to line the Royal Mile to join in the celebrations to ensure that as many fans and residents as possible can watch.

The event will honour the athletes, celebrate the cultures and landscapes of Scotland, England, and Wales, and set the tone for their epic journey of the men’s Tour de France across its opening three stages through the Scottish Borders, the Lake District and north west England, and the heart of Wales across the 2, 3 and 4 July 2027, before Le Tour continues in France.

The 2027 Grands Départs will make history as Britain becomes the first nation outside of France to host both the men’s and women’s race starts in the same year, thanks to the support of funding partners the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, UK Sport and British Cycling.

Further details of the celebrations planned ahead of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which begins in Leeds on Friday 30 July, will be announced in the coming months.

Paul Bush OBE, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB Ltd said: “The Grand Départ is always a celebration of sport, culture, and community, and the 2027 edition promises to be something truly special.

“Partnering with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to deliver the Presentation of Riders Ceremony allows us to begin the Grand Départ celebrations on a stage unlike any other, in a way that honours British traditions, while sharing our creativity and spirit with the world.

“The Tattoo’s ability to create unforgettable large-scale performances will give the riders, and millions of fans, an opening that sets the tone for the entire Grand Départ and will be remembered long after the peloton has crossed the finish line in Paris.”

Scottish Government Economy and Tourism Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “Teaming up with the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo is an amazing way to continue the build-up to the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027.

“Bringing together two extraordinary events – the world’s greatest cycling race and the Military Tattoo, part of Edinburgh’s world-renowned Festival season – will be a spectacle to behold.

“It’s great to see major events teaming up with the local creative sector to enhance the Grand Départ when the eyes of the world will be on Edinburgh.”

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Grand Départ will be a landmark moment for Edinburgh and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and heritage of our city to millions of people around the world.

“I’m delighted that The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will deliver the Presentation of Riders Ceremony, there truly is no better place to begin this historic sporting event than Edinburgh Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

“I’m confident it will offer a memorable welcome for competitors and visitors alike, setting the stage for an unforgettable Tour.”

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry & Events, said: “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most spectacular cultural events. It’s fitting that the highly experienced and talented team behind the REMT will help deliver a celebration to mark the start of what promises to be one of the biggest sporting events Scotland has ever hosted.

“Major events like the Tour de France Grand Départ shine an international spotlight on Scotland, driving global awareness and delivering lasting benefits for our visitor economy. They demonstrate our ability to host world-class experiences that bring together sport, culture and community on an extraordinary scale; the 2027 Grand Depart will be another global moment in Scotland.”

Gillian MacDonald, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland which manages Edinburgh Castle, said: “Edinburgh Castle has provided a backdrop to many defining moments across Scotland’s history, dominating the skyline of the capital for centuries.

“We’re very proud to be providing the venue for one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, with the Tour de France Grand Départ bringing fans from across the country and around the world to the heart of Edinburgh in what is sure to be a historic occasion.”

Further details of ticketing information for the Edinburgh opening celebration and presentation will be announced in the coming months.

To be the first to find out more and to benefit from an exclusive pre-sale window, subscribe to the Grand Départ GB 2027 newsletter via letourgb.com

Fort Kinnaird crowns nine-year-old Hannah as Edinburgh’s Young Sustainability Hero

Fort Kinnaird has crowned nine-year-old Hannah Donoghue from Musselburgh as Edinburgh’s young sustainability hero, recognising her efforts to protect the environment at home and across her local community.

Her nomination stood out for the range of sustainable habits which she has made a natural part of her everyday life.

This includes regularly heading out with her litter picker and encouraging friends to join her – she has even been rewarded by neighbours for helping to keep the area clean. At home, she turns household recycling into craft projects, growing peppers and tomatoes and helps care for the family garden.

She is also choosing greener ways to travel wherever possible. Hannah recently started cycling to the supermarket using a trailer and has asked to ride her bike to school when the new term begins.

The competition was launched as part of Fort Kinnaird’s free ocean-inspired summer activity programme and invited families to nominate children aged four to ten who are helping the planet through actions such as recycling, litter-picking, saving water and supporting wildlife.

In recognition of her efforts, Hannah was treated to a family day out at Fort Kinnaird, including a trip to ODEON, a meal at Frankie & Benny’s and an eco-activity bundle to help her continue her sustainability mission at home.

Jennifer Tait, Hannah’s mum, said: “Hannah has always had a natural instinct to look after things – whether that’s the plants in our garden, the streets in our neighbourhood or turning materials she finds around the house into something new.

“She never sees any of it as a chore; it is simply part of her everyday life. To have her efforts recognised in this way is really special, and we’re so proud of her.”

The search reflects Fort Kinnaird’s wider commitment to sustainability. The centre supports local biodiversity through wildflower planting and on-site beehives and has sent zero waste to landfill since 2018, recycling more than 260 tonnes in the process. It also runs on 98% renewable energy.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Hannah’s nomination immediately stood out because of the sheer range of things she is already doing to help the environment.

“From litter-picking and encouraging her friends to get involved to growing food, reusing materials and choosing to cycle when she can, she shows how small everyday actions can make a real difference.

“Sustainability is a key focus for us at Fort Kinnaird, so it’s fantastic to see that same care for the environment being championed by young people in our community. Hannah is a very deserving winner, and we hope her and her family had a wonderful time celebrating.”

To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

New GP walk-in services announced

More than 30 services will be opened across Scotland

First Minister John Swinney has announced 24 more areas will benefit from new GP-led walk-in services across Scotland, bringing the number of centres planned or operational to 40.

Work is underway with health boards to establish new walk-in services for communities including Angus, Dumbarton, East Kilbride, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Inverness, North Ayrshire, Paisley, Shotts, Tweeddale and West Lothian. Many will be able to open within a year.

Proposals are also in development for walk-in services in communities in Ayr, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Glasgow North East, Glenrothes, Grangemouth, Inverclyde, Musselburgh, North Lanarkshire and Oban.

It comes as First Minister John Swinney marked the official opening of the 11th GP walk-in service in Buckhaven in Fife and announced an extension of the pilot programme until April 2029.

The GP walk-in pilot is testing new ways of accessing same-day care from GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners or other clinicians at a wider range of times. They have been designed to provide more choice for patients while helping to relieve pressure on wider NHS services.

Speaking at the service at Randolph Wemyss Community Hospital, the First Minister said:  “I promised that my government would break from the status quo and introduce a new way for patients to access same day care – and we are delivering on that commitment.

“We are listening and want to create more choice for patients, closer to home and without the need for a pre-booked appointment.

“In the first six months since we opened the first service in February, more than 10,500 walk-in cases have been seen. As these services are phased in to become fully operational, seven days a week, I am confident that many more people will benefit.

“The opening of our newest GP walk-in service, in Fife, is an important milestone in the roll-out of this pilot project, fulfilling my government’s commitment to open five new walk-in centres within our first 100 days of office. We have done this in Aberdeen, Dunoon, Invergordon, Cardonald and Buckhaven.

“This is part of my Government’s wider agenda to provide patients with greater choice and access to care closer to home – in turn relieving pressure on hospitals and acute services. It will complement our trusted network of GP practices across the country, which we are bolstering with historic additional investment to recruit more GPs with £531 million to 2029.”