Category: North Edinburgh News

Edinburgh locals invited to invest in community-owned solar panels across the capital

Photography from: Colin Hattersley Photography –

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative has just launched a new share offer campaign to raise £1.13 million to install solar panels on public and community buildings in the city: generating clean electricity, keeping profits local, and giving everyone a chance to benefit from renewables. 

The initiative will fund the installation of solar panels on 10 rooftop locations across Edinburgh, including the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool and five schools. 

Edinburgh residents are invited to become members of the co-operative by investing in the scheme, with a projected annual interest rate of 5%. Investments can be from as little as £25, with the aim of making membership accessible to as many residents as possible.

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op launched in 2015 and has already installed solar PV on 30 sites across the city, including the Council offices at Waverley Court, 17 schools and multiple leisure centres. 

The co-op’s existing solar sites are estimated to have already saved more than 2,000 tonnes of CO₂, as well as saving the council almost £850,000 on their energy bills by paying less for the electricity generated. 

The organisation gives some of its profit each year to local charitable groups via the co-operative’s community benefit fund: so far more than £100,000 has been distributed to support youth projects, community groups, schools, parks and green spaces across Edinburgh.

Photography from: Colin Hattersley Photography –

Vicki Taylor, Chair of Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op, said: “This is an exciting next phase for our co-op, putting hundreds of community-owned solar panels on even more buildings across the city. Every installation generates more clean, green energy and helps reduce Edinburgh’s carbon emissions.

“Investing in Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op means keeping wealth in Edinburgh – generating returns that stay local and help fund community projects, rather than profits flowing elsewhere. It gives local people the opportunity to invest in something they care about, making community investment accessible to everyone.”

Photography from: Colin Hattersley Photography –

Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “Since its launch the Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op has made savings in both energy costs and carbon emissions as well as giving back to valuable community projects.

“I’m delighted that the Council continues to be closely involved with the scheme, with solar panels set for more of our buildings, and I’d encourage anyone with an interest to take part themselves through the latest share offer.”

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op has received funding from CARES, the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, to develop the share offer. The scheme is also supported by Energy4All and DTAS’ Democratic Finance Scotland programme. Both organisations are working in partnership to help community-led organisations to use alternative methods of raising local finance to capture wealth locally. 

You can find out more and apply to join the co-operative on Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op’s website at www.edinburghsolar.coop

Families feel neglected by housing providers in Edinburgh

Edinburgh councillors and Scottish Ministers must action to improve families’ experiences of social housing and temporary accommodation and private sector accommodation in the capital.

New research has uncovered how inadequate housing in the city is badly affecting families’ health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

This small study was carried out by parents living in social housing themselves, with support from The Poverty Alliance, and Muirhouse community organisation Low Income Families Together (LIFT).

The research was commissioned by the Scottish Health Equity Research Unit (SHERU) at the University of Strathclyde and funded by the Health Foundation.

Families in the research say that mould and damp are a common issue, with the solutions offered often feeling temporary, rather than getting to the root of the problem.

The research also highlights issues with repairs and maintenance processes with social housing providers not meeting standards under the ‘Right to Repair’ scheme, where tenants have the right to have small urgent repairs carried out within a given timescale.

Families shared experiences of jumping through hoops to get support with housing issues and parents described feeling ‘left in the dark’ when it comes to hearing back from housing officers.

The report says access to person-centred, timely and compassionate support from social housing providers is vital.

Pauline Nicol-Bowie MBE, Founder and CEO of LIFT, said: “LIFT has been supporting families in North Edinburgh for nine years, and it is heartbreaking that we are still hearing the same stories about housing, homelessness and families living in unsuitable accommodation. In fact, from what we see every day, the situation has become worse.

“Parents shared their experiences, not because it is easy to talk about their struggles, but because they desperately want things to change for their children and for other families.

“These parents have done their part. They have shared their stories, highlighted the problems and helped identify what needs to change. Now they deserve to see those voices turned into action.”

Fiona McHardy, Research Fellow, Scottish Health Equity Research Unit, said: “This community-led research highlights the troubling gap between Scotland’s national ambitions for improving housing and families’ everyday experience.

“Our research shows that the housing emergency is making it increasingly difficult for services to translate policy ambitions into support on the ground.

“In a challenging fiscal climate and wider public sector reform context, closing this implementation gap will require sustained national investment in prevention, stronger alignment between national and local priorities, and coordinated action across services.”

Poverty Alliance Research Manager Dr Laura Robertson said: “Homelessness statistics published last month show that Edinburgh continues to face housing pressures with 3,820 children living in temporary accommodation in the city.

“This research unveils the real, lived experiences of the housing emergency in Edinburgh. Housing is the foundation for health and wellbeing, but the effects of inadequate housing supply and conditions are affecting families’ physical and mental health.

“Families involved in the research want to see compassionate, consistent housing support, improved repairs and maintenance processes, and good quality, habitable housing and green spaces, where their children can play freely and safely. 

“Housing is a key driver of child poverty in Scotland and adequate funding of social homes by the Scottish Government is vital to ensure we end the injustice of child poverty in Scotland.” 

More-than-A-Number-Oct-2026-Final-ReportDownload

Islamic Relief UK calls for more action on Islamophobia

As Islamophobia awareness month begins, Islamic Relief UK is calling on the UK Gov to make sure they ‘Don’t Let it Slide’

Charity Islamic Relief UK is calling on the government to take more stringent measures in tackling Islamophobia and protect UK Muslims. Islamic Relief is asking for:

  • Practical guidance and consistent implementation
  • Better evidence and monitoring
  • Meaningful participation of Muslim communities and independent experts in designing and assessing policy

The charity’s call comes at a crucial point in time, as racism towards Muslims has intensified to worrying levels. Police-recorded anti-Muslim hate crime increased by 15% over the last year, with Muslims being the victim of 46% of all religious hate crimes, more than any other group. 

The charity itself has also been a target of Islamophobia, as it has been forced to deal with online abuse and misinformation targeted against it in recent years.

According to the British Muslim Trust, one Mosque was attacked every five days over the last year, and incidents involving serious harm, arson or violence rose from 3.7% to 19.6%.

Mosques in the UK serve not only as religious centres but also as vital community services for people of all faiths and none, providing foodbanks, clothes banks, support for the homeless, support for domestic abuse victims and other crucial services. These critical services are put at risk for ordinary citizens as a result of the increase in Islamophobic attacks. 

Earlier this year the UK government introduced a definition of Anti-Muslim Hostility, covering prejudicial stereotyping, criminal acts and unlawful discrimination. However, it did not alter any existing laws.

“Islamic Relief UK has welcomed this as an important first step but is now calling on the government to continue advancing this work so Islamophobia can be stamped out wherever possible. 

Zia Salik, interim director, Islamic Relief UK says “For too long Islamophobia has not been taken seriously enough.

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen explosions in anti-Muslim and anti-migrant violence in the summers as rioters sought to cause harm, our Mosques have been targeted by violent attacks and arson, while the media turned a blind eye, and online Islamophobia and hatred has run out of control.

“The communities we work with don’t feel safe, our UK programmes work that helps the UK’s most vulnerable has been impeded and our own staff have been targeted online.

“Earlier this year the government made an important first step with its anti-Muslim hatred definition, but it’s time to go further. UK Muslims need to be properly protected from discrimination and potential harm.”

‘No Place for Knives’ campaign launches in London hotspots

Campaign to deter knife crime in London knife crime hotspots to appear over billboards, digital advertising, and social media across Westminster and Croydon

Criminals in two London hotspots are being warned of a step-up in police action in a new Home Office knife crime campaign launching today. 

The ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign will be piloted in parts of Westminster and Croydon, with adverts appearing at tube stations, bus stops and on social media – as well as a mural at Boxpark Croydon.  

They will raise awareness of increased police activity, including, smarter metal detection, rapid response e-bikes, extra foot patrols and live facial recognition. The campaign is also being piloted in Birmingham city centre. 

Developed by the Home Office with police and local authorities, the campaign targets those most at risk of committing knife crime.  

These areas, along with 16 other boroughs in Greater London, have received over £8.1 million of funding through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentrations Fund to roll out targeted interventions to tackle knife crime. As well as the enforcement measures featured in the campaign adverts, it also covers prevention approaches such as youth outreach and visible local safety patrols in busy night-time economy areas. 

Recent figures show knife crime has fallen 11% since the General Election, while knife-related homicides have fallen by 25% and knife-enabled robbery is down by 18%. In London, knife crime has fallen by 14% over the same period, while knife-related homicides have fallen by 34% and knife-enabled robbery is down by 19%.   

Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said: “Everyone in Westminster and Croydon deserves to feel safe on their streets. We know that hearing of knife crime incidents happening in your city can have the opposite effect and we want to stop that.

“We’re working with police to target knife crime where it causes the greatest harm, using intelligence and cutting-edge technology to make our communities safer.  

‘No Place for Knives’ sends a clear message: action is being taken and we will not accept people putting young lives and our communities at risk.”

The campaign forms part of the Government’s wider mission to halve knife crime in a decade, combining tougher enforcement with prevention and early intervention to protect young people and make communities safer.  

 Commander Pete Stevens of the Metropolitan Police said: “We know the devastating impact knife crime has – not just on families who have lost loved ones but on entire communities. Our officers work tirelessly to combat this senseless violence, proactively directing our resources towards the people who pose the most risk.  

“These tactics are working. In the last financial year knife-enabled crime fell by 14.9 per cent across London and over the last five years the number of people hospitalised after being attacked with a sharp weapon has fallen by 29 per cent.  

“We will continue to target violent criminals who threaten our communities. Every knife removed and every suspect arrested has the potential to prevent serious harm or save a life.” 

 Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We know that knife crime can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities.  

I”f someone has information about knife carrying violence but is worried about being identified, our charity provides a way to speak up completely anonymously. 

“By sharing information, communities can help prevent harm, protect young people and contribute to safer neighbourhoods.” 

Patrick Green, CEO of Hackney-based Ben Kinsella Trust said: “Every young person deserves to feel safe without feeling the need to carry a knife. We therefore welcome the Home Office’s ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign and its contribution to the wider effort to reduce knife crime and protect young lives.

“A particular strength of ‘No Place for Knives’ is that it has drawn on young people’s input during its development. Young people understand better than anyone the pressures, anxieties and misconceptions that can lead to knife carrying.

“By listening to young people and reflecting their experiences in the campaign, the Home Office has created a stronger and more authentic platform for encouraging safer choices and preventing violence.”

Scottish rugby legends to headline exclusive event

To celebrate the Autumn Internationals, Duddingston Golf Club is hosting an exclusive evening with Scottish rugby legends Greig Laidlaw & Johnnie Beattie, taking place on Thursday, 26th November 2026.

Rugby fans across Edinburgh are invited to join former Scotland Captain and British & Irish Lion Greig Laidlaw, alongside former Scotland international Johnnie Beattie, for what promises to be a fantastic evening of rugby stories, entertainment, great food, and good company.

The two Scottish rugby legends will take the stage for a relaxed Q&A session. Attendees will be treated to firsthand accounts of their experiences representing Scotland, an exclusive look at life behind the scenes in international rugby, and memorable moments from their storied careers.

The evening will also offer guests the unique opportunity to put their own questions directly to Greig and Johnnie.

Niall Watson, General Manager of Duddingston Golf Club, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome two true icons of Scottish rugby to Duddingston Golf Club.

“Greig and Johnnie have given fans so many incredible memories over the years, and hearing their behind-the-scenes stories during the Autumn Internationals will be a real treat. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our community and local rugby fans to come together for an unforgettable evening of top-tier entertainment and hospitality.”

Alongside the rugby conversation, attendees will enjoy food provided by Duddingston’s catering partners, Greens Catering. Guests will have ample time to enjoy a drink, socialise, and network with fellow partners and guests in the club’s welcoming atmosphere.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, 26th November 2026
  • Time: 6.00pm – 10.30pm
  • Venue: Duddingston Golf Club, Edinburgh
  • Ticket Cost: £40 per person
  • To reserve your places, contact gm@duddingstongolf.co.uk, confirming the number of tickets you would like.Places will be limited, so we would encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.

Located just 10 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, Duddingston Golf Club remains a must-play for visitors and a cherished home for its members.

For more information, visit: https://www.duddingstongolfclub.co.uk/ 

#IWill Festival of Social Action

18 – 20 NOVEMBER

The #iWill Festival of Social Action is the #iWill Movement’s annual flagship campaign – three days of youth-led events, place-based celebration and national social action, taking place every November.

Formerly known as #iWill Week, the festival brings together young people, organisations and communities across the UK to celebrate the power of youth social action.

Wednesday 18th November: Organise

Wednesday is young people’s day. As #iWill Ambassadors come together and celebrate, we’re inviting everyone to reflect on why young people organising, building connections, finding their place, and creating change together, is more important than ever.

Thursday 19th November: Unite

Organisations and partners day. An online working session for the people and organisations who believe in young people’s power to lead change – and want to go further in embedding that belief in their work. Expect honest conversation, practical thinking, and the chance to connect with others on the same journey.

Friday 20th November: Act

Everyone’s day. A national social action call-out – for individuals, schools, youth groups, communities and organisations across the UK.  On Friday 20th November, young people across the UK are taking action on something they care about — big or small, planned or spontaneous — photographing it, filming it, writing about it, and sharing it using #iWillFest.

If you work with or alongside schools, youth groups or community organisations, this is your moment.

Our free Act Day pack gives facilitators everything they need to run a session with young people on the day – a session plan, social action ideas, and ready-made social media templates so their voices travel further than the room.

Police release London Road incident CCTV images

Police Scotland has released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries into an incident in Edinburgh on London Road around 1.25am on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

The man is described as white, 30 to 35 years old, 5ft 10in tall, with dark short hair.

He was wearing a white dress shirt and a kilt.

Detective Constable Scott Wilson said: “Extensive enquiries remain ongoing into this incident, and we are looking to speak to the man in the images as part of our enquiries.

“I’m appealing for anyone who recognises the man, or the man himself, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information can contact us by phoning 101 and quoting incident number 0295 of Sunday, 27 September. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and provide information anonymously.”

New Girls Sports Clubs Starting at Craigroyston Community High School

NEW CLUBS FOR GIRLS START TOMORROW

We have two new girls only sports opportunities starting this week at CCHS.

These sessions take place after school and are free of charge.

Come along with some friends and give them a try!

To book a space, just scan the QR code on the attached poster or speak to Paul (Active Schools Coordinator) in the PE department.