Category: North Edinburgh News

Social Bite’s reopened Granton Village illustrates alternative building solutions are key to solving UK housing crisis 

Today (29th June), homelessness charity Social Bite celebrated the re-opening of its Village at its new location on Granton Waterfront. This move serves as a clear proof-of-concept of the charity’s innovative model which encourages the implementation of modular housing and communities on unused, derelict land as an impactful and cost-effective solution to addressing the UK housing crisis.

The opening marks a re-location and expansion of the previous Edinburgh Social Bite Village, just five minutes away, to a local piece of land surrounded by greenery and a view of the Firth of Forth.

The opening is a landmark moment for the charity. Beyond providing new and refreshed quality homes for its residents, it underlines how uniquely agile, and adaptable, its Village Model concept truly is. 

The Village will continue to be run in partnership with Cyrenians, and will benefit from six new pre-built houses, while the existing ten houses will receive a refresh.

The new Granton Waterfront location will become home to 15 people who have been affected by homelessness – whether that be in B&Bs, temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, living on the streets, or one of the many other ‘unseen’ forms of homelessness faced by so many.

The Village is a real-life example of a scalable and adaptable blueprint for making fast and impactful changes to people who are experiencing homelessness. By committing to investing in this concept with Social Bite, policy makers and councils can make great in-roads to improving the housing crisis in their areas and make effective change for the thousands of people who have found themselves struggling for safe and secure housing in the UK.

In the coming months, six new residents will join the welcoming, supportive community. They will each receive a key to their own fully equipped home, complete with a self-contained kitchenette, bathroom, and living space. The remaining ten houses, relocated from the previous Social Bite Village site, will be occupied by residents and volunteers transitioning from the original site. 

It has been a momentous couple of months for the charity, which recently gained celebrity backing from George Clooney, Bob Geldof and Rob Brydon for its call for UK-wide local authorities to adopt the Social Bite Village model to end homelessness.

Social Bite also recently opened Harriet Gardens in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and The Salvation Army, and has had great success so far with support from the local community and councillors, and 15 residents moving into the beautiful site.

The beneficial impact on residents who live in The Village is evident. Before moving location, the previous Edinburgh Village saw around 100 people enjoying life at the Village, with many moving on to their own homes, gaining employment and thriving within their own networks.

One of those residents was Jayne. Jayne lived in the Granton Village for two years and has since moved out to her own flat. Since leaving, she has kept in good contact with the friends she made during her time there. 

She said: “My time at the Edinburgh Village was amazing. I was staying in homeless hostels and B&Bs after my mum died and it was stressful moving each week. There were rules and curfews with no visitors allowed, so it was lonely. I was glad to get a referral to the Village and I moved in quickly.

“I recently left the Village to go to my own flat after two years of bidding for one. It’s been great and I got a cat the same day! The Village helped me in loads of ways – from one-on-ones with a key worker to learning to ride a bike.

“I built a friend group which knows me well and I can count on to support me. The community aspect of the Village is the thing I loved the most.”

Founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to open our brand-new Village site, in this stunning waterfront location. The Village model is about more than putting a roof over people’s heads – it’s about building a beautiful, supportive community that restores hope and dignity.

“Our new Granton Waterfront Village is a real flagship for this model, and I think it sets an example of how homelessness accommodation can be done differently. Thanks so much to all of the brilliant partners who helped bring the project to life. Looking ahead, we look forward to working with other councils to create Social Bite Village projects throughout the UK.”

Fellow homelessness charity, Cyrenians, will continue to manage the day-to-day running of the Village, providing on-site, wraparound support for all residents. Cyrenians operates a unique model of residential support where people who have either experienced or have been at risk of homelessness live alongside peer volunteers with support from an experienced professional staff team.

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive at Cyrenians, said: “Today marks a new chapter for Edinburgh’s Social Bite Village as we move to a brand new location, with new buildings and space to help even more people.

“Over the last eight years, Cyrenians has worked with Social Bite to provide support for the residents of the Village – a unique model that doesn’t just house people, but supports them to thrive.

“Taking over from Ewan Aitken as the new Chief Executive of Cyrenians, I am excited to continue our successful partnership, working together to create a world where supported housing like this is available to all those who need it.”

The build of the Granton Waterfront Village was carried out by construction partners including Advance and GSS Developments, whose generosity, expertise and commitment to the movement to end homelessness will ensure residents enjoy a top-quality Village site for years to come.

M&G generously supported the new community hub building through their Empty Spaces coalition with Habitat for Humanity.

Work on the community garden at the bottom of the site will begin with the help of residents once they have moved in. Social Bite is seeking funding to help make this possible. If you would like to donate please visit, Social-Bite.co.uk/donate.

If you are a council member considering a Social Bite Village for your local authority, please get in contact via Social Bite’s website.

Scottish Greens: Edinburgh Hyperscale Data centre bid must be put on hold

There must be a pause on all hyperscale data centre proposals in Edinburgh and East Lothian until the Scottish Government can put guidance in place to ensure there is minimal impact on the climate and local communities, say the Scottish Greens. 

There is a wave of proposals currently lodged with councils across Scotland. If every proposal is approved, they would consume up to 6000 megawatts of power.

That equates to 1.5 times more than our entire country uses in a day. 

In Edinburgh and East Lothian, 4 proposals have been put forward to the local authorities to build hyperscale data centres. 

Without a national strategy in place, and no real definition of what a “green” data centre should look like, there is little in the way of guidance for councils to follow when they are assessing the suitability of these plans. 

Scottish Greens MSP Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill said: “A lot of local people are concerned about the impact that this application would have on our local environment and the community in Lothian.

“It’s time for a halt to all hyperscale developments until there is a national strategy and guidance in place for councils to consider them.

“Developments like this can have a catastrophic environmental impact, taking up far too much water and power. It’s no wonder that local people are so concerned about what it would mean.

“The huge expansion we are seeing is bad for people and planet, and is mainly about enriching giant AI companies.

“Communities around the world have experienced energy price rises as a direct result of similar developments.

“We don’t want the same thing to happen in Edinburgh.”

Paramedics on Scene returns for seventh season on BBC Scotland

Paramedics on Scene, the award-winning observational series documenting the work of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), premieres on BBC Scotland tonight – 28 June at 9pm.

The opening episode features an attack on two members of staff when a patient becomes violent, forcing Glasgow crewmates Gregg and Bernadette to take shelter.

Elsewhere, a frontline crew in Dundee treats a patient with a potentially fatal drug overdose, while SORT North responds to a suspected stroke. Viewers also follow an SAS call handler managing 999 calls relating to two road traffic collisions.

This season follows frontline ambulance crews in Aberdeen, Perth, Ayr and Dunoon, alongside SAS’s three Ambulance Control Centres. The Service’s Special Operations Response Teams (SORT) in the North and West, and the Air Ambulance Service, also return.

SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “We’re delighted Paramedics on Scene is back for another season, giving people the opportunity to see how the whole Service operates – from the 999 call, through ambulance dispatch, to the critical clinical response.

“It also highlights the challenges our staff face, including the unprovoked attacks featured in this first episode. Our colleagues experience violence and aggression on an almost daily basis. While these incidents represent only a small proportion of the thousands of patients we treat each year, they are completely unacceptable. Ambulance staff are dedicated to providing the best possible care for the public, and these incidents can have lasting consequences despite our best efforts.

We’d like to thank our valued partners at Firecrest, who do a brilliant job of bringing the show to life.”

Firecrest Films Head of Documentaries Mick McAvoy said: “It’s hugely exciting to see the new series hit our screens on BBC Scotland and the BBC iPlayer. Over the last year, we’ve had remarkable access to the Scottish Ambulance Service, following paramedics, emergency responders and call handlers as they work on the frontline.

“I believe this is our most hard-hitting series yet. Across ten episodes, viewers will see the challenges, pressures and dangers ambulance crews face every day, alongside the extraordinary skill and life-saving care they bring to those in need.

“Thanks to the generosity and commitment of everyone who took part, we’ve been able to capture a powerful and authentic insight into a service that aims to help people at the most critical moments in their lives.”

Steve Allen, BBC Scotland Commissioning Executive, Factual, said: “Paramedics on Scene offers audiences a compelling insight into the range of emergencies and the pressures Scotland’s ambulance crews face.

“This new series captures not only the intensity and unpredictability of frontline care, but also the remarkable skill, resilience and compassion shown by crews in some of the most challenging circumstances.”

Season seven of Paramedics on Scene airs on BBC Scotland at 9pm every Sunday and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

Tramlines Poetry Competition

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS SUNDAY 5th JULY

 Edinburgh City of Literature is inviting local emerging poets to submit work for an exciting new poetry competition, and the winning poem is set to be installed on a moving Edinburgh tram.

The winning poet will also receive a £100 honorarium and developmental support from Edinburgh City of Literature, offering guidance and encouragement.

The competition celebrates poetry written for public spaces and everyday readers. The prize-winning poem will be read by thousands of passengers as they move through Edinburgh.  

Alongside the tram installation, the winning poem will be: 

  • Printed on a specially illustrated postcard, illustration by Liz Windisch 
  • Shared on Edinburgh City of Literature’s website and social media channels 

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 5 July and the submission guidelines are here.

The form to enter is here. 

Summer family fun at Vue Edinburgh this school holiday

(

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue in Edinburgh, offering families ample opportunity to spend quality time together now that the school year has ended.

Kickstart the summer with some playtime as Toy Story 5, the latest adventure of Woody and the gang, out now on the big screen – just in time for the start of the Scottish school holidays.

This time, it’s toy meets tech as Bonnie receives a new tablet to play with, making life for Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the other toys exponentially harder. There are plenty of heartfelt moments and joyful laughs as they go head-to-head with this all-new threat to playtime itself.

On Saturday 27 June at 2pm, Vue in Edinburgh will also host a special Toy Trip screening of the highly anticipated Disney and Pixar sequel, encouraging guests to bring their favourite toy along to watch the film with them.

As part of the experience, anyone who books a ticket for the special Toy Trip screening and arrives with a toy will receive a collectible souvenir ticket to take home.

Whether it is a much-loved childhood companion, a favourite teddy, an action figure or a toy passed down through generations, Vue is giving toys the big screen moment they deserve.

The special screenings aim to celebrate the magic of stories and the emotional connection younger audiences have with big screen experiences, inviting families to watch Toy Story 5 together and feel it forever.

There’s even more animated fun this summer as Minions & Monsters brings plenty of mischief to the big screen at Vue from 1 July. In the wonderful world of Despicable Me, Minions & Monsters sees everyone’s favourite henchmen conquer Hollywood, become movie stars and accidentally unleash monsters upon the world. Will they save the planet from their own monstrous mistakes?

Families can also catch other fantastic family hits such as Disney’s live-action Moana and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, both heading to the big screen during the summer holidays.

For the opportunity to catch recent family favourites on the big screen for a very small price, Vue’s Mighty Mornings screenings will take place every day across the break. Ideal for kids between four and 11, Charlie the Wonderdog will be showing among other titles, with prices from just £2.49 a ticket when booked online.

For younger audiences, Vue will also be bringing some of the most popular children’s characters back as part of its Big Shorts series. Aimed at younger children between one and four, the screenings are hosted in a relaxed environment with dimmed lighting. Younger viewers can look forward to a special screening of Zog & Zog and the Flying Doctors. 

Vue is also inviting families to make the most of the summer holiday season with the launch of its new Summer Passport Book, a collectible adventure-style experience designed to encourage young film fans to enjoy more big-screen moments throughout the holidays. 

Launching with Toy Story 5, families and children can gather stamps for their Summer Passport Book when visiting Vue for the latest families releases and are encouraged to share photos of their passport books and adventures onto a dedicated Vue Facebook post for the chance to win a £25 Vue gift card. 

For the summer break, Vue is also introducing new discounted kids’ tickets in partnership with the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

From 25 June, children aged 14 and under can enjoy big screen escapes, providing a fantastic way to keep the family entertained over the summer. 

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “As we head into the school holidays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Vue.

“From live-action reimaginings to animated adventures, it’s the perfect destination for families to escape, unwind, and get lost in great stories on the big screen.”

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com/family

Design Award for Cables Wynd House

Collective Architecture’s designs for Cables Wynd House and Linksview House won a silver award at the Scottish Design Awards on Thursday:

 https://www.scottishdesignawards.com/2026/architecture-future/cables-wynd-linksview-house/

Cables Wynd House and Linksview House are two Category A listed Brutalist towers in Edinburgh’s Leith Conservation Area, providing 310 homes, over 98% for social rent.

Now over 60 years old, they face the combined challenge of meeting contemporary living standards, complying with ambitious social housing policy, and preserving their national heritage significance.

This project demonstrates how deep retrofit can extend the life of nationally important housing while delivering safe, warm and comfortable homes. A whole-block, EnerPHit-informed approach reduces space heating demand by 88% and overall energy use by 80% per dwelling, enabling the transition from gas to direct electric heating whilst eliminating fuel poverty.

The project responds to the City of Edinburgh Council’s ambition for transformational change and sustainable regeneration.

It takes a holistic view of energy, comfort, health, safety and placemaking — putting people at the heart of retrofit. Residents’ lived experience has shaped the brief through our Home Standard Tool, establishing priorities that inform both design and delivery.

This ongoing engagement ensures improvements respond directly to how homes are used and experienced, while maintaining community continuity throughout.

A whole-block, fabric-first strategy upgrades performance, reduces energy demand and enables a transition away from fossil fuels while conserving the buildings’ architectural identity. An EnerPHit-informed approach, supported by detailed modelling and a bespoke Energy and Carbon Cost tool, balances carbon reduction, affordability, buildability and resident impact.

From a conservation perspective, the approach recognises that the buildings’ significance lies in their overall form and presence — the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Defining elements, including exposed aggregate concrete cladding, are retained and repaired, with most fabric upgrades delivered internally to protect the façades.

A repair-led approach integrates insulation, improved ventilation and new services, demonstrating that nationally significant heritage can achieve high environmental performance without compromising identity while retaining embodied carbon.

The project addresses long-standing challenges including thermal bridging, poor airtightness and outdated services. Improvements to ventilation, fire safety and access are integrated alongside fabric upgrades, ensuring homes are warm, healthy and safe. At ground level, new community hubs and improved entrances strengthen connections between residents and their surroundings.

Phasing has been considered from an early stage to allow residents to remain within the buildings throughout the works, recognising the importance of social continuity. By treating comfort, affordability and dignity as performance criteria alongside energy and carbon, the project demonstrates how retrofit can be part of a just transition.

https://www.collectivearchitecture.co.uk/projects/cables-wynd-house-linksview-house

Monday food at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Come along on Monday to our breakfast cafe, 9 – 10:30am – a great way to get the kids out and start off the summer holidays, with plenty of breakfast options for everyone!

We have beautiful gardens here that the young ones can play in afterwards, including the football/basketball dome, and there’s plenty of space for you to relax and take in all the beautiful flowers blooming.

We also have a lovely summery lunch planned, from 11:30am – 12:30pm. Italian Sausage Stew with Garlicky Mash, followed by Apple Pie for dessert!

The Monday Cafe is open to everyone, and all meals are free; a small donation is appreciated if you are able.

Please share to spread the word and help keep the centre busy this summer!

Summer Fun at North Edinburgh Arts

We are thrilled to be teaming up with Muirhouse Library and our friends Art Buds Collective to bring the Macmillan Hub to life with a fun programme packed full of free activities for local children and families!

From 29 June right through to 8 August, we’ll be running creative drop-in activities for all summer long.

Whether it’s a free breakfast and a catch-up with friends, getting creative with arts and crafts, enjoying nature in the NEA Garden, singing along at Bookbug, or settling in for a film and some popcorn, there’s something on nearly every day of the week.

So grab the kids, pop down to MacMillan Hub, and join in the fun this summer!

Read more here: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/summer-2026/

Local Heroes celebrate State Opening of Scottish Parliament

CHILDREN AT THE HEART OF HOLYROOD EVENT

The programme for the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament, taking place on Saturday 27 June, has been announced today.

Their Majesties The King and Queen attended the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament yesterday, formally marking the beginning of the Seventh Session of the Holyrood Parliament.

The day start with The Crown of Scotland being escorted from Edinburgh Castle. Along with the Elizabeth Sword, the Crown of Scotland was processed into the Scottish Parliament through a guard of honour made up of young people from across Scotland.

Following the arrival of The King and Queen, the event in Holyrood’s Debating Chamber began with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble performing a Fanfare composed by Sir James McMillan KT CBE and conducted by John Logan.

The Mace was carried by Robert White, an administrator at the Scottish Parliament. Three Team Scotland athletes who are competing in the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games were also be part of the procession.

Boxer Nicholas Devlin will carry the Elizabeth Sword accompanied by para-athlete Joanna Robertson who will be racing on the athletics track and Beth Riva who is competing in Bowls.

The Officers of Arms was accompanied by young people from Young Scot, the Scottish Youth Parliament, RNIB Scotland (Haggeye), the John Smith Centre Parliamentary Internship Programme, sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport panel and the Young Women’s movement.

The Crown of Scotland will be borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

The event, which was broadcast live, included opening remarks from the Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP. His Majesty The King then make an address to the Chamber and First Minister John Swinney MSP responded to His Majesty’s address.

The event also celebrated the special anniversaries of two of Scotland’s cultural organisations with specially commissioned performances.

The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and members of the NYCOS Edinburgh Regional Choir and NYCOS BSL Youth Choir performed Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum.

National Theatre of Scotland presented As Others See Us written and directed by Martin O’Connor, incorporating a poem to celebrate their 20th anniversary and an excerpt from their acclaimed production Through the Shortbread Tin and performed by members of The Lyceum Youth Theatre.

Scotland’s Makar Pàdraig MacAoidh [Peter Mackay] also delivered a poem in Gaelic called Let This Hall be Full of Noises.

Ae Fond Kiss, by Robert Burns was be performed by Rachel Groves (clarsach) and Ellie Beaton (vocalist), who are the current and previous winners of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.

The Parliament’s piper Stuart McMillan MSP then played Bonnie Dundee and A Hundred Pipers from the Members’ Garden to close the event.

Their Majesties then went on to meet Local Heroes, who have been nominated by MSPs for their extraordinary contribution to their local communities.

The King and Queen departed the Scottish Parliament through a Guard of Honour made up of young people.

Hope Keating, 5, from Girlguiding Scotland presented a posy to The Queen.