Category: Royston/Wardieburn

Community First: Saying Goodbye to our Donald

The North Edinburgh community said goodbye to one of the area’s most recognisable figures on Friday. Donald McDonald was a community stalwart for as long as anyone can remember, and his passing leaves the community a poorer place.

Donald was born in Pilton Crescent and lived there for almost all of his life.

He lost his mother at a young age and was brought up by his father and grandmother. Young Donald and his dad were inseparable and went everywhere together.

A shy boy, Donald did not excel at school but loved music, and the bond with his Ainslie Park music teachers Mr and Mrs McIntosh endured for many years after Donald left the local school.

He went on to work with Scottish Ominibuses, later SMT and Eastern Scottish and it was there he developed a deep love for transport, particularly buses and ferries.

He was made redundant during the Thatcher years and never worked again, but put his energy and enthusiasm to good use as a volunteer across his beloved North Edinburgh.

Donald served on a wide range of boards and management committees across North Edinburgh over many years, showing a rare commitment.

During the week, Donald would call in to visit many of his favourite projects, spending time talking to staff. He was a diligent board member, too, often turning up hours early for his own wee pre-meeeting session!

Invariably Donald would be carrying his trademark shopping bag, which was filled with a cornucopia of papers, articles, photographs and a wealth of material he was always keen to share. Sometimes during meetings he would delve into his bag and produce an item of interest; often interesting, certainly, although not always relevant to that particular meeting!

As well as being a North Edinburgh Edinburgh News board member Donald also distributed the free newspaper every month, and he often went far and beyond his own patch to share the NEN.

Weekends would see Donald attending his local Granton Parish Church, where he was a faithful member of the congregation all of his life, and also touring the length and breadth of the country, using public transport to visit far flung places to attend exhibitions, displays and shows.

Dunoon, Arbroath, Melrose, Stirling … Donald visited them all, and he made sure the North Edinburgh News was distributed in some places far outwith the Greater Pilton borders!

I remember fondly, too, his unlikely partnership with another local legend, ‘salty sea dog’ George Scammell. For some years the pair were a double act; North Edinburgh’s own Little and Large. They were doughty supporters of the campaign to save the SS Explorer, which languished, rusting and unloved, in a quite corner of Leith Docks. It took many years, but the campaign was ultimately successful,

Donald would be involved in so many campaigns and could be always be counted on to support his community when it mattered. Deputations, protests, public meetings, Donald would be there. For Donald, it was always community first.

He was an active member of many groups over the years: Granton History Group and Pilton Environment Group (PEG) are just two and in more recent years he enjoyed the debate, discussion and visits with Royston Wardieburn’s Spring Chickens and Power to the People groups.

Despite his years of commitment and dedication to his community it was absolutely no surprise that Donald was aghast when Royston Wardieburn’s management committee proposed to name a community room in his honour. Donald didn’t want any fuss, didn’t want to be in the limelight: community first.

I for one am very happy that Donald finally relented, and a plaque now bears his name in the Centre where he played such an active role and participated in so many activities over the years. I hope he was quietly proud.

Goodbye, then, dear Donald. You will be fondly remembered with great affection by all who knew you across our community.

Granton Harvest Festival

HARVEST FESTIVAL 2026:

Sat 26th September 3-5.30pm at the community garden (10 Wardieburn Road).

With Ama-zing Harmonies, Granton Garden Bakery, and others!

We’re looking forward to celebrating, and you’re all invited! Free event.

Contact us if you’d like to help out, or to contribute a song or other performance..

All apple dessert entries should be delivered by 3.30pm. We can provide local apples on the two Wednesday afternoons before, come to the garden to collect. First prize is a £20 gift voucher for Granton Garden Bakery.

Opens Today: GATHER exhibition at St Margaret’s House

CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUBS NETWORK

GATHER is a brand new exhibition showcasing work by artists and community members from across Edinburgh, coming together for the very first time.

As well as artwork from the other hubs, the exhibition features 21 Art for Grown Ups members showing their work, plus our community banner (still a work in progress but almost complete!) on display alongside artwork created by NEA and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre members.

This is a truly special exhibition, and we’d love for you to join us!

GATHER EXHIBITION

Opening: Friday 11 September 2026, from 4:30pm

Main Exhibition: 12 – 26 September 2026

St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE

Free. No need to book.

The Creative Community Hubs Network consists of eight partner organisations based across Edinburgh: WHALE Arts, The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Granton:hub, North Edinburgh Arts, Duncan Place Leith, The Crannie, Lyra and Craigmillar Now.

Read more here: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/gather-exhibition/

Local MP calls for North Edinburgh tram to remain a  priority 

Tracy Gilbert MP has written to councillors ahead of the City of Edinburgh Council  Transport and Environment Committee considering the city’s future tram network,  warning Councillors that any moves to scrap tram proposals to Granton would entrench  inequality and poverty in North Edinburgh. 

Tomorrow (Thursday 10 September), Councillors on the Transport and Environment Committee  will consider the Strategic Business Case for the Trams to Granton, the BioQuarter and  beyond. The officer recommendations are to prioritise the southern section of the  proposed tram extension. 

Tracy Gilbert is concerned that communities in North Edinburgh, including some of the  poorest areas of the city, could once again be left waiting for investment in public  transport. 

In her letter to councillors on the Transport and Environment Committee, she sets out  the case for North Edinburgh to remain firmly within the city’s transport priorities and  that a failure to progress trams to Granton could entrench inequality and poverty. 

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “In part of my constituency the economic and social benefits of the trams are realised  every day. That lived experience and the Strategic Business Case being considered by  the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee this week makes the strong case  for investment in both the South and North to spread these benefits further. 

“Trams to Granton would directly serve three of the 5% most deprived communities in  Scotland and six of the 10% most deprived. We are talking about communities that  already face significant inequalities, where access to reliable, affordable public  transport can open opportunities for training education and employment. 

“That is why I have written to councillors ahead of this week’s committee meeting. I am  very clear that a failure to realise the ambition of the trams that has been shared by a  number of political parties over the last three decades will entrench inequality and  poverty in Granton, Pilton and Muirhouse. 

“I hope that Councillors will make the ambitious decision this week. Either way I will  continue making the case for the strategic investment needed in Granton, Muirhouse  and Pilton because our communities deserve better.”

Ms Gilbert’s letter reads:

Since July 2024, I have had the privilege of representing Edinburgh North and Leith. In one part of the  constituency the benefits of the trams to local people and businesses are being realised every day, in  another part of the constituency the potential benefits of the tram are well known but need political  support to become a reality.  

Success of Trams to Newhaven 

In and around Leith, Leith Walk and Newhaven local people and businesses have enjoyed the benefits  of the tram since the extension to Newhaven was opened in June 2023. The recent closure of the line  between the City Centre and Newhaven has perversely demonstrated the importance of the trams for  connectivity and trade. 

Over the tram closure I received a number of e-mails from residents on the increased difficulty they  had in travelling to work and into the city centre generally. Most residents experienced severe delays  on buses running through Newhaven, Ferry Road, the Shore, Easter Road and Leith Walk. In addition to  delays, many buses were full before going up to the City Centre or leaving the City Centre before going  along Leith Walk. 

Similarly, although the deployment of an additional 200 Voi Bikes was welcome in the wake of the fire  there was a tram to bike shift from constituents travelling to and from work which meant many Voi  Bike stops were empty across Leith during the day. 

In terms of the economic impact there was a visible decrease in the number of people visiting cafes,  pubs and restaurants around the Shore and Leith Walk. I am aware that at least one pub and one  restaurant have decided to close following the impact of poor summer sales for a second year in a row  following Leith Connections project delays and now the impact of the trams. 

Argonaut Books have shared data on their Instagram page which shows that in every August since  2022 their sales from July to August have increased. In August 2025, they had a 30% increase in sales  compared to July 2025. However, the impact of the tram closure meant in August 2026 they saw a 5%  decrease in sales compared to July 2026.  

Over the last two months I have repeatedly heard from businesses and residents on the positive  impact the trams have had on them. Many of those businesses and residents were sceptical in the  past. This lived experience of the trams over the last few years for communities in Leith, Leith Walk,  Newhaven and the Shore demonstrate the opportunity of following through on the vision that was  developed through the early 2000s for trams in Edinburgh for the other side of my constituency in  Edinburgh North and Leith 

The Case for Trams to Granton 

The Strategic Business Case for consideration by the Transport and Environment Committee makes the  case for progressing the whole of the route. Due to my constituency interest, I will focus on the route  to Granton. 

The proposed routes through Roseburn and Orchard Brae meet the Transport Planning Objectives  (TPOs) set in accordance with Strategic Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG). 

TPO1 – To support inclusive and sustainable economic growth 

The route between the City Centre and Granton would increase connectivity of major centres of  employment such as Craigleith Retail Park, Leonardos and the Western General to the City Centre and  beyond. In reverse the increased connectivity would open up employment opportunities for residents  in Granton, Muirhouse and Pilton. 

A number of major employers in Edinburgh have informed me of the difficulty they have in recruiting  people in this area due to the lack of direct public transport connections especially to accommodate  shift work. 

TPO2 – To respond to climate change, delivering net zero 

The route between the City Centre and Granton would increase public transport connectivity between  Granton, Muirhouse and Pilton and the West of the city. At present only one bus route serves these  communities and the West to the Airport.  

The tram extension would help provide the option for residents to use public transport rather than  private cars for intra-city and airport journeys. The option would be extended to new residents in the  community through the Granton Waterfront Development. 

TPO3 – To promote equality and inclusion and help tackle the city’s housing emergency  The route between the City Centre and Granton would drastically increase connectivity between the  rest of the city and Edinburgh College (Granton Campus). The Campus delivers over 70 qualifications in  hospitality, construction, travel operations and the arts with many of the qualifications essential for  key growth areas for the city and not delivered at alternative campuses. 

The route to Granton would directly service three communities in the 5% most deprived areas of  Scotland according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) (Muirhouse – SO1008929 and  SO1008930 and Granton South and Wardieburn – SO1008919) and directly service 6 communities in  the 10% most deprived areas (adding Muirhouse SO1008933, Granton and Royston Mains – SO1008921 and Granton South and Wardieburn – SO1008918). 

Furthermore, the route would directly serve 12 communities which are in the 20% most deprived  communities in Scotland.

TPO4 – To improve health, wellbeing and safety and TPO5 – To protect and enhance our environment The route between the City Centre and Granton would improve connectivity for the whole city to the  Western General which provides a range of medical specialisms including geriatric, infectious diseases,  diabetes, stroke medicine and breast surgery for the whole of Edinburgh and is the regional cancer  centre for the whole of the South East of Scotland. 

The route could also see a major upgrade to the Roseburn Path which at present is poorly lit and  unsafe during the dark. 

In addition, there is considerable development planned across the area. The Granton Waterfront  Development which will deliver 3,500 new homes and the Art Works which will help open up Scotland’s National Collection. Ensuring that the trams are extended to Granton will help the public  transport network to cope with the increase in demand from these developments alone. A number of  these public and private investments have been made on the understanding over the last two decades  that the tram network would extend to Granton in one form or another. 

Current Position 

Despite widespread political support for the trams at various points over the last three decades, it is  clear that political will for the route to Granton is falling. I also suspect that there will be calls at the  Transport and Environment Committee to only proceed with the South route for trams to the  Bioquarter.  

Taking such a decision would entrench the inequality and poverty experienced by too many in  Granton, Muirhouse and Pilton. Such a decision would be based on political will, not the facts. The  Strategic Business Case sets out the performance of both the North route to Granton and the South  route to the Bioquarter against the TPOs and the STAG criteria. The appraisals were favourable for  both routes and is demonstrated by the analysis below. 

Table 1: Analysis of Multi-Criteria Assessment Framework Scoring Framework for each route (Section  4.5.6 of Strategic Business Case) 

Benefit/ Impact Roseburn Orchard Brae South East  Corridor
Major Benefit (+++) 2 0 2
Moderate Benefit (++) 9 6 10
Minor Benefit (+) 2 4 2
No benefit or impact (0) 1 6 1
Minor cost or negative impact (-) 1 2 3
Moderate cost or negative impact (–) 3 0 0
Major cost or negative impact (—) 0 0 0

Table 2: Analysis performance against STAG Criteria (Section 4.5.7 of Strategic Business Case)

Benefit/ Impact Roseburn Orchard Brae South East  Corridor
Major Benefit (+++) 3 2 3
Moderate Benefit (++) 8 7 7
Minor Benefit (+) 4 4 5
No benefit or impact (0) 5 3 3
Minor cost or negative impact (-) 1 6 5
Moderate cost or negative impact (–) 2 1 0
Major cost or negative impact (—) 0 0 0

Next Steps 

At the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday 10th September, I encourage Elected  Members to proceed with the officer recommendations on Agenda Item 6.  

For the past three decades there has been wide spread support for the vision and ambition for trams  to run between the City Centre and Granton in one form or another. Councillors of many groups have  championed the route over the past three decades because of the transformative benefits it can have  for Granton, Pilton and Muirhouse. The legacy of those Councillors is a legacy of ambition, proceeding  

with the officer recommendations allows that ambition to take a further step in being realised. Tearing  up that ambition would entrench inequality and poverty, particularly in Granton, Muirhouse and Pilton  and would be a dereliction of responsibility by Councillors. 

I hope you will take the ambitious decision for Granton, Pilton and Muirhouse and the whole of  Edinburgh on Thursday. 

Yours sincerely, 

Tracy Gilbert MP 

Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith

Letter to Cllrs from Tracy Gilbert MPDownload

Donald McDonald: Funeral Details

WARRISTON CREMATORIUM – FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER at 2.30pm

Community activist Donald McDonald’s funeral will take place at Warriston on Friday 11 September at 2.30pm.

ODE TO DONALD

Donald McDonald, what can we say?

He’s been involved in this community

 in every single way 

supporting local groups,

listening to what they say,

providing support for 

our buses, trains and boats.

He’s lived in Granton all his life

knows the area and all  its strifes.

He’s always fought for local people

doesn’t ask for recognition, 

questions all our Councillors’ decisions.

The community centre is his pride,

through the years,  watching funding slip away

he battled on no matter what.

We realise that the war’s not  done, 

but his spirit has never broken.

Three cheers for Donald for all the times he’s spoken.

Donald we are all so proud of you 

And how you’ve coped with  your trials and tribulations.

The time has come to accept your knowledge,

the centre will now have a room called

The Donald McDonald

to thank you for your time and toils  

You will never be forgotten.

Poem by Anna Hutchison

Thanks to Lynn McCabe for supplying this information.

Screwfix Foundation and VIY to begin renovations at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

  • The Screwfix Foundation supports renovation at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, with works taking place from Monday, 24th August until the 4th September.
  • The project is being delivered in partnership with Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), providing young people with hands-on construction experience and trade skills.
  • Local Screwfix volunteers will join VIY volunteers to support local community transformation

A Community hub supporting local residents in North Edinburgh is set to benefit from a major courtyard refurbishment, with works planned from 24th August and 4th September.

The renovation project will also give young people who are facing barriers to employment, the chance to gain hands-on construction experience and entry-level trade skills through a partnership between The Screwfix Foundation and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY).

Located in the heart of North Edinburgh, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre acts as a hub for the local community, providing facilities to people of all ages and abilities, including a sports hall, sensory room and outdoor area.

Funded by The Screwfix Foundation, the community centre courtyard will be fitted with new outdoor flooring, and the area will be opened to incorporate their café/kitchen space, allowing all community groups to safely access the outdoor area. Local Screwfix colleagues will also be volunteering on-site, helping to transform the community space alongside young people participating through VIY.

This project forms part of a wider partnership between The Screwfix Foundation and VIY. Across the first seven completed projects funded, 129 young people have taken part.

Following this participation, half of the young volunteers have said they would consider a career in construction and 98 went on to achieve at least one City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditation across areas including carpentry, painting and decorating, conduct at work and health and safety. 93% of young people involved felt more confident about getting a job in the future.

Claire Flory, Screwfix Foundation Manager, said, “Royston Wardieburn Community Centre is an important hub for the local community, and we’re proud to support its renovation through our partnership with VIY.

As well as creating a safer and more accessible outdoor space, the project will give young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience that could inspire a future career in the construction industry.”

Hannah Denny, Communications & Partnerships Director, VIY, said, “We’re really excited to be bringing VIY to Scotland for the first time through this project at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

“It’s a great milestone for us as we continue to expand our reach and impact across the UK, made possible through the collective support of partners including The Screwfix Foundation and  George & Annette Bell Foundation.

“We’re looking forward to giving local young people the chance to gain practical skills, experience and qualifications while making a real difference to their community.” 

VIY is a not-for-profit community interest company that combines impact in three areas: youth, community and volunteering. Challenging young people to learn skills in construction trades, they support youth in boosting their employability whilst also helping to transform local community spaces.

Sign up for Adult Education Courses in North Edinburgh

Please find information below and attached about free courses this term for adults in North Edinburgh:

FIRST STEPS

Following on from the success of last term the First Steps course will now be on a Tuesday morning. Highlights last term included: visits to Edinburgh College, Lauriston Farm; Fresh Start; Granton Community Gardeners; and information sessions at the community centre on:

  • the redevelopment of West Pilton Park from ELGT;
  • the National Museum’s collection;
  • and volunteering. 

Sessions start on Tuesday 8th September, but folk can join throughout the term.

We’ll meet at Royson Wardieburn Community Centre, as well as having sessions out and about. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.

ADULT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (AAA)

Five local people completed their AAA at a variety of levels last term. We’re going to stick with a time and venue that worked so it will be Thursday mornings again at Muirhouse Library.

Any adult who would like to gain a qualification by reflecting on current or recent learning or volunteering is eligible (SCQF levels 2-6 available). The course starts Thursday 17th September. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.

SOCIAL HISTORY

We have limited places available in the Social History group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Thursday 24th September.

Social History is how your life was growing up. What were the formative things that shaped your life? What was the world of work like in the past? How have we got where we are today?

The group will build on their recent work and publication OUR HEALTH, OUR NHS. The group meets on Thursday mornings – prior booking is essential.

SCOTTISH HISTORY

We have limited places available in this group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Tuesday 13th October. 

An introduction to some of the key events in Scottish History. Visits to the Museum of Scotland to see Scottish History for ourselves. Scottish history is your past seen in the light of today. See you, See me. We are the future of Scottish History. The group meets on Tuesday mornings – prior booking is essential.

If anyone wants to book a space or wants more information, please do get in touch.

Best wishes

Tim Randall

Development Officer (CLD – Adult & Family Learning)

Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning I Education I Children, Education & Justice Services

Choir Wanted For FACE Christmas Fair

ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE: SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER

We’re looking for a choir or singing group to help us spread some Christmas cheer at our FACE Winter Fair on Saturday 28th November 2026 at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

The fair is from 11am – 3pm and we’re looking for some festive entertainment for an hour approx 12noon – 1pm while people shop and enjoy the cafe. Sing-a-longs and flash mobs welcome!

If you think you can help, or would like to know more, please send us a message.

FACE (are part of NHS Lothian Charity, and money we raise helps go towards the little things that make a big difference to people with cancer and their families in Edinburgh and the Lothians.