If you’re curious to learn more about Lauriston Agroecology Farm – and especially about why we planted so many trees – come along to our farm tour on Sunday 1st February.
Farming with trees (‘agroforestry’) was once commonplace, and nearly got swept away by large scale industrial agriculture and monocrop growing. We will share how we are reviving it here at Lauriston Farm, with all the hope and excitement this brings.
You’ll hear from the folk who look after the trees on the farm – sharing what we’ve done, why we’ve done it, and what we’ve learned so far + then all return to the Community Kitchen for soup, bread and chat from 1pm-2pm.
(If you want to make a day of it, please stay on for the Orchard Wassailing in the afternoon)
Who is This For?
We welcome all curious visitors, including total newcomers with no previous knowledge about farming or trees, as well as farmers and growers and anyone interested in a career or volunteering in this type of work. The tour is aimed at adults or interested young people (the free event in the afternoon is more suited to children).
Accessibility Notes
This is a walking tour across the farm, lasting around 1.5hrs, potentially also suitable for all terrain/off road wheelchairs or mobility scooters, but probably not standard wheelchairs. The ground is rough, and will be wet and muddy in parts. We will be in groups of 15-20 people.
Please contact us if you have any accessibility questions or requests
Vertu Hyundai Edinburgh East and West are helping Santa Claus and the Craigalmond Scout Group spread festive cheer and raise money for charity by lending a Hyundai SANTA FE to tow their Christmas sleigh through the streets of Edinburgh.
From 7th – 13th December, the specially branded SANTA FE will support the Scouts’ annual sleigh ride, a tradition that sees volunteers dressed as elves and Santa himself greeting families along the route.
This year, the sleigh will travel through Cammo, Cramond, Barnton, Craigmount, Silverknowes and Parkgrove each evening, with children invited to stop the sleigh for a photo with Santa and donate to the cause.
Funds raised will support Cancer Card, and help finance the Scout group’s expeditions.
The initiative was spearheaded by Sandra Smit, CMA Accountant at Vertu Hyundai Edinburgh East and West, and Scout Leader with the Craigalmond group. Her own children are members of the Scouts, making the event a personal highlight of the season.
The dealerships responded enthusiastically to the request, fitting the vehicle with a roof rack to help transport gifts and decorating it to reflect the festive spirit.
Sandra said: “The sleigh ride is something our community looks forward to every year. It’s magical for the children and meaningful for the Scouts.
“Having Vertu Hyundai Edinburgh East and West donate the use of the SANTA FE to pull Santa’s Sleigh means we can reach more families and raise even more for the causes we care about.”
Arun Raghu, CMA General Manager at Vertu Hyundai Edinburgh East and West said: “When Sandra approached us, we didn’t hesitate. The Scouts do fantastic work locally, and this is a brilliant way to support them while bringing Christmas joy to the community.
“The SANTA FE might not fly, but it’s certainly going to make an impression!”
Work has begun at the Waterfront location in Granton for the Edinburgh Social Bite Village move
Leading homelessness charity Social Bite is today celebrating the first diggers starting construction work on the Granton Waterfront site where it will relocate its pioneering Edinburgh village.
Residents of the Village joined Executive Director and co-founder of the charity, Josh Littlejohn MBE, on a visit to the site which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have experienced homelessness.
The new location will bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax, and the introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback.
In March this year, Edinburgh Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the relocation of the Social Bite Village. As well as reviewing proposed plans, councillors were shown illustrations of the new community growing space from design company HOKO, and heard from Josh Littlejohn, Ewan Aitken and former resident Mary about the benefits of the village.
The new location is less than a mile from the old site and boasts extensive views of The Forth Bridges – a sight many former and current villagers have grown fond of during walks along the coastline.
The bespoke supported accommodation model has had proven success since the Edinburgh Village first opened in 2018. Charity partner and fellow homelessness prevention organisation, Cyrenians, will continue to deliver round-the-clock support. Cyrenians has been a key part of Social Bite’s work in supporting the reintegration of 100 people into the community by helping residents to develop skills and confidence.
Social Bite has worked closely with Cyrneians to secure West Shore Recreation Ground on the Granton Waterfront. The new site is suited not just to residents’ needs, such as proximity to transport links for going to work, college or shopping, but also offers what they want, including greenspace and walkability to the Granton seaside.
Residential volunteer Amber joined Josh Littlejohn on the visit to the new site. She said:“It’s going to be really good for wellbeing, being this close to the ocean. The site is really accessible for a walk with my dog, Leo. We often take him along the coast.
“I have lived at the Village since end of May 2025, which I’m very grateful for. I was interested in the opportunity to help others and see how such a village runs and supports people. It’s a very unique set up that I had not seen before.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said:“We always knew the village was originally built on a ‘meanwhile use’ site, so it’s great to see this relocation of the project taking shape on such a stunning seafront location. With diggers arriving and work beginning, it’s a really exciting time.
“As well as moving location, we are taking the opportunity to expand and improve the village by introducing seven of our newly designed Nest Houses, a new community hub and a community growing space.
“With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are really proud of the village project in demonstrating a better alternative that can also make use of innovative construction methods and ‘meanwhile’ land options.”
Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians, said:“It is exciting to see this new chapter of the Social Bite Village begin in earnest.
“The community that Cyrenians and Social Bite have established in this area has made a profound difference to many people, and we are pleased that we will be able to continue this work just down the hill from the original location.
“We know from our projects which span the Southeast of Scotland, that stability, privacy, and community is a lifeline for those who have not been afforded that right, and I am pleased that we will be able to offer that support to more people as this project continues.”
The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other similar projects planned by the charity. Its design offers people affected by homelessness living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start.
At the end of their time at the village, residents are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. So far, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 100 residents, many of whom have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes.
Work has begun thanks to the generous support of Social Bite’s industry partners, including Advance, GSS Developments. Detailed digital assets of the site have provided by HOKO Design – the Glasgow-based architecture practice founded by celebrity architect Danny Campbell – can be viewed here: Village relocation – planning drawings.
For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit:
People across Edinburgh and the east are being encouraged to sign up for a fundraising walk that pays tribute to people with dementia.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk 2025 takes place on Sunday, 26 October and will raise vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.
Communities across the area are being invited to join the event in Lauriston Castle Gardens on Cramond Road South, where they can walk in memory of loved ones affected by the illness.
The Edinburgh event is the last of four memory walks taking place across Scotland throughout 2025.
Events have also taken place in Dundee, Aberdeen and Glasgow. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and children can be registered for free. It’s quick and easy to set up a sponsorship page, which can be shared with family, friends and colleagues.
Every penny raised will help people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland.
Scotland’s Memory Walk is also about celebrating the lives of people with dementia and walking to remember them.
Among those taking part is Karen Witherspoon from Cleikiminfield, Edinburgh.She will be walking in memory of her mum Margaret Walker who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and passed away in 2024 aged 82.
Karen, 61, a university administration manager, will be joined on the walk by husband John, daughters Lauren, 37, and Amy, 32, and son-in-law Patrick.
She said: “My mum Margaret was such a loving person who was devoted to her family. She was always there for me and my sister Nicola, and when I had my daughters she spent almost every day with them.
“She loved bingo, reading and music, and kept fit by going for walks with my dad William and her best pal Pat.
“She was the best mum.
“We started noticing signs that things weren’t quite right and then in 2021 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It seemed to progress fast, but we did our best to make the most of the time we had with her.
“Alzheimer Scotland have been a great source of advice and support for us, and before mum passed she joined us on our first memory walk to raise money for them – walking around Arthur’s Seat.
“It felt good to be able to give back and this year we’ll be taking part in the memory walk again. Whatever we raise, I hope it helps support the work Alzheimer Scotland are doing so that other families like ours can get the help and support they need.
“It’s a shame mum isn’t here to join in, but we’ll be doing it in her memory. I hope she’s looking down and is proud of us.”
Lauren Heap, Centre Manager for Alzheimer Scotland’s Edinburgh and West Lothian’s Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is proud to support people living with dementia and their families and carers, from our centres here in Edinburgh.
“We are delighted to host this Memory Walk in Edinburgh. It is such a special event and it will be wonderful to walk alongside our supporters again in the local community.
“Scotland’s Memory Walk has always had a wonderful ability to bring people together. Every pound raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support. We can’t wait to see Lauriston Castle Gardens filled with a sea of purple t-shirts.”
To find out more and to sign up for Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit:
Join us at Lauriston Castle on Sunday 5 October to celebrate Silver Sunday.
Silver Sunday is the national day for older people, which is co-ordinated by Age UK.
Age UK’s Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities and the generations around them.
Commemorating those who fought and died in the campaigns in the Far East
YESTERDAY (Saturday 16 August 2025) The Royal Scots Regimental Association led a memorial service at The Royal Scots Memorial Garden at Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Japan which marked the end of the Second World War (VJ Day, 15 August 1945).
Those on parade included descendants of those who fought in the Far East between 1941 and 1945, former Royal Scots and their families as well as representatives of other services and arms that were involved in the various campaigns.
Having formed up in front of Lauriston Castle, they marched the short distance to the Royal Scots Memorial Garden behind the Royal Scots Association Pipe Band and their Association Standards.
A short service was conducted by Reverend Dr Iain May, Chaplain to The Royal Scots Regimental Association. The wreath laying was led by Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.
The Royal Scots, recruited predominantly from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Peeblesshire, were involved from the first day to the last of this bitterly fought campaign.
Their 2nd Battalion fought in defence of Hong Kong from 8 December 1941 and 144 of those who survived were among the 828 prisoners who perished when their ship, the Lisbon Maru, was torpedoed in October 1942; the remainder, if they survived, endured four years of captivity.
The Regiment’s 1st Battalion fought through the later campaign in Burma, including the Battles of Kohima and Aradura which marked the turning point in the war against Japan and led to the final victory on VJ Day, 15 August 1945.
Malcolm Warrack, son of Lt Col Morren Warrack who fought at Kohima with the regiment, said: “A group of Royal Scots Veterans felt very strongly about the lack of some form of local memorial specifically for their fellow soldiers who did not come back from the Burma Campaign and Kohima in particular.
“George Rogers, Ian Henderson and Morren Warrack co-ordinated the preparation and creation of this Memorial Garden; they spoke often about the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East so it is particularly fitting that 80 years after VJ Day we remember them.”
Gerry Borg, son of Lisbon Maru survivor John Borg, said: “We can never fully appreciate the suffering and pain endured by the brave men who were Prisoners of War in Japan.
“From a very young age we were taught that the word ‘starving’ was forbidden in our house. Dad would remind us that we never had, and hopefully never would, experience true starvation.
“On the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, it is right that we remember the sacrifice made on our behalf. We must preserve the history of the events and, honour those involved.”
Brigadier Lowder added: “Having had the privilege as a young officer to meet some of the survivors of the 1st and 2nd Battalions and hear first hand their accounts of their experiences in the Far East, Hong Kong and in captivity, this 80th Anniversary of the end of the war against Japan was particularly poignant.
“The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) will never forget their service and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Craigyroyston Community Youth Football Club has been gifted a brand-new pavilion by the City of Edinburgh Council.
At an official ceremony to handover the modern new facility yesterday (Friday, 15 August) Council Leader Jane Meagher presented youth team members and club representatives with the keys to the Pavilion.
Relocating the club to their new modern premises at Marine Drive is part of the Council’s wider £1.3bn generation of Granton Waterfront.
The former club base was previously on adjacent land where the Council is building 143 new environmentally friendly affordable homes known as the Silverlea development.
The half a million-pound project, funded by the Council, has delivered modern changing rooms with showers and a café for club members, their families and other visitors to enjoy.
Designed by architects Smith Scott Mullan, Cruden delivered the project on behalf of the Council and has also gifted the signage and branding in the new facility.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “As we continue to deliver our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, this is a perfect example of our commitment to creating healthy and vibrant communities in the area.
“Investing in our young people is an important part of this work. The former club base was on land that we needed to build affordable homes.
“Providing these modern facilities right next to our Silverlea site works well for the young footballers and the wider community, allowing the club to thrive and attract new members in the future. “
Colin Dudgeon Club Secretary said: “This is a historic day for us. For the first couple of years setting up Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club we didn’t have a home until we moved into Craigroyston Park in 2009.
“The club base we’ve been using wasn’t in good condition and so we’d like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for our magnificent new club base for our players and parents to call our home. Thanks as well to Cruden for their part in this project and the signage and branding they kindly gifted for the building.
“We can offer safe, hygienic, and modern facilities to our players with changing rooms and showers suitable for all ages and parents can relax in our new Craigie Café, which will be opening on match days soon.”
Michael Palethrope, Community Benefit Manager for Cruden, said: “Community-run clubs like Craigroyston CYFC are at the heart of great neighbourhoods, and we’re proud to support them.
“Alongside building quality, energy-efficient homes and green spaces, we always look for ways to give back to the communities we work in.
“This club is a fantastic example of that, and we can’t wait to see them thrive in their new home.”
2025 Edinburgh Multicultural Festival brings an eclectic mix of music, dance, poetry and theatre to Lauriston Castle on Saturday, 30 August.
From family cultural experiences at the Edinburgh-Kyoto Friendship Garden, to fun-filled circus workshops for all ages to a unique blend of musical genres and influences on the Main Stage, this year’s programme features local diverse performance artists that will entertain and inspire.
Morgan Njobo and Morgan Withers, festival directors expressed their excitement about this year’s festival: ‘We are delighted to be returning to Lauriston Castle with more music, dance, poetry and even musical theatre!’
Food and drink stalls with a great choice of world tastes and flavours will only add to your great day of a multi-sensory cultural extravaganza at Lauriston Castle.
Supported by The City of Edinburgh Council, the event, which is free to attend, invites all residents from across Edinburgh and beyond to come together for an afternoon of heart-warming, mind-inspiring and soul-satisfying shared experiences for all.
