Want to see our boat up close? Chat to some of our crew? Enjoy burgers and cakes? Maybe win a raffle or tombola prize? Play games?
Our Open Day is back in just under 2 weeks time! It is the first we have been able to hold since 2019 and we look forward to seeing you all again!
CONSTRUCTION work is set to begin at a prime Cala Homes project that will see 980 homes delivered to South Queensferry.
After 10 years in the planning, the first spade will hit the ground at Cala Homes Builyeon Road development next week. The site, which is located south of Builyeon Road, lies between the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge approaches.
The 44-hectare development has provision for a new primary school, a care home and commercial units including a food store, restaurants and fuel filling station, as well as 980 high-quality homes.
Bulk earth works are expected to be complete by the end of this year, with drainage and infrastructure works for the main spine road – a realignment of Builyeon Road – forecast to be completed next March.
Total section 75 (planning gain) contributions by Cala for the Builyeon Road site will exceed £11 million, which in addition to the delivery of a new primary school and local transportation improvements, sees significant contributions put towards other education provision and healthcare within Queensferry. Cala’s nearby Queensferry Heights development will see a further £2.5 million raised through Section 75 payments.
Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director with Cala Homes (East), said: “The site designs for Builyeon Road has been heavily shaped by engagement with the local community and as we prepare to kick-start this important development, we will focus on keeping the community fully informed of ongoing progress.
“We have set up a dedicated website to share updates on site progress, at www.cala.co.uk/builyeonroad
“It is fair to say this project has been a long time in the making and we are pleased to reach this important milestone and to push forward in providing much needed homes and community facilities for South Queensferry.”
Family-owned civil engineering contractor I&H Brown specialises in residential infrastructure and have been contracted by Cala to undertake the bulk earthworks. The site will be enrolled in the Considerate Constructors scheme and I&H Brown will be keen to hear about any local community benefit schemes in the area while work is underway.
Duncan Brown, Director with I&H Brown, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cala Homes to deliver the infrastructure at their major Builyeon Road development in South Queensferry.
“Our involvement follows extensive community engagement by Cala Homes to design the masterplan and we are excited to help them realise their vision for the site.’
The development designs were carefully crafted with local community in mind following online consultations and engagement with the local community – guided by the Queensferry District Community Council (QDCC).
Keith Giblett, Chair of Queensferry and District Community Council, said: “After many years of uncertainty, it is great to see the site work starting. We’ll be continuing our intensive engagement with Cala.
“We also look forward to finding out how the local authority will allocate the considerable funds that this site will generate through planning gain payments.”
Derek Lawson added: “This is a major project in a prime location that will provide the market with incredible options for those looking to enjoy life in South Queensferry.
“It’s also exciting to be a massive step closer to bringing local amenities to the area in the form of the new commercial area, school and care home.”
For more information on Builyeon Road, please visit:
Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal has officially inaugurated the new Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station in Edinburgh’s picturesque Port Edgar Marina on Friday (1 April 2022).
As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, the event provided the opportunity for The Princess Royal to meet with cadets and watch them as they paraded and got out on the water, enjoying boating, sailing, rowing and paddlesports activities.
“We are delighted to have welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to the opening of Port Edgar Boat Station and we see it as the first of many occasions our Admiral will be able to engage with cadets and support the valuable work taking place within the charity to launch young people for life, whatever their background,” said the CEO of Sea Cadets, Martin Coles CBE.
“Sea Cadets works with 14,000 young people across 400 units to broaden their horizons and create possibilities, helping young people to develop into resilient, confident young people.”
“In the current climate of global conflict and economic strife, not to mention the impact of the pandemic, our young people are facing more challenges than ever before, so investing in their future has never been more crucial.
“Our new residential boat station will provide ample opportunities for even more young people to enjoy boating and water sports, earn qualifications and take part in courses such as first aid, navigation and meteorology held on site.”
More than 80 cadets, including royal marines cadets and junior cadets from across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England participated in the opening event.
Twelve cadets were able to represent the ‘Cadet Voice’ and discussed with their Admiral the issues most important to them.
Guests attending included Brigadier John Thomson QVRM TD PhD DL (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh), Captain Neil Downing (Captain Sea Cadets) and Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL (President of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets), as well as representatives of the Royal Navy, youth, education and maritime sectors.
The Princess Royal has been an active supporter of the youth charity for many years, commissioning both the former and current Sea Cadets flagship, the TS Royalist.
The new Sea Cadets boat station in Port Edgar Marina is well located to serve young people across the region with good transport links and offers superb facilities both on and off the water.
South Queensferry residents are embroiled in a bitter battle with Transport Scotland to secure road access to their new homes.
Transport Scotland have refused access to the Ferrymuir Gait road forcing all residents from the new development to travel through the existing Varney Estate.
All 124 houses on the development must now use Henry Ross Place despite Ferrymuir Gait being the most direct route into the housing development.
Heavy construction traffic used Ferrymuir Gait throughout the build.
The developer has offered to upgrade the road to adoptable standards and Edinburgh Council has indicated a will to adopt the road once this takes place.
Transport Scotland could risk court action if the refusal to permit access continues.
Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury said: “There is considerable anger among residents from both developments. They are strongly in favour of Ferrymuir Gait being used to access the new development.
“Despite my attempts at mediation, this issue has remained irreconcilable for many months, and looks like it will inevitably end in legal action.
“For the sake of the use of one road, Transport Scotland appear to be willing to drag this through the courts at what will inevitably be great expense to the taxpayer.
“I do not believe that the Scottish public will see legal action to prevent residents’ access to new homes as a good or explicable use of public funds.
“It seems to me that it is clearly in the public interest – from the point of view of the residents and the Scottish taxpayer – that this matter be settled reasonably between the two parties.
Following complaints from residents and businesses in the Hawes Promenade area, local community officers and officers from Road Policing have been targeting the area to combat the antisocial use of vehicles and associated behaviour.
Sergeant Sandra Watt from the Community Policing Team at Corstorphine Police Station said: “Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a priority for us in Edinburgh. We’ve been made aware by the local community of antisocial behaviour issues in the Hawes Promenade area involving vehicles, and we’ve responded with a dedicated initiative.
“We are focussing on engagement, deterrence, disruption and where necessary enforcement by conducting both high visibility and plain clothe patrols in marked and unmarked vehicles. During the weekend of 29th and 30th January we engaged with over 50 drivers and issued an antisocial behaviour warning.
“On Friday 4th February 2022, our Road Policing colleagues implemented a road check at the Hawkes Pier car park. Twenty two cars were stopped, checked for defects and advice was given to drivers with regards to driving and parking in a considerate manner. One driver was charged with careless driving.
“Our Community Policing Teams will continue to work with our Road Policing colleagues and our partners at the City of Edinburgh Council to deal with the antisocial use of vehicles in the area”
Anyone with information regarding criminal or antisocial behaviour in their area can contact Police Scotland through 101, our website scotland.police.uk/contact-us or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced that tickets for the world-famous Loony Dook at South Queensferry go on sale at 10am today – Friday 26 November.
Scotland’s biggest Loony Dook sees an army of brave souls in fancy dress plunge into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth to dust off the cobwebs on New Year’s morning.
If you fancy braving the chilly dip by the iconic Forth Bridges, tickets will be on sale, from 10am today, Friday 26 November, via the Edinburgh Hogmanay website.
Running since 1987, the Loony Dook has grown in popularity year on year with thousands of people raiding their fancy-dress cupboards in a bid to ring in the new year in style and win best dressed on the beach.
Tickets are on sale from £11.50 and each ticket bought includes a donation to the RNLI, access to the beach, main parade, and band performances.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Scotland’s biggest Loony Dook is back. The community of South Queensferry have asked us to help them organise this much-loved tradition on the Firth of Forth.
“There really is no better or refreshing way to start the New Year, so grab your costume and come for a dip!”
Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener said: “The City of Edinburgh Council is delighted to see the return of this year’s Loony Dook.
“It’s a highlight in many people’s festive calendars and the Underbelly team will ensure that this year’s event is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone. As a regular Looney Dooker in the past I am looking forward to taking part again this year!”
Councillor Norman Work said: “South Queensferry is delighted to be home to the best Dook in the calendar.
“We’ve been working closely with Underbelly to ensure all participants can enjoy the event in a safe, fun environment – we look forward to welcoming everyone to our world famous waterfront on New Year’s Day.”
David Smart from RNLI said: “What better way to blow off the Hogmanay cobwebs than dipping into the icy Firth of Forth? Edinburgh’s Hogmanay kindly donates £1 from every ticket bought for the Loony Dook to the RNLI.
“The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Every day of the year, people of all backgrounds get into danger in the water. The support of all donations means that the RNLI crews can save lives quickly, safely and effectively – as always, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support.”
Kirstin Heggie, owner at Allium Gift Shop in South Queensferry said: “The Loony Dook is a fantastic event for South Queensferry as it brings so many visitors to our little town.
“It is lovely to see lots of new faces every year and also great welcoming back the old familiar ones too!”
Moira Cunningham, owner at Ravenous Beastie said: “Everyone in South Queensferry is so happy about the Loony Dook being back and the buzz it brings to the community every year!
“It is such a joyful and fun occasion and a special way to mark the start of a new year ahead of us!”
For more information and tickets, please visit:
A DETAILED masterplan for a major mixed-use development between the approaches for both of the Forth road crossings has been submitted.
CALA Homes (East) will lodge proposals for 980 homes, a new primary school, as well as provision for a care home, foodstore, drive-thru restaurants and petrol station, south of Builyeon Road on the southern edge of Queensferry.
The designs have been heavily shaped following engagement from the local community, spearheaded by the Queensferry District Community Council (QDCC) and including a well-attended online consultation event in October 2020.
Identified in the Local Development Plan, the development received Planning Permission in Principle on 15th June 2021. The approval is conditional upon a new Masterplan, and the CALA submission provides the additional details required for full planning approval.
In addition, CALA has submitted two further proposals, including new commercial and retail sites, as well as a care home.
Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “We fully recognise that this is a significant expansion of the Queensferry community – and one that has been on the cards for many years.
“With that in mind, the community and in particular the QDCC has been heavily involved throughout the planning and design process. This has helped us to shape and adapt proposals for a mixed use development appropriate to the location of the site within Queensferry.”
Keith Giblett, Chair of Queensferry and District Community Council, said: “We were originally critical of the previous masterplan for the site led by the former landowners. However, since CALA became involved we have seen positive progress, as they have listened to local opinion and taken this on board.
“If the plans are approved, we expect CALA to continue working with the community to ensure that the benefits of development are maximised locally.
“The Builyeon Road site is the culmination of sizeable housing allocated to Queensferry by City of Edinburgh Council, and we look forward to receiving clarification from the Council on how the sizeable financial contributions obtained from the various developments will be spent in our community, providing much needed improvements both diligently and timely such that the community can see the immediate benefits.”
Total section 75 (planning gain) contributions for the Builyeon Road site will exceed £11 million – which in addition to the delivery of a new primary school and local transportation improvements, sees significant contributions put towards other education provision and healthcare within Queensferry.
For more information on the plans at Builyeon Road, please visit:
FULL PROGRAMME REVEALED FOR ‘FILM FEST ON THE FORTH 2021’
The programme for Film Fest on the Forth, Edinburgh International Film Festival’s weekend of free outdoor screenings at Port Edgar Marina on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August 2021, has been unveiled – and it includes everything from aquatic-themed family favourites and classic Scottish movies to exciting blockbusters.
Film Fest on the Forth will run at the Marina, which is located at South Queensferry on the banks of the Firth of Forth overlooking the three iconic bridges, from 10.00am to 10.00pm each day.
The weekend is supported by EventScotland as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, in which Scotland celebrates its coasts and waters with a programme of events and activities, shining a spotlight on these vital elements of the landscape.
The fantastic themed line-up is comprised of 8 well-loved feature films with a maritime link, all well suited to family audiences with U, PG or 12A ratings. The selected films are as follows:
SATURDAY 31 JULY
SUNDAY 1 AUGUST
Tickets, which are free, are now available for Film Fest on the Forth at www.edfilmfest.org.uk
Film Fest on the Forth screenings will be staged in an outdoor area which can accommodate up to 260 film fans. You can get to Port Edgar Marina by train, bus, car, foot or boat. If you’re coming by boat contact the Marina office by phone or VHF before arrival to be allocated a berth.
Food and drink will be available from Marina tenants Scott’s restaurant and Down the Hatch as well as additional food and drink vendors coming in especially for the weekend, including EIFF’s Official Beer Partner Innis & Gunn, and Pizza Geeks and Poco Prosecco.
Between films audiences can visit other attractions on site such as activities on the water from Port Edgar Watersports and shopping at the Marina’s store, Beacon.
Russell Aitken, Managing Director of Port Edgar Marina said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with EIFF in hosting this special open-air screening as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters 2021.
“It’s an incredible initiative to be involved with and we look forward to welcoming families from across Scotland to showcase the stunning location of the marina.”
Ken Hay, CEO of Edinburgh International Film Festival said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the return to the communal cinema experience with a brilliant programme of aquatically themed classics, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Forth Bridges.
“Huge thanks to our friends at Port Edgar Marina in staging the films and to EventScotland for their support as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Film Fest on the Forth as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.
” Scotland offers the perfect stage for audiences to enjoy unique experiences and this special cinematic event will showcase classic films in a memorable outdoor setting.”
Film Fest on the Forth, Port Edgar Marina, Shore Road, South Queensferry EH30 9SQ. Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August, 2021
The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.
#EdFilmFest
#FestOnTheForth
Our Foodbanks are re-opening w/c 28th June 2021
We have created a reminder of all our addresses and opening times for guidance.
We look forward to welcoming out clients back to the centre after almost 15 months of delivery!
If you require a food bank referral please contact Granton Information Centre on 0131 551 2459/0131 552 0458 or info@gic.org.uk
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh have launched ‘Life on the Forth’, a new digital exhibition which celebrates the city’s coastal communities.
The exhibition is the latest strand of activity as part of the ongoing Auld Reekie Retold inventory project, and explores the range and depth of the history of the area of Edinburgh on the shores of the Firth of Forth. Using map-based technology, it shows stories in the context of the very streets and places they originally came from.
Edinburgh’s coastline is rich in history. Drawing on objects from across the museum service, Life on the Forth celebrates stories and histories from across Edinburgh’s coastline. Some of these might be familiar, others perhaps unexpected.
The exhibition includes personal stories and individual lives, as well as tales of an industrial past. Uncovered stories, such as the life of Barbara Seaton, or the dangerous work of Edward McRobbie, help us understand the city that little bit better.
Whether tales of fishwives, fishermen, incredible feats of engineering or more modest lives and businesses, these communities past and present make the collections of Museums & Galleries Edinburgh what they are. The exhibition features the outdoor bathing pool at Portobello, which would have celebrated its 85th birthday this May.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson said: This fascinating exhibition is set to impress maritime history and Edinburgh enthusiasts alike.
“‘Life on the Forth‘ allows visitors to browse the exhibition at their own pace and without any time limit or physical restrictions. We’re proud to have expanded the reach of our exhibitions throughout the pandemic, not only to residents, but to those further afield who, due to distance, cost, disabilities or lack of opportunity, may have found it difficult to visit even in normal times.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse inside these fascinating stories and remember everyone who lived their ‘Life on the Forth‘.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “Museums & Galleries Edinburgh have been exploring new ways to engage with our audiences and this latest exhibition is a fantastic example of the service adapting what we do during these unprecedented times.
“2021 is the Year of Coasts and Waters, so what better time to discover new stories of life on the Forth? It’s truly fascinating and I can’t wait to revisit some of the areas highlighted in the exhibition.”
Auld Reekie Retold Project Manager Nico Tyack said: “This exhibition is the result of going through the coastal collections as part of the Auld Reekie Retold collections project.
“Many of these stories have never been heard before, and the virtual format has really helped us get the most out of these objects. ‘Life on the Forth’ is a truly team effort from the Auld Reekie Retold team, and much of the research has been carried out during lockdown.
“We are delighted to be able to share this new exhibition with you, and encourage you to explore the exhibition.”
