Due to illness we are having to reschedule our Wassailing celebrations to next Sunday, 26 January, 1-3 pm.
We are very sorry for the late notice change. We will still be open this Sunday and will have a reduced amount of drinks and cakes available but our main celebrations will now be taking place on 26 January.
Join us for our annual wassailing celebrations in the Granton Castle Walled Garden orchard on 19 January from 1-3 pm.
The wassailing, or blessing of the fruit trees, involves drinking and singing to the health of the trees in the hope that they will provide a bountiful harvest in the autumn.
We love this tradition and are delighted to have Penny Stone join us for the afternoon. Penny will be leading us in traditional and contemporary Wassailing songs.
Apple-based food and drinks will be available by donation. No need to book, just turn up. All welcome.
The iconic gasholder – now named ‘Gas Holder 1’ – is a beacon of light in north Edinburgh as it is being illuminated permanently after dark.
Refurbishment is now complete on the structure using funding from the UK Government. Permanent lighting on the frame means it can be seen brightly in the twilight hours and the frame will be lit in festive colours for the rest of December.
The park within the frame, created using funding from the Scottish Government, opened at the weekend (21 December) for its first visitors.
The newly built 1.2 hectare park has six different zones including three play areas with a wide range of play equipment. For those out to explore the new outdoor space there is an inner ring walk going round the outer edges of the frame with a range of places to sit and relax. An informative outdoor exhibition has also been created which showcases the history of Granton gasworks as well as the restoration process which has just taken place.
Large Hollywood style lettering denoting ‘Gas Holder 1’ can be seen at the entrance, making for a great photo opportunity. In Spring 2025, there will be a celebration to officially open the park when the ‘art zone’ will become home to the winner of the community led art piece, and we will provide more details on the winning artist for that in the New Year.
Depute Leader, the City of Edinburgh Council, Mandy Watt, said: “Gas Holder 1 and the new park sit right at the heart of our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.
“I’m really excited we’ve reached this milestone before the year ends and look forward to the official opening of the park next year. It’s now open so I’d encourage local people to go and check out this fantastic new green space for the area as well as ‘Gas Holder 1’, which will light up the sky for everyone to enjoy in time for the festive season.
Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “This project demonstrates the benefits of regenerating derelict sites into places people can visit and enjoy. The new park will offer a vibrant and accessible space for the local community which will attract more visitors into Granton to support local spend.
“To help communities prosper we have allocated an extra £62.15 million towards regeneration in next year’s draft Budget. This will benefit people throughout Scotland by supporting projects including the revitalisation of green spaces, town centres and derelict sites.”
Graham Brown, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, added: “We’re delighted to have completed this unique restoration project and handed it over to our client, The City of Edinburgh Council.
“In deconstructing the old bell, refurbishing the listed steel structure, and repainting the frame, we have solved complex engineering challenges by using our vast civil engineering experience and successfully collaborating with our client and supply chain partners.
“We are looking forward to joining the official opening celebrations next year.”
SCOTTISH BUSINESS OWNER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THE TRAGIC STATE OF POVERTY IN SCOTLAND: “CHILDREN ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL SPEND CHRISTMAS DAY WITHOUT A HOT MEAL, GIFT OR SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME – WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BREAK THIS CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS”
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the ‘devastating’ level of poverty in Scotland this festive season. To tackle this, the company has once again launched its £5 Christmas appeal in a bid to raise thousands for people who are vulnerable and homeless this winter, in partnership with Social Bite.
The annual initiative, which allows generous Scots to buy a person, family, or child who is homeless or vulnerable a hot Christmas meal or gift for just £5, comes amidst news that more children in Scotland will be homeless and hungry this Christmas than ever before.
Over the last decade, the itison £5 Christmas Appeal campaign has raised more than £3 million, with 700,000 donations made, meaning hundreds of people each year are able to enjoy a hot meal or a gift on Christmas Day at one of Social Bite’s coffee shops. Every year, the number of people accepting these meals increases, with more and more people visiting Social Bite on Christmas Day to enjoy good company, warmth, and a hearty meal.
Social Bite and itison have surveyed the drastically declining rate of security for vulnerable people across Scotland since last year and work closely with people who receive support from Social Bite’s services to hear their stories.
Two regular attendees of the festive meals are father and son Jim and Billy. The pair have attended the Social Bite Christmas meals, in partnership with itison, for over five years. The meals mean so much to them that in past years, Jim and Billy have walked from as far as Rutherglen in to Glasgow to have their festive celebrations with the charity.
Billy said: “Every year that we’ve been has been brilliant. There’s no public transport on Christmas Day, so for a few years we walked in until my dad got a bit older.
“They welcome you in, you get a nice meal. It’s turkey, potatoes, you get your dessert. It’s good portions. Not too big, but it’s not too wee. And the gifts you get are unbelievable.”
Jim added: “Last year we got a charger for our phone, a pair of slippers, sweeties. Hats, scarves, gloves, a thermal to keep you warm when you’re outside. For a lot of people who are otherwise by themselves, who don’t get anything, they’re over the moon.”
Over the years they’ve got to know some familiar faces. But it’s the ones who don’t return – reflecting the instability and dangers of homelessness – that stick most with Jim and Billy.
Jim commented: “The thing that’s quite sad is you see a lot of people and then you don’t see them, because of their situations. You get to know people, and then you’re told ‘they’re no longer here.’
“It’s the young ones. One minute you see them, and the next year they’re not here.”
It was revealed earlier this year that the increase in homelessness in Scotland poses a ‘serious risk’ to life as a lack of accommodation is leaving people without somewhere safe to call home, forcing them to endure freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions.
Oli Norman, owner of itison, said: “It’s 2024, and people are still going hungry, still without a decent home, still living on the streets, and still at serious risk because there is not enough accommodation for people who need it. The cost of living is still increasing, pushing more people into devastating poverty.
“There is simply not enough support for people who are, or are at risk of becoming, vulnerable and homeless. Families and children across the country will be spending Christmas Day without a hot meal, gift or safe place to call home – more must be done.
“We hope that once again our £5 voucher can bring some comfort to people who need it this festive season. We are urging people to please go online and buy a voucher for the same price as a coffee or a meal deal – we need your help to break this cycle of homelessness. Let’s act now.”
Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn MBE said: “Social Bite is experiencing unprecedented rise in demand from people who are homeless across the country due to the national housing emergency and the increasing cost of living.
“The itison £5 Christmas appeal is a simple way for people to get involved and help bring some joy to people and families who are homeless and need it most this winter.
“For many people across the country, Christmas Day can be extremely challenging, but with the itison £5 voucher, you can give someone the chance to have a hot meal and enjoy some good company on what should be the most joyful day of the year.
“This year, you also can make a child’s day with a Christmas gift for £5. Thank you to the amazing Scottish public for your continued support this Christmas.”
The £5 vouchers are available now at itison.com.
In addition to the itison £5 Christmas Appeal, donations and gifts can be made to Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness online or at one of the Trees of Kindness located throughout the UK.
For a full list of essential items needed, and to make a donation online, visit: social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/.
The garden will be closed from Friday 20 December at 3 pm until Monday 6 January at 11 am.
That means our last volunteer session will run on 20 December (11-3 pm) and this will also be the last chance to visit the garden this year (1-3 pm).
We will be back with the first volunteer session on 6 January.
Thank you all who visited us this year and/or volunteered with us. Granton Castle Walled Garden is thriving thanks to you! 
We are wishing you all a beautiful festive season and a great start to 2025.
The Pitt officially reopened its doors on the Granton Promenade, welcoming over 2,000 visitors in its first weekend.
Edinburgh’s newest community, enterprise and social hub, The Pitt is more than twice the size of its previous location on Pitt Street.
Featuring a permanent global street food market, retail units, a large and heated indoor seating plaza, family and community spaces, two permanent saunas from Soul Water Sauna and a 700 capacity events space all from a spectacular location on the Firth of Forth.
Hal Prescott, Chief Executive of the Granton Project which owns and operates The Pitt said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be open, and despite the storm attempting to throw a spanner in the works we’ve had thousands of people through the doors with initial feedback being fantastic.
“But this is very much the beginning of the journey for us, The Pitt isn’t a static space it will continue evolve with the community we’re part of and the community we build.
“We have so much more to come in the new year, so watch this space.”
Resident foodies will be:
Choola: Nepalese street food with a Scottish twist
Fire Bowl: East Asian style street food
Buffalo Truck: Delicious fried chicken with all the added delights
Social Bite Does dessert: amazing sweet treats and lots of custard
Lazeez: Authentic Lebanese delights (fully halal) and shish
Pulp Friction: Seasonal fresh fruit infused drinks, from mulled sangrias to frozen margaritas
Barney’s and Newbarns: supplying the best locally brewed beers
Serving up Williams and Johnson coffee, savoury and sweets will be Long Shot Coffee.
The Pitt also has two saunas from Soul Water Sauna, a weekly local produce market from Granton Community Garden, community and family areas, a co-working space and one of the best views in Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth.
A NEW website has been launched for those interested in living, working in or visiting the ‘new sustainable’coastal town’ being created at Granton Waterfront.
The £1.3bn regeneration project is the biggest of its kind in Scotland. As well as many early stage projects being complete or well underway, the first phase planning application for a new neighbourhood was given the green light to go ahead last month.
It includes plans for 847 ‘net zero ready’ homes (with 45% being affordable) and capacity for a new primary school and a low carbon heat network. There will also be commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space all being delivered from 2025 to 2032.
The website (grantonwaterfront.com) guides you around the new neighbourhood with information on the partners we are working with to deliver new homes to rent or buy, parks and green spaces, things to do, where to visit, cultural activities, learning and commercial opportunities as well as providing all the latest news about the area.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re starting to see many early projects on the ground making great progress in Granton Waterfront now. The first tenants have moved into the 75 affordable homes we’ve built at Granton Station View, with hundreds more in the pipeline at nearby Western Villages and Silverlea.
“The gasholder restoration is almost complete and we’re lighting it up after dark as a permanent feature later this month. The new park at ‘Gas Holder 1’- new name for the gasholder – will open at the same time. Across the road, the former Granton Station building, with its new public square, has been beautifully restored.
“It’s important we bring all of this activity to life for those interested in the area and I hope the new website acts as a helpful guide.
“You will see from the website we have ambitious plans to create a new neighbourhood, well connected to existing communities there, and I’m really excited about seeing all of these communities grow, thrive and welcome visitors to the area in the years to come.”
On Thursday 5th December at 6pm, come join us for a festive evening of carol singing, choir singing and live music performance in the warm and welcoming surroundings of The Hub @ Edinburgh College, Granton Campus.
Free festive treats and mulled wine will be served by Edinburgh College Professional Cookery students to get us in the festive spirit, and there will be live performances from Edinburgh College musicians, with lyrics made available for singalongs for everyone to join in.
This is a free, family-friendly event and all are welcome!
The Hub is fully accessible but if you have any concerns about accessing the event please do get in touch.
This event is run in partnership with Edinburgh College and The City of Edinburgh Council.
Hello Pitt Peeps!
It’s less than two weeks until we’re officially fully open so make sure that date’s in your diary – Friday, 6th December – and be one of the first down to Granton to check us out. And if you’ve been wondering who’s going to be quenching your thirst and filling your belly, our official Resident foodies will be:
Choola: Nepalese street food with a Scottish twist
Fire Bowl: East Asian style street food
Buffalo Truck: Delicious fried chicken with all the added delights
Social Bite Does dessert: amazing sweet treats and lots of custard
Lazeez: Authentic Lebanese delights (fully halal) and shish
Pulp Friction: Seasonal fresh fruit infused drinks, from mulled sangrias to frozen margaritas
Barney’s and Newbarns: supplying the best locally brewed beers
Serving up Williams and Johnson coffee, savoury and sweets will be Long Shot Coffee.
Don’t forget, The Pitt also has two saunas from Soul Water Sauna (booking opening soon), a weekly local produce market from Granton Community Garden, community and family areas, a co-working space and one of the best views in Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth.
December opening hours:
Friday 6th: 5pm-10pm
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th: 8am-10pm
Then weekly until 29th: Thursday to Sunday: 8am-10pm
Hogmanay, Tuesday 31st: 8am-2am – family friendly entertainment with free entry all day to The Pitt Market. Please note, the Hogmanay Extravaganza is a separate, ticketed event which is suitable for 16+ only.
Entry to The Pitt Market is from the Granton Promenade. The Market will always be free to enter and is family and dog friendly every single day.
Retail / Lifestyle Opportunity
Perfect for anyone who wants to trade and be part of a supporting community of entrepreneurs looking to kick start their business or any pop up ideas.
More info HERE
We can’t wait to see you very soon!
The Pitt team
Please note that we will be closed tomorrow (Saturday 23rd) because of the snow and ice warning.
We are sorry to let down anyone who was planning to visit tomorrow. We will be open again on Sunday 1-3 pm weather permitting.
