Due to staff shortages, the garden will be closed this Sunday, 25 January. Thank you for your understanding.
We will be open tomorrow, Saturday, 24 January, from 1–3 pm. It’s looking like a wet day, so please come prepared for rain and muddy paths if you do visit.
Even in the rain, the garden has its own quiet charm, and we’d love to welcome you if you’re feeling hardy. Thank you for supporting the garden 
NEN PUBLISHED OUR FIRST BLOG POST ON THIS DAY IN 2011
The very first NEN blog post was published on this day in 2011. The post read:
Hello, and welcome to the brand new NEN blog.
For those of you not already familiar with the newspaper, we are a local community paper serving the North Edinburgh community. We’ve been here for over thirty years.
This blog, along with our new Facebook page and Twitter stream, represents our first foray into the world of social media. We really want to encourage more participation, more questions and ideas from the North Edinburgh community – both online and offline – and hope that these new tools will help us to do that.
We already have a good website, where you can always find the latest edition of the printed newspaper. The blog won’t be replacing that, but will instead be there to show people the latest news about the area, and also to help us cover the current funding crisis we are facing as an organisation.
Above all, we want to include your input on the blog – be it ideas for stories, comments, pictures and events. So get in touch!
The NEN’s website was sadly deleted when funding ceased but our social media presence continues on both Twitter and Facebook and the blog is still going strong with 10 – 12 posts daily.
2025 was the NEN blog’s busiest ever year with 36,000 visitors. As I write this we’ve published more than 38,000 posts – all of these remain accessible online – and we’re currently on a run of publishing on 2749 consecutive days.
When the NEN office in Crewe Road North closed much of the NEN archive material was lost, but thankfully some of our picture library was salvaged and can now be found at granton:hub (Madelvic House), where the volunteer archive team has also collated all remaining hard copies of the North Edinburgh News newspaper.
Hopefully, between the physical archive and the NEN blog, you can find all you need to know about our community’s rich history – and we’re adding to that history every day!
We’re delighted to share a major step forward for The Art Works! 
The Scottish Government has committed £56 million in funding over the next three years, enabling us to move ahead with confidence on this ambitious project in North Edinburgh, part of the National Collections Hub.
With around 97% of the national art collection currently in storage, The Art Works will provide a new, free-to-visit home, ensuring more of Scotland’s art can be seen and enjoyed. It will also give greater access to art, not just for people in Edinburgh but by enabling us to lend more art across Scotland.
Not only will you be able to walk among some of greatest Scottish treasures, but you can also pop in for a coffee, use the space for work/study, watch our conservators take care of beautiful, historic art and even more.
This investment will help us make the best use of public funding while continuing to care for and share the national collection for the benefit of current and future generations.
A man-made mountain of more than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material has been transported across Edinburgh as part of an innovative scheme to provide a long-term solution for people facing homelessness.
The mammoth operation saw almost 100 truckloads of inert building rubble recycled from a city centre development site to form the foundations of a new Social Bite Village, located along the capital’s Granton waterfront.
Charity Social Bite teamed up with regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate to relocate building material which remained following the demolition of the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road (above), making way for Artisan’s spectacular homes-led redevelopment of the site in 2026.
The recycled rubble is now being used to create level groundwork as part of the ongoing construction of the Social Bite Village which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have been affected by homelessness.
The new waterfront community will provide seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’, together with existing homes converted into single occupancy based on resident feedback. The new community will also include a communal area for residents to cook, gather and relax, together with gardens and space to grow fruit and vegetables.
“This is a superb example of how clever collaboration in the building industry can help improve the world around us,” says Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater.
“As part of Artisan’s stated commitment to sustainability, we always ensure that as much material as possible can be reused or recycled following demolition. And for this commitment to allow us to help such a life-empowering movement as the creation of a new Social Bite Village means that this really is a perfect development partnership.”
The new Social Bite Village is a relocation of the existing temporary village site, less than one mile away in Granton. The charity’s Edinburgh village model has so far helped more than 100 residents who, at the end of their stay, are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. Many have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes.
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, adds: “It’s very exciting to see our new project taking shape on a stunning seafront location, and we are delighted to be partnering with Artisan to provide such a firm foundation for the site.
“The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other projects that we are planning. 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.
“With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are proud that our village projects can demonstrate a better alternative that also makes use of innovative construction methods.”
Artisan will start construction of its Ferry Road site, known as 525 Park View (above) in early 2026, in partnership with REInvest Asset Management S.A.
The development will create a low-carbon residential-led community providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing.
Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces.
🍎 WASSAILING at GRANTON CASTLE WALLED GARDEN
🍎 SUNDAY 18 JANUARY 1 – 3pm
Join us in the orchard for our annual Wassailing: a joyful winter gathering to sing, share, and mark the turning of the year together.
Led by Penny Stone, we’ll sing traditional and contemporary wassailing songs, spend time outdoors, and celebrate the season as a community. Apple-based food and drinks will be available by donation.
All are very welcome — whether you come to sing along, listen, or simply enjoy the atmosphere!
Wrap up warm and come celebrate winter with us 
Folks, have a reminder of our festive opening hours for the rest of the month and January.
We are open as normal on Saturday and Sunday, and again next Friday-Sunday (only until 5pm – we’ll still be hungover from Hogmanay and need our beds).
We’ve had a wee break, but we’re back open on 27 and 28 December with normal hours. Then we’ll be open on 31 December as usual ’til 4pm, before closing for a quick spruce-up and flinging the doors back open at 6pm for:
Hogmanay Party at The Pitt: ticketed (last few remaining), 16+.
Wee Hogmanay: free ticketed, suitable for all ages.
Come down, wrap up warm, and see out the year with us – your favourite pint and street food combo will be waiting.
We’ll be closing for most of January for a wee bit of winter hibernation, but don’t worry! The Pitt will be defrosted and back in February to kick-start our spring calendar. Try not to miss us too much! 
Mycobee turns 6 years old – celebrate with us!
Join MycoBee Mushrooms CIC and discover the power of functional mushrooms and their benefits for our well-being. Explore, learn, and try some mushroom tea.
All events are free to join. To book your place, email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book: info@mycobee.org.
20 December, 1-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden
Màiri McAllan and Maree Todd applaud homelessness charity’s supported accommodation as an exemplary alternative to temporary accommodation
Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, and Minister of Drugs and Alcohol Policy, Maree Todd, visited leading homelessness charity, Social Bite’s pioneering supported accommodation village in Edinburgh yesterday to explore the model and discuss its success in breaking the cycle of homelessness, addressing addiction issues and reducing social isolation.
Accompanied by Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn MBE and Cyrenians CEO Ewan Aitken, the ministers were given a tour of the village including a look inside one of the innovative nest houses which, since launching in 2018, have helped break the cycle of homelessness for almost 100 people.
One of three Social Bite Villages currently in progress in Scotland, discussions centered around the models as an excellent alternative to temporary accommodation, their track record in helping people leave homelessness behind for good, and their impact in addressing addiction issues.
The Ministers applauded the charity’s innovative approach and its ambition to scale the projects country-wide to help as many people as possible out of homelessness and addiction, build independence and gain safe and secure housing and employment.
The charity called upon the ministers to look at the current welfare and temporary accommodation systems in the UK and to work together with them to back the bespoke village model as a viable and effective way of meeting the needs of people across Scotland. There were also discussions around how more cross-portfolio working between housing, homelessness, health and addictions policy-makers, could truly make the difference for people with addictions in Scotland.
Josh Littlejohn said: “I’m grateful to Màiri McAllan and Maree Todd for taking time to visit the Edinburgh Social Bite Village. It was brilliant to discuss the ways we can better support people who are facing homelessness and to have the opportunity to explore the challenges around access to recovery facilities, as we gear up to submit our planning application for a village in Dundee.
“We have called for backing from both ministers to help us scale our tried and tested Village model across the country, and hope they will be able to show continued support as we work with our partners to find appropriate solutions to preventing homelessness and addiction.”
Danielle, who lived in the Edinburgh Village in 2022, shared some of her experience: “The Village gave me stability, it has a calming atmosphere – it was the first place I could call home since childhood.
“I owe so much to Social Bite, to the Village, and everyone who helped me along the way while living there and beyond.”
Ewan Aitken, Chief Executive of Cyrenians, said: “The Social Bite village is the epitome of a public health approach to homelessness, relying on partnership between two charities, and the experience of those with lived experience, to provide a service which is truly tailored to the needs of the people who use it.
“I was delighted to be able to meet both the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol and the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, using the village as an example of the kind of collaborative approach that we need to across the public, private and third sector.
“Because if we are to truly tackle homelessness and drugs and alcohol harm, we need to understand how those two problems intersect and how we can all work together to combat them.”
The Village will soon undergo a move from its current site to a new site in Granton, where it will continue to house 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.
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 people into the community by helping residents to develop skills and confidence.
For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/the-edinburgh-social-bite-village/
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are investing £1.34 million and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) are investing £1.24 million from their jointly funded Heritage and Place Programme into Granton Waterfront.
With the funding, the City of Edinburgh Council will bring the area’s historic buildings and structures back to life through restoring, upgrading and connecting these facilities with the wider community. The money will also be used to support new opportunities for the community to explore and celebrate Granton’s heritage.
Each building and structure awarded the funding has its own unique story to tell about the history of Granton Waterfront, stretching from the late Victorian era to the early modern period. Together, they reflect the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The funding secured will ensure that future generations will enjoy what they have to offer in the years to come.
Granton Lighthouse
At Granton Lighthouse, a full refurbishment of this nineteenth century C-listed building, including major fabric repairs and accessibility enhancements, will create a new flexible, creative, learning, enterprise and community development space, operated by arts charity Out of the Blue.
Madelvic House
Madelvic House, a B-listed building from the 1890s, will also benefit. Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.
Granton Station building platforms
The magnificent Edwardian former Granton gasworks railway station building is one of the capital projects that will benefit from the funding. It has already been beautifully refurbished and is occupied by social enterprise charity WASPS.
The funding will be used to carry out upgrades to the disused platforms and introduce a heritage arts installation with green space that supports biodiversity.
Granton Castle Walled Garden
The Council is also working with the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden to carry out structural restoration to the boundary walls and doocot. This will build on initial works the Council has already carried out, helping to ensure its continued use as a community garden and food education hub.
Beyond physical restoration, the project places strong emphasis on community engagement and skills development.
As part of the funding secured, a dedicated Community Heritage Officer will be appointed to lead a programme of heritage activities, including open days, exhibitions, walking tours, and volunteering opportunities.
These events will be developed with local people and organisations to make sure they reflect the community’s interests, aspirations and the heritage that they care about.
Numerous community organisations are involved in the initiative, including Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Wasps, Granton:Hub, and Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
Their collaboration ensures that the heritage investment not only preserves the past but also empowers the present and future generations.
The work will all be completed by 2030 and as it continues interpretation boards will also be installed to support navigation, explain the significance of the place and improve visitor experience and engagement.
Sir Mark Jones, Chair of the Board at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Heritage has always played a vital role in shaping places and communities, and it’s important that it continues to do so.
“Through our Heritage and Place Programme investment in Granton Waterfront, we’re supporting a place‑based approach that not only conserves historic buildings but reconnects them with the people who live here today.
“From local landmarks like the Lighthouse and Madelvic House, to community assets like the walled garden and industrial heritage embedded in Granton Station, each helps to tell the story of Granton’s past.
“By restoring and upgrading them, we’re ensuring they remain at the heart of its future – creating inclusive and accessible spaces for generations to come.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re very grateful to be awarded this funding to carefully restore the built heritage of Granton Waterfront as part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the area.
“A key aim of the project is to involve the local community in our plans for these listed buildings and structures as we bring them back to life for local people and visitors to use and enjoy for generations to come.
“As part of the restoration work we will deliver traditional skills training in partnership with Edinburgh College and local contractors will focus on construction and conservation skills that support career development and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area’s heritage.
“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is guided by a “place first” approach and we’re aiming to reconnect heritage sites and create inclusive, accessible spaces that foster wellbeing, creativity, and social cohesion.
“The project will also support activities at Granton Castle Walled Garden, enhancing local food production and education, and helping to alleviate food poverty.
“This project, along with the recent refurbishment of the gasholder and creation of Gasholder 1 Park, demonstrates our commitment to celebrate the historical legacy of the area.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Granton is in the midst of major regeneration which will deliver exciting new opportunities for the area, creating new homes and bringing existing and new communities together.
“In that context, Granton’s heritage offers strong anchor points for community connections and our investment of £1,248,86, thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure heritage sits at the heart of Granton’s regeneration underpinning its character and values.
“Heritage connects people, cultures and communities to a place. We are investing in Granton as a place that supports community, embraces cohesive and sustainable economic regeneration, and cultural connections with a genuine pride in place.”
granton:hub responded: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce that granton:hub has been included in a £2.9 million investment as part of the Granton Waterfront Regeneration project
“Madelvic House which is ‘B’ listed and from the 1890s will also benefit.
“Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.
“We are thrilled to be in fantastic company alongside @grantoncastlegarden @ootbdrillhall and look forward to seeing their projects expand and develop for the local community in Granton.”
The Granton:hub AGM takes place this Saturday 29th November, from 11am – 2pm.
This is a chance to come together as a community, hear about everything we’ve been up to@over the last year, and find out what’s ahead for 2026.
Next year marks a significant step forward for the hub, as we look to renovate our historic building – preserving its heritage for future generations while making it more accessible and welcoming for everyone in the community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
What if the day after Black Friday was all about culture, kindness and community? 
On 29 November, we’re joining Fair Saturday Scotland – a global movement celebrating creativity and social good.
Granton Castle Walled Garden will be open to visitors between 1-3 pm, with MycoBee Mushrooms CIC hosting Living Fungi: The Art & Science of Cultivating Mushrooms. Learn why mushrooms are so important for us and our planet.
Let’s celebrate creativity and community together! 
Find out what else is on as part of Fair Saturday: https://f.mtr.cool/tyjclrimkf
