Sun shines on R2 Garden Party

R2 SUMMER EVENT HELD AT GRANTON CASTLE WALLED GARDEN

R2 held our Summer Garden Party in Granton Castle’s Walled Garden last week.

Garden Parties are becoming something of an annual event for R2 – last year’s gathering at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre was a great success – and once again the event proved very popular with more than fifty local organisations represented.

Granton Castle’s Walled Garden is very much a hidden jewel, and for many participants it was a first opportunity to enjoy the wonderful green space that is tucked away between Caroline Park House and Social Bite Village.

Following a delicious buffet lunch provided by North Edinburgh’s very own Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden chairperson Gillean Paterson treated visitors to a tour of the near three-acre site – and there was a delight around every corner.

From flowers beds and vegetable patches to an impressive orchard stocked with a great variety of apple, damson and plum trees, the garden is a natural wonder, teeming with life. The walled garden is ablaze with colour, and this despite the fact that there is no electricity supply and no running water on-site!

Tended by a team of enthusiastic volunteers – I was given my own wee personal tour by one volunteer who has put his handyman and building skills to good use all over the site – the garden really is an amazing local success story.

The Garden Party was an opportunity for R2 member projects to network and share information, and – maybe it was the sunshine! – there seemed to be more positive news to share than has sometimes been the case in the past.  We even had music!

Connections have been made with a number of local organisations who now use the garden space regularly, and I have no doubt many more will now be making a beeline down to Granton Castle Walled Garden again following the R2 visit!

For further information about Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, visit their website or email  grantongarden@gmail.com.

For further information about R2, email Anita at hello@R2.org.uk

Brick Journeys at The Pitt

1st – 24th AUGUST

We are excited to announce that The Pitt will be hosting the Brick Journeys LEGO Exhibition this August!

This captivating exhibition promises to inspire creativity and wonder, showcasing intricate LEGO creations from the talented Warren Elsmore.

We are offering special group bookings at a discounted rate for nurseries and schools.

Details of the Exhibition:

  • Exhibition Name: Brick Journeys
  • Location: The Pitt Venue
  • Dates: 31 July – 24 August (For the first week 31 July – 10 August we are open everyday) after this we will be open Thursday – Sundays
  • Special Group Rate:  For every 2 children, 1 adult can enter for free.  Child tickets are £4.50.  If there is a group of 10 or more children, we will apply for a further discount.  Please note we do also have quiet sessions.

Art in the Open at The Pitt

FRIDAY 18th JULY 12 – 3pm

Wanna know a secret? 👀

Our Art in the Open bike is popping up at The Pitt in Granton next Friday (18 July) and Friday 8 August!

Join us for a free workshop inspired by our Bruce McLean exhibition at Modern One, I Want My Crown.

We’ll provide all you need to get creative, and you can take your creation home at the end.

Best part? It’s totally free, just like the exhibition at Modern One🥰

Set a reminder – we’ll see you there! 🖌️

Community Mushroom Farming at Granton Castle Walled Garden

NEXT MONDAY!🗓️

COMMUNITY MUSHROOM FARMING 🍄

Community Mushroom Farming with Mario is a hands-on learning experience. In these two-hour workshops, you will gain an understanding of the different aspects of community mushroom farming. Learn which seasonal native fungi you can grow outdoors for food and soil restoration.

14 July 1-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden

All events are free to join. This is a workshop run by @mycobeemushrooms. To book your place, email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book: info@mycobee.org.

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granton:hub Summer Exhibition

Join us in celebrating a year of creativity, community, and artistic growth at Granton:hub Art classes Summer Exhibition!

Opening Night – All Welcome!

Friday 27th June | 18:30 – 20:30

Enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and inspiration. There’ll be drinks, nibbles, and plenty of time to chat and catch up with fellow artists in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Exhibition Open to the Public:Saturday 28th June | 12:00 – 16:00Sunday 29th June | 12:00 – 16:00

Featuring life drawings, paintings, portraits, landscapes, and city sketches created by our students over the past year.

Book your free place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/art-classes-summer…

Come and support local talent, meet the artists, and experience the vibrant creative spirit of our community!

SUNDAY: Midsummer Picnic at Granton Castle Walled Garden

SUNDAY 22nd JUNE 2- 4.30 at GRANTON CASTLE WALLED GARDEN

Midsummer – 1

Don’t forget that our MIDSUMMER PICNIC is this coming Sunday! 🌞

Bring a picnic and join us in celebrating Midsummer in the garden.

There will be music from Nigel’s All Stars, a children’s nature trail, and refreshments by donation.

Midsummer crown wearing is encouraged!🌼

https://f.mtr.cool/zkogfudrtw

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#community

Scotland’s first ‘Breast MOT’ Clinic launches on Edinburgh Waterfront

Advanced clinic provides same-day scan and surgeon consultation

SCOTLAND’s most comprehensive same-day breast implant health check service has launched at a new state-of-the-art hospital.

Based at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh, the specialist service is the first of its kind in the country, providing women with same-day ultrasound scans and consultant-led advice from a plastic surgeon, all in a single visit.

Leading the service is radiologist Dr Theodora Zachari, whose expert ultrasound scanning is carried out using advanced Canon Aplio i-series equipment, regarded as the gold standard in soft tissue imaging.

Following the scan, patients immediately meet with a highly experienced consultant plastic surgeons for interpretation and advice.

Dr Omar Quaba, consultant plastic surgeon and co-founder at Waterfront Private Hospital, said: “Many women with breast implants are unsure about their long-term condition, especially those placed over a decade ago or performed overseas.

“This one-stop clinic removes the need for multiple appointments, giving patients peace of mind and a clear pathway for future care, all on the same day.”

While breast implants are considered safe, patients are advised to monitor them regularly, particularly as they age. Changes in shape, discomfort, or concerns about rupture or capsular contracture are among the common reasons for seeking checks.

Until now, women in Scotland often faced long waiting times, fragmented care or the need to travel elsewhere in the UK to access equivalent services. The new health check clinic aims to address these gaps by providing a streamlined, patient-focused experience delivered by specialists.

Dr Theodora Zachari, Consultant Radiologist, said: “Women deserve accessible, high-quality care when it comes to their health. This service brings together radiology and surgical expertise to provide answers without delay.”

The hospital’s new clinic provides a safe, professional alternative for those seeking clarity on the health of their implants, whether they are experiencing symptoms or simply want reassurance.

Operating as a boutique family-run hospital, Waterfront Private Hospital has gained a strong reputation for personalised care and surgical expertise. Patients are seen in a luxury clinical environment, with direct access to the same medical team for follow-up care and advice.

Dr Quaba added: “Our goal is to demystify breast implant health and make it easy for women to take control. Whether it’s peace of mind or planning a revision procedure, this clinic gives them the trusted information they need.”

Women can self-refer or be referred by their GP, and the service is open to anyone with implants, regardless of where or when the surgery took place. Consultations typically last around an hour and are followed up with a tailored report and further guidance where needed.

The Waterfront Private Hospital team stresses that implant-related issues can often be managed effectively when identified early. As such, regular health checks are increasingly considered a vital part of long-term cosmetic care.

Opened in late 2023, the hospital is home to some of the most qualified and experienced plastic and skin surgeons in Scotland, including dual-qualified specialists in plastic surgery and dermatology. This expertise allows for a full spectrum of care, from cosmetic procedures to life-saving skin cancer treatments.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit: www.waterfronthospital.co.uk

Affordable homes at Granton waterfront shortlisted for two awards


Harbour Homes, alongside Cairn Housing Association and CCG Scotland, has been announced as a finalist in the Scottish Home Awards, sponsored by Ross & Liddell. The awards are a celebration of excellence in Scottish housing.


Leith’s biggest social landlord is in the running for Social Housing Development of the Year (over 100 units) for its development at Chestnut Street on Granton’s waterfront. The development is also a finalist in the Housing Regeneration Project of the Year category.

The project at Chestnut Street includes 96 homes for social rent by Harbour Homes and 130 properties for mid market rent by Harbour Lettings. The remaining 80 properties are social rent homes provided by Cairn Housing Association. The project’s contractor was CCG and the architect was Hackland + Dore.

Heather Kiteley, Chief Executive, Harbour Homes, said: “We are very proud that our development at Chestnut Street has been recognised for its success in bringing high-quality, affordable homes to Granton.

“To also be shortlisted in the Regeneration Project of the Year category is a wonderful testament to the hard work of all those involved.”

Audrey Simpson, CEO, Cairn Housing Association, said: “We’re thrilled that Chestnut Wynd has been recognised at the Scottish Home Awards.

“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working, and we’re proud to have played a part in delivering high-quality, affordable homes in Granton.

“It’s great to see our collective efforts being celebrated, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in making this development a success.”