Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault which occurred between 12.30pm and 1pm on Wednesday, 31 July 2024 near Lochend Butterfly Way and Albion Road in Leith.
Officers are appealing for the man in the picture to contact them as he could have vital information which could assist their enquiries.
They are also asking anyone who recognises the man in the image to get in touch with any information they may have.
Anyone with information can contact 101, quoting incident number 1684 of the 31 July. Alternatively, an anonymous call can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Foundation Course applications open – be among the first to study at Leith School of Art’s new campus
Graduates speak about how LSA transforms artists’ lives
Leith School of Art is opening a superb new campus which will be the base for its acclaimed Foundation Course.
The one-year course is recognised by students as the passport to art degree programmes of their choice.
LSA is also renowned for its outreach in areas of multiple deprivation and the opportunities it offers people with artistic talent who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access art courses and tuition.
The spacious new Albion Road Campus will be ready for this September’s intake of Art and Design Foundation Diploma students and will also host an expanded One Day Painting Course.
LSA is also working with the SQA to credit rate the School’s Art and Design Foundation Course at an SCQF Level 7 from September 2024.
This advanced level is equivalent to completion of the first year of a Scottish university degree, enabling LSA students to progress directly into the second year of their chosen art and design degree.
Nick Devison, The School’s Principal, said:“This is a landmark moment for Leith School of Art – the new campus will be an amazing place to study art, as a student on our Foundation Course, or any of the other courses which will be taught there.
“We are also celebrating lots of other good news – something that’s really welcome as art education generally is going through such tough times.
“It’s brilliant for students that they can take our Foundation Course and earn the credit points they need for progression into the second year of a degree course.
“And we are already in the position that our Foundation Course is so highly rated that 95% of graduates get into the university art degree course of their choice.
“All this underlines our commitment to offering the very best of art education to the people of Edinburgh.”
Located in a 19th-century former printworks at 66 Albion Road, the new campus provides a superbly lit 3,000 square foot studio and other facilities.
With the major works close to completion, a £30,000 fundraising appeal is underway to cover the costs of fully fitting out the building (donations can be made at www.leithschoolofart.co.uk).
A campus launch event took place yesterday (Thursday, 27 June), featuring an exhibition of work by students on LSA’s Mentoring Course, which enables artists to further develop their work.*
Val McLean, LSA Course Leader and Tutor, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our prestigious Mentoring Course end-of-year exhibition in this remarkable new space, as part of our campus launch celebrations.
“It’s a fantastic platform to showcase the outstanding work and artistic growth of our talented students. And I’m thrilled about our upcoming move to the new campus. With a larger cohort of students we have tremendous opportunities ahead.
“We can nurture the artistic development of more aspiring artists, collaborate on innovative teaching approaches, and craft a truly dynamic and enriching learning experience.”
An exhibition of work by the most recent intake of Foundation Course and year-long course students has also been taking place at LSA’s North Junction Street Campus, a former Norwegian Seamen’s Church.
Inès Ross, a Foundation Course graduate who is going to Falmouth University to study Fine Art, said:“I have had the experience of a lifetime, LSA has helped with my development as an artist and I’ve met so many amazing people this year, teachers, pupils and beyond.”
The School is currently working to increase the level of outreach work it does with secondary schools – mostly in areas of multiple deprivation through the LSA Schools Programme.
One aim is to work with teachers to identify talented children at an early age and nurture them through to the stage where they are ready for university.
What students say about our Foundation Course:
The Art and Design Foundation Diploma stands out for many reasons, including the excellent staff/student ratio, the emphasis on both arts practice and theory and the large amount of time students get to spend with tutors and in the studio. It is also closely tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student.
Sula Reid who went to LSA straight from school:“Leith offered more than I could have hoped. I made friends for life and discovered so much about myself and my artistic capacity. Leith offers a space where you can truly be yourself. The guidance and dedication of the tutors is remarkable, they put so much love into their work.”
Erin Gibbons:“LSA was so supportive and gave me the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I would absolutely recommend LSA to everyone.”
Laura Bullock, a mature student who has been accepted to the Master’s programme at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee:“The dedicated support of the amazing team of experienced tutors and support staff was invaluable. Leith School of Art is such a special place to study, and the Foundation Course sits firmly in its heart and mine.”
Kathryn Adkins:“The course has been incredible. I learned so much about a variety of art media and techniques. LSA provides a wonderful, safe and supportive environment.”
James Sinclair:“The course pushed me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to expand my skills. Being part of a creative community has been inspirational.”
Shona McIntosh, a former Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist:“The Leith School of Art Foundation Year changed my life completely. After further studies I now practice as a conceptual artist, exhibit and sell my work and had a two-month residency on the Galápagos Islands. I could never have achieved this without LSA’s Foundation Course.”
Applications are still open for the 2024-25 Foundation Course. Information can be found here.
LSA offers bursaries and concessionary rates for students unable to afford the fees. See here.
* Launch event refreshments were sponsored by local companies, Moonwake Beer Co and Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, the event showcased a sample of Leith’s thriving independent business and art and culture scene; consolidating Leith’s reputation for being one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods.
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) in conjunction with its subsidiary company, Persevere Developments Limited, has started work on its Albion Road development.
The 42 affordable homes, made up of 10 one bedroom, 25 two bedroom and seven three bedroom properties, are being built for social and mid-market rent: thirty- five of the flats will be available for mid-market and the remaining seven homes available for social rent.
The properties will benefit from a high level of energy efficiency with heating and hot water provided from gas combination boilers augmented by heat recovery systems, enhanced levels of insulation and timber frame construction.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “Building high-quality, affordable housing in Leith and North Edinburgh is at the heart of what we do and Albion Road will complement our existing mix of developments in the city. Local people still have difficulties in accessing good quality homes which is why Albion Road will help meet a wider range of needs.”
The main contractor is J Smart & Co and the £4.98 million development is being funded by a combination of private finance raised by PoLHA and a Government grant allocated by the City of Edinburgh Council.
PoLHA is building the mid rent homes on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary company Persevere Developments Ltd (PDL) which was set up in 2011 to allow the Association to be more innovative in terms of funding and development of this kind.
PoLHA owns around 2400 properties throughout the North Edinburgh area and hopes to deliver up to 500 additional new homes by 2015 through the Association and PDL.
The development is due to be completed in Autumn 2015.
