Leith has been named among the first-ever UK Town of Culture 2028 shortlist, marking a major achievement for the community and everyone who has helped showcase the area’s unique history, creativity and culture.
The UK Town of Culture is a new UK Government initiative celebrating the contribution towns make to the UK’s cultural identity. The inaugural competition attracted 398 applications from across the UK, with just 15 towns selected to progress to the next stage.
Tracy Gilbert MP has welcomed the announcement and praised the dedication of local organisations, community groups and residents who worked together to develop Leith’s bid.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“Leith is a place like no other, with a proud history, a vibrant cultural scene and an incredible community spirit.
“I want to thank every local organisation, community group and individual who has given their time, energy and passion to help bring this bid together. The dedication, creativity and commitment shown by everyone involved has been so remarkable.
“Being shortlisted as one of only 15 towns from almost 400 applications is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work of everyone who has played a part in telling Leith’s story.
“I am incredibly proud of Leith and delighted to see the community’s efforts recognised on a national stage. I look forward to continuing to support the bid as it moves forward to the next stage.”
As a shortlisted town, Leith will now move forward in the competition and receive a £60,000 bid development grant to help strengthen its application.
National Galleries of Scotland surprised hillwalkers, tram travellers and tourists by taking replicas of popular art works out into Edinburgh yesterday.
Passers-by could discover art typically found in the National, Portrait and Modern galleries popping up at sites such as Salisbury Crags, Newhaven, The Meadows, Murrayfield and Leith.
The art works including The Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edwin Landseer, Edinburgh (from Salisbury Crags) by William Crozier, Doddie Weir by Gerard M Burns, Encounter by Remedios Varo, Callum by John Emms and Mary Queen of Scots are always free to visit at the National Galleries of Scotland’s three Edinburgh sites.
Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has met with Citadel Youth Club and local police officers to discuss growing concerns around youth anti-social behaviour and so-called “baby gangs” in Edinburgh.
The meeting, held yesterday at Citadel Youth Club, focused on the challenges faced by communities and the importance of early intervention and support for young people.
Ms. Gilbert stressed the need for greater investment in youth services and preventative measures, highlighting that providing young people with safe spaces and positive opportunities is essential to tackling anti-social behaviour.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I was grateful to meet with local police and the Citadel Youth to listen to their concerns about the rise in youth anti-social behaviour. It’s clear that prevention is key.
“We need more investment in youth services to give young people the opportunities and support they deserve, while also keeping our communities safe.
“I will continue to work closely with community partners, the police, and youth organisations to push for the resources our young people and locals urgently need.”
Five star attraction commits to long-term future as part of reconfigured destination on Leith’s waterfront
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OT (Ocean Terminal) and The Royal Yacht Britannia have agreed a new 25 year lease which will cement OT’s position as the leading tourist destination on Leith’s waterfront.
The five-star attraction voted Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023 – 2024 has committed to a long-term future with OT as part of the redevelopment project and multi-million pound redevelopment of the site.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said:“This is a significant development for the reconfiguration of the site, and we are absolutely thrilled that The Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions, has agreed a 25 year lease with OT.
“I am in no doubt this will be a formidable partnership, cementing our position as a leading tourist destination on Leith’s waterfront, furthering our ambitions for the wider regeneration of Leith, and the local community around the site.”
A spokesperson for The Royal Yacht Britannia added: “We are delighted to have secured the long-term future for The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith as part of the exciting redevelopment of Ocean Terminal, and we look forward to moving into our state-of-the-art visitor centre and fantastic new gift shop in early 2025.”
Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world, travelling more than a million nautical miles, serving the Royal Family for over 44 years.
Today, she is a five-star visitor attraction and exclusive evening events venue.
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Officers in Leith have seized drugs worth an estimated street value of £46,000 and charged 16 people with drugs offences as part of Operation Elate in Leith.
In response to community concerns, the operation running through March has seen and will see officers focus on tackling drug crime and drug-related harm in the area. This is a partnership initiative dedicated to disrupting the drugs trade while directing vulnerable adults, young people and children to the support they require.
Enforcement, where necessary, has been taking place with 16 people, aged between 15 and 50, charged in relation to drugs offences. Drugs, including Diamorphine and Cocaine have been seized. Intelligence led-searches have also been carried out under warrant at five addresses in the Edinburgh area.
Sergeant Marr of Leith Police Station said: “Removing illegal drugs and targeting criminals who seek to profit from other people’s misery continues to be a priority for us and our communities.
“People involved in the supply of drugs make money out of addiction and vulnerability. They risk people’s lives for their own financial gain, and often, use this to fund other forms of serious and organised crime.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling this type of criminality, officers are carrying out additional patrols in the Leith area and engaging with the community to identify local concerns so the appropriate action can be taken.
“We rely on the support of the public and we would urge anyone with any information regarding drugs in their communities to contact 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Police in Edinburgh are appealing for assistance in tracing Kevin Sweeney (33yrs) who has been reported missing from the Leith area of the City.
Kevin was last seen on 7th January 2024 in Pilrig Street, Edinburgh. His current whereabouts are unknown and we are becoming increasingly concerned for him.
Kevin is described as being male, white, 5ft 9 tall, average build with an auburn beard and short fair hair.
If you believe you have seen Kevin or have any information please contact 101 quoting incident no. 1669 of the 19/01/24.
Following seven years of construction the final phase of Places for People’s The Engine Yard is now open.
The iconic, former tram depot located in Leith, originally opened in 1898 as the Shrubhill Tramway Workshops and Power Station, the workshops were where Edinburgh’s trams were built and maintained.
However, following the demise of the cable-hauled trams in 1923 and, three decades later, the electric ones that followed, Shrubhill Works’ fate was effectively sealed.
In November 1956, the last tram service terminated at the depot, which was briefly repurposed as a bus depot, a museum and finally a Fringe venue before a leaking roof caused it to be abandoned completely, leaving the site to run into disrepair.
In 2020 LDN Architects with Places for People put forward an imaginative plan for the former brownfield site to deliver a desirable, mixed-tenure community that would not only recognise the history of the site but act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the local area.
Roddy MacDonald, Places for People Regional Managing Director of Developments, Scotlandcommented: “The Tram Sheds represents a tremendous feat for Places for People as a housebuilder.
“The restoration of the historic tram depot into 43 modern luxury apartments has taken years of careful consideration, consultation and planning. I am delighted with the finished product and I’m sure our purchasers will be too.
“With our strong and diverse experience in buying, planning and building award-winning developments – and with the completion of The Engine Yard’s final, impressive phase – we’ve delivered something truly distinctive just a stone’s throw away from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre.
“It’s wonderful to witness this thriving community now come to life with a hive of creativity and cultural diversity packed with eclectic shops, bars and restaurants, just a short walk from the city centre – fast become one of Edinburgh’s most exciting new places to live.”
LDN Architect’s Partner in Charge Ángel Morales-Aguilar, comments on the intricate – yet ultimately rewarding process – of keeping this iconic piece of Edinburgh’s industrial heritage alive: “For us, the main challenge lay in effectively integrating the new buildings within the existing ones.
“Essential fabric repair work was required to make the buildings structurally sound while ensuring that their unique character was retained. From a purely practical perspective, gaining access to and working around the existing site presented a whole new challenge of its own.
“But the result is phenomenal. Being able to save these two industrial gems – the Big Shed and the Wee Shed – is rewarding enough in itself, but introducing a new dimension to the space through the central courtyard and upper levels has been my favourite part. Until now, no one has been able to experience The Tram Sheds like this.”
The latest addition to the Engine Yard development sees a collection of forty-three high-specification one, two and three-bedroom homes, built into the original structure, and bringing a fusion of old and new style against an aging architecture.
The mix of apartments and duplexes offers unique urban living within a charming, historic setting. Each spacious home encompasses a contemporary, open-plan design, with the ultra-modern industrial theme marrying happily with the traditional character of the past. Beautiful arched and oval windows offer stunning views of Edinburgh and beyond.
The heritage-led design continues into the outer spaces while the historical octagonal brick chimney – visible from Leith Walk – provides a magnificent focal point. There’s even an underground car park.
Prices for homes at the Engine Yard start at £267,500.
PICTURED: Left to right – Roger Tulloch, Senior Project Manager, Allison Sutherland, Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Roddy Macdonald, Managing Director, Scotland Developments and Colin Jack, Regional Production Director.
