Tag: Leith

New parking controls in Leith and Pilrig from next Monday

From Monday (26 June) new controlled parking zones will become operational in some streets in Leith, meaning you’ll need a permit or pay and display ticket to park.

Zones N7 (Leith Walk / Pilrig) and N8 (Leith and North Leith)

Zones N7 (Leith Walk / Pilrig) and N8 (Leith and North Leith) will be operational from 26 June 2023. Parking permits will be available for sale from 5 June.

The new controls will mean that, during the controlled hours Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, all parking is controlled. During those hours all kerbside space will be managed by yellow lines or parking places. Some restrictions such as double yellow lines and some parking places llike disabled bays and car club bays operate 24 hours a day.

Most parking places will be a mix of permit holder only, shared use which can be used by permit holders and visitors paying to park and pay and display bays, with signage situated at each parking place confirming the restrictions that apply.

Pay and display

The parking charge for pay and display parking in Zones 7 and 8 will be £3.10 per hour.

The signage at the pay and display and shared use parking places will indicate the maximum stay period for paying customers.

Maximum stay periods do not apply to resident permit holders in shared parking places and the relevant RingGo parking code for that location.

Payment for parking can be made using the available pay and display ticket machines, or through the RingGo cashless parking service.

Please note that the new pay and display ticket machines will only accept contactless payments and will not be able to accept cash.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “New controlled Parking Zones which will soon become operational in some streets in Leith have been designed to protect residents’ parking.

“Controls aim to address issues like commuter parking, which people across the city have told us is a problem in their neighbourhoods.

“We’ve been writing to residents and businesses to keep them up to date on when the changes but I would also encourage anyone who lives in or visits the area to visit our website to find out more about the changes and to purchase a permit, if they need one.

“As part of our Strategic Parking Review officers have spent a great deal of time speaking to residents and gathering information on each area. Once in place, they’ll also be monitoring the impact of the changes to make sure they work for everyone.

“Parking controls don’t only help to maintain priority for residents, but protect against vehicle dominance, encouraging alternative modes of transport, while improving the safety and efficiency of the city’s streets.”

Find out more > https://edinburgh.gov.uk/parking/strategic-parking-review-1/4

Find out more about all of the parking restrictions that apply across Edinburgh.

A First for Scotland: Floating solar panels to launch this year

Array currently tested before deployment this year

Scotland’s first array of floating solar panels will be installed this year as part of a move to generate renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

First Minister Humza Yousaf toured the manufacturing facility of Nova Innovation in Leith yesterday where the panels are being tested before their launch.

The company installed the world’s first offshore tidal turbine array in Shetland in 2016 and subsequently received £6.4 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank in September 2021 to boost production of innovative renewable energy generators.

It has since established project sites in Canada, France and Indonesia. Its floating solar panels build on its expertise in tidal energy and an official launch of the installation will take place later this year with a multi-megawatt international order already in the pipeline.

The First Minister said: “These panels give a fascinating glimpse into the opportunities for Scotland’s future energy system and are the first step towards harnessing our significant potential for floating solar.

“The investment by the Scottish National Investment Bank in Nova Innovation helped expand its manufacturing base here in Leith and aligned strongly with the Scottish Government’s priority of supporting innovative technology that will help us achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

“Scotland is already one of the most advanced hubs in Europe for the testing and demonstration of marine energy technology and I look forward to seeing where the panels will be launched in the near future.”

Chief Executive of Nova Innovation Simon Forrest said: “With record-high energy prices and growing concerns over security of supply, there is an immediate need for Scotland to focus on homegrown energy from our abundant natural resources. 

“Scotland is at the heart of the tidal energy revolution and Nova continues to lead the sector with proven technology and unrivalled reliability. With the addition of floating solar to our portfolio, we are ideally placed to help drive the race to Net Zero. 

“We were honoured to welcome the First Minister to discuss the economic benefits, job creation opportunities and the part Scotland can play in the global supply for renewable energy.” 

Oh, oh: Council to launch ‘Leith Connections’ active travel project

MORE DISRUPTION FOR BELEAGUERED LEITH BUSINESSES?

Work will soon begin on a scheme to create safer, more welcoming places to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in Leith, the city council has announced.

The first phase of Leith Connections will introduce measures to limit through traffic and enhance streets for pedestrians and people cycling in areas around Constitution Street, Leith Links and the Shore.

Construction will begin in the week commencing 10 April and is expected to last until late June. Amongst the changes are improved pedestrian crossings, planting and seating in newly created pedestrian spaces, community-inspired artwork and pavement decluttering.

This is alongside new traffic layouts in several of the streets to prioritise people travelling by foot, wheel or bike. These include the closure of Sandport Place Bridge to motor traffic, bus gates at the Shore and Links Place and modal filters to prevent through traffic in some areas.

All residential and business properties will still be accessible by motor vehicle, while blue badge parking will be unaffected. Full details are available on the Leith Connections website.

Leith Connections designs draw from two years of engagement with the community and local stakeholders, encompassing online co-design workshops, public drop-in sessions and focused meetings. Some of the measures, those to the east of the Shore, will be implemented on a trial basis under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

The project is being funded through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Leith Connections is a really exciting opportunity to create safer, more welcoming spaces to walk, wheel and cycle in Leith, as well as for spending time with friends or visiting local businesses.

“These changes have drawn on feedback from the community, as well as the Council’s own monitoring. They will also provide better connections to popular walking and cycling routes nearby, like the north Edinburgh path network and the Water of Leith walkway and soon, protected cycle lanes on Leith Walk, delivered as part of the Trams to Newhaven project.

“The team has drawn up a robust monitoring and evaluation plan so that once it’s in place, they can understand the benefits and impacts of Leith Connections. I look forward to hearing what the community thinks too, as part of the ETRO process. I shall be watching this installation closely as I am keen to see more schemes like this in Edinburgh.

Michael Melton, Grant Manager at Sustrans, said: “We are pleased to be working with City of Edinburgh Council to make Leith a safer and more accessible place to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time. The Leith Connections project has been shaped by the local community, with changes including new traffic layouts, improved pedestrian crossings and community-inspired artwork.

Officers will closely monitor the impact of the project through automatic traffic counts, air quality monitoring, market research and focus groups. Information gathered will feed into recommendations for the future of the project.

Further phases of Leith Connections will deliver protected cycle lanes running from the Foot of the Walk to Ocean Terminal (delivered in parallel to the Trams to Newhaven project) and from the Hawthornvale path to Seafield.

These plans are still under development and will include additional improvements to the public spaces in the area.

Find out more about Leith Connections.

Have you seen Faith?

Missing 15-year-old girl – Faith Marley, Leith

Police are appealing for the assistance of the public to trace Faith Marley, 15, who is missing from the Leith area.

Faith was last seen around noon yesterday, Tuesday, 27 December 2022, in Bangor Road.

She is described as 5 ft 7 in height, of medium to heavy build, with blue eyes, shoulder-length blonde hair and was wearing a green khaki puffer jacket, grey scoop neck jumper, black leggings and black and white high-top shoes.

She left in possession of a black leather shoulder bag, a mobile phone and some cash.

Inspector Grant McCulloch, Police Scotland, said: “We have been liaising with bus and taxi companies, as well as colleagues in British Transport Police, in case Faith has travelled outwith the Leith area or, indeed, the city.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who may know where she is, or who she has been in touch with recently.

“Both we and her family just want her home and so, if you have any information that will help us find her, please call police via 101, quoting reference number 1362 of Tuesday, 27 December 2022.

“We’d also ask Faith herself to return home or speak to police. Everyone just wants to make sure she is safe and well.”

Edinburgh North East Scouts has opportunities for volunteers

Sign up for the online information evening on Tuesday 29th November at 7.30pm here https://sesscouts.org.uk/edinburgh-north-east-scouts-information-event/ 

We know everyone is busy, so this event is taking place online to fit in around family, work and life. It’ll only take 1 hour and will be informative.

Did you know Edinburgh North East Scouts has almost 100 young people on a waiting list to join?

And they need new helpers to support their 14 Scout Groups in Portobello, Craigentinny, Craigmillar, Duddingston, Calton, Joppa, Stockbridge, Pilrig, Broughton, Trinity, Leith, Newhaven, Wardie and Willowbrae. 

Sign up for this event to find out about the exciting things the Scout Groups get up to and flexible volunteering opportunities.

Demand by young people to join Scouts in the Edinburgh North East area is good with youth waiting lists growing. However, they need new adult volunteers to reduce the waiting list and enable more local young people to benefit from Scouting. 

Edinburgh North East Scouts is looking to the local community and organisations to help change the lives of local young people. They are appealing for help to reduce the youth waiting list and support 100 more young people to benefit from Scouts. 

Scouts is only possible thanks to superstar volunteers – ordinary people, like you, making an extraordinary difference in young people’s lives. They are looking for new adult volunteers to assist their existing leader and executive team.

So please consider what you can do and if you know anyone who may be willing to get involved and ask them to come along to the event too. It is possible that they may consider a job share if that was of interest to you?

Scouting has a reputation for helping young people to develop resilience, a positive character, respect for others, good community skills, as well as physical and mental fitness. Can you help inspire the doers and give it a goers of the future?

FACT 1: There are 14 Scout Groups in the Edinburgh North East area and they all want to provide more Scouting to more local young children.
FACT 2: You don’t need to have any specific skills or be Bear Grylls to lend a hand.
FACT 3: They have a collective youth waiting list of almost 100.
FACT 4: If you volunteer as a Leader to get involved now then they can look at how your child could get automatic entry into their preferred Scout Group.
FACT 5: You don’t have to have previous Scouting experience to get involved. 

As a District, they want to offer your child and other local children across the Edinburgh North East area the chance to participate in all the fun experiences and adventures they do in Scouting week to week such as, camping, fire-lighting, climbing and abseiling, and yes, learning how to tie and use knots (these will come in handy in later life!). 

Are you passionate about seeing local young people succeed? Are you a team player with a positive, can-do attitude? Do you enjoy fun activities? Do you want to do more in your community?

Are you more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person? Do you have a skill or hobby you can share? Then this event is right up your street.  Scouts has the opportunities – you just show up, get stuck in and make memories for life! 

We all have the power to help young people to realise their potential.  You don’t need to have been a Scout when you were younger.

You don’t even need to know how to put up a tent. Their door is open to people of all ages, genders, races and backgrounds, and they’re only able to change lives because people like you lend a hand.

There’s lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or as part of their Executive Committee to stepping up as a leader, their volunteering activities are as varied as you. 

The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little … and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer.

Most of their volunteers work directly with young people aged 6-18 through their Beaver, Cub and Explorer groups – helping young people gain skills for life through fun activities.

District Commissioner, Rob Whitelaw, said: “This isn’t a job application, and you certainly don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting and in fact not many of our volunteers are!

“Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills, and you can volunteer and help in many ways.

“Are you ready to inspire a generation of young people to experience fun, friendship and real adventure? The opportunities to volunteer with us are flexible. Think of something you’d like to do, and chances are it’s just what we require.

“Whatever your skills, experience and interests, we can find a role for you!”

Sign up for the online information evening on Tuesday 29th November at 7.30pm here:

https://sesscouts.org.uk/edinburgh-north-east-scouts-information-event/

Queen’s Award for Enterprise honour for The Edinburgh Remakery

  • Leith-based social enterprise formally receives its Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
  • Its win in the ‘Sustainable’ category in April announced before the death of Her Majesty the Queen

The Edinburgh Remakery, an innovative social enterprise based in Scotland’s capital, has been presented with a Queens Award for Enterprise, one of the UK’s most prestigious business accolades, recognising its outstanding achievement and excellence in social and environmental sustainability.

The Award was presented on a visit to the Ocean Terminal-based business by the Right Honourable Robert Aldridge in his role as Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh. The Award is one of the last to be made in the name of her late Majesty the Queen.

Coming the week before the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 in Egypt, and at a time when conversations around the circular economy and additional solutions to climate change are being held worldwide, this prominent award recognises local efforts in overcoming environmental challenges.

The Edinburgh Remakery is spearheading a tangible change in consumer behaviours, whereby customers are seeking ways to limit their environmental impact through more conscientious buying choices.

The environmental social enterprise, with a mission to reduce waste and strengthen communities, is this week launching new services to better enable residents of Edinburgh and beyond to live more sustainably.

These services include the much-anticipated return of their affordable laptop and computer repair services and in-store sales of quality, refurbished electronic goods.

In his speech on presenting the Award the Right Honourable Robert Aldridge, Lord Lieutenant said: “This is a substantial Civic Award and represents the highest honour that the Monarch can bestow upon a company or enterprise based and operating within the UK.

“The Award is a clear recognition and reflection of the value, efforts, and talent of a Board and Staff grouping, and is underpinned by strong and inspiring performance”

Elaine Brown, CEO of The Edinburgh Remakery says: ““Since re-emerging from lockdown, we have looked to our community and evolved to meet their changing needs, ensuring that we continue to offer services that aid their lives and their wellbeing whilst responding to environmental challenges.

“We’re delighted to have received recognition through the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and take this as further evidence that our role, and the role of other social enterprises, is proving vital in supporting Scotland’s transition to a Net Zero economy and in tackling climate change for good.”

This year, 232 businesses representing every part of the UK were recognised by Her Majesty the Queen on her birthday as among the best in the country.

The Edinburgh Remakery is one of 31 organisations across the UK to be awarded recognition in Sustainable Development.

New appointments at Castle Community Bank

Castle Community Bank (Castle) the credit union based in Leith, Edinburgh, has boosted its growth plans and financial inclusion ambitions by making key appointments to its Board and Executive team.  

Experienced non-executive director Stephen Pearson has been appointed as Chair of the Board. Following a career in law and financial services, Stephen has also recently been appointed Chair of the newly formed Financial Inclusion For Scotland.

As Chair of Castle, Stephen will be responsible for leadership of the board, ensuring that it effectively oversees Castle as it continues to grow and support its members through the cost-of-living crisis.

Last year Castle appointed a new chief executive, Adrian Sargent, who, alongside the previous chair, Ian Irvin, has overseen a period of substantial growth to ensure its sustainability in a difficult financial climate.

In addition, on 1 October 2022 Suzanne Gush was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Suzanne has significant financial services experience and will support the board and management team in this next phase of Castle’s growth.

Stephen Pearson said: “The current cost-of-living-crisis and challenging UK financial climate, illustrate how important it is that all communities have access to fair savings and loan products as well as financial education.

“I’m looking forward to helping Castle and its partners make a positive difference in north Edinburgh and beyond, at such a key time for the organisation.”

Adrian Sargent said: “Stephen will be a great asset for Castle as we continue growing. Being fintech enabled, Castle is now well placed to help its members from a position of increasing strength. With Stephen’s fresh perspective and ethical fintech-savvy, Castle can find new ways of supporting our members.

“At Castle we are about sustainability for both the organisation and the community, and we are passionate about working hard for our communities. I’m excited about the next chapter for Castle, working with Stephen, Suzanne and the rest of the team.”

Castle offers savings and loans like any high street bank, but instead of making a profit for shareholders, Castle can invest surplus revenue into projects supporting its community.

As a credit union, Castle is regulated by both the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) who are part of the Bank of England. 

The Castle team sees the community bank as a force for good for its members who can access fair products that would otherwise be unavailable to them from mainstream banks. Castle also seeks to encourage thrift and financial well-being – essential tools for surviving the cost-of-living crisis.

Save the Pride Bridge!

CAMPAIGNERS have launched a petition to save the Pride Bridge at Lindsay Road.

Local resident Jodie Schofield said: “I’m really concerned an important community space which connects the Leith and Newhaven will be lost, not to mention the fact the ‘diversion’ has a dug up pavement at a busy junction.

“The Council have condemned it (only recently was used as a parking and heavy storage space for the Trams of Newhaven project) and have built an ugly heavy concrete wall across the Lindsay Road end without any community consultation – if the bridge is so dangerous how can it sustain this weight?

“If the bridge is so dangerous how can it be safe to walk and cycle underneath on the Hawthornvale Path? Why did they leave repairs left undone for so long? it’s a disgrace and nearby residents are very unhappy.”

See below for details of the petition:

The Pride Bridge is a community art project and public space. Painted by a diverse group of local volunteers, it marks the boundary of Leith and welcomes visitors with a rainbow that incorporates the colours of both the Pride and Trans Pride flags. 

As well as being a much loved LGBTQ monument (the first of its kind in the city), the bridge is an important pedestrian and cycle thoroughfare, connecting the residential area to the main road, shops, public transport and schools.

It is also a much valued community social space, where people can meet in the beer garden and children can play in a safe, pedestrianised area which has been thoroughly weeded and litter picked to remove hazards. The bridge is also an important part of Leith’s industrial history. 

The council has earmarked the bridge for demolition due to their failure to maintain it which has led to it becoming structurally unsound. Repairs are possible, and for less than the price of demolition. However, they are currently reluctant to pursue repair as an option, despite support from local Councillors, business owners and the wider community. 

Please sign and share, and show your support for maintaining safe community spaces and preserving the first LGBTQ landmark in the city and certainly the only one that is visible from the plane when you fly into Edinburgh.

Thank you for your support. 

 https://www.change.org/p/save-the-pride-bridge 

From Waste to Wall: new exhibition at Leith’s Image Collective Gallery

From reinterpreting autism to reimagining single-use products – how one artist is changing perspectives in Edinburgh this summer

Leith’s Image Collective Gallery launches thought-provoking new exhibition
‘From Waste to Wall’ with an opportunity to meet the artist

Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, art has played an important role throughout James Owen Thomas’ life as a means of communication and expression. Now aged 21, the multi award-winning artist views his autism not as a disability, but as a different kind of ability. And it is because of James’ unique ability to change perspectives that his latest exhibition, From Waste to Wall, is sure to attract attention. 

Debuting at Edinburgh’s Image Collective Gallery, From Waste to Wall features a range of thought-provoking collages, each one created using unwanted single-use products such as discarded lottery tickets. The artworks are intricately detailed – embodying James’ ethos that something genuinely beautiful can be created from items that others may deem as useless.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition opening, the North Yorkshire artist commented; “By creating collages from thousands of tiny pieces of discarded materials, I aim to make a positive statement about recycling.

“I have been exhibiting my unique style of environmental art since the age of 15 and I’m delighted to be displaying my art for the first time in Scotland this summer.”

The exhibition is being brought to Edinburgh thanks to the Image Collective Gallery owner, Sara Thomson, who first met James when they were both selected by PM Boris Johnson to become a COP26 One Step Greener Ambassador in 2021. 

Explaining her appreciation of James’ work, Sara said; “When I saw James’ work displayed at COP26 I was immediately struck by how intricate and beautiful each collage is.

“I was also moved by the powerful message he is putting out there – the idea that we need to change our attitudes, behaviour, perceptions, and perspectives if we’re going to save the planet.” 

The From Waste to Wall exhibition opens to the public on Tuesday 2nd August at The Image Collective Gallery and runs until Friday 30th September. The exhibition is free to view.

James Owen Thomas will be working on a live piece of art at The Image Collective Gallery on Tuesday 2nd August, 10am – 3pm, during which all are welcome to come and meet the artist.