The Utilita Energy Hub in Leith will host part of this weekend’s Leith Chooses voting event after the lift at Newkirkgate Shopping Centre was confirmed to be out of order.
This year, the people of Leith will help decide how just over £44,000 of Edinburgh Council funding is allocated to community projects aimed at improving wellbeing across the area. Leith Chooses is a long‑running example of participatory budgeting, giving local residents a direct say in how public money is spent.
Voting Day – Saturday, 24 January 2026
Voting will take place at Leith Community Centre on Saturday, with a quiet voting hour from 11am, followed by general voting from 12pm to 3pm.
Due to the lift closure at Newkirkgate, volunteers in branded t‑shirts will be stationed throughout the area to support anyone requiring step‑free access.
Voters can either:
Access Leith Community Centre via the ramp in the Lidl car park, or
Cast their vote at the Utilita Energy Hub, located on the ground floor of Newkirkgate.
At the Utilita Energy Hub, visitors will find volunteers ready to assist, along with complimentary hot drinks, biscuits, and free energy‑saving advice.
Who can vote
Anyone aged 8 or over who lives, works, studies, or volunteers in Leith is eligible to vote. All votes will help determine which local projects receive funding to support community wellbeing.
This January the city’s only high street energy hub is celebrating Warm Welcome Week, starting on ‘Blue Monday’ and running from 19 to 25 January.
January can be the coldest and loneliest month of the year. It’s the time of year when Warm Welcome Spaces such as Utilita’s Energy Hub are needed most. Warm Welcome Spaces are a lifeline to those who are struggling to keep warm and those feeling lonely or isolated.
Hub Supervisor Natasha Baillie says: “Warm Welcome Week is all about raising awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces like ours, so more people can find a place of warmth and connection close to home.
“In Warm Welcome Week, we’re taking ‘Blue Monday’ back by giving it a colourful makeover. We’re asking everyone to wear warm colours and get creative with pinks, oranges, reds, and purples to chase the blues away and raise awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces.
“We don’t want anyone to feel cold or lonely this winter, which is why we are working hard to send a message that our Energy Experts are waiting to welcome you in.”
The hub aims to serve the community, offering energy advice to absolutely anyone that requires it, and the team of Energy Experts also engages in community events, as well as working with local charities.
Natasha continues: “We want more people to know about Warm Welcome Spaces like ours. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, make new friends, and have some fun. We want everyone to know that a warm welcome is waiting for you just around the corner.
“People coming to our space say they always leave with a smile on their face. We’d love you to come along and get to know us over a cuppa. Please help us to spread the word so everyone can find our Warm Welcome Space.”
David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign Director, adds: “We know demand for Warm Welcome Spaces will be high again this winter, not only supporting people struggling to pay the bills but also playing a vital role in connecting communities and giving people a place of belonging.
“The dark winter days and nights of January can be extremely tough. We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone this winter.
“We’re asking everyone to join us in Warm Welcome Week to raise awareness so more people can find a place of belonging and connection close to home and by encouraging more community spaces to become Warm Welcome Spaces.
“Everyone can get involved; whether you simply pop on an old orange bobble hat or get creative with craft or cooking, together we will chase away the blues. In Warm Welcome Week, we will create a surge of warmth and positivity in the coldest week of the coldest month.”
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.
A Leith shop will be transformed into a magical Santa’s grotto this week – providing gifts to local children for free
Who: Santa Claus
What: A free event to meet Santa, take photos, and receive a small gift if on the nice list
Where: Utilita Energy Hub, 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
When: Friday, 5 December 2025, from 11:30am to 3:00pm
Cost: Free, but please bring a food donation for a local food bank
Energy supplier, Utilita, will provide a different kind of energy this winter, transforming its Leith shop into a sparkling Christmas grotto on Friday, 5 December between 11:30am and 3pm.
The free event at the Utilita Energy Hub in Newkirgate aims to deliver relief to families facing a tough winter ahead, providing free presents to children as many families struggle with the cost of living crisis. Guests attending the festive day out are asked to bring one food item that will be donated to a local foodbank.
Gifts are aimed at young children up to the age of 10, but anyone is welcome to meet and take a photo with Santa Claus. There will be one gift per child, free of charge, while stocks last.
Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at the Leith Hub, said she is hoping the grotto will spread some festive cheer: “We’re looking forward to welcoming families and children to our Energy Hub this Friday, 5 December. Excited youngsters will get an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus and receive a free gift between 11.30am and 3pm.
“There’s plenty on offer for visiting adults too – you will be offered a cuppa, as well as free and simple energy advice to help make your energy spend go further this winter. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item – if they can – which will be distributed to our local Food Bank.”
Utilita’s high street hubs make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to. Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.
Utilita began a roll out of Energy Hubs in 2018 across the UK to provide a personal touch to their customer service, opening their Edinburghbranch in 2020. The hub has helped thousands of locals better control their energy usage as well as supporting various community initiatives.
The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free, warm and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available.
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.
High street hub welcomes financial support experts to its free Community Room
Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub, and her dedicated team are looking forward to welcoming financial support experts from Hope 4U to the hub’s Community Room on Saturday, 17 May.
The Utilita Energy Experts are joining forces with Hope 4U to help hub visitors check if they are on the best energy tariff, with hints and top tips on how to significantly lower energy bills.
Advice will also be available for those who are eligible for the Attendance Allowance – a disability benefit for people aged 65 or over, who have a long-term illness or disability and need frequent help with personal care or need regular supervision.
Looking forward to the weekend’s takeover day, Natasha said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Hope 4U team in support of the vital work they do to improve financial sustainability and to offer advice to those who may not be able to afford their bills, or who may be struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over their head.
“Depending on your situation, you may also qualify to apply for Warm Home Discount or be eligible to apply for grants from other organisations.
“We’re all too aware that the rising costs of living and reduced public funding have made food and fuel poverty worse. That’s why we are proud to collaborate with Hope 4U to provide the local community with the tools they need to help alleviate the hardship caused by rising costs.
“No matter what you need, our friendly team in Leith are on hand to help with your energy queries, whether you want to learn about smart meters, get energy efficiency advice, or just want a chat in a welcoming environment.
“Plus, you can top-up your energy in store with PayPoint and Payzone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Utilita customer or not – our top-ups include many other energy suppliers too.”
The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available.
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.
Leith hub offers warm, safe space on the high street for the whole community
Utilita’s high street Energy Hubs strive to provide ‘Safe Spaces’ for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond – welcoming people to host events, meetings, and more in a supportive environment.
No matter whether you are a Utilita customer or not, the Leith Energy Hub team is always happy to give free energy saving advice, something Hub Supervisor Natasha Baillie says is very important given the current cost-of-living crisis – and they’re also able to offer energy-saving products at competitive prices.
As an energy supplier that was created with the mission to offer consumers better service and a fairer deal, people have always been at the heart of Utilita – and its high street hubs provide an inclusive environment for staff, customers and the wider community.
The energy supplier’s renewed pledge to Pride365 ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued at Utilita, not just for a day, a week or month, but all year round.
The Utilita Pride365 Pledge
365 days of the year, Utilita Energy is committed to:
Standing proudly with the LGBTQ+ community
We’ll be vocal and visible in our support for LGBTQ+ inclusion every single day – both within our company and out in the world.
Creating ‘Safe Spaces’ for everyone
Our Energy Hubs will provide ‘Safe Spaces’ for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond – welcoming people to host events, meetings, and more in a supportive environment.
Giving back to our community
Whenever we run awareness day activities, we’ll donate to local LGBTQ+ charities chosen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group. This supports not only our communities but also any staff who may need these vital resources.
Utilita Founder and CEO, Bill Bullen, commented: “At Utilita, inclusivity isn’t just a goal; it’s who we are. Our core values align seamlessly with the Pride365 pledge as we work every day to create a workplace – and a world – that is fair, sustainable, and a little bit smarter.
“We’re not afraid to challenge the norm or stand up for what’s right. For us, that means building a supportive environment for everyone – from our customers to our team and the communities we serve – and our hubs offer something rare in the energy world – a friendly, face-to-face service.
“Our core values – fairness, smart, and sustainability – are at the heart of everything we do. They drive us to create an honest, inclusive, and nurturing culture for our customers and staff alike.”
Making inclusivity know no bounds
Leith Energy Hub Supervisor, Natasha Baillie, added: “Having a presence on the high street lets the public know that the Utilita team are here for everyone and all you need to do is pop down for anything you may need help with, customer or not.
“We aim to make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to in a warm, safe space and with a cuppa if you’d like one! Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.”
Utilita’s partnership with Pride365 is an integral part of its commitment to make inclusivity know no bounds.
Natasha concluded: “We’re committed to continually evaluating and taking positive steps towards improving inclusion both within and outside our business, and we recognise the impact this will have on ensuring a happy and successful team and community.
“Together, we’re proud to create a brighter and fairer future for everyone – every day of the year.”
Utilita Energy Hubs are high street locations where customers can top up their accounts, check their balances, and get energy-saving advice – based not just in Edinburgh but also Gosport, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Luton, Derby, West Bromwich, Sheffield, Leicester, Blackburn, Huddersfield and Hartlepool.
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA. See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.
Foysol Choudhury, Labour list MSP for Lothian Region, has been contacted by businesses, residents, and visitors in Leith regarding the escalating issue of anti-social behavior at the Foot of the Walk in Leith.
In response, Mr Choudhury organised an urgent community meeting with Leith Labour Councillor Katrina Faccenda, Police Scotland and local businesses from the Newkirkgate Shopping Centre.
Mr Choudhury has visited the location multiple times, witnessing the anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, which local businesses report as a daily occurrence.
Reports indicate that the behavior, centred around the benches in front of the shopping centre, includes assaults, drug use and the presence of weapons.
After the community meeting, Mr. Choudhury said: “The message from local businesses is clear — urgent action is needed before things deteriorate.
“The cry from local businesses here is clear – urgent action must be taken surrounding the behaviour on these benches outside Newkirkgate Shopping Centre.
“Workers should not have to battle thefts, discarded needles and assaults on a daily basis and members of the public should not have to face intimidation and harassment whilst just trying to pick up their shopping and prescriptions.
“I’ve been liaising with local businesses to hear their concerns and alongside my colleague Cllr Faccenda, we will be pushing for actions which could deter and tackle this behaviour.
“Police Scotland have also been very helpful in providing visibility in the area and suggestions of how we can tackle these incidents.
“I’ve already raised this issue via multiple channels and will continue to do so – by working together and by developing partnerships, I hope we can improve this situation for the local community.”
Ten year old Leith Primary School pupil Jakariya Ali posed proudly in front of a billboard showcasing his winning energy-saving poster to celebrate the new Utilita Energy Hub, which is now open in Newkirkgate.
The six local schools and 250 pupils who entered the competition were each tasked with designing an energy-saving poster, to be in with a chance to have their poster displayed on a large billboard in Newhaven Road, and win a £50 voucher.
Each school that entered received £100 and the winning school – Leith Primary School – received £500. All participating schools also received a £500 sports kit, courtesy of Utilita Energy. All artwork is being showcased in the new Leith Energy Hub.
Budding designer and arguably one the UK’s youngest environmental influencers Jakariya Ali, aged 10, learnt he had won the competition at the official Energy Hub opening on Saturday 1st February, where he met Hibernian FC legend Pat Stanton, and was presented the prize by Utilita CEO Bill Bullen.
Jakariya said: “I remember drawing the poster and wishing that mine was chosen, and now here I am standing in front of it. It’s exciting, and my family is really proud.
“The competition has made me think twice about leaving the lights on, that’s for sure.”
Leith Primary’s proud Headteacher Fiona Craig was delighted to learn that Jakariya Ali had won the competition. She said: “As a school we concentrate a lot on the environment, and the importance of saving energy, so it was great to see the messages coming through so strongly in each of the designs.
“I drove past the billboard yesterday, and felt very proud and excited for Jakariya – he’s educating thousands of people who walk and drive past the billboard everyday – it’s such an achievement.”
Bill Bullen, CEO of Utilita, was one of the competition judges. He commented: “We were bowled over by the level of engagement from local schools, and judging the energy-saving posters has been really rewarding – it’s great to see young people so tuned-in to what’s happening to the planet, and why we all need to do our bit in reducing wastage.”
Utilita Energy has opened a new Edinburgh-based Energy Hub as part of the company’s drive to have more face-to-face conversations with people about how to make their energy go further, while paying less.
The Energy Hub is the first of its kind in Scotland, offering face-to-face customer service and removing the need for a call centre. Each energy hub is home to a team of local energy advisors who can offer help and support, as well as educate people on how to make their energy go further. There are fun, interactive apps and jaw-dropping money-saving demonstrations that make being energy efficient fun.
Anyone visiting the Energy Hub can join in the Utilita #EnergyHighFive movement, which gives customers a list of five simple and free-of-charge adjustments to the way energy is used at home, resulting in a potential £163 saving on their annual energy bill. The #EnergyHighFive campaign has been created to enable Utilita to help a minimum of five million homes make their energy go further, while paying less.
Open from Monday to Saturday 9-5.30pm, the Utilita Energy Hub will also sell a variety of Energenie energy-saving devices starting from as little as £9. Many devices are Alexa-enabled, catering for households who have fully-embraced the handsfree power of voice control. There is also a dedicated community space that is open for the public to book and use from Monday to Saturday.
The new Utilita Energy Hub employs seven locals as UtilitaEnergy Experts. They are all local people who are knowledgeable and passionate about helping people to use less energy at home. There will be four Utilita Energy Experts offering support at all times.
Founded in 2003, Utilita is the UK’s leading Smart PAYG energy company today, specialising in innovative technology that puts its customers in better control of their energy usage than ever before.
After installing a free Smart Meter in the customer’s home or garage, each customer is given a small In-Home Display (IHD), which shows in real-time what energy their home is using in pounds and pence. The free ‘MyUtilita’ app also provides energy usage data as well as other features such as ‘instant top-ups’ and ‘power up’ which is a small interest free-loan, which comes in handy when payday is just around the corner.
Utilita has more than quadrupled in size since 2015 from 180,000 to around 800,000 households and businesses across the UK.
Any local community groups interested in using the dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.
