- Name – Joseph Smith
- Political Party – Alba
- Ward – Leith Walk
I was born in Buchanan Street in 1963, raised in my early years with my gran at Lochend Gardens under the shadow of Easter Road, even now I can still recall the spine chingling roars and groans as I kicked a ball in my Hibs top between the two poles.
In the seventies my father ran a small businesses in Great Junction Street, one of which was a toy shop called Smiths Toys. While it was busy at weekends we would be given the odd two bob to play putting in Leith Links and of course on the way there take the opportunity to jump about the anchor in the Kirkgate.
In the eighties I lived with my grandparents at at the Fort until I left school and after a couple of years down south came back home to study Software Engineering at Napier University which ultimately set me on course to a life as an IT consultant until the present day.
I have three beautiful daughters who I do not see often enough and 4 amazing grandkids who I wish I could see more often.
Now as i write this in a flat in sandpiper drive I reflect on my 50+ years and the amazing transformation in Leith which is still ongoing and I see the impact on the businesses and families of Leith and have decided to throw all my life’s experience in helping Leithers addressing challenges they face today.
Child and family poverty, post covid 19 recovery, Brexit, fuel poverty where the poorest pay more than the rich and of course a determination to protect the rights of woman.
As an employer made up of 100% female employees and father to three girls, this issue is top of my agenda.
I ask you to vote for me in the upcoming council elections and put me in place to hold The City of Edinburgh Council to account, to which I promise you I will persevere to deliver a Leith we can all be proud of.
Alba Stands for Scotland.
Independence for Leith.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
