Funding for heritage projects in Granton
The Granton:Hub is holding its AGM on Saturday at Madelvic House from 11am amid an exciting week for Granton with a large heritage funding announcement.
The council has secured external funding of almost £3 million to look after the heritage of Granton Waterfront. The funds will revitalise the buildings in the area so far untouched by recent developments. The monies are sourced from the Heritage and Place Programme – partly funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and partly by Historic Environment Scotland.
This is transformational funding which will celebrate Granton’s heritage.
The projects will include Granton Lighthouse which will be fully refurbished creating a new learning space to be operated by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust, Madelvic House which is B listed and dates from the 1890s. This was the HQ for the UK’s first car factory. Funding will be used to pay for roof and window repairs. At Granton Station there will be upgrades to the disused platforms and a new green space supporting biodiversity.
In Granton Castle Walled Gardennthe boundary walls and doocot both require some TLC. The space is used as a community garden and food education hub.
Alongside spending a great deal of money on a variety of structures in the are a dedicated Community Heritage Officer will run tours and exhibitions, creating opportunities for volunteers.
The work will be complete by 2030 and will include interpretation boards.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m very pleased that this project has been awarded funding to carefully restore the historic buildings of Granton Waterfront as part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the area.
“A key aim of the project is to involve the local community in our plans for these listed buildings and structures as we bring them back to life for people to use and enjoy for generations to come. Historic buildings play an important role in the identity and character of a place, and they are a fundamental part of our collective history and that is why it is so important to make sure that the people of Granton have a role to play in creating and enhancing that identity. This will ensure that a formerly neglected part of the city becomes a desirable place to live with a thriving community at its heart.
“As part of the restoration work we will deliver traditional skills training in partnership with Edinburgh College and local contractors will focus on construction and conservation skills that support career development and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area’s heritage.
“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is guided by a “place first” approach and we’re aiming to reconnect heritage sites and create inclusive, accessible spaces that foster wellbeing, creativity, and social cohesion. The project will also support activities at Granton Castle Walled Garden, enhancing local food production and education, and helping to reduce food poverty.
“This project, along with the recent refurbishment of the gasholder and creation of Gasholder 1 Park, demonstrates our commitment to celebrating the historical legacy of the area.”
Sir Mark Jones, Chair of the Board at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Heritage has always played a vital role in shaping places and communities, and it’s important that it continues to do so. Through our Heritage and Place Programme investment in Granton Waterfront, we’re supporting a place‑based approach that not only conserves historic buildings but reconnects them with the people who live here today. From local landmarks like the Lighthouse and Madelvic House, to community assets like the walled garden and industrial heritage embedded in Granton Station, each helps to tell the story of Granton’s past. By restoring and upgrading them, we’re ensuring they remain at the heart of its future – creating inclusive and accessible spaces for generations to come.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Granton is in the midst of major regeneration which will deliver exciting new opportunities for the area, creating new homes and bringing existing and new communities together. In that context, Granton’s heritage offers strong anchor points for community connections and our investment of £1,248,86, thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure heritage sits at the heart of Granton’s regeneration underpinning its character and values.
“Heritage connects people, cultures and communities to a place. We are investing in Granton as a place that supports community, embraces cohesive and sustainable economic regeneration, and cultural connections with a genuine pride in place.”
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust
There is a lecture on 10 December buy Terry Levinthal and Niall Murphy on the heritage, character and further of Princes Street and Sauchiehall Street.
“Recent context highlights the importance of this discussion, following Andrew Neil recently branding Sauchiehall Street a “national scandal,” with Edinburgh’s council masterplan for Princes Street being rejected last week as lacking vision.
“What does the future for these two great Scottish streets look like?”
10 December at 6 pm, Riddle’s Court.
https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-seaside-city-revisiting-the-history-of-edinburgh-s-coastline
Soundhouse Winter Festival begins
The fesitval began on Thursday night with a one off performance of Graeme Stephen’s score for the classic silent film Metropolis. And the festival continues all weekend with jazz, folk and classical music.
The Chris Amer Sextet, for example, is brimming with well-kent faces – Matt Carmichael on sax, Fergus McCreadie on piano, Gus Stirrat on bass, Stephen Henderson on drums and Mhairi Marwick on fiddle. Niki King is back with a backing band, Rachel Duns and Constant Follower. On Friday there is something new with harpist Dara Dubh at 6.30pm followed by Carla J Easton and Bee Asha.
The programme and tickets are at this link.
Fundraising Christmas Choir Concert at St Mary’s Cathedral
There is a fundraising concert at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral on Picardy Place on 17 December from 7pm to 9pm. There will be two choirs – Voices and Sister Sister. The audience will be offered hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies.
Proceeds will be given to Mary’s Meals providing nutritious meals for children in some of the world’s poorest communities. This means that children are encouraged to go to school where they are fed and also attend classes. The charity believes education is the key to alleviating poverty.
The Scotland-based charity reaches three million children every school day, across 16 countries – including Ethiopia, Haiti and Zimbabwe.
Tickets for the event start at £8 and can be secured by visiting: marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/charity-events
Christmas markets – and more
- The Pitt Christmas Night Market 28 November 4pm to 11pm
- Restoration Yard at Dalkeith Country Park. Opening Night 6pm to 9pm
- The Pitt Christmas Market 29 November 11am to 6pm
- The Pitt Christmas Market 30 November 11am to 6pm
- Midnight Lunar Market @Le Monde 1 December 5pm to midnight
- Eric Liddell Light Switch on 3 December 5pm to 7.30pm
- Magical Market on 3 December at Dovecot at 10 Infirmary Street from 5pm to 8pm. Free Entry
- Holyrood Park House 4 December Pop up 10am to 3pm
- At Art Glass Studio 34 Open Studio Exhibition 5 December from 11am to 5pm
- Cyan Clay Works Open Studios 5 December from 11am to 5pm
- Out of the Blue Drill Hall Dalmeny Street 5 December 5pm to 9pm
- Winter Open Studio at Coburn House from 6pm to 9pm
- LifeCare Christmas Fair 6 December 11am to 3pm
- Portobello Town Hall 7 December 11am to 4pm
- The Pitt Mini Market 14 December noon to 5pm
- Dalkeith Restoration Yard 20 and 21 December 9.30 am to 5pm
- Leith Walk Police Box – check the website
If you are running a Christmas market in the next week or so and we have not included you then send us the details.
