Leith Chooses takes place on Saturday – the public voting event when all locals can vote for their favourite project from a long list of 30 to receive funding – and is held at the Leith Community Centre.
There is, however, a last minute change as the lift at Newkirkgate Shopping Centre is out of order. Anyone who needs step-free access for the public voting can do so in the Utilita Energy Hub, or be assisted to use the ramp in the Lidl car park.
Volunteers in branded t‑shirts will be stationed throughout the area to support anyone who requires assistance.
This will allow voters to 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 (where complimentary hot drinks, biscuits, and free energy‑saving advice is also available).
This year, the people of Leith will help decide how around £44,000 of Edinburgh Council funding is allocated to community projects which are aimed at improving wellbeing in 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.
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.
Online voting also available
Those unable to attend in person can vote online from 27 January to 10 February at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/voteleithchooses.
Voters attending in person are also welcome to cast their vote online.
Support on the day
Anyone needing additional assistance during the event can contact the team on 07718 569916.
About the Utilita Energy Hub
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub, located at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA, is open Monday to Saturday. The Hub offers free community space that can be booked by emailing [email protected]
