Colony of Artists is on this weekend.
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We would like to highlight that as students across Edinburgh begin a new academic year, it’s important to know how to access the right health support. NHS 24 has launched a helpful campaign with advice on :
Registering with a GP Vaccinations
Mental health support
Finding local NHS services
Find out information on the above at the link below. here: www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/student-health
Please share this with any students who might find this useful.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Good news this week, with more and more opportunities in our area to work in the industry.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.It's important thaThe Scottish Parliamentament we recognise what is going well, emphasise what can be improved, put forward solutions for how to change things, and be constructive about how to do that - including why more powers and independence could help us achieve and deliver more.
Last week I underlined this in my first speech back after the summer recess. I'm in politics to be a force for positive, practical progress. Persevere.
You can watch the full debate, for context, here: www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/scottish-government-debate-priorities-for-scotland-september-2-....
Brilliant Ben. Well done on all your fantastic points. Remember though. Westminster isn’t there to facilitate the will of the Scottish people. Asking permission will not work. But lots for Scots to be proud of - sometimes people need reminding.
A good point to go for in the future...
A good point to go from in the future.
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We wanted to highlight that today is World Suicide Prevention Day.
Suicide is not inevitable and there is help and support available for those who need it.
Research from Samaritans Scotland shows that while 68% of adults in Scotland would appreciate someone reaching out if they were struggling, 38% say they’ve held back from starting a conversation and this is often out of fear of saying the wrong thing.
Over the years, Ben has heard from many constituents about the importance of mental health, and alongside Samaritans Scotland we wanted to stress that moments of human connection can make a life-saving difference.
Advice from Samaritans Scotland tells us that if you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts, and show them you care.
If you’re struggling or in crisis, Samaritans are here to listen. Call free on 116 123 and you can visit their website for more information.
samaritans.org
Every year, on 10 September, organisations around the world get together to raise awareness about suicide prevention.Last week in Parliament, I highlighted that the housing emergency we face today has been decades in the making — rooted in the long-term impacts of Thatcherism. It’s now one of the most urgent challenges facing millennials and younger generations.
That’s why I welcome the major investment announced by the Scottish Government to help tackle this crisis: www.gov.scot/news/housing-emergency-action-plan-published/.
I asked the Housing Secretary to confirm that both public and private spending on housing should be treated as investment in our national infrastructure, and that we need to focus on building homes that are high quality and built to last.
I also pushed for this funding to be directed to the areas under the most pressure - including right here in Edinburgh, where the housing system is under immense strain.
A good move would be to gear planning permissions to prioritise social housing over student accommodation. The planning permissions granted regards the development of the bingo hall in Leith as student accommodation over turning the recommendation for social housing, was a farce. Any listing on that building was for the deco interior, not its exterior, which was effectively a brick box. And yet the plans cleanly show the heart if the building is being ripped out to create a courtyard. The change in status from housing to student accommodation in the approval cited the listing as the reason. What gives?
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Like so many others locally in our community, I am really sad and extremely concerned about this shocking and tragic incident. My thoughts are with everyone impacted, especially John McNab’s family and friends. My deepest condolences to you all at this incredibly difficult time. If I can be of help in any way then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Tragic, Ben
Shocking & so sad. Condolences to his family & friends.
So sad Ben!✅ Our city is falling apart and it's sad to see happen in our local community🏴 I hope your well🙏
Kris from Dundee Sole has started a petition to gain 10k signatures in order for the government to look at a new law regarding knife crime. Here is the link. Please sign and share - petition.parliament.uk/petitions/733336?fbclid=Iwb21leAMpcoZjbGNrAylyfWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeXBfANdPi...
What a world! 😒
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.This evening some Edinburgh SNP members & I chatted with commuters at Waverley about the prices changes from today - many people praising The Scottish Government for scrapping peak rail fares from today & cutting their costs!
SNP Edinburgh North & Leith
SNP Edinburgh Eastern
Leith Walk SNP
Leith SNP
Craigentinny & Duddingston SNP
Election coming 🤣🤣
A record financial settlement from Westminster helped to make this possible!
Well done Team SNP. 😊
Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith Simplification of railway fares-and-ticketing structure. Simplification is not a virtue in and of itself. Simplification is a neutral concept…neither a good thing nor a bad thing. What is pertinent and important is the nature of the simplification. One can simplify travelling costs upwards. One can simplify out the cheaper options. Don't be seduced by the word 'simplification'. The word 'simpler' and the word 'better' are not synonyms. (Something can be better as a result of its being simplified; something can be worse as a result of its being simplified). The word 'simpler' and the word 'cheaper' are not synonyms. (A simplification of something can result in its being made cheaper; a simplification of something can result in its being made more expensive). The Devil is in the detail. Do not automatically conflate simpler with better. Do not automatically conflate simpler with cheaper.
Except the discount to season passes is going away on 28th September, hitting those who use the train regularly harder
The early morning and evening trains are packed with working commuters already without adding to numbers.
You get Nowt for Nowt.SNP hoping for votes next year.
Does this mean there are now enough carriages on trains between Fife and Edinburgh to handle any upsurge in passenger numbers???
Some more good news for Scotland.
Did you also tell them if there is a shortfall with the prices dropped fhe Scottish taxpayers foot the bill.
Baaaaaaa
What about increased drug deaths up 7 percent. You and your bunch an absolute disgrace killing young people. SCOTLAND HAS HIGHEST DRUG DEATHS IN EUROPE AGAIN UNDER SNP.
Costing the taxpayer £40 million
It was the SNP who reinstated peak fares last year saying their research showed they were an uneconomical, expensive failure that only helped the well off. What changed ? Buying votes again.
My team & I work consistently to support local businesses, including over this #ScotlandLovesLocal week. For a few months now I’ve been working in particular to try to support our superb hospitality businesses at The Shore, by raising concerns with the ‘Leith Connections’ project with the Council & making suggestions for improvements (you can read more on the Roseleaf bar cafe page about the unfair situation they & others have had to deal with). The Edinburgh Reporter has also covered the issue recently: theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/08/end-this-war-on-leith-traders-and-support-once-vibrant-shore/.
A few days ago I also got the The Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead MSP to visit. He had good chats with Mimi's Bakehouse & Domenicos, on behalf of the Shore Business Collective. Actions will be followed up. We also need the UK Government to consider a VAT reduction for hospitality, especially after their crippling NI rises.
I’ll keep working to support our local businesses & urging more support for hospitality from all spheres of government. #ChooseLocal #PeopleMakePlaces #Persevere
Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council
Leith SNP
Scotland's Towns: lovelocal.scot/its-scotland-loves-local-week-heres-how-you-can-get-involved/
If you support business how are any businesses on Great Junction Street getting deliveries now, without serious inconvenience to delivery drivers. How does anyone move out of their flat anymore. Do any of you do joined up thinking
Maybe make leith more accessible and stop closing roads as junction street is always congested as is duke street and open up coburg street
Well done Ben and team
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.How about SNP focus on road networks and reducing heavy congestion and make investments in our economy ? Eg Sheriffhall roundabout/bypass - this impacts 10,000’s of people daily.
📢Message from the office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
We wanted to highlight that there’s a Local Place Plan being developed for Leith, and it’s all about shaping the future of our neighbourhood together. Whether you live, work, or study here, this is your chance to speak up about a range of issues including housing, transport and the environment.
The plan is being put together by the three Leith Community Councils, with support from Eala. They’ve already run a first survey to gather views, and now they’re preparing a draft plan based on what people said. In September, they’ll be asking the community to review it and say whether it reflects your voice.
There’ll be in-person events around Leith, and the draft plan will be available online. It’s your chance to help shape Leith’s future in a way that works for everyone.
You can read more about the Local Place Plan and read more about the timeline for the plan, and how to get involved at link below:
www.ealaimpacts.co.uk
Leith Local Place Plan Eala is working with the three Leith Community Councils (Leith Harbour & Newhaven, Leith Links, and Leith Central) to produce a Local Place Plan for Leith. Find out more about L...You can read more about the work and ethos of Eala here: www.ealaimpacts.co.uk/
You can read more about what Local Place Plans are here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/local-development-plan-guidance-1/local-place-plans
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.TalkTime Scotland are a Leith based charity and have this show next week to celebrate 10 years of their impactful work.It’s D-7… and the line-up is seriously funny! 🎭
We’re just one week away from the TalkTime Comedy Gala at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, celebrating 10 years of TalkTime Scotland with a night of proper laughs for a great cause.
Starring:
⭐ Aaron Simmonds ,
⭐ Jasmine Thien
⭐ Steve Day
⭐ Liam Withnail
All in support of TalkTime Scotland, a charity offering free, confidential counselling for young people (12–25) with physical disabilities across Scotland. 💙
📅: 13th August 2025
⏰: 19:00
📍: Pleasance Theatre Pleasance Dome
🎟️: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/talktime-scotland-10th-anniversary-comedy-gala
Tickets are selling fast, grab yours now and bring your pals, your family, or anyone who loves a good laugh!💙💫
#TalkTimeScotland #ComedyGala #EdFringe2025 #AaronSimmonds #JasmineThien #SteveDay #LiamWithnail #EdinburghFringe #Fringe2025
Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.📢Message from the office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
Huge congratulations to everyone in Edinburgh Northern and Leith receiving their exam results today! You can be incredibly proud of all the effort you’ve put in.
With pass rates having increased this year, it’s clear that our young people have worked incredibly hard. But remember that whatever your results are, there is no wrong path.
If you’re thinking about what comes next, the Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline is here to help. Call them on 0808 100 8000 for expert advice and guidance. The helpline is open to parents are carers too.
Best of luck for the exciting opportunities ahead.
Results Help | My World of Work
www.myworldofwork.co.uk
Get help from our friendly careers advisers after you receive your results this year. No matter what your results are, we're here to support you, all year round
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.A significant development nationally and locally - this is good news for jobs in Leith and the creation of many employment opportunities for our younger people in the years ahead.
I will continue to engage and collaborate with Forth Ports, SSE, Vestas and others to maximise benefits for our communities.
www.gov.scot/news/growing-offshore-wind-2/
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74dxm1jzp8o
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Why are we still paying a fortune for electricity when we produce so much of it?
Perhaps theres still time to insist on the new vertical design of turbine to minimise the risks to migrating seabirds with important colonies in the Forth.
But of course its not going to is it John ? The electricity generated is not going to lower bills in Scotland, its not going to local communities or homes, its being exported. You designed Scotwind to benefit the oil and gas and electricity corporates, added no meaningful national supply chain requirements and supported tax avoiding and profit extracting free ports to build the infrastructure. You gave away the licenses for so little that the money is already spent. You ignored the express wish of your members to build a national energy company or even attempted to arrange part ownership of these massive fields.
Venture Scotland are a remarkable local organisation and I’m pleased to support and represent them.💛 Good to chat with David, Brody and Martyn about their impactful work and what more we can collaborate on.🙏🏻 #youthworkworksYesterday, David and two of our Ambassadors, Martyn and Brody, had a wonderful and productive meeting with Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith 🌟
After talking through the current challenges facing many third sector organisations, Martyn and Brody spoke powerfully about their own journeys and the difference Venture Scotland has made to them.
We’re incredibly grateful to Ben for taking the time to meet with us, for his ongoing encouragement, and for the support he’s shown us over the years – including giving us a shout-out in the Scottish Parliament!
Having people like Ben in our corner and helping us raise awareness of the challenges young people face and the importance of programmes like ours is invaluable. Thanks for popping in, Ben! 🌟
📢 Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
We wanted to highlight that the Scottish Government is currently asking for views on how to improve the Community Right to Buy. This is the legal rights that help local groups take ownership of land and buildings in their area.
A great local example of this in action is The Heart of Newhaven. Back in 2021, the community successfully took over the old Victoria Primary School site through an asset transfer. Since then, they’ve turned it into a brilliant intergenerational hub, offering activities and services that bring people together and support wellbeing.
If you’ve got thoughts on how the Community Right to Buy could work better, this is a great chance to have your say.
You can add your views to the consultation at the link below:
Community right to buy: review - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space
consult.gov.scot
Find and participate in consultations run by The Scottish Government
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.📢Office Of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We would like to highlight that he Scottish Government is currently seeking views on its Draft Environment Strategy. This new draft plan aims to tackle nature loss, climate change, and pollution, and you can have the chance to have your say.
The Environment Strategy outlines how we can boost community wellbeing, strengthen the economy, and promote social justice by:
⚫Transitioning to a circular economy through reuse and repurposing of materials
⚫Expanding renewable energy and supporting industrial decarbonisation and potentially creating up to 80,000 green jobs by 2050
⚫Investing in nature restoration projects that also improve mental and physical wellbeing by increasing access to green spaces.
The consultation closes on September 2025, and you can respond at the link below, and have your say on creating a greener and fairer Scotland for everyone:
Draft Environment Strategy: consultation
www.gov.scot
This consultation seeks your views on the draft Environment Strategy. The draft Strategy sets out a holistic framework for delivering Scotland’s role in tackling the global crises of nature loss, cl...In recent months I’ve been working to support AMMF, after one of my constituents raised the issue and campaign with me. I am proud to now be collaborating with #AMMF and the charity’s call to #RethinkLiverCancer for a #FairerDealFaster for people with #cholangiocarcinoma in Scotland - a liver cancer that’s currently too often misdiagnosed and managed too late in our health service, with one of the worst survival rates of any cancer. I’m grateful about how much The Scottish Government’s Public Health Minister has engaged with the points raised with them so far, and am hopeful that some positive changes can be made sooner rather than later. You can learn more by watching this STV News report too: news.stv.tv/north/doctors-thought-i-had-gallstones-it-turned-out-to-be-a-rare-liver-cancer.
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
We would like to highlight that the City of Edinburgh Council has launched a public consultation on proposed Firework Control Zones (FCZs) for Autumn 2025.
Many constituents have raised concerns about the impact of fireworks locally with Ben over the years. This consultation is your opportunity to have your say on where FCZs could be introduced.
Earlier this year, communities were invited to apply for their area to become a FCZ. Now, you can give feedback on nine proposed zones in:
• Niddrie
• Sighthill/Broomhouse
• Gracemount
• Moredun
• Calton Hill
• Seafield (within Edinburgh Northern and Leith Constituency)
• Balerno
• Corstorphine
• Longstone
Your responses will help shape future plans and will be reported to the Culture and Communities Committee in August.
The consultation is open until Tuesday 29 July, and you can have your say at the link below:
Fireworks Control Zones 2025 - City of Edinburgh Council - Citizen Space
consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk
Find and participate in consultations run by City of Edinburgh Councilwww.leithwalkpolicebox.com/events/have-your-say-leith-local-place-plan-2024
Have your say Leith local place plan 2024 — LWPBox
www.leithwalkpolicebox.com
We are working with the Leith community councils (Leith Harbour & Newhaven, Leith Links, and Leith Central) to make a Local Place Plan for Leith. This is important because the Local Place Plan will fe...Please share your views by contributing to this consultation from The City of Edinburgh Council, which closes on 23 July: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/14253/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-affordable-housing-in-edin....
Have your say on the future of affordable housing in Edinburgh
www.edinburgh.gov.uk
The City of Edinburgh Council is inviting residents and stakeholders to take part in a consultation on the city’s Affordable Housing Policy (AHP).🚒 It was good to visit Marionville Fire Station and speak again with local officers and the Fire Brigades Union Scotland. It’s clear that having a station in this area is important, for a quick response in emergencies and because the local population in North East Edinburgh (and across the Lothians) is growing. If you agree, please fill in this formal Scottish Fire and Rescue Service consultation and oppose potential proposals to close Marionville (this consultation is important for trying to influence the decisions of the SFRS, and much more beneficial than petitions which aren’t official and can therefore be dismissed): www.firescotland.gov.uk/service-delivery-review/. Please feed in your thoughts, if you share my concerns about potential closure.🚨
The team responded to a fire in Leith when I was there.
I tried to use the link but each time it returned as not found?
Shared
You’re a hottie so I’m Glad they never extinguished you Ben. 😜
Students are of course very welcome in our area and capital city, but, like many of my constituents, year after year I get more and more concerned about how much of our local urban land is getting used up for Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development. We have more than enough already and they often aren't good for students either! I support Cllr Danny Aston SNP's initiative to try to get The City of Edinburgh Council to stop planning approvals for more PBSA proposed developments and took the opportunity in recent weeks to raise my concerns with The Scottish Government in The Scottish Parliament too.
Leith Central Community Council
Leith Links Community Council
Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council
Living Rent
It is my understanding that as long as the planning rules are adhered to, including things like number of similar student accommodation blocks in a given area, the city council can not reject the proposals. If the city council rejected a developer proposal on some vague "we think there are too many already" then I think they could be taken to court and they would lose. Perhaps, therefore, we need to strengthen the hand of council planning committees by introducing tighter rules against these developments which the council can use to reject them.
Some sense at last 👏
Additional funding from The Scottish Government announced to help reduce NHS Lothian waiting times.
£22 million to tackle waiting times in NHS Lothian
www.gov.scot
Additional funding to build on progress in clearing longest waits.The cost of housing is of course a major issue in our area. The Scottish Government is going to introduce rent controls (which I support) if The Scottish Parliament passes its Housing Bill later this year. At the moment there is a consultation on possible exemptions from rent controls - please respond if you have views on this as it closes on 18 July: consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/housing-scotland-bill/.
Iona Mortimer What we were chatting about earlier 🙂