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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.First Minister John Swinney MSP was at Leith Primary School this morning: The Scottish Government will deliver funding for a breakfast club in every Scottish primary and special school by August 2027 if the Scottish National Party (SNP) is re-elected.
SNP Edinburgh North Eastern & 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.For the lower bands, helping all workers.
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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 a group that Ben and the team have been engaging with in recent weeks and months, as part of our ongoing work to support constituents in Edinburgh Northern and Leith.
The PMDD Power is Edinburgh’s first support group for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), with meetings taking place at Leith Community Centre.
The group provides a supportive space for those who self‑identify with, or have been diagnosed with, PMDD. It is peer‑led and offers an informal environment aimed at fostering understanding, connection, and support for people living with PMDD.
The group is also seeking local collaboration to help strengthen the support available to attendees.
If you would like to find out more about The PMDD Power, please see the below link to their Instagram page:
ThePMDDPower (@thepmddpower) • Instagram photos and videos
www.instagram.com
872 Followers, 1,103 Following, 54 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from ThePMDDPower (@thepmddpower)
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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.Here come the politicians to tax the workers some more
As we produce more and more energy ⚡️ we need more power 🏴 vote SNP on 7 May 2026, for Scotland 🗳️
Promoted by Calum Carswell on behalf of Ben Macpherson, both at Scottish National Party (SNP), Gordon Lamb House, 3 Jackson’s Entry, Edinburgh, EH8 8PJ ✉️
#Leith
SNP Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith
Craigentinny & Duddingston SNP
Leith Walk SNP
Leith SNP
Social Security Scotland heating benefits are more generous than elsewhere in the UK: www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/information-on-benefits.
Ben is very nice person and good leader I like u
Who's we🤔.You produce the grand sum of hee haw.
Yes Ben
Is funny. I remember last election when Labour won. My workmate assured me labour was the right path. Now regrets his vote and despised what they have done to our country. Even though I don't think SNP will win or think we will not get independence. Id love to see it just to see all the braveheart fanboys eat their words. SNP and independence is death of scotland
Uh huh.
VOTE REFORM
Still waiting on the non for profit energy company the SNP promised.
SNP has won lots of elections promising independence to make change and have never delivered on that promise. What’s different this time ???
Snp1 alba 2
How about fixing the very dangerous paving on Leith Walk
Independence is normal 🏴
🏴🏴🏴
👏👏👏👏 👋
May elections are for holyrood membership not a referendum so no new powers will be involved Please stop using the indy card and tell us how Holyrood can be improved
We produce more energy than we use when the wind blows
Why you dancing?
I suggest you look at the facts. Under the SNP foreign owned renewable companies have put down windfarms wherever they wanted regardless of the ability of the grid to utilise much of the power they produce. They do not offer cheaper power to local communities because the SNP failed to grasp the opportunity to make them via the planning process. Instead they offer derisory 'community benefits' and grab huge profits, even when not putting energy into the grid (google constraint payments). Unfortunately the SNP government, which contains no person with substantial business experience, is constantly run rings around by less than trustworthy big business.
we don't own the power companies now, take them back, nationalise them. Didn't the SNP sell off the rights to wind turbines in our sea.
Sorry but wouldn’t trust snp with the dog I don’t have
Jog on ya 🤡
Are you going to sieze the privately owned windfarms?
💩 💩 💩
Most of the UK and Scottish political parties pander to the followers of Islam and neglect the needs of non-Muslims.
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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📢
With the current spell of cold weather, we want to remind everyone about the Warm and Welcoming Spaces available locally. These include council buildings as well as partner and community venues where you can drop in, join activities, or simply feel at ease in a safe, warm environment.
Some of these locations also offer guidance on alleviating food and fuel poverty.
You can find more details, including an interactive map to help you locate your nearest Warm Space, at the link below. Please also share this information with anyone who may not have access to the internet.
www.edinburgh.gov.uk
The City of Edinburgh Council. Putting our customers first and looking after Edinburgh.📢Message from the office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
New figures published today show that long waits in Scotland’s NHS - for inpatients and outpatients - have fallen for the sixth month in a row. The figures also show significant year-on-year increase in activity.
You can find out more at the link below:
Figures been manipulated again by Neil gray
That's strange....because in recent months in your own NHS Lothian area, cataracts have gone from 90 weeks at the end of October to 106 weeks and down to 104.
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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.For Scottish government civil servants and who else?
What a complete waste of time. Most people won't get it.
A heartfelt message from the FM.🙏🏻
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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.Season's greetings to all constituents, local groups and stakeholders. Have a good festive break if you're getting one and thank you to all those working over the next weeks in our public, emergency and transport services.
Please note that my constituency office will only be running in a limited capacity over the festive break from Saturday 20 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Emails will be checked periodically throughout the festive period. All non-urgent enquiries will be responded to from Monday 5 January 2026. If you require immediate assistance over the holiday period, then it is advised that you call the appropriate number below.
Emergency Contacts:
• Emergency: 999
• Police Scotland (non-emergency): 101
• National non-emergency medical number/NHS24: 111
• If you feel that your circumstances are overwhelming and you are in need of emotional support, you can contact Samaritans for free in confidence any time from any phone on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Samaritans’ service is provided by volunteers – they can’t take action or fix issues on your behalf, but they are there round the clock to listen to anyone dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings.
City of Edinburgh Council:
• Social Care Direct: 0131 200 2324
• Social Care Emergency, Out-of-hours: 0800 731 6969
• Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Payment: 0131 529 5299
• Council Home Repairs Direct: 0131 200 2345
• Waste & Environmental Services: 0131 608 1100
• Council Tax & Benefits: 0131 608 1111
• Edinburgh Advice Shop, Welfare & Debt Advice: 0131 200 2360
• All other council emergencies, including emergency repairs: 0131 200 2000
Other Useful Numbers:
• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
• Scottish Women's Aid, Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0845 027 1234 or helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
• SEPA Flood Line: 0345 988 1188
• National Electricity Emergency Helpline: 0800 40 40 90
• National Gas Emergency Helpline: 0800 111 999
• Electricity Powercut Emergency Helpline: 105
• Scottish Water: 0800 0778 778
• Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 9177 650
• Citizens Advice Edinburgh: 0131 510 5510
• Scottish Power Energy Networks Emergency Customer Contact Number: 0800 092 9290
• Urgent Mental Health Assessment: 0131 537 6000
• Edinburgh Crisis Centre: phone - 0808 801 0414, text - 07974 429 075, email - crisis@edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk
• Social Security Scotland: 0800 182 2222
Best regards,
Ben
Message from the office of Ben Macpherson MSP:
We’re sharing this important information from Victim Support Scotland:
Crime doesn’t stop over the holidays, and neither does Victim Support Scotland.
Their services will remain open throughout Christmas and New Year to support anyone affected by crime.
For more information or to access support call 0800 160 1985 or visit the link below:
victimsupport.scot/
Get support as a victim of crime | Victim Support Scotland
victimsupport.scot
Victim Support Scotland provides support and information to people affected by crime and campaign for victim and witness rights.It was moving to be with our Jewish community this evening to proudly mark the first day of Hanukkah, and to gather in solidarity at this difficult time. Locally and internationally, we must be wary of, and resolutely against, rising antisemitism and discrimination.
Well said Ben.
Bet you supported flying the terrorist Palestinian flag over our parliament that just fuels hatred and more antisemitism
Hypocrite
📢Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
As we move into the winter months, it’s important that we all take proactive steps to keep ourselves, families, and our communities safe and prepared. The Ready Scotland website offers practical advice on:
• Preparing your home, family, and business for winter disruption
• Staying safe during emergencies
• Supporting others in your community when severe weather occurs
Please take a moment to check the guidance using the link below and share it with friends and neighbours:
Advice for emergencies in Scotland
ready.scot
Advice on preparing for and dealing with emergencies in Scotland.Today marks the final day of the #16DaysofActivism campaign, and I want to highlight the important work of White Ribbon Scotland.
White Ribbon focus on men’s role in tackling violence against women and girls, and I have worked with the organisation since being elected in 2016.
On this last day of the campaign, I encourage everyone, especially men, to take the White Ribbon pledge "Never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women".
Learn more about White Ribbon's work and take the pledge here:
www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk
Beyond these 16 Days of Activism, I will continue to do what I can to tackle and prevent gender-based violence, particularly in our local area, and try to make a positive and pro-active difference.
www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk
We provide training and information workshops to engage men in our work and give them the skills to stand up to violence against women. We also provide training for organisations, local community grou...
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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📢
Today's #16DaysofActivism spotlight is the important work of Aberlour Children’s Charity and the role they play in supporting children and families. Aberlour provides practical help and emotional support to keep children safe and give families stability during difficult times.
They provide a range of services across Scotland, including emergency assistance through their Urgent Assistance Fund, which provides grants for essentials like food, heating, and clothing to families in crisis.
You can find out more about the fund at the link below:
www.aberlour.org.uk/get-help/urgent-assistance-fund?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&a…
Aberlour | Urgent Assistance Fund (AUAF)
www.aberlour.org.uk
Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund can provide immediate relief to families with children who are suffering extreme hardship.Thanks for sharing Ben! 💙💚💛
📢Message from the office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
The number of planned and performed operations in Scotland has reached its highest level since January 2020, according to new figures published this week.
In the 12 months to October 2025:
• 297,014 operations were planned – up 4.5% from the previous year
• 271,328 operations were performed – up 4.6%
These are the highest levels since before the pandemic, showing the positive progress of the Scottish Government’s plan to rebuild NHS capacity and reduce waiting times.
Find out more at the link below:
www.gov.scot/news/operations-at-highest-level-since-pandemic/
gov.scot
The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, environment, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy ...What are you doing to get the people with no homes off our streets.
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We wanted to highlight that more than 96,000 carers across Scotland will receive the Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment, with money being paid into accounts from today (Thursday 4th December).
This extra payment of £293.50, made twice a year, is available to people in Scotland who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
Introduced in 2018 by the SNP Scottish Government, the supplement recognises the important contribution carers make to families and communities across Scotland.
December payment for thousands of Scots carers
www.gov.scot
Financial boost for carers ahead of the festive season.
what happened to repurposing them as allotments??
Ben, this looks lovely. How are we going to deter vandalism? The poor old bowling green clubhouse has really come a cropper recently.
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
As part of this years #16DaysOfActivism we wanted to highlight Police Scotland's "Don't Be That Guy" campaign that is targeted at men, and stresses the importance of speaking out about gender-based violence when they see friends display it. You can watch the full video at the link below.
Today is #WorldAIDSDay.
I’m proud to join Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland in remembering those we’ve lost, supporting people living with HIV, and standing against stigma.
HIV is preventable and treatable - everyone deserves access to testing, treatment, and care without fear or discrimination.
You can find out more about the work of the Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland and Waverley Care at the links below.
Thank you Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith for taking time to recognise and commemorate World AIDS Day As a person living with HIV might I add a few words to your call to encourage folks to find out more. HIV AIDS shook our ground, broke our hearts and took many we loved, yet we stood our ground too. We strengthened our hearts and gave unconditional love to even more people. On the first of December I remember the names of those I knew who did not make it, a long painful list, and I also think of the many others whose names I never knew. I remember the voices as well, the humour we held on to even in the darkest times. And I remember a friend some of you will remember too, who would greet people today with a cheerful and cheeky Happy HIV Day. We lived full lives with our HIV, with a Love me, love my HIV attitude. It may sound flippant to some, but for us it was how we survived, how we kept joy alive, through love, humour and laughter. So remember the loss and the sadness, but do not forget the fun times. There were days that were an absolute blast. Here is a truth I have learned. There is a lot of talk about fighting HIV or being in a battle with it, but for me making peace with it has worked far better. Embracing it as part of my life brought calm and helped me live without the stress of constant conflict. Many never lived long enough to reach that peace. I know I am fortunate. One day I may say goodbye to my HIV, but not before thanking it for making me a better person, more caring, more considerate and more appreciative of every single moment. For now my HIV and I share my body peacefully and life goes on. And I thank my husband, the doctors, the nurses and the friends who helped me find that peace. Love you all. Please support Ben in his call to learn more and to support these outstanding charities.
Our community appreciates your support on such a special time to reflect.
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
Today’s #16DaysOfActivism spotlight is Shakti Women's Aid - an incredible organisation within the Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency.
Shakti Women’s Aid provides vital support to Black and Minority Ethnic women, children, and young people in Edinburgh and across Scotland who are experiencing domestic abuse. They offer a range of services for women in Edinburgh and beyond, from safe temporary accommodation, advice on rights and options, and help with issues such as forced marriage, immigration, and ‘honour-based’ abuse.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 0131 475 2399 or visit
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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.Great news.
Is there any connection between housing shortages and profligate immigration policies? I'd hate to think so.
We know community-based youth work changes lives.
That’s why Youth Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government CLD Unit, is distributing the Grassroots Youth Work Fund. With this money, groups will have the opportunity to increase capacity, develop new programmes and provide vital support to young people facing disadvantages.
Find out more: bit.ly/YS-YWFgr
The annual global #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence campaign begins today.
This international initiative highlights the urgent need to tackle and prevent violence against women and girls. While we must work to end gender-based violence all year round, these 16 days provide an important opportunity to reflect, refocus, and strengthen the steps we take as a society.
In 2023, I created 16 actions MSPs can take to help prevent gender-based violence, and I’m proud to have completed all of them again this year. committed to these in my role as your constituency MSP this year also.
Over the coming days, my team and I will also be running a social media campaign spotlighting local organisations and initiatives making a real difference to women’s lives here in Edinburgh Northern and Leith, along with some helpful advice and research.
www.unwomenuk.org/16-days-activism/#:~:text=Every%20year%2C%20from%2025%20November,rights%20viola....
16 Days of Activism - UN Women UK
www.unwomenuk.org
It happens everywhere — in homes, schools, workplaces, and online. It affects every community. And here in the UK, it’s been declared a national emergency.📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢
We wanted to highlight that The British Gas Trust has extra support for energy costs and essentials this winter.
The British Gas Energy Trust—an independent charity funded by British and Scottish Gas—has announced an additional £500,000 in funding to support people across Scotland facing financial hardship this winter.
This funding includes:
⚫£250,000 for a new White Goods Scheme providing essential appliances like fridges, cookers, and washing machines
⚫£150,000 for emergency energy vouchers and financial assistance
⚫£100,000 to boost money and energy advice services through the Supporting Communities at Risk Programme (SCARP)
If you or someone you know is struggling with energy bills or in need of essential household items, help is available. Learn more and find support through the British Gas Energy Trust’s partner organisations or via referral from Scottish Gas.
You can read more about the support available here:
Independent fuel debt advice – British Gas Energy Trust
britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
Struggling with the rising price of energy? The British Gas Energy Trust can help with fuel and money advice no matter who your supplier is.My latest community update is currently being hand delivered to constituents in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. The update tells you about some of the issues my team and I have been working hard at on your behalf. It can also be viewed on my website using the following link: benmacpherson.scot/reports/
I will continue to focus on the issues that matter most to people living in our part of the city. If there’s anything you would like to raise or discuss with me, please get in touch. I’m always #HeretoHelp
Craigentinny & Duddingston SNP
Forth SNP
Leith Walk SNP
Edinburgh SNP
SNP Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith
Can I ask why you voted against a inquiry into the grooming gangs please
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We would like to announce that Ben Macpherson MSP’s Christmas/Holiday Card Competition 2025 is now open!
We’re excited to invite all primary schools in the Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency to take part in this year’s festive card competition.
🖍️ Theme: Helping Others
📅 Closing Date: Friday 12 December
Ben and the team are looking forward to seeing the creativity and kindness reflected in the designs. Please see below flyer for further detail.
Leith Primary Parent Council
Leith Walk Primary School Parent Council
Lorne Primary School
St Mary's Leith Parent Council
Trinity Primary PSA
📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:
We wanted to highlight that the Scottish Government have launched a "Draft Circular Economy Strategy: Consultation".
Proposals aimed at boosting job creation and economic growth, while reducing waste, have been published for public consultation.
The draft Circular Economy Strategy outlines plans to keep materials and goods in use for as long as possible by increasing reuse, repair, and recycling rates across key sectors. Highlights include:
• 🧱 Reusing construction materials
• 👕 Supporting sustainable alternatives to fast fashion
• 🔋 Repurposing and recycling EV batteries
• 🍽️ Exploring ways to reduce food waste
Sector-specific roadmaps will be developed for the built environment, net zero energy infrastructure, textiles, and food. Actions for the transport sector will be addressed in the upcoming draft Climate Change Plan.
🗓️ The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 13 January 2026. The final strategy is planned for publication later in 2026 and will include a monitoring and indicator framework to help shape future targets from 2027 onward.
📢 Constituents are encouraged to review the proposals and share their views during the consultation period and do so at the below link:
Draft circular economy strategy: consultation
www.gov.scot
Scottish Government consultation for the Draft Circular Economy Strategy.
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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.Great to launch Careers Week in our area this morning - there are so many emerging local opportunities for our young people. #NoWrongPath
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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📢
To gather people’s views, ‘Planning Edinburgh’ have launched a questionnaire asking people ‘what they think about where they live’.
The questionnaire covers the important things that make a good place such as homes, local shops and services, healthcare, public transport, open space, play facilities, community space and jobs
If you live in Edinburgh, you can find out more and fill in the questionnaire at the link below.
There is also a series of drop-in events taking place, including one on Friday 21 November at North Edinburgh Arts Centre (Theatre Suite) from 16:00-19:00.
consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/place/
Over recent years, as the constituency MSP, I’ve been constructively working with The City of Edinburgh Council and others to make the case to The Scottish Government about the potential of Granton - and it’s great to now see significant investment being committed! It’s really uplifting and exciting to see development of this strategic site moving forward purposefully, for our city and country - and, most importantly, the building of more affordable homes for our growing capital and local people.
Announced today: funding of up to £42 million from the Scottish Government will support the construction of the country’s biggest low carbon housing development on former industrial land at Granton in Edinburgh. Work is expected to start early next year on the site which will feature 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, and a new primary school and space for 14 businesses.
Read more: www.gov.scot/news/transforming-granton-waterfront/.
Kate Forbes MSP
Màiri McAllan MSP for Clydesdale
Forth SNP
It has been years since I last saw a gas holder shame that they are not in use anymore because any gas from the North Sea could have been stored better than importing gas
Thats great but any new GP surgeries to accommodate all the additional people?
I live in West Granton and looking forward to seeing how it all progresses. Gasholder 1 was a great start ☺️
That money is not from the Scottish gov, it is taxpayers money.
Local chemists loaded to the gills and local doctors too, need the infrastructure in place first, can't get a local dentist either, I don't know about schools but I would imagine they are desperately needed too,
Medical facilities and either a corner shops or a full supermarket are urgently needed. ‘Businesses’ seems v vague. The surgery for Chestnut st is still a wasteland. Please push for these from the developers. Ta
More electoral spin. Predictable.
Selfie Swinney
Here’s the first one
I’ve contacted Ben about issues as a constituent many times. He’s never did anything to help. Most of the time there’s not even any reply. Never seen him at his constituency office. Then there’s an election next year and he’s suddenly posing for photos near local landmarks.
The place needs more than a few houses a school and 14 businesses. What about the places that allow life and culture to happen. FFS Edinburg you learn nothing from what you have. NOTHING about the phenomenology of space.
lol net zero homes . What a lot of utter shite .
When will you start housing local hard working people who pay into the system over illegal criminal immigrants and benefit scroungers though
So Why Is Dim Dum Full Off John Banana Man Swinney The Swindler Going To Court Again So That Men Can Stay In Women's Jails Again Then 🥺🥺
Shame it’s taken all this time. Now NO Visionary projects just the usual dull developer led junk.
What a shame that homophobe Kate Forbes MSP has any connection with this at all.