Ben Macpherson MSP

Constituency MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith

I am the MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) for Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency.

If you have any queries or want assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email address is: ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.

- Ben

Latest updates

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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
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Seasons greetings to all constituents, local groups and stakeholders. Have a good festive break if youre 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 Womens 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

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. ... See MoreSee Less

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.

Comment on Facebook

Well said Ben.

Bet you supported flying the terrorist Palestinian flag over our parliament that just fuels hatred and more antisemitism

Hypocrite

Comment on Facebook

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.
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Comment on Facebook

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.
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Comment on Facebook

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.

Comment on Facebook

Any chance of some free gig tickets .

Thank you 🙏 🙏🙏❤️

Comment on Facebook

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
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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
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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: https://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 & LeithImage attachment

Comment on Facebook

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
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📢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 Marys Leith Parent Council 
Trinity Primary PSA

📢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/
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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
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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: https://www.gov.scot/news/transforming-granton-waterfront/.

Kate Forbes MSP
Màiri McAllan MSP for Clydesdale
Forth SNPImage attachment

Comment on Facebook

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.

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✨ Christmas lights for Leith 🎄

Last month, working with local businesses, my team and I helped make the case to The City of Edinburgh Council for festive decorations this year to be put up in Leith - I’m pleased that we have received a positive response!

Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council
Leith Central Community Council
Leith Links Community Council
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✨ Christmas lights for Leith 🎄

Last month, working with local businesses, my team and I helped make the case to The City of Edinburgh Council for festive decorations this year to be put up in Leith - I’m pleased that we have received a positive response!

Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council
Leith Central Community Council
Leith Links Community CouncilImage attachment

Comment on Facebook

Leith is one of the most vibrant parts of our city — full of superb shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and a great community spirit. But many residents and local businesses have told me they’d love to see more festive cheer to brighten up the darker months. After raising this with the Council Leader, I’m delighted that the Council has agreed to work local partners to bring more sparkle back to Leith this winter. There’s some more work to do but I’m pleased and grateful that the Council is taking this positive approach.

The tree needs brought back to the foot of the walk Ben . It has no impact in Taylor Gdns 😢

Sorry Ben but the council letter is another poor excuse for NOT returning a Christmas tree to the foot of the walk. I was there today when two large vans were parked outside Boots with someone moving into a home. Now if they can do that successfully without the tram network coming to a standstill then you can get a tree back at the Kirkgate. Where there's a will there's a way. Unfortunately council officers lack both. A tree at the Kirkgate is for all Leithers poor and rich. If they stick one down the shore it would smack of gentrification.

Mabey you could fund it with the money saved from your free oasis tickets

📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP:📢

We wanted to remind constituents to remain vigilant this winter and be aware of scams relating to winter heating payments.

Social Security Scotland is helping thousands of families heat their homes this winter with automatic payments like:

• Winter Heating Payment
• Child Winter Heating Payment
• Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

Most people don’t need to apply and payments are made automatically to those eligible.

But scammers are targeting people with fake texts and emails pretending to be from Social Security or other government departments. These messages claim you're missing out on money and ask you to click a link or share personal details.

Things to Look Out For:

Social Security Scotland will NEVER ask for personal or financial info by text or email.
• Be suspicious of messages asking for passwords, bank details, or urgent action.
• Don’t click links in suspicious messages or download unknown files.
• Always check contact details on official websites like mygov.scot.
• Use the ‘Contact Us’ section to get help or call the helpline directly.

If you think you’ve been scammed: Contact your bank immediately
Report it to Police Scotland by calling 101.

Deadline to apply (if needed): 31 March 2026
Some people may still need to apply—like those who’ve deferred their state pension or have joint benefit awards. You can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 to find out more.
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Comment on Facebook

Yea better watch out for energy company's giving you £1200 quid oasis tickets for nothing . But then at least you'll have that for your heating bill this winter .

📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢:

As we head into Fireworks Season, we’d like to share relevant information on the sale and use of fireworks, as well as advice from Dogs Trust to help keep pets safe and settled.

📍 Firework Control Zones
Following a consultation and vote by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Seafield area (within Edinburgh Northern and Leith) will be part of this year’s Firework Control Zones. This means a complete ban on fireworks in that area from 31 October - 9 November.

🛑 Retailers Responding to Concerns
We’re also aware that Asda, Tesco, and Lidl have confirmed they will not sell fireworks in Edinburgh this year, following concerns raised after last year’s events.

🐶 Dogs Trust Guidance
Dogs Trust state that nearly half of the UK’s pet dogs are fearful of fireworks. These fears can lead to serious health and behavioural issues at any stage of life. We've included a helpful infographic below.

You can read more about advice from Dogs Trust and on the Fireworks Control Zones in the links below.
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📢Office of Ben Macpherson MSP📢: 

As we head into Fireworks Season, we’d like to share relevant information on the sale and use of fireworks, as well as advice from Dogs Trust to help keep pets safe and settled.

📍 Firework Control Zones
Following a consultation and vote by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Seafield area (within Edinburgh Northern and Leith) will be part of this year’s Firework Control Zones. This means a complete ban on fireworks in that area from 31 October - 9 November.

🛑 Retailers Responding to Concerns
We’re also aware that Asda, Tesco, and Lidl have confirmed they will not sell fireworks in Edinburgh this year, following concerns raised after last year’s events.

🐶 Dogs Trust Guidance
Dogs Trust state that nearly half of the UK’s pet dogs are fearful of fireworks. These fears can lead to serious health and behavioural issues at any stage of life. Weve included a helpful infographic below. 

You can read more about advice from Dogs Trust and on the Fireworks Control Zones in the links below.

Proud to have been an active ME champion within the Scottish Parliament for many years, on behalf of my constituents. ... See MoreSee Less

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