People often say that they wish that there was a list that they could view, of events happening on Leith Links, so we asked for one. The Council has sent us this list for the meantime and has also said “We are looking to get a public facing events calendar for events in all of our Parks up and running as soon as is practicable.”

We will update this list with more details of each event if, as, and when we receive more information.

• Earth in Common Markets (weekly) – open to all, but starting date unclear.      See https://www.earth-in-common.org/market-on-the-croft
• Taylors Funfair – 11-15 June – open to all
• Leith Gala Day – 14 June – open to all.  See https://leithfestival.com/ 
• St Mary’s RC Primary Leaver’s Party – 26 June (application recently received…internal circulation at  this stage, followed by external) – not a public event.
• Leith Rules Golf – 9-12 July – Members only, see https://leith-rules-golf.co.uk/home. Leith groups can appply and field a team. Public spectators welcome.
• Gambian Cultural Day – 27 July (currently out for external engagement) – for members of the Gambian community only
• Home Start Family Fun Day – 5 August (recently received…awaiting officer allocation) – Details still to come. Probably open to all families.
• Festival of Unity – 23 August – organised by Association of Ukrainians Great Britain in Edinburgh.  Open to all. Details still to come, see: https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/02/ukrainian-club-a-lively-hub-three-years-after-russian-invasion/#google_vignette

Leith Links Community Council has received the following letter which aims to update local residents and park users about the plan to install permanent public toilets on Leith Links. The short version of all this is that there WILL be toilets installed next year, although the final date cannot be guaranteed. Members of the Community Council and the local community were consulted about the matter, and although we are not terribly enthusiastic about the location the Council has chosen to install them, and although the design is much pared back from the original suggestions, we nonetheless welcome the development. We will be following the timeline of the installation closely, and pressing the Council to install temporary toiets again, if the new ones are delayed.

From Thriving Green Spaces, City of Edinburgh Council:

“… We are pleased to share an update on our progress with the public toilets in parks project. Please find here the finalised design, which showcases the thoughtful integration of accessibility and environmental sustainability. Details can also be found under Latest News webpage.

Further information about the project, including locations, key features, decision-making and FAQ, can be found on Public Toilets in Edinburgh’s Parks website.

The finalised design of the new facilities reflects our shared commitment to creating accessible, sustainable, and inclusive spaces for all. Each facility includes energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and unisex cubicles designed to accommodate people of all abilities. Features like grab rails, baby changers, and enhanced safety measures are incorporated to ensure ease of use and accessibility for everyone.

Project Timeline and Phased Installation

We are progressing according to a carefully structured and conservative programme, with a targeted timeline designed to minimise impact and accommodate potential challenges. Key phases include:

• Factory design and build: Began on Monday 4^th November 2024, covering the detailed design of both the buildings and groundworks. This stage is essential for ensuring that each component is precisely tailored to meet the required standards before installation on-site.
• Groundworks: Expected to start in early February, following the appointment of groundwork contractors by Healthmatic. Groundworks will be staggered, allowing for the Healthmatic project manager to supervise each phase closely and ensures the concrete can cure without rushing.
• Phased Completion Dates: Installation completion is set for April 21^st, May 5^th, and May 19^th 2025 for the three facilities. The specific order of completion will depend on contractor availability, connections to utility services, and external factors. This flexibility enables us to address any site-specific challenges that may arise; if one site requires additional work, we can proceed with another to keep the overall timeline on track.

This conservative approach includes allowances for unforeseen elements such as contractor scheduling, utility connections, and weather-related delays.

We are reviewing options to retain the temporary public toilets until the new facilities are built, and I will update you once a plan for this has been agreed.

Focus on Landscape

As installation moves forward, our attention will turn to enhancing the surrounding landscapes. Wildlife-sensitive lighting, bike racks, and benches will complement the facilities, ensuring a welcoming, comfortable environment that supports both people and nature.

Maintenance and Operational Readiness

We have also initiated close collaboration with the waste and cleanliness team to co-develop a maintenance plan tailored to the new facilities. Our goal is to ensure the team has the necessary resources and tools to maintain the toilets to a high standard, keeping them in excellent condition for all park visitors. We will also be working with the grounds maintenance teams to develop maintenance guidelines for the sedum roofs and to arrange any necessary training.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and involvement in this ambitious project. If you have any questions or would like more detailed information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Thriving Green Spaces
City of Edinburgh Council – Parks and Greenspace – Place
Level 2.1 Waverley Court – 4 East Market Street – Edinburgh – EH8 8BG

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