Update on Leith Docks planning application

We've tried to find out more about the suggestion that the planned redevelopment of Leith docks recently announced by Forth Ports might include a Leith museum. We've had look at the massive outline planning application and supplementary documents. So far we've certainly been able to find a reference to a museum being a possibility, but no definite commitment. We're trying to find out more, and will put a post on this blog when we do (see above). Whether or not that's the best place for a Leith museum is a good question, which we'll come back to. Anyone with any views, let us have them in a comment!

Leith docks development and a new Museum?

Interesting development this week with the launch of Forth Ports' application for outline planning permission for the redevelopment of Leith docks. It appears that one of the possibilities is that it will include a site for a museum. It's not clear to the campaign at this stage how firm a proposal this is, and/or whether there is any suggestion of any funding for such a museum, or just a possible site, but it's certainly interesting. It's also encouraging because it shows that the idea of a Leith museum is catching on (although some - including supporters of the campaign - have strong views a museum should be in the existing Leith rather than in the docks area).

Nevertheless, it's certainly a sign of how our campaign is catching on. We'll be finding out more about the suggestion and reporting back here soon.

Campaign update

Here's an update on how things have been going with the Leith Museum Campaign during and after the summer break!

The petition continues to get strong backing. There's about 3000 signatures in support of the campaign so far, and more and more are coming in every day. The signatures that have been sent in on petition forms have been added to the signatures on the "e-petition" to the Scottish Parliament, and that petition will be going before the Scottish Parliament over the next few weeks.

Local MP Mark Lazarowicz who launched the campaign had a meeting with the Director of the National Museums of Scotland who are the current owners of Leith Custom House, one of the possible locations for a Leith museum. Mark says the meeting was "very useful", and there'll be more information about this on this website in a day or two.

Finally, there's a meeting on 3rd September of some of the local groups who've been backing this campaign to talk about where we take the campaign next.

There'll be more updates on all of this in the next few days.

Possible locations for a Leith Museum

Where might a Leith Museum be situated? Well, there's a number of obvious possibilities. One suggestion (right) is the former Leith Town Hall, now used as Leith Police Station.

Another suggestion is Lamb's House, currently owned by the National Trust for Scotland. (left)

And many people's favourite would be Custom House (below - and a modern day photo on the right of this blog), currently used by the National Museums of Scotland for storage. This occupies a prominent position on the Water of Leith.

Of course, at present, all these ideas are just that - ideas. But it certainly shows there's no shortage of fine buildings which could be used.

All-party backing for Leith Museum campaign

The Campaign is now getting all-party support from local and national elected representatives.
Here's a list of the politicians who are currently supporting the campaign:
Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Labour)
Malcolm Chisholm, MSP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Labour)
Robin Harper, MSP for Lothian (Green)
Councillor Stefan Tymkewycz (SNP)
Gavin Strang, MP for Edinburgh East (Labour)
George Foulkes, MSP for Lothian (Labour)
Ian McKee, MSP for Lothian (SNP)
Margo MacDonald, MSP for Lothian (Independent)
Rob Munn, Councillor for Leith (SNP)
Marjorie Thomas, Councillor for Leith (Liberal Democrat)
Gordon Munro, Councillor for Leith (Labour)
Angela Blacklock, Councillor for Leith Walk (Labour)
Maggie Chapman, Councillor for Leith Walk (Green)
Louise Lang, Councillor for Leith Walk (Liberal Democrat)
Steve Cardownie, Councillor for Forth, Depute Lord Provost (SNP)
Elizabeth Maginnis, Councillor for Forth (Labour)

We've written to all the councillors for the Leith, Leith Walk, and Forth wards, asking for their support. We'll update the list of supporters as and when we hear from them.

Evening News publicises our campaign launch

We're pleased to see the Edinburgh Evening News gave quite a big piece of coverage to the launch of our campaign - see here The Leith Links website has also given us a lot of publicity as well - thanks!

Join the Campaign for a Leith Museum

For decades, there have been repeated calls for the establishment of a Leith Museum. Campaigns have been launched, studies carried out, promises made - but Leith, one of the most historic communities in Scotland, still does not have a permanent, full time, museum. Now, as Leith undergoes massive change, the case for the port to have its own museum is stronger than ever. A museum will be a showcase of Leith's heritage to the Leith community, bringing together Leithers of many generations with those who have settled in Leith only recently. Leith deserves a museum which will appeal to both young and old, strengthen community links at a time of rapid social change, and will highlight Leith's important role in the history of Scotland as a whole. Now is the time for government and public agencies, with the support also of the big developers who are transforming the face of Leith, to make a real commitment to help establish a real museum for Leith. This campaign calls upon Edinburgh City Council to support the establishment of a Leith museum, along with the others who can have an important role to play in making this dream a reality - the Scottish Executive and Historic Scotland, the National Museums of Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, the National Trust for Scotland, the National Lottery, and the Leith community itself. If you support this campaign for a Leith museum, sign the petition and show your support as well!