Leith Community Centre

Leith Community Education Centre is one of the busiest community centres in Edinburgh and over 3000 people come through its’ doors every week. It is situated on the first floor of the New Kirkgate Shopping Centre, in the heart of Leith. It was re-furbished in 2004 and boasts a Sports Hall, a smaller Hall, 4 general purpose rooms, a room which is suitable for crèches, a photograph dark room and a Café. The Centre is extremely well used throughout the week, by more than 120 local groups and is in high demand as a venue for meetings, training events, AGMs and conferences.

Many local voluntary organisations meet at the Centre, offering literacy support, carers support, help with stopping smoking, lip reading support and support for people with a learning disability. Many different classes run throughout the week with dance classes, drama groups, history groups, meditation, martial arts and bible classes among a few.

The Café, which is open 9.00am – 3pm (Mon – Fri) and 9.00 – 12.00pm (Sat), is a vital support link for many people, offering company and friendship, good food, a well – used lending library and toys and books for children to play with.

Many youth clubs meet at the Centre and offer a place for young people to have a laugh and enjoy the company of their friends in a safe, welcoming environment.

The cleaners who work in the building won Direct Cleaning’s Service Excellence Award in 2005 and continue to ensure that the Centre is clean and welcoming to all. The staff and Management Committee of the Centre are working to ensure that all parts of the programme are relevant and accessible and that those who come into Leith Community Education Centre feel that they are an important part of the collective success of the Centre.

Getting to the Centre

LRT buses – 1, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 21, 22 and 25 all stop in the area

Facilities Co-ordinator – Rhona Hyslop (rhona.hyslop@ea.edin.sch.uk)

To find out what else is happening in the North visit the North Neighbourhood Page.