Wednesday December 10th 2025
Newkirkgate Shopping Centre, Leith
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Joe Sullivan
A Christmas tree and ample decorations should be restored to Leith’s natural town centre, according to a local councillor.
For years, a tree has been put up outside Newkirkgate shopping centre, and lights have been in place around the Foot of the Walk.
But this year, the tree has moved half a kilometre away to Taylor Gardens, and Labour councillor Katrina Faccenda says the current lights number ‘too few to make an impression’.
In a motion before Edinburgh’s next full council meeting, she has asked for things to change next year, flagging complaints from local residents.
In it, she writes: “Taylor Gardens is a less frequented area and does not have the same level of footfall as the Foot of the Walk.
“Many residents feel the number of lights on lampposts are too few to make an impression.
“The area has experienced unacceptable levels of anti-social behaviour and the lack of Christmas decorations leaves locals feeling excluded.”
She adds, in previous years, locally organised light switch-ons in the square at the Foot of the Walk had been well attended.
Additionally, she writes there are concerns from some locals that visitors coming to Leith by tram may miss what lights are up entirely.
According to the motion, a tree has also been planted in Taylor Gardens for future use as a Christmas tree.
Her motion asks council officers to explore costings for how a tree can be brought to the Foot of the Walk for next Christmas.
It also asks them to look at costings for lights on lampposts where the tram line allows it on its route through Leith.
Further, it asks for the council to liaise with Newkirkgate shopping centre, to see if it would be willing to establish decorations on its premises and contribute to the cost of adding a tree.
If approved, the motion would see the report be referred to the city’s cultural committee for consideration.
Councillors will consider the motion at the next full Edinburgh Council meeting, set to take place on Thursday, December 18, which you can view here.
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