Leithers share their stories, hopes and big ideas for town’s UK Town of Culture bid
The ‘Leith Imaginarium’ invited people to help shape what Leith could become in 2028 and beyond
Leithers shared their stories, hopes, ideas for the future, and frustrations, at the UK Town of Culture 2028 consultation event called ‘Leith Imaginarium’ at the weekend.
The free drop-in event at the Wee Museum of Memory at Ocean Terminal on Sunday, October 25, formed part of the work to make sure Leith’s bid is shaped by the people who know the area best.
Leith is one of 15 places shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, in 2028, the same year it will mark 900 years since its first written record.
Rather than a traditional consultation, the Imaginarium used a series of playful activities to explore what people love about Leith, what needs to change.
Visitors were invited to sit in a giant “Mayor of Leith” chair, don a ceremonial chain and answer the question: “If you were mayor for one day, what would you do?”
Elsewhere, a colourful Leith Washing Line grew throughout the event as people pegged up comment cards sharing “a story I love”, “something Leith needs”, “a big idea”, “my hope for 2028” and nominations for “Leith heroes”.
At the Complaints Department, people were encouraged to get their gripes off their chest by recording frustrations, obstacles and things they would like to see change. And, a giant illustrated map let visitors mark places they love, hidden gems, places with potential, and areas they feel need attention.
Susie Gray and Jenny Mungall, co-ordinators of Leith’s UK Town of Culture bid, said: “The Imaginarium was about giving people of all ages lots of different ways to tell us what matters to them about Leith. We wanted to hear the good things, the big ideas, the things people want to protect and the things they want to change.
“There was so much warmth and pride in the room, but also really thoughtful conversations about Leith’s heritage, how the town is changing and what its future should look like. We’ve now got a huge amount to take away and work through, and that will directly help us shape the plans for 2028 and Leith’s 900th anniversary.
“Our developing plans are very much centred on celebrating Leith's rich cultures and heritage and the brilliant work that already happens here, and making sure that Leithers have a real say in what comes next.”
Early feedback highlighted Leith’s heritage, the impact of change, and the importance people place on Leith maintaining its own identity distinct from Edinburgh.
The wider consultation has been structured around four questions: what makes Leith, Leith; what is missing or needs more care; what should happen in 2028; and what people want Leith to be like afterwards.
The ideas and stories gathered will now feed into the development of Leith’s final UK Town of Culture bid and its plans for 2028. The bid is being developed by the Leith Culture Partnership with the backing of more than 80 local and national organisations and public figures.
The final bid is due to be submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on November 30, with the winner expected to be announced in March, 2027.