Teenagers smash window of popular Leith pub in latest attack on businesses in area
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The pub owner said it’s the “first negative experience” he’s had in the area
The owner of a popular Leith pub has said the business is the latest in the area to be “terrorised” by a group of teenagers.
Kevin McGhee, who owns Diggers Leith, said the Bernard Street pub was targeted by a group of six youths who smashed a window before running away at around 4.40pm on Thursday.
He added that the incident was the “first negative experience” he’d had at the pub since it opened earlier this year.
“It's the first negative experience I've had in Leith,” he said.
“We’ve obviously got the main site in Gorgie and there were some raised eyebrows when we opened up in Leith. But being honest, the reception we've received has been absolutely phenomenal.
“The wife was painting outside, and she couldn't get finished because people kept on stopping to chatter. This is the first negative thing that's happened to us. But it's not just us. It seems that this group is terrorising lots of local businesses.”
Mr McGhee said police have been investigating a spate of incidents targeting Leith businesses in recent months and that CCTV shows the individuals involved.
He added: “There was a local community police officer who was dealing with other incidents. Obviously, we've been in touch with him yesterday and we've got some more CCTV from the chippy next door, so it's quite easy to identify who they are. I'm assuming the police will know names, and hopefully they'll go around and have a quiet word.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.55pm on Thursday, 16 April, 2026, we received a report of damage at a premises on Bernard Street in Edinburgh.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”