Two major milestones for sheltered housing in Leith

Port of Leith Housing Association is celebrating landmark anniversaries of not one but two sheltered housing developments which have played a big part in the life of Leith over the past three decades.

Hermitage Court at Academy Park proudly opened its doors in 1993 and in 1988 St Nicholas Court started providing a home for many local older people. Both are still going strong today.

The 25th anniversary celebrations at Hermitage Court saw tenants gather to bury a time capsule containing their memories of living there along with other memorabilia from over the years.

Local author and Arts Champion for Older People in Scotland, Millie Gray, who was born in Leith, also joined in the celebrations by delivering a spoken word performance about her memories of growing up in Leith 70 years ago.

A Facebook campaign helped to track down two former Leith Academy pupils who helped create an original piece of art to mark the opening of Hermitage Court back in 1993 which is still hanging proudly in the reception. Natalie Wingate and Sharon Black have gone on to become Art Teachers in Edinburgh.

The 30th anniversary of St Nicholas Court was celebrated with the unveiling of an inspirational Tree of Life, created by the tenants to share their memories of living there.

St Nicholas Court tenants Frances and George Macpherson, who helped to plan the celebrations, said:

“We have enjoyed the anniversary workshops on a Wednesday evening. It was good exchanging ideas and getting positive results from suggestions. We all had a good laugh and chat while we were working. We have been in St Nicholas Court for just over a year and love our flat.”

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, said:

“I’m very proud of the dedication and expertise our sheltered housing staff have demonstrated consistently over the years. They really do pull out all the stops to provide our tenants with a secure, affordable home they enjoy living in.”

Pictured: Frances and George Macpherson; Natalie Wingate and Sharon Black.