The Leither magazine is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, writes Charlie Ellis. In those two decades it has established itself as a much enjoyed publication, featuring a range of themes and contributors.
Their commemorative issue No. 159 is now available across Leith, including from the fringes of Spurtleshire at McDonald Road Library, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, and Elvis Shakespeare.
In his editorial, Billy Gould talks about the way that the publication has evolved. It was originally mooted as a local Leith newspaper, but soon morphed into the eclectic magazine we know today. Peter Laing was the original editor, while Gould has now overseen 110 issues.
In his article ‘20 years of the Leither’, regular contributor Tom Wheeler reflects on the way that the magazine has charted how the area has changed while remaining ‘undeniably, indefinably, unmistakably Leith’. For Tracey Griffin, the magazine is, like Leith, ‘perseverance personified’.
The varied character of Leith is well represented in the pages of the latest issue: politics, cinema, charitable organisations, history and reminiscence.
The issue also includes a powerful piece on Leith’s severe drug problems by Stephen Millar. He fears that problems are likely to get worse due to an influx of synthetic opioids, such as Nitazenes, which can be much stronger than heroin.
All aspects of Leith continue to be represented in the Leither as it enters its third decade.
Charlie Ellis is a researcher and EFL teacher who writes on culture, education and politics.
