The future of Leith - 'Won't be anything like we pictured'

The dramatic transformation that the Capital has undergone in recent years is nowhere clearer than in Leith.

And Ocean Terminal - built on former industrial docklands and designed by style guru Sir Terence Conran - sums up that change better than any other landmark.

So it is appropriate that the shopping centre should be at the centre of events as the port once again sees its role changing.

As owners Forth Ports turn their attention from property development to the emerging green industries- building wind turbines and so on - the shopping mall has been put up for sale.

It is perhaps the strongest sign yet that "reindustrialisation" will be key to Leith's immediate future.

That is not to say that new homes, shops and even a museum or concert hall will not have their place there.

But the sands are shifting. All the more so given the city council has finally confirmed that the trams will not be going there, at least in their first phase.

One thing is certain, the Leith of 10 years time will not be anything like the one we pictured three or four years ago.

So the time is right to sit down and take a long, hard look at the entire area and how its future should unfold.

There are lots of questions that need answering. How will existing, and any new residents, fit in with the expected industrial development?

What is the best way to spend the 84 million earmarked for kick-starting the regeneration of the Waterfront?

And even whether or not we should bother with plans to extend the tram line any further than the city centre?

Get close to the action

IN these days of wall-to-wall televised sport, there will be many who do not know the thrill of watching a live sporting event - or have forgotten how exciting it can be.

That buzz is based on the fans getting as close to the action and their heroes as is humanly possible.

It is the main reason why compact Tynecastle Stadium is such a favourite not just with Hearts fans but with football supporters across Scotland. The crowd are so close to the pitch that the atmosphere on big match days is electric.

The Scottish Rugby Union's imaginative move to make Edinburgh Rugby possibly the only professional team in the world to allow their fans to stand on the touchline during games is sure to be a hit with fans - and with the players, who will hear the cries of "c'mon Edinburgh" all the louder.