Reviewing the state of the Walk

You wait a year for a #leithwalkshops blip, and you get two in one go (see also extra for new "artisan" coffee shop where there has previously been an estate agent and a funky junk shop - don't you just love the many iterations of the leithwalkshop?).

But I chose the Carp Tea shop, which magically has all its letters in place, because of the poster on the side of the shop protesting against the threatened demolition of Stead's Place, which has attracted a strong reaction from the local community. People have had enough of the demolition of buildings which provide homes for local businesses, and their replacement with hotels, student accommodation, and other housing where most of the businesses which occupy the downstairs frontages are large chains or franchises (as in the case of Sainsbury's and Starbucks further up the walk). More power to their elbow, I say.

I walked the Walk from one end to the other reviewing the #stateofthewalk. I can report that there are no real roadworks any more, apart from some bits and pieces where the building works are going on at Shrubhill. The Tailend has closed, so no more high quality fish and chips from there. And a few other businesses have changed completely. But mostly things are as they were 11 months ago when we left.