I've been living in Leith for over 6 years now and thought it was about time I checked out my local…read morecommunity centre! Leith Community Education Centre is based on the first floor of the Newkirkgate shopping centre, at the bottom of Leith Walk and is apparently one of the busiest community centres in Edinburgh. Approximately 3,000 people use the centre every week! It has a decent sized sports hall, a smaller hall, 4 general purpose rooms, crèche, public computers with free internet access, lending library and a wee café. They have loads of groups using the space from youth groups, literacy support, carers support, outreach teaching, help with stopping smoking and support for people with a learning disability, dance classes, drama groups, history groups, art classes, martial arts and children's movement classes. One group I notice on the poster board was 'Gleeith' the new community singing group in Leith! Brilliant! Not something I'll be joining with my crying cat voice, but I love the play of words! So I ventured there one snowy evening to try out a dance inspired class called 'Stretch and Tone'. You the enter the centre via the external steps and across a balcony, which could be tricky to find if you didn't know the area. The centre was fairly utilitarian looking (most community centres are) but there have designed quirky windows features into the modern scheme which adds a bit of interest to the building. The class was good, but sadly only 2 of us braved the snowy conditions, but I'm glad I did, I felt 2 inches taller after it! I picked up the centre brochure upon leaving so I may well return and check out some of the other classes they have available soon.

been coming here [member] for over 19 years. superb staff , a very good cafe, a bit worried about…read morewhat i read on leithsucks.net on there latest member of staff who is about to 'join the team' this centre caters for adult classes, bowls, art class, dancing. the full list is very long. there are also youth clubs-[ separate male / female.] and a satuarday special day when virtually all kinds of dancing [highland, tap, modern.] all for children. if you are a parent, you must get youself along to see everything that this centre can provide!

From the outside this second-hand furniture shop doesn't look like much--but nosey your way though…read morethe raggedy entrance, past the offices, and you will find yourself in an enormous vault of housewares. The quality and range of furniture here is excellent, and the prices make each item a fantastic value. Not only that, but it's run largely by volunteers with profits going to help the homeless. Although it looks modest and homely, (especially with Ibrox looming over it across the street), this really is a treasure trove of used goods that will spruce up your home *and* help a worthy charity! Other details: Cash only / Delivery for £15 / Close to Ibrox, Govan and on the 121, 89 and 90 bus routes

From the owner: Second Opportunities is a Scottish registered charity, set up to tackle the effects of poverty by…read moreproviding services, which incorporate the concept of recycling.

What a neat spot! This historical spot is rich with stories, but also has some of the most…read moredelicious ice cream I have ever had. Get your Scottish trinkets and grab a scoop of ice cream before you leave!

I don't get this place isn't listed as an ice cream establishment, because the ice cream here is…read morenext level great! Wow! Get the award winning double cream vanilla and the raspberry sorbet! So. Damn. Good!

The British Heart Foundation charity store, located on a street full of charity shops, manages to…read morestand out because of its impressive window display of the latest items available in the store. This shop is literally packed with everything you can expect from DVDs to clothes to books and bric-a-brac. As with all charity shops it's ideal to browse, and best if you aren't looking for something particular or else have a vague idea of what you want (i.e a white t shirt for a dress up). The prices are not the lowest on the street but it's still worth a browse around and in both cases that I have been in here the staff have been super friendly!

I nipped in here for a wee browse last week and it really is crammed to bursting. Most charity…read moreshops only have a couple of second hands videos/DVD's but they literally have hundreds here all very well organised and easy to browse. To be fair, if you go to somewhere like Fopp or HMV you will probably get brand new ones for cheaper but I guess you're getting a reasonably cheap item plus you're giving to a good cause so if you're feeling in a giving mood maybe head here. They had a great selection of clothes and if you take the time to browse I'm sure there's lots of pretty items just waiting to be uncovered. They also have an extensive range of knick knacks and I had my eye on a candle holder shaped like an old flip flop, one of the funniest designs I've ever seen, I'm surprised the original owner could bear to part with it.