Resident Advisors: Craig Somerville, Leith Depot

This Q&A is from the 2025 edition of The Skinny Guide to Edinburgh – a 116-page selection of some of our favourite things to do and places to go across the city. Pick up a copy at venues across Edinburgh this summer, or read it online via Issuu.

What’s been a highlight of the last 12 months?
We’ve had loads of great shows at both venues. My personal highlights at the Depot would be Cowboy Hunters, Rachelle Lavelle and Dr Salad, to name a few. For the Cricket Club, I loved Bikini Body’s recent gig there and Pictish Trail has been doing a sort of quarterly residency, which have all been great shows. 

What’s coming up in the future for you?
We’ve got some great festival shows on this year; Vic Galloway is presenting a run of shows called Live Music and Chats featuring some brilliant acts such as Cloth, Haiver, Constant Follower and Siobhan Wilson.

Where do you recommend people go in Edinburgh?
I love Leith, so I would always recommend that people visiting Edinburgh spend some time there. I’m also really into walking/hiking so I would encourage folk to go a wander up Arthur’s Seat or a walk along the Water of Leith to the Modern Art Gallery.

Where's your favourite place to eat in Edinburgh?
That’s a tough one! I recently had a Laksa at Soul Vegan that was a 10/10, or if you’re looking for good pub food, I would always recommend the Roseleaf down by The Shore.

Where's your favourite place to drink in Edinburgh?
That’s an easy one for me. Debatably biased, but it would have to be Leith Depot. I’ve been working there for eight or nine years, same as a lot of the staff, so we’re all quite a tight group and it’s the main local for all my close friends as well. 

What's your favourite independent shop in Edinburgh?
Good Vibes Records on Commercial Street. Great selection of records and great in-store gigs. 

Why do you like living here?
For me living in Leith, it’s the music and art scene and the sense of community.  

What annoys you about living here?
Edinburgh Council and the cost of rent.

Do you have a Fringe survival tip?
Keep out of town, stay in Leith!