Day: May 17, 2015

Police appeal following Bonnington Grove car fires

Three vehicles set alight in Bonnington Grove

fire engine

Police are appealing for information in connection with suspected fire raising incidents in the Leith Newhaven area.

At around 1:45am yesterday (Saturday 16 May) police and the fire service were called to Bonnington Grove in response to a vehicle fire. On arrival it was established that two vehicles were alight while a third, parked a short distance away, was also on fire.

No one was injured but police are keen to trace a man who was seen in the area of Gosford Place at around the time of the incidents. He is described as being white, aged in his mid 20s with an average build and wearing a dark hooded top and bottoms.

Police are asking for anyone who can assist with ongoing enquiries to come forward.

Detective Constable Joe Perkins said: “Luckily no one was injured as a result of these fires but the cars are now ruined causing significant distress for their owners. This sort of reckless behaviour will not be tolerated and I am very keen to ensure that we quickly apprehend the person or persons responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Bonnington Grove and who noticed any suspicious behaviour at around the time of this incident to please call police on 101 or, alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Holyrood comes to Craigmillar!

Jack Kane Centre to host Scottish Parliament Day

Jack Kane reception_0

People living in Craigmillar are being asked how changes to the benefits system have affected them as the Scottish Parliament visits the regeneration area on the south east side of the city tomorrow (Monday 18 May).

Holyrood’s Parliament Day initiative, introduced by the Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP, aims to take the Parliament out into communities around Scotland, encouraging local people to take an interest in and engage directly with the Parliament and its work.

The Welfare Reform Committee, which was set up to examine the impact of changes to benefits and welfare introduced by the UK Government, will hold a ‘Your Say’ session from 2 – 4.30pm.

Members of the local communities, including those from Craigmillar, Niddrie and Portobello are invited to come along and get involved.

In the evening, local people are also invited to a relaxed, informal Q&A session at 5:30pm, hosted by the Presiding Officer, where they can quiz MSPs about how their Parliament works for them. MSPs Gavin Brown, Kezia Dugdale and Kenny MacAskill will also be in attendance.

The Presiding Officer said: “We know that the people of Scotland want to be involved in the political process and that is why the Parliament is going out across Scotland and right into our communities.

“I would like to encourage as many people as possible to join us at the Jack Kane Centre. Together with my fellow MSPs we are looking forward to hearing about what matters to local people.”

Committee Convener Michael McMahon MSP said: “The Welfare Reform Committee was set up to examine the welfare reform programme and its impact on Scotland. Our research has shown Portobello/ Craigmillar to be the worst hit area of Edinburgh in terms of the welfare changes.

“Our Committee has put personal experiences at the heart of our work and we want to sit down with local people who have been affected by or are worried about changes to the benefits system.”

Welfare Reform Committee:  ‘Your Say’ Informal Meeting

  • Jack Kane Community Centre, 208 Niddrie Mains Road
  • From 2- 4:30pm
  • Free entry, free refreshments

Local residents are encouraged to come along and talk to MSPs and others in an informal, welcoming setting about the changes to benefits that matter to you.

Public Meeting with the Presiding Officer and local MSPs 

  • Jack Kane Community Centre, 208 Niddrie Mains Road
  • 5:30pm
  • Free entry, free refreshments
  • Q&A session with MSPs

For more information, visit  www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentdays