Category: Leith

Valentine’s Day robbery at Ocean Terminal

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery and assault in Leith. The incident happened around 7.10pm in Ocean Drive, outside the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, on Friday, 14 February.

A 43-year-old man has just left the shopping centre and crossed the road when he was approached by two women. They claimed to be police officers, took hold of him and searched him. The women then walked off. He subsequently found a three figure sum of cash missing from his wallet.

The first woman is described as white, 5ft 9ins, of stocky build, around 40-year-old, with shoulder length blonde hair that was tied up. She was wearing a blue Puffa style jacket and spoke with a local accent.

The second woman is described as white, 6ft, so slim build with long brown hair and also aged around 40. She was wearing a black Puffa style jacket.

Detective Constable Joanne Robertson, of Gayfield CID, said: “There were a number of people around when this incident happened and we are appealing for them to get in touch if they saw what happened.

“In particular we are keen to speak to two men who were at or near a bus stop at the time and are believed to have taken a number 200 Lothian bus.

“If you saw what happened, or anything suspicious around that time of the evening, then please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3328 of Friday, 14 February. Or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Dalmeny Street assault and robbery: Police release CCTV image

Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak with in connection to an ongoing investigation into an assault and robbery.

The incident took place around 3:00am on Tuesday 8 October 2019, on Dalmeny Street just off Leith Walk. A 22 year old woman was assaulted and her handbag was stolen.

Officers believe the man pictured may have information to assist their investigation and anyone who recognises him is urged to come forward.

The male in the image is seen to have dark hair, is of slim build, and believed to be around 5’10. He is pictured wearing black trousers, a black jacket or shirt and black shoes.

Police Constable Ewan Bates, of the Violence Reduction Unit at Gayfield Police Station, said: “We are keen to trace the man in the CCTV footage as he may be able to assist with our investigation.

If you can identify him, or have any information that can help with our enquiries then please get in touch. Likewise, if the man himself sees this appeal then please contact us.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 0314 of Tuesday, 8 October, 2019. Or contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

New befriending service for physically disabled young people

We believe young people are the experts in their own lives. We also believe young people can play an active role in our communities.

Ecas has a new service for physically disabled young people ages 18 to 30 living in Edinburgh and Lothian.

We will work with you to identify goals and plans based on your unique circumstances. By meeting at a pace that suits you, we will support you to identify your own solutions, navigate opportunities available, and realise your potential.

How it works:

  • You enquire about the service or make a referral
  • You have an initial meeting with the Outreach Officer so you can get to know more about the service and we can get to know you
  • We will plan together at a pace that works for you
  • We’ll have regular meetings to develop your actions and mark progress
  • You will move on from the service when you’re ready

More detail is available in this overview.

Enquire and make a referral:

  • If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more, please contact our Outreach Officer Megan.
  • If you’re ready to participate or make a referral, please fill out an application form.

Leithers hoping to save the planet in just 6 minutes

Got a spare 6 minutes to save the planet? With a climate crisis looming, every second counts. So local Edinburgh businesses and artists are being invited to give just a few minutes of their time to share their top tips for sustainability at a special ‘Let’s Talk Waste’ event in the capital later this month.

Brought to you by The Leith Collective – crafters, makers, artists and business owners will come together on Thursday 20th February to discuss ways in which they are reducing their waste and making a difference.

Taking place at Ocean Terminal, the evening will feature a diverse range of speakers; from a craftsman who creates unique works of art from items otherwise destined for landfill, to an accountant who has transformed his office into a completely paperless environment.

The event is part of The Leith Collective’s ongoing ‘Plastic Resolution 2020’ campaign which aims to encourage people to reuse, recycle and upcycle everyday items.

‘Let’s Talk Waste’ event organiser and founder of The Leith Collective, Sara Thomson (above), said; “I’m a big believer that knowledge is power, and that by sharing inspirational stories and exchanging top tips in this accessible, easy-to-digest 6 minute format, everyone can learn something new, and together we can make a massive difference.”

EVENT INFORMATION

‘Let’s Talk Waste’ will take place at The Image Collective Gallery, Ocean Terminal, on Thursday 20th February, 6pm – 8:30pm. Refreshments will be provided.

Local businesses, artists and makers are invited to book a 6 minute slot at the event and share their top tips for reducing waste. Slots are free of charge but availability is limited. To reserve your spot email info@theleithcollective.com.

The event is free for anyone to attend but space is limited. To reserve your place head to www.facebook.com/leithcollective.

Man charged following bottle throwing incident

Police have confirmed that a 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with culpable and reckless conduct at Easter Road stadium. 

The incident took place on Friday 20 December, 2019, when a glass bottle was thrown from the stands on to the pitch, narrowly missing players from both Hibs and Rangers football clubs.

Inspector Colin Fordyce, of Leith Community Policing, said: “Thankfully no one was injured as a result of this incident. Mindless behaviour like this will not be tolerated in any football stadiums across the country.

“The safety of football supporters, players and management is the top priority of football clubs and Police Scotland, with every step taken to identify those responsible for inappropriate behaviour.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who came forward with information relating to our investigation.”

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, March 5.

Police seek six following Leith assault

Police are asking for help to trace a number of people following the serious assault of a man in Leith Walk.

Around 11.15pm on Saturday 25 January 2020 an altercation happened between two groups, both male and female, in Leith Walk, between Dalmeny Street and Iona Street. As a result one man was attacked from the rear and received serious head injuries.

Constable Lambert at Gayfield Police Station said: “The group I want to trace headed off south in Leith Walk towards London Road after the incident, and contained six people, four men and two women. They are described as follows:

Male 1 – White, tanned complexion, approx. 30 years, around 5’8” tall, stocky build, short dark receding hair and stubble, dressed in black jacket, dark jeans and dark shoes.

Male 2 – White, mid to late 20s, around 6′ tall, medium build, short brown hair, dressed in a white unzipped hooded top with eye patches on the hood, dark t-shirt, jeans and white trainers

Male 3 – White, approx. 30 years, around 5’10” tall, medium build, brown hair shaved at the sides in a “topknot”, dressed in a dark jacket, dark top with white writing, blue jeans and dark shoes

Male 4 – White, approx. 30 years, around 5’10” tall, medium build, short dark hair and stubble, dressed in a dark round neck jumper, dark jeans and dark shoes

Female 1 – White, early to mid 20s, around 5’4” tall, slim build, long blond hair, dressed in a dark jacket over a dark top, black trousers with a white stripe down the side and black shoes

Female 2 – White, mid to late 20s, around 5’8” tall, slim-medium build, shoulder length blond hair, dressed in a red top, denim jeans and red boots.

“Anyone who may have been in the area and saw anything to call us at Edinburgh on the 101 number, quoting the reference number 4271 25 January 2020. Anyone wishing to pass on any information and remain anonymous can do so through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Port chaplains offer welfare to thousands of seafarers

Two port chaplains from international maritime charity Sailors’ Society reached out to more than 6,000 seafarers in Leith and Greenock ports last year. 

Pauline Robertson and Becky Haldane provide practical and emotional support to the men and women who dock at the ports.

Pauline said: “Seafarers are away from loved ones for up to a year at a time, so can often feel quite lonely. We provide them with a friendly face, news from home and welfare support.”

The support offered includes everything from providing free Wi-Fi and lifts to local amenities, to offering counselling in times of crisis.

Pauline recently supported the crew of the stranded ship MV Alexander Tvardovskiy during its month-long detention in Leith port. Pauline visited the nine men and one woman regularly, providing them with company, food, Wi-Fi access and phone cards.

Pauline added: “This situation is not uncommon sadly. We work all over the world supporting seafarers and their families with everything from abandonment to education.

“The issues seafarers can face have not changed that much in the 200 years that Sailors’ Society has been around. We have been a listening ear all that time and will continue to care for this invisible workforce that we all depend on for almost everything we use every day.”

Pauline, Becky (above) and their fellow Sailors’ Society chaplains reach out to 1,000 seafarers plus their families in more than 90 ports around the world each day.

Firestarters!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like getting around central Edinburgh if you were blind, partly sighted, a wheelchair user or have mobility issues? Yesterday, 15 people found out.

A grouping of charities gave them an opportunity to accompany people with a range of complex needs around the congested area beside the Omni Centre on Greenside Row.

The move is part of the ‘Firestarter’ programme of nationwide events that aims to ‘allow people from all aspects of public service to share innovative and creative ways that are making a difference to Scotland’. Those taking part included policymakers, civil servants and other influencers.

Yesterday’s event was hosted by We Walk, We Cycle, We Vote, a collaborative campaign calling for more investment in walking and cycling, with RNIB Scotland, Spinal Injuries Scotland. Guide Dogs Scotland also supported the event.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “Letting the people who set the framework for things like planning and urban design experience hear what it’s like trying to get around a city centre will give them a greater appreciation of the potential problems those with sight loss and other disabilities face every day.

“We are campaigning for all of our cities and towns to be made more accessible to people and for any obstacles or impediments to be kept to a minimum.

“That’s why we very much welcomed the recent decision by Edinburgh City Council to make its ban on advertising boards permanent. A bold and progressive move like this will make our capital more welcoming to residents and visitors with disabilities.”

Maureen Morrison, operations manager with Spinal Injuries Scotland , said, “We are committed to supporting spinal cord injured (SCI) people and ensuring that our towns and cities are designed to enable them to undertake life’s daily functions with as much independence as possible.

“For many who require a greater level of accessibility, the prospect of leaving the house can be daunting. We welcome this event as an opportunity to point out the barriers that many people face in the hope that influencers will incorporate more accessible design in our towns and cities in the future, for a more inclusive society.”

Local company achieves Investors in People Platinum accreditation

Warmworks Scotland, managing agent of the Scottish Government’s  national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland, has achieved the prestigious Investors in People Platinum accreditation.

To have received the highest level accreditation means that Warmworks has become only the second organisation in Scotland to achieve a Platinum award in its first assessment against the standard.

For nearly 30 years, Investors in People has been recognised internationally as a leading people accreditation and Warmworks’ achievement reflects the commitments that the company makes to its employees – leading and inspiring people to achieve great things on a daily basis.

Commenting on the accreditation, Ross Armstrong, Managing Director of Warmworks said: “I am absolutely delighted that Warmworks has been awarded the Investors in People accreditation, Platinum standard. This was our first assessment against the standard and to receive the highest level accreditation is a testament to how we do business.

“I am extremely proud and privileged to be a part of this amazing organisation, one that has already achieved so much in the four years since it was formed. The next step for us is to use our unique, values-driven culture as our starting point for our future growth and development, ensuring that we maximise this platform to build an equally exciting and inspiring future.”

 Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith said:  “Warmworks do vital work in my constituency, delivering the Scottish Government’s nationwide energy efficiency scheme and helping to lift many of my constituents out of fuel poverty.

“That’s why I was so delighted when Warmworks received the Investors in People Platinum accreditation. This demonstrates not only their commitment to their employees but also their determination to lead by example as an employer of choice.”

Warmworks, based in Leith, was founded in 2015 and employs around 70 field and office-based employees. It also manages a supply chain of 300+, which cover the length and breadth of Scotland.

£eith chooses on Saturday

Saturday (1st February) will see Leithers flock to the Leith Community Centre in the Kirkgate to cast their votes for their favourite community projects at City of Edinburgh Council’s annual participatory budget event.

Those who live, work or volunteer in Leith will be able to vote for a variety of projects that address specific needs in the community;  the themes in 2020 being food and fighting loneliness.

The £eithChooses Steering group has been working for 10 months preparing for the event which will see £44,624 distributed – 20 local projects will be on hand to display and discuss their work with voters who need to be eight years old.

However, following last year’s popular ‘children’s’ vote, where those under 8 can vote for their choice of ‘best stall’, this will be repeated allowing youngsters to experience voting for the first time.  And, as another innovation, the Citadel Youth Social Media Team will be on hand to record the day.

Sally Millar, Leith Links Community Councillor and member of the Steering Group said: “This is a great fun community day out for finding out about all the brilliant community groups and projects operating in Leith, and for members of the Leith community to have their voices heard about local priorities.”

Cllr Susan Rae, Chair of £eith Chooses, is looking forward to voting day.  She said: “This is the culmination of 10 months’ work by a hugely dedicated, small team of community councillors, community education staff and volunteers, whose knowledge and understanding of the participatory budgeting process is unmatched.

It’s also an immensely enjoyable day when the community really come together, to talk, to network, to learn about each other’s lives and work. Everyone who is anyone in Leith will be in the Kirkgate Community Centre that day, and I am hugely grateful to the £eithChooses team for their commitment.’

Leith’s participatory budgeting event takes place from 11am – 3.30pm.