ENLIVEN: Heart of Newhaven welcoming event this Saturday

Bring neighbours, friends and family together at this welcoming event at The Heart of Newhaven this Saturday afternoon.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy and I’ll have a brilliant screen printing activity running that’s easy, fun, experimental and colourful so pop in and have a taster of what Ink on Mesh and other businesses at the HEaRT have for you all.

Windsor Street assault: Do you know this man?

Police have released an image of a man that they wish to speak to as they believe he may have information that can assist with an investigation into a serious assault.

The incident took place around 7.20pm on Sunday, 17 July 2021, on Windsor Street, Edinburgh.  A 24-year-old man was verbally abused and assaulted by two males, and sustained facial injuries which required hospital treatment.

CCTV Image of man for Windsor Street assault

The person shown in the CCTV image, is described as a white male, slim build, 5ft 5 to 5ft 19 inches in height, between 15 and 18 years old, with light brown/blond hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo on the front, black Nike shorts, grey trainers and was carrying a black rucksack on his back.

Officers believe that the male shown in the image may have information that could assist them and would appeal to him or anyone who recognises him to contact them.

Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 2274 of 21 July 2021, or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Pilton Youth & Children’s Project looking for young volunteers

Are you 14+ and looking to get into volunteering? Check out our flyers and get in touch with our Volunteer Development Worker Gillian!

We are also having a volunteer recruitment event on Thursday 29th September at 4pm – come along and find out more!

East Lothian E-Coli outbreak: All nurseries get green light to reopen

Each of the five nurseries which were closed as a safety precaution during an E-coli outbreak in East Lothian have now been given the green light to re-open.

The Musselburgh Private Nursery chain has become the latest to welcome back staff and children, following final checks and inspection visits by East Lothian Council environmental health team, the Care Inspectorate and NHS Lothian Public Health team.

The Stoneybank nursery opened today (wed) while it’s sister company in Bridge Street is gearing up to re-open as soon as tomorrow (thurs).

Testing and the stringent E.coli clearance process has also been completed in both nurseries.

Dr Josie Murray, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Chair of the multi-agency Incident Management Team (IMT), said: “We are really encouraged to see all of the nurseries open their doors once again and welcome back their staff and pupils.

“We know it has been a really difficult time for everyone involved, especially in accepting some of the control measures which were vital in containing the infection and stopping its spread within the community.

 “On behalf of the IMT, I would like to thank everyone for working with us throughout this rapidly evolving and complex outbreak.”

Work is still continuing behind the scenes by the health care scientists in epidemiology and microbiology to try and identify the source of the infection.

Letters providing the most up to date information have been issued to families directly in some circumstances and via the nurseries distribution systems.

Church Street Pear Tree Nursery was originally closed on August 2 after a number of children fell ill and went on to test positive for E-coli.

The sister nursery Meadowpark Pear Tree Nursery was closed next, as well as West Road Pear Tree Nursery, Musselburgh Private Nursery, Bridge Street and Musselburgh Private Nursery, Stoneybank,.

In total, there have been 56 confirmed cases of E.coli. The infection was not confirmed at West Road Pear Tree Nursery.

The complex outbreak has evolved rapidly and a set of FAQs were developed to help answer questions from concerned families and carers and can be found on NHS Lothian’s website:

https://news.nhslothian.scot/2022/08/26/faqs-further-update-on-ecoli/

Healthy Heart Tip: Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking Day fell on Tuesday the 13th of September. This day is meant for one thing: to put everything aside and concentrate on all things positive in life (even if we’re a day late! – Ed.).

Positive thinking has many benefits, including keeping your heart healthy by reducing stress. Here we explore ways to ensure you see the bright side and keep a positive attitud e…

Start your day with a positive thought

How do you start your day? Each day tends to continue as it starts i.e., if you get off on the wrong foot, you are likely going to experience more negative things throughout the day.

So, why not try to start the day with positivity to ensure you get started on the right foot? Be proactive and choose the thoughts and messages you want to embed in your mind.

Get outdoors

Ever noticed you feel better once you have been outside?

Nature always gives us positive energy. Spending some time outside will increase your energy, boost your mood and help you work efficiently. If going out isn’t an option, you can always surround your workplace or home with plants.

Always be grateful

If you express gratitude as a consistent part of your life; it forces you to acknowledge all the great things which happen.

The quickest way to turn a negative mindset to a positive one is to practice gratitude. Gratitude can be expressed in writing or verbally, for all of the great things you have in your life.

Positive Thinking Day serves as a reminder that something as simple as having a positive outlook towards life can make us significantly happier.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Special Council meeting called to pay tribute to HM The Queen

City councillors will unite to pay tribute to HM The Queen in a specially convened meeting this Friday (16 September).

The meeting, to be held in the City Chambers and broadcast live on the City of Edinburgh Council’s webcast channel, will take place at 10am. 

The sole item for debate on the agenda is a motion put forward by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, which states: 

Death of Her Majesty the Queen – Motion by the Lord Provost

“On behalf of the citizens of Edinburgh, this Council offers its deep condolences to the Royal Family on news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

Throughout her extraordinary reign she showed great appreciation for her ancient and hereditary Kingdom of Scotland and its capital city Edinburgh.

During her countless visits to Edinburgh, she reached out to charities, veterans, service personnel, hospitals and children and won a very special place in the hearts of the citizens of Edinburgh and Scotland.

Over her seven-decade reign, she showed unwavering and inspirational, dedication to serving the nation and the Commonwealth, offering wise counsel in often turbulent times.

This Council and this City are in mourning. Council gives thanks for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s exceptional 70 years’ service and extends its deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this very difficult time.”

The agenda for this special meeting can be found at: 

https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=150&MId=6568 

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre: Junior Youth Group cancelled this afternoon

Due to road closures and early school closures in our area, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre has had to cancel our P1-P2 Junior youth group today (Tuesday 13th September).

Apologies for any inconvenience caused and we look forward to seeing you all again next week.

Our other youth groups this week will continue as planned.

Temporary road closures and travel info: public urged to plan ahead

Temporary road closures have come into force across Edinburgh’s city centre, as the city prepares to host major ceremonial events to mark the passing of Her Majesty The Queen over the coming days.

Further closures are planned and significant disruption is expected as full details are confirmed by the Royal Household in due course.

The City of Edinburgh Council is working with Scottish Government and Police Scotland to safely accommodate the thousands of people expected to line the city’s streets as people pay their respects.

The general public are being advised to plan ahead and avoid any non-essential travel through the city centre (particularly the Old Town) during this period. People should regularly check the City of Edinburgh Council website, which is being updated with details of which roads will be closed and other public transport information.

People can also follow the relevant transport agencies, Scottish Government and Royal Household for up-to-date advice.

Mourners wishing to take part in events are being advised to plan ahead and take account of the weather conditions, limited facilities and the likelihood of spending long periods at the roadside. 

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “On behalf of the whole city of Edinburgh, I offer our heartfelt condolences to all the members of the royal family at this time of sadness and sorrow.

“Our city is highly experienced in handling major events, and we are working closely with Scottish Government, Police Scotland and transport providers to safely accommodate the large crowds of visitors who will wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family over the next few days.

“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for significant disruption across the city, but particularly in the city centre. We’re closely with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on all plans.  

“We are also urging everyone to consider their travel needs and avoid any journeys through the city centre where possible. If they do need to travel, we’re asking them to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and follow the very latest travel advice.

Sarah Boyd, Lothian, Managing Director said: “Following the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen, teams across our business are working together with external partners to plan for further road closures which are expected across the city in the coming days.

“We would ask customers to plan ahead where possible and continue to check our website and social media channels for the latest travel information.

For the most up-to-date information, visit:

www.edinburgh.gov.ukwww.gov.scot and www.royal.uk.

The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.

Users should also follow Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams to keep people informed about their services.

Potential of Scotch whisky tourism for Scotland hailed as Johnnie Walker Princes Street marks first anniversary

Edinburgh whisky visitor experience celebrates figures showing diverse range of consumers switching on to Scotch whisky in growing numbers

The positive impact Scotch whisky tourism can have for Scotland has been celebrated as the country’s leading new visitor attraction marks its first year of business.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh opened its doors to the public in September last year, and despite pandemic lockdowns and major travel restrictions, it succeeded in welcoming more than 300,000 visitors from 97 different countries around the world.

A key part of the mission of Johnnie Walker Princes Street is to introduce Scotch whisky to new consumers and to challenge traditional perceptions of Scotland’s national drink.

Encouragingly, 50% of visitors to the venue were women, 56% were not regular Scotch whisky drinkers. Domestic guests noted a 26% increase in likelihood to drink whisky within four weeks of visiting the experience, rising to 29% for international visitors.

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “It has been a tough year for everyone in tourism and hospitality, and we are under no illusion that many serious difficulties remain as we try to rebuild Scotland’s visitor sector.

“But it is also important to celebrate positive achievement, and I am incredibly proud of what the team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street have managed to deliver in the first year of operation.

“I am particularly encouraged by the diversity of our guests, with half of all visitors being women, and with an international spread of 97 countries. Our aim at Johnnie Walker Princes Street is to challenge perceptions, bust myths, and show that whisky really is for everyone.

“So, it’s good to see the diversity in our guests and to be able to look at the figures and see we’re helping people find their perfect way to enjoy Scotland’s best loved export.”

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is the centrepiece of Diageo’s £185million investment in Scotch whisky tourism in Scotland, which also includes the transformation of the company’s distillery visitor experiences the length and breadth of Scotland.

Ewan Andrew, Diageo President of Supply Chain & Procurement, who has led the Scotland investment programme, said: “Scotch whisky is in great demand around the world, as Johnnie Walker’s record global sales figures over the past year has shown.

“We want to bring those consumers from all around the world to Scotland and give them an unforgettable experience. The first year of operation at Johnnie Walker Princes Street gives us great confidence that we can achieve that and continue to build the reputation of Scotch whisky as the world’s best loved distilled spirit.”

Scotch whisky tourism recorded its record year in 2019 before the pandemic, with a total of 2.1 million visitors to distilleries. While the pandemic has been a major setback, the figures from Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s first year, were welcomed by the industry as a positive sign of recovery.

Graeme Littlejohn, Director of Strategy at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Scotch Whisky is enjoyed around the world – famous for its quality, heritage and unique history.

“What the industry has missed over the course of the Covid pandemic is welcoming visitors from home and abroad to discover more about the story of Scotch. It is fantastic to see people returning to Scotland and visiting our world-class tourist attractions dedicated to sharing Scotland’s world-renowned spirit.”

VisitScotland Regional Director, Neil Christison said: “Congratulations to the team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street on their first anniversary and reaching 300,000 visitor milestone, a fantastic achievement as our industry begins to recover from the pandemic. 

“We know that Scotland’s world-famous heritage including whisky is an important part of our visitor appeal, especially among international visitors with one in five visiting a distillery before the pandemic. We are also seeing growing interest for artisanal food and drink experiences as visitors look to connect with the people and processes behind our iconic products. 

“It is fantastic to see visitors returning from across the world and closer to home, supporting the recovery of our vital industry and the wider economy.”

Johnnie Walker Princes Street takes visitors on an immersive journey through the 200-year-old history behind the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky.

From personalised tours and rooftop bars serving seriously creative cocktails paired with world class food, to state of the art experiential retail and much more besides, there’s plenty for tourist to be excited about across the eight floor, 71,500 square foot venue.

Advance pre-booking of experiences is highly recommended. Tickets for the Johnnie Walker Princes Street tours start from £28, which includes a 90-minute tour and three personalised Scotch whisky drinks.

To book an experience, sign up to the Johnnie Walker Princes Street mailing list or for more information, please visit  www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com.

Body confirmed as Dr. Peter Coshan

POLICE have confirmed the body which was discovered in Northumberland at the weekend has been identified as 75-year-old Peter Coshan.

The body was found on land close to the A696 near the village of Kirkwhelpington on Sunday, 4 September, 2022.

Dr Coshan’s family has been made aware and specialist officers are continuing to provide support to them.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“I would again like to thank everyone who has come forward with information which has helped our investigation.”

Two men, aged 27 and 63, have previously been arrested and charged in connection with Dr Coshan’s disappearance and both have already appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.