Police: Women recruitment event

Police Scotland’s Positive Action Team will be hosting an online information and recruitment event aimed at women across Scotland.

This event, on Tuesday 4th October from 6.30 – 8pm – will give attendees a fantastic opportunity to hear from serving female officers and their experiences as a police officer in Scotland as well as the opportunity to ask questions.

The event will also focus on the recruitment process and the training, with a unique insight in to life at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan from a female perspective.

To sign up, please contact the following email address:

recruitmentpositive@scotland.police.uk

Police to host Online Recruitment Event tomorrow

POLICE will be hosting an online recruitment event aimed at people from all European communities across Scotland.

This event will give attendees a fantastic opportunity to hear from serving officers and their experiences as police officers in Scotland as well as the opportunity to ask questions.

The event will also focus on the recruitment process and the training, with a unique insight into life at the Scottish Police College.

The event will be on Tuesday 27th September 2022 – 6.30pm – 8.30pm, on Microsoft Teams.

To sign up, please email: recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.police.uk with your name, phone number and date of the event you wish to attend.

Appeal for information following assault and robbery in Bruntsfield

Police in Edinburgh have released images of a man that they wish to speak to as they believe he may have information that can assist with an investigation into an assault and robbery.

The incident took place in the early hours of Monday, 28 June, 2021, at Whitehouse Loan near to the junction of Bruntsfield Crescent, Edinburgh.

A 22-year-old man was threatened with a knife and had personal items stolen from him. 

The man shown in the images is described as Asian, in his late teens to early 20s, around 5ft 9 to 5ft 10 inches in height, slim build, short dark hair and wearing a dark hooded jacket, light grey t-shirt, blue jeans and dark trainers with white soles.

Detective Constable Euan Chancellor of the Violence Reduction Unit, Gayfield CID, said: “This incident was highly distressing for the victim and we are eager to trace the man pictured.

“Knife-crime such as this is of the utmost concern to police in Edinburgh so I would urge anyone who may recognise him to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 25 of 28 June 2021, or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Appeal for information following Edinburgh housebreaking

POLICE are appealing for information after jewellery and war medals were stolen in a housebreaking in Edinburgh.

Between 10pm and midnight on Saturday, 17 September, 2022, three people, dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas, forced entry to a house in Napier Road, Merchiston. They stole various items, including a safe which contained jewellery and war medals.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are reviewing any relevant CCTV from the surrounding area for any additional information on the suspects.

Enquiries carried out so far have established the suspects broke into the rear of the property and left by the front door, getting into a dark coloured car, which drove off towards Colinton Road.

Detective Constable Scott Lynas said: “The medals and jewellery are of great sentimental value and family members are shocked and upset that the items have been stolen.

“I am appealing to anyone who has any information to get in touch. I would also ask people to contact us if they become aware of anyone trying to sell or pass on items of jewellery or medals.

“No matter how insignificant your information may seem to you, please do pass it on, your information could be the link that helps us identify the suspects and enable us to return the items to their rightful owners.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1226 of 18 September, 2022. Alternatively, please pass your information confidentially to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

Police appeal for information after campervan stolen in Murrayfield

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after the theft of a campervan in the Murrayfield area.

The blue Volkswagen California van, registration VMS 321 was reported stolen from outside a property on Succoth Gardens around 2am on Thursday, 15 September.

Entry was gained to the property and the keys removed before the vehicle was taken and driven away. The campervan remains outstanding.

Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area or who believes they have seen the campervan is asked to get in touch.

“You can pass on information by calling 101, quoting reference 0225 of 15 September.”

Police appeal for information after Community Garden shed set ablaze

Detective are appealing for information following a fire in the Wester Hailes area in the early hours of Monday morning.

Around 2.50am on Monday (12 September, 2022) officers received reports of a shed on fire at the Murrayburn and Hailesland Community Garden.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and no-one was injured, however, an estimated £13,000 worth of damage has been caused.

Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp, of Costorphine CID, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured as a result of the fire.

“This fire caused a great deal of damage to the shed and its contents, although it is fortunate it didn’t spread further and cause even more destruction.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with information or saw any suspicious activity in the area to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 0948 of 12 September. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

A spokesperson for Murrayburn and Hailsland Community Garden said: “Appreciate the support from everyone last night. 🙏 Sorry to say we lost our children’s natural play shed which was set light to, and play materials and a load of new tools that Tesco had just donated to the garden.

“It’s a blow for all the young folk who helped build the shed in the first instance. A punch to the guts.

“We’ll put things right and use this as an opportunity to improve on what was already there. Onwards!”

Paying final respects to Her Majesty The Queen

Large crowds expected as cortege travels from Royal Mile to Edinburgh Airport

People are expected to gather in large numbers in Edinburgh today to pay their final respects to Her Majesty The Queen.

After the Lying at Rest, the coffin will be transported from St Giles’ Cathedral to Edinburgh Airport.

The cortège will follow this route: St Giles’ Cathedral – Lawnmarket – Johnston Terrace – Castle Terrace – Lothian Road – Queensferry Street – Dean Bridge – Queensferry Road – Maybury Road – Turnhouse Road – Edinburgh Airport. 

This will have a significant impact on public transport services across the city and on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.

People are being asked to work from home if they can, and those not wishing to pay their respects in person are being asked to avoid any non-essential travel.

There will be significant disruption to travel along the route of the Queen’s coffin with numerous road closures from 1pm. Some schools in Edinburgh will also be impacted and close earlier.

Latest traffic and school information can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website. 

The schools and early years centres affected are:

Early years centres

  • Cammo Kindergarten
  • Fox Covert Early Years Centre
  • Fox Covert Kindergarten
  • Lauriston Kindergarten

Primary schools

  • Blackhall
  • Clermiston
  • Cramond
  • Davidson’s Mains
  • East Craigs
  • Ferryhill
  • Flora Stevenson
  • Fox Covert
  • Hillwood
  • Stockbridge
  • St Andrew’s Fox Covert

High schools

  • Broughton
  • Craigmount
  • St Augustine’s
  • St Thomas of Aquin’s
  • The Royal High School

Special schools

  • Rowanfield
  • Oaklands

The route the Queen’s cortege will travel means the following roads will close between 4pm and 6.30pm:

  • Johnstone Terrace
  • Lothian Road
  • Queensferry Street
  • Dean Bridge
  • Queensferry Road

In addition to roads on the route, extensive closures and diversions of adjoining roads will be in place, including all crossover junctions. This will have a significant knock-on impact on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.

The Scottish Government is working with City of Edinburgh Council, Transport Scotland, Police Scotland, ScotRail and other partners to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, however, lengthy delays are to be expected.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This will be an extremely busy time in Edinburgh as members of the public come to pay their final respects. In light of this, we respectfully ask people to avoid non-essential travel if possible.

“Those wishing to line the route should plan ahead taking into consideration local road closures, allowing for extra time and limited facilities. Prepare for long periods of standing and large crowds. Check the weather before you leave and bring water.

“Information on travel can be found at Traffic Scotland, Traveline Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Tram and ScotRail websites and social media channels. We are encouraging everyone to check for the latest information before finalising their travel plans.”

Traffic Scotland Operator Manager Stein Connolly said: “Monday and Tuesday will be extremely busy for Edinburgh, the City Bypass, and the surrounding network, due to a series of road closures and the sheer volume of people expected to line the streets.

We want to strike a balance and ensure those who wish to pay their respects can do so safely. If you can work from home we would strongly encourage you to do so. Please consider your need to travel if you are not attending any of the advertised events.

“If you do plan to pay respects in person, please allow extra time for your journey and leave the car at home. Consider public transport options, or if you need to use a car, think about car sharing and using park and ride facilities where possible. On arrival, be prepared for long periods of standing. Bring water and dress for the weather. Most importantly – let’s look out for each other.

“Please continue to check Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Tram websites – as well as @edintravel and @ScotRail social channels for updates before finalising your travel plans.”

Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “We share the respect and affection the public is demonstrating for Her Majesty and urge everyone to continue to be safe as they do so.

“Roads around Edinburgh are expected to be very busy on Tuesday with closures in place and people should plan ahead and follow travel advice.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Tuesday’s events will be of an unprecedented scale, even for our Capital City, so I’m really proud that Edinburgh’s playing such a significant role in these ceremonial events with the eyes of the world are on us.

“Thousands of people lined the Royal Mile to hear the proclamation of the new King and we’ll continue to work closely with Scottish Government, Police Scotland and transport providers to manage disruption and safely accommodate the large numbers of visitors who will wish to pay their respects on Tuesday.

“We’re reminding everyone to consider their travel needs and avoid any non-essential travel throughout the day. For those who choose to try and attend events, please be aware that you may need to sit or stand for a number of hours so dress for the weather and with limited facilities, we recommend that you prepare accordingly.”

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway said: “We are doing everything we can to support people to pay their respects while Her Majesty The Queen lies at rest in Edinburgh.

“We expect trains to be busier than normal over the coming days, particularly to and from Edinburgh. Passengers are advised to download the ScotRail app or visit scotrail.co.uk for the latest information.”

The coffin procession will depart St. Giles’ Cathedral for Edinburgh Airport at 5pm.

Those wishing to attend are being urged to do so safely, plan ahead and allow extra time, taking account of local and city centre road closures, weather conditions, limited facilities, crowded roads and very busy public transport, and the likelihood of spending many hours at the roadside. 

Significant numbers of stewards are being drafted in, alongside police officers, to help keep the public safe. The stewards will provide advice on routes from car parks, identified crossing points and safe viewing areas. 

People are being urged to consider if their journey is absolutely necessary and to work from home if possible. If travel is essential, please allow for extra time, and if possible walk or cycle, use alternative routes or travel at a different time.

Travel information:

There will be rolling road closures along the route. Other roads in the area are expected to be significantly affected as large numbers of people from across Scotland and beyond come to pay their respects. 

Those coming to the area by car should reconsider and look at using one of seven park and rides to get a bus or train into the city. Allow plenty of time to travel and park within the designated areas. Please try to share lifts with friends, family and neighbours wherever possible.

For up-to-date information, including road and school closures across Edinburgh, visit: Road closures and public transport information – The City of Edinburgh Council

For up to date travel information and other updates, visit the dedicated Traffic Scotland website.

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

The following websites can also be used to keep informed about transport services: Lothian BusesEdinburgh Trams and ScotRail.

Safety:

People intending to view the Queen’s cortege, should not leave their vehicle at the side of the road as this poses a risk to public safety. Parking is only allowed in designated areas and the directions of stewards and police officers must be followed.

People are urged not to stand in any unsafe areas and to keep off the carriageway at all times.

Drivers must only park where it is safe to do so, and to respect the needs of residents and businesses to access their premises. 

For safety reasons, do not throw flowers on the road or towards the cortege. 

Please note that before and after the movement of the vehicles the route remains open and fully operational and normal safety processes apply.

Local school closures tomorrow

There will be significant travel disruption along the route of the Queen’s coffin on the afternoon of Tuesday 13 September.

Police Scotland will be putting in place numerous road closures from 1pm which will cause significant disruption across the city.

As a result, a number of schools and early years centres along the route will close early from 12 noon to allow pupils and staff time to return home safely before the Police Scotland closures are in place.

We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause. However, you will appreciate these are exceptional times.

All schools will open on Wednesday 14 September as normal.

The schools and early years centres affected are:

Early years centres

  • Cammo Kindergarten
  • Fox Covert Early Years Centre
  • Fox Covert Kindergarten
  • Lauriston Kindergarten

Primary schools

  • Blackhall
  • Clermiston
  • Cramond
  • Davidson’s Mains
  • East Craigs
  • Ferryhill
  • Flora Stevenson
  • Fox Covert
  • Hillwood
  • Stockbridge
  • St Andrew’s Fox Covert

High schools

  • Broughton
  • Craigmount
  • St Augustine’s
  • St Thomas of Aquin’s
  • The Royal High School

Special schools

  • Rowanfield
  • Oaklands