Day: December 30, 2013

Business as usual for rescue centres over Christmas

The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre had 212 animals in their care this Christmas Day. It was business as usual for the dedicated staff at the charity’s centre in Balerno, which is open to the public all year round.

Manager Diane Stewart said, “It’s a heartbreaking reality that there are
lots of pets without loving homes to call their own this Christmas time.
“However, thanks to our dedicated staff, no animal in our care spent
Christmas Day alone and we even made sure they all got a little treat
from Santa.

“The animals here are relying on us as they don’t have anywhere else to
go, so it’s simply not an option for us to close over the holidays. We’ll be here for them throughout Christmas and New Year, ensuring they’re fed, watered and exercised every day as usual.

“There’s also the task of washing down the kennels, cleaning out the catteries and other enclosures and making sure animals receive any necessary vet treatment.

“Our inspectors and animal rescue officers will continue to rescue abused, abandoned, injured and neglected animals throughout the festive period so we also need to be on-hand to take in any new arrivals and offer them a place of safety.

“We aren’t rehoming young animals such as puppies and kittens between 19
December and 3 January to prevent them being taken on by someone who
just wants a new pet for Christmas, but those genuinely wishing to offer
a young animal a permanent home can come along to meet them and they can
be reserved.

“There are also lots of other pets in our care who are ready and waiting to find their forever homes right now.

“People are always welcome to pop in to our centres, whether it’s to meet an animal they’re interested in rehoming, donate food or toys for our homeless pets, or simply just to say hello.”

The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre is open from 10am-4pm seven days a week.

Edinburgh - Animal Care Assistant Gemma Barbour with Cooper the bearded dragon

Have you seen Verlaine?

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Police Scotland is appealing for information to help trace a woman who was last seen in Edinburgh earlier this month. 

Verlaine Moodley, a 34-year-old Zimbabwean national, has no confirmed home address within the Capital, but is believed to have stayed at various hostels, bed-sits and with friends for a prolonged period of time.

She was last seen in the North of the city on 3 December, and since then she has not made contact with friends or family and concern is now growing for her wellbeing.

Anyone with information that can help trace Verlaine is asked to contact police immediately.

Chief Inspector Richard Horan said: “It is very out of character for Verlaine not to keep in regular contact with her family, who are now growing increasingly worried for her.

“We are conducting enquiries throughout Edinburgh to trace her, but we cannot rule out the possibility she is no longer within the city and may have travelled elsewhere.

“Those who believe they have seen Verlaine since early December, or who have information that can help establish her whereabouts are asked to come forward. Similarly, I would ask Verlaine to get in touch with loved ones, or with police and let us know where you are and that you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Scotland gets ready to welcome the New Year

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With Christmas celebrations over for another year the final preparations for Hogmanay parties are now now being made across the country.

With the welcome news that all homes across Scotland have now had their power supply restored, Transport Minister Keith Brown says that people can really look forward to the Hogmanay festivities.

Keith Brown said: “The recent storms that hit Scotland over the last few days may have caused disruption to the Christmas festivities but the latest information from the Met Office suggests normal December weather for Hogmanay, which means people can celebrate the New Year across Scotland as planned. I would encourage everyone to check their local event arrangements and local travel arrangements on Tuesday.

“We are expecting the weather to be usual for a December in Scotland so I would urge everyone to wrap up warm and get out there and make the most of the celebration parties being hosted across the country. Hogmanay is a time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the year to come. With the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and, of course, the Referendum to come in 2014, people can be sure of an exciting year ahead for Scotland.

“We must never be complacent however, so while organisers continue to plan their events the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room will remain open into the New Year. This will allow us to plan for the best while being prepared for the worst and will allow the Scottish Government, emergency services, transport agencies and utility companies to work together quickly to adapt planning to any unforeseen weather events. I will personally visit the Multi Agency Response Team on the evening of Hogmanay to oversee any final arrangements. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year.”

Penny Dougherty of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will enjoy three days of celebrations starting with the Torchlight Procession which will launch the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014.

“Scotland’s Big Year Starts Here” when 80,000 revellers from around the globe welcome the New Year at the world famous Street Party and can also enjoy free night bus services supported by Diageo and Lothian Buses, taking them home safely across the capital. Hogmanay Services will run from after the bells until 4am.”

Hope it stops raining, though …

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