Road policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a car was seen travelling the wrong way on the A720 Edinburgh City bypass and later refused to stop.
Around 1.10am this morning (Tuesday, 11 October, 2022), officers received a report of the movements of a blue Vauxhall Astra car.
Roads policing officers attended and following a pursuit, deployed tactics to bring the car to a stop on the M9 between Junction 1A and 2.
The M9 was closed at 2am and reopened shortly after 5.30am.
Three police officers were taken to Forth Valley Hospital to be checked over.
Inspector Stephen Quinn said: “Our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle which failed to stop are ongoing.
“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed this vehicle’s movements or was in the area around the time of the pursuit to contact police.
“Also, anyone with dash-cam footage which could assist our investigation should get in touch.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident number 0115 of 11 October.
Lorna Slater, the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s vote to introduce a national rent freeze and new protections from evictions.
The measures in the Bill, which was introduced by a Scottish Green Minister, Patrick Harvie MSP, was overwhelmingly passed last week. It will provide vital protections for tenants over Winter and last until at least March 2023.
These changes will help tenants across Lothian where the average monthly rent is £942, which is an increase of 41.7% since 2010.
Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian said: “I am delighted that this Bill has been passed. These are vital changes that will make a huge difference at what is a desperate time for tenants all across Scotland.
“The measures in the Bill will provide stability and support for households and families across Lothian and beyond at a time when many are being hit by soaring costs and bills.
“These are the most progressive set of tenants’ rights anywhere in the UK. The legislation, which will last until at least the end of March 2023, puts Scotland at the forefront of tenants rights in the UK and sets a crucial precedent for other governments to follow.
“With Greens in the Scottish Government, we are leading the change and building a fairer, greener and better future for our communities.”
Cats Protection has urged Scottish pet lovers to join its campaign for compulsory microchipping of pet cats – a measure which is already in place for dogs.
The charity says compulsory microchipping would be a major step forward in feline welfare in Scotland, yet there are currently no plans for it to be introduced. This is in contrast with England, where the measure is due to become law.
Scottish animal lovers are now being asked to join the charity’s campaign by using an online form on its website to contact their MSP to ask they support the move.
Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland Alice Palombo said: “Microchipping is an important part of responsible pet ownership and is already compulsory for dogs in Scotland. It is also due to become compulsory for pet cats in England, so we’re keen to make sure cats in Scotland are not left behind.
“Compulsory microchipping of pet cats would ensure more cats can be reunited with their owners if they are lost or missing. It also helps to identify cats which have sadly died in road accidents, and helps to reduce the pressure on animal charities which may find it impossible to trace the owner of an un-microchipped stray or lost cat, despite their best efforts.
“We’re asking for the help of cat lovers in Scotland to send a message to MSPs that cats deserve the same level of protection as their canine counterparts.”
Animal lovers can fill in a simple form on Cats Protection’s website which will send an email to their local MSP telling them to support compulsory microchipping of pet cats.
In response to the cost of living crisis, Fresh Start will be hosting a weekly community meal (Meet and Eat) on Wednesday evenings and Friday afternoons at Fresh Start Kitchen, 28-30 Ferry Road Drive – see flier (above).
This is for anyone you can think of who would benefit specifically from a free two course hot meal in a safe and welcoming environment.
We will begin the Wednesday evening Meet and Eat on 26th October, and this will run until March 2023.
Our Friday afternoon Meet and Eats are currently running as usual:
Dobbies Garden Centres is looking to spread the spirit of Christmas in Edinburgh with its festive Not Your Average Community campaign, in partnership with Needlefresh.
The UK’s leading garden centre is inviting charitable groups across Edinburgh to get in touch and help the Dobbies team donate Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to four worthy causes, just in time for the seasonal build-up.
A Christmas tree is the classic centrepiece, not just in the home, but in schools, community centres, churches and other charity centres, and Dobbies is looking to spread some yuletide cheer with donations across Edinburgh.
Dobbies is committed to sustainability and all the real Christmas trees sold are grown from specially selected seeds, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings.
The growing team use specialist pruning techniques to create a bushy and uniform shape by hand, reducing any impact on the surrounding environment and protecting the animals and plants in and around the tree base.
Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said; “We’re proud to be in a position where we can support local communities, so thank you to Needlefresh for supporting us with this campaign. We would encourage schools, community groups and charities across Edinburgh to get in touch with a nomination to be within the chance of receiving a Christmas tree donation.
“The Nordmann Fir is the most popular Christmas tree in the UK because it loses very few needles, meaning your tree will remain green and full, with the right care. It’s the perfect tree for our Not Your Average Community campaign.”
Needlefresh Managing Director, George Hood, added; “We take great pride in growing our sustainable trees and are excited to partner up with Dobbies on this brilliant community initiative.
“We look forward to seeing community groups across Edinburgh decorating and enjoying their sustainable grown, real Christmas tree.”
There will be eight winning projects in Edinburgh, each to receive a 180 – 21cm, Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree.
Nominations can be submitted via dobbies.com by filling out a simple form. Deadline for submissions is Monday 24 October.
All entries will be reviewed by the Dobbies’ team and the winning community groups will be contacted in early November and invited along to the Edinburgh store to hand select their tree. Those who apply to a little dobbies store will have their tree delivered.
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has won a commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 in the Affordable Housing Development of the Year category (sponsored by NHBC) for its Heron Place development.
Heron Place was also shortlisted for the Scottish Home Awards 2022 and nominated for Architecture: Regeneration Heron Place at the Scottish Design Awards 2022.
The development situated at Granton Harbour consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent. The construction and design team comprised of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, architects Hackland and Dore, structural engineer Bayne Stevenson Associates Ltd and M&E engineer The Keenan Consultancy.
The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2022 honoured the achievements of Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords. The awards took place on Thursday, September 29 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
The Affordable Housing Development of the Year category was open to registered social housing providers, charities, trusts or public bodies in partnership with a local authority and/or a developer for rent and/or shared ownership.
The judges were looking for evidence of how the development has impacted positively on the lives of local residents and contributed towards the regeneration of the area. Consideration was given to the use of sustainable materials and building techniques, as well as the development’s impact on the local environment.
Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “We’re proud that Heron Place is thriving within the Granton waterfront community with sustainable, affordable homes and brilliant communities.
“Receiving a commendation for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards on top of our shortlist at the Scottish Home Awards 2022 is incredible rewarding.”
Ever wondered what the earthworms in the soil and compost are actually doing? Join us with @RealFarmED to find out all about earthworm ecology, and help us monitor the populations on the farm:
The City of Edinburgh Council is consulting on new planning guidance to be used as the Capital became the first short term let control area in Scotland last month.
This followed new Scottish Government legislation in 2021. In a control area, these new laws mean if you offer a flat or a house for a short term let that is not the home you live in, you will need planning permission for it.
Now that Edinburgh is a control area, the Council has updated its proposed guidance and is looking to get views on it from anyone with an interest including residents, those operating short term lets and those involved in the tourism industry, by Thursday, 22 December.
Planning Convener James Dalgleish said:“The control area was put in place in Edinburgh last month. This is a huge step forward in tackling issues caused by short term lets across the city.
“It’s so important that those operating short term let accommodation can only do so if they have planning permission where this is needed. Going forward the control area and guidance will greatly simplify the process and make it clearer how decisions will be made for all involved.
“Following extensive consultation, we’ve also just agreed the licensing scheme for short term lets in Edinburgh which addresses concerns around the management of secondary letting. When applying for a licence applicants will also have to make sure they have the right planning permission in place.”
Local healthcare workers at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh have been honoured for their exceptional work at a prestigious ceremony.
Sponsored by NHS Lothian Charity, the annual Celebrating Success Awards 2022 are nominated by fellow healthcare workers across the organisation.
Thomas Faulkner, Specialist Biomedical Scientist at the Western General Hospital won the Young Achiever award for going the extra mile in everything he does.
Although in the very early stages of his career, Thomas has played a huge part in the implementation of a new system and training in the laboratory. His team praised him for his dedication, commitment, energy, passion and enthusiasm.
Thomas said: “I’m very grateful to everyone who has nominated me. I was not expecting it so very happy that I’ve won.”
The Visible Haematuria One Stop Clinic Team at the Western General Hospital won the Best Example of Quality Innovation and Productivity Award.
The clinic is a collaboration between the Urology & Radiology department and Quality Improvement Support Team. It has greatly improved the patient experience and significantly reduced the time from referral to diagnosis for patients with urgent suspicion of cancer as well as the number of visits they make.
The Team said: “We’re very surprised but very thankful to have won this award.”
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “It is fantastic seeing staff being able to come together again and celebrate in person.”
