Two men aged 35 and 41 years have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder which took place in Pennywell Gardens at around 9.15pm on Monday (20 May, 2024).
They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Thursday, 23 May, 2024, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
First Minister John Swinney has announced £16 million for childcare services to help deliver his vision of a Scotland free from child poverty.
In a statement to Parliament, the First Minister set out the four priorities that will underpin the work of his government. He said eradicating child poverty would be his government’s single most important objective.
Over the next two years, the Scottish Government will provide additional funding to expand access to childcare services within six Early Adopter Community (EAC) projects.
The funding will allow expansion into to new communities, including in Fife and Shetland, and inform what childcare should look like for younger children. The investment will support the development of local childcare systems that are designed to meet families’ needs, with funding targeted at those who are most at risk of living in poverty.
Earlier yesterday, the First Minister visited a breakfast club at Capshard Primary School in Kirkcaldy to see the impact of innovative school age childcare services which contribute to the eradication of child poverty and grow the economy, by helping parents and carers access the childcare they need to find and sustain good jobs.
Speaking in parliament, the First Minister said: “In modern Scotland, it should not be a struggle to find fair work or to raise a family. So for me, and for my government, eradicating child poverty and boosting economic growth, go hand in hand.
“Over the next two years, we will invest £16 million to tackle poverty and help families, by expanding access to childcare services within six Early Adopter Community projects.
“This investment will support low income families to enter and sustain employment, with funding targeted at those who are most at risk of living in poverty.”
A 36-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 78-year-old woman in Edinburgh on Tuesday (21 May).
Around 8.25am, police were called to a disturbance within a house in Fernieside Crescent. Police and Ambulance attended however 78-year-old Margaret Parker was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 36-year-old man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday, 23 May),
The 36-year-old man has also been charged in relation to the attempted murder of a 55-year-old woman and a 42-year-old woman during this incident. They did not require medical treatment.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Margaret Parker and everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“A continued police presence can be seen in the area as officers continue their enquiries into this isolated incident.”
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
An updated statement on our work in Crewe Road South, Edinburgh:
Bradley Barlow, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN. said: ‘After investigations into a smell of gas at the Crewe Road South junction, our specialist team of engineers have decided to fully replace our gas network at this location.
“We understand this will be disruptive, but the work will prevent future emergency work and disruption.
“In order to do this work safely, the temporary road closure in Crewe Road South, between its junctions with Carrington Road and Craigleith Road, will remain in place. The road is closed in both directions.
“For safety reasons and to help the flow of traffic (including emergency services) around our work, Edinburgh City Council has asked us to temporarily close Craigleith Hill Avenue at its junction with Crewe Road.
“A signed diversion will be in place via Carrington Road, East Fettes Avenue and Comeley Bank Road.
“Please be advised, this road closure will affect motorists travelling to and from Western General Hospital. Please allow extra time for your journey. We’re liaising closely with the emergency service to limit disruption.
“We know this is a busy route and will be working extended hours to complete this upgrade work as quickly and safely as possible.
“We expect this work to take five more weeks to complete.”
A 44-year-old man has been jailed for six years in connection with attempted murder in Muirhouse.
Craig McQuillian was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Wedneday, 22 May) after pleading guilty the previous day.
McQuillian tried to murder a young boy and man on Sunday, 12 November, 2023 by setting a fire outside the door of their home in the Muirhouse area.
Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “This was a targeted attack which not only could have killed two innocent people, but also harmed many others in the building.
“McQuillian will now face the consequences of his deplorable actions.
“I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a surprise early general election. Mr Sunak made the announcement in a rain-soaked speech outside 10 Downing Street last night.
The announcement caught pundits unaware, with most expecting an autumn poll by which time Britain’s struggling economy may have shown stronger signs of recovery, giving the Tories a glimmer of hope of winning a fifth term in office.
The Tories trail Labour by between 16 – 20 points in most opinion polls and their situation appears hopeless.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it is “time for change” – also Labour’s clarion call in Tony Blair’s landslide election in 1997. Just what that ‘change’ will be isn’t yet clear – Labour’s tactic of doing or promising nothing that will frighten Daily Mail readers has worked so far.
Vote for Us, we’re not the Tories. And that could be enough to get elected, as the years of chaos – the Covid contracts corruption, the Downing Street parties, the state of our public services, ever-increasing waiting lists, the Truss-Kwarteng catastrophe – have not been forgotten and will not be forgiven.
Disappointing as it may be for Labour activists, though, do not expect anything too radical in Labour’s manifesto, But do expect a ringing endorsement from Rupert Murdoch soon.
So a change of faces, certainly. It’s true: things CAN only get better. But the radical change needed to tackle poverty, inequality and revive Britain’s broken public services? We’ll see.
The Westminster Parliament will be suspended on Friday, before it is formally shut down on Thursday next week ahead of an official five-week election campaign.
This leaves only two days to pass any outstanding legislation, which will mean mean some of the current government’s plans will have to be ditched.
First Minister John Swinney says he’s looking forward to the campaign but also says it’s disrespectful for the election to be held during Scottish school holidays:
Commenting on the announcement of the General Election by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Deidre Brock MP said: “The snap summer election is a desperate throw of the dice from a washed-out Prime Minister leading a government staggering on its last legs.
“Rishi Sunak could have limped on for a few more months but I’m glad he is putting this chaotic Tory administration out of its misery. The people of Scotland have different priorities and we are tired of picking up the bills for their mess.
“Now we have a chance to vote for a stronger Scotland and say what we think of Tory austerity politics, the Brexit chaos and the cost-of-living crisis they created. Bring it on!”
The Lib-Dems, too. are offering change:
‘It’s time. Time to elect fantastic Liberal Democrat MPs to champion their communities. Time to change the system and give people real hope. Time to smash the blue wall and kick out the Conservatives. Time to deliver the fair deal the British people deserve.’
Mike Andersen, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, also welcomes the announcement of the upcoming general election scheduled for 4 July 2024.
He views this election as a crucial opportunity for transformative change in the UK. Mike believes that the current government has failed to address the pressing issues facing the country and that the Scottish Liberal Democrats are the only party capable of leading the way towards a brighter future.
“The country is crying out for change and for people’s voices to be heard. Finally, we can move forward and put an end to the dysfunction of Mr. Sunak’s Government. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are ready to champion the values of fairness, equality, and opportunity. We are committed to building a future where every individual can thrive, and this election provides us with the platform to fight for the change we need and deserve.”
“We aim to build a society where people no longer have to choose between food and heating, where we have faith in the economy, hope for environmental sustainability, and where the UK can proudly stand on the right side of history, including on its stance on Israel and Gaza.”
The Green Party welcomes the General Election as the chance for voters to choose hope and practical solutions to the crises facing the country.
Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Bristol Central Carla Denyer said: “At last. This is the moment the country has been waiting for – the chance to vote for a different vision of what our country can be. We are urging voters to elect at least four Green MPs to Parliament.”
Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Waveney Valley Adrian Ramsay said: “We are ready. Across the country people will have the chance to vote for a Green candidate offering voters hope and practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, supporting people into warm, affordable homes, protecting our NHS and cleaning up our toxic rivers.
Denyer added: “By reforming our tax system to make it fairer – including a tax on the super-rich billionaires and multi-millionaires – we would raise £50billion to invest in our NHS, warmer homes and cleaner rivers.”
Ramsay added: “We are offering the common sense, affordable policies that will dramatically improve our quality of life. More Green MPs in Parliament will hold whoever forms the next government to account, and make the other parties confront the challenges our country faces. Together, we can make the change.”
Commenting on the announcement of a General Election, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Good. And not a moment too soon.”
● Neil Gaiman, Peter James, Kate Mosse and Richard E Grant among authors and actors set to feature on the 9 episode season which returns on Monday 20th May
● The first season of ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ was listened to in 158 countries and featured in the top 1% of podcasts globally
● The first season of the podcast also spent several consecutive weeks at the top of the book and arts podcast charts in the UK, US, Canada and Australia
The Queen’s Reading Room, the charity formed from the book club set up by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, has today announced the return of its chart-topping book podcast, ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’.
The launch of season 2 comes just weeks after Her Majesty unveiled findings of the Charity’s ground-breaking research into benefits of reading at Clarence House AND comes only weeks before The Queen’s Reading Room Festival, which boasts a line-up including Helena Bonham Carter, Dame Harriet Walter & Harlan Coben, returns to Hampton Court Palace.
The first series of The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast featured Rebus author Sir Ian Rankin, actress Dame Joanna Lumley, and comedian David Baddiel and was listened to in 158 countries. Upon its launch, ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ reached the top 1% of podcasts globally and spent several consecutive weeks at #1 in the UK arts and books podcast charts, #1 in the Canadian and Australian Apple books podcast charts and #14 in the US Apple podcast charts.
Available weekly from Monday 20th May, the second season of ‘The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast’ will continue to create a space where book lovers – and those who wish to connect more with books – can hear straight from the mouths of literary heroes.
The new season will feature a celebrated literary line-up which boasts ‘American Gods’ author Neil Gaiman, ‘Labyrinth’ author Kate Mosse and author of the ‘Roy Grace’ series Peter James, who will invite listeners inside their own reading rooms, taking us on their own personal journeys through the literature that influenced their lives. This brand new season will also feature Her Majesty Queen Camilla, who will once again let listeners in on some of her all-time favourite reads.
CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room and podcast host Vicki Perrin said: “We were astounded by the response to the first season of The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast. It is clear that the podcast reached and resonated with listeners globally, enabling them to connect and fall in love with books.
“I hope that this second season of the podcast will continue to inspire listeners to go on new literary adventures and help those wishing they loved books a little more, to discover the true joy of reading.”
The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast season 2 is available from 00:01 on Monday 20th May on all podcasting platforms. The episode schedule is as follows:
Episode 1 – 20th May – Neil Gaiman
Episode 2 – 27th May – Mel Giedroyc
Episode 3 – 3rd June – Kate Mosse
Episode 4 – 10th June – Peter James
Episode 5 – 17th June – Santa Montefiore
Episode 6 – 24th June – Ben Okri
Episode 7 – 1st July – Clare Mackintosh
Episode 8 – 8th July – Curtis Sittenfeld
Episode 9 – 15th July – Richard E Grant
Fourteen drugs support projects, which will help save and improve lives as part of the Scottish Government’s National Mission on Drugs, have been awarded funding which will ensure key frontline services continue to support those dealing with problematic drug use.
Ten projects will receive continuation funding of £2.6 million, with four new residential rehabilitation initiatives receiving £1 million.
The awards will allow organisations providing residential rehabilitation to hire staff to provide more in-depth support to people as they transition from rehab, develop a new women’s recovery house and upgrade existing properties.
Visiting Crossreach’s Residential Recovery Service in Glasgow, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “This funding and these projects are helping to save and improve lives across Scotland.
“It will support a wide range of initiatives, from rescuing vulnerable people from having their homes and lives taken over by drug-dealing ‘cuckooing’ gangs, to supporting outdoor recovery programmes and expanding recovery cafes.
“It will support a wide range of initiatives, from rescuing vulnerable people from having their homes and lives taken over by drug-dealing ‘cuckooing’ gangs, to supporting outdoor recovery programmes and expanding recovery cafes.
“It also includes a very significant investment in developing residential rehabilitation services. Increasing access, and improving these services is another key part of our National Mission and we’re well on our way to our target of increasing the number of statutory funded placements to 1000 by 2026.”
Crossreach will use an award of £357,816 to employ two new staff members to improve aftercare provision at its Glasgow residential rehabilitation facility.
Director for Adult Care Vic Walker said: “This funding, across three years, will allow us to maintain support to people as they transition back into the community after completing a residential rehab programme.
“Practical and emotional support will be offered, as they link with an assertive aftercare worker and access counselling.
“We know that this type of support is crucial, as they enter the next stage of their recovery journey, leaving the supportive environment of the rehabilitation service and establishing themselves back into their local community. We will help people to use the knowledge and skills gained in rehab, as they access activities and services.”
Carolyn Sawers, chief executive of Corra, which has made more than 300 National Mission grant awards to organisations across Scotland, said: “Corra’s vision is for a society where people can create positive change and enjoy fulfilling lives.
“With £3.6 million going to 14 organisations through the National Drugs Mission Fund, we will see real impact for communities across Scotland. We are pleased to see four new residential rehabilitation services receive funding, taking a people-first approach that’s built on compassion, relationships, and rights.”
A full list of awards can be found here
Laura Buchanan, 41, from Edinburgh, will be taking part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month (Sunday 26 May,) raising funds for the Stroke Association.
Laura’s husband Craig (42,) had a severe stroke 18 months ago. He was left unable to walk and with limited speech, and the family were told to prepare for the worst.
After three weeks at The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Craig was transferred to The Astley Ainslie hospital where he underwent intensive therapy for 9 weeks.
With the help of NHS physiotherapy, occupational health and speech and language, 5 days a week, Craig was quickly able to begin to make small improvements. Through sheer grit and determination, Craig continued to recover.
After three months, he walked out of hospital with the help of a tripod – an incredible achievement, and one they’d never imagine he would make. Craig has gone from strength to strength and has now gone back to work, working 12 hours a week.
He has a very supportive family and an amazing group of friends; their support was massively important in his rehabilitation.
Laura said: “I’m absolutely not a runner. I am doing this for my husband, and the Stroke Association. Craig never complains, he just gets on with it. Before the stroke, I didn’t think it would have been possible to love Craig any more than I did, turns out I was wrong. I am in awe of everything he does and so proud to be his wife. When training is hard my mantra is, if he can learn to walk, I can learn to run.
“I knew nothing about strokes, until this happened. Having a stroke is a terrible thing, turning peoples’ lives upside down. I want others to know a stroke could happen to them. Even if you are young, a stroke doesn’t discriminate. By raising awareness, I hope more people will look out for the signs and symptoms of a stroke, no matter what age.”
Claire Pell, Product Officer at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, and changes life in an instant.
“About a quarter of strokes happen to people of working age. Fortunately, it is treatable and recoverable, but it is often a long and slow recovery, and the impact can be lifelong. With the help of our fundraisers like Laura, we can help many more stroke survivors rebuild their lives again.
“What Laura is doing is admirable. Attempting a half marathon is no mean feat. The hard work that Laura is putting into this now, and on the day, will be a huge effort of respect to Craig. Thank you, Laura, for raising all the funds you have so far.
“Your fundraising efforts will help raise awareness, fund research, and support people who have had a stroke and their families.”
Honda has been crowned ‘Car Brand of the Year’ at the Which? Awards 2024. Praised for being the best of the best.
The Which? Awards were launched 17 years ago to celebrate and reward the very best businesses in the UK. Each year they select and publicly recognise those companies and individuals that consistently get it right for their customers.
Anabel Hoult, Which? Chief Executive, said: “Honda is consistently popular amongst Which? members and performs well in our lab testing.
“Every new model we’ve tested to date has been awarded a Best Buy rating, due to an overall combination of efficiency, quality and practicality. Coupled with good reliability, it’s no wonder Honda has earned top marks for customer satisfaction in the latest Which? Car Survey.
“Every new model we’ve tested to date has been awarded a Best Buy rating, due to an overall combination of efficiency, quality and practicality. Coupled with good reliability, it’s no wonder Honda has earned top marks for customer satisfaction in the latest Which? Car Survey.
“Congratulations to Honda on its win. The Which? Awards judging standards are incredibly high, so to be named as a winner is a huge achievement – something only achieved by the best of the best.”
Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda (UK) said “To receive one of the most prestigious accolades in the automotive industry is incredible and a true credit to all of our loyal customers, retailers, and associates across Honda UK. Having tremendous products certainly helps too!
Honda’s a very special brand filled with passion and strong heritage. Thank you so much to Which? too, this very important stamp of approval means a huge amount.”
In addition, the Honda’s Jazz and Civic e:HEV models received the very esteemed Which? Best Buy accreditation for 2024. With the Civic taking the honour in the medium sized vehicle category, and the Jazz in small cars.
The Honda Jazz, renowned for its versatility and practicality, has long been a favourite among drivers seeking a balance between form and function. With its e:HEV variant, the Jazz raises the bar even higher, delivering a driving experience that is both engaging and eco-conscious, “why choose anything else” said the Which? experts.
Meanwhile, “the Honda Civic e:HEV is the new medium car to beat”, now in its 11th generation, with its sleek design and dynamic performance. Combining the latest hybrid technology with the timeless allure of the Civic, this model represents the pinnacle of automotive innovation and design.
For more information about Honda and its products, visit: Honda UK Cars | Buy Online, Book a Test Drive & Find a Retailer
