Officers conducting enquiries to locate missing woman Khasha Smith began searching in an area off Calder Road in Edinburgh today (Wednesday, 4 September, 2024).
The work includes specialist search trained officers as part of the investigation to locate Khasha who went missing almost a year ago, aged 35.
Extensive enquiries have been carried out but Khasha is still a missing person. We are continuing to support her family throughout this time.
Khasha was last seen to be safe and well on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023. She has never gone missing before.She is around 5ft, of slim build, with blue eyes and long, blonde hair.
She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says ‘Forever’.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “We continue to follow up several lines of enquiry and are working to find answers for Khasha’s family.
“As with every missing person inquiry, all aspects of Khasha’s life have been, and continue to be, explored. We know she would never miss events such as her daughter’s birthday and Christmas, and we have to consider the possibility that she may have come to harm.
“We are constantly evaluating and exploring all the information we have and remain open minded. We are doing everything we can to find her.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.
Students complete ‘European first’ build of innovative bamboo structure The design could be used to create sustainable large span roofs in future
A project to build Europe’s first bamboo-timber composite gridshell at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) has been successfully completed.
The 9×8 metre structure was put up in just four days by a team of 31 visiting students from the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) in an engineering lab at ENU’s Merchiston campus.
The team used cutting-edge design and construction methods, including augmented reality technology to visualise the plans in real time.
Project leaders hope to now replicate it at a larger scale, allowing researchers to investigate the use of bamboo-timber gridshells as a sustainable building design, and to train construction professionals.
Known for their structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal, gridshells are curved, shell-like structures made from an interconnected grid pattern.
Experts believe their design – which makes the most of bamboo’s strengths as a sustainable building material – could be used to create large-span roofs.
This latest effort follows the construction of a similar structure in China by a team of ENU students last year.
Professor Johnson Zhang, Head of international for Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, led the project.He said: “The construction has gone really well. The last time we did something like this in China it took a month – so it has taken a huge effort to get it all done in four days.
“We were delighted to welcome the students to Edinburgh for the project. They have all learned a lot from the process, as have we.
“Using the technology allowed us to monitor the construction, so we could make changes and corrections in real time during the build. It has huge potential in the industry.
“It’s the first time something like this has been done in Europe, and we’re hoping to create an even bigger gridshell here in future.
“We first demonstrated the idea behind bamboo-timber gridshells at COP26 in Glasgow, and this is another step in the journey to realise its potential.”
As well as ENU and THEi, the project backed by the Construction Industry Council of Hong Kong and the British Council, alongside partners: Built Environment – Smarter Transformation, Xylotek – Advanced Timber, Glenalmond Timber, and Intelligent Wood Systems.
A group of academics from the Department of Architecture of Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology (IMUST) also came to Edinburgh to support the construction.
The finished structure was shown off during a closing ceremony for visiting partners at Merchiston. Plans are underway to develop bamboo-timber gridshell technology further at Edinburgh Napier University.
A staggering 68% of adults in Edinburgh either don’t have a Will or have one that’s out-of-date, a national Will-writing charity has revealed.
Will Aid’s poll, which surveyed more than 2,000 people across the country, found 57% in the city haven’t made a Will, and 11% admitted theirs did not reflect their current wishes.
Nationally, the figures showed 56% of people haven’t made a Will, with a further 11% whose Will is out of date.
Financial pressures seem to be holding people back – with 21% citing the cost of instructing a solicitor as the reason they haven’t sorted a Will.
Other reasons included believing they had nothing worth leaving (27%), never finding the time (18.5%), feeling uncomfortable talking about death (16%) and concerns about the process being too complicated (16%).
Nationally, the average time since people last updated their Wills is six years, with nearly 20% admitting they’ve never updated theirs.
Only a third (34%) of those surveyed have updated their Will in the past three years.
Parents with children over 18 last updated their Wills an average of seven and a half years ago, while those with under 18s averaged four and a half years.
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid Campaign Director, said: “Making a Will is a final loving act for those you care about. It provides a clear plan and guidance for your family after you’re gone.
“We know thinking about death is uncomfortable and considering your final wishes can be daunting, but not having one can lead to confusion and distress among family members and beneficiaries, at an already upsetting time.
“The statistics on outdated Wills are worrying, because circumstances change, and it’s crucial to keep your documents up to date to ensure they reflect your current situation.
“Having a Will is essential for ensuring your wishes are respected and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones and keeping that document up to date is vital, especially when circumstances in your life change.
“Common reasons for updating your Will might include the death of a relative, divorce or separation, having children or gaining stepchildren. We advise you to regularly review your Will to make sure it still outlines your wishes.
“Will Aid is the perfect opportunity to have your Will professionally drawn up or to have it updated, while supporting charities that help some of the most vulnerable people in the UK and abroad.
“Getting your Will drafted by a solicitor is the safest way to ensure it is done correctly and legally.
“This year, you can finally tick that task off your to-do list by securing an appointment with a participating Will Aid solicitor – it can be an in-person meeting if there is a participating firm near you, otherwise you will be offered firms that can do it remotely, so wherever you are in the UK, you can get your affairs in order through Will Aid this year.
“It’s a straightforward and easy process, allowing you to secure your family’s future while supporting to important causes.”
The annual Will Aid campaign sees solicitors across the UK volunteering their time to write Wills throughout November.
Will Aid is a partnership between the legal profession and seven of the UK’s best-loved charities.
The initiative, which has been running for more than 30 years, sees participating solicitors waive their fee for writing basic Wills every November.
Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid – a suggested £100 for a single basic Will and £180 for a pair of basic ‘mirror’ Wills.
Appointments are available from September 2, and you can sign up by visiting www.willaid.org.uk
Donations to the campaign are shared by Will Aid’s partner charities, which operate both here in the UK and around the world.
For more information on Will Aid and how to get involved visit:
Scotmid, one of Scotland’s leading community retailers, has announced a new, year-long charity partnership with Maggie’s, an organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families living with cancer.
This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both Scotmid and Maggie’s to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Over the next 12 months, Scotmid and Maggie’s staff in Edinburgh will work hand-in-hand to raise awareness, fundraise, signpost and offer tangible support to those living with cancer.
As part of this collaboration, Maggie’s volunteers will be visiting Scotmid stores across the country, engaging directly with customers to raise awareness and funds. These in-store ‘pop-up’ events will offer customers the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to them and how they can contribute to the cause.
Scotmid stores have also introduced exclusive Maggie’s-branded merchandise, including limited edition pin badges and air fresheners, making it easier than ever for customers to show their support.
Additionally, Scotmid employees are being encouraged to get involved in local fundraising activities, bringing their own creative ideas to the table to enhance community engagement.
Beyond fundraising, a key focus of this partnership will be to educate communities about the diverse support services that Maggie’s offers to those living with cancer. From emotional support to practical advice, the Maggie’s centre in Edinburgh provides a lifeline to individuals and families during some of their most challenging times.
Anna Clarkson, Centre Co-Head, Maggie’s Edinburgh, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to be partnering with Scotmid, an organisation renowned for its dedication to Edinburgh community causes.
“Together, we aim to shine a light on the profound impact cancer has on lives and to remind those living with a diagnosis that they are not alone.
“It is wonderful to think that Scotmid stores will now help ensure people with cancer, as well as family and friends in Edinburgh, get the support they need at possibly the most difficult time of their lives.”
Karen Scott, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “Supporting our communities is at the heart of everything we do at Scotmid. We are excited to partner with Maggie’s to raise both awareness and vital funds for a cause that touches so many lives.
“The money we raise will help ensure that more people can access the care and support they need during such a critical time. We look forward to making a difference together.”
Scotmid has raised an impressive £3.25 million across its last ten charity partnerships, establishing itself as a leading retail fundraiser.
This significant contribution is made possible through the hard work and dedication of staff, members, and customers, who participate in numerous fundraising activities and campaigns.
Established independent funeral director, William Purves, is extending its support to grieving families across Edinburgh with a new branch in Barnton.
Located on 185 Whitehouse Road, William Purves’ new premise will offer premium funeral facilities to be enjoyed by residents across EH4 and EH12 postcodes.
The refurbished space will include a comfortable reception room, an arranging room and a peaceful private viewing space for grieving friends and families to visit, providing locals with the highest level of funeral care.
Previously a hair salon, the new site will further strengthen William Purves’ presence in Edinburgh, joining eight existing branches to bring the business’s unrivalled funeral service to families in the north-west of the city. This central, convenient location to surrounding areas enables families to easily access support and every stage of the funeral process.
Leading the charge at the new Barnton branch will be accomplished funeral director, Jamie Reece, who has over a decade of experience in the sector. Jamie will work alongside the newly appointed Branch Administrator, Anne Ballantyne who recently celebrated five years with William Purves and is a local resident of Barnton.
James Morris, Managing Directorat William Purves commented on the new opening:“We are very pleased to be opening a new branch in the beautiful Barnton area of Edinburgh.
” Having undergone a complete refurbishment, the new space will ensure grieving families have access to the highest standard of funeral care, support and comfort when it is needed most.
“And, having established strong relationships with the local churches, celebrants and funeral service venues, we hope to provide a streamlined service to minimise any additional stress at an already difficult time.
“We are looking forward to welcoming locals into the new branch – and encourage anyone with questions about funeral plans or arrangements to pop in and say hello.”
Tim Purves, chairman and great-great-grandson of founder William Purves, said:“This is an exciting time for William Purves and the wider Barnton area, as our new branch will offer local families the dedicated support, community investment and first-class facilities William Purves is known for.
“When my great great grandfather first opened William Purves Funeral Directors in 1888, I can’t imagine he envisioned I would be here today opening our 9th branch in Edinburgh and 29th nationwide. It is an honour to preserve his legacy and to continue serving the families of Edinburgh and beyond all these years later.”
William Purves’ new branch can be found on 185 Whitehouse Road and is open between 9-5 (closed between 1 and 2 for lunch) on weekdays. However, our phone line is open 24/7 for anyone in need.
Curbing sky rocketing A&E waiting times must be the number one priority for the Scottish government with winter just around the corner.
That is the call from The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) Scotland as A&E performance data for July represented the worst July since records began in 2011 for extended wait times in Emergency Departments.
This is double the number of people who waited this long in July last year.
The data also shows long waits have increased significantly since the 2010s.
Since July 2017, for example, the numbers of people waiting four hours or more has increased by nearly seven times (5553 to 38,379), eight hours or more by 53 times (248 to 13,146), and 12 hours or more by 279 times (20 to 5,593). This was despite attendances only increasing by 0.9% in the same period.
Delays in discharging patients is a key reason that doctors cannot admit patients into hospitals from their Emergency Departments, therefore causing long waits. In July, there were 61,165 days spent in hospital by people who were well enough to be discharged but unable to be due to a lack of social care provisions. This is equivalent to 167 years.
Dr John-Paul Loughrey, RCEM Vice President for Scotland said: “The Scottish government must take heed and put measures in place to end long wait times in our Emergency Departments.
“These staggering statistics are deeply worrying for the people of Scotland who are facing incredibly long and tiring waits despite it being summer. We have been dealing with ‘winter levels’ of pressure, which does not bode well as we start to head into the colder months. The first day of winter is just three months away, which will inevitably heap pressure on the health care system.
“Continuing to focus on diverting patients away from A&E rather than addressing the capacity problems will not avert the coming crisis. These statistics aren’t just numbers. They are people who have come to our Emergency Departments needing emergency care. They deserve better. Our health care colleagues deserve better.”
A graphical representation of the data can be found here.
The Amazon Edinburgh team has collaborated with David Pollacchi, Managing Director of Lomax Sports to support Firrhill High School and the Kevin Thomson Academy with donations of over £3,000 worth of equipment.
The football coaching kits include embroidered sportswear, footballs and cones. The academy will use the equipment as part of a partnership with Firrhill High School, a secondary school based in south- west Edinburgh, which has received two sets of 11 aside school football kits as part of the donations.
The Kevin Thomson Academy (KTA) offers football coaching across the city through classes, private and team sessions. The Academy is run Kevin Thomson, a former Scottish professional footballer who played for clubs including Hibs, Middlesborough and Rangers.
David Pollacchi has a proven track record of making a tangible difference within communities in Edinburgh and has been formally recognised by Sportscotland, Scottish Football Association and the City of Edinburgh for driving sporting initiatives to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of children within the city.
To mark the donation, members of the Amazon team and the Kevin Thomson Academy visited staff and pupils from Firrhill High School to donate the items.
Ethan Smith from Amazon in Edinburgh said: “As an avid football fan, I’m so pleased Amazon has supported Firrhill High School and the Kevin Thomson Academy with these donations.
“It was a pleasure meeting pupils and members of the school and academy, and I hope this donation makes a lasting impact.”
Kevin Thomson added: “We want to express our thanks to Ethan and the team at Amazon in Edinburgh for this donation.
“Football is our passion and with donations like this, we can continue to support young people across the city in developing their skills and keeping fit. Huge thanks to David Pollacchi for managing and facilitating the whole process end to end over a number of months.
” We look forward to our training with Firrhill High School.”
Graham Hamilton, Headteacher at Firrhill High School, said: “Thank you to David Pollacchi and Kevin Thomson, generously supported by Amazon in Edinburgh, for this donation of equipment, which means so much to our pupils.
“It was great to meet David, Kevin and the team from Amazon and we look forward to the sessions run by the Kevin Thomson Academy and to many victories in these new strips.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.
Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 4 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.
Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
LUCKY guests at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 Rooftop Bar were treated to a double rainbow which framed the venue’s perfect view of Edinburgh Castle yesterday after a small shower and sunny skies.
