Essential health services will be open on public holidays.
When your GP and pharmacy are closed and you are too ill to wait, visit NHS Inform.
For urgent advice, or if you think you need to attend A&E, but it’s not life or limb threatening, call 111.
Two 17-year-old males have been arrested and charged in connection with the attempted murder of a 16-year-old male in Stenhouse.
The incident took place in Stenhouse Avenue West, around 9pm on Sunday, 22 December, 2024. The victim was taken to hospital, where he remains.
The pair are expected to appear from custody today – Tuesday, 24 December, 2024.
Officers are continuing to follow further positive lines of enquiry.
Detective Sergeant Kim Tennant said: “We would like to thank members of the public for their assistance with our enquiries into this attack.”
Commercial real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn Trust, has secured a £29.95million debt package from Leumi UK to deliver its first purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme.
The financing will support the delivery of a 230-bed PBSA project in Leith, which Firethorn acquired in February 2024.
Forming part of the Leith Walk redevelopment scheme, the site has planning permission to deliver a six-storey building featuring high quality accommodation and generous amenities, including a fully-equipped gym, modern study spaces and student common rooms.
Edinburgh’s PBSA market is materially undersupplied, with a student-to-bed ratio of 3.13:1 and a limited development pipeline. The Leith Walk development will help to address demand by creating much-needed bed spaces, while a modern and sustainable design specification will contribute towards BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings.
Richard Whitby, Chief Financial Officer at Firethorn Trust, commented: “The Leith Walk project required a partner that could provide a tailored financing solution to meet our bespoke needs, which is precisely what Leumi delivered.
“We are delighted to be working with Leumi on this development and are excited about the potential for collaboration on future projects as we grow our Firethorn Living platform.
“With our established track record in developing high-quality assets and generating strong returns, we are confident that this development will play a key role in addressing the critical need for modern student housing in Edinburgh’s vibrant university district.”
Dan Whiteman, Relationship Director at Leumi UK, added: “In many ways, this transaction epitomises what sets Leumi UK apart, as we were able to complete this transaction with great focus on ensuring the lending solution met the specific needs of the sponsor.
“Firethorn Trust has a strong track record of creating attractive and sustainable spaces, and we look forward to expanding our relationship as it grows its Living platform.”
The Leith Walk development is expected to complete in time for the 2026/27 academic year.
Firethorn Trust was advised by Brotherton, BCLP and CMS. Leumi UK was advised by Osborne Clarke and MFMac.
For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com.
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce two additional Relaxed Opening Hours sessions as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.
These sessions will take place on Friday, January 24th, and Sunday, February 23rd, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of our planet in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Opening Hours are designed for individuals who benefit from a quieter, more supportive experience, such as those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) or sensory sensitivities. Open to all visitors, these sessions ensure everyone can enjoy the full Dynamic Earth experience in a welcoming and accessible setting.
Dynamic Earth’s approach encourages visitors to learn and explore at their own pace, giving everyone the chance to fully enjoy everything this science centre and planetarium has to offer. This is why Dynamic Earth offers sensory adjustments throughout the entire day.
Sensory Adjustments on Relaxed Opening Hours Day:
Dynamic Earth invites visitors to join them for these upcoming sessions in 2025:
Tickets are now available for booking. Start the new year with a visit to a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and inspired.
Tradespeople have been warned to take extra security measures when it comes to their tools this Christmas.
Van insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk have warned the risk of tool theft may increase over the festive period given valuable equipment will spend more time sitting idle and thieves are more likely to be in action before the expensive holiday season.
Whilst Christmas should be a time for tradespeople to down tools for a couple of weeks and enjoy some well-earned time off, it could also be a time for opportunistic criminals to take advantage.
With work vans being parked up for longer periods of time, there is the risk of tool theft throughout the festive season. Plus the darker evenings provide cover, and colder mornings – where vans may be left running to warm up – create ideal scenarios for thieves.
Where possible, tools should always be removed from a work van but taking extra security measures, such as fitting an alarm, a tracking device and making sure that insurance cover includes tools, can all help to keep equipment and finances secure.
Research analysed by experts at Quotezone last year found that over the course of the previous year, there had been an increase of 57% in cases of tool theft from vehicles.
When analysing a sample of 100,000 van insurance policies, Quotezone research showed only 10% of vans are locked in a garage overnight – raising concerns over van safety and the need for some additional measures to improve van security.
Earlier this year in June, hundreds of tradespeople from across the UK took to London’s Parliament Square to protest the alarming rise in tool theft.
With Christmas now approaching, Quotezone CEO and van insurance expert Greg Wilson has issued a fresh warning to tradespeople, saying: “Last year our analysis showed a huge increase in tool theft from the previous year and as we approach Christmas it’s important tradespeople are protected – making sure their tools and vehicles are well-secured.
“Simple things like not attracting attention to the tools through business related branding or signage can help – it may also help reduce the insurance premium for this very reason.
“It’s best to remove any tools from vehicles for the holidays and store them inside the home, garage or a secure facility.
“But if this isn’t an option, and the tools need to be left in the van, always try to park it carefully in a well-lit area, ideally where the space itself restricts access to the doors and somewhere that has CCTV in operation.
“Van drivers can even get cameras that can be placed discreetly inside the van, and investment in a good quality and reliable security alarm system can help to deter any potential thieves.
“If abroad on holiday, tradespeople should make sure not to post on social media that they’re away or tag in their location – keep the settings private and post any holiday snaps when safely back home, one in five thieves use social media to look for victims.
“Many standard van insurance policies may not cover tool theft by default, so getting additional cover for any potential incidents helps protect the van and the business.”
Tips to improve van security
Remove your tools
The easiest option to lower your chances of being targeted by thieves is to remove any tools or valuables from your vehicle to begin with, if possible.
Use a lockable toolbox or vault
Not everyone will have the space to store tools in their homes or garage. Investing in a lockable toolbox or vault inside your van offers a secure storage option that could deter thieves.
Plan your parking
If parking in a locked garage or a private driveway is not an option, then make sure you try to park in a busy, well-lit area where CCTV is in operation.
Invest in a high-quality alarm system
There are different variations of alarm systems that can add another layer of security to your vehicle, including alarms with immobilisers or motion sensors. These act as a great deterrent for potential thieves who are likely to be aware of the increased risks.
Use a tracking device
In the event your van does get stolen, having a GPS tracker fitted can help the police try to recover your vehicle.
Mark your tools
Marking your tools can be a deterrent to thieves if your name or company is displayed. It will make them easily identifiable to police and may aid their recovery when thieves attempt to sell them on.
Check your insurance covers the contents of your van
Not all van insurance policies will cover tool theft as standard, so make sure you have insurance that protects everything you need it to – safeguarding your finances and helping you get back on your feet
Quotezone helps van drivers compare and find savings on all sorts of van products, such as van insurance, van breakdown cover and van tool insurance.
The UK automotive and charging industries have been invited to shape the UK’s transition to zero emission vehicles, as the UK Government works with the sector to harness the huge opportunities for economic growth and improve living standards for working people.
Today [Tuesday 24 December], Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has launched a consultation to ask views from industry on how to deliver on the manifesto commitment to restore the 2030 phase out date for new purely petrol and diesel cars and make the transition to zero emissions vehicles a success.
The 2030 phase out date was broadly supported by industry before the previous UK Government extended the phase out to 2035. Currently more than two-thirds of car manufacturers in the UK, including Nissan and Stellantis, have already committed to fully transitioning to electric cars by 2030.
Today’s consultation will restore clarity for vehicle manufacturers and the charging industry so that they have the confidence to invest in the UK in the long-term and drive growth in the UK automotive industry.
The consultation proposes updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which is the joint responsibility of the UK Government, the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government, and the Welsh Government. The mandate sets out the percentage of new zero emission cars and vans manufacturers will be required to sell each year up to 2030.
To support manufacturers in the transition, the ZEV Mandate already features a range of flexibilities to help industry comply in a way that makes sense for them and the wider market, including selling fewer zero emission vehicles than the headline target if they make up for it in other ways. The consultation explores the design of the flexibilities to ensure they continue to support manufacturers.
This consultation is focused on how, not if, we reach the 2030 target. It will give the sector the opportunity to consider how the current arrangements and flexibilities are working, which hybrid cars can be sold alongside zero emission models between 2030 and 2035, and any further support measures to help make the transition a success for industry and consumers.
The UK automotive industry already employs over 152,000 people, is our most valuable exported good, and adds £19 billion to our economy. EVs are also cheaper to own and drive than ever, and can run from as little as 2p per mile.
Industry research also shows that using an electric vehicle could save people up to £750 a year in running costs if they’re charged at home compared to using petrol and diesel cars. Upfront costs are also coming down, with 1 in 3 used electric cars now costing under £20,000 to buy, according to industry data.
Getting this transition right and supporting the growth of the electric vehicle market in the UK will enable Britain to tap into a multibillion-pound industry, create high paid jobs for decades to come and deliver on our plan for change by putting more money in the pockets of hardworking families.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: ““Employing 152,000 people and adding £19 billion to our economy, the UK’s automotive industry is a huge asset to our nation — and the transition to electric is an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment, harness British innovation, and deliver growth for generations to come.
“Yet over the last few years, our automotive industry has been stifled by a lack of certainty and direction. This Government will change that.
“Drivers are already embracing EVs faster than ever, with one in four new cars sold in November electric. Today’s measures will help us capitalise on the clean energy transition to support thousands of jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower, and rebuild Britain”.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: ““There is no route to net zero without backing British industries and workers. There are huge advantages for British industry and we must make sure decarbonisation creates jobs and opportunities.
“We are steadfast in our mission to help our world-leading automotive industry thrive, and this consultation will look at how we can support manufacturers, investors, and the wider industry to reach their targets.
“This Government is backing the auto sector with £2 billion to support our domestic manufacturers to transition to zero emission vehicles and over £300 million to drive consumer uptake”.
Today’s consultation is part of a wider push to make it easier and cheaper for drivers to charge their electric cars. It follows over £2.3 billion investment from the UK Government to support domestic manufacturers and consumers switch to EVs.
With 56 public chargers added on average to the network every day in 2024, 24/7 helplines, and up-to-date chargepoint locations, it’s never been easier for drivers to charge their EVs. They can now rely on more than 72,000 public chargers across the UK, alongside £6 billion of private investment by 2030 to roll out our chargepoint network at pace.
Charging infrastructure will continue to match the rising sales of EVs, with another 100,000 chargers planned by local authorities all across England under the Government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund alone.
It comes as data shows that one in four new cars sold this November was an EV, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – a 58% increase on November 2023. EV owners are seeing the benefits too, as 97% of electric car drivers say they do not want to go back to petrol and diesel cars.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: ““Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles will drive forward our clean energy superpower mission and brings huge economic opportunities.
“It will help drivers access cars that are cheaper to run, cut air pollution in our cities and towns, back British manufacturers and provide highly-skilled jobs in emerging industries.”
With more and more drivers switching to electric vehicles, the UK government has also unveiled a series of measures today to continue to improve charging infrastructure and tackle barriers to EV take-up and drive forward this transition.
The new measures include a separate consultation on whether we can reduce barriers to roll out more zero emission vans – crucial to help decarbonise the freight and delivery sectors more quickly.
The UK government will also change planning legislation to provide additional flexibility in England through permitted development rights when installing off-street electric vehicle chargepoints. We will also amend legislation to allow chargepoint installers to use street works permits instead of licences to make it easier and quicker to install chargers, and to apply for these online using the DfT’s Street Manager digital service for planning and managing works.
The results of a review will also be published on how to improve grid connections for chargepoints, increasing cohesion, cooperation and communication across the industry. Local councils will continue to be supported in their charging projects with resource and new guidance.
The transition to electric is an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment, harness British ingenuity, and deliver growth for generations to come. The UK Government wants to work in partnership with industry to make sure that our approach to the transition supports a thriving UK automotive sector now and for years to come.
It is fundamental to our Growth and Clean Energy missions and will help lead Britain and the world into a cleaner, safer, a more prosperous future.
Royal Bank of Scotland has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.
Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. Royal Bank of Scotland has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.
The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.
Royal Bank of Scotland has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its NatWest site at 440 Strand, London.
Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.
Judith Cruickshank, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.
“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.
“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of Royal Bank of Scotland for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.
“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.
“A big thank you to all the wonderful Royal Bank of Scotland customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”
To find out more about Royal Bank of Scotland’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit:
https://personal.secure1.rbs.co.uk/app/MyRewards
Information on Social Bite’s Festival can be found: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/
An information campaign and increased recruitment of call handlers are among the initiatives NHS 24 has put in place to help protect vital front line health and care services over the festive period.
First Minister John Swinney visited the NHS 24 call centre in Dundee to observe preparations ahead of the Christmas and New Year period and to express his gratitude to staff.
NHS 24 has been working proactively to bolster resilience and alleviate pressure on both the 111 service and other primary care resources. Initiatives include:
The First Minister said: “The festive period is traditionally very challenging for the NHS. The resilience and determination shown by staff in the face of pressures; both at NHS 24 and across the wider health and care sector is truly inspiring.
“NHS 24 data shows that a quarter of calls to 111 can be resolved online, and the service is encouraging more people to take advantage of its digital self-help guides for faster, more convenient care.
“These online tools can help ensure our front line services can focus on those who need urgent care.”
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Ron Cook, said: “Our digital services use the same clinical advice people get if they call NHS 24 and offer a great first option when people are unwell and are not sure if they need to seek further help.
“We are advising patients to save time and look after symptoms safely and effectively at home by using NHS inform or the NHS 24 Online app’s symptom checkers which will give clinically assured health advice on a wide range of conditions including coughs, rashes, stomach bugs, or back pain.
“By checking symptoms online this will give advice on how best to manage your condition or what to do next if further help is required.”
The Right Care, Right Place campaign reminds the public to use healthcare services appropriately:
We have lots of events running over the Christmas holidays!
All are free and you don’t need to book so come along and join in the fun!
One week on from Police Scotland’s initial appeal, officers in Edinburgh are continuing their enquiries to trace Santra Saju, who is missing from the South Gyle area.
Santra, 22, was last known to be at the Asda store in Almondvale, Livingston, on Friday, 6 December, 2024, between 9.10pm and 9.45pm, after having been in the Burnvale area earlier that evening around 8.30pm.
She is described as being around 5ft 6 inches in height, of Indian ethnicity, of slim build, with short black hair. She was wearing a black jacket with a fur-lined hood, beige furry earmuffs and a black facemask.
Enquiries have also revealed she had a black rucksack in her possession.
Her family have released the following statement: “It has been more than two weeks since Santra was last seen and we are worried sick, this is very out of character. We are desperate to know where she is and that she is safe.
“Santra, if you see this please call us or reach out to someone to let them know that you are safe.
“We urge anyone who may have seen Santra, or who has any information at all that might help trace her to contact police as soon as possible.”
Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton said: “As time passes, concerns for Santra’s wellbeing continue to grow, and we are conducting extensive enquiries in the Burnvale and surrounding areas to trace her.
“We know that Santra frequently wears a black face mask and believe she was wearing beige fluffy earmuffs when last seen. We also know that she picked up a black and white shopper-style bag from an address in Burnvale on Friday evening, but this was no longer in her possession when she entered the supermarket.
“We are continuing to review CCTV footage and conducting searches of the area. We urge anyone who may have seen Santra or someone matching her description to contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3390 of Sunday, 15 December, 2024.
