Around 5.30pm this evening – Thursday, 27 February, 2025 – police officers were called to a report of two people having been seriously assaulted in the Stenhouse Drive area.
Emergency services attended and a man and a woman were taken to hospital by ambulance.
Officers remain in the Stenhouse Drive area, near Saughton Mains Street, while investigations are carried out.
Inspector Alison Lawrie said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”
Anyone with any information or concerns can speak to these officers or call 101, quoting incident 2761 of Thursday, 27 February, 2025.
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A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged yesterday with five offences in connection with a series of pickpocket-style thefts in Edinburgh city centre on Saturday and Sunday (February 24 – 25).
Following his arrest, officers searched his residence as part of the investigation.
Police are continuing inquiries and urge anyone with information to come forward. Remember to keep your belongings secure and stay alert when out in busy public areas, as pickpocketing can happen quickly.
£42 million of export finance deals brokered with Scottish businesses over the last six months
£42 million of export finance deals brokered with Scottish businesses since July
Boosting Scottish exports plays a vital role in growing the economy, a key part of the Plan for Change
Companies from a range of sectors including food and drink and offshore wind are benefitting from credit guarantees and insurance
Businesses behind Scotland’s most emblematic exports have been able to grow thanks to £42 million in UK Export Finance (UKEF) deals brokered so far since the summer.
Enabling companies such as Ferguson Whisky and manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles Emergency One, which the government of Iraq has contracted to replace some of its fleet of fire engines, to expand to markets abroad helps to grow the economy and create jobs, delivering on the Plan for Change.
The latest Scottish business to benefit from support is Aberdeen-based First Tech – one of many offshore services firms in Scotland driving the energy transition and making the country a world-renowned centre of engineering skills. Scotland’s marine economy generated around £4.9 billion in 2022.
UKEF is renewing a £12 million support package delivered with Virgin Money for First Tech subsidiary First Subsea, allowing it to continue its growth into the offshore wind market and provide UK-made products like cable protections systems, bend restrictor products or heavy lift connectors, across the globe.
Minister Douglas Alexander will join UKEF representatives today at the ‘Made in Scotland’ roadshow, where he will encourage Scottish businesses to take advantage of the opportunities to sell abroad and hear first-hand about the support UKEF has provided.
Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said: “Growing the economy is a key part of this UK Government’s Plan for Change, and we recognise the importance of boosting Scottish exports in achieving this.
“We’re working hard to ensure that Scottish businesses have the support they need to sell to the world and grow, and the help that UK Export Finance provides is a crucial part of this.”
Martin Suttie, First Tech Ltd Chairman said: “First Tech is very proud to be at the forefront of the energy transition story with our continued expertise in oil and gas being a launchpad to make meaningful developments in both the fixed and floating offshore wind market through First Subsea and also First Marine Solutions.
“Floating wind technology enables almost every country in the world to integrate floating wind renewable energy into their energy mix.
“It is therefore vitally important that the industry continues to develop and prove large scale commercial developments if we are going to genuinely change the energy mix around the globe. The First Tech Group is excited to play an important part in making this transition happen.”
UKEF is the UK government’s export credit agency, providing credit guarantees and insurance helping smaller businesses to overcome financial barriers to exporting.
Export credit is an integral part of the government trade support being promoted at the first ‘Made in Scotland, Sold to the World’ trade fair of 2025.
In 2021, Scotland’s exports were worth £50.1 billion, of which the majority – £33.5 billion – were goods.
UKEF’s specialised trade finance offer sits alongside other sources of support from public organisations like the Export Support Service, UK Export Academy and British Business Bank, which can offer more general access to finance.
Strachan House care home in Blackhall have invited members of the local community to their monthly dementia friendly Community café.
Taking place every last Friday of the month at 2pm, guests will have a chance to meet carers supporting others living with dementia.
Free to all, the community café at the home provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy engaging topics. Visitors to the café have the opportunity to meet adorable animals, enjoy live music and activities as well as receiving support with questions, queries and guidance around dementia diagnosis and next steps.
During the session, guests will also have a chance to meet the team at the home, to discuss any questions they might have about care.
As per any event at Strachan House visitors will be able to eat drink and be merry!
General Manager Frances Fisher said: “We’re really looking forward to making more friends in our local community. The more support we can provide to each other, the better.
“Our team here at Strachan House are wonderful and are always looking forward to welcoming others into the home. If anyone is unable to make it on the day but would like to pop in for a tour and a cup of tea, our doors are always open.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides residential care, nursing and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Police Scotland has released an image of a man who may be able to assist their enquiries into an attempted robbery which occurred around 6.25pm on Monday 7 October, 2024. The incident happened in the Prestonfield Avenue area.
The man (pictured) is described as being around 5ft 4inches in height, aged in his early to mid-30s with short dark hair and of a heavy build. He was wearing a black hooded jumper, a black body warmer, dark three-quarter length trousers and black trainers.
Detective Constable Christopher Stewart said: “I would urge the man pictured or anyone who may recognise him to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3000 of 7 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Broadcaster and journalist Stephen Jardine has been appointed as the new President of the Cockburn Association.
The Association celebrates its 150th anniversary later this year. Its inaugural meeting was held on 15 June 1875 and he becomes the 16th President in the Association’s long history.
Richard Price, interim Chair of the Association, said: “ We are thrilled to have Stephen join us as President.
“His passion for the city and his knowledge and enthusiasm will be of great benefit to the Association and to the wider city as well.”
Stephen Jardine said: “it is an absolute honour to take on the role of the President and I look forward to working with the Council of the Association to make the most of the 150th anniversary celebrations and what follows.
“On it’s 150th anniversary I’m honoured to become the new President of @thecockburn – Scotland’s oldest conservation conservation charity.
“I’m looking forward to working with the staff and members to help Edinburgh cherish and value what makes the city special.”
Cyclists are being urged to saddle up and support Poppyscotland’s upcoming Sportive, as the charity celebrates 10 years of the popular event.
Not only is this the tenth anniversary, but the Wee Yin route will also become a permanent feature after a successful trial of the scenic course in 2024.
The Sportive is Poppyscotland’s flagship fundraising cycling event, featuring four routes designed for different ability levels. It is split into two distinct types – the Classic (46, 68 and 102 miles) and the Wee Yin (22 miles).
As in previous years, riders will line up at the starting point in Prestonpans, East Lothian, then head along the historic coastal route to North Berwick where Classic route participants will face a timed hill climb before reaching the first feed station at East Linton.
From there, the short route continues to Gifford while medium and long routes head towards Garvel before splitting at Whiteadder Reservoir, with the longer challenge heading to Duns and medium returning to Gifford. All routes finish in Musselburgh.
The Wee Yin route will take cyclists inland to Gullane before heading back towards Aberlady and then on to the coastal path.
Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, Gordon Michie, is encouraging both individuals and families to take part in this year’s Sportive, and said: “2025 marks the 10th anniversary of this event, and we have been working so hard to create something really special for all of our riders.
“With the Wee Yin route proving so popular last year we are delighted to be able to bring it back on a permanent basis, opening up the Sportive to even more participants who may want to take part. The Wee Yin is perfect for those leisure cyclists and families too.
“Please sign up today and be a part in one of the best cycle rides in Scotland with amazing scenery, all while supporting our Armed Forces veterans and their families.”
Avid cyclist Ally Mallinson took part in last year’s trial run of the Wee Yin route and encouraged his daughter, Amy, to partake in it also. Ally highly recommends it to others. He said: “It’s a great idea and it would be good to see more families out doing it as that’s what it’s all about.
“The Wee Yin route is a good way of staying fit, healthy and raising money for a great cause and it’s a good family activity. Cycling on roads is safer than many people think and if you follow the highway code, cycle properly, you should not have an issue.
“I’ll be back this year with Amy and my son!”
Gordon added: “We’re really excited to celebrate the 10th edition of the Sportive and our goal is to raise as much as possible to support the Armed Forces community at times of need, including help with housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.
“If you’d like to help us make an even bigger impact, please consider adding a £10 donation per rider. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference!”
Entry for our Classic routes is £40 per rider (minimum age: 16). The Wee Yin route is £25 per rider or £40 per family (2 adults & 2 children). Minimum age is 12 and entry is free for riders under 16.
Entry Includes: Electronic timing; mechanical support; food and water stations; coffee at the start; Tea & Toast at the finish; ‘King and Queen of The Heugh’ timed hill climb; sweeper service and a finishers gift.
To sign up today, please visit poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive
The Scottish Bangladeshi Welfare Association (SBWA) is proud to announce its celebration of International Mother Language Day in Edinburgh.
The event, held at Portobello on 23rd February 2025, truly promoted social cohesion and cross-cultural awareness between our community and others across Scotland. This initiative fostered stronger connections with diverse communities, encouraging linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and the preservation of mother languages worldwide.
In this multicultural festival, Honorable Chief Guest was Mr. Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP who has been the advisor of SBWA since it was founded.
In his speech he said: “It is important for our younger generations to embrace their mother language, as it not only helps to maintain cultural connections but also plays a vital role in fostering inclusivity in society.”
The event saw participation from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including Bangladeshi Scottish, Irish, English, French, German, Polish, African, Spanish, Japanese, Greek, and Indian performers and attendees.
In his speech, The President of Scottish Bangladeshi Welfare Association, Mr. Ziauddin Khan Siddique (Sumon) said, “We are incredibly proud of this achievement and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event a success.”
The Genearal Secretary of the organisation Mr. Khan Elahi urged to take necessary steps to establish a permanent ‘Shaheed Minar’ (Monument) in Edinburgh like other cities across the World (London, Paris, Lisbon, Toronto).
Moreover, The Event management secretary of the organisation Mr. Nazim Ahmed thanked everyone including guests, performers & volunteers to make this program successful.
This organisation’s mission is to address and work on the key issues including the advancement of education, community development, arts, heritage, culture, science, social welfare, and health and wellbeing.
Since it’s registration with the Scottish Charity Registry in April 2022, we have been committed to serving the community with dedication and compassion.
প্রেস রিলিজ
স্কটিশ বাংলাদেশি ওয়েলফেয়ার অ্যাসোসিয়েশন এডিনবরায় আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবস উদযাপন করল
স্কটিশ বাংলাদেশি ওয়েলফেয়ার অ্যাসোসিয়েশন (SBWA) গর্বের সঙ্গে ঘোষণা করছে যে, তারা এডিনবরায় আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবস উদযাপন করেছে। ২৩শে ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২৫ তারিখে এডিনবরার পোর্টোবেলোতে অনুষ্ঠিত এই অনুষ্ঠানটি সামাজিক সংহতি ও আন্তঃসাংস্কৃতিক সচেতনতা বৃদ্ধির একটি অনন্য উদাহরণ হয়ে উঠেছিল। এই উদ্যোগ বিভিন্ন সম্প্রদায়ের মধ্যে সংযোগ আরও দৃঢ় করেছে এবং ভাষাগত বৈচিত্র্য, বহুভাষিকতা এবং বিশ্বব্যাপী মাতৃভাষার সংরক্ষণকে উৎসাহিত করেছে।
এই বহু-সাংস্কৃতিক উৎসবে প্রধান অতিথি ছিলেন মাননীয় ফয়ছল হোসেনচৌধুরীএমবিই এমএসপি, স্কটিশপার্লামেন্টেরসদস্য।ছায়ামন্ত্রীসংস্কৃতি, ইউরোপএবংআন্তর্জাতিকউন্নয়ন. যিনি SBWA-র প্রতিষ্ঠাকালীন পরামর্শদাতা। তাঁর বক্তব্যে তিনি বলেন, “আমাদের তরুণ প্রজন্মের জন্য মাতৃভাষাকে গ্রহণ করা অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ, কারণ এটি শুধুমাত্র সাংস্কৃতিক সংযোগ বজায় রাখতেই সাহায্য করে না, বরং সমাজে অন্তর্ভুক্তির গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা পালন করে।”
অনুষ্ঠানে বিভিন্ন সাংস্কৃতিক পটভূমির মানুষ অংশ নেন, যার মধ্যে ছিলেন বাংলাদেশি-স্কটিশ, আইরিশ, ইংরেজ, ফরাসি, জার্মান, পোলিশ, আফ্রিকান, স্প্যানিশ, জাপানি, গ্রিক এবং ভারতীয় শিল্পী ও দর্শনার্থীরা। স্কটিশ বাংলাদেশি ওয়েলফেয়ার অ্যাসোসিয়েশনের সভাপতি মি. জিয়াউদ্দিন খান সিদ্দিক (সুমন) তাঁর বক্তব্যে বলেন, “আমরা এই অর্জনে অত্যন্ত গর্বিত এবং যাঁরা এই অনুষ্ঠান সফল করতে সহায়তা করেছেন, তাঁদের সবাইকে আন্তরিক ধন্যবাদ জানাই।”
সংগঠনের সাধারণ সম্পাদক মি. খান এলাহী এডিনবরায় একটি স্থায়ী “শহীদ মিনার” (স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ) প্রতিষ্ঠার জন্য প্রয়োজনীয় পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের আহ্বান জানান, যেমনটি বিশ্বের অন্যান্য শহরে (লন্ডন, প্যারিস, লিসবন, টরন্টো) ইতিমধ্যেই রয়েছে। এছাড়াও, সংগঠনের ইভেন্ট ম্যানেজমেন্ট সচিব মি. নাজিম আহমেদ অতিথি, শিল্পী এবং স্বেচ্ছাসেবকদের ধন্যবাদ জানান, যাঁদের অক্লান্ত পরিশ্রমের ফলে এই অনুষ্ঠান সফল হয়েছে।
এই সংগঠনের লক্ষ্য হল শিক্ষার উন্নয়ন, কমিউনিটি ডেভেলপমেন্ট, শিল্প, ঐতিহ্য, সংস্কৃতি, বিজ্ঞান, সামাজিক কল্যাণ, স্বাস্থ্য ও সুস্থতা সংক্রান্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়গুলোতে কাজ করা। ২০২২ সালের এপ্রিলে স্কটিশ চ্যারিটি রেজিস্ট্রিতে নিবন্ধিত হওয়ার পর থেকে, আমরা কমিউনিটির সেবা প্রদানে নিষ্ঠা ও আন্তরিকতার সঙ্গে কাজ করে যাচ্ছি।
The Government is due to publish a Child Poverty Strategy later this year, with a promise to bring about “an enduring reduction in child poverty” (write ALEX CLEGG and ADAM CORLETT of The Resolution Foundation).
In this report we focus on the Government’s headline metric of relative child poverty and look at what might be needed to achieve this welcome goal in the face of significant headwinds.
We consider the role of improvements in parental employment and housing affordability, but also of reforms to social security, and we show what is needed to make sure that any gains in this Parliament are not lost in future.
KEY FINDINGS
On the Government’s headline measure of relative poverty after housing costs, 4.3 million children (three-in-ten) were living in relative poverty across the UK in 2022-23. On an international measure accounting for both housing and energy costs, the UK’s relative child poverty rate is higher than in any EU or EFTA nation bar Greece.
On present policies and our baseline economic forecasts, we project that UK child poverty will rise over this Parliament from an estimated 31 per cent in 2024-25 to reach 33 per cent by 2029-30, its highest rate since 1998-99, and the highest number of children on record, at 4.6 million. This is partly because the outlook includes £3 billion of scheduled welfare cuts, in the form of the ongoing roll out of the two-child limit and family element abolition, and real cuts each year in the value of Local Housing Allowances and the benefit cap.
It is right to be ambitious about employment rates and housing supply. Concerted action on these could lower child poverty by 130,000 compared to our base scenario, and would provide fiscal room for new spending (as would higher-than-expected growth more generally). But without changes to social security, poverty would still rise over the Parliament.
The child poverty priority should be to abolish the two-child limit, and the benefit cap alongside it, which would take an estimated 500,000 children out of poverty in 2029-30. This would cost £4.5 billion in 2029-30 but is the most efficient anti-poverty measure the Government could take. Turning the two-child limit into a three-child limit (and assuming the benefit cap is still abolished) would have about two-thirds of the impact at two-thirds of the cost.
Free School Meal entitlement should be extended to cover all families on Universal Credit, which would take around 100,000 children out of poverty, with money found from within existing departmental spending plans. For further poverty reductions, Local Housing Allowance should be repegged to local rents – rather than remain frozen indefinitely – and Universal Credit’s basic adequacy tackled, for example by reversing the abolition of the ‘family element’. This would reduce child poverty by a further 140,000. These policies could mean that, by 2029-30, child poverty could be around 900,000 lower than in our default projection, at 3.7 million: getting below 4 million for the first time since 2015 outside of 2020-21. And the child poverty rate could be cut to its lowest in four decades, at around 27 per cent, in the highest-ambition scenarios.
The ambitious package would have a price tag of around £8.5 billion, falling to £5.5 billion if the extension of free school meals is funded within existing departmental budgets and the Government can succeed in raising employment and building more homes.
In the longer-term, family benefit uprating needs to move to tracking average earnings – alongside the State Pension – or else relative child poverty will always tend to rise as social security entitlements fall behind average earnings.
Read Resolution Foundation’s TURNING THE TIDE report:
