Day: April 4, 2025

New park opens within former Granton gasholder

A new public park officially opened in Edinburgh today as part of the £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront to become a new environmentally friendly coastal town. The Gasholder 1 Park sits within the completely restored gasholder with views over the Firth of Forth.

Council Leader Jane Meagher was joined by Minister for Employment and Investment Tom Arthur, representatives from the main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, as well as volunteers from Granton Hub and members of Pianodrome, Scran Academy and Craigyroyston Youth Football Club to mark the opening of the park ahead of a family fun day and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday 5 April.

A club member of the Craigroyston Youth Community Football Club will join the Council Leader to cut the ribbon and officially declare the park open for residents and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.

The entrance of the park is marked with large Hollywood style lettering making it more visible for local people and others visiting to enjoy its open green space and play equipment. It has six different zones including three play areas with a wide range of play equipment.

There is plenty of outdoor space to explore and an inner ring walk going round the outer edges of the frame with a range of places to sit and relax. An outdoor exhibition has also been created which showcases the history of Granton gasworks as well as the restoration process.  

The 1.2 hectare park, set within the restored iconic gasholder frame, was created using £1.2 million from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme. 

This work followed refurbishment of the frame as well as removal of the historic bell using funding from the UK Government.  The restored and repainted gasholder frame is also now a beacon of light in north Edinburgh as it is lit up permanently after dark.

 A new sculpture now also takes pride of place at the centre of the park, commissioned by the Council last year following input from the local community. Svetland Kondakova Muir designed the piece to portray one of the Firth of Forth’s most special visitors – the humpback whale – the recently completed artwork was put in place last week.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The Gasholder 1 Park opening is a huge milestone reached for the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront project. It is really inspiring to look out over this important piece of coastal land for our Capital city and see these much needed homes and other facilities literally springing up out of the ground.

 “The new park is a fantastic addition for local communities and the hundreds of new tenants including families who have recently moved into the homes we have built for social and mid-market rent in the area.

“Many of these are on land immediately surrounding the new park and I’m delighted to say that many more homes are being planned or under construction which will be ready for hundreds of new tenants in the next few years.

 “The historic gasholder gives the new park a unique look and feel and it will also be seen for miles around as the restored frame is lit up after dark.

 “This exciting opening follows the restoration of the former Granton Station building and the new public square also created to provide a sense of place for the local community which opened to great fanfare in March 2023. 

“I’m delighted to cut the ribbon on Saturday to open this exciting new space for the local community as well as the thousands of other visitors I’m sure it will attract from Edinburgh and beyond in the years to come.”

 Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “We have contributed £1.2 million towards transformation of Granton’s Gasholder from a derelict site to a vibrant and accessible space for people to enjoy. 

“This is part of wider efforts to regenerate the Granton area, including a recent project supported by the Scottish Government to transform derelict industrial units at Granton Waterfront into communal spaces. 

“To help communities thrive, we are providing £62.15 million towards regeneration in 2025-26. This will support projects which revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites to benefit people across Scotland.”

UK Government Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris, said:  “Having visited Granton earlier in the year, it is wonderful to see the new Gasholder 1 Park will be opening this week. This green space will really bring the community together, from young families to elderly residents and visitors to the City.  

 “The refurbishment of the derelict gas holder structure has provided a real beacon of light to Edinburgh, retaining its unique history and character, while wider transformation work is underway to Granton Waterfront.

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration and locally led growth we want to see all across Scotland and the UK in our mission to boost growth and renewal as part of our Plan for Change.”

Graham Brown, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “Gasholder 1 Park was a unique restoration project to deliver for the City of Edinburgh Council.

“In deconstructing the old bell, refurbishing the listed steel structure, and repainting the frame, we have solved complex engineering challenges.

“The ribbon cutting ceremony is a brilliant opportunity for McLaughlin & Harvey to celebrate the vast civil engineering experience of our team as well as the success achieved in our collaboration with our client and supply chain partners.”

The family fun day will include

  • Community singalong with Pianodrome at 11am
  • Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11.15am with Council Leader Jane Meagher
  • Family arts and craft activities
  • Penalty shoot-outs with Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club
  • Free ice cream
  • Free face painting
  • Exhibition stalls

Police appeal following another deliberate fire in Niddrie

Detectives are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Hay Drive in the early hours of this morning.

Around 1.20am on Friday, 4 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a fire, which also spread to a neighbouring property. Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished.

There were no reports of any injuries but substantial damage has been caused to both properties.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, officers believe this incident may be linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as soon as possible.

“While we believe this was a targeted attack, the fire has spread to a neighbouring property and the consequences could have been far more serious.

“Our enquiries suggest this incident is linked to groups who are actively targeting each other but we understand this will be concerning for the local community.

“Please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved. Our action this week demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.”

A motorbike carrying 2 individuals was seen in the area around the time of the fire and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

Detective Superintendent Grainger added: “We would urge anyone with information, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw this motorbike in the area.

“Please think back – did you see this vehicle? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?

“If you have any information at all, please contact us.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.

“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Two further arrests have been made after more warrants were executed this week in Edinburgh following this series of incidents.

On Thursday, 3 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at five addresses across Edinburgh and Musselburgh.

A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, were seized, along with drugs and cash.

Two men, aged 25 and 33, were arrested and charged with drugs offences. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A 38-year-old man was also reported to the Procurator Fiscal, and a 30-year-old man was given two recorded police warnings, for drugs offences.

Detectives, supported by firearms officers, also executed two additional firearms search warrants in the Leith area of Edinburgh this morning (Friday, 4 April). The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.

So far officers have arrested six people in total, checked around 1600 vehicles and recovered eight which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “These incidents could have had much more serious consequences and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity across the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.

“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

The Pipes are calling crowds to the Royal Highland Centre for the UK Pipe Band Championships

Prestigious competition to be hosted in Edinburgh for the first time

The UK’s finest pipe bands will quickstep to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, this July for what promises to be a spectacular day of piping, drumming and traditional Scottish music fun for all the family.

Tickets are on sale now for the RSPBA (Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association) UK Pipe Band Championships, an event by the Royal Highland Centre, and will take place on Saturday 12th July. 

The event serves as both a showcase of musical talent and a celebration of cultural heritage and will thrill audiences with performances, workshops and world-class bands. 

Musicians of all ages will be taking part in the competition, and bands are encouraged to sign up https://rspba.org/admin/fees/

This is the first year that the UK Championships have taken place at the Royal Highland Centre, Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue.  A family friendly event, children under five will go free and the event is dog friendly.

Plenty of delicious food and drink stalls will be on offer, to make it a full day out for everyone. Car parking is available, but we encourage those travelling locally to get the Tram or dedicated 98 Lothian Bus service.

Mark Currie, Director of Venue, Royal Highland Centre, said, “Whether you are a fan of Scottish culture, a musician or just looking for a great family day out, the UK Pipe Band Championships has something for everyone, and we are thrilled to be working in partnership with the RSPBA on this event for the first time.

“Royal Highland Centre has always been dedicated to providing a platform to homegrown organisations, like The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, for example, and so we couldn’t be prouder to be hosting their UK Championships.”

Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the RSPBA said, “This event is a celebration of the dedication and artistry of pipers and drummers from across the UK, and we look forward to welcoming bands and audiences from near and far to our new venue at the Royal Highland Centre. Tickets are on sale now!”

For more information and to purchase tickets please see here.

Orbex’s Baby Prime “touches down” ahead of Edinburgh’s Science Festival

Orbex, the Scotland-based spaceflight company, has landed its Baby Prime model rocket in Edinburgh’s city centre to mark the launch of Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival.

Orbex’s arrival comes as this year’s festival, which kicks off this Saturday, centres on the theme of “Spaceship Earth”, exploring the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration.

The 2-metre-tall replica model of Orbex’s micro-launcher, Prime, will be on display at the National Museum of Scotland alongside carbon fibre components from the space rocket. Space enthusiasts can learn first-hand about the company’s role in Scotland’s space sector.

Orbex Prime will deliver flexible, dedicated and sustainable access to space for the small satellite industry, direct from Scotland. It has been engineered to leave zero debris in orbit and uses a renewable form of propane known as bio-propane, set to produce up to 96 percent lower carbon emissions than comparable space launch systems in a single launch.



Pictures by Michal Wachucik/Abermedia

The Edinburgh Science Festival will be taking place between 5th – 20th April and is expected to attract almost 200,000 visitors.

The festival programme features explosive shows and hands-on activities in venues across the city, including Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh.

New rise in Carer Support Payment in Scotland earnings limit will increase financial security for carers on a low income

  • The earnings limit to be eligible to claim Carer Support Payment will go up from £151 per week to £196 per week in April.
  • Carers Support Payment, which remains the lowest benefit of its kind, will also rise from £81.90 to £83.30 – less than the price of a first-class postage stamp.

Unpaid carers who are in employment will benefit from a rise in the earnings limit on Carer Support Payment, allowing them to earn up to £2,340 more per year.

From 7 April, unpaid carers in paid work will be able to earn up to £196 per week, after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses, and still be eligible to claim Carer Support Payment. This is an increase of £45 compared to the previous earnings threshold of £151 and allows carers to work the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage.

 Carers Scotland welcomes this change, which is the largest increase in the earnings limit for the benefit since it was introduced in 1976. It will allow unpaid carers to take on more paid work while receiving Carer Support Payment, providing vital income for those juggling employment with care.

Carer Support Payment is the main carer benefit, replacing Carers Allowance in Scotland. It is available if you spend at least 35 hours a week providing care and support to someone who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, who needs extra help as they get older or is affected by addiction. 

The earnings limit increase will help unpaid carers in paid employment to stay in work, increasing their earnings potential and providing more financial security. It will also allow many carers whose earnings are above the previous limit to access Carer Support Payment for the first time.

Carers Scotland continues to call for the earnings limit to be tied to the National Living Wage so that carers do not have to reduce their hours as the earnings limit fails to keep up with increases to the National Living Wage. The charity says regulations to formally tie Carer Support Payment to the National Living Wage are vital.

However, for those who are unable to combine paid work and care, the value of Carer Support Payment remains low, despite the additional support of the twice yearly Carer’s Allowance Supplement 1. From 7 April 2025, Carer Support Payment will rise by 1.7% from £81.90 to £83.30 per week, which is less than the price of a first-class postage stamp.  

UK Government plans for welfare reform are likely to have a subsequent impact on the Scottish budget and on the already limited incomes of unpaid carers and disabled people in Scotland.

There are an estimated 100,000 unpaid carers living in poverty in Scotland, with carers 56% more likely to be in poverty, and 60% more likely to be in deep poverty, than those without caring responsibilities.

Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Carers Scotland, said: “Carers Scotland welcomes the increase in the earnings threshold to £196 which will support more unpaid carers to earn more from paid employment alongside their Carer Support Payment. This change will also enable more carers to claim Carer Support Payment.

“The new threshold amount applies once a carer has taken away deductions for tax, national insurance and half of any pension contribution. Carers may also be able to deduct some of the costs to provide care whilst working.

“We would encourage all carers in employment or who are thinking about returning to employment to find out more about Carer Support Payment and the earnings threshold from the Carers Scotland website or by contacting the Carers UK advice line.”

Local MSP Gordon Macdonald commented:  “I welcome this improved support for unpaid carers across the city.  

“The Scottish Government to raise the earnings limit for Carer Support Payment once fully launched, based off feedback from carers and support organisations – this is now coming into place and supporting carers throughout the city.

“These changes will increase the number of unpaid carers able to access financial support. 

“This is just one of many examples of increased powers in Scotland being used to improve lives here in Edinburgh – we could go so much further with the full powers of independence.  

Find out more about Carer Support Payment and the new earnings threshold here on the Carers Scotland website.

Alternatively, you can access the Carers UK helpline from 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday by calling 0808 808 7777 or email advice@carersuk.org at any time.  

SEPA warns of early water scarcity risk as dry spell continues

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that early signs of water scarcity are emerging across Scotland, with businesses urged to take action now to manage their water use and ensure their operations have climate resilience built in.

The latest Water Situation Update  latest Water Situation Update published online covers March, showing the month brought below-average rainfall across most of the country. Some areas in the south saw less than a third of what they’d usually expect. This continues the trend that was highlighted in SEPA’s Winter water situation report 2025.

Parts of Angus and Fife have now seen 10 straight months of below-average rainfall, receiving less than half of what’s normal for March. Only Shetland recorded above-average rainfall.

The impact is already being seen. River flows are running low to extremely low for this time of year, and groundwater levels from SEPA’s monitoring points are dipping further due to a lack of winter recharge.

Groundwater levels are lower than levels recorded in early April 2022, particularly in Fife and Angus. That year later saw a summer drought with restrictions put on abstractions from rivers in some areas. The only area of the country with groundwater levels above normal for the time of year is Moray, reflecting the higher-than-average rainfall in this area over the winter period.

A changing climate: the need for resilience and adaptation

Despite Scotland’s reputation as a wet country, climate trends are shifting. Extended dry periods are becoming more common, increasing the risk of water scarcity. SEPA’s three-year Corporate Plan highlights climate resilience as a strategic priority for the agency, helping businesses and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and build in resilience to extreme weather events.

Notably, 2024 was the first year in some time that Scotland did not experience any significant water scarcity, thanks to more favourable rainfall patterns. The return of early warnings so early in 2025 highlights the increasing unpredictability of Scotland’s climate and the need for long-term adaptation.

Kenny Boag, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (National), said: “Water scarcity is becoming a growing challenge in Scotland, and the data from March shows there is an increased risk that water scarcity could occur early in the season this year.

“As part of our commitment to helping Scotland become more climate resilient, we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely. Following on from this water situation update, our weekly water scarcity reporting will begin in May, unless the situation deteriorates sooner. This will provide regular updates on conditions to ensure businesses can prepare for any potential challenges ahead.

“We’ll continue to work closely with Scottish Government, businesses and key stakeholders – including the agricultural sector, industry and Scottish Water – over the coming months to monitor water levels, manage resources sustainably, support adaptation measures and ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resources for human and economic activity.”

It is important to note that while SEPA plays a key role in monitoring the environment and managing abstractions from Scotland’s natural water resources for agriculture and other industrial uses, Scottish Water is responsible for the public water supply.

The latest Water Situation Update is available at sepa.org.uk/water-scarcity where abstractors can also find guidance on water efficiency and adaptation strategies.

Edinburgh joins Core Cities UK

Edinburgh has become the 12th member of partnership-led organisation with a 30 year track record of implementing policy change across the UK.

Edinburgh has joined Core Cities UK, becoming the organisation’s 12th member city, its third national capital, and expanding the UK-wide reach of the group as it prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday later this year.

Edinburgh will join Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield to become a member of an organisation that has a 30 year track record of implementing policy change across the UK.

Edinburgh is one of the most economically successful places in the country but, like other Core Cities, has areas of the city where overall health, earning potential and life expectancy fall well below national averages.

The Scottish capital will play a key role in the group’s thinking around inclusive economic growth and other members hope to learn from its development of a tourism levy, which will come into effect in Edinburgh next Summer.

Cllr Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve joined Core Cities UK and look forward to sharing our knowledge, ideas and experiences with other member cities.

“Edinburgh continues to perform well as a place to live, work, visit and invest in, but we still face many of the same urban challenges as our partners.

“Growing populations are creating ever increasing demand for homes, public services and infrastructure, while many of our residents are struggling with the cost of living – meaning poverty, homelessness and economic inactivity remain the biggest challenges of our time.

“From my early discussions with the Chair and other member cities, it’s been clear how much we have in common – both in terms of these challenges, but also our priorities. I have no doubt that this collaboration will help us to solve our collective problems while growing more sustainably for the benefit of all of our residents.”

Cllr James Lewis, Chair of Core Cities UK and Leader of Leeds City Council, added: “Edinburgh joining us is an historic moment for Core Cities and solidifies our position as the authoritative voice of urban Britain.

“We have always argued that cities have certain things in common, no matter which nation – either within the UK or abroad – they are situated in and we look forward to getting Edinburgh’s unique perspective on our policy discussions.”

Core Cities’ mission is to unlock the full potential of our great city regions to create a stronger, fairer economy and society. With the addition of Edinburgh, Core Cities will generate more than 25 per cent of the economy and will be home to more than 22 million people.

Core Cities UK is a leading voice in policy around devolution and decentralisation and its reports with organisations including OECD and RSA are used as benchmarks within the sector. It also has strong private sector relationships with a variety of companies including Landsec and Lloyds Banking Group and works closely with the English Combined Authority Mayors as well as local Government in London.

Founded by a number of English councils in 1995, it is headquartered in Manchester and will celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer.

Holyrood Minister attends Global Disability Summit in Berlin

Highlighting Scotland’s leading role at home and abroad

At the Global Disability Summit in Berlin today, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart will highlight Scotland’s commitment that by 2030 at least half of Scotland’s international development funding will include a disability equality objective.

This will ensure that disabled people have improved access to programmes in Scotland’s partner countries Malawi and Zambia – for instance giving disabled women and girls access to quality education.

The Equalities Minister will also take part in events focusing on disability equality and inclusion as well as meet with relevant Ministers and interest groups.

Ms Stewart said: “Scotland has a growing reputation at home and abroad for the action it’s taking to reduce the barriers disabled people face.

“This is the first time Scotland has been invited in its own right to the Global Disability Summit and this is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our culture of equality, particularly our focus on giving disabled people a voice in the decisions that affect them.

“Our work with our partner countries in Malawi and Zambia will be shared at the World Bank roundtable on inclusiveness in education. We will also highlight how Scotland is ensuring that marginalised groups, including disabled people, are at the heart of international climate action.

“However, I’m concerned that while the international picture is improving, the UK Government is going ahead with taking away disabled people’s benefits to balance the budget and plans to further reduce aid spending. We will continue to press them to reverse these damaging cuts.”

Global Disability Summit – 2nd – 3rd April, 2025 / Berlin

14 Years of FREE Prescriptions under the SNP Government

14,520,670 PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED BY NHS LOTHIAN LAST YEAR – SAVING HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF OVER £400

On the 14th anniversary of prescription charges being scrapped by the SNP Scottish Government, Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted that the policy saves the average household in Scotland over £400 a year.

Latest figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that over 113 million prescriptions, including 14,520,670 by NHS Lothian, were dispensed in Scotland in 2023/24 – meaning that on average people in Scotland received 20.8 prescriptions.

This means that based on the £9.90 charge currently in place in England, the average household in Scotland saved £436.72 in 2023/24 thanks to the policy.

In one of his first acts as Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay outlined his plans to re-introduce charges if he ever came to power – a move which would cost each person £206 per year on average. 

A report by Trussell Trust last year showed that in England, 68% of working households receiving Universal Credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication due to the costs involved. 

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The SNP is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Edinburgh has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.

“The SNP believe that healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone. The prescription charges, which Russell Findlay plans to re-introduce, were nothing more than a tax on ill health.

“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite Labour’s promise to bring them down, people across the city are still living through a cost-of-living crisis – making it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost.

”With Labour continuing to hint at an increased level of private healthcare involvement in the NHS, only the SNP can be trusted to put the people of Edinburgh first and protect them from having to pay for their vital medication.” 

Dispensing NHS Board Prescriptions items dispensed (total)
  
   
NHS Scotland 114,358,700
   
NHS Ayrshire and Arran 9,172,880
NHS Borders 2,615,030
NHS Dumfries & Galloway 4,062,010
NHS Fife 7,785,890
NHS Forth Valley 6,421,780
NHS Grampian 10,606,210
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 26,355,740
NHS Highland 6,971,860
NHS Lanarkshire 15,807,560
NHS Lothian 14,520,670
NHS Orkney 410,830
NHS Shetland 569,610
NHS Tayside 8,356,630
NHS Western Isles 702,020

Tracy Gilbert MP presents North East Edinburgh with CAP+ Community Alcohol Partnership of the Year Award

On Wednesday (April 2nd), Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert presented the Community Alcohol Partnership award to the North East Edinburgh division for their Innovative Youth Engagement and Community Impact efforts at an event at Westminster.

A partnership set up to tackle underage drinking has been rewarded for its work. The North East Edinburgh Community Alcohol Partnership was named ‘CAP+ of the Year’ by national organisation Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) at its annual awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament on 2nd April 2025.

CAP sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I was honoured to present the 2025 CAP+ Award to North East Edinburgh.

“It’s fantastic to see their hard work and dedication being recognised, especially in light of the remarkable achievement of a 56% reduction in weekly alcohol consumption among 13-15 year olds in Edinburgh and Orkney. This progress is a direct result of the strong local partnerships that have been established.

“These services are vital for our young people. CAPS’ commitment to working alongside them has produced incredible outcomes.

“I want to extend a huge congratulations to all the divisions across the UK for their remarkable achievements.”

North East Edinburgh CAP was recognised for its exceptional efforts in addressing underage drinking and fostering positive change among young people in the local community.

Led by Police Officers Lauren Munro and Ania Morrison, the CAP has demonstrated outstanding creativity and dedication in tackling complex youth-related issues.

Lauren and Ania commented: “We had another great year working with CAP. With the invaluable mentoring and continuous support from the national CAP team we were able to come together with other partner agencies to deliver numerous projects over the course of 2024.

“We’re really honoured to accept this award.”

Kate Winstanley, Director of Community Alcohol Partnerships said: “The North East Edinburgh CAP, under the leadership of PC’s Munro and PC Morrison, is a brilliant example of innovation and effectiveness.

“Their creative initiatives and unwavering commitment to engaging with vulnerable young people have made a real difference in their community. This award is a well-deserved recognition of their outstanding work.”