Detectives investigating a number of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland have arrested four men in connection with fire-raising at properties in Edinburgh and Lanarkshire.
Officers executed warrants at addresses in Edinburgh, Whitburn and Bathgate yesterday morning (Friday, 23 May, 2025).
The men, three aged 18 and one aged 31, have been arrested and charged in connection with fire-raising at a house on Pitcairn Grove on Thursday, 8 May.
One of the 18-year-olds, along with the 31-year-old man, have also been arrested and charged in connection with fire-raising at a business premises on Cumbernauld Road in Stepps on the same date.
They are all expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 26 May.
Also, in the past week a 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with two attempted murders and a fire-raising in Glasgow and Bishopbriggs in April.
These are being treated as part of a series of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland and a total of 41 people have now been arrested.
Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and a dedicated team of officers from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, with support from local divisions across the country, continue to work together to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “I want to reiterate that violence will not be tolerated and we will not stop until we bring those responsible to justice.
“We continue to work tirelessly and are following a number of positive lines of enquiry
“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims. I want to again thank the public for their continued help and information so far.
“If you know anything about these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”
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.
Detectives are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted in Edinburgh.
Around 9.20pm last night (Thursday, 22 May, 2025), police received a report a man had been attacked by a group of males on Pitcairn Grove. The 54-year-old man was taken to hospital where he remains.
Four or five men, all dressed in dark coloured clothing and wearing balaclavas, got out a grey-coloured Land Rover Discovery and attacked the 54-year-old.
Officers are treating the incident as attempted murder and linked to several incidents which have been ongoing in the east and west of the country.
Enquiries carried out so far have established the Land Rover Discovery travelled eastbound along the M8 and officers are appealing to any road users on the M8 last night to contact them.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “This has been a targeted attack and we are continuing our enquiries to identify those responsible.
“We know the Land Rover Discovery drove along the M8 eastbound last night. It may have been driven at speed or erratically so I would appeal to any motorists with dash cams to check their footage as the images could be significant to our investigation.
“If anyone has any information regarding this crime, please contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3866 of Thursday, 22 May, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can remain anonymous.
Edinburgh College’s Photography Graduates Unveil Their Vision.
Prepare to be captivated. Prepare to be challenged. Prepare to be EXPOSED.
This June, Edinburgh College’s graduating photography class invites you to witness the culmination of years of dedication, passion, and artistic exploration. EXPOSED 25 is a vibrant testament to the raw talent and innovative perspectives emerging from the heart of Scotland’s creative capital.
EXPOSED 25 is more than just a display of technical skill; it’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of visual storytelling. Each photograph represents a unique journey, a personal vision, and a bold step into the professional world.
Join us for a night of art, inspiration, and celebration.
Event Details:
Location: Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG
Dates: 3rd June – 12th
10am – 5pm, closed Sunday
Admission: Free
Don’t miss this opportunity to be EXPOSED to the next generation of photographic visionaries.
Follow us on Insta @edinburghcollegephotography for updates and sneak peeks!
Scotland’s water scarcity situation is worsening, with a further decline in river levels following another dry week and only limited rainfall forecast in the days ahead.
This week’s Water Situation Report, published online by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that six additional river catchments have moved to Moderate Scarcity.
The addition of the Tay, Spey, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree brings the total number of river catchments now at Moderate Scarcity to 17. This covers the east coast Aberdeenshire down to the Scottish Borders and across the south of the country to Dumfries & Galloway.
While rain is forecast this weekend and the start of next week, it will not reverse the effects of weeks of dry conditions. Some parts of Fife have seen no measurable rain for over a month, and many rivers remain at record lows. The River Tilt in Tayside is at its lowest flow in 34 years of records, and the River Spey has seen its lowest May flow since records began in 1952.
Scotland’s water scarcity situation is worsening.
The River Tilt in Tayside is at its lowest in 34 years, and the River Spey has seen its lowest May flow since records began. Even rain this weekend won’t be enough to reverse the effects.
— Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (@ScottishEPA) May 23, 2025
What do Scotland’s water scarcity levels mean?
Early Warning: conditions are drying but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action.
Alert: water levels are falling, and SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use.
Moderate Scarcity: there is clear environmental impact, and action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.
Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “Some of Scotland’s most iconic rivers are at record lows, and the environmental impacts are clear. A few days of rain will not undo months of drier than average weather. We need well above average rainfall over a sustained period to see any recovery, especially in the east.
“It has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. Fife has had no significant rain for over a month and groundwater levels are some of the lowest on record for the time of year. So, we’re seeing some quite significant issues coming.
“I’m urging anyone who has a licence from SEPA to take water from the environment to ensure you are doing everything you can to use water efficiently.
“If the weather continues without significant additional rain, we’ll have to take measures to reduce the amount of water that can be taken from the environment.
“The steps you take now are very important in delaying that action.”
Advice for abstractors
In Moderate Scarcity areas, active steps must be taken now to reduce water use and protect the environment.
SEPA is urging all abstractors across Scotland to:
Check abstraction licences and comply fully with all conditions, including hands-off flows.
Switch to alternative sources (where possible).
Plan and collaborate with neighbours to minimise pressure on the environment.
Voluntarily reduce non-essential use in Alert areas.
Environmental risks from first rainfall
There is some rain in the forecast, and following dry weather, heavy rainfall can cause sudden changes in water quality. The first rainfall after a dry period can rapidly wash pollutants from roads and land into rivers, creating a short-term shock that ecosystems struggle to absorb. This is a known risk for fish deaths and is a stark reminder of how fragile river systems can be after an extended dry period.
Anyone concerned about a fish kill should report it to SEPA as soon as possible via sepa.org.uk/report so officers can investigate and ensure there is not an ongoing pollution incident.
Continued national engagement
SEPA will continue to work closely with sectors that rely on Scotland’s rivers, including agriculture, hydropower and industry, to help them respond to the challenges of this water scarcity season.
For regular updates, advice and the latest water scarcity report, visit:
TWO Scottish Ambulance Service emergency responders will compete in the Edinburgh Marathon wearing full uniform, including boots, and a 10kg ambulance response bag to raise money for The Ambulance Service Charity (TASC).
Jack Falconer, Technician of Wick Ambulance Station, and Dominic Ballisat, Technician of Edinburgh Ambulance Station, will run the event on May 25.
So far they have raised more than £2000 for TASC.
Dominic said: “We decided to do the marathon to help raise money for TASC as we are grateful for the amazing work they do in supporting our colleagues and their families in their time of need.”
Jack added: “We decided to run with the kit bag, uniform and boots in order to make it more challenging in the hope it will raise awareness and support for TASC.
“It also highlights the mental and physical stress that ambulance personnel undergo on a daily basis.”
While Dominic, who used to work at Thurso station, has run three marathons before, this will be Jack’s first.
Dominic said: “We have both been training with boots and trousers with a 10kg bag plus water.
“We expect it to be tough especially if it’s hot, but nothing worthwhile is easy.”
Jasmin Rana, TASC’s Head of Income Generation, said: “We’re so grateful to Jack and Dominic for taking on this incredible challenge for TASC!
“As a charity we receive no support from the NHS or ambulance trusts to provide our general services, which means we rely on our incredibly generous supporters to continue supporting our ambulance workers when they’re struggling with their mental, physical or financial wellbeing.
“Thanks to Jack, Dominic and everyone who has supported them, almost £2,500 (including GiftAid) has been raised already, the equivalent of 46 hours of mental health support or 172 financial guidance sessions.
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place in its Edinburgh store this June. This hands-on workshop will spotlight garden tools and the summer gardening jobs that these tools can be used for, followed by a fun activity.
Dobbies’ Little Seedling Club offers free, fun and educational monthly sessions for children across the country. These workshops involve hands-on activities where children can come together and learn about a variety of different topics in a friendly group setting.
Garden Tools is taking place at the Edinburgh on the morning of Sunday 1 June, where children will learn about key gardening tools, from the history of the very first tools used during the Bronze Age, to the kinds of things they help us with when it comes to growing plants and looking after gardens and green spaces.
Attendees will then find out what gardening jobs can be done this summer, from watering to pruning and planting, with advice on the best tools for the jobs, before getting the chance to make their own watering can-inspired art.
Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, is excited to welcome families across the UK along to this fun-filled event. She said: “Our Garden Tools Little Seedlings Club workshop at our Edinburgh store has been designed to engage children and get them curious about gardening.
“Our free monthly sessions involve games and a crafting activity where children can make something to take home to keep the fun going.
“Dobbies is a great place for families to come together, whether it’s to experience our free Little Seedlings Club, to let off steam in the soft play, or enjoy a delicious treat in the restaurant where children can eat for £1.”
Children can now plant and grow with their favourite Disney characters and Dobbies has everything young gardeners need to celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week (24 May – 1 June) in style, with a touch of Disney magic.
The collection now available to shop in-store and online features gloves, tools, kneeling pads, aprons, and plenty more. Available to choose from in a variety of beloved Disney prints, letting every little gardener pick their favourite character and build their perfect set.
To find out more and book a space on the Little Seedlings workshop at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit www.dobbies.com
This reports also outlines the future decision-making process, with an annual update report covering any proposed changes.
Prioritisation was scored against 15 separate criteria points across three key areas: Objectives, Deliverability and Financial. Some examples include impact on road safety, public transport, inequality, and capital raising challenges.
Over 70 projects are set to be taken forward, including:
Walking, wheeling and cycling connection from the Meadows to the Union Canal, including better public space around the King’s Theatre.
Public transport and active travel route between West Shore Road and Waterfront Broadway, complementing the Granton redevelopment.
Major city centre projects, including a trial to reduce vehicle traffic on the Lawnmarket, Cowgate improvements, Meadows to George Street walking and cycling upgrade, and the transformation of George Street.
Over 50 projects are recommended to be paused, the vast majority of which are already on hold or not started. There are also around five projects which are set to be paused for this financial year only. Again, these are all either on hold or not started.
The report was approved with amendments from the Administration and the SNP group, along with an addendum from the Green group.
Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve agreed this bold programme for our city. Prioritisation allows us to work smarter with the resources we have available – making sure we have a clear and achievable path to achieving our objectives.
“This programme follows the successes of major infrastructure projects such as Trams to Newhaven and active travel projects including the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), Roseburn to Union Canal and Leith Connections.
“This is an extensive piece of work which allows the City Mobility Plan to be agile, and able to adapt in the future as necessary.
“However, one key element in this conversation is the fact that we remain dependent on external funding for many projects, particularly from the Scottish Government and by extension Transport Scotland.
“Complex projects which take years to plan and complete but which are subject to annual external funding decisions makes this situation inherently difficult, we need commitment and stability from the Scottish Government if we’re to deliver the changes which our city needs and deserves.
“We’ll now take forward these projects which will keep Edinburgh moving and make our city a safer, more sustainable and accessible place for all.”
Living Streets Edinburgh calls (again) for more investment in everyday walking
LIVING Streets Edinburgh wrote to city councillors prior to the meeting. The campaigners said: “We’re surprised, and very disappointed, to see no mention of some key initiatives which we were able to get included in the CMP delivery plan.
“Especially disappointing after the committee decided to freeze footway maintenance while increasing spending on roads, only last month.
“We’ve therefore sent councillors this message:
Dear Councillor
I’m writing in connection with the report on City Mobility Plan priorities, Item 7.5 on the TEC agenda for 22 May bit.ly/43ktlep The recommendations do not adequately reflect the CMP’s ambition to effect “a transformational change in walking and wheeling in Edinburgh”.
Over two years ago, two new initiatives were introduced into the Active Travel component of the City Mobility Plan: ‘Action for Better Crossings” (ABC) and the “Edinburgh Accessible Streets Initiative” EASI). These programmes (both proposed by us) finally offered the prospect of a strategic, rather than piecemeal, approach to addressing some of the most fundamental problems with getting around the city as a pedestrian – for example:
the time that you have to wait for the green man at traffic lights,
the thousands of missing dropped kerbs on pavements,
narrow footways,
pavement clutter, etc.
As we understand it, effectively nothing has been done yet to implement either initiative as a coherent programme. We had hoped that they would form a key part of this report. However, there is no mention whatsoever in the report of either ABC or EASI, despite Council having confirmed them as at the heart of CMP policy only last year (see attached).
Instead, some elements of ABC and EASI are simply noted as part of the ‘rolling programme’ in Appendix 4b. Paragraph 4.14 of the report states an expectation that these will be funded at “an overall level roughly equal to recent overall investment”. This isn’t good enough: there is no indication of how much money is budgeted for these schemes; certainly there has been no systematic investment at all in recent years in widening footways. Many of the other aspects like the pedestrian crossing programme and the crucial school streets reviews have huge backlogs owing to lack of resourcing.
These vital programmes need to be considered alongside, and on the same level playing field, as the active travel and public transport listed in Appendix 1.
Councillors should be able to consider whether investment in school streets, road safety, ABC or EASI is more or less worthy than these projects, whether they be George Street, Hawthornvale-Salamander Street, the Lindsey Bridge or Dalry 20 Minute Neighbourhood.
Otherwise the opportunity to consider where best to invest both staff time and capital funding is lost and a ‘silo’ approach is entrenched.
We also have serious concerns with the overly-complex methodology for assessing projects in Appendix 1. It gives no weighting to walking and wheeling (“top of the travel hierarchy”) and doesn’t sufficiently value schemes relatively modest but important to pedestrians such as Calton Road and the Causey.
These projects fail to score highly enough only because work on them has already been “paused’ for years.
However, the fundamental weakness of the report is to take too narrow an approach to evaluating a limited set of projects. We would therefore like to see the report deferred perhaps for two cycles, and a new report brought forward with a more strategic approach to future investment, including the programmes mentioned above.
TO coincide with Dementia Action Week (May 19 – 25), the Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh has taken vital steps to support its customers living with dementia.
The full team has recently become qualified Dementia Friends, after completing a training course to professionally care for the eye health and hear care of customers who have the condition.
The Specsavers Home Visits team provides care to customers who, due to a multitude of reasons, are unable to pay a visit to a high street store to receive eye health and hearing services.
Lynne Seebaluck, director at Specsavers Home Visits that covers Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders, said: “By becoming Dementia Friends, our team feels more confident to ensure any customers living with dementia feel safe and are looked after in a sensitive way.
“We’re always keen to go the extra mile and support our local community, especially as we’re out visiting those directly in it.”
For more information about the Specsavers Home Visits team, visit:
