Woohoooooo Summer is here…
Celebrate the sun, with all things fun!
CCC Fair is the place to be
with singing and and music and lots of Glee!
Corstorphine Community Centre: Summer Fair this Saturday
Day: June 18, 2025
Drug dealer jailed
A man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison in relation to drugs offences in Edinburgh.
Ardit Mazrreku, 27, was sentenced today at the High Court for being concerned in drug dealing in the capital in September 2024.
On 19 September 2024, officers acting on intelligence, officers searched the property on Ratcliffe Terrace in the city during the morning of Wednesday, 25 September and recovered cannabis and cocaine with an estimated street value of £165,000.
Sergeant Mark Walker said: “Police Scotland is committed to removing illegal substances from our communities and we will take all measures to disrupt those involved in the drug trade.
“This arrest and conviction underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Recoveries such as this rely on information from people who do not tolerate the scourge of drugs in their neighbourhoods.
“Anyone with concerns about drugs in their community can contact us via 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
More than £8 million worth of drugs removed from Scotland’s streets since May
More than £8 million worth of drugs have been removed from Scotland’s streets since the beginning of May.
In the last week alone, more than £3 million worth of illegal substances have been seized following significant recoveries across the country.
Cannabis worth £640,000 was found after officers executed warrants in the Church Street area of Alloa on Tuesday, 10 June.
On Wednesday, cocaine worth £250,000 was seized after officers stopped a car on the M74 near Lockerbie and £340,000 worth of cannabis was discovered at an address in Uphall.
Almost £1 million worth of cannabis was also seized from an address in the High Street area of Shotts on Thursday.
And in the Simshill area of Glasgow on Friday, officers discovered a cannabis cultivation with plants worth £120,000.
Almost £5 million worth of drugs were seized in total from across Glasgow, Oban, Aberdeen, Denny, Cowdenbeath, Ayrshire, Stepps and Dunfermline last month (May).
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Some of these were significant seizures and highlight our dedication to tackling drug crime in Scotland.
“Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities. They are illegal for that very reason.
“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain.
“Results like these shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“We rely on information from the public and anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Scottish Children’s Services Coalition: Bill provides opportunity to deliver action on advocacy
Dear Editor
It is well acknowledged that too many care-experienced children and young people are not receiving the vital care and support they need to thrive in education, a point further reinforced in a recent report from the charity Who Cares? Scotland for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland.
This highlighted the need for a whole-school approach to supporting care-experienced children, as well as a requirement for a statutory right to independent, relationship-based lifelong advocacy for all care-experienced people who need it. This aims to ensure that these individuals are aware of their rights and can make informed decisions about their lives.
The latter is eminently achievable, as the Scottish Government’s recent Programme for Government outlined that a Children and Young People (Care) Bill will be forthcoming.
This legislation aims to further support The Promise, produced by the Independent Care Review in 2020, and which is Scotland’s pledge to care-experienced children and young people that they will grow up loved, safe, and respected.
With the Promise Bill now part of the government’s legislative programme, it is time for this fundamental right, as committed to in The Promise itself five years ago, to be enshrined in law.
Too many individuals are currently missing out on the advice and support they desperately need, often when they need it most.
Scotland has an opportunity to lead the way, and the Bill provides the opportunity to deliver action on advocacy.
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:
Falkland House School
LOVE Learning
Spark of Genius
Young Foundations
42 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ
The Eric Liddell Community shines a light on the invaluable role unpaid carers play in supporting loved ones living with dementia
During Carers Week 2025, The Eric Liddell Community spotlighted the invaluable role unpaid carers play in supporting loved ones living with dementia.
Through its dedicated Carers Programme and specialist Dementia Day Care Service, the Edinburgh-based charity is providing essential respite, meaningful connection, and personalised support for carers across the city.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally demanding and socially isolating. According to Carers UK, eight in ten carers regularly experience feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
To help support unpaid carers across Edinburgh, The Eric Liddell Community delivers a range of inclusive, practical, and therapeutic services that aim to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and provide vital moments of rest and relief.
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “Carers Week was a chance for us to honour the incredible role unpaid carers play in supporting their loved ones living with dementia, while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting them.
“At The Eric Liddell Community, we’re proud to offer services that not only provide vital respite, but also help reduce isolation, and offer a supportive community with others in a similar position.
“Through our Carers Programme, Dementia Day Care Service, and initiatives like Liddell Lions and Eric’s Escapes, we aim to create to provide companionship and a break from the isolating realities many carers face.”
The Carers Programme is more than just a series of activities – it’s a lifeline, a place where unpaid carers can recharge, rediscover themselves, and build lasting connections.
Whether it’s the joy of music, the rhythm of dance, or the quiet creativity of the arts, every session offers a chance to step away from daily pressures and embrace moments of renewal. Carers can also develop digital skills, experience holistic therapies, and join social gatherings that remind them they are not alone.
The programme’s impact is best seen in the story of Mary and John, both in their late 80s and living with dementia. As their needs grew, their daughters sought support from The Eric Liddell Community.
What followed was nothing short of transformative.
John rekindled his passion for gardening, finding peace among flowers and fresh earth, while Mary, once hesitant, discovered confidence through music, proudly contributing to daily activities with a newfound spark.
“We feel so lucky we found you,” their daughter shared, capturing the deep gratitude felt by so many families touched by the programme.
With growing demand, The Eric Liddell Community remains committed to expanding its services—ensuring every unpaid carer in Edinburgh has access to a compassionate, uplifting community.
To learn more about the Carers Programme and other available services, visit:
Operation Portaledge: More arrests
A further three men have been arrested in connection with Operation Portaledge, the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.
These arrests bring the total so far to 47.
On Monday, 16 June, 2025, officers arrested and charged two men, aged 26 and 20, in connection with the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh on Thursday, 22 May.
They were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 17 June.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with outstanding warrants after officers attended at a property in the Muirhouse Drive area around 6pm on Sunday, 15 June. He was also charged in connection with a wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street in Edinburgh on Thursday, 6 March.
He was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 16 June.
Officers from local divisions and a dedicated team of officers from our Specialist Crime Division, continue to carry out extensive enquiries to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Further to these arrests, we have also recovered a vehicle and a firearm, both of which are believed to have been used in recent incidents.
“This activity highlights our continued commitment to tackling organised crime and we are following a number of positive lines of enquiry.
“We still require further support from local communities as our investigation progresses. If you know anything that could assist our ongoing investigation, 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.
Voting for The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival talent search is now open!
BBC ALBA and The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival have once again teamed up with a quest to find the best up-and-coming musical talent from the Highlands and Islands.
The winner of the talent search will be given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival.
Open to solo artists and bands (where at least 50% of its members have a Highland home address) across all genres, one newcomer will be given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival.
Public votes can be cast on the Belladrum website and will be closing at 5pm Friday 20 June, ahead of Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival 2025 from Thursday 31 July to Saturday 2 August.
Vote here – https://tartanheartfestival.com/competition-vote
Eight incredible up-and-coming acts are in the running to open the MAIN STAGE at Bella 2025!
- Low Light Listening Lounge
- Falasgair
- The Cherries
- Isla Scott
- The Chosen Lonely
- El Sartel
- Ró Ó hEadhra
- Scott C. Park
Known for its unique and diverse showcase of music and the arts, the festival has grown in popularity over the past 20 years, now attracting thousands of visitors.
As it prepares for its 21st year, with acts including Texas, Supergrass, Paul Heaton, Tom Walker and Natasha Bedingfield confirmed, the team is on the hunt to find the best new homegrown talent to open the main stage at the Hot House Arena on Thursday 31 July.
True to its longstanding support of Scottish artists, BBC ALBA is supporting the search, providing a platform to propel newcomers onto the celebrated Scottish music scene, as well as an additional opportunity for the winner to record an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio at the festival.
Find out more about Belladrum and get your tickets at tartanheartfestival.com.
For those unable to attend, BBC ALBA will be bringing the best of the festival to viewers at home with its annual live coverage broadcast across the weekend, available on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer.
Watch live or on demand from Thursday 31 July: Belladrum on BBC ALBA.
New report explores the future demand for healthcare services in Scotland
Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published a new analysis of the possible future demand for healthcare services in Scotland over the next decade.
The analysis, which focusses on unplanned NHS hospital activity and is based on historic trends and projected demographic change, offers a best estimate of future demand if current trends continue.
The report, “Projecting Future Demand for Health and Care Services in Scotland (2024-2034) – A Focus on Unplanned Inpatient Admissions to Acute Hospitals”, estimates an 11.8% rise in unplanned hospital admissions between 2024 and 2034, from approximately 586,000 to 656,000. This projected growth appears to be driven primarily by the impacts of an ageing population.
This latest report builds on the work of the Scottish Burden of Disease study, which has highlighted potential future population health challenges across a wide range of health conditions.
This projected demand for healthcare services is far from inevitable and it is being used to plan for a healthier, better future for everyone. PHS’s extensive modelling of possible future demand has helped to inform the Scottish Government’s Population Health Framework, published yesterday (17 June).
Recognising that people’s health is about more than healthcare, the framework introduces a whole-system, whole-person approach to promoting health, preventing illness and tacking health inequalities.
Dr Fatim Lakha, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS, said: “Our report estimates that, by 2034, Scotland’s NHS could be managing around 1,300 additional unplanned hospital admissions each week.
“A substantial part of this rise is expected to come from people aged 65 years and over, primarily driven by Scotland’s ageing population. Meanwhile, admissions amongst children under 18 years are expected to remain at similar levels, even though the number of people in this age group is decreasing.
“It is important to note that these projections are not inevitable. Every additional admission represents a person whose health issue might have been prevented through earlier action.
“Strengthening the building blocks of health – like secure income, fair employment, quality housing and education – offers the greatest opportunity to improve Scotland’s health and stop these projections becoming a reality.
“Reforming NHS services is also essential to managing rising demand. But without sustained action across both prevention and service redesign, pressures on hospitals are likely to continue, even as the quality of care itself improves.”
Dr Andrew Lee, Whole-systems Lead, at PHS, said: “We celebrate the fact that more people are now living longer, thanks to advances in public health. We must also ensure that, in these additional years, they also enjoy good health and a good quality of life.
“By acting now to improve health and wellbeing across the population, we can support a better quality of life in later years, ease pressure on healthcare services, and help to build a sustainable, future-ready NHS.”
Scottish Languages Bill passed
Growing Gaelic and Scots
Plans to boost and encourage the use of Gaelic and Scots have been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Languages Bill will enable parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area. Local authorities would then be required to assess if the request was practical and affordable. After taking advice, ministers could direct local authorities to proceed with the establishment a new Gaelic school if the authority’s assessment considers it to be viable.
Other measures include:
- introducing educational standards for Gaelic and Scots
- establishing Gaelic and Scots as official languages
- supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
- enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children
- ensuring that more qualifications are available in Gaelic
- introducing targets on the number of people speaking and learning Gaelic
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said: “This legislation will introduce powers to accelerate the growth of Gaelic and Scots. It will establish them as official languages, introduce new educational standards and support the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities.
“While there has been an encouraging increase in the number of Gaelic speakers across Scotland, we recognise that more support is needed in communities where the language is traditionally spoken.
“That’s why the Scottish Government is providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scotland’s languages. We are also working to drive growth in Gaelic communities so that more people who speak the language continue to live in those areas.”
Census statistics show that 130,161 people in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase of 43,105 from 2011. The census shows that 2,444,659 people in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase of 515,215 from 2011.
Scotland’s population is around 5.5 million.
The latest version of the Scottish Languages Bill is available online.
Appeal for information following an assault and robbery in Leith
POLICE are appealing for information following an assault and robbery in Leith.
Around 9.45pm on Monday, 16 June, 2025, a couple were walking in the Leith Links area, near Duncan Place, when they were approached by three men who demanded they hand over their phones.
The man was then assaulted and knocked to the ground before his phone was stolen. The woman was not injured.
The suspects made off in the direction of Duke Street.
The three male suspects are all described as white, around 30 to 35-years-old, of heavy build with brown hair.
They were in the company of a woman described as white, around 5ft 2in tall, of slim build, with medium-length curly dark brown hair which was tied back. She was wearing a light-coloured top and jeans.
None of the suspects appeared to be English-speaking.
Detective Constable Jo Robertson said: “This was a violent and unprovoked attack which left the victims understandably shaken.
“We are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help with our enquiries to come forward.
“We understand that a passer-by stopped to help the victims and are keen to trace this person as they may have information that could assist.
“Anyone with relevant dashcam or private CCTV footage is also asked to contact police.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3597 of 16 June, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.