Detectives investigating the discharge of a firearm in Edinburgh are urging those with information to contact them.
The incident occurred around 3.40pm on Thursday, 24 July, 2025 in the Hailesland Gardens area of the city. A 23-year-old man sustained an injury to his arm and was taken to hospital. He has since been released.
Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries.
From reviewing CCTV footage, officers have established several people were in the area at the time of the incident.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Gordon Couper, said: “I would like to reassure everyone that a team of experienced detectives are working on this case.
“I believe there are people in the community who have information and for whatever reason they are not passing it on. I would appeal to them to help us and contact us. We are piecing together what happened and your detail could be the vital piece in the puzzle.
“If you saw anything or have captured any images which could assist in our inquiry please do get in touch. Everything is significant.”
Additional officers are in the area and anyone with information or concerns can speak to these officers.
Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We are determined to protect the public from harmful criminality and additional officers are on patrol to provide reassurance to everyone.
“Be assured, we are acting on your concerns and are carrying out regular activity in the Wester Hailes area, such as executing drugs warrants and tackling antisocial behaviour.
“Community based criminality affects the lives of everyone and we are working with our partners to deliver initiatives and plans to respond, detect and deter criminality.
If anyone has any information, please call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2318 of 24 July, 2025.
You can also get in touch with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.
The “It’ll Cost You” campaign was praised by Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown MSP when she visited the latest roll-out in Edinburgh.
The “It’ll Cost You” campaign now in its tenth year and run nationally across Scotland raises awareness of the consequences of proxy alcohol purchases to help protect children, reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, and make communities safer.
The event at the Scotmid store on Gorgie Road demonstrated the value of partnership working between the alcohol industry, retailers, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the police in tackling underage drinking and youth disorder.
Asking an adult to buy alcohol for under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol. It’s an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18.
This is known as proxy purchase. Adults who buy alcohol for children may face a fine of up to £5,000. The campaign raises awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said: ““To have run this campaign for ten years is a strong example of partnership working to help reduce crime and make our communities safer.
“‘It’ll Cost You’ reinforces the message that buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18, regardless of your relationship to them, is illegal.
“It can put them at risk of becoming vulnerable or involved in antisocial behaviour and if you buy drink for them, you could be fined, imprisoned, or both. This campaign highlights the dangers of underage drinking and sends a strong message that this is not acceptable.”
Policing Together Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said:“It’ll Cost You” is a really important campaign that looks to address the various risks to young people associated with them gaining access to alcohol.
“Please remember, that buying alcohol for those who are underage is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both.”
Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added: “This campaign ties in with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing.
“Retailers are committed to reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.”
Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnership Advisor for Scotland, said:“Proxy purchase continues to be a challenge across Scotland.
“This campaign highlights the dangers and penalties that can result from adults buying alcohol for young people.”
Ian Lovie, Licensing & Compliance Manager, Scotmid, said: ““Scotmid has been long term supporters of the campaign.
“We understand the importance of preventing proxy purchasing in our stores to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo rehearsal at Redford Barracks yesterday.
During her visit, HRH The Princess Royal, who was appointed as Patron of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2006, was seen meeting with performers from across the globe – including Poland, Switzerland, the USA and Ukraine.
The 75th anniversary Show of the Tattoo kicks tomorrow – Friday 1 August.
Two courageous stray cats and their tiny litters are now safe, healthy, and home thanks to the love and care of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
The young feline mothers were found fending for themselves outdoors, with Grace also caring for a litter of vulnerable newborns. Rescued thanks to supportive and caring members of the public, the cats were brought to safety, given the medical care and comfort they desperately needed, and supported as they raised their kittens in the loving environment of the Home.
Now, after weeks of care, both feline families have found loving forever homes — a heartwarming reminder of the life-changing work Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home does every day.
Grace, a three-year-old stray was brought to the Home in April in a cardboard box with her four tiny kittens. Named by the Home as Kermit, Gonzo, Janice and Camilla, the Home believes Grace’s kittens were just a week old when they were brought to them, as they hadn’t yet opened their eyes.
Protective of her young brood, Grace was at first wary when the Animal Welfare Carers went to care for them, but her trust was soon won over. Once they were ready, the kittens were rehomed, and Grace soon followed.
Cassie was brought to the Home as a stray on March 5th and on March 13th her litter of five kittens was born. Espresso, Treacle, Maple, Bunny, Blossom were rehomed after their vet checks, vaccinations and being microchipped.
Nonnie Kent from the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said, “Raising a litter of kittens as a stray is incredibly challenging, so we’re truly grateful we could step in to care for Grace, Cassie, and their kittens. They all deserved a safe, loving environment — and we’re so proud to have given them that.
“The kittens brought endless joy to the Home. Every morning, Grace’s four would be patiently waiting for us—lined up as if they knew breakfast and cuddles were coming. Cassie’s little explorers, on the other hand, were always on the move, curious about everything. Once they had their health checks, vaccinations, and microchips, it was such a joy to watch each kitten go off to a new home.
“We’re equally thrilled that Grace and Cassie have found families of their own. It’s a wonderful second chance for two incredibly resilient mums.”
Martha, who welcomed Maple and Treacle—now called Pippin and Noah—into her home, commented: “It has been wonderful to have Pippin and Noah come into our lives.
“One of our older cats had to be put down earlier in the year and he left a big gap. Being able to adopt these two from the Home has brought us so much fun and laughter – as well as quite a lot of chaos!
“It’s been 16 years since we last had young kittens and we’d forgotten quite how mad they can be – especially when there are two of them chasing each other.
The adoption process was straight forward but also thorough – and staff made sure we understood the commitment we were making. We already can’t imagine life without Noah and Pippin!”
To find out more information on cats and dogs available for adoption or how you can make a donation, please visit www.edch.org.uk
Muirhouse Housing Association has thrown its support behind a new “dementia friendly” film club which involves the magic of the silver screen!
It is being led by “Community Link” based at North Edinburgh Arts Centre who approached the Association for funding from its “Community Chest Fund” to help the film project and promote the Club locally.
The first screening takes place today (Thursday) following a consultation led by Community Link. It found a clear need emerged for a dementia-friendly film club which creates a welcoming, inclusive space where people with dementia and their carers or family members can enjoy a film screening together and connect with others.
The project is launching at the North Edinburgh Arts Centre in a purpose-built 96-seater theatre with the showing of the 1969 classic movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
The free screening is further evidence of Muirhouse’s deep-rooted engagement with the community it serves in north Edinburgh.
Muirhouse’s Community Chest Fund is available for community groups to apply for a grant to carry out projects which benefit tenants and the local community.
Special measures will be taken during the film to meet the needs of people with dementia such as dimmed – but not entirely dark – lighting to reduce anxiety and prevent confusion.
The cinema will not be entirely filled to avoid the presence of a large crowd. There will also be a short interval with light refreshments served.
Based loosely on fact, the film tells the story of two wild west outlaws who are on the run from a crack US law enforcement posse after a string of train robberies.
The film, starring two Hollywood idols – played by the late Paul Newman and sidekick Robert Redford – was an instant hit when it was released and remains a screen classic.
Susan Bell, Chief Executive of Muirhouse Housing Association, said: “Everyone likes a trip to the cinema. So we were delighted to link up with North Edinburgh Arts Centre to deliver this dementia-friendly screening in what is first from Muirhouse
“Dementia friendly screenings are now expected to take place every month. We are thrilled to be supporting such an innovative way to engage members of the community.
“Apart from these dementia-friendly screenings the advent of a cinema in our community, when previously the nearest one is 3.5 miles away, is to be greatly welcomed.”
Earlier this summer, Muirhouse’s community engagement was recognised when it excelled in the Tenant Participation Service (TPAS) Scotland National Good Practice Awards scoring a win in the keenly-contested category for Community Involvement – tenant/community group.
Its triumph centred on the inclusive “Come Dine With Us” initiative – a recurring Muirhouse event offering a free meal and companionship to local residents aimed at tackling isolation and loneliness.
Filming begins on new series to premiere on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer next year
Blending familiar faces with a host of new characters, the new series will offer preschoolers a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures
CBeebies and Lion Television Scotland have released a first-look picture showing Miss Hoolie (Julie Wilson Nimmo) as filming gets underway on location in Tobermory, the real-life Isle of Mull town that inspired the show’s iconic setting.
The new series will blend familiar faces with a host of new characters, offering preschoolers a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures.
At its heart remains the charming fictional town of Balamory and its lively inhabitants, where brightly-coloured houses cluster around a scenic harbour and life revolves around the nursery school and its caring teacher.
Original stars of Balamory, Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie) are set to reprise their roles when the revamped series airs next year on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.
The new series will blend familiar faces with a host of new characters, offering preschoolers a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures. At its heart remains the charming fictional town of Balamory and its lively inhabitants, where brightly-coloured houses cluster around a scenic harbour and life revolves around the nursery school and its caring teacher.
Brand new characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts (played by Danielle Jam), the Harbour Master (William Andrews) and local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer) who lives with his two children.
Originally produced from 2002 to 2005, Balamory became a staple of early childhood entertainment. Now, more than two decades later, it’s being lovingly reimagined for today’s families, retaining its original spirit while introducing fresh elements to captivate young viewers.
Filming will take place both in studio in Glasgow and on location in Tobermory, the real-life Isle of Mull town that inspired the show’s iconic setting.
Kate Morton, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 0-6 BBC Children’s and Education says: “It’s wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together.
“This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly.”
Commissioned for two new series (10 x 14-minute episodes each), the show will continue its tradition of home-grown storytelling about the much-loved nursery school and the small island community that surrounds it. Families can look forward to exploring the world of Balamory once again from 2026.
Produced by Lion Television Scotland, an All3Media company, the return of Balamory promises to be a joyful celebration of community, curiosity and colourful characters.
Lisa Hazlehurst, Head of Lion Television Scotland, is the Executive Producer, Adrian Mead is Director and Jacqueline Sinclair is the Series Producer. The series was commissioned by Kate Morton for BBC Children’s and Education. Mark Barton is the BBC Commissioning Executive.
Investment to help people settle in Scotland’s communities
A service to help refugees and people seeking asylum integrate into their local areas is being supported with £8 million in funding over the next two and a half years.
Delivered by the Scottish Refugee Council, the Scotland-wide integration support service will provide advice, information and resources to help people fleeing war and persecution settle into their new home.
This will build on the success of the previous grant-funded Refugee Support Service for 2024/25 which supported more than 10,000 people from 113 countries to rebuild their lives here.
The new multi-year funded contract will run until March 2028 with an option to extend for a further two years, enabling more people to be supported.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Our Programme for Government commits to a multi-year funded service so refugees and people seeking asylum can access the support they need, when they need it.
“Refugees and people seeking asylum are welcome in Scotland and this service will support them to start rebuilding their lives here.
“The Scottish Refugee Council has already provided incredible support to refugees and people seeking asylum to help them work, study and live in Scotland. I’m very pleased that these efforts can continue through the service we’re funding.”
Scottish Refugee Council chief executive Sabir Zazai said: “We’re delighted that our approach to building a better future with refugees in Scotland has been recognised with this investment, which will enable us to continue reaching those who need our help, wherever in Scotland they are based.
“Last year, we worked with people seeking safety in 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and connected hundreds of communities across the country, helping them work together to support and welcome New Scots.
“We’re looking forward to building on this work and reaching even more people seeking refugee protection in Scotland, providing them with essential information, multilingual advice and practical support.”
Gen Alpha turn to YouTube first on their TV set at home, while over 55s double their time on the service
Fewer than half of 16-24-year-olds watch broadcast TV weekly
Despite declines, traditional broadcasters’ content still makes up majority of in-home viewing
YouTube is leading the charge in the streaming takeover of TV sets, with the service now the first place younger viewers go as soon as they switch on, according to Ofcom’s annual report on the nation’s media habits.
Overall people spent an average of 4 hours 30 minutes per day watching TV and video content at home in 2024. And while broadcast TV still accounts for the majority of in-home viewing (56%), audiences are increasingly turning to YouTube. The platform is now the second most-watched service in the UK, behind the BBC and ahead of ITV.
At home, people spent 39 minutes on YouTube per day in 2024, with 16 minutes of this via the household’s TV set. Younger adults aged 16-34 are driving this trend, watching 18 minutes of YouTube a day on TV, while one in five (20%) children aged 4-15 head straight to the app as soon as they turn the set on.
But it’s not just Gen Z and Alpha driving this trend. Over 55s are now watching nearly double the amount of YouTube content on their TVs compared to the previous year (11 minutes per day in December 2024, up from just 6 minutes in January 2023). Last year, 42% of all YouTube viewing by this age group was on a TV set (up from 33% in 2023).
YouTube content evolving
The content audiences are watching on YouTube has evolved too. Half of the platform’s top-trending videos now more closely resemble traditional TV, including long-form interviews and game shows. This shift positions YouTube as a direct competitor to ad-supported TV services, while offering broadcasters a way to reach wider and younger audiences.
Some broadcasters are increasingly offering their own programmes on YouTube, for example ITV and Channel 4 make full length programming available on their channels, retaining control over adverts. Ofcom has identified these sorts of partnerships, making public service content available and prominent on online platforms, as critical to sustain the future of public service media in its recent report, Transmission Critical.
Public service broadcasters (PSBs) are seeing success with their online services, especially the BBC. For the first time, people are watching more online programmes from broadcasters than they are recorded programmes.
Ed Leighton, Ofcom’s Interim Group Director for Strategy and Research, said:“Scheduled TV is increasingly alien to younger viewers, with YouTube the first port of call for many when they pick up the TV remote. But we’re also seeing signs that older adults are turning to the platform as part of their daily media diet too.
“Public service broadcasters are recognising this shift – moving to meet audiences in the online spaces where they increasingly spend their time. But we need to see even more ambition in this respect to ensure that public service media that audiences value survives long into the future.”
Generational divide
Overall, people spent 4% less time watching broadcast TV in 2024 than the previous year, with average viewing dropping to 2 hours 24 minutes a day on TV sets. This trend was particularly driven by young adults (16-24), who watched just 17 minutes of live TV daily. Only 45% of this age group tuned into broadcast TV weekly, down from 48% in 2023.
Less than a quarter of 16-24s’ in-home video viewing is now to broadcaster content, versus 90% for those aged 75 and over.
Overall, people watched content from video-on-demand platforms for an average of 40 minutes per day. Netflix continues to be the most popular service, watched for an average of 22 minutes per day, and accounting for more than half of all viewing on streaming platforms.
Festive favourites top the list of most-watched moments
But broadcasters proved they can still bring the nation together for shared major TV moments, with the BBC and ITV boasting the top three most-watched shows of 2024.
Gavin and Stacy: The Finale (18.6 million) was the most watched programme last year, followed by Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (16.9 million), with the fourth episode of Mr Bates vs The Post Office (14.7 million)coming in third. The top two most-watched programmes both aired first on Christmas day.
The Spain v England Euro 2024 final was the most-watched live sports event of the year across the BBC, ITV and STV, with 19.8 million people tuning in on the day.
Netflix’s Adolescence was the most-watched TV event in the first quarter of 2025 with 12.2 million viewers until the end of March. This marked the first time a streaming title topped weekly TV ratings [2].
Podcasts eat up audio diets
Our Media Nations Report also has its ear to the ground on how the nation’s listening habits are evolving. More than nine in ten UK adults (93%) listen to some form of audio content each week, increasing to 98% of 16-34-year-olds. YouTube (47%) and Spotify (36%) are the most popular online audio services, while BBC Sounds is the most popular from a radio broadcaster (24%).
Music streaming and podcasts continue to be an important part of our audio diets, particularly for younger people. People aged 15-34 now spend more than half of their weekly listening time with streamed music and podcasts (58%, up from 40% in 2019), which is close to double the amount for the average listener (30%) [3].
Podcasts are also increasingly available in video as well as audio form. Platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Global Player now regularly host video versions of UK podcasts, helping creators engage with broader audiences.
More top trends from our Media Nations reports are available on our news centre.
Initiative to tackle health inequality in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia
A Scottish Government-backed initiative to improve access to healthcare for people in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia has been launched.
The new health partnership programme will help the three countries and Scotland strengthen their health systems by creating networks through which healthcare professionals can share skills, experience and knowledge.
Grant funding will subsequently be made available to organisations working to improve healthcare.
The launch marks the 20th anniversary of Scotland’s international development programme and builds on the success of the NHS Scotland Global Citizenship programme, which supports NHS staff to engage in health work around the world.
Previous work in Malawi funded through the Scottish Government’s International Development Fund includes knowledge exchange on between Malawi and Scotland, the development of an Adult Emergency and Trauma Centre and a disability hearing initiative in Zambia.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said:“At a time when healthcare systems around the world are under great pressure from the lasting impact of pandemics and accelerating impact of climate change, the power of partnership has never been more important.
“These are not isolated issues. Illness and diseases do not stop when they meet a border. So we cannot think of Scotland’s NHS simply as a national institution, it is a global partner in the fight for health equality.
“This new programme launches at a critical moment for global health as major donors cut aid and builds on Scotland’s proud record of international development. By deepening our partnerships with Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia and combining the expertise of Scottish health professionals with the insights and leadership of partners overseas, we can learn through sharing together and deliver real improvements in health for people in Scotland and abroad.”
Global Health Partnerships CEO Ben Simms said:“We are thrilled to have been invited to partner with the Scottish Government on the Scottish Global Health Partnership programme.
“In its international development programme and through its Global Citizenship programme, Scotland has set a standard as a progressive, globally engaged country over many years, and this programme will celebrate and build on this track record in ways that deliver benefits both overseas and across the Scottish health system.”
The Scottish Government will invest £3 million over the next three years from its International Development Fund in the programme, which will be delivered by health charity Global Health Partnerships.
The initiative will support and align with the existing NHS Scotland Global Citizenship programme, which recognises the benefits global citizenship and international volunteering bring to Scotland’s health service and communities such as fostering leadership and driving innovation.
Health was identified as a priority in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic and through discussions with African partner countries and confirmed in the Scottish Government’s International Strategy.
Podcasts eat up audio diets
