POLICE have received reports of rogue traders operating in Edinburgh recently. Be on guard if someone attends at your door offering to carry out work or offering services. Don’t be afraid to say ‘No Thank You’.
Rogue traders usually cold-call, claiming to be workers offering to sell services, make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work.
We DO NOT recommend dealing with cold-callers for property maintenance and home repairs
If someone calls on you:
•Don’t feel pressurised into agreeing to immediate work or buying a product or service.
•Don’t agree to buy from the first person who calls.
•Don’t pay cash up front or offer to go and get money.
•Shop around if you decide you need work done.
•Ask what your cancellation rights are.
•Report them.
If you think work needs done get at least three quotes from trusted companies. Use The Edinburgh Trusted Trader Scheme to find tradespeople who have been checked and vetted by both Police and Trading Standards officers:
If you think a rogue trader or bogus caller has called on you, or been in your street, report this to the police immediately on 101 or in the case of an emergency, dial 999.
If you would rather remain anonymous, you can report any incidents to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please share this advice with family, friends or neighbours who may be vulnerable.
Scottish army HQ reborn as first phase of new redevelopment sells out
IN just over a year, the first phase of a former Edinburgh army headquarters has been transformed from derelict barracks into a thriving new community.
Craigiehall Meadows, formerly Craigiehall Barracks, has now reached a major milestone with Hillside Road, the first phase of the development to come to market, has now completely sold out.
In summer 2024, work began to breathe new life into 78 long-abandoned houses that once housed generations of army families.
Just over a year on, the first phase has seen 26 homes sold, worth a combined £7,185,000, and is already home to a thriving community of 53 people.
Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, which oversees all sales at Craigiehall Meadows, said: “When work first began just over a year ago, we knew we had a huge challenge ahead of us to bring this site to life and create something really special.
“The whole team has been incredible. Together, we’ve taken what was once an empty, forgotten place and turned it into one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after new communities in a truly beautiful location.
“To have sold out Hillside Road in just over a year is amazing. We always believed this would be a popular development, but the demand has gone far beyond what we imagined.
“Now, seeing this part of the development alive with families settling in, first-time buyers putting down roots and young professionals building their futures, all so happy in their new homes, makes every bit of the hard work worthwhile.”
The second phase of the development at Craigiehall Meadows launched in May, introduced two new streets, Riverside Road and Primrose Drive.
Riverside Road features 27 detached homes, 21 four-bedroom properties in the Holly, Hazel, Oak and Yew styles, along with six five-bedroom homes in the Pine and Alder styles.
A short walk away, Primrose Drive offers eight substantial five-bedroom Willow homes. Together, the 35 new homes combine generous space, landscaped gardens, high-quality finishes and modern, energy-efficient features, with prices ranging from £550,000 to £600,000.
Tzana added: “Hillside Road was our core focus for a long time, but now that this chapter has closed, we’re fully focused on driving forward with phase two and we’re confident Riverside Road and Primrose Drive will be every bit as successful.
“We’ve already seen an incredible amount of interest in these homes, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re spacious, beautifully finished and set in a location that’s perfect for families who want both room to grow and a real sense of community.
“With larger detached homes, landscaped gardens and the backdrop of the River Almond and surrounding woodlands, this next chapter offers something really special, and we can’t wait to welcome the next group of buyers into Craigiehall Meadows.”
Craigiehall Meadows is the latest chapter in the long story of a site that once played a central role in Scotland’s military history.
Established in 1939 to house army families, it became the Scottish Army Headquarters in 1951 and was active for decades, with regiments including The Black Watch based there until the barracks closed in 2019.
Now, the site is being carefully reimagined. What was once a military stronghold is fast becoming one of Edinburgh’s most desirable new neighbourhoods.
The site offers a tranquil, semi-rural lifestyle, just minutes from Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny, yet still perfectly connected to the capital.
Viewings are now open by appointment for the Riverside Road and Primrose Drive show homes.
Early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. To arrange a slot, contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 or property@ralphsayer.com
To learn more about Craigiehall Meadows, please visit:
Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy visited Glasgow ahead of his Tour De 4 cycling event this Sunday to meet charity fundraisers supporting his drive to raise awareness of people living with stage four cancer.
Sir Chris met with namesake Chris Donnelly a financial accountant with ScottishPower, who lost his uncle Tam Donnelly to prostate cancer and is supporting his dad James Donnelly who is recovering after surgery at University Hospital, Hairmyres for prostate cancer in July.
The 33-year-old dad of one is part of the ScottishPower 12-strong cycling team that will be taking part in Sir Chris’ inaugural Tour de 4 taking place in Glasgow on Sunday (7th September).
The two Chris’ met at an event at ScottishPower’s headquarters that saw the sporting legend talk to over 300 members of staff about his drive to challenge perceptions around living with stage four cancer whilst raising vital funds for cancer charities across the UK.
ScottishPower is a long-standing supporter of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), having raised over £40million from a number of staff and customer initiatives including its sponsorship of the Race for Life event series. It recently confirmed it would be backing Tour De 4 as an Official Partner.
Sir Chris Hoy said: “Tour de 4’s aim is to raise a million pounds for cancer charities across the UK, but I think it’s equally important to challenge perceptions of what stage four cancer diagnosis can look like.
“There will be people riding on the day who will have stage four cancer, like myself, who if you saw them, you wouldn’t necessarily know they have a terminal diagnosis. I want to show that there are people like me who are living life, keeping active and not letting every day be about cancer.
“Research and support is vital to help those living with cancer live longer and in some cases, live better and I’m delighted ScottishPower are invested in my vision to help raise awareness and vital funds whilst building a very special community through an event I hope will run for many years to come. I’m looking forward to seeing him and the team at the starting line.
“It’s been great to chat with a fellow Chris here and listen to his family story, and to hear how, like mine, they’re pulling together, not just to support each other but to fundraise to help others too.”
Chris Donnelly said: “I have huge admiration for everything Sir Chris Hoy is doing to support those affected by cancer and it’s been really valuable to hear his insights on how to prepare for Tour de 4.
“I’m proud to be taking part in the challenge with the ScottishPower team as this feels close to home and the people I love. I’m proud of how my dad has taken on everything cancer has thrown at him. He’s doing well now and slowly but surely recovering.”
Chris Donnelly, a busy dad to his daughter Rosa who celebrates her first birthday next month, finds cycling is a powerful way to reset after a long day.
He said: “I really enjoy getting out in the open air and the beautiful Scottish countryside. By being active, it’s a chance to switch off and hopefully help make a difference by raising funds for life-saving research too.”
Andrew Ward, CEO ScottishPower’s Customer Business, said:“It’s both humbling and inspiring to hear Sir Chris Hoy talk to our team about his diagnosis and his drive to raise as much awareness and funds as possible through Tour de 4.
“At ScottishPower, we’ve worked alongside Cancer Research UK for over a decade, helping raise more than £40million to help power their vital life-saving research.
“Backing this remarkable challenge builds on our long-standing commitment to help raise awareness and vital funds in the fight against cancer, and we share the drive and determination of Sir Chris in supporting those who are affected by cancer.”
Michelle Mitchell, CEO Cancer Research UK, added:“We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside Sir Chris Hoy and ScottishPower in supporting Tour de 4.
“This inspiring event raises vital funds for cancer research and shines a light on the realities of living with stage 4 cancer. Sir Chris’ courage and determination are helping to change perceptions and build a powerful community of support.
“Every mile cycled and every pound raised brings us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. We’re deeply grateful to everyone taking part and to ScottishPower for their continued commitment to our life-saving work.”
Around 5,000 people are expected to take part in the Tour de 4 event this Sunday across four rides starting and finishing at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, – a 92km road ride, a 60km option, a 1km family loop in the velodrome grounds and a static bike ride in the centre of the velodrome.
Participants are encouraged to raise money for the cancer charity that means the most to them, including ScottishPower’s long-standing partner Cancer Research UK.
ScottishPower employees will be taking part to help raise vital funds while others will show their support by volunteering at the event with special merchandise and fun activities for all ages to enjoy at their marquee in the festival event village.
The ever-popular ScottishPower Pipe Band will be on hand to keep participants and supporters entertained throughout the day and the green energy company has also given every participant a reusable water bottle to use while training, at the event itself and beyond.
The leading renewable energy company, its customers and employees have supported Cancer Research UK since 2012 – helping the charity to realise its vision to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Through a wide range of fundraising initiatives, it has been a key supporter of the charity’s pioneering research and has raised over £40 million for life-saving cancer research over the last decade.
Edinburgh charity U-evolve, which has been supporting young people’s mental health since 2015, will host The Art of Taking Up Space, a three-day exhibition showcasing artwork created and curated by young people across the city.
The free exhibition takes place from 30th September to 2nd October 2025 at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Leith.
Marking U-evolve’s tenth anniversary, the project is the culmination of an 8-week art and wellbeing programme, co-facilitated by the charity’s resident Art Therapist, alongside local artists and art students. Young people have explored their experiences of mental health, trauma, resilience and hope, using creativity as a tool for healing, connection and change.
Alongside the exhibition, U-evolve is partnering with organisations including the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Ripple, LGBT Youth Scotland, Circle and Craigroyston Community High School to deliver pop-up workshops.
These partnerships aim to open up community spaces, widen access and encourage youth engagement with art as a pathway to improved wellbeing.
Alison Wright, Art Psychotherapist & Development Worker at U-evolve said: “I’m so proud of the young people who’ve taken part in our art therapy workshops.
“Art has given them a way to express feelings they can’t always put into words, and it has opened up space for conversations in a safe, informal way. The work going on display is honest and from the heart and shows how creative support groups, along with plenty of snacks, can support healing and better mental health!”
Susie McIntyre, U-evolve’s CEO added: “Our 2025-28 strategy is all about creating space for young people and places where they feel safe, heard and empowered.
“The Art of Taking Up Space will highlight just how vital these spaces and services are for healing, wellbeing, and engaging young people in therapies that resonate. We can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the city to the exhibition and to share these pieces from our amazing young people.”
A young person who has taken part in the art therapy courses commented: “These sessions have always been so helpful and even life-changing. I don’t know how my life would have been without this support.”
Since opening in 2015, U-evolve has supported around 200 young people annually, delivering more than 1,000 hours of free coaching, counselling and therapeutic services each year.
Based in Leith, the charity works extensively across North Edinburgh and the South East of the city, reaching young people aged 11 to 21, many of whom face significant challenges linked to poverty, inequality and trauma.
The Art of Taking Up Space is part of The Big Ten, U-evolve’s anniversary project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the event is sponsored by local Leith opticians Cameron Optometry.
The three days will feature several exhibition spaces, a retrospective of U-evolve’s decade of impact and an evening celebratory launch event on 30th September.
Tickets for the launch event, along with more information about U-evolve, are available at www.u-evolve.org.
Exclusive renders reveal how Perth’s historic streets will be transformed – September 6 & 7
New visual renders reveal for the first time how Perth’s Mill Street will be transformed into an extraordinary digital canvas this September, as 125 Live! presents Scotland’s most ambitious outdoor audiovisual experience, featuring cutting-edge projection mapping and lighting design from internationally acclaimed artists.
These exclusive renders provide the first glimpse of how Alba Corral, the Barcelona-based visual artist and creative coder whose mesmerising digital landscapes have captivated audiences across continents, will create an outdoor projection mapping installation – her first in the UK.
Corral, who previously performed at Glasgow’s Tramway as part of Sonica Glasgow, will transform Perth’s historic buildings into dynamic visual surfaces, creating an immersive environment where architecture becomes art.
She paints digital landscapes that interact with the music accompanying them.
The renders also showcase how local-lad-turned-global-artist Will Potts will bring his internationally recognised lighting expertise to the Scottish streets.
Will has worked with artists such as George Ezra, Rag N Bone Man, Hudson Mohawke, Dusky and TNGHT and won a Knight Of Illumination Award for his design work with critically acclaimed electronic act Disclosure in 2014, winning the award a second time for his work with singer Sam Smith in 2015.
His dazzling light show will synchronise with Corral’s projections to create a unified visual symphony that extends beyond traditional concert lighting into architectural storytelling.
The ambitious immersive format is the brainchild of Christopher Glasgow, Director of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, working alongside Cathie Boyd, the creative mind behind “Sound to Sea” for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Boyd’s experience in large-scale public celebrations brings proven expertise to this unprecedented transformation of Perth’s urban landscape.
Their vision creates a sequential performance across four live stages, with the surrounding buildings becoming integral performers in the show through live projection mapping and responsive lighting that will pulse and flow with the music.
The collaboration between these international digital artists and Scotland’s cultural institutions demonstrates Perth’s position at the forefront of innovative arts programming, creating an experience that bridges traditional Scottish celebration with cutting-edge technology.
125 Live! takes place Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September on Mill Street, Perth. Tickets from £15.
Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse and neglect of older people, is inviting communities to come together this summer for a cuppa with a cause.
The new Raise A Cup campaign encourages people across the country to host tea mornings, coffee breaks, garden parties or picnics – raising vital funds to support Hourglass’ work tackling the abuse of older people and promoting safer ageing for everyone.
Every year, one in six people over 60 – around 2.6 million older people in the UK – experience abuse or neglect. Hourglass works with the most vulnerable of these cases through its 24/7 helpline, community response teams, and specialist support.
Jo Reeder, Income Generation and Fundraising Lead at Hourglass, said: “Raise A Cup is a simple but powerful way to get involved. By bringing people together over tea, coffee, or cake, we can raise both awareness and funds to help end the abuse of older people.
“It’s a fun, social activity with a serious message at its heart.”
Launching this summer, Raise A Cup gives supporters the perfect chance to gather friends, colleagues and neighbours – whether outdoors in the sunshine or indoors during the colder months – and make a real difference.
Participants can download a free supporter pack with tips, materials and resources to help their event succeed.
Outer Spaces is revitalising communities across Scotland by turning vacant commercial properties into vibrant creative hubs.
On Saturday 23rd August, a visit facilitated by the Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) brought Foysol Choudhury MSP to the Edinburgh Art Festival Pavilion at 45 Leith Street, where he met artists from the Project Cube Studio Programme and witnessed the initiative’s impact first-hand.
Since launching in 2021, the Scottish charity Outer Spaces has been transforming unused office buildings into hubs for creativity, collaboration, and the rise of new artistic voices.
To date, it has brought more than 120 vacant properties back to life, providing free studio space for over 900 artists working across disciplines such as painting, installation, and more.
Foysol Choudhury MSP visited to Outer Spaces (EAF Hub 45 Leith Street)
Pic Neil Hanna
07702 246823
The Pavilion also houses HOST, a new six-month residency co-presented by Outer Spaces and the Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF25). HOST gives early-career artists the chance to work in the heart of the city, offering a platform for visibility and growth with support that extends well beyond the festival season.
At a time when rising studio rents and limited opportunities leave many emerging artists struggling to find a place to work, Outer Spaces is breaking down barriers.
Its work supports artists to create and connect, sustains creativity as a vital part of a fair society, and accelerates Scotland’s cultural future by nurturing new voices.
Foysol Choudhury MSP visited to Outer Spaces (EAF Hub 45 Leith Street)
Pic Neil Hanna
07702 246823
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: ““It was inspiring to see so many talented young artists confidently presenting their work. Opportunities like this don’t just happen; they’re made possible because organisations like Outer Spaces and the Scottish Contemporary Art Network open doors, providing free studio space and a platform for artists to create, connect, and thrive.
“Too often, the high cost of studios and the shortage of opportunities mean that emerging artists struggle to find resources to create. That’s why initiatives like this are so important. They give artists the chance to develop their work, build confidence, be part of Scotland’s cultural sector and shape its future.
“My thanks to Outer Spaces and SCAN for the warm welcome and for the brilliant work you do to support creativity in our communities.”
Extra protection for Scotland’s marine environment with new measures coming into effect from October.
Fisheries management measures for Marine Protected Areas within offshore waters between 12 and 200 nautical miles from the coast will come into effect from 16 October.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated sites that protect our nationally important species and habitats and are a key step in safeguarding and conserving marine biodiversity in Scotland’s seas.
Site specific measures being introduced include restrictions on certain fishing activities that could damage these habitats and species, such as bottom-towed gear.
These measures have been developed through collaboration with industry, scientists, environmental organisations and communities and are based on the best available evidence – they will help protect biodiversity, support sustainable fishing, and build resilience to climate change.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s seas are an integral part of our national identity, and this is a major milestone in protecting our marine environment.
“It’s important, now, more than ever, that we address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change and these new measures will help to support and enable marine ecosystems to flourish and build climate resilience.
“With these new protections in place, Scotland’s marine environment will be better equipped to support thriving marine industries, protect food security and secure the ecosystem services that we all rely on.
“This achievement is the culmination of many years of dedicated, collaborative work across science, industry, environmental organisations and local communities. I’d like to thank all those involved in progressing this work to help safeguard these important ecosystems.”
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Species Team Leader Declan Tobin said: “This is a landmark moment for MPA protection, following fifteen years of collaboration.
“JNCC is proud to have supported Scottish Government in developing these measures, turning science into action for a brighter and more sustainable future for our seas.”
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s “common sense” announcement of management measures for offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Join Edinburgh Tool Library and The Crannie for a screening of a powerful short film, War Without Bullets, about Glaswegian activist Cathy McCormack – who transformed her fight against poor housing conditions in her own community into a global movement for health justice.
The film will be accompanied by food and an open conversation about our experiences and hopes for our own homes, and our struggles and successes with fighting for safe and healthy housing conditions.
There will be more information about housing and energy advice at the event if you have any specific questions about your own situation.
12 Sept, 5.30pm