Police are appealing for information following a robbery in Edinburgh.
Around 4.10am on Wednesday, 12 November, 2025, a woman approached another woman on Crichton Street and threatened her with a knife before making off with the victim’s handbag.
Further CCTV enquiry traced the female suspect with a man on Nicolson Street. The pair are then seen to approach a couple on Nicolson Street, where it’s believed an attempted robbery occurred.
The second incident has not yet been reported to police and officers are appealing for the couple, and a member of the public who intervened, to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell said: “Although the victim of the robbery on Crichton Street was not injured, this was a frightening incident and we’re following a positive line of enquiry in identifying the suspects.
“We’re aware from enquiries carried out, the suspect met with a man and may have gone on to commit a further attempted robbery. I’d appeal to the victims of that incident to come forward. I’d also ask the member of the public who stepped in to help to contact police, as they may have vital information.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0320 of 12 November 2025.
A 34-year-old man has been convicted of murder following the death of Marc Webley in Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve, 2023.
Grant Hunter (pictured below) pleaded guilty to murdering the 38-year-old and the attempted murder of a second man, aged 39, subsequently named as Stuart Pearson, at the High Court in Edinburgh today, (Thursday, 13 November, 2025).
Two other people, Emma McVie, 35, and Gary Robertson, 22, both also pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to the incident.
Robertson admitted supplying cash in the build-up to the murder, as well as helping to dispose of a firearm afterwards, while McVie (pictured below) admitted attempting to destroy evidence.
Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Hogmanay (Sunday, 31 December, 2023), after a firearm was discharged outside the Anchor Inn on West Granton Road.
Mr Webley and the 39-year-old man were taken to hospital, where Marc Webley was pronounced dead a short time later.
Detective Superintendent Graham Grant, senior investigating officer, said: “The violence involved in this case, which resulted in the death of a young man, is absolutely senseless.
“Our thoughts are with the family of Marc Webley today following these convictions.
“Although this was a targeted attack, there was absolutely no regard for the safety of the local community by discharging a firearm outside a busy pub on New Year’s Eve.
“One man lost his life and another was seriously injured but this incident could also have left other people seriously injured – or worse – and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Violence and the carrying of firearms is completely unacceptable.
“I believe these convictions sends a message to those involved in serious criminality that we remain determined to bring you to justice.
“This was a complex investigation involving a range of specialist officers working closely with our partners.
“I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation.”
Hunter, McVie, and Robertson are all due to be sentenced at a later date.
TOMORROW (Friday 14 November 2025), the prestigious National Care Home Awards will return to the Hilton in Glasgow, shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of Scotland’s independent care home sector.
Organised by Scottish Care, the event is a vital opportunity to recognise the unwavering dedication and compassion of care home staff who support residents every day.
This year’s ceremony will once again be hosted by Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, who will announce the winners across thirteen unique categories, including Ancillary & Support Staff; Nutrition & Eating Well; Meaningful Activity; Training & Staff Development; Emerging Talent; Outstanding Achievement; Leadership; Palliative & End of Life Care Practice; Nurse of the Year; Care Worker of the Year; Specialist Service/Unit of the Year; Care Home Service of the Year; and Care Innovation.
Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care and co-host of the Awards, said: “Care home services, and the remarkable individuals who deliver and lead them, are the heart of safe, supportive communities where residents can truly thrive.
“Every day, these professionals bring compassion, expertise, and resilience to their roles, enriching lives, fostering independence, and building meaningful connections for thousands across Scotland. Recognising their dedication is more important than ever.
“The National Care Home Awards are our opportunity to shine a light on their extraordinary impact and to celebrate the difference they make in people’s lives, day in and day out.”
Each year, the awards receive a growing number of nominations from care home staff, service users, relatives, and employers, reflecting the sector’s strong commitment to recognising excellence.
The Awards Ceremony follows the National Care Home Conference, themed ‘Raising the Roof – Redefining Residential Care and Support’.
The conference brings together sector professionals to discuss the future of care homes, digital innovation, workforce inclusion, brain health, and the impact of new legislation such as the Employee Rights Bill. Attendees will engage in sessions designed to inspire, inform, and drive positive change across the sector.
Together, the National Care Home Awards and Conference represent the largest annual gathering of Scotland’s care home sector, showcasing best practice and celebrating the people and innovations shaping the future of care.
Ten years ago, the MS Society launched the Stop MS Appeal – a campaign to raise £100 million for life-changing multiple sclerosis research.
This came at a time when I was coming to terms with my own MS diagnosis , and hearing about their ambitious goal gave me much-needed hope. Now they have just two months of the appeal to go – and £1.5 million left to raise.
I was lucky to be able to start on a treatment that helps me manage my MS, but for thousands of people there are still no treatments that work for them. This winter people with MS across the country are writing letters to their younger selves and loved ones about the unpredictability of life with MS. And about hope for the future. These letters show how important is it that we reach the £100 million target, so I wanted to write my own.
So far, the money raised by generous supporters has funded the world’s largest ever academic-led trial for progressive MS, and shown that repairing myelin – a potential gateway to slow, stop, or even reverse disability – can be achieved.
I hope your readers will consider helping us write an end to MS, for everyone.
Kadeena Cox OBE – Paralympic gold medallist and MS Society Ambassador
Side hustlers selling festive items need to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online if earnings exceed £1,000 a year
HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign supports people earning extra income during festive season to understand tax obligations
Online checker tool can clarify if and when side hustlers need to report their additional income
People making money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items are being urged to check if they need to tell HMRC about their earnings.
As the festive season approaches, HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign is reminding anyone earning extra income from activities like making Christmas decorations, upcycling furniture for seasonal sales, or running market stalls, that they will need to tell HMRC if they earn more than £1,000.
The campaign’s guidance explains the important distinction between simply decluttering homes by selling unwanted personal belongings – which doesn’t usually require reporting to HMRC – and trading activities like making items to sell for profit, which may be taxable.
Anyone who earned more than £1,000 from side hustles in the 2024 to 2025 tax year will need to register for Self Assessment as a sole trader, file their return and pay any tax due by 31 January 2026.
This £1,000 threshold applies to all trading activities combined – so someone earning £600 from craft sales and £500 from content creation would need to register as their total exceeds £1,000.
Kevin Hubbard, HMRC’s Director of Individuals & Small Business Compliance, said:“Whether you’re making handmade Christmas decorations, selling upcycled furniture, or running a seasonal market stall, it’s important to understand when your festive side hustle becomes taxable trading.
“Nobody wants an unexpected tax bill, so anyone earning more than £1,000 from their side hustle should tell HMRC. Our Help for Hustles campaign provides clear, straightforward guidance to help people get their tax right.”
Graham Wilson OBE, National Association of British Markets’ Deputy Chief Executive, said:“Markets are an important part of Christmas celebrations and every year, town centres around the country witness thousands of traders enriching the festive atmosphere.
“As the national organisation for market operators, we want to encourage all traders, particularly those who are trading for the first time, to be clear about their obligations for tax arising from their earnings and we welcome the guidance and support provided by HMRC on this important issue.”
People can use a free online checker on GOV.UK to find out if they need to tell HMRC about additional income. Guidance is also available on the Help for hustles campaign page, explaining the different types of side hustles, including selling items, providing services and creating content.
Scottish media personality and Samaritans ambassador Gail Porter is urging the public to help the charity bring someone’s future back this winter.
The Edinburgh born Scottish TV personality launched the campaign this week as a new billboard was unveiled to promote the message, focusing on bringing someone’s future back.
Gail attached a pair of trainers to the billboard – an object chosen by Samaritans caller Layla McBain as a symbol representing a hopeful future after overcoming struggles with poor mental health.
Gail said: “Winter can be a dark time in more ways than one so it’s vital that people know there is help out there if they are struggling. No one is immune from suicidal thoughts and with one-in-four of us struggling with them at some point in our life, even if it doesn’t happen to us, the chances are we know someone who will suffer from them.
“I’ve called Samaritans before and they really helped me, so I’m delighted to support the campaign to Bring Someone’s Future Back this winter.
“Support yourself, support each other and if you can support Samaritans with a donation too, that would be amazing.”
The billboard, on Hammersmith Bridge Road in London, is a joint effort between Gail and Layla, 28 - the face of Samaritans’ new Bring Someone’s Future Back campaign, which will be running throughout the winter months.
As well as the running shoes, Layla chose to attach a wedding dress to the 3D billboard as she looks forward to planning her future wedding.
When seven-year-old Layla lost her mum to suicide, her world came crashing down. Over the years, Layla struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts and believed that she wasn’t meant to live a long life.
But when she wanted to end her own life too, Layla made the choice to call Samaritans instead.
Now, more than twenty years after losing her mother, Layla is looking forward to the future, including planning her upcoming wedding – a future that she credits Samaritans for giving her.
Layla said: “I couldn’t see a future for myself. I never thought I’d actually use it, but during one really terrible night, I found Samaritans’ number on my phone and made a call that would change the course of my future.
“I was convinced no-one would even answer because it was so late, but they did. They asked me how I was feeling and it’s such an emotional blur that I can’t even remember what I said, but I just know I cried and cried. It was a huge relief. That conversation felt like taking a few steps back from the ledge in my mind.
“The person on the other end of the line seemed to know exactly what I needed at that moment; they helped me see the bigger picture. I now understand it’s a call that saved my life,”
One-in-four people like Layla will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, but suicide can be prevented, and Samaritans is the charity that does this through the power of human connection. Last year, Samaritans volunteers answered more than a quarter of a million calls in December alone from people in crisis.
Layla continues: “I’m very grateful to live a life now that I didn’t think I’d get the chance to beforehand. I know I would never be where I am today if it wasn’t for Samaritans – and I’m sure that’s true for so many others who’ve made that same phone call in their darkest moments.
“It’s like a lifeline, and it’s so important we do what we can to make sure it’s still there to help countless others. If my mum had known about Samaritans, I think she’d call and I think it could have saved her.”
Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans said: “As our volunteers answer a call for help every 10 seconds, we know that listening has the power to save lives.
“Sadly, with more people experiencing suicidal thoughts and attempts, it’s clear our service is urgently needed right now, and will continue to be needed into the future. We rely on the public’s generosity, so this winter please consider making a donation.
“Our winter campaign showcases the life-changing impact a call to Samaritans can have for someone in crisis. One in four of us experience suicidal thoughts in our lifetime, which means most of us will likely have a loved one or be someone who will struggle and may feel unable to reach out.
“Suicide is preventable, and even seemingly small actions can have a big impact - so we’re reminding people that they too have the power to bring someone’s future back by donating today.”
A £10 donation can ensure that a Samaritan is there to answer a life-saving call for help. You can find out more and donate by visiting www.samaritans.org/time.
A number of staff at Strachan House were recently honoured to be nominated in different categories at the Great British Care Awards.
Staff from Strachan House, residents and their loved ones had nominated staff to be recognised for the amazing work that they do.
Those nominated for awards were:
Fran Fisher General Manager entered into the Registered Manager of the year
Anju Raju nominated for Care home worker
Tsering Chokey entered into the Frontline leader award.
Team award nomination for the Strachan House memory lane team.
Marta Aurzecka Zuchkle nominated for a dignity in care award.
The team were over the moon when Marta won the Regional Award in her category. Marta was thrilled beyond belief and can’t wait to attend the Nationals in February.
The prestigious Great British Care Awards aim to celebrate excellence in social care.
Fran Fisher General Manager for Strachan House said: “We are so proud to have not one but 5 members of staff recognised at this stage of the judging process.
“At Strachan House we employ dedicated and experienced people who consistently provide a high standard in quality of care for our residents. Marta winning the award was overwhelming for all of us but so very well deserved.”
The National Awards will be held in February 2026 at the ICC in Birmingham.
POLICE have released an image of a man they believe may have information that will assist their investigation into an incident that took place on Friday, 16 May 2025 at a premises on Comely Bank.
The man is described as around 6ft and of slim build with grey hair and grey facial hair.
Constable Michael Ross said: “We would ask the man in the image, or anyone that recognises him to contact officers by calling Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1319 of 19 May 2025.
“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
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