During this session we’ll be looking back at what the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians, have chosen to wear over the decades; following fads & fashions from the past and how we dressed to impress.
We’ll look at where people shopped for their clothing, whether buying traditional tartan, a Victorian corset on Princes Street, teen garb in Leith or flared denim on 1970s Cockburn Street.
Drugs worth more than £180,000 have been recovered as part of multi-agency operation to tackle organised immigration crime across the country.
Officers engaged with more than 660 people travelling in and out Scotland using airports, roads and ferry terminals across three days of action, which began on Tuesday, 24 February.
Thirty vehicles were searched at ports in Stranraer, which resulted in 27kgs of cannabis being discovered at Loch Ryan. At Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, 78 flights were met.
Over the course of the activity, £7,000 worth of cash was seized and four people were arrested in connection with drugs, road traffic and immigration offences.
A key aim of Operation Lockstream was to safeguard vulnerable people at risk of exploitation and Police Scotland officers worked closely with partners from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), Border Force, Home Office Immigration, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and the Scottish SPCA throughout.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s lead for Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Organised immigration crime is happening now in Scotland and tackling it is a priority.
“We know that criminals use our transport hubs for a range of illegal activities, and working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting those who exploit vulnerable people solely for financial gain.
“Action like this is only possible through the continued support of our communities. Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“I can assure you that you will be listened to and the information you provide could prove vital in helping us identify those involved in this type of criminality.”
Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, NPCC’s Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce lead, said: “This week we have leveraged all of law enforcement powers at the UK’s borders to target people who come to the UK to commit any form of criminality.
“It has been a significant joint effort involving many officers, staff, and multiple agencies, across the rail network, roads, seaports and airports.
“This activity has generated strong results and crucial intelligence that will help us recognise patterns and better understand these criminal networks, ensuring we collectively continue to identify offenders and bring them to justice.”
Social Care Minister hails “landmark” Anne’s Law regulations
Social Care Minister Tom Arthur has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s unanimous approval of new measures enshrining the right of care home residents to contact with family and friends.
Anne’s Law was developed following the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions on care home visits had a significant impact on residents’ health and wellbeing, but will also apply in circumstances such as flu outbreaks.
The regulations establish that homes must allow and support visiting unless suspension is essential to prevent serious risk to life, health or wellbeing. Even then, care homes are still required to facilitate visits for those nearing end of life or where the harm caused by suspension outweighs other risks.
Those who are most important to a care home resident will be named in personal care plans as essential care supporters – with a legal presumption that suspending their visits is likely to seriously harm health and wellbeing.
Social Care Minister Tom Arthur said: “Meaningful activity and social connections are important for the wellbeing and quality of life of people living in adult care homes. For many residents, family members or friends build on the support provided by care home staff.
“These regulations enshrine the right to direct contact in law and recognise the vital role family, friends and others play in providing essential care, support and companionship to loved ones in adult care homes.
“In developing the legislation, I am pleased that we were able to work closely with Natasha Hamilton, whose petition first highlighted the issue during the pandemic.
“It is another important landmark in improving and reforming the social care system and I thank Care Home Relatives Scotland and others for their continued work and support.”
Spokesperson for Care Home Relatives Scotland Cathie Russell said: “On behalf of Care Home Relatives Scotland and people living in care, we welcome the regulations for Anne’s Law passing this milestone in Parliament today.
“This law ensures that the damage caused by isolating residents from their loved ones and the importance of recognising residents as members of society is always taken into account.
“Those closest to loved ones in care are not simply visitors but essential care supporters. We are grateful to everyone who has worked to make this happen.”
Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Care Donald Macaskill said: “Scottish Care warmly welcomes the Scottish Parliament’s passing of Anne’s Law. Enshrining the right of care home residents to maintain meaningful connections with those who matter most is a vital human rights milestone.
“This legislation recognises the profound importance of relationships, autonomy and emotional wellbeing in care, and we look forward to working with partners to ensure its implementation strengthens the lives of those who live and work in Scotland’s care homes.”
The foundations of Anne’s Law were developed through updated guidance and strengthened health and social care standards. It was put on a statutory footing as part of the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 and these are supporting regulations.
