A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a serious assault in Muirhouse Gardens.
Emergency services were called to a common stairwell around 12.45pm on Friday, 17 July, 2026.
A 54-year-old man was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment to serious injuries.
The 30-year-old man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 20 July.
Anyone with any information or concerns can approach the officers, or call 101 and quote reference number 1501 of Friday, 17 July.
More than 800,000 people in Scotland are already living with cardiovascular disease as doctors warn popular ‘summer body’ trends could be putting thousands more at unnecessary risk
Doctors are warning that Scotland’s annual rush for a “summer body” could be creating the perfect storm for heart health, as crash diets, intense workouts, dehydration, alcohol and rising temperatures combine to place extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
More than 800,000 people in Scotland are currently living with cardiovascular disease, with 17,444 deaths recorded in 2024, making heart and circulatory conditions one of the country’s leading causes of death.
Despite cardiovascular disease remaining one of Scotland’s biggest public health challenges, experts are warning that many people could be unknowingly placing additional strain on their hearts this summer by combining crash dieting, dehydration, increased alcohol consumption, hot weather and sudden changes to their exercise routines.
Every summer, thousands of people across Scotland attempt to achieve a “summer body” before holidays and special occasions by drastically cutting calories, dramatically increasing exercise, spending longer outdoors and enjoying more social occasions where alcohol is consumed.
While each of these lifestyle changes may appear harmless on its own for most healthy adults, experts say the combination can create what they describe as the “perfect storm” for people living with high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, obesity or existing cardiovascular disease, many of whom may not even realise they have an underlying condition.
Olivia Wickens, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, explains: “People often think they’re doing something positive for their health before a holiday, but it’s the cumulative effect of several sudden lifestyle changes that concerns us.
“We see people drastically cutting calories, dramatically increasing the intensity of their workouts, drinking more alcohol, sleeping less because of social events and spending long days in the hot weather at this time of year. Individually and as occasional changes, these behaviours may seem harmless, but together they create what I would describe as a ‘perfect storm’ for the heart.
“For somebody living with raised cholesterol, high blood pressure or an existing cardiovascular condition, which can develop silently, often without obvious symptoms, the cumulative effect can become much more significant. As a result, this can place unnecessary strain on the heart and increases the risk of cardiovascular complications.
“Although many people are often looking for a ‘quick fix’ solution prior to going on holidays or attending an important social event, it is important to ensure weight loss is done gradually and safely. Heart health is built through small, consistent habits over many months and years.
“Summer should be about enjoying yourself safely, not placing unnecessary strain on your cardiovascular system through extreme lifestyle changes.”
One of the biggest challenges surrounding cardiovascular disease is that many of its risk factors develop without noticeable symptoms.
Around one in three (30%) UK adults have high blood pressure, equivalent to approximately 16 million people, with as many as five million thought to be living with the condition without knowing it. High blood pressure is associated with around half of all heart attacks and strokes, while raised cholesterol also commonly develops silently.
According to the latest figures from the British Heart Foundation, more than 8 million people are currently living with cardiovascular disease, with 169,205 deaths recorded in 2024, 47,257 of them under the age of 75.
Deaths from, and number of people living with cardiovascular disease (2024):
| Region | No. people dying from CVD (2024) | No. people under 75 dying from CVD (2024) | Estimated no. people living with CVD |
| England | 137, 572 | 37,723 | 7 million+ |
| Scotland | 17,444 | 5,195 | 800,000+ |
| Wales | 9,260 | 2,660 | 400,000+ |
| Northern Ireland | 4,416 | 1,330 | 230,000+ |
| UK total | 169,205 | 47,257 | 8 million+ |
In Scotland, more than 800,000 people in Scotland are living with cardiovascular disease, with 17,444 deaths recorded during 2024, including 4,755 people under the age of 75.
7 Summer heart health myths, debunked:
Olivia addressed seven of the most common misconceptions about heart health, explaining why some seemingly harmless habits can place unexpected strain on the cardiovascular system:
Myth: “Hot weather is only dangerous if you get sunburnt.”
Reality: Hot weather doesn’t just make you feel uncomfortable; it makes your heart work harder.
When temperatures rise, the body diverts more blood to the skin to help regulate its temperature; on a hot day, the heart can pump two to four times as much blood per minute as on a cool day. At the same time, sweating depletes fluid, reducing the volume of blood the heart must circulate. For people living with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or raised cholesterol, this additional workload can place extra strain on the cardiovascular system. Heat also widens bloods blood vessels, which can cause blood pressure to fall, bringing dizziness or fainting, particularly for people taking blood-pressure medication.
Myth: “A few drinks in the sunshine won’t affect my heart.”
Reality: Alcohol and hot weather are a risky combination.
Alcohol accelerates dehydration, precisely what the heart doesn’t need in high temperatures. It also affects blood pressure, heart rhythm and sleep quality, all of which are important for maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Myth: “Crash dieting before a holiday is good for my heart.”
Reality: Sustainable weight loss with a balanced diet supports heart health and crash diets can do the opposite.
Many people preparing for holiday dramatically cut calories, skip meals or attempt restrictive “detox” diets to lose weight quickly. Rapid, extreme restriction can deplete electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium that keep the heart’s rhythm stable and very low-calorie diets have been linked to heart rhythm disturbance. Anyone with a heart condition should take medical advice before attempting any crash diet.
Experts say the concern isn’t healthy weight loss itself, but rapid, unsustainable calorie deficit combined with dehydration, heat and increased exercise, which may leave the body under greater physiological stress.
Myth: “It doesn’t matter when or how I eat while I’m on holiday.”
Reality: Your eating routine changes more than you realise.
Summer often disrupts normal habits. People skip breakfast before flights, eat larger and later evening meals, consume saltier restaurant food, drink more alcohol, all shift the pattern your body is used to. One indulgent meal won’t damage your heart, but weeks of disrupted routine, layered on the other factors here, place additional demands on the cardiovascular system.
Myth: “Flying has no impact on heart health.”
Reality: Travel can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
Long journeys and flights can contribute to dehydration, prolonged immobility, disrupted sleep and medication routines. People living with cardiovascular disease should make sure to stay hydrated, limit alcohol and caffeine while travelling, move around regularly on longer flights, continue taking prescribed medication and speak to their healthcare professional before travelling if they have concerns about their condition.
Myth: “If I had heart disease, I’d know about it.”
Reality: Many cardiovascular risk factors develop silently, but it is checkable.
One of the biggest challenges surrounding cardiovascular disease is that many people don’t realise they’re already at risk. Around 16 million UK adults have high blood pressure, and up to five million adults could be living with the condition without knowing it.
Both can be picked up by simple, free checks: in England, everyone aged 40 to 74 is entitled to an NHS Health Check every five years, and pharmacies offer free blood-pressure checks for over-40s with no appointment needed. A five-minute check is a better pre-holiday investment than another week of crash dieting.
Myth: “Getting fit quickly before my holiday is always good for my heart.”
Reality: More exercise isn’t always better, especially if too much, too soon.
Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your heart – being active can reduce the risk of heart and circulatory diseases by up to 35%.
But leaping from a sedentary winter into high-intensity training, particularly in hot weather asks the heart to cope before the body has had time to adapt.
Build up gradually, stay hydrated and allow time for recovery is far more beneficial than trying to get fit fast: fitness gained over months will always beat fitness forced in a fortnight.
Olivia added: “Summer holidays should be about making memories, not creating avoidable health risks.
“It is very important to stay well hydrated, particularly if you’re exercising or travelling, build up your activity levels gradually rather than pushing yourself too hard too quickly, avoid restrictive crash diets in favour of balanced, nutritious meals; and be mindful that alcohol contributes to dehydration, especially in hot weather.
“Most importantly, never ignore warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness, fainting or heart palpitations. While many summer activities are perfectly safe, persistent or severe symptoms should always be assessed urgently.”
TGJones has partnered with beloved children’s comic Beano to launch an exclusive issue which will be available FOR FREE in all stores between Thursday 16th and Thursday 23rd July.
The exclusive edition of Britain’s longest-running comic has a ‘Summer of Sports’ theme and will feature exciting new adventures from Dennis the Menace and his dog Gnasher, guest appearances from famous sporting faces, as well as several vouchers for readers to enjoy in their local TGJones store.
In a special four-page story, Dennis and Gnasher’s school Sports Day is transformed into a hilarious Summer of Sport spectacular, where they meet National Year of Reading Team Go All In captains including Joe Wicks, Tim Henman, Georgia Stanway and Jodie Cunningham, with legendary commentator John Murray joining the action. Packed with Beano humour and sporting mischief, the story celebrates how reading can help kids discover even more about the sports and heroes they love.
The vouchers will allow fans of the comic to get a future issue of the Beano with £1.50 off, a 40% discount on its usual price of £3.75, whilst jokesters who enjoy Beano’s humour will be able to pick up the official Beano Joke Book online for just £2.99 using the code BEANOJOKE, a 50% discount on its usual price of £5.99.
There will be a total of 50,000 issues available as part of the giveaway, available in every TGJones store.
The giveaway in partnership with Beano has been formed to support the National Year of Reading 2026, the biggest campaign in a generation designed to inspire everyone to discover a passion for reading and embed it into our everyday lives. A Department for Education initiative supported by the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading is delivered with the support of major sponsors and partners, including TGJones.
Recent research from National Literacy Trust found that the daily reading habits of children and young people have risen for the first time in five years, with more than a third (36.1%) of those aged 8 to 18 stating they enjoy reading in their free time.
Research from TGJones also revealed that schoolchildren between the ages of 5 and 12 years old spend roughly 6.8 hours a week reading. This trumps time spent on other activities including gaming (5.5 hours a week), playing outside (6.2 hours) and even chatting with their friends (5.8 hours).
When it comes to why children want to read more, TGJones polling showed that 52% are driven by the desire to learn new things, 40% said they were inspired to pick up a book based on its cover, while 33% want to keep up with what their friends are reading.
The campaign and upcoming giveaway aims to encourage the nation to Go All In in 2026, reading into our passions and interests to get more out of the things we already love, whether it’s football, gaming, music, sci-fi, or baking.
Mike Stirling, Beano Director of Mischief, said: “”My job is mainly listening to kids and filling Beano every week with the stories, characters and mischief they love. Comics make reading fun and that’s a superpower worth celebrating.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with TGJones and supporting the National Year of Reading to help introduce as many kids as we can to the joy of picking up a Beano.”
Alex Willson, CEO of TGJones, said: “Reading is so important for a child’s development, and as partners of the National Year of Reading 2026 we are continuously striving to encourage more children to pick up their favourite book or comic.
“Our partnership with Britain’s most beloved comic is just one more way to bring bookshelves to life across the UK.”
Beano fans can get their hands on the free issue between the 16th and 23rd July by visiting their local store.
In addition to the weekly issues, TGJones has a huge collection of Beano goodies accessible in-store and online for fans of the comic to browse.
THE BIG SCOOP: Alex Equi, Deputy Managing Director of Equi’s Ice Cream reveals Scotland’s favourite flavours on National Ice Cream Day, Sunday July 19
Scotland’s premier ice cream maker, Equi’s Ice Cream, has revealed the nation’s favourite ice cream flavours.
Released under embargo ahead of National Ice Cream Day, Sunday 19 July 2026, the results come from over 500 Equi’s stockists across Scotland, including supermarkets, independent retailers and ice cream parlours, providing the most comprehensive survey of the nation’s favourite flavours to date.
Taking Equi’s classic and best-selling Double Cream Madagascan Vanilla out of the equation, the research found Raspberry Ripple was the most popular flavour across the majority of Scottish regions, including Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.
Meanwhile, Scottish Tablet topped the rankings in four regions, Pistachio Swirl claimed first place in Edinburgh and Orkney and Shetland bucked the national trend with Oreo Cookies ‘n’ Cream emerging as its favourite flavour.
Scotland’s favourite ice cream flavours by region:
| Region | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire | Raspberry Ripple | Scottish Tablet | Pistachio Swirl |
| Argyll & The Isles | Raspberry Ripple | Scottish Tablet | Belgian Chocolate |
| Ayrshire & Arran | Scottish Tablet | Raspberry Ripple | Belgian Chocolate |
| Dumfries & Galloway | Scottish Tablet | Raspberry Ripple | Pistachio Swirl |
| Dundee & Angus | Raspberry Ripple | Scottish Tablet | Pistachio Swirl |
| Edinburgh & The Lothians | Pistachio Swirl | Raspberry Ripple | Scottish Tablet |
| The Kingdom of Fife | Raspberry Ripple | Scottish Tablet | Belgian Chocolate |
| Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley | Raspberry Ripple | Mint Choc Chip | Belgian Chocolate |
| The Highlands | Raspberry Ripple | Scottish Tablet | Pistachio Swirl |
| Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & The Forth Valley | Scottish Tablet | Raspberry Ripple | Belgian Chocolate |
| Orkney | Belgian Chocolate | Sea Salt & Caramel | Raspberry Ripple |
| Shetland | Oreo Cookies ‘n’ Cream | Scottish Tablet | Cookie Monster |
| Outer Hebrides | Sea Salt & Caramel | Scottish Tablet | Belgian Chocolate |
| Perthshire | Raspberry Ripple | Scottish Tablet | Mint Choc Chip |
| Scottish Borders | Scottish Tablet | Raspberry Ripple | Pistachio Swirl |
Founded in Hamilton in 1922 by Pietro Equi after he moved here from Italy, Equi’s has grown from a family-run café into one of Scotland’s best-loved ice cream makers.
Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the business continues to produce its award-winning ice cream in Lanarkshire using locally sourced milk and cream, combining ‘Scottish craft with an Italian accent’.
Today, Equi’s produces more than 60 flavours, ranging from timeless favourites including ‘Chip Off the Old Mint Choc’ and Raspberry Ripple to Scottish provenance flavours like Isle of Skye Sea Salt & Caramel and Scottish Tablet.
Alex Equi, Deputy Managing Director of Equi’s Ice Cream, said: “There’s something really special about seeing what Scotland’s favourite flavours are, particularly when the data comes from hundreds of our customers right across the country, from independent parlours and our Equi’s stores to major supermarket chains.
“It’s great to see classic flavours like Raspberry Ripple and Scottish Tablet remaining firm favourites while people are also embracing new creations like our Pistachio Swirl. Every part of Scotland has its own accent and personality and their own favourite ice cream flavour.
“With Scotland enjoying some glorious weather just in time for National Ice Cream Day, there’s no better excuse to enjoy an ice cream and we’re incredibly proud that generations of Scots continue to choose Equi’s.”
For more information, visit equisicecream.com
We have a super summery menu planned for the Cafe’s lunch on Monday, 20th July – only right with the weather we’re having! 
Roast vegetable frittata with lemon-y potato wedges and salad for main, with a fruit peach bread and butter pudding for dessert. 
As always, our lunch is free for everyone to attend, and you can sit in or take away. Come along from 11:30am-12:30pm, or grab it to-go if you’re a busy bee.
If you’re an early riser, swing by for brekkie from 9am and treat yourself to our special of the week – avocado toast (add a fried egg if you’re feeling extra fancy!)
And hey, why not fuel up for our walking group at 10am? We’re headed to Lauriston Farm to help out at the potato and bean plots! 
A fraudster who illegally obtained five Covid loans at the height of the pandemic has been jailed.
Cardiff-based Rupali Wagh fraudulently applied for £216,250 in Bounce Back Loans for her four companies between May and September 2020.
The 50-year-old inflated the turnover of her businesses to secure the loans and used some of the funds to buy stocks and shares.
She also obtained two loans for one of her companies when businesses were only entitled to a single loan.
Wagh, of Harrison Way, pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud when she appeared at Cardiff Crown Court in November 2025.
She was jailed for two years and three months when she appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday 17 July.
David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Rupali Wagh systematically targeted a scheme designed to help genuine businesses survive the pandemic.
“She lied about her turnover, obtained duplicate loans for the same businesses, and used the funds to pay off personal debts and buy stocks and shares.
“When confronted with the evidence, Wagh initially tried to blame someone else before admitting she had acted alone.
“These are serious crimes and the Insolvency Service remains committed to bringing Covid fraudsters like Wagh to justice no matter how long it takes.”
Wagh’s first fraudulent application came in early May 2020, when she applied for a £16,250 Bounce Back Loan for One2Four Accounting Ltd, a bookkeeping services company she had set up in June 2018.
She declared the company had a turnover of £65,000 and said that the funds would be used wholly for business purposes.
In reality, the company’s turnover for the previous calendar year was just £39,000.
Within weeks of receiving the funds, Wagh transferred the money into her personal bank account and spent most of it paying off debts and purchasing stocks and shares.
The following month, Wagh applied for a £50,000 loan, the maximum allowed under the scheme, for Talensetu UK Ltd.
She claimed the business had a turnover of £218,000 when dormant accounts filed by the company for the period June 2019 to June 2020 showed it was not trading.
Within days of receiving the funds, Wagh transferred the entire £50,000 into her personal account and spent it on personal finance and stocks and shares. She also transferred more than £25,000 to an account in India.
Wagh applied for a second £50,000 Bounce Back Loan for Talensetu UK Ltd in July 2020, this time from a different bank.
She claimed a turnover of £225,000 despite having estimated the company’s turnover for the next calendar year as just £72,000 on the bank account application form she completed the same day.
Wagh also falsely declared this was the company’s only Bounce Back Loan application.
After receiving the funds in August, Wagh again transferred almost the entire amount into her personal account and spent it on stocks and shares and paying off personal finance.
Wagh followed this up with a fourth fraudulent application in August 2020, seeking £50,000 for White Coconut Ltd, which traded as an Indian street food outlet in Cardiff.
She claimed a turnover of £252,000, again contradicting the £72,000 estimate she provided on her bank account application.
Wagh falsely declared this was the company’s only Bounce Back Loan application, despite having already secured £18,000 from the bank for the same business three months earlier.
Her final fraudulent application came in late September 2020, when she applied for a £50,000 loan for Indian Canteen Ltd, a street food business incorporated only in January of that year.
Wagh claimed a turnover of £206,000, despite estimating on her bank account application that the company’s turnover for the next year would be just £82,000.
She later transferred more than £25,000 of the loan funds to White Coconut Ltd.
In interviews with the Insolvency Service, Wagh initially attempted to blame a third party for one of the loan applications, claiming someone sharing her computer had made the application without her knowledge. She later retracted this and acknowledged she had acted alone.
Wagh admitted using the funds to pay off personal credit card debts and loans, saying she thought that by clearing her personal debts she would be helping her businesses.
The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Young people heading abroad this summer are being warned not to risk their futures by being lured into accepting a ‘free holiday’.
Criminal gangs are using popular social media platforms to groom young people into smuggling cannabis into the UK.
Ahead of the peak summer holiday season, Border Force has shared its top 5 tips to avoid being ensnared by smugglers.
Seduced by the offer of free luxury holidays, business class flights and easy spending money, too many young Brits are falling into the trap of organised crime.
The number of cannabis smugglers caught arriving in the UK by plane has surged from 142 in 2023 to 976 in 2025.
And 2026 is on track to be even worse, with 600 air passenger couriers arrested at UK airports in the first 6 months alone – with men aged 18 to 37 travelling from Thailand making up the largest group of those arrested.
Criminal networks are specifically targeting school and university leavers, first-time travellers and those tempted by offers of cheap or free holidays from so-called friends, exploiting their inexperience and lack of awareness of the risks.
As part of a stepped-up awareness campaign across UK airports, Border Force officers are directly warning travellers about the warning signs of criminal exploitation ahead of the busy summer holiday season.
Border Force’s top 5 tips:
Kate Goldstone, Border Force Lead Officer for Safeguarding, said: “Organised criminal gangs are exploiting young people for profit – living it up while leaving their courier victims facing lifetime consequences.
“Our message to young travellers is simple. If an offer feels too good to be true, it probably is.
“A single decision made before a holiday could lead to a criminal record, a prison sentence and years of lost opportunities.”
Border Force is warning that, regardless of how someone became involved, anyone caught smuggling cannabis could face arrest, prosecution, a criminal record, up to 14 years behind bars and restrictions on future travel, potentially damaging future employment, education, and life opportunities.
Border Force’s cannabis seizures are now at a record high, increasing by 50% in the last year. UK law enforcement seized 2.1 tonnes of cannabis from air passengers in 2022, rising to more than 28 tonnes in 2025.
While Thailand has been a particular focus, Border Force is warning that gangs can operate wherever cannabis is legal or more easily available, including countries such as Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe.
The warning comes as a joint UK-Thailand crackdown on cannabis smuggling comes into force, with Brits caught attempting to smuggle cannabis from Thailand facing average fines of around £17,700 or up to 2 years in prison.
Anyone approached about carrying cannabis or other illegal drugs should report it to local authorities, consular services, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Firefighters are continuing to tackle a wildfire in the Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park for a fourth consecutive day, supported by specialist resources and helicopter water-bombing operations.
The situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to be influenced by changing weather conditions, particularly wind strength and direction.
However, there has been significant progress over the past 24 hours, with conditions on both the eastern flank, including the Strathnethy area, and the western flank showing marked improvement compared with this time yesterday.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) continues to work in partnership with agencies and landowners to build on this progress.
The period between 3:00pm and 6:30pm remains the most challenging part of the day, as warmer temperatures and changing wind conditions can influence fire behaviour. Firefighters are continuing to monitor conditions closely and respond where required.
In light of the progress made, SFRS is reviewing its operational requirements and resource deployment for tonight and tomorrow. Crews remain fully committed to maintaining control of the incident and protecting local communities.
There are encouraging signs across the affected area, with visible improvements becoming increasingly evident. While this is positive, wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly, and it is important that we do not become complacent.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys said: “We hope this update provides reassurance to local residents and communities. However, it is equally important that expectations are managed given the unpredictable nature of wildfire incidents and the ongoing influence of weather conditions.
“We would like to thank the partnership working of landowners and agencies and our local communities for their continued patience, and cooperation throughout this incident.”
UPDATE: 6pm, Saturday 18 July
Following a few uncertain months, we can now let everyone know that our social enterprise, Edinburgh Furniture Initiative, is staying put!
EFI is Four Square’s re-use furniture shop where all proceeds support people facing homelessness in Edinburgh.
With the help of the excellent people at Graham + Sibbald and Thorntons Law LLP we have agreed a long lease with new building owners Thistle Property Group and will be here for many years to come. 
We are delighted and very relieved.
EFI is the lifeblood of Four Square, helping us run our charity.
Thank you to everyone who shops, donates and supports us. Every share, every recommendation helps us and our city!
Established in 2005, Edinburgh Furniture Initiative by Four Square helps you build a sustainable, characterful home with value-for-money pieces.
Come visit us 454 Gorgie Rd, Edinburgh, EH11 2RN
Open 7 days
Delivery only £25 (in Edinburgh)
FREE event – What can people in Scotland learn from the Indian Left?
Sunday 26th July, 11am – 2pm
Room 2.14 St Leonard’s Land (University of Edinburgh: EH8 8AQ)
Lunch Provided
Places Limited – Book Here
The Student’s Federation of India (Edinburgh branch) and Cat’s Cradle are putting on a workshop which takes participants through the history of the post-independence Indian Left and explores the influence of student movements and protests.
From protests during the 1975–77 Emergency through economic liberalisation in the 90’s and the rise of Hindutva politics, we provide an overview of the development of student activism in India while also asking the question: Where is the Left now and what next? And what can people in Scotland learn from this?
Everyone is very welcome – whether you have no knowledge about Indian history and politics at all, or whether you have an encyclopedic knowledge.
During the workshop, participants will also work in small groups with historical materials to re‑enact pivotal moments, an interactive exercise designed to show how protest is made in India.
