We are pleased to invite you to ‘Knots, a community walk for all the family’ on Saturday 26th September, 1:45pm-3.00pm. It is part of the Granton:hub / Madelvic House Doors Open Day.
We will walk, play, do an art activity, and learn about nature too. This event relates to our neighbour, United Wire, and one of our other historical and contemporary industries, fishing. You will learn some basic knotting practices (appropriate for children and adults), making a joint artwork, and also something to take home with you to help you remember the walk and what you have seen.
Starting and ending at the Granton Hub / Madelvic House.
Places are limited for participants’ safety and enjoyment. Suitable for those with wheels / sticks. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Tamsin Grainger is a Paths for All walk leader. In 2024/5, she was the Granton Archive Community Development Worker, and she is an experienced pedestrian.
This event is free to attend but booking is required via Eventbrite.
POLICE in Edinburgh have released images of two men they believe can assist with their investigation after a 24 year-old man was seriously assaulted on Princes Street around 2.35am on Saturday, 1 August, 2026.
The first man is described as white, 5ft 10in and in his late teens to early 20’s. He had blonde hair and was wearing a white t-shirt with grey jeans.
The second man is described as white, 6ft and in his late teens to early 20’s with short dark-coloured hair and glasses. He was wearing a black top with grey shorts and had a tattoo on the back of his left hand.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who recognises them to contact us.
“This area was extremely busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0473 of 1 August, 2026. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
The Capital Rail Action Group (CRAG) requested to send a deputation to Thursday’s Transport and Environment committee meeting – but were informed that, due to there being already six deputations, this would not be possible.
We were advised to instead submit a written statement – which I now attach (see below):
CEC Transport and Environment Committee, 10 September 2026 – Item 7.6: Trams from Granton to Edinburgh BioQuarter and Beyond
CRAG was set up to campaign for better public transport, especially rail-based, in and around Edinburgh back in the heady days of 1989 when Lothian Regional Council was consulting on their North-South Metro proposal:
You can see that the general thrust of proposals hasn’t changed much since then – except, of course, that Granton now features prominently in your discussions, making full use of the old Caledonian Railway alignment from Roseburn shown above. And the BioQuarter wasn’t even a thing back then.
Progress on developing public transport is extraordinarily slow and costly in this country and our competitor nations have since advanced on a scale unimaginable for us back in 1989, hugely boosting their economic output and raising millions of their population out of poverty – a truly virtuous cycle.
The decisions before you today are shaped by our limited progress on those fronts. The old railway alignments of north Edinburgh were re-purposed in the meantime as active travel corridors – a welcome ‘green travel’ initiative. But they have always been earmarked for travel not just by individuals fit enough to cycle, walk and jog but by all.
Indeed, Parliamentary consent was obtained for use of the Roseburn to Granton alignment for trams as far back as 2006.
CRAG recognises how attractive the Roseburn corridor has become over the years since the old railway trackbed was tarmacked. And we also recognise the utility it offers to cyclists in particular as part of a growing network of paths throughout the city. The 2006 consent also recognised this.
But this utility must now be extended to those who wish to travel by modern mass transit in our increasingly congested city.
The Council have proposed that, to better address the concerns of active travellers, the tram line from Roseburn to Craigleith be only single track with the stop at Ravelston dropped – and with no overhead wires. That carries with it operational risk for the tram – but it is a compromise offered in good faith. Unfortunately, for many cyclists, it is a compromise they are unwilling to accept. This is a view both myopic and discriminatory.
Whereas today approximately 600,000 trips are made along the Roseburn corridor, the tram is projected to carry 4.25 million passengers annually by 2042.
Moreover, it would not only support and drive the ongoing development of brownfield sites around Granton but would transform access to employment, education and health services for disadvantaged and deprived communities in Granton, Pilton and Drylaw.
To cap it all, building a tram line along the Roseburn corridor can be accomplished without the need to dig up streets, move utilities, etc. which bedevilled construction of Edinburgh’s only current tram line from the airport to Newhaven.
It, moreover, separates tram operation from general traffic – enabling a speedier and more reliable journey. And it links with the important transport hub which is Haymarket. It remains the only feasible route by which to connect Granton most efficiently to the city centre. That will not change.
So, whilst recognising the political reality in the City Chambers of minority support for the Roseburn to Granton corridor and that it is likely that the headline positive decision today will be to first proceed with the southern leg of the north-south tram route from the city centre to the BioQuarter, we would urge you, as per recommendation 1.1.4 to “Agree the need to retain ambition to deliver a mass transit connection between Granton and the city centre”.
We, of course, also support delivery of the leg from the city centre to the BioQuarter – not without its challenges but serving a corridor also long recognised as worthy of being provided with mass transit.
And, of course, this opens up the possibility of integration with the emerging tram-train proposal on the South Suburban railway line, especially at Cameron Toll – where a transport hub could be in the making.
Finally, two points:
we note that Parliamentary powers were also given in 2006 to construct a tram line from Newhaven to Granton. It’s not an ideal way to connect Granton to the west of the city centre – but it would be fine for journeys to and from the BioQuarter. Building this short section deserves serious consideration if the regeneration of the Granton area is to proceed most efficiently
to further enable this, consideration should also be given to running such trams directly up Leith Street – with a stop at the Omni Centre – instead of via St. Andrew Square. We note that the Leith Street alignment is shown in Figure 4.4 of the papers before you today.
… and finally, finally:
Cllr. Stephen Jenkinson revealed this aspirational Metro ‘concept’ map at a rail conference in Edinburgh in January of this year. It’s not official policy – but it’s always good to plant seeds for trees under whose shade, at my age, I may not live to sit. Hopefully some of you will live to see this!
Transforming public transport provision in and around Edinburgh is a challenge for our time. Let’s not drop the ball this time.
Service 67 launches after years of campaigning for better public transport to Edinburgh’s adventure sports hub
A new direct bus service connecting Edinburgh city centre with Lost Shore Surf Resort, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) and the village of Ratho has launched, following years of campaigning for improved public transport links to the area.
Service 67 is initially operating hourly, Monday to Friday, creating a direct public transport connection between central Edinburgh and two of Scotland’s leading adventure sports destinations. The service is expected to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks.
Operated by HcL, Service 67 will connect central Edinburgh with Lost Shore Surf Resort and EICA Ratho, with stops including Haymarket Station, Hermiston Gate Park & Ride and Ratho Village.
The launch is a major milestone following several years of work to restore a direct public transport connection between Ratho and Edinburgh, including sustained campaigning by the Ratho Bus Working Group and support from Lost Shore and EICA for better transport links to the area.
Research carried out as part of the campaign demonstrated strong demand for improved public transport. More than 2,200 people responded to a community survey, with 90% saying they would use public transport if services to the area were improved.
The new route will make it significantly easier for Edinburgh residents and visitors without access to a car to reach Ratho and its growing adventure sports hub, bringing surfing and climbing within a direct bus journey of the city centre.
Lee Wood, Managing Director at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said:“This is fantastic news for Lost Shore, EICA, the Ratho community and everyone who has worked so hard to make the case for better public transport to this part of Edinburgh.
“We’ve believed from the beginning that world-class adventure should be accessible to as many people as possible. Lost Shore and EICA offer two incredible experiences right next door to each other, but getting here without a car has been a real barrier for too many people.
“Service 67 has the potential to change that. For the first time, people will have a simple, direct connection from the city centre to come surfing at Lost Shore, climbing at EICA, or spend a day experiencing both.
“This has taken a huge collective effort, particularly from the Ratho Bus Working Group, who have campaigned tirelessly for better connections. Now the most important thing we can do is get behind the service and use it.”
Stacey O’Flaherty, Ratho Bus Working Group, added:“This is about much more than introducing another bus route. EICA and Lost Shore are two incredible destinations sitting side by side in Ratho, yet getting here without a car has remained difficult, while our community has been without a direct connection to Edinburgh city centre since 2014.
“More than 2,200 people took part in our research and 90% told us they would use public transport if a suitable service was available. The 67 responds to that demand, connecting EICA, Lost Shore and Ratho village directly with Hermiston Park & Ride, Haymarket and the city centre.
“This is a huge step forward for the community and for making this part of Edinburgh easier to reach. Now we need people to use it and help us demonstrate over the next six months just how valuable this connection can be.”
Victoria Harper, Manager at the EICA said:“We’re delighted to see the launch of Service 67 and the new opportunities it creates for our customers, staff and the wider community.
“One of the barriers to taking part in climbing and adventure activities can simply be getting here. This new direct connection makes EICA more accessible to people from across Edinburgh, whether they’re regular climbers, first-time visitors, students or families looking for an active day out.
“We’re proud to be part of a destination that brings climbing, surfing and outdoor adventure together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people through our doors.”
Service 67 will initially operate as a six-month trial, with passenger use and feedback helping to inform decisions about the future of the service.
The service currently runs hourly, Monday to Friday, using accessible 16-seat minibuses, with plans to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks. An adult single journey costs £2.40, with cash and card payments accepted. Under-22 and eligible concessionary National Entitlement Cards are also accepted.
The route will make it significantly easier for people across Edinburgh to reach Lost Shore and EICA by public transport, opening up access to two major adventure destinations without the need for a car.
It also creates a stronger connection between Lost Shore and neighbouring EICA, bringing surfing and climbing together as part of a distinctive active day out at Edinburgh’s adventure hub.
The timetable for Service 67 is available here – HcL Service 67
Edinburgh Leisure has published an Impact Report for 2025 – 26.
Chief Executive Jen Holland said: “I am delighted to share Edinburgh Leisure’s Impact Report for 2025–26, a story of progress, resilience and people working together to help Edinburgh be active and well.
“This year’s report marks an important turning point, with stronger financial foundations, growing participation and continued investment in places and programmes that help more people feel active, included and connected.
From expanding health and wellbeing programmes such as Balanced Life, to widening access through community facilities, subsidised provision and inclusive opportunities for people facing barriers, our work continues to support a healthier, happier and more active Edinburgh for everyone.
“One of this year’s Victorian Pool Crawl participants, Eileen Ingram, summed up that purpose when she told us: “I think it’s important for everyone, regardless of wealth, health or age, to be able to have access to facilities to enable them to live an active life. Regular exercise is really important for improving all aspects of our life.”
“Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. I hope you enjoy reading the report and celebrating what we continue to achieve together for Edinburgh and its people.”
New campaign calls for Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan
People living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions across Scotland are being urged to add their voice to a major campaign calling on First Minister John Swinney to deliver Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan.
Arthritis UK has launched an open letter to the First Minister demanding that arthritis is recognised as a national health priority and that the Scottish Government commits to a dedicated plan to improve diagnosis, treatment and support.
Across Scotland, 1.7 million people – around one in three of the population – live with an MSK condition such as arthritis, with many experiencing daily pain, fatigue and disability.
Despite the enormous scale of the issue, arthritis remains one of the only major health conditions without a dedicated strategy in Scotland.
Under the banner “Don’t Turn Your Back on Arthritis”, the campaign is urging people affected by arthritis and other MSK conditions, their families and supporters to sign the open letter and send a clear message to the First Minister that action is needed.
The proposed MSK Action Plan would seek to ensure people receive the right diagnosis and support sooner; improve access to rehabilitation and supported self-management; help people remain active and independent; and provide stronger national leadership and investment in MSK health.
Lauren Bennie, Head of Arthritis UK in Scotland, said:“Arthritis affects an extraordinary number of people in Scotland, yet for far too long it has failed to receive the attention it deserves.
“Behind the figure of 1.7 million people are individuals living every day with pain, fatigue and disability – often waiting too long for a diagnosis, treatment or the support they need to live independently. That has to change.
“We are calling on the First Minister to face the facts about arthritis and commit to Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan.
“But we need the voices of people living with these conditions to be heard. We are urging everyone affected by arthritis or an MSK condition – along with their families and friends – to sign our open letter and tell the First Minister: don’t turn your back on arthritis.
“With the right leadership and a dedicated national plan, Scotland has an opportunity to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.”
The campaign will run throughout the autumn, with Arthritis UK also working to secure what would be the first dedicated debate on arthritis in the Scottish Parliament. Campaigners will take the open letter to Holyrood on the day of the debate.
Among those supporting the campaign are people with first-hand experience of the impact of arthritis, including Amy from Dundee, who was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis as a teenager; Bobby from near Stranraer, who waited more than two years simply to be placed on the waiting list for a knee replacement; Mairi from Islay, who faced years of delays in accessing treatment; and Ken from Stirling, who waited almost 20 years for an osteoarthritis diagnosis.
People can add their name to the open letter and call on the First Minister to face arthritis head on at:
Diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis as a teenager, Amy from Dundee, Scotland, was silently struggling in constant pain at school and had to fight to get the support she needed.
Now training to be a doctor, she faces long working hours and is worried about how she will cope with managing her condition at work.
“I’m finishing university this year and about to enter the workforce. I’m excited about becoming a doctor, but I am concerned about how I’ll manage my fatigue. Junior doctors work long hours with few rest breaks, and that makes me nervous. I’m concerned I won’t specialise as quickly as my peers. However, I hope by telling my story I can change things for other young people with arthritis. It’s not all bad news, and we can thrive with the right support.”
Bobby’sstory, Stranraer
Bobby, from Stranraer, was diagnosed in 2020 with osteoarthritis in both knees. Living in immense pain, the wait began, and it was more than two years before Bobby was even added to the waiting list for surgery.
He had his first knee replaced in November 2023, followed by his second the following August.
Surgery was life-changing. His mobility returned and he now plays walking football several times a week. Today, he encourages others living with arthritis pain, or waiting for surgery, to reach out to others. Bobby also hopes to raise awareness of walking football, so that more people can benefit from the physical and mental benefits it offers.
“Yes, it was painful in the knees, but also painful in the head. It played havoc with my thoughts, my mind, my life. The mental impact is phenomenal. You feel like you’re a burden when you can’t do things. You try to keep going through the pain.
“When I see some of the people out there waiting, I encourage them to push for it because it’s life-changing. You wake up from surgery and the pain is gone. I was a totally different person. Honestly, I didn’t know how much my osteoarthritis had impacted me until I had my knees replaced. Before, I had to go up chimneys for work, and I was really restricted on how much I could climb a ladder. I’ve worked every day since I left school. And I felt like I couldn’t give it 100% because the knee pain had hit me so hard. But now I can go up and down ladders again easily!”
Kathy’sstory, Helensburgh
Kathy suffered pain from childhood and was finally diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 50, although she had been living with pain since she was 13 years old.
For so many years, Kathy was looking for an explanation for the pain she was experiencing. She watched it take over her life without having any answers, in constant severe pain, not sleeping and suffering depression. She felt she was ‘existing’, not living.
At 47, when the pain was at its worst and had spread to her knees and back, Kathy went to see a new doctor who was determined to get to the bottom of her pain. After tests and X-rays, it was found that she was living with arthritis in her spine and hips. Finally getting a diagnosis was a huge relief to Kathy.
“Life before diagnosis was a nightmare. I didn’t sleep because the pain was so bad and, at one point, I was on both morphine and fentanyl patches, harsh medication. The pain affected my mental health so badly that I was diagnosed with severe depression, which was compounded by grief after losing my husband 11 years ago.
I closed myself away. I didn’t know how to deal with the pain, and nobody was helping me.
“That doctor knew what I needed, got tests done and referred me to a community link worker who took me to an Arthritis UK group three years ago, and my whole life changed. It really brought me out of my shell because I’d gotten to the point where I just locked myself away. I remember that first week at a group feeling like I didn’t dare talk, scared I’d burst into tears.
“It is disappointing that the diagnosis took so long because my life could have been different so many years ago. I could have spared a lifetime of pain. I’ve also missed out on so many things; I loved badminton but had to give it up at 14 because it affected my back so badly, and I’ve never been able to play since.”
Around three in four UK Emergency Department staff have told the Royal College of Emergency Medicine that they experience or witness violence and aggression in their department on a daily or weekly basis.
That’s according to new survey data, revealed today (7 September) as part of the launch of RCEM’s Safe to Care campaign.
‘Safe to Care‘ aims to highlight the appalling levels of violence and aggression that doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff in Emergency Medicine continue to face while at work.
In the coming weeks and months, RCEM will be sharing testimonies of those who have experienced violence or aggression at work and will be calling on the four UK governments to take immediate action to ensure Emergency Department (ED) staff feel safe, and are safe, to provide care.
Levels of violence towards NHS staff has become intolerable: RCEM surveyed over 2,000 ED staff, with 96% of respondents saying they experienced violence or aggression in their ED from patients or members of the public.
More than three quarters (73%) said it was a weekly, or even daily, occurrence and around two thirds said the incidents they experienced were of a discriminatory nature.
One anonymous resident doctor told the survey: “Working in the ED, you brace yourself for a lot, but nothing truly prepares you for direct, hateful verbal abuse, especially when it’s racially charged.”
Meanwhile, an ED consultant told the survey that they had been kicked in the face by an aggressive patient lying on a trolley.
Just four per cent told RCEM that they always felt safe working in ED, and barely more than half (57%) felt safe most of the time.
If left to continue, the impact this will have on the workforce could be devastating for Emergency Medicine, with 75% of staff reporting short-term stress and anxiety, 40% experiencing burnout, 14% taking time off work – and 28% experiencing long-term stress or anxiety.
Meanwhile, many staff said they had little confidence that reporting incidents will lead to action, with fewer than half (41%) of staff who made a report saying their trust took ‘meaningful action’.
Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “No one should go to work fearing or, worse, expecting, to be attacked, intimidated or abused. Nor should they lack confidence that their employers have their backs, or that the judicial system will kick in.
“Yet, that’s the reality faced by the majority of my colleagues in EDs across the country. They often do not feel safe to care for patients. It is an appalling state of affairs which is contributing towards many people seriously considering whether Emergency Medicine – or even healthcare in general – is for them.
“Tackling violence and aggression is crucial for the wellbeing of staff, whose dedication to the NHS is all too frequently being repaid in kicks, punches and abhorrent verbal abuse.
“We know that long waits and crowding are key drivers of this, but that is not the fault of staff – that’s on our governments. Every hour of every day, our Emergency Medicine teams are there for patients. It’s time staff received the respect and safety they deserve.
“This should not be a novel concept to anybody. Much has been said by us and other organisations over the years about violence and aggression towards healthcare staff. But the problem seems to be getting worse, not better.
“It’s time for action, time for governments, employers and organisations stand up for NHS staff, and time to ensure that those who intimidate, abuse or assault those who are trying to care for them face meaningful consequences for their actions.”
Violence and aggression is not always an isolated problem. Many survey respondents pointed out that long waiting times (90%), overcrowding (85%), staff shortages and corridor care (both 65%) was making the problem worse.
Tackling these issues will undoubtedly create a calmer environment in A&E, which provokes fewer incidents.
In a new briefing, RCEM is calling on government in the four nations, and NHS leaders, to make Emergency Departments safe to care by:
Preventing violence and abuse before it occurs – starting with the eradication of long waits to be seen, crowding and corridor care, whilst strengthening security standards
Supporting staff through better training, reporting, follow-up, and links with the police
Improving accountability of organisations to protect and support NHS staff, with better working across systems to ensure perpetrators face justice
Dr Catherine Hayhurst, co-chair of the RCEM Quality in Emergency Care Committee, said: “Safe to Care has a very clear goal: make EDs a place in which you can work without fear of intimidation or attack.
“Some of the stories that our members have told the campaign so far have been heartbreaking – but not surprising.
“Whilst most patients and relatives continue to be a pleasure to treat, it is true that we are seeing increasing levels of unacceptable behaviour from a significant minority.
“Anyone who works in ED knows that violence and aggression towards healthcare staff has become normalised. That must end and we call on policymakers and NHS leaders to help us make EDs a safer place for staff.”
Sunshine and smiles as Amazon in Dunfermline marks summer with site-wide celebration
Colleagues at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline were joined by friends and family on for the site’s annual summer get-together, held in recognition of the team’s efforts serving customers across the UK.
The celebration, held at Edinburgh Zoo, featured a dedicated BBQ and the general animals across the venue, giving employees the chance to unwind and reconnect with colleagues outside of their usual working day.
Natasha Blyth, who works at Amazon in Dunfermline, was among those enjoying the festivities: “We work hard all year round, so it’s great to take a step back and just have some fun with the team.
“Bringing the family along made it feel like a proper celebration rather than just another work event. Thank you, Amazon!”
Daniel Stewart, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and days like this are our way of saying thank you.
“Watching the team relax and celebrate with their families is one of the highlights of my year, and it’s a fitting send-off into the second half of what’s already been a fantastic year.”
The event forms part of a wider programme of employee recognition across Amazon’s UK operations network, as the company marks the midpoint of the year and thanks teams for their continued dedication to customers.
