Police Scotland have released images of two males who may be able to assist with their enquiries following a robbery which occurred on Thursday 31 October 2024.
The incident occurred at around 2.40am at the Gorgie Road and Wardlaw Street junction in Edinburgh.
Officers believe the males could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for them or anyone who may recognise them or has information about this incident to get in touch.
The first male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 19-20 years old and approximately 5’8” in height. He has short, thick dark hair and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark zip-up jumper with a Fred Perry logo on the left chest, socks but no shoes.
The second male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 18-19 years old and between approximately 5’11” and 6ft in height. He has short brown hair styled up at the front.
He was seen to be wearing grey jogging bottoms, yellow and purple Nike Dunk style trainers and a black hooded jumper.
A Police Scotland representative said: “We urge the males pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible”.
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1439 of 31 October 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
A new report published by a Scottish Parliament committee is calling for a world-leading pilot project, which puts people at the heart of politics, to be made permanent.
The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee wants to see the Scottish Parliament continue its cutting-edge approach to embedding deliberative democracy in its work.
It follows the success of a series of ‘People’s Panels’ which brought together groups of randomly selected people, who reflect the makeup of the Scottish population, to learn about and discuss an issue, before making recommendations about what action should happen and how things should change to tackle it.
The Committee has published a plan as to how People’s Panels could be rolled out from the start of the new parliamentary term in 2026.
Committee Convener, Jackson Carlaw, MSP, said: “The idea that the people of Scotland can and should play an important role in the work of the Scottish Parliament forms part of its founding principles.
Engaging better with communities, particularly when understanding whether laws and policies that affect them are working properly, is essential.
“We have seen how people’s panels have positively impacted the work of committees by supporting their role scrutinising Scottish Government policy and driving recommendations for change.
“By giving committees access to this innovative tool, Parliament can better connect with individuals, groups and communities from every part of Scotland, building trust between the public and politics, and involving the public directly in the important issues of the day.”
The plan sets out proposals for four people’s panels to operate in the next session of the Scottish Parliament, one a year from 2027 to 2030. It also provides clear guidance and criteria for how and when a panel can be used, what the selection process should be and how committees use and respond to their work.
Impact of People’s Panels
The most recent People’s Panels took place in 2024 – one on climate change and the other looking at reducing drug harm and deaths.
These brought together two groups of approximately 25 randomly selected citizens who broadly reflected Scotland’s demographics across gender, age, region, ethnicity, disability and educational level. Tasked by committees to answer a question, they spent two weekends learning about the given topic, hearing from and questioning subject experts, before debating, deliberating and making informed recommendations to the relevant Scottish Parliament committee involved.
The Panels’ recommendations had a direct impact on scrutinising legislation and have since influenced policy, informed debates, and been used by MSPs suggesting amendments to legislation.
Of the 19 recommendations that were made by the People’s Panel on reducing drug harm and deaths, the Scottish Government accepted, either in full or in principle, the 18 recommendations directed at them. One recommendation was for further Parliamentary scrutiny focused on drug supply in the prison sector, which is being taken forward by the Criminal Justice Committee.
The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee’s recommendations are set to be debated by the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 3rd June.
Panel member quotes
Caroline Bunce from Renfrewshire took part in a People’s Panel set up to make recommendations to answer the question: ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’
She said: “For me, it felt that maybe the Government would listen to our recommendations as we were the spokespeople for the public and more help could be made available.
“I would strongly recommend anyone who is selected to go on a People’s Panel in the future to participate as it is a great experience and a unique opportunity.”
Gillian Ruane, from Dumfries, took part in a panel on Public Participation.
She said: “I was given the opportunity to participate in discussions and listen to various perspectives from a diverse group representing all of Scotland. Together, we made our recommendations as a group and its fantastic to be part of shaping decisions on public participation.
“I now know there is a difference between the Parliament and the Government. As citizens we have a lot more power than we believe we have. Parliament is held accountable by the citizens, and the government is held accountable by the parliament. It’s up to the individual to make their voice heard and make an impact.”
Former panel member, Alan Currie, from Glasgow, said: “The most valuable thing about the panel was to see my input and other citizens ideas from our deliberations with experts lead to meaningful contributions.
“It enabled all attendees, irrespective of background, an opportunity to contribute to the workings of the Parliament.”
This May Bank Holiday weekend, Pret A Manger is making pic‘Nic’ prep easier than ever for customers whose name starts with ‘Nic’.
300 lucky customers from across the country will be able to enjoy a freshly made sandwich on Pret for the pret-fect al fresco picnic.
So, if your name is Nick (or begins with ‘Nic’…), you can claim a free, delicious sandwich at select Pret shops across the UK over the bank holiday weekend. No need for the last-minute panic, Pret’s got Nic’s covered to fuel the feel-good vibes for your pic‘Nic’ this long weekend – all you need is your ID.
Here’s how it works:
Who can claim? Anyone with a ‘Nic’-name (Nick, Nicholas, Nicole, Nicola, Nicolette, Nico), can pop into one of the participating Pret shops (but hurry as limited to 50 on the day) and show their ID to claim their free sandwich at the tills.
What’s on offer? One free freshly made sandwich from the Pret menu for your park lunch.
How many? The first50 ‘Nic’s’ at each location have the chance to enjoy a free sandwich
How do I redeem? Just pop into one of the participating shops on the specified day. Select a sandwich from one of the langars then head over to a team member at the tills and show them your ID to prove your ‘nick’ name before getting a free sandwich. The activity is limited to the first 50 ‘Nick’s on the selected day at participating Pret shops and is only redeemable for a sandwich (excludes baguettes, wraps or rye rolls)
Journalism in Scotland celebrated as the winners of the 46th Scottish Press Awards are revealed
It was a triumphant night for The Scottish Sun at the 46th Scottish Press Awards, named as Scottish Newsbrand of the Year at a ceremony celebrating Scotland’s best journalism.
The Scottish Sun also picked up the Journalism Team of the Year for their reporting on the death of Alex Salmond, and their reporter Graham Mann took home the Scoop of the Year for his tenacity in recording every twist and turn of Stuart Hogg’s fall from rugby legend to domestic abuser.
Held at Glasgow’s Doubletree by Hilton hotel on Thursday (22 May 2025), the highly coveted Journalist of the Year was picked up by Bryan Rutherford of The Press and Journal who continued his successful evening after being awarded Regional Journalist of the Year and Specialist Journalist of the Year earlier.
The team from The Press and Journal also celebrated winning Front Page of the Year – one that caused a nasty spat between the then First Minister and the opposition leader with the shockwaves being felt 400 miles away as Labour Party leaders were accused of turning their backs on the North East of Scotland – of being The Traitors, no less.
The notable Lifetime Achievement Award which this year went to Melanie Reid, columnist and journalist at The Times Scotland. Melanie has been widely recognised for her inspirational contribution to journalism, disability rights and awareness and her weekly ‘Spinal Column’ will be much missed.
As Magnus Linklater, who presented the award, said: “She is an inspiration to journalists and readers everywhere.”
Martin Williams of The Herald was awarded Reporter of the Year and The Sunday Post celebrated winning Campaign of the Year with their campaign, ‘Saving Mothers and Babies’ which resulted in the Scottish Government agreeing funding for pre-eclampsia tests.
The team at East Lothian Courier were awarded Weekly Newsbrand of the Year.
A total of 27 awards crediting the vital work of print and digital journalism were announced in celebration of the finest journalism in Scotland.
Journalism in Scotland celebrated as the winners of the 46th Scottish Press Awards are revealed
Chair of Judges, Richard Neville, former Head of News Brands at DC Thomson and current Director of Neville Robertson Communications, said: “These awards celebrate talent from across the whole of Scotland and represent thriving journalism in every community from our big cities to our smallest villages.
“Maintaining that quality and consistency of coverage in every community is difficult these days but tonight’s winners show that our industry has the talent, skills and dedication needed to do the job.”
Richard Neville was joined by 35 independent judges from across the Scottish media, communications and public affairs industries. Former BBC Scotland newsreader Jackie Bird hosted the event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central.
Journalism in Scotland celebrated as the winners of the 46th Scottish Press Awards are revealed
The final awards of the evening were as follows:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Melanie Reid – The Times Scotland
Weekly Newsbrand of the Year
East Lothian Courier
Scoop of the Year
Graham Mann – The Scottish Sun
Front Page of the Year
The Press and Journal
Journalism Team of the Year
The Scottish Sun – The death of Alex Salmond
Campaign of the Year
The Sunday Post – ‘Saving Mothers and Babies’
Reporter of the Year
Martin Williams – The Herald
Journalist of the Year
Bryan Rutherford – The Press and Journal
Scottish Newsbrand of the Year
The Scottish Sun
Journalism in Scotland celebrated as the winners of the 46th Scottish Press Awards are revealed
The full list of Scottish Press Awards winners can be found here.
The 46th Scottish Press Awards were sponsored by Diageo, Edrington, VisitScotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Openreach, The Glenmorangie Company Ltd, The Law Society of Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, Muckle Media, Weber Shandwick, Women in Journalism Scotland, Media House International, Event Consultants Scotland and Newsbrands Scotland.
Six Fettes College students have won the Youth Class at the prestigious Scottish Islands Peaks Race, a tough sea and land adventure challenge.
Team Fettes took on what is known as one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges, sailing over 160 nautical miles from Oban and running up and down mountains on the islands of Mull, Jura and Arran, totalling almost 60 miles, crossing the finish line in Troon at 3:30am on Monday 19 May.
The team was made up of six Lower Sixth students and four staff who put their teamwork to the test throughout the demanding multi-day event. They were led by skipper Roger Pim aboard the yacht Luskentyre. Students had been training for the event since September, with regular weekend runs in the Pentland Hills outside of Edinburgh, and a sail training weekend on the west coast of Scotland earlier in May.
The Scottish Islands Peaks Race, first held in 1983, combines offshore sailing with mountain running, drawing competitors from across the country and internationally. The Youth Class offers a unique opportunity for young people to push themselves in one of the UK’s most challenging adventure races.
Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said:“We are so proud of our SIPR team and how well they worked together in supporting and encouraging one another throughout the race, and in their preparations for it. An amazing effort!”
One of the participating students, Seth J, said:“The race was tough but unforgettable; the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I feel a huge sense of achievement now it is over.
“Our training really paid off as we felt well-prepared for both the sailing and the running that were involved.
“The support from the team and the guidance from staff kept us going. Reaching Troon was a moment of pure relief and joy, knowing all our effort was worth it.”
To find out more about the various activities on offer at Fettes College, go to:
A brave dad who was forced to flee his home in Ukraine is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down Scotland’s largest equine sculptures to raise funds for Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.
Children First trustee Lloyd Gwishiri is terrified of heights, but says he is curious about abseiling down the Kelpies, having never yet seen them in real life.
After his family was forced to flee their home in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022, Lloyd has personal experience of how trauma can deeply impact children.
Lloyd Gwishiri, Trustee for Children 1st
Lloyd added: “The experience of leaving Ukraine was quite traumatising for anyone who went through it at the time. It was hard going through the steps of moving from country to country via public transport. It was quite intense.”
He eventually settled in Brechin, Angus with his family and has been keen to get involved in more fundraising work after becoming active within the local community.
After joining the Children First as a board member nine months ago, Lloyd said taking on the Kelpies would be a “fun and interesting adventure”.
The exciting challenge involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth.
After conquering the Kelpies, Lloyd will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.
Limited spaces are still available and Lloyd is calling on other daredevils to join him.
Lloyd said: “I’m terrified of heights! But I’m quite curious to abseil the Kelpies. I’ve seen photographs of the Kelpies, I’ve been planning to go there but I’ve never seen the Kelpies in person.
“It seems like it is going to be a fun and interesting adventure both to meet more people within Children First. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”
Lloyd’s experience as a member of the Children First board of trustees motivated him to sign up, so that he can raise vital funds to continue protecting Scotland’s children and keep them safe from harm.
Lloyd added: “I know the challenges Children First are facing to raise funds, so that was reason enough for me to participate and do whatever else I can for the charity.
“So many children and families tell us that the support they get from Children First is a lifeline. I want to do all I can to make sure that every child who desperately needs the charity’s help can get it.”
Mary Glasgow said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and we are delighted that our board member Lloyd is taking on the challenge.
“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
“Every penny raised by Lloyd and his fellow Children First Kelpies champions will help change a child’s life. If you can join them, please sign up today. Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”
In the latest BBC ALBA Eòrpa documentary, Fòirneart ann an Sgoiltean na h-Albal Violence in Scotland’s Schools, reporter Eileen Macdonald hears the troubling testimony of teachers and school staff, and asks what’s behind the problem, and what’s being done about it.
“Scratching, slapping, stamping and trying to kick you. More serious injuries such as cuts, biting, deep bruising right up to internal bruising and suspected fractures which needed hospital treatment.”
That’s an example of the statements given to Eòrpaby teachers and school staff all over Scotland – who have been granted anonymity to share their stories – detailing the violence and aggression they are subjected to on a regular basis.
Surveys conducted by several teaching and school staff unions of their members point to a problem that has worsened in recent years. The NASUWT Union report released earlier this year stated that 44% of respondents had experienced violence or physical abuse in the 12 months prior, with 90% having been verbally abused. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) leaders too have raised concerns about the increasing levels of pupil violence.
‘Jackie’, not her real name, has thirty years’ experience as a primary teacher. She told Eòrpa of the marked change in pupil behaviour she’s witnessed in that time: “You get sworn at, you get derogatory comments, you can get threats like, ‘I know where you live and I’m going to get my dad to come and sort you out,’, that kind of stuff.
“I’ve been called an extremely offensive four-letter word regularly.”
Pupil support assistant ‘Anna’, again not her real name, told Eòrpathat she has been physically struck by pupils on several occasions.
Much of her work involves giving support to pupils with additional support needs (ASN): “We are expected to work with ASN pupils without the training or pay grades and we feel undervalued when we consider the amount of physical and mental abuse we receive but we don’t want to let the kids down.”
For ‘Anna’, more help is needed for support staff like her: “More support and definitely more – even some – training in handling these situations.
“No-one knows what they can do to help the kids but also protect ourselves from both harm and possible discipline as we don’t know how to handle kids that are violent towards us.”
Since the 2004 Education Act, there has been a presumption that pupils with ASN should be educated in mainstream schools. Reporter and presenter Eileen Macdonald asked Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, if she believes inclusion is working in the context of a 700% increase in pupils with ASN since the 2004 legislation was introduced.
Ms Gilruth said: “We have inclusive schools in Scotland, and we want to have that broadness of approach. However, that has had the impact of increasing the number of children with an identified additional support need.
“But the other factor I think we need to bear in mind here is that there are far more children now who are having their additional support need identified than 20 years ago when I was in school. That’s a good thing.”
Reflecting on the stories that were shared with her for Eòrpa, Eileen Macdonald commented: “Some of the testimonies we’ve heard have been genuinely shocking, especially when we’re told some teaching staff are subject to verbal abuse and violence daily.
“Unions are questioning the efficacy of the Scottish Government’s National Action Plan on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools.
“Among the questions facing the Education Secretary are how to encourage greater reporting of incidents, and ensure genuine consequences are acted upon.”
Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.
Eòrpa: Fòirneart ann an Sgoiltean na h-Alba | Violence in Scotland’s Schools premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer at 10pm Monday 26 May.
The team at Amazon in Dunfermline has donated £3,000 worth of ride-along push cars to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity supports children facing potentially life-changing visits to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP). The charity provides reassurance, distraction and fun for children during their hospital visits.
One way the charity provides distraction is through the ride along push cars for children’s travel around the hospital, including to operations and appointments. To support the initiative, Amazon in Dunfermline has donated 50 push cars worth £3,000.
Kate Dixon, from Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are grateful to welcome the donation of push cars from our friends at Amazon in Dunfermline.
“We know that the environment around us can have a profound effect on wellbeing and mood and that’s why we create a welcoming space with fun activities for families and children visiting the hospital.”
“Donations like this allow our team to reimagine the hospital environment, making it fit for even the most active imaginations. Thank you to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for bringing such positivity to what can be a stressful and scary experience.”
The donation of push cars is part of Amazon’s ongoing support for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. Since 2023, Amazon has provided support to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity by taking part in the charity’s ‘Kick Off’ football fundraising event, and with employees volunteering their time at the hospital. Last year, the team from Amazon in Dunfermline also donated kits which included toys and crafts.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline added: “We have a longstanding relationship with the team at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and we’re pleased to once again support the team and bring joy to patients with the donation of push cars.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.
The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.
Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose.
Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
This May half-term, families travelling by rail are set to contribute an estimated £191 million to the local area they depart from and over £240 million at their destination, boosting local microeconomies.
Those heading for seaside towns and villages could drive local spending of over £20 million across the entire May half-term.
Food and drink are the top spend in and around the departure station, with leisure passengers supporting local high streets and the hospitality industry when they travel.
Numbers of leisure travellers expected to jump by 9% in city destinations and leap by 1/3 in seaside towns during half-term week with rail passengers, giving a real boost to local economies.
This May half-term, when leisure travellers, families and friends opt to travel by rail, they will also be providing a significant economic boost to local communities across Great Britain. New data from Rail Delivery Group shows that rail travellers this May half-term will contribute an estimated £191 million to the local areas from which they depart and over £240 million at their destination.
When comparing the half-term week in May with surrounding weeks outside, numbers of leisure travellers are expected to jump by 9% in city destinations and increase by 1/3 in seaside towns with rail passengers, giving a real boost to local businesses.
Whether families are spending more time exploring new places, enjoying leisurely meals, or visiting seaside attractions during their holidays, every journey made during this half-term will contribute to local economies.
Just over half (58%) of all leisure travellers spend money in and around the departure station and the most common location to spend money is on the local high street (40% of leisure travellers) followed by inside the station (16%).
The data also found that passengers heading to seaside towns and villages are the most likely to spend money in and around their departure station (65%), followed by people travelling to non-coastal towns and villages (60%) and cities (58%) and with travellers to rural areas the least likely (49%).
Those families heading to the seaside are expected to make an even larger impact with an average spend of £34 in and around their departure station and £44 at their destination. This means that those travellers visiting seaside towns and villages could be contributing over £20 million throughout the entire half-term to their local high streets, independent businesses and beyond. Whether grabbing an ice cream, buying a book or enjoying a fresh batch of fish & chips, every journey will benefit the local economies.
Beyond the economic boost, choosing rail this May half-term has a real environmental impact. On average, a single train journey emits nearly five times less carbon emissions than the same trip by car—equivalent to saving as much carbon as boiling a kettle 455 times.
And compared with flying, domestic rail travel in Britain is up to 13 times greener. By choosing the train, half-term travellers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while also supporting local communities across the country.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair & Chief Executive Officer at Rail Delivery Group said: “May half-term is a great time for families to explore many wonderful towns and attractions across Britain.
“Our data shows that by choosing sustainable rail journeys, passengers not only reduce their carbon footprint but also play a vital role in supporting local communities.
“Whether it’s a seaside escape, exploring somewhere new, or visiting family, this half-term every trip is more than a journey; it’s a chance to support local high streets, independent businesses and further drive economic growth across the country.”
The budget for a programme that uses technology in housing to help older people remain independent for longer will more than double this year from £8.2 million to £20.9 million.
This means more housing association tenants will benefit from the Registered Social Landlord Adaptations Programme, a preventative model that also reduces hospital admissions and long-term care costs.
On her visit to Bield Housing Association’s Tech Hub in Linlithgow, the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville saw a variety of adaptations that are making a difference to the lives of older people and saving public money.
Ms Somerville said: “Scotland faces significant challenges as our population ages and it is preventative, people-focused approaches like this that will help us deliver better outcomes for older people while making the best use of public resources.
“That is why we announced in our Programme for Government that we would more than double the budget this year for the Registered Social Landlord’s Adaptations Programme from £8.25 million to £20.9 million to allow housing associations to plan and deliver more adaptations for their tenants.
“This financial year we are also investing £768 million in affordable housing, the majority of which will be for social rent. This reflects our long-standing commitment to ensure everyone in Scotland has a safe and affordable home to live in.”
Chief Executive of Bield Debbie Collins said: “Investing in the right housing and technology supports older people to manage their health, stay connected, and live independently – reducing reliance on formal care and helping to avoid preventable hospital stays.
“We believe housing must be seen as part of the health and care infrastructure and that continued investment in digital solutions and accessible homes not only improve people’s lives but delivers public value by saving money in the long-term.”
