Police Scotland has released images of six males officers believe can assist with ongoing enquiries into a serious assault in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 10.55pm on Saturday, 29 August, 2026, on Rodney Street at the junction with Broughton Road.
A 34-year-old man was injured and required hospital treatment.
The males are all described as aged 16 to 18.
The first one has brown hair and was wearing a black hoodie with a white motif on the arm and chest, black trousers and black and white trainers.
The second is described as having black hair and was wearing a black hooded top and black trousers.
The third has brown hair and was wearing a grey t-shirt, black trousers and black trainers with a white line.
The fourth has blonde hair and wearing black rimmed glasses, a long sleeve grey top, grey shorts and white trainers with a black sole.
The fifth was wearing a black puffer style jacket and black trousers.
The sixth was wearing a black jacket and black trousers.
Detective Constable Rebecca Curtis said: “We believe the males pictured can assist with our investigation and we are keen to speak to them.
“I would urge the males, or anyone who knows them, to get in touch with us.
“Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3971 of Saturday, 29 August, 2026, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Edinburgh College has established a new National Centre for Modern Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), bringing together its expertise in language education to support students, employers and communities across Scotland and beyond.
The Centre will act as a hub for the College’s Modern Languages and ESOL delivery with a focus on developing the language skills Scotland needs for the future.
The College delivers one of the largest and most diverse language portfolios in the UK. Its award-winning online Modern Languages provision spans 95 schools across 20 local authorities, while more than 1,000 students study ESOL at the College each year.
More than 300,000 people in Scotland reported challenges with speaking, reading or writing English in 2022, highlighting the scale of the need for accessible language support.
The launch of the Centre brings together the College’s significant ESOL provision, both college and community-based, recognising the role English language skills play in helping people access employment, progress in their careers and participate fully in society.
Earlier this year, the College published a research report – Addressing Language as a Barrier to Work and Progression – which identified a lack of English language skills as an overlooked contributor to economic inactivity.
It is now building on this work through its employment-focused ESOL for Work provision, helping learners to develop the practical English skills they need for the workplace alongside their wider language development.
Edinburgh College Principal and CEO Audrey Cumberford said: “Language skills are increasingly important to Scotland’s future. They strengthen our workforce, help businesses connect with international markets and enable people from different backgrounds to participate fully in our economy and society.
“Edinburgh College has a strong track record in both Modern Languages and ESOL delivery, and the launch of our National Centre brings that expertise together to create a hub for language education and innovation.
“We want to use our scale, research and partnerships to support language education across Scotland and help ensure learners have the skills they need for further study and employment.”
The Centre’s provision will also support refugees and people seeking sanctuary to access education. The College was awarded College of Sanctuary status in June 2025.
The College also has extensive international experience, having delivered specialist English language teacher training in more than 30 countries over the past decade.
Alongside its work in Scotland, the College will use its international partnerships and experience to support language education globally, building on specialist teacher training.
The new Centre aims to strengthen the role of Modern Languages and ESOL within Scotland’s skills infrastructure and help more people access the opportunities that language learning can provide.
Tyres screeched, engines roared, and confidence soared as a group of visually impaired veterans, all supported by Sight Scotland Veterans, recently took to the track at Driftland in Fife, accomplishing something many thought impossible following visual impairment.
The adrenaline-fuelled day was made possible by disability driving charity Speed Of Sight and Sigma Capital Group & Simple Life Homes, who generously donated the experience. The event gave veterans the opportunity to get behind the wheel in a safe, controlled environment, boosting confidence, independence and wellbeing.
Among the veterans’ taking part was Kim McFarlane, who served with Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Army Medical Corps.
She comments: “I lost my sight following a diabetic stroke, and when I was first introduced to Sight Scotland Veterans two years ago, I had no idea what support was available to me. Since then, I have made great friends, the staff have been amazing, and I’ve learned to do things I never thought I would be able to do.
“When I heard about the driving experience, I was excited to try something completely different. As someone who is visually impaired and had never driven before, it’s not something I ever imagined would be possible. Getting behind the wheel was absolutely brilliant.
“The first time around I wasn’t sure what to expect, but by the second run I was really looking forward to it and could not wait to get back out on the track. It was such an adrenaline rush. The instructor kept encouraging me to pick up a bit more speed, and I felt like Nigel Mansell out there. It was brilliant.
“Opportunities like this show that being visually impaired does not mean you have to stop trying new things. With the right support, you can achieve things you never thought were possible.”
Derek Donaldson, who has diabetic retinopathy, who began his military career as an infantry soldier and later became a transport driver, adds: “As a former truck driver, being behind the wheel was a huge part of my life, so losing my sight and having to stop driving was incredibly difficult. Getting the chance to drive again at Driftland was something I never thought I’d experience.
“I’ve got a new car sitting at home that I’ll never be able to drive because of my sight loss, so being back behind the wheel today meant a great deal to me. With the instructor guiding me through the corners and encouraging me to pick up speed, I felt safe, confident, I just loved it and couldn’t really believe what I was doing. It was an incredible feeling.”
Derek adds: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Sight Scotland Veterans for making experiences like this possible. Everything the charity does is about improving people’s lives and helping them live independently and confidently.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities they give to me and so many other veterans. Without their support, I would never have had the chance to get back behind the wheel again.”
Niamh Waldron, Social Impact & Sustainability Director at Sigma Capital Group & Simple Life Homes, who donated the driving experience to Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We were delighted to offer Sight Scotland Veterans an exclusive track day as part of our 2026 programme and are thrilled to hear how much the veterans enjoyed the experience.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sight Scotland Veterans and Speed of Sight, and to giving many more veterans the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving in the years ahead.”
Saturday, 3 October 2026will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host National Football Rebooted Day 2026 – a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots and make the beautiful game more accessible for families and young people.
Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport, and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.
Club mascots will be on hand at each high street Hub to welcome fans and pose for selfies, while Football Rebooted Ambassador David James MBE will lead the national celebrations from Derby. Meanwhile, Southampton FC legend Francis Benali will visit the Shirley Hub in Southampton, and former Middlesbrough FC players David Wheater and Craig Hignett, alongside current women’s player Megan Borthwick, will make a special appearance at the Hartlepool Hub.
Visitors to the Leith Energy Hub in Edinburgh will be welcomed by a Hibs Club Mascot and invited to donate football boots via a dedicated Football Rebooted collection point. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including Hibernian FC football tickets, signed merchandise, an energy-efficient Air Fryer, and other spot prizes.
The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Natasha Baillie, Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub Supervisor, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport, no matter their background or financial situation. Football Rebooted Day is a fantastic opportunity for people across the UK to support their communities through a simple act of generosity.
“By donating a pair of football boots, supporters can help keep young players active in the game they love, while giving quality equipment a second life instead of sending it to landfill.”
Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.
Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home. All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.
Event Details
The National Football Rebooted Day forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.
Would you like to help shape how Scotland’s institutions are held accountable for racism?
ELREC is the Edinburgh hub for the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS). We believe that people with direct, lived experience of racism in Scotland are the true experts, and their knowledge belongs at the centre of our scrutiny work.
Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS)
The Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) is a community-rooted anti-racism organisation set up to scrutinise and hold public bodies in Scotland accountable for tackling systemic racism and advancing racial equity through evidence-based change. It’s hosted by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), and funded by the Scottish Government.
It’s anticipated AROS will eventually become fully independent, and it will be guided by an independent Board.
Join Our Experts by Experience Panel (EEP)
The EEP gives those most impacted by racism a formal, structured role in shaping how AROS holds institutions to account. This isn’t consultation on the side it’s community voice shaping accountability, not just informing it.
EEP members will also play a vital part in the co-design of AROS’s Digital Interactive Library, by ensuring that anti-racist research, resources and data are accessible for everyone in Scotland.
Why join?
· Your lived experience is expert knowledge, and it matters.
· You’ll hold a role within AROS’s governance.
· You’ll help shape real, systemic change, not just offer input.
· Your expenses will be covered and your time is paid.
· You’ll benefit from development opportunities.
Who can apply?
There’s only one requirement: a genuine interest in creating a difference and supporting systemic change through lived experience. That’s it. If that’s you, we want to hear from you.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the form linked below by this Wednesday
Unique Assemblyhas announced the addition of world-renowned sexy circus cabaret La Clique to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas line-up as the city’s festivities cross the bridge into the historic Old Town, marking the first time a Spiegeltent will take residence in Bristo Square.
Providing a glamorous cabaret option for the festive season, La Clique Noël will light up the stage in the Palais du Variété’s new home of Bristo Square, for seven weeks of Sexy, Funny and Dangerous Christmas Kabaret.
Brand new for 2026’s season, La Clique Noël joins a packed line-up for Edinburgh’s Christmas with Santa’s Stories, LNER Big Wheel and the Around the World Starflyer already on sale. The world-famous traditional Christmas markets will once again pop up in Princes Street Gardens in the capital’s New Town from 14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, hosting beautifully decorated chalets selling gifts, decor and festive food.
Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, La Clique has gained international acclaim as the original trailblazing Spiegeltent cabaret show performing all over the world from Edinburgh to London, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, New York, Paris and more.
The Olivier Award winning show will take over its new home in Bristo Square for six nights a week, with matinees on weekends, kicking off on Friday 20 November at 7.30pm. Plus, a host of more festive announcements to come from Edinburgh’s Christmas.
La Clique Noël will once again host the best of the best boundary pushing performers set to entertain Christmas crowds with dazzling acrobatics, razor-sharp wit, sights and sounds you will never forget in the intimate setting of the Palais du Variété fusing cabaret, circus, and sideshow burlesque for a specially curated festive show.
This year’s cast includes Heather Holliday, renowned sword swallower and firebreather; David Pereira, award-winning ‘shaving cream’ acrobat and sublime aerialist; Mario Queen of the Circus, a showman comic known for his crowd surfing, juggling and much more.
With sold out seasons and critical acclaim from around the world under its belt, La Clique’s Christmas edition is sure to add an extra touch of magic to Edinburgh’s Christmas this year under the warm glow of the Spiegeltent. The perfect festive night-out for party-goers and groups looking for the perfect Christmas Cabaret experience.
La Clique’s David Bates said:“Christmas and Hogmanay feel like the perfect time for La Clique to return to its birthplace in Edinburgh. This very special cast are delighted to be in town for 7 weeks – resident in the perfect environment which itself is the star of the show – the Palais du Variété Spiegeltent in Bristo Square.
” La Clique has played to millions of folk in its 22 years but none more special than the audiences in its Auld home toon! Fresh, New, Cutting Edge – La Clique is a reinvention of itself and this year will be no exception. Strap yourself in, leave your troubles at the door and escape with us!”
Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburgh’s Christmas said:“Unique Assembly are delighted to welcome back ‘La Clique’ to Edinburgh for festive fun guaranteed to get you on Santa’s naughty list. “
“La Clique was born in Edinburgh and has grown into an international smash-hit, celebrated around the world as well as the city we pride ourselves on representing.
“Unique Assembly has made Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay some of the most celebrated events in the world, which last year welcoming over 3M visitors to world-class attractions, making both events accessible to local and international audiences.’’
La Clique Noël takes place from Friday 20 November until Sunday 3 January.
Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations spread across the city for seven weeks of festive fun, with more events still to be announced.
Community challenge shortlisted after raising over £45,000 to help older adults and people living with dementia stay active and connected.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Victorian Pool Crawl has been recognised as a finalist in the Best Use of Event or Community Fundraising Initiative category at the Scottish Fundraising Awards 2026, celebrating a community challenge that turned one memorable day of swimming and walking into lasting support for people across the capital.
The recognition comes as entries open for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl, inviting a new group of participants to take on the city-wide challenge and raise money for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.
In April 2026, 61 swimmers completed the challenge, walking 16 kilometres through the city and swimming a total of five kilometres across Dalry, Warrender, Glenogle, Leith Victoria and Portobello Victorian pools.
Together with sponsors and supporters, they raised over £40,000 for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.
The funds are helping people across Edinburgh stay active, build confidence and connect with others. Of the total raised, £22,000 was allocated to Ageing Well, helping older adults maintain their independence and wellbeing, and £22,000 to Movement for Memories, which works with people living with dementia or early-stage memory loss, as well as their carers. The remainder is supporting other Active Communities projects where it is needed most.
For 98-year-old June, Ageing Well helped her return to swimming after many years away from the pool. With the reassurance of an Ageing Well buddy volunteer, she now attends twice a week and has regained her confidence in the water.
June said:“I’ve really missed swimming, so I was excited to get back in the water. The water frees you up – you can move in ways you can’t on land.”
Rachael McCrea, Head of Fundraising at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“We are proud to see the Victorian Pool Crawl recognised alongside such strong fundraising initiatives from across Scotland. This recognition belongs to everyone who made the event possible – from the swimmers and volunteers to the sponsors, donors, partners and colleagues who brought so much energy to the day.
“What matters most is what their efforts have made possible. The money raised is helping people like June return to activities they love, grow in confidence and connect with others. We hope this recognition inspires more people to join us in 2027 and help create more opportunities for people across Edinburgh to be active.”
The Victorian Pool Crawl began in 2025 as an idea from a regular swimmer at Leith Victoria Swim Centre. It has since grown into an Edinburgh-wide community fundraiser celebrating the city’s Victorian swimming heritage while raising money to help people overcome barriers to being active.
Sign Up for 2027
Entries for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl are now open.
Participants will walk 16km and swim up to 1km in all five of Edinburgh Leisure’s historic Victorian pools, all in a single day, while fundraising for Active Communities.
Seven areas in eastern Scotland are now at Significant Scarcity, as the latest weekly Water Scarcity Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows a contrasting picture across the country.
Tay Estuary (North), Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire Coastal have moved to Significant Scarcity this week. They join North Fife, Fife (East Neuk), Stonehaven and North Esk at the highest level on SEPA’s five-tier water scarcity scale.
Low to very low river flows continue across much of eastern Scotland, while most western catchments are experiencing normal to high flows.
Across Scotland, 32 areas are currently at Normal Conditions, five are at Early Warning, five at Alert, five at Moderate Scarcity and seven at Significant Scarcity.
The changing picture highlights the importance of continued monitoring of individual catchments. Conditions have improved in some areas without necessarily returning to normal, while elsewhere very low river flows have persisted for around six weeks. Full recovery of water resources can take a long time following such conditions.
In North Fife and Fife (East Neuk), river flows have remained below the Significant Scarcity threshold for 46 consecutive days. Stonehaven and North Esk have experienced 45 consecutive days of very low flows.
Weekly report, daily monitoring
SEPA publish a national Water Scarcity Report each week during the season, but river conditions are monitored daily through the Drought Risk Assessment Tool.
The tool tracks the number of consecutive days river flows have been very low. When very low flows persist for 30 days, an area can reach Significant Water Scarcity and restrictions on licensed water abstraction may be introduced to protect rivers and the wildlife they support.
Changes to abstraction licences do not wait for the next weekly report. River conditions are assessed daily, allowing restrictions to be introduced where necessary and lifted when flows recover sufficiently.
Abstractors in Lunan Water have also been advised of the potential for restrictions if very low river flows continue. Current monitoring indicates the area could reach Significant Scarcity in around 10 days, although changes in river flows could alter that position.
Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “The picture across Scotland remains very mixed. Most western catchments are experiencing normal to high river flows, while parts of eastern Scotland continue to face significant pressure after a prolonged dry spring and summer.
“Some eastern catchments have now experienced very low river flows for around six weeks. In others, conditions have improved enough to reset the count, while elsewhere pressures are beginning to build again.
“That is why close monitoring matters. Our weekly report gives a national picture, but conditions in individual rivers are monitored daily. That means we can see where pressure is increasing or easing and make evidence-led decisions about when action is needed to protect the water environment.
“It also means the position can change between weekly reports. Where restrictions on licensed abstraction are needed, those decisions are based on the conditions we are seeing in rivers, rather than waiting for the next weekly update.”
Pressure remains concentrated in the east
Ground conditions remain dry across parts of eastern Scotland, with only limited improvement seen in recent weeks.
Groundwater levels remain low to very low across much of eastern Scotland, while levels elsewhere are generally normal or above. Loch levels are generally normal to above normal.
The differences between catchments mean recent weather alone cannot provide a complete picture of water scarcity. River flows can respond quickly, while groundwater, soil moisture and the effects of prolonged dry conditions can take longer to recover.
SEPA continue to work directly with abstractors and other water users in affected catchments to help them understand local conditions, prepare for potential restrictions and build resilience to future periods of water scarcity.
The latest Water Scarcity Report, current scarcity levels and the Drought Risk Assessment Tool are available on SEPA’s website.
Current water scarcity levels
Significant Scarcity: Stonehaven, North Esk, Fife (East Neuk), North Fife, Tay Estuary (North), Whiteadder Water, Berwickshire coastal
Moderate Scarcity: Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed
Alert: Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Almond, Dee (Aberdeen)
Early warning: Spey, Tay, Cree, Findhorn, Earn
All areas not mentioned above are at Normal conditions.
Road policing officers are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash in Edinburgh.
At 6.36pm last night (Wednesday, 23 September 2026), while on routine patrol, two officers signalled for a Yamaha YZF R6 motorcycle to stop in the Seafield Road area.
The motorcycle failed to stop and, at 6.37pm, was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle on Salamander Street, at the junction with Bath Road.
The 40-year-old male rider of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.
The driver of the vehicle was not injured. He was arrested in connection with a road traffic offence and enquiries are ongoing.
Salamander Street was closed for around nine hours while investigations were carried out and fully reopened at around 4am.
Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died, and we will continue to keep them updated on our investigation.
“Specialist crash investigators are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened and I’m appealing to anyone who saw the collision or was in the area and may have information which could be relevant, to come forward. I’d also ask drivers with dash cams to review their footage for anything which may be significant and bring it to our attention.”
Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting incident 2932 of 23 September.
