A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences following a fatal hit and run crash on the A90 Queensferry Road.
Around 11.15pm on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a crash involving a Kawasaki KLE650 motorcycle and an unknown car.
Emergency services attended and the 61-year-old male rider was pronounced dead at the scene.
The car has since been traced and the 31-year-old man arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences. Further enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our investigation and our thoughts remain with the family of the man who died.
“Anyone with any further information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4274 of 8 April, 2025.”
NORTH Edinburgh’s popular Community Festival is on the move – to leafy BARNTON!
The annual festival has proved a huge hit since it was established in 2022, but organisers believe the event has outgrown it’s West Pilton Park home and it’s time to move on to pastures new.
Community stalwart Willie Black explained: “North Edinburgh Community Festival has been hugely popular with the local community but realise that other communities like Barnton and Cramond are losing out.
“That’s just not fair – we want to be as inclusive as possible so the move to Barnton makes perfect sense. It’s a win-win.”
Local landowner and Barnton Community Association chairman Fitzroy Arbuckle-Brightly added: “William and I have been chums since we attended Glenalmond together and the idea to move the festival came about after a jolly lunch during our annual skiing trip to Val D’Isere this spring. The more fine wine we quaffed the more sense it all made!
“North Edinburgh Community Festival has been a victim of it’s own success and has outgrown it’s rather small venue in North Edinburgh. It deserves a far grander stage and that is why I suggested the move to my estate in Barnton.
“There will have to be a few changes, of course, including a croquet competition to replace all that noisy music and the introduction of an entrance fee in line with other major festival events, but we’ll announce all the details later. Much later. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that.”
North Edinburgh Community Festival organisers were unavailable for comment, but it’s understood the re-homed festival will take place on 1st April next year.
On #GoodFriday , Saturday and Easter Monday we have some FREE #Easter & Nature trails at Lauriston Castle. Pop along and pick up the trails & solve a puzzle to get some chocolate eggs.
Staff and residents at Strachan House and sister home, Queens Manor in Edinburgh are celebrating because their wonderful Regional Directors, Wendy McGowan and Dannie Tsoneva, from Barchester’s North East and Scotland Division, are stepping completely out of their comfort zones to compete in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2025.
Swapping their business suits for chefs’ whites, Dannie and Wendy are going head-to-head with two Regional Directors from each of Barchester’s four other divisions to cook up a storm and raise a vital funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.
The Foundation helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life.
Each year the Foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales. In 2024 the Foundation achieved a donation milestone of £335,000 which enabled the charity to provide vital help to a staggering 239 small groups and charities, plus 104 individuals in one year alone.
Wendy and Dannie are keeping their cards very close to their chests regarding what they will be cooking but they have been practising hard!
Wendy comments: “Dannie and I are passionate about the Foundation and we’re both relishing the chance to be able to raise funds and give back.
“I’d class myself as a solid home cook so I think we’ll go for a classic menu and all will be well!”
General Manager of Strachan House care home, Fran Fisher said: “We are all so proud of Wendy and Dannie for taking part in this challenge, they really are amazing – is there nothing they can’t do!They will raise so much money for the Foundation, we think they are absolute super stars!
Care home residents scrum together for brand-new pub opening
FORMER Scotland rugby international Andy Irvine has officially opened a brand-new social space at one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious care homes.
The Scotland and British and Irish Lions star joined residents at Cramond Residence to open its very own pub, marking the latest addition to the home’s outstanding facilities.
Created as a vibrant social hub, the new space now offers residents a welcoming environment to enjoy sporting events, themed gatherings and special celebrations designed to enhance residents’ social lives and wellbeing.
Decorated with an impressive array of sporting memorabilia, the pub features a signed British and Irish Lions jersey donated by Irvine from his playing days, along with a collection of Scotland rugby keepsakes.
Andy said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to open the new pub at Cramond and spend time with the residents. It’s fantastic to see a space like this created for them, where they can come together, share stories, and enjoy the social side of sport.
“The pub has a great atmosphere, and with all the memorabilia on the walls, it feels like the perfect place to watch a match or catch up over a drink.”
Richard Annan, Head of Sales and Marketing at Cramond Residence said: “The new pub space has rapidly become the heart of our home. It’s wonderful to see residents connecting over shared interests, making new friends and maintaining the active social lives they’ve always enjoyed.
“Many of our residents were previously members of clubs such as rugby, golf and tennis. This new space allows them to relive those experiences while enjoying live events together in a setting that encourages natural socialisation.”
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to see how the pub continues to bring people together.”
With nine lounges spread across different suites, the care home’s team embarked on a mission to transform select areas into purposeful, engaging and social spaces.
Head of Maintenance at Cramond Residence, Billy Early, played a key role in bringing the pub to life, using his skills to craft a bespoke wooden bar and transform the space into a warm and welcoming social hub.
Billy said: “It’s been a real privilege to work on this project and see how much the residents are enjoying it already. We wanted to create a space that felt special but also comfortable – somewhere people would naturally want to spend time.
“It’s all about tailoring our spaces to the interests and passions of our residents, ensuring they can continue to enjoy the things that matter most to them.
“The pub has already become a hub of activity, and we’re looking forward to making the most of it with events such as Wimbledon, The Grand National, and the rest of the Six Nations.”
Plans are already in motion to introduce further dedicated spaces at the home, including a fully equipped gym, a hobby and games room and a nostalgic 1970s-themed living area to support residents living with dementia.
Cramond Residence prioritises the residents’ needs and offers a tailored activity programme that combines a luxury hotel ambiance with the comfort of home living.
The residence was purpose-built for £8m and opened in October 2018, adopting a small-group living philosophy with a major emphasis on socialisation.
To find out more about Cramond Residence, please visit:
A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal crash in Edinburgh.
The incident happened on Whitehouse Road around 8.20am on Friday, 1 March, 2024 and involved a schoolboy and a bin lorry. Emergency services attended but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man has been charged with a road traffic offence and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
He is expected to appear in court at a later date.
Strachan House and Queens Manor in Edinburgh will be opening their doors to the local community for an day of coffee and cakes on Saturday 9th November.
Taking place between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home.
Frances Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House, says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Strachan House will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides nursing care and dementia care from respite care to long term stays.
The Atlantic Rim Collaboratory Summit is being co-hosted by @ScotGov this year. The annual gathering brings together pupils, teachers and education experts.
Over four days, participants will share ideas about how to improve schools in the different countries taking part.
First Minister @JohnSwinney and Education Secretary @JennyGilruth (a former teacher at RHS) met international delegates, pupils and teachers attending a Summit session at the Royal High School.
They discussed ways to improve attendance at school and help children get the most from their education.
Royal High School said on Twitter: “Our School Captain, Hannah & Vice Captains Hollie & Skye delivered exceptional speeches and were a credit to RHS. It was a pleasure to welcome delegates to our school.”
Care Home Residents Enjoy A Visit From Miniature Shetland Ponies
Queens Manor Care Home, on Queensferry Road, was full of fun when two miniature Shetland ponies came to visit.
Residents at Queens Manor Care Home were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friends roaming around the home as John and Elaine from Therapy Ponies Scotland paid a visit with Wilson & Flicker.
Residents, staff and visitors alike loved seeing them wandering the home and into rooms, paying everyone a special visit.
Resident Frank Heathcote was surprised by Flicker as he appeared in his room: “It’s not everyday you see a Shetland pony in your come walking into your room – he was so friendly and soft!”
Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment, Shannon Cullen said: “Our residents really loved their visit from the adorable pair.
“We are such an animal loving home and knew that having the two miniature Shetland ponies here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus.
“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we reconfirmed the level of enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”
Resident Joyce Shand was very excited by the little duo: “I have always loved ponies and horses of all sizes and today was great!
“It was wonderful that Wilson & Flicker were able to come into see everyone. I really enjoyed seeing them trotting along the corridor and seeing them both wearing their little shoes!”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Queens Manor Care Home provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Established independent funeral director, William Purves, is extending its support to grieving families across Edinburgh with a new branch in Barnton.
Located on 185 Whitehouse Road, William Purves’ new premise will offer premium funeral facilities to be enjoyed by residents across EH4 and EH12 postcodes.
The refurbished space will include a comfortable reception room, an arranging room and a peaceful private viewing space for grieving friends and families to visit, providing locals with the highest level of funeral care.
Previously a hair salon, the new site will further strengthen William Purves’ presence in Edinburgh, joining eight existing branches to bring the business’s unrivalled funeral service to families in the north-west of the city. This central, convenient location to surrounding areas enables families to easily access support and every stage of the funeral process.
Leading the charge at the new Barnton branch will be accomplished funeral director, Jamie Reece, who has over a decade of experience in the sector. Jamie will work alongside the newly appointed Branch Administrator, Anne Ballantyne who recently celebrated five years with William Purves and is a local resident of Barnton.
James Morris, Managing Directorat William Purves commented on the new opening:“We are very pleased to be opening a new branch in the beautiful Barnton area of Edinburgh.
” Having undergone a complete refurbishment, the new space will ensure grieving families have access to the highest standard of funeral care, support and comfort when it is needed most.
“And, having established strong relationships with the local churches, celebrants and funeral service venues, we hope to provide a streamlined service to minimise any additional stress at an already difficult time.
“We are looking forward to welcoming locals into the new branch – and encourage anyone with questions about funeral plans or arrangements to pop in and say hello.”
Tim Purves, chairman and great-great-grandson of founder William Purves, said:“This is an exciting time for William Purves and the wider Barnton area, as our new branch will offer local families the dedicated support, community investment and first-class facilities William Purves is known for.
“When my great great grandfather first opened William Purves Funeral Directors in 1888, I can’t imagine he envisioned I would be here today opening our 9th branch in Edinburgh and 29th nationwide. It is an honour to preserve his legacy and to continue serving the families of Edinburgh and beyond all these years later.”
William Purves’ new branch can be found on 185 Whitehouse Road and is open between 9-5 (closed between 1 and 2 for lunch) on weekdays. However, our phone line is open 24/7 for anyone in need.
