Category: Barnton

Christmas gift turns out to be long lost family heirloom

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? GIFT COINCIDENCE ASTOUNDS CARE HOME RESIDENT AND FAMILY

Betty Roy, a resident at Queens Manor care home on Queensferry Road, and her son Ivor were completely astounded to discover that a Christmas gift sourced by one of the home’s key workers, Clarissa, was actually a long lost family heirloom! 

Clarissa was looking for a unique and meaningful gift for Betty for Christmas and whilst browsing online happened  across ‘Aye Ready, The History of Edinburgh Fire Brigade, The Oldest Municipal Brigade in Britain’ (by Alexander Reid). 

Initially she wondered about gifting a ‘second hand’ item but decided it would be perfectly  appropriate for Betty as she often spoke of her father, Robert Thomas Wyllie, whose photo she proudly displays in her room.  Robert was Assistant Fire Officer at Edinburgh’s Laurieston Fire Station during the 1930’s. 

Betty was showing the book to son Ivor, who was amazed to discover that the book now in Betty’s possession was in fact his own copy, which had belonged to his father. Ivor had inadvertently donated the book along with other items to charity, many miles from Queens Manor and Edinburgh Fire Brigade.

Clarissa found it online purely by chance and now it has found its way home to Betty and Ivor – a chance in a million!

Ivor commented: “I couldn’t believe it when Betty told me she had a copy of the book. When she showed it to me, I realised it was the original copy given to me from my Grandfather’s things, because inside it contained an original letter with coupons which he had never cashed in – I recognised the piece of paper and the edges where it had been inserted in to the book all those years ago! 

“I didn’t even realise until today that the book was no longer in my house!”

Margaret-Ann Davidson, General Manager for Queens Manor, added: “This is a fantastic example of a person-centred gift, made even more special by the provenance. 

“There must have been many copies of the book, and for the family copy to find its way back to Betty and Ivor is incredible!  We’re very lucky to share in this story – all of our residents have lived interesting lives and we love to hear all about it. 

“This is a truly extraordinary coincidence and I’m sure it will be shared at many a family dinner table for years to come!”

Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. 

Queens Manor provides residential, dementia and respite care for short breaks and longer term stays. 

Police appeal following attempted theft of supermarket ATM

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following the attempted theft of an ATM in Barnton early this morning.

The incident happened around 2.50am on Wednesday, 7 January, 2026 at a supermarket in Whitehouse Road.

A black Nissan Navara is understood to have been used in an attempt to steal the ATM which then drove deliberately at a police car. The police officer was not hurt.

The driver exited the Nissan Navara and got into a vehicle which could be an Audi A3 with another two men.

The vehicle made off in the direction of Maybury Road. The Nissan Navara was recovered at the scene.

The three men were dressed in black clothing with face coverings.

Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious.

“As part of enquiries, we are carrying out a review of CCTV and conducting door to door enquiries.

“I would ask residents to check doorbell footage to see if you have captured anything that can assist our enquiries. I would ask motorists to do the same and check dash-cam footage.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0257 of 7 January, 2026, or alternatively anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Edinburgh Scouts swap Santa Sleigh for Santa Fe in festive fundraiser

Vertu Hyundai Edinburgh East and West are helping Santa Claus and the Craigalmond Scout Group spread festive cheer and raise money for charity by lending a Hyundai SANTA FE to tow their Christmas sleigh through the streets of Edinburgh.

From 7th – 13th December, the specially branded SANTA FE will support the Scouts’ annual sleigh ride, a tradition that sees volunteers dressed as elves and Santa himself greeting families along the route.

This year, the sleigh will travel through Cammo, Cramond, Barnton, Craigmount, Silverknowes and Parkgrove each evening, with children invited to stop the sleigh for a photo with Santa and donate to the cause.

Funds raised will support Cancer Card, and help finance the Scout group’s expeditions.

01/12/25 Vertu Motors Hyundai 390 Calder Road, Edinburgh

The initiative was spearheaded by Sandra Smit, CMA Accountant at Vertu Hyundai Edinburgh East and West, and Scout Leader with the Craigalmond group. Her own children are members of the Scouts, making the event a personal highlight of the season.

The dealerships responded enthusiastically to the request, fitting the vehicle with a roof rack to help transport gifts and decorating it to reflect the festive spirit.

Sandra said: “The sleigh ride is something our community looks forward to every year. It’s magical for the children and meaningful for the Scouts.

“Having Vertu Hyundai Edinburgh East and West donate the use of the SANTA FE to pull Santa’s Sleigh means we can reach more families and raise even more for the causes we care about.”

Arun Raghu, CMA General Manager at Vertu Hyundai Edinburgh East and West said: “When Sandra approached us, we didn’t hesitate. The Scouts do fantastic work locally, and this is a brilliant way to support them while bringing Christmas joy to the community.

“The SANTA FE might not fly, but it’s certainly going to make an impression!”

Alzheimer Scotland call on people to sign up to Edinburgh Memory Walk

SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER at LAURISTON CASTLE GARDENS

People across Edinburgh and the east are being encouraged to sign up for a fundraising walk that pays tribute to people with dementia.

Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk 2025 takes place on Sunday, 26 October and will raise vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.

Communities across the area are being invited to join the event in Lauriston Castle Gardens on Cramond Road South, where they can walk in memory of loved ones affected by the illness.

The Edinburgh event is the last of four memory walks taking place across Scotland throughout 2025.

Those looking to take part can sign up at memorywalk.alzscot.org.

Events have also taken place in Dundee, Aberdeen and Glasgow. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and children can be registered for free. It’s quick and easy to set up a sponsorship page, which can be shared with family, friends and colleagues.

Every penny raised will help people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland.

Scotland’s Memory Walk is also about celebrating the lives of people with dementia and walking to remember them.

Among those taking part is Karen Witherspoon from Cleikiminfield, Edinburgh. She will be walking in memory of her mum Margaret Walker who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and passed away in 2024 aged 82.

Karen, 61, a university administration manager, will be joined on the walk by husband John, daughters Lauren, 37, and Amy, 32, and son-in-law Patrick.

She said: “My mum Margaret was such a loving person who was devoted to her family. She was always there for me and my sister Nicola, and when I had my daughters she spent almost every day with them.

“She loved bingo, reading and music, and kept fit by going for walks with my dad William and her best pal Pat.

“She was the best mum.

“We started noticing signs that things weren’t quite right and then in 2021 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It seemed to progress fast, but we did our best to make the most of the time we had with her.

“Alzheimer Scotland have been a great source of advice and support for us, and before mum passed she joined us on our first memory walk to raise money for them – walking around Arthur’s Seat.

“It felt good to be able to give back and this year we’ll be taking part in the memory walk again. Whatever we raise, I hope it helps support the work Alzheimer Scotland are doing so that other families like ours can get the help and support they need.

“It’s a shame mum isn’t here to join in, but we’ll be doing it in her memory. I hope she’s looking down and is proud of us.”

Lauren Heap, Centre Manager for Alzheimer Scotland’s Edinburgh and West Lothian’s Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is proud to support people living with dementia and their families and carers, from our centres here in Edinburgh.

“We are delighted to host this Memory Walk in Edinburgh. It is such a special event and it will be wonderful to walk alongside our supporters again in the local community.

“Scotland’s Memory Walk has always had a wonderful ability to bring people together. Every pound raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support. We can’t wait to see Lauriston Castle Gardens filled with a sea of purple t-shirts.”

To find out more and to sign up for Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit: 

memorywalk.alzscot.org 

Silver Sunday at Lauriston Castle

Join us at Lauriston Castle on Sunday 5 October to celebrate Silver Sunday.

Silver Sunday is the national day for older people, which is co-ordinated by Age UK.

Age UK’s Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities and the generations around them.

Further information about our 2 free tours here:

https://cultureedinburgh.com/events/highlights-tour-castle

https://cultureedinburgh.com/…/step-free-access-tour…

Police appeal following fatal road crash on Cramond Road South

Road Policing officers are appealing for information following a fatal crash in Edinburgh last night (Wednesday, 3 September, 2025).

Around 10.05pm, officers received a report that a Vauxhall Corsa had crashed on Cramond Road South.

Emergency services attended, however, the 50-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has died.

“As our enquiries continue, I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this crash to contact us. I would also urge anyone who was in the area who has dash-cam or personal footage to please review it and get touch if it holds anything which may be relevant.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3584 of Wednesday, 3 September, 2025.

Operation Portaledge: Police in Edinburgh announce two more arrests

POLICE have announced that another two people have been arrested and charged in connection with Operation Portaledge, bringing the total number of arrests to 57.

On Monday, 18 August, 2025, officers arrested and charged a 25-year-old man and a 26-year-old man in connection with multiple offences in Edinburgh.

They were charged in connection with an attempted wilful fire-raising of a property on Barnton Avenue on Sunday, 17 August, 2025, the wilful fire-raising of a premises on Gorgie Road and the attempted wilful fire-raising of a vehicle on Gorgie Road on Monday, 18 August.

Both men appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 19 August, 2025.

Barnton luxury retirement development announced finalist for third major award of 2025

The Avenue, an exclusive retirement community by five-star home builder Cruden Homes, is in the running for its third major accolade after being shortlisted for ‘Development of the Year’ at the 2025 Herald Property Awards.

This latest nomination follows an impressive award season for The Avenue, which has already scooped Housing Development of the Year (Small, Private Sale) at the 2025 Scottish Home Awards and Private Development of the Year (Medium) at the 2025 Homes for Scotland Awards. 

Located in the leafy suburb of Barnton, just minutes from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, The Avenue’s boutique offering includes 48 energy-efficient apartments, penthouses, and executive villas, each built to a high specification. 

Designed exclusively for those aged 55 and over, the development combines elegant, hotel-inspired living and thoughtful amenities. Residents can enjoy access to a stylish club lounge and guest suite, and will benefit from a dedicated concierge service. The Avenue’s focus on sustainability, quality and design sets it apart in the retirement living sector.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “The Avenue offers a truly unique opportunity for those aged 55 and over to live in luxurious, peaceful homes, alongside a lovely community of like-minded neighbours.

“We prioritised quality and innovation from the outset, and it is fantastic to see this commitment recognised with our recent award successes and this latest nomination.”

The Herald Property awards, hosted in partnership with Prime Property Auctions, celebrate Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords.

For more information on The Avenue’s luxury retirement living, please visit: 

www.theavenuebarnton.co.uk

80th Anniversary of the end of the war against Japan

Commemorating those who fought and died in the campaigns in the Far East

YESTERDAY (Saturday 16 August 2025) The Royal Scots Regimental Association led a memorial service at The Royal Scots Memorial Garden at Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Japan which marked the end of the Second World War (VJ Day, 15 August 1945).

Those on parade included descendants of those who fought in the Far East between 1941 and 1945, former Royal Scots and their families as well as representatives of other services and arms that were involved in the various campaigns.  

Having formed up in front of Lauriston Castle, they marched the short distance to the Royal Scots Memorial Garden behind the Royal Scots Association Pipe Band and their Association Standards.  

A short service was conducted by Reverend Dr Iain May, Chaplain to The Royal Scots Regimental Association.  The wreath laying was led by Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.

The Royal Scots, recruited predominantly from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Peeblesshire, were involved from the first day to the last of this bitterly fought campaign.  

Their 2nd Battalion fought in defence of Hong Kong from 8 December 1941 and 144 of those who survived were among the 828 prisoners who perished when their ship, the Lisbon Maru, was torpedoed in October 1942; the remainder, if they survived, endured four years of captivity.  

The Regiment’s 1st Battalion fought through the later campaign in Burma, including the Battles of Kohima and Aradura which marked the turning point in the war against Japan and led to the final victory on VJ Day, 15 August 1945.

Malcolm Warrack, son of Lt Col Morren Warrack who fought at Kohima with the regiment, said: “A group of Royal Scots Veterans felt very strongly about the lack of some form of local memorial specifically for their fellow soldiers who did not come back from the Burma Campaign and Kohima in particular.

“George Rogers, Ian Henderson and Morren Warrack co-ordinated the preparation and creation of this Memorial Garden; they spoke often about the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East so it is particularly fitting that 80 years after VJ Day we remember them.”

Gerry Borg, son of Lisbon Maru survivor John Borg, said: “We can never fully appreciate the suffering and pain endured by the brave men who were Prisoners of War in Japan.

“From a very young age we were taught that the word ‘starving’ was forbidden in our house. Dad would remind us that we never had, and hopefully never would, experience true starvation.

“On the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, it is right that we remember the sacrifice made on our behalf. We must preserve the history of the events and, honour those involved.”

Brigadier Lowder added: “Having had the privilege as a young officer to meet some of the survivors of the 1st and 2nd Battalions and hear first hand their accounts of their experiences in the Far East, Hong Kong and in captivity, this 80th Anniversary of the end of the war against Japan was particularly poignant.

“The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) will never forget their service and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”