Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace items which were stolen from an address in the New Town area.
The theft took place between 11.30am and 12.45pm on Saturday February 6 2021, during which these distinctive cameras were stolen:
• Canon 5D Mark III worth a 4-figure sum. Peak design camera strap, black with red attachments. Body serial number 185025000491. Lens serial number 06947041.
• Canon AE-1P worth a 3-figure sum. Peak design camera strap, black with red attachments.
Anyone who may have seen these items since that date, or has information on where they may be now, is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2374 of 06/02/21 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
The final proposed concept design for the transformation of George Street has been unveiled.
Detailed artist’s impressions and a 3D fly-through illustrate how the street and surrounding area within the UNESCO World Heritage Site could look under the George Street and First New Town Public Realm Improvements Project.
Significantly widened pavements, landscaped spaces for play and relaxation and a cycling thoroughfare, where motor traffic is largely removed, will create a people-friendly setting. By retaining symmetry and removing street clutter alongside ‘urban greening’ through shrubs and hedging, the designs both protect the area’s heritage and enhance the environment.
Improvements are being delivered as part of a coordinated package of projects under Edinburgh City Centre Transformation.
This includes the forthcoming Meadows to George Street and City Centre West to East Link schemes, which will transform walking, wheeling and cycling routes and connections across the city centre. These schemes also support the City Mobility Plan, a ten-year strategy to overhaul transport and mobility in the Capital to deliver a sustainable, net zero carbon and inclusive future.
The concept design for George Street, which has been progressed by a design team led by Tetratech with LDA Landscape Design, follows several years of development and engagement to refine design objectives with the public and stakeholders, including community councils and heritage, business, walking, cycling and accessibility groups.
During February and March, further engagement will take place with key groups, while the public will be able to see the design for themselves and tell us how they might enjoy a revitalised George Street.
Feedback gathered in February and March will inform a final iteration of the design proposal before being brought to Transport and Environment Committee in April. The required statutory processes under which the scheme will be constructed would begin this summer.
https://youtu.be/YaWvPP4QFTQ
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “These animated concept designs offer an exciting glimpse into what George Street and the surrounding area could look like in 2025 – a welcoming, relaxing and unique space, where people will want to spend time, to visit local shops, cafes and restaurants and to travel to and through the city centre.
“This vision has been years in the making and follows significant engagement with the public and a range of groups representing different interests. It’s essential that its design works for everyone, which is why we’ve spent time ensuring it meets people’s access needs, that it allows residents to go about their daily lives and that it will encourage local businesses to flourish, particularly as we look to make a strong, green recovery from the COVID crisis.”
Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “I was thrilled to see the concept designs for this project brought to life and look forward to hearing the responses of all those who watch our video or see the beautiful, detailed illustrations.
“This initiative offers the opportunity to transform one of Edinburgh’s iconic streets for the better, creating an accessible, inviting space, where both the historic environment is protected and biodiversity promoted, and where people can relax and spend time on foot, bike or wheelchair.”
The Transport and Environment Committee first agreed to increase pedestrian space in the city centre in 2013 and in 2014 and 2015 a new layout was trialled on George Street, with stakeholder engagement and a subsequent series of user surveys demonstrating a strong appetite for change.
Since then, a vision and design principles have been developed and the project was widened to include the interconnecting Castle, Frederick and Hanover Streets and the junctions with Charlotte and St Andrew Squares. Further, significant engagement with the public and stakeholders has led to the designs published today.
Key considerations for the project have been putting people first, protecting the area’s heritage, promoting the environment and biodiversity and providing accessible transport links.
Elements of the concept design relating to each include –
Putting people first:
Increased pedestrian space; adaptable, landscaped areas with seating, space for play and opportunities for events; space for outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants; better lighting to animate the streets after dark; level access crossings at street junctions for unimpeded crossing; disabled parking bays on George Street and interconnected streets
Protecting heritage:
Retaining symmetry on George Street; removing unnecessary street clutter; removing parking to reduce the dominance of motor traffic; upgrading pavements with high quality materials
Enhancing the environment:
Suitably scaled soft landscaping including shrubs and hedging, reducing the impact of heavy rain and floods; permeably paved areas to allow drainage
Improved walking, cycling and wheeling connections;
Largely car-free; cycling is prioritised in George Street and directly connects with the Meadows to George Street and CCWEL cycle route schemes at Hanover Street, St Andrew Square and Charlotte Square; improved pedestrian crossings at junctions; loading retained for businesses
The George Street and First New Town Public Realm Project responds to and supports various Council initiatives, such as Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, the City Mobility Plan and the Active Travel Action Plan, as well as projects like Trams to Newhaven and Low Emission Zones.
If approved, it is intended to begin construction work on the scheme in 2023, with an anticipated completion in 2025. It is expected to cost £32m, with £20m from Transport Scotland via Sustrans.
Simon Strain, Interim Head of Infrastructure Delivery for Sustrans Scotland said:“George Street is one of the most vibrant and distinctive shopping streets in Scotland, thanks to the insightful planning of James Craig.
“We are pleased to be supporting the increased space for walking, wheeling and cycling that this project will create, upgrading one of the city’s key travel routes. The new spaces for sitting and relaxing provide both visitors and residents with comfortable spaces where they can rest and enjoy the World Heritage Site.”
Richard Grant, from Spokes, said: “George Street forms a crucial section of the Council’s flagship west-east ‘CCWEL’ cycleroute project, as well as being a major destination in its own right.
“The new George Street plans, taking lessons from European “cycle streets,” provide a wide central “cycling zone” shared with blue badge and (at restricted times) delivery vehicles treated as ‘guests.’ This replaces the previously planned segregated bidirectional cycleroute.
“This will be an innovative scheme for Scotland, which could be widely followed, and as such the Council must get it right. Given the funding from Sustrans, safe and pleasant conditions for cycling and walking are critical.
“Spokes welcomes the scheme subject to strict enforcement of the limited number and timings of permitted vehicles, as well as design details. We particularly welcome the assurance of enforcement, by automated means such as number plate recognition or in other ways, which is essential to success.”
Edinburgh Access Panel
“EAP is aware that George Street currently presents many obstacles for people with disabilities. We are delighted to be involved in a scheme which will remove so many barriers that prevent a significant proportion of the population, both residents and visitors from being able to participate fully in the many facilities that are available in this attractive central city location.”
Living Streets Edinburgh
“Edinburgh – perhaps uniquely for a European city of its size and history – lacks any significant space in the city centre where pedestrians really come first. George Street has been dominated by traffic and parking for too long and is the obvious place to put this right in the heart of the New Town. These proposals offer the prospect of George Street becoming a place where it is finally a pleasure to walk in and linger.”
George Street Association
“There is no doubt that the current pre-occupation of George Street Association members is how to recover when the prolonged coronavirus restrictions are lifted. However, we have a mutual interest with the City Council and others involved in this ambitious project to deliver the high-quality changes needed for the future success of this iconic street.
“This overdue transformation to the appearance and operation of George Street will impact on our members and affected businesses in the area will need support throughout the inevitable disruption involved.
“We appreciate the opportunity for ongoing engagement with the City Council on the final concept design and thereafter.”
Essential Edinburgh
“Essential Edinburgh welcome the proposed concept designs for George Street which are the result of extensive consultation. It is vital the design works for all its users whether they be retail and hospitality businesses, residents, office workers and people undertaking active travel.
“The design takes this into account including issues related to servicing and accessibility and we look forward to continuing to work with the Council and other stakeholders to support delivery of a plan that works for all.”
Edinburgh World Heritage
‘Edinburgh World Heritage is highly supportive of the design for the public realm improvements in George Street as currently proposed. Over time, the proposal has evolved into a simple and elegant design, removing traffic and street clutter, with the potential to enhance the character and authenticity of this significant centrepiece of the First New Town in relation to its existing state.
“New elements have been carefully introduced and will echo the symmetry and materials of the historic streetscape. Based on the current visuals, we believe these changes will improve the way the street is experienced and valued by putting pedestrians first and allowing them to enjoy the rich heritage which surrounds them. We would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for taking our views on board at critical stages during the design process.’
Find out more about the George Street and First New Town Public Realm Improvements Project and watch the 3D fly-through, developed by Luma3D, on the Council website.
Citizens are being asked for their views on how Edinburgh celebrates Christmas and New Year in a new consultation launching today (Wednesday 24 February).
The twelve-week survey, being carried out by independent market research company Progressive on behalf of the Council, is now live on the Consultation Hub.
The survey seeks feedback from the Capital’s residents, communities and businesses on how Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, should be delivered from 2022 onwards.
In addition to the online consultation residents without internet access can request a paper copy by calling the Council on 0131 200 2000.
Originally planned for Spring 2020 the delivery of the consultation was delayed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and suspension of all public consultations. In the meantime, officers procured independent agency Progressive to allow the consultation to be delivered as soon as the suspension was lifted.
Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We want to hear from the people of Edinburgh both on how our Winter Festivals should be delivered and indeed what should be delivered.
“Their feedback to our consultation will shape the future direction of our celebrations from 2022 onwards, when the current arrangements come to an end. This is a good time to take stock and look at what people think and what people want.
“Our Winter Festivals have grown in size and renown both at home and throughout the world. Their cultural and economic importance is well documented and through this consultation we will establish a balanced knowledge of how Edinburgh citizens regard these celebrations, both positive and negative.
“It is therefore important that as many people as possible make their views heard and I would urge everyone, whatever their views, to spend the small amount of time needed to complete the survey and have their say.
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener said: “We want Edinburgh’s residents and businesses to be at the heart of shaping the future of the Winter Festivals in the Capital. We are engaging in an open public conversation about the future of these events, with opportunities to respond online or in written form.
“In this consultation, residents will be asked about their experiences of Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, as well as what activities they would like to see included in the planning and operation of the festivals in the future.
“We want to ensure that our future Winter Festivals achieve the right balance for those living, working in and visiting our capital city.
The consultation will close on 19 May and the outcomes will be presented to both the Festivals and Events All Party Oversight Group and to the Culture and Communities Committee later this year.
UNISON: ‘Local government is at the point of collapse’
UNISON City of Edinburgh branch, has raised fears about the further budget cuts being presented to the city’s full council meeting today and condemns both the Scottish and UK governments for the continuing underfunding of Local Government.
Over the past 10 years the council has seen hundreds of millions of pounds slashed from its budget resulting in hundreds of job losses, cuts to services, and the closing of third sector organisations.
“Local government is at the point of collapse and the Scottish and UK Governments have done very little to prevent its demise while at the same time due to COVID-19 has asked it to do more,” said the union’s branch secretary Tom Connolly.
“Providing services from the cradle to the grave, local government and the services it provides impact on all citizens. The continuing underfunding can have a serious impact on the effectiveness of the services being provided.”
UNISON, the biggest union representing workers in Edinburgh council, says that those employed in local government are fire fighting to keep services running, they feel undervalued and the increasing high levels of stress amongst staff is an example of the negative impact on the health and wellbeing of those staff.
UNISON’s Plug the Gap campaign https://www.unison-scotland.org/protect-our-council-services/ has called on the government to bridge the £1 billion funding gap in local Government. COSLA has also called for the action to be taken to bridge the Funding Gap.
“Everyone suffers if Local Government is not provided the funding that it needs to provide meaningful services across our communities,” added Tom Connolly.
“Staff in local government need to be rewarded and paid well for the jobs that they do, there are many low paid workers in local government providing face to face support to or most vulnerable children and adults, in school, care homes etc.
“Other council staff keep our public buildings clean, keep our roads clear, clean our streets and empty our bins, administrative and clerical workers dealing with benefits and other essential administrative tasks, all examples of low paid and undervalued workers who have continued to keep the city running.
“These workers now need to be given the value that they have always deserved and rewarded with decent pay and conditions. Clapping does not pay the bills.”
As the city council’s budget meeting gets underway, some images from budgets past:
Scotland’s retail and hospitality industries are set to benefit from a sizable jobs boost, thanks to St James Quarter and its FUSE initiative.
As the retail and hospitality industries look to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, more than 450 new jobs will be recruited for initially at the development – with the capital city destination also planning to sustain a total of 3,000 new roles as it continues to grow.
Launched by the team at St James Quarter and working in partnership with a number of organisations across the city, FUSE is a new initiative providing a high-quality recruitment service specialising in retail and hospitality for employers both within St James Quarter and the wider Edinburgh area.
FUSE is recruiting roles for a variety of different levels, ranging from retail and restaurant management to security, customer service and cleaning staff – for brands such as Bonnie & Wild, Miele, Croma Vigilant and ABM. Further to driving recruitment, FUSE will continue to support those employed by providing further training, accredited qualifications, and ongoing networking opportunities.
Rochelle Burgess at St James Quarter said:“The upcoming St James Quarter opening is a catalyst for a new era in Edinburgh providing jobs, building careers, and creating opportunities for people to develop and grow.
“The team at St James Quarter is passionate about doing our part to support and bolster the local community and we’re proud to be able to bring so many exciting career opportunities to Scotland – especially during what has been such a tough time for the people at the heart of the retail and hospitality industries.”
Calum Nicol, FUSE Manager, added: “At FUSE, we’re committed to providing a leading service for both employers and employees – helping to match recruits with the needs of employers.
“Our diverse and experienced team allows us to stay at the forefront of recruitment needs, with our in-depth knowledge of all sectors placing the most suitable candidates in the most suitable positions.
“After such a difficult period for these industries, FUSE hopes to be a beacon of hope for those seeking employment and career opportunities at such a challenging time.”
St James Quarter is set to open the first phase of its retail, dining and leisure elements in Spring this year.
Last weekend we saw large numbers of vehicles parking inconsiderately in and around certain areas in Edinburgh including Portobello, the Pentland Hills, Cramond Brig, Marine Drive and South Queensferry.
Chief Inspector Neil Wilson, from St Leonard’s Police Station, said: “We are fortunate to have so many wonderful parks and open spaces in the city, but please remember that several car parks which would usually accommodate these areas are currently closed to the public and some of our popular areas for exercising have limited parking available.
“I appreciate that people are keen to head out to exercise and enjoy what Edinburgh has to offer, but you should have a backup plan in the event that you can’t park your vehicle safely. Do not park irresponsibly, as you may restrict local residents and other road users or block access for emergency services.
“Parking your vehicle on a pavement or on a road in such a way as to cause an obstruction is not only an offence, but puts other road users and pedestrians at risk.
“We will be paying particular attention to key areas this coming weekend in response to the recent parking issues and officers will carry out enforcement action if necessary.
“People should also be mindful of the current guidelines in respect of meeting others outdoors.
“The Chief Constable has already made it clear that our approach throughout the pandemic has not changed. Police Scotland officers will continue to support people to follow the regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility.
“People should not leave their home unless for essential purposes. The best way to stay safe is to stay at home.”
For the latest guidelines from the Scottish Government, visit its website here:
The council has installed new advanced green lights for cyclists in the city centre to help improve cycle safety around tram tracks.
The lights, which have been introduced at a number of locations around Princes Street, St Andrew Square and the West End, give cyclists more space and time at key junctions.
This is the latest in a series of measures to improve safety for people cycling near the city centre tram route over recent years. These include red-surfaced cycle lanes at key points to make it easier to cross the tram tracks, more advance stop boxes and additional warning signs for drivers and cyclists.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “Cycle safety is of utmost importance to us, and in recent years we have worked to introduce several changes to help protect cyclists travelling near the tram tracks.
“By introducing early release green lights for cyclists we are giving anyone travelling by bike more space at a number of busy junctions around the city centre.”
Drivers are being advised to look out for the early release green lights for cyclists. Drivers must wait for their own green light and are encouraged to give people cycling a lot of extra space around tram tracks.
The council has recently introduced several measures to create safer spaces for walking and cycling in the city centre as part of the Spaces for People programme.
Amongst these are temporary segregated cycle lanes between Forrest Road and the Mound, the closure of Waverley Bridge to motor traffic at the junction with Princes Street and widened pavements on East Princes Street and South St David Street.
Advanced green lights for people cycling have been installed on specific approach arms at the following junctions:
The highly sought-after London Fashion Retail Academy course is coming to Scotland for the first time through an exclusive partnership with St James Quarter and Edinburgh College.
Working closely with over 140 fashion brands, the partnership is set to bring a unique Retail Fashion, Marketing and Branding course to Edinburgh College starting on 25th January – the first time the London based retail education specialist has ventured outside of London in its 15 years of existence.
The Fashion Retail Academy, awarded Ofsted Outstanding, is the quickest route to a career in fashion retail. Founded by retail giants, the Academy offers a range of exclusive fashion courses with unparalleled industry involvement to ensure students gain the skills and contacts needed to successfully progress to employment.
Funding from St James Quarter has allowed Edinburgh College to work exclusively with Fashion Retail Academy to develop this brand-new programme – starting on 25th January – to jump start Scottish students with a passion for fashion into the world of retail.
For the first time ever, the London based retail education specialist will provide expert resources that have been developed over the past 15 years to Edinburgh College students as part of a long term plan to enhance Edinburgh’s talent pipeline for retail roles – both for within St James Quarter and beyond.
The course will incorporate a range of topics including fashion retailing; branding and marketing; satisfying customer needs and digital retailing and will have a specific focus on the best ways to meet the needs of retailers, drawing on the most up-to-date research on the retail workforce and accounting for the acceleration of current trends brought about by the pandemic.
Once completed, all students will achieve a SCQF Level 5 qualification in Retail Fashion, Branding and Marketing and will be supported by St James Quarter in helping to find work within the retail industry.
Rochelle Burgess, Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said:“This partnership has been years in the making and we’re delighted to finally bring this course to life and to Edinburgh for the first time.
“With all the leading brands coming to St James Quarter, there’s lots of amazing employment opportunities coming too – this is an incredible way to support our local graduates, nurture local talent and bring a globally recognised curriculum to our city.
“After a very challenging year, one of our key focuses is to boost the Scottish retail industry and help the next generation receive the opportunities and support they need to work within it.
“Partnering with Edinburgh College and Fashion Retail Academy is a very exciting project for us and we’re looking forward to seeing how the students develop throughout the duration of the course.”
Amanda Colvin, Director of Marketing & Sales, Fashion Retail Academy, said:“This exciting opportunity to partner with Edinburgh College has given FRA the ability to extend its reach and support more young people who want to start a career in fashion retail, at the same time as providing the industry and St James Quarter with entry level talent who can hit the ground running on graduation.
“We hope this is the start of a long & successful collaboration, bringing a range of specialist fashion courses to Edinburgh.”
Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Fashion Retail Academy, and the St James Quarter, to offer people in the region an opportunity to develop their careers in fashion and retail through world-class training.
“Working with the Fashion Retail Academy to deliver the Certificate in Retail Fashion, Branding and Marketing course enables us to combine the knowledge and expertise of our lecturers with the FRA’s retail education specialists – providing students with the skills they need to succeed, and retailers with a highly-skilled, talented workforce.
“We are excited to be the first Scottish College to collaborate with the FRA in this way and we are looking forward to developing the partnership further to create a talent pipeline which will provide world-class customer service to the people of Edinburgh.”
For any retail and fashion enthusiasts looking for more details or interested in signing up for the course visit: https://cutt.ly/ZjRok6v
St James Quarter is set to open the first phase of its retail, dining and leisure elements this Spring.
Three charitable arts organisations will receive a share of £3 million of additional funding as part of the ongoing emergency coronavirus (COVID-19) support for culture.
Capital Theatres – which operates the Festival Theatre, the King’s Theatre and The Studio in Edinburgh – will receive £800,000.
Aberdeen Performing Arts – which runs His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen Music Hall and The Lemon Tree – will receive £1.4 million.
Eden Court Highlands – Scotland’s largest single-site arts venue – will receive £800,000.
The funding is part of the £185 million package of targeted COVID-19 funding announced by the Scottish Government last month.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This funding will help to secure the future of three of Scotland’s important independent performing arts charities, protecting jobs and addressing some of the financial pressures they are facing.
“These venues all receive UK and international touring work of major scale, make a significant contribution to the economy and support a network of arts organisations, artists and creatives at the heart of our cities and regions.
“The Scottish Government has allocated more than £120 million of additional funding to support culture and heritage since the start of the pandemic and we will continue to listen to the needs of the sectors.”
Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts Jane Spiers said: “This funding will go a long way towards helping us survive, thrive and play our part in the cultural and economic recovery of the North-East.
As an arts charity with a high reliance on earned income and over 500 show cancellations to date through 2021 and into 2022, it provides us with a vital lifeline.
“This new funding recognises the unique scale of the challenge facing large scale theatres and concert halls, the significance of culture to the region’s economic future and the vital role Aberdeen Performing Arts plays in civic, cultural and community life.
“We wouldn’t be here today without all the financial support we’ve been able to access to date from the Scottish Government, from our local authority and generous donations from audiences. It means more than words can say. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back when it’s safe to do so.”
This additional support takes the overall emergency COVID-19 funding from the Scottish Government to £2.38 million for Aberdeen Performing Arts, £2.07 million for Eden Court Highlands and £1.55 million for Capital Theatres.
Hamilton & Inches has launched a search for bespoke items created by its talented craftspeople over its 155 year history, to create an extensive Celebrating Our Craft exhibition featuring some of its greatest designs.
Home to an expert team of silversmiths and jewellers, Hamilton & Inches has created special pieces for a wide array of clients including the Scottish Rugby Union and Glenrothes distillery which have been designed and handcrafted in the workshops situated above the showroom on George Street.
This exhibition will not only celebrate old artefacts and past projects but the talent of the team who have helped to mark many a memorable moment.
The Edinburgh-based jewellers – which has held a Royal Warrant for over 120 years – is currently working to carefully renovate the 19th century building, transforming its showroom, workshops and service department to create an even more memorable experience for Hamilton & Inches customers.
Adding to this in-store experience will be the Celebrating Our Craft exhibition, set to be on display from March 2021, showcasing the pieces against the beautifully reimagined showroom.
Bespoke commissions continue to be created in the workshops to this day, using ancient skills and crafts still in operation, all essential to creating beautiful, iconic items that will be remembered and celebrated forever.
Hamilton & Inches is committed to ensuring craftmanship is relevant to contemporary life, especially at a time when fast fashion is a huge part of our culture. This exhibition will shine a light on the impact and reach of Hamilton & Inches and how important it is for the craft to continue throughout Scotland.
Victoria Houghton, Hamilton & Inches CEO, said: “Now that we’re in our 155th year, it’s the perfect time to celebrate our past creations and look to the future.
“The Celebrating Our Craft exhibition will not only allow us to showcase a collection of exquisite items – but will act as an opportunity to share the incredible stories behind them with existing and new audiences.”
To help curate the Celebrating Our Craft exhibition, Hamilton & Inches are asking for anyone who has commissioned a bespoke item which could feature in the showcase to get in touch. Please email hello@hamiltonandinches.com with details and images of the piece.
