UPDATE: Police are pleased to confirm that Peter Macquarie has been traced safe and well. We would like to thank the public for their assistance.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police Scotland is appealing for information to trace a vulnerable man missing from Edinburgh.Peter MacQuarie, 65, was last seen around 4.50pm today, Wednesday, 26 May, in Hayfield, East Craigs.
He is described as white, around 5ft 10, bald with a short grey beard and moustache. When he was last seen he was wearing a grey jacket, green jumper, black jeans, brown shoes and a blue beanie hat.
Inspector Caroline Flynn, Drylaw Police Office, said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Peter as this is out of character for him and just want to know he is okay. He is very vulnerable, can get confused and is unsteady on his feet.
“He does not have a mobile phone with him, however does have a bus pass. When he travels, he tends to take the bus and has been known to take the number 31 bus towards the Bonnyrigg area.
“We are working with the relevant travel companies, and checking CCTV, to see if he has travelled, however would appeal for anyone who may have seen a man matching his description to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with any information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 2899 of Wednesday, 26 May, 2021
UPDATE: Police have confirmed that 13-year-old Zakiyya Haider has been TRACED safe and well. Police thank the public for their assistance.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 13 year old girl reported missing from her home in the Corstorphine area of the city.
Zakiyya Haider was last seen around 5pm last night (Friday 21 May) when she left home.
She is described as 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build with long dark hair and brown eyes. When last seen she was wearing all black clothing.
Inspector Keith Forrester said: “Zakiyya’s mum and sister are growing very concerned for her, therefore I would ask anyone who may know where she is to get in touch. Likewise if she sees this appeal please call your family or Police Scotland to let us know you are safe.
“Anyone who has information that may help us find Zakiyya is asked to call Police Scotland quoting incident 4104 of 21 May 2021”.
Dogs Trust Dog School Edinburgh re-opens for face to face classes
Dogs Trust Dog School Edinburgh is celebrating welcoming dogs and their owners to face to face training classes once again.
Hundreds of families across the region have welcomed dogs into their lives over the last year and with the country experiencing national lockdowns, Dogs Trust Dog School in Edinburgh switched to teaching classes online to make sure dogs didn’t miss out on the chance to learn new life skills.
But now lockdown has eased, the training team are excited to be meeting up with four-legged friends and their owners once more to train dogs of all ages, from puppies and adolescents to adult dogs.
Julie Morrison, Head Coach of Dog School Edinburgh said: “We were so pleased to have been able to continue training dogs in such a difficult year and thousands of dogs have received their training classes online in recent months, but nothing beats hearing the pitter patter of paws in the training room!
“Life is going to change in the coming weeks and months for ourselves and our dogs, which means owners may need to start putting some adjustments in place. Our classes can help owners teach their dogs the skills they need to continue living happily alongside them and to cope with the different experiences that life out of lockdown will bring.
“This year, Dog School is being supported by funding raised by generous players of People’s Postcode Lottery. We want to say thank you to them as their support has meant we have been able to continue providing training to owners and their canine friends, despite the extraordinary times we have all experienced.”
Classes will be held at North Merchiston Club at Watson Cresent, Edinburgh Tabernacle at Inverleith Gardens and 71st Scout Hall at Corstorphine Road.
Classes will follow government guidance and there will be a maximum of six people allowed in a training class, ensuring social distancing measures can be followed. To make sure demand can be met, online training classes will also continue.
A very tall package was received at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo yesterday (Tuesday 11 May) as two male giraffes arrived from Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire.
The wildlife conservation charity has partnered with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bring giraffes back to the capital for the first time in over 15 years and support vital work to protect the species in the wild.
Ronnie and Arrow will have some of the best views in the city from their brand-new hilltop home and will be gradually introduced to visitors over the coming weeks.
Jonathan Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said, “It is incredible to welcome giraffes back to Edinburgh Zoo and we are so excited to start introducing them to our charity’s members, patrons and visitors after they have settled in.
“Numbers of giraffes in the wild have declined by almost 30% since the 1980s due to habitat loss and poaching, so this is a really important opportunity for us to raise awareness and support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s work to save the species.
“Our brand-new giraffe house has been designed with high level walkways which means visitors will be able to meet these wonderful creatures face-to-face, giving them an amazing opportunity to connect with nature and be inspired to join us in protecting them from extinction.”
Up to three more male giraffes will be arriving at Edinburgh Zoo in the coming weeks and the newly-formed bachelor herd will need time to bond with each other and get used to their new home before the giraffe house officially opens to the public in mid-June.
Jonathan Appleyard added, “As they are the tallest animals in the world, it is very likely visitors will be able to spot our giraffes exploring their outdoor areas before we officially open to the public.
“We are so grateful to Glenmorangie and everyone who donated to help build our giraffe house and support our partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.”
Thomas Moradpour, President and Chief Executive of The Glenmorangie Company, said, “This majestic creature has long been a beloved symbol of our brand, thanks to our distillery’s giraffe-high stills, the tallest in Scotland.
“These amazing animals are under threat of a silent extinction, which is why we are proud to be official partners of giraffe conservation at Edinburgh Zoo, and to support the work of GCF in the wild.
“Through this global partnership, we hope to raise awareness of the plight of the giraffe, and ensure these wonderful creatures remain part of our world for many centuries to come.”
More information about visiting Edinburgh Zoo, the giraffes and how people can help care for the charity’s animals is available at edinburghzoo.org.uk/we-are-open.
Police are appealing for information after two “bogus workman” incidents in the Corstorphine area.
The first incident happened at a property on Broomhall Avenue and was reported around 12.35pm Wednesday (21 April).
Two unidentified men claimed to have carried out work on a neighbour’s roof which had extended to the house owner’s property.
They persuaded the resident to give them a low three figure sum of money for their work. It eventually turned out now work had been carried out.
The second incident happened at Craigmount Place in Edinburgh around 10.45am and again involved two men attempting to persuade work was needed on the roof of an elderly resident’s property.
However, they ultimately left empty handed after the resident spoke to his bank who raised concerns this may be fraudulent.
Both incidents are being treated as linked and enquiries are ongoing.
Both men are white. One was in his mid to late 40s, of slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing a red jumper and brown trousers. The second is described as wearing a dark jumper.They were using a white panel van.
Detective Constable Jenna Lawrie of Corstorphine Police Station said: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify these men and would urge anyone else who believes they may have seen him to get in touch.
“We would urge everyone to be wary if anyone attending unexpectedly at your property and always to ask for identification.
“False callers are often well practiced and can be very convincing. A genuine caller will expect you to check for identification and will not put you under any pressure if you check.
“Anyone who has information about these incidents is asked to call 101, quoting incident 1283 of 21 April, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Police are appealing for information after a man was reported to have been assaulted and then struck by a vehicle in Stenhouse last night (Wednesday, 7 April, 2021).
Around 7.25 pm on Wednesday evening, police were called to a report of an altercation in Stenhouse Grove, involving two men. Shortly afterwards, a black 4×4 vehicle was seen to deliberately drive at one of the men in Stenhouse Street West, striking him and causing him to fall to the ground.
The vehicle then drove off and the man ran off along Stenhouse Street West.
The suspect, who is thought to be the driver of the 4×4, is described as white, in his 20s, 5 ft 10, of slim build, of gaunt appearance and had short blonde/brown hair. He was wearing a light coloured top and grey jogging bottoms. He spoke with a local accent.
Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg, Corstorphine CID, said: “At the moment our priority is to trace the man struck by the vehicle, primarily to ensure that he is safe and well. We want to make sure he receives any medical treatment he may need after this incident and would ask him to get in touch with police.
“We are still trying to establish why this happened.
“From our enquiries so far, the man struck by the vehicle, who is only described as white, 20-30 years old, of medium build, possibly brown hair, was wearing a beige jumper and grey jogging bottoms, was assaulted by a man, on Stenhouse Grove, Edinburgh.
“It is believed that the attacker then got into a black 4×4, with a male passenger on board, before deliberately striking the other man, throwing him into a hedge and then driving off.
“Officers are carrying out enquiries in the area in an effort to trace those involved.
“I would ask anyone who saw what happened, or who has any information that can assist our enquiry, contact CID officers at Corstorphine Police Station, Edinburgh, via 101. Please quote reference number 2912 of 7 April, 2021, when calling.
“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Corstorphine and Wester Hailes stores set to close
Health and household goods retailer Semichem is consulting on the closure of up to 22 stores across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North East of England.EdinburghSemichem stores at Corstorphine and Wester Hailes are among those earmarked for closure.
Stores in Musselburgh and Dalkeith also face closure.
The closures have been prompted by ongoing challenges to high street trading, which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The business, which is owned by community retailer Scotmid Co-operative, is in talks with landlords in several locations and will make a final decision on a small number of the 22 stores in the coming months.
A total of 140 Semichem staff have now entered a formal consultation process. Management at Scotmid are exploring opportunities to redeploy as many as possible within its wider business.
Karen Scott, Head of Semichem, said: “The high street was already struggling to adapt to the pace of change in shopping habits, including out-of-town developments and the rise of internet shopping.
“That change has undoubtedly been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly, we have reached the point where it is no longer viable to keep some of our stores open.
“We are grateful for both Scotmid and subsequent government support, which has undoubtedly prolonged the life of many stores.
“Our priority now is to support affected colleagues at this difficult time. We are already looking for redeployment opportunities within the Scotmid group and will help all our staff both personally and professionally.”
Semichem was founded in 1980 and became part of Scotmid Co-operative in 1995. It currently operates 86 stores in shopping centres and on high streets across Northern Ireland, Scotland and the North East of England. Over the last three years, Semichem has invested £2.2 million in refitting stores and trialling a range of new retail concepts.
Karen Scott added: “The remaining stores in our Semichem portfolio are trading satisfactorily given the current circumstances.
“Like many other retailers, we are hopeful that, as restrictions ease, footfall will return to our high streets. I am also pleased to say that our investment programme will resume in the summer.”
The City of Edinburgh Council and Corstorphine Cougars RFC is celebrating a £50,000.00 funding boost from SUEZ Communities Trust and the FCC Communities Foundation for a rugby pitch drainage project at Union Park.
Corstorphine Cougars Rugby Club lease two rugby pitches from the City of Edinburgh Council at Union Park in Carrick Knowe.
One of the pitches is floodlit to facilitate evening training sessions. The growth in playing numbers in recent years has meant that the pitch is regularly in demand 7 days a week.
The club’s success, notably in recruiting primary and secondary schoolchildren (girls and boys) and senior women players, has been undermined by poor drainage effectively making it unusable for long periods during the winter months.
This funding will enable the installation of an environmentally sustainable drainage solution (SuDS) at the park. The project is planned to be completed in late March by Groundwater Dynamics using their patented EGRP technology.
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener welcomed the news: “As a Council we are committed to promoting and supporting access to sport and physical wellbeing and this is a fantastic result for Union Park.
“I look forward to seeing work get underway to install the environmentally sustainable draining solution and seeing the pitches being enjoyed all year round.
“We will continue to work with sports clubs across the capital to look at how we can best manage facilities.”
Stewart Pilkington, Corstorphine Cougars RFC President, said: “We’ve been very successful in growing the club in the last few years.
“This project will be a game changer in improving the club’s training and playing facilities as we push forward with our development plans and continue to encourage participation in rugby in the west of Edinburgh. We are very grateful to each of the funders for their valuable contributions.”
SUEZ Communities Trust and FCC Communities Foundation each contributed £25,000 through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund to the £65,000 project.
Funding from the City of Edinburgh Council’s North West Locality Community Grants Fund, the Scottish Rugby Union, Friends of Scottish Rugby and the rugby club itself made up the balance.
Community engagement to help develop proposals for Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in three parts of the city has begun. The city council is proposing measures to make it safer and more comfortable to walk, cycle, wheel and spend time in Leith, Corstorphine and East Craigs.
Following public engagement and subject to committee approval the schemes would be introduced under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order. The council says this provides further opportunities for public involvement in refining measures, even once they’re in place:
‘We’re now seeking residents’ views on travel choices and spaces for movement and relaxation in the relevant areas. Feedback will be used to inform design proposals for each of the schemes, which are the first in a potential programme of low traffic neighbourhoods being considered across the city.
‘In Leith, we’re also developing a protected cycle lane between the Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal, which will complement the adjacent Trams to Newhaven project, as well as pedestrianizing Sandport Place Bridge and creating a bus-only section at the Shore. We’re seeking people’s views on concept designs as part of the engagement.’
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “As we look to make a green recovery from the pandemic, it’s important that we get back to work on our long-term plans to support sustainable, active travel and healthy communities, where children can play safely and air pollution is reduced.
“There’s a range of research to show the positive impact LTNs can have on reducing ‘through’ traffic and encouraging people to walk, cycle, wheel and spend time in local areas. We want to bring these benefits to neighbourhoods across Edinburgh and to make sure the changes work for everyone, which is why we want to hear from as many people as possible.”
Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “We envision a much safer, more relaxing and ‘people-friendly’ Capital, which is why we’re developing LTNs for different communities.
“By introducing them on an experimental basis we want to involve the people that live here in their evolution, and their participation begins now, as we start to develop designs.”
LTNs are initiatives where motor vehicle traffic is significantly reduced in residential streets, limiting the volume of ‘through traffic’ while maintaining vehicle access for people who live there. This creates a safer, more pleasant and inclusive environment for walking, cycling, wheeling and playing, reducing air pollution, encouraging healthy, active travel and opening up space for improvements like pocket parks, seating areas and planting.
Various studies have demonstrated the positive impacts similar schemes introduced elsewhere in the UK have had on communities. In London, research has shown the ‘mini-Holland programme’, introduced in boroughs across the city, saw a trend toward reduced car use and an increase in active travel.
Each of the schemes being put forward for Edinburgh responds to needs and issues specific to the neighbourhoods, including –
Corstorphine: Creating safer routes to school, addressing issues with speed and volume of traffic in residential streets, creating new public spaces and improving cycle routes, including links to the future West Edinburgh Link
East Craigs: Protecting streets from the impact of new developments in the west of Edinburgh, creating safer routes to school, addressing issues with speed and volume of traffic in residential streets and improving cycle routes, including links to the future West Edinburgh Link
Leith: Enhancing and promoting access to public transport, improving cycling provision in the area, addressing issues with traffic volume and speed in residential streets.
The city council says proposals being developed are ‘entirely separate and distinct from any temporary measures being implemented as part of the Spaces for People programme‘.
As part of the engagement process ‘community reference groups’ are being formed of representatives from community and interest groups in each of the areas, offering additional opportunities for residents to feed back. However, this will not supersede the responses gathered as part of the consultation process.
Following community engagement, design proposals will be developed for the three LTNs, which will then be shared for further public engagement.
Designs will then be refined and brought to Transport and Environment Committee in June for approval and permission to start the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).
Subject to committee approval, following ETRO consultation, changes would be implemented on a trial basis in October.
For the Foot of the Walk to Ocean Terminal active travel improvements, further development of existing designs will follow feedback, with the aim of publishing Traffic Regulation Orders later this year and beginning construction in 2022.
