Category: Craigmillar

Seven arrested following pre-planned police operation in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian

Seven people have been arrested after warrants were executed at nine properties in Edinburgh, East Lothian, and Midlothian, as part of a pre-planned operation following a series of violent incidents and fire-raising.

Today, Tuesday, 14 March, divisional officers, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, attended at addresses in the Niddrie, Gracemount and Craigmillar areas of Edinburgh, as well as Cockenzie and Gorebridge.

Five men – aged 23, 23, 30, 30, and 32 – and a 16-year-old male youth – have been charged in connection with a series of offences, a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and all will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 15 March, 2023. A 23-year-old man was released pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Petrie, Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Today demonstrates our commitment to tackling violence in our communities and apprehending those involved.

“This day of action has been the culmination of extensive investigatory work over a number of months.

“Throughout the investigation we have utilised detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland and we will continue to do so as our enquiries remain ongoing.”

Superintendent Mark Rennie, who is responsible for operational policing within Edinburgh, said: “These arrests reinforce our determination to target those involved in violence and organised crime. 

“I want to reassure the public that we will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to relentlessly pursue individuals who engage in violence within this city.

“I would encourage members of the public with information, or any concerns, to come forward so we can take action.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be given anonymously.

Greendykes Road incident: victims named

Two men who died at Greendykes Road in Edinburgh have now been named by police. They were Desmond Rowlings, 66, and Derek Johnston, 37, both from Edinburgh.

The daughters of Desmond Rowlings have issued a picture of their father and described him as: “A loving, happy go lucky man who kept himself to himself.

“He will be forever missed and remembered with love. As a family we ask for respect and privacy whilst we come to terms during this extremely difficult time”

Derek Johnston’s mum and sister have also issued a photograph of Derek and have described him as: “A deeply loved son and brother, my handsome boy who had such a beautiful soul, our hearts will never mend, he will be forever missed and remembered with much love and affection. As a family we ask for respect and privacy during this extremely difficult time”

Detective Chief Inspector Susan Balfour of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team added: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of both Desmond and Derek at this incredibly difficult time.

“Specialist officers are continuing to provide both families with support.”

Officers were called to a flat on Greendykes Road around 8.25pm on Tuesday, 1 November.

Both Desmond Rowlings and Derek Johnston were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men, aged 65 and 40, have been arrested and charged in connection with their deaths.

The 65-year-old appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 4 November while the 40-year-old is due to appear at the same court today (Monday, 7 November).

Community safety: Dispersal Zones in place for fireworks weekend

Don’t get caught up in anti-social behaviour on Bonfire Night!

Police Officers have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in these posters.

Please attend organised events only and always keep safe.

🔥

#OpCrackle

#KeepingPeopleSafe

Craigmillar’s Walk-Up Avenue project welcomes first visitors

An innovative new outdoor space for people to meet and spend time has opened to the public in Craigmillar.

The newly named Walk-Up Avenue project has transformed a previously unused site in the heart of Craigmillar into a multi-purpose place that can be enjoyed by local people and visitors alike.

Visitors have had a first taste of the new space, which was used as a venue for this year’s Craigmillar and Niddrie Community Festival. It is linked to the existing play park via a sculptural entranceway. It provides a new commercial unit set within a wider green space – designed as a raingarden to support biodiversity – alongside outdoor seating, informal play and an events space with a stage pavilion.

The site was developed with the intention of providing a new outdoor space for people to meet and spend time, supporting small businesses and increasing footfall to this local centre.

The project has been delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council with support from the Town Centres Fund, Place Based Investment Programme, Scotland Loves Local, Nature Restoration Fund and Cycling Friendly & Social Housing Fund.

The Council owns the site and will oversee the management of future occupation and maintenance.

Walk-Up Avenue aims to support the wider regeneration investment in the Craigmillar area, and will contribute to Edinburgh’s 20-minute neighbourhood strategy for people across the city to live well locally with amenities available within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their homes.

The 20-minute neighbourhood approach is being developed with a focus on quality natural spaces for recreation and social activities that support physical and mental wellbeing for everyone, and places with their own identity and purpose, where everyone feels part of their local community.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener said: “Walk-Up Avenue presents a clear vision for the future of outdoor recreation and social spaces in Edinburgh.

“Linked to our 194-home Craigmillar Town Centre development, the site is a prime example of our 20-minute neighbourhood approach in action. It’s not just about building homes, it’s about creating communities that help to end poverty and isolation in Edinburgh.

“Craigmillar is also an important trial in our work to support projects that bring local food growing back into everyday spaces and improve green spaces in local areas. This is vital for creating more opportunities for people across the city to have better access to nature and open space, such as play parks and places to exercise or meet friends, which can support physical and mental wellbeing for everyone.”

Cleaning up Craigmillar

CRAIGMILLAR WEEK OF ACTION LAUNCHED

Climate-conscious residents will be exercising their green fingers next week as they carry out a large-scale community clean-up of their local area.

During the ‘Craigmillar Week of Action’, people living in Craigmillar Town Centre, Greendykes and Niddrie House will spend the week working with their Housing Associations and the Council to carry out litter picks and remove bulky waste and illegally dumped items from common stairs, gardens and communal spaces.

With several skip loads expected to be collected in the following locations, other interested residents are also invited to turn up to lend a hand. Bags, pickers, and gloves will be provided.

  • Monday 27 June 9.30am – 2pm at Niddrie House Square
  • Tuesday 28 June 9.30am – 2pm at Harewood Road/Crescent and the Hays Community Business Centre
  • Wednesday 29 June 9.30am – 2pm at Capella Gardens in Greendykes
  • Thursday 30 June 9.30am – 2pm at Omans Pub on Peffer Place
  • Friday 1 July 9.30am-1pm at Castle Rock Edinvar for a thank you celebration

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Well done to everyone taking part. It’s great to see community spirit in action and people taking pride in their local area. This week of action involves a huge effort from our tenants, who are taking a stand against the actions of a thoughtless few.

“Across the city, Council officers work hard to keep common areas and green spaces clean. But we all need to take responsibility. There is no excuse for these tenants’ homes to be blighted by people fly-tipping and littering and I’m grateful to those clubbing together to make a real difference.”

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal, local area commander for Edinburgh North East, said: “In Edinburgh we want to build on the excellent partnership working that exists at all levels as we strive to deliver the very best policing service to our local communities.

“As such, we relish opportunities like this to work with partners to aid community wellbeing and help clean up the local area.”

Ciara Toland, Head of Neighbourhoods at Places for People Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many community groups, local organisations, businesses, and of course residents, coming together to help keep Craigmillar clean and tidy.

“A huge thanks to everyone for getting involved and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with residents and colleagues throughout the week.”

Coordinated by Places for People and Edinburgh Council’s Housing Operations team, the initiative is being supported by colleagues from Waste & Cleansing, Street Enforcement, and Parks & Greenspace, as well as the Wheatley Group, Dunedin Canmore Housing, Manor Estates and Lowther Homes.

Commercial partners Kier Group, NWH Group, Morrison Construction, Ross Quality Surveyors and Skanska have also given up their valuable time and resources to help with waste collection, weeding, litter picking and providing equipment and materials to help ensure a week of success. 

Niddrie murder: man charged

A 48-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of 30-year-old Liam Maloney in Niddrie.

Liam died on Saturday (7 May), after being seriously injured on Niddrie Marischal Road, around 8pm on Thursday, 5 May.

The 48-year-old man is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Tuesday, 10 May, 2022).

Detective Inspector Scott Roxburgh, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: ““We’d like to thank the public for their assistance with this investigation.

“There will remain a police presence in the area over the coming days and we continue to appeal for anyone with further information to please come forward.

“You can call police on 101, quoting reference 3262 of 5 May, or submit information directly to the Major Investigation Team via our dedicated portal, where you can select to remain anonymous.”

The portal can be accessed at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT22S13-PO1.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Fireworks: local Dispersal Zones to tackle antisocial behaviour

This year two Dispersal Zones are being set up in North West Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th November.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.

This means that Police can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours.

If they do return, they can be arrested.

Nine dispersal zones will be set up across the city in known ‘hot spots’. As well as West Pilton and Muirhouse, zones will be established in Portobello, Loganlea, Gilmerton, Moredun, Southhouse, Gorgie and Saughton.

News of the establishment of Dispersal Zones will come as no surprise to local residents – the real surprise is that these dispersal zones will be in place over one weekend only.

Digital champions log on at city housing development

AN EDINBURGH housing development has been awarded iPads to keep elderly customers connected with loved ones throughout the pandemic, thanks to a Scottish Government initiative.

Castlebrae Glebe, which is run and operated by Bield, received 12 iPads from Connecting Scotland which is a project established in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to connect individuals who may have otherwise been isolated.

The programme has kept individuals across the country connected virtually when it has not been possible to meet in person and has also supported digital skill development.

Sharon Tomany, Development Manager at Castlebrae Glebe in Craigmillar applied for the programme in February after hearing about the initiative designed for individuals who don’t have the confidence, kit or connectivity at home in a bid to reduce digital exclusion.

“The project has been an amazing opportunity to help customers become more digitally connected and keep in contact with loved ones throughout a period which could have been extremely isolating.

“Everyone at the development has benefited from the donation in some way. One aspect that we didn’t appreciate would have such a big impact was that our customers now feel closer to the local community.

“Previously they may not have seen the communication from local businesses online or been able to get involved with local groups activities.

“The iPads have enabled customers to listen to music, watch videos, read the news and shop online – simple things that they didn’t necessarily have access to before.”

Customers have been supported by staff to set the iPads up and understand how to use the device safely.

Sharon added: “The feedback from friends and families has been very positive and many have expressed their delight about being able to get in touch with their loved ones at any point and actually have video calls, which is much better than talking over the phone.

“We know that many elderly people often battle loneliness and this has heightened throughout the pandemic, so it is especially rewarding to know that we have changed that for our customers by even just a little bit.”

For more information on the Connecting Scotland programme, visit: 

https://connecting.scot

Bield use technology to deliver a wide range of specialised housing and care services for around 20,000 older people across 23 local authority areas and is working towards becoming the first fully digitally connected housing association in Scotland.

Bield’s new strategy for property development provides housing solutions – with greater choice and flexibility – to address the needs of the current generation of older people and the next.

To find out more about us and our developments, visit:

https://www.bield.co.uk/housing-and-other-services 

or follow on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland.

Historic Edinburgh brewery site set for new lease of life

A historic Edinburgh brewery site is set for a new lease of life having been brought to the market.

The site at Duddingston Road West was previously home to the former Drybrough Brewery, which operated at the location from 1895 until 1987.

The exceptional development site, named “Holyrood Village” and measuring just under two-acres in area, already boasts planning consent as a mixed-use development for 131 new homes and 15 commercial units.

Offers are now being invited for the potential delivery of a high-quality residential development, with some commercial, which will be steeped in the history and character of the former brewery site.

Consented for a mix of refurbishment and new build, Holyrood Village lies in a well-connected Edinburgh location near Duddingston Village, Holyrood Park, Duddingston Golf Course and the world-leading Edinburgh BioQuarter.

For the last 30 years the site has been operating as Holyrood Business Park, catering for a variety of small businesses.

It is also home to Format Design who are the lead architectural design team for the project and therefore able to bring an intimate expertise and understanding of the site and its history.

The brewery was designed by renowned architect, Robert Hamitlon-Patterson, also responsible for the Caledonian Brewery and the Royal Scots War Memorial in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh.

It was one of the seven breweries in the area but is the only one to remain mostly intact and is Category B listed.

Listed building consents have been obtained and the approved development converts the old brewery whilst retaining as many of the original buildings as practically possible including the chimney stack, one of the last remaining in Edinburgh

In addition to being an exceptional residential site, the location may be suitable for other uses such as purpose-built student accommodation, subject to planning.

It lies in close proximity to a number of University of Edinburgh facilities, including King’s Buildings and Peffermill Playing Fields, as well as the Edinburgh BioQuarter.

This exciting new development takes place within the existing cobbled courtyard of the ‘Brewery’ surrounded by the original stone building which will all retain their original names (e.g. The Maltings, The Kiln, The Wellhouse and The Brewhouse) and retain the original features.

The introduction of coffee shops, small studio spaces, corner shop which will create its village community atmosphere with magnificent views over Arthur’s Seat.

Commenting on this Will Scarlett of Scarlett Land and Development, who are marketing the site, said: “This is a truly-unique opportunity for an exceptional development in a well-connected location.

“There is the real potential here for a purchaser to deliver an exceptional scheme, steeped in the history and character of the former brewery. The site may also be suitable for other uses, such as student accommodation, given its location in close proximity to many key University of Edinburgh facilities and the BioQuarter.”

The site is being marketed by Scarlett Land and Development and further information can be found at:  

https://www.scarlettdev.co.uk/developments/holyroodvillage/