POLICE are appealing for information after two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, were sexually assaulted in the Cramond Beach area on Saturday evening (29 June).
The incident, which is understood to have involved two male youths, took place on a bench near Silverknowes Beach Car Park between 7.30pm and 7.45pm.
Enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly said: “The Cramond Beach area would have been busy around the time the incident is reported to have taken place and we are appealing for anyone with information which could help our investigation to come forward.
“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who noticed two male youths in the company of two teenage girls at a bench near to Silverknowes Beach Car Park, or anything else which could be of significance.
“Incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern in the local community, and we will have additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3438 of Saturday, 29 June, 2024.”
Come along to the official opening of our earthen-built Community Kitchen in our Community Allotments and Garden!
Saturday 15th June, 1pm – 3:30pm
We’re excited to celebrate this new community space. The Community Kitchen was made by and for the people in this community, funded by the Edinburgh Community Climate Fund #ParticipatoryBudgeting process.
But our community also includes all the plant and animal life too. This is why we have invited Scotland’s Plant Health Centre and other experts to join us for the afternoon.
We will have info sessions from:
Gerry Sadler: Chief Plant Health Officer for Scotland
Matt Elliot: Plant Health & Biosecurity Scientist at RBGE (and our own)
Rob Davidson: Experienced Ecologist and Orchardist
Lisa Houston: Community Growing Development Coordinator & Earthen Building Expert
Together we will explore how plant health connects with wider community health. You can learn how to source seeds safely, spot signs of plant disease, get healthy compost, and protect the wider ecosystem when growing your own fruit and veg.
Along with artists Gretchen Maynard-Hayn and Emma Brierley, you can help us make a useful guide for anyone who has an allotment or veg patch.
We’ll be screening a short film in one of the sheds. And you can eat pizza cooked in our new earthen oven!
It’s free, but we do need to know numbers, so please book a ticket:
Open day offers first-hand insight into home more akin to a lux hotel
FAMILIES are being given an opportunity to visit Scotland’s most upmarket care home as it opens its doors for the public to see its “luxury hotel” facilities.
Taking place on June 8th between 10am-2pm, Cramond Residence is set to host a family-friendly day featuring arts and crafts for kids, along with homemade baked goods, teas, and coffees.
The day aims to give those looking at care options a glimpse into the home’s world-class amenities including a private cinema, library, salon, and bespoke therapy areas.
It will also allow guests to find out more about the nurse-led care provision and expertise in supporting residents living with forms of dementia.
Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence said: “This open day will be the perfect occasion for families to witness first-hand the comforting, homely atmosphere that we pride ourselves on.
“Our open days are always an enjoyable experience for both our team and those who come to see us.
“We have a fun-filled day planned with plenty of arts and crafts to entertain the kids. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy a cup of coffee and some delicious baked goods from our incredible kitchen team, while our specialist staff will be available to answer any questions you might have about our home.”
Set in a purpose-built facility that represents a £8m investment, Cramond Residence boasts small group living in nine distinct houses. Each house provides a nurturing environment where residents can socialise, dine, and engage in activities, contributing to a vibrant community life.
The residence not only offers a high staff-to-resident ratio but also features advanced dementia care within its general setting or in a specialised area tailored for those in more advanced stages of the condition.
Christian added: ” At Cramond Residence, residents can look forward to exceptional care in an environment designed for them to thrive during their golden years.
“Our fantastic lifestyle team constantly arranges wonderful activities, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to. The residence itself offers a warm, homely feel that provides comfort to those who stay with us.
“We’re excited to welcome guests into our home and address any questions they may have. Choosing a care home is a significant, life-altering decision, and our team is here to help ease any concerns, providing the information needed to make this important choice with peace of mind.”
Cramond Residence offers a wide range of activities tailored for dementia care, enhancing residents’ quality of life and providing relief and support through specialist facilities and trained staff.
Business software experts join efforts to restore an iconic coastline
THE UK’s leading finance software implementation specialists have taken to the beach to help a conservation charity restore an historic Scottish coastline.
A team of 30 employees from Eureka Solutions descended upon the Cramond Foreshore and assisted The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) charity in restoring the coastal habitats and dune systems in the area.
The team’s efforts were part of the Sage Foundation’s initiative to support UK charities by providing volunteers to help achieve tasks relatively quickly that would otherwise take months to complete.
The volunteering work centred around removing invasive non-native plant species like Japanese Rose and suckering ash and sycamore to allow native plants to re-establish.
Volunteers also helped sow a special ‘Edinburgh coastline’ wildflower seed mix to create new pollinator corridors and extended protective fencing to prevent further degradation of sensitive grassland spots.
David Lindores, CEO at Eureka Solutions, said: “Our team was proud to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference in restoring such a unique and ecologically important area.
“We had a great day working alongside colleagues from TCV as well as volunteers from Modulr – it was wonderful to see different organisations coming together for a common cause.
“The Sage Foundation contacted us and asked if we could lend a hand to the vital conservation work happening along the Cramond coastline, and we couldn’t be happier to get involved. As an established business of twenty years, we feel it’s important to support community and environmental initiatives like this.”
Cramond Foreshore is a designated Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) and holds historical significance as the location of the “Dragon’s Teeth” anti-tank defences, Cramond Island and Lauriston Castle.
The extensive coastal path stretches from the mouth of the River Almond in the west, past the historic Roman village of Cramond, across the tidal causeway to Cramond Island, and continues eastward towards Granton Harbour.
The volunteering day was organised through the Sage Foundation, which facilitates charitable donations and volunteering opportunities for Sage employees and partners worldwide.
Eureka Solutions also has a long-term charity partnership with the Ayrshire Cancer Trust in which it raises funds through team events and initiatives throughout the year.
The East Kilbride firm specialises in implementing business software solutions and is one of the UK’s leading experts in Oracle NetSuite, iplicit and Sage 200, as well as producing its own complementary software solutions including the integration application, Besyncly.
With over 20 years of expertise, the firm works with hundreds of clients across multiple sectors providing consultancy, implementation, training and technical support.
Proposals for five new supported bus services in the west of Edinburgh are set to be discussed at the Transport and Environment Committee tomorrow (Thursday 23 May).
Under the plans the routes would be The Gyle to Hermiston Park & Ride via Ratho; Queensferry to The Gyle; Cramond to Balerno; Wester Hailes to Chesser and The Gyle to Clermiston.
There are currently three existing bus services operating in the west of the city that are fully financially supported by the City of Edinburgh Council – services 20, 63 and 68 – operated by McGill’s Bus Services but these are to be withdrawn on 14 July this year.
Four of the new routes would be run by Lothian with the The Gyle to Clermiston route being operated by Handicabs Lothian.
Before the revised contracts went out for tender the Council consulted with local communities and operators to help develop route specifications and help balance community requirements within the available budget.
The new services will improve bus provision in the west of the city with some of the routes amended and a new connection to Cramond being provided by utilising a developer contribution from new housing in the area.
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is fantastic news for residents in the west of the city as it’s really important to make sure the areas they live in are connected with the rest of Edinburgh. There are some parts of the city that are just not well-connected which is why these supported bus services are so important.
“I’m pleased that the community and bus operators also fed into the proposed routes allowing us to amend some services, which should improve reliability and connections to the wider public transport network.
“I’m delighted to be proposing that these services will be operated by Lothian Buses and Handicabs. Once these contracts are awarded better connecting Lady Nairne and Dumbiedykes will become our top priority.”
If the proposals are approved next week then the Council will immediately move to award contracts so the new services can be registered with the Traffic Commissioner and be ready to operate as soon as McGill’s services stop. The proposed contract lengths are for two years, with two one year optional extensions.
The Council will also work with the successful operators to update all available passenger information on each route and keep community groups updated on the changes to services in their area.
Tendering for the new service provision for the Lady Nairne and Dumbiedykes areas will now start to be progressed.
SCOTLAND’S most luxurious care home is set to host an open day where members of the public are invited to come and experience an exclusive tour around its premises.
Dementia care experts, Cramond Residence is urging members of the public looking at care facilities to come and view its world-class facilities between 4-8pm on May 2nd.
Guests will be led by professionals around its facilities to learn more about the benefits of the home, its unique care packages, as well as learning more about how Cramond Residence Tailors care provision for each individual resident.
Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “It’s always great to welcome new people into our home and our open day offers an opportunity for those exploring care for a loved one to come and view our brilliant facilities and get a feel for what makes Cramond Residence unique.
“A stay at Cramond Residence is truly unique, we have a wonderful team who help to ensure that the residence delivers the best care while having a comfortable homely feeling.
“This is the perfect chance to soak in the residence’s warm and friendly atmosphere, and enjoy a cup of tea with some homemade treats, all while having access to our staff to ask as many important questions as they need.”
Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community among residents. Each home has private dining and living rooms, encouraging socialising and lasting connections.
Visitors can explore the main communal areas, including a dining room, library, private dining room, cinema, physiotherapy area, and hairdressing salon.
Cramond Residence also offers advanced facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.
The residence features beautiful gardens and a summer house, welcoming guests to wander leisurely and appreciate the scenic environment.
The home offers a unique set of activities for residents to enjoy, thanks to its Lifestyle Team, who offer day trips to landmarks such as, The Royal Yacht Britania as well as Therapet sessions, relaxing joy rides down to Cramond Beach and much more.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
SCOTLAND’S most luxurious care home is set to host an open day where members of the public are invited to come and experience an exclusive tour around its premises.
Dementia care experts, Cramond Residence is urging members of the public looking at care facilities to come and view its world-class facilities between 4 – 8pm on 2 May.
Guests will be led by professionals around its facilities to learn more about the benefits of the home, its unique care packages, as well as learning more about how Cramond Residence Tailors care provision for each individual resident.
Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “It’s always great to welcome new people into our home and our open day offers an opportunity for those exploring care for a loved one to come and view our brilliant facilities and get a feel for what makes Cramond Residence unique.
“A stay at Cramond Residence is truly unique, we have a wonderful team who help to ensure that the residence delivers the best care while having a comfortable homely feeling.
“This is the perfect chance to soak in the residence’s warm and friendly atmosphere, and enjoy a cup of tea with some homemade treats, all while having access to our staff to ask as many important questions as they need.”
Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community among residents. Each home has private dining and living rooms, encouraging socialising and lasting connections.
Visitors can explore the main communal areas, including a dining room, library, private dining room, cinema, physiotherapy area, and hairdressing salon.
Cramond Residence also offers advanced facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.
The residence features beautiful gardens and a summer house, welcoming guests to wander leisurely and appreciate the scenic environment.
The home offers a unique set of activities for residents to enjoy, thanks to its Lifestyle Team, who offer day trips to landmarks such as The Royal Yacht Britania as well as Therapet sessions, relaxing joy rides down to Cramond Beach and much more.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
Frequent GP appointments and in-house healthcare on offer for residents at leading home
A LEADING Scottish care home has revealed its residents currently benefit from some of the best healthcare in the country within a care setting, thanks to world-class in-house facilities and frequent GP checkups.
With research from the British Medical Journal showing that frequent, primary healthcare decreases mortality and hospital visits; dementia care experts Cramond Residence has prioritised its resident’s care by ensuring all of them have access to GP visits twice a week.
The home boasts some of the most extensive care in Scotland, providing its residents with top-tier facilities through its wellness and physiotherapy suite, an in-house GP, a room dedicated to Allied Health Professionals, and a gym.
Ross Bijak, General Manager of Cramond Residence said: “Usually, those who stay with us are dealing with complex health issues and we want to ensure that we provide them with the very best healthcare possible.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to provide this to our residents, by offering frequent GP checkups we can ensure we are on top of any medical concerns and that our resident’s families can have peace of mind knowing that any issues are frequently monitored and managed.
“We believe we have one of the best care programmes in Scotland. We have a fantastic in-house nursing team and state-of-the-art facilities and this is further solidified by the frequent GP visits which our residents benefit from every Tuesday and Friday.”
Specialising in a comprehensive range of dementia care services, the home accommodates residents in both its communal living spaces and a dedicated section for those with advanced dementia needs.
The residence ensures optimal care through continuous assessment and a collaborative team of healthcare professionals, all within a setting designed to promote independence and well-being.
Ross added: “Our team keep the GPs updated about on any medical challenges that our residents face, and then after a thorough check-up, the GP’s insights help us update our records and fine-tune care plans to meet each resident’s unique needs.
“Everything we do happens right here in the comfort of the residence, so there’s hardly any disruption to the everyday lives of our residents. Plus, having the same friendly faces of doctors for check-ups brings a comforting sense of consistency and trust for both our residents and their loved ones.”
Since its opening in October 2018, after an investment of £8m, the Cramond Residence has championed the concept of small group living, emphasising social connections.
The residence offers a selection of activities designed for individuals with dementia, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Equipped with modern facilities and supported by a dedicated team, the home is committed to providing care, support, and respite for its residents.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
Lauriston Castle officially launched it’s 2024 programme this week with a visit from Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker alongside members of the multi-award winning Edinburgh Living History.
Convener Walker rose to the occasion and joined Edinburgh Living History in full Edwardian dress for a tour of Lauriston Castle.
Situated in the Cramond area of the city, this 16th century castle has breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and will play host to an eclectic programme of events over the coming months.
Pic Greg Macvean 03/04/2024
Lauriston Castle with Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker in period costume
The Lectures series features discussions on everything from whisky to a history of Edinburgh photography.
Under the Adult Crafts Workshops there are sessions on watercolour painting, crocheting and much more.
In the Family Events section there’s everything from ghost tours to workshops on space!
There is also a range of Costumed Performances where visitors can experience reenactments of Edinburgh life from days gone by.
As well as these there are also Themed Tours, Theatre Performances, Atmospheric Film Screenings and Garden Events. We’re also working with partners like Edinburgh International Magic Festival and Edinburgh Horror Festival.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit Lauriston Castle this week. Edinburgh Living History and our fantastic Museums & Galleries colleagues were kind enough to welcome me and provide a chance to explore one of our most unique venues.
“In the coming months there’s an excellent range of events taking place as part of the Lauriston Castle 2024 programme. From lectures on circular fashion to the grisly history of anatomy in 19th century Edinburgh all the way through to adult creative workshops and family events there’s truly something for everyone.
“I’d encourage all our residents and visitors to take advantage of these.”
About Lauriston Castle:
For more than 400 years, enchanting Lauriston Castle has overlooked the River Forth at Silverknowes, near Cramond. Set among 30 acres of woodland and beautiful gardens, Lauriston Castle is a special place to visit.
The Castle itself has a beautiful Edwardian interior, from which we take inspiration for many of our workshops. Downstairs are the servants’ quarters, including the maids’ hall and the atmospheric old kitchen, where a warm welcome awaits you during the winter months.
Why not double up a day visiting the Castle grounds with a picnic, and historic Cramond is right on our doorstep so you can make a real day out visiting this part of Edinburgh.
Free car parking is available within the Castle grounds off Cramond Road South. Lauriston Castle is easy to reach and is close by car from the City Bypass. It sits between Davidson’s Mains and Cramond.
You can take numerous buses to Davidson’s Mains, or Silverknowes Terminus; both are around 10 minutes’ walk from Lauriston Castle. Visit Lothian Buses website for details of local services.
Pic Greg Macvean 03/04/2024
Lauriston Castle with Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker in period costume
Booking:
Pre-booking and advance payment are essential for all events.
In person – At Lauriston Castle – (Go through Courtyard by Mimi’s Café and ring the bell on the green door) Monday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
For further information (non-booking information) about any event, contact Margaret Findlay, Learning and Programmes Manager, on 0131 529 3993 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk
