Man arrested following series of incidents in North West Edinburgh

Police are appealing for information following a series of incidents which occurred in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 23 March).

Around 4.30pm police received a report of a road crash on Telford Road and a man causing a disturbance before making off from the scene in a stolen grey Volkswagen Golf.

A short time later the Volkswagen Golf crashed on the A90 northbound, near the Dalmeny slip road.

The driver is then understood to have approached a number of cyclists in the Dalmeny area before being apprehended by police.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with these incidents and enquiries are continuing.

Detective Sergeant Todd Rutherford from Corstorphine CID said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding these incidents and I am appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

“In particular, I would like to speak to a family of cyclists who are believed to have been approached by the man shortly after the second crash in Dalmeny. I would urge the family to please get in touch and assist with our investigation.

“I would also ask any motorists with dash-cams who were in the area on Tuesday afternoon to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of importance.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 2116 of Tuesday, 23 March, 2021. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Lauriston Farm project looking for local people to get involved

Do you live in Muirhouse, Pilton or Drylaw? Would you like to be in our advisory group?

We are looking for people from the Muirhouse, Pilton and Drylaw areas to join the advisory group for the Lauriston Farm project.

The project seeks to transforming an existing farm into an urban food production and community hub that benefits, supports and regenerates the environment and all those connected to it.

The group will meet once a month to give input, insight, thoughts and advice on different aspects of the farm project as it progresses. 

In terms of time commitment, there will be an introductory meeting in late March and monthly meetings thereafter. (maximum one 2hr meeting per month).

If you would be interested in joining the group please e-mail:

edinburghagroecology@gmail.com

Another serious assault in Wester Drylaw Drive

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was found seriously injured on Wester Drylaw Drive last night (Friday, 12 March).

Members of the public found a man lying injured on the road at around 7.15pm.

Emergency services attended and a 33-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment to serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald, of Edinburgh CID, said: “Detectives are currently carrying out enquiries in Wester Drylaw Drive and the surrounding area in order to establish exactly what has happened.

“I am appealing to anyone who was on Wester Drylaw Drive yesterday evening and witnessed what happened to the victim, or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch.

“I would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were in the area to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1498 of 13 March. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given anonymously.”

Police are still seeking information following an attack on a man in Wester Drylaw Drive which took place on Tuesday afternoon.

Police are also delivering letters to houses in Clermiston following a series of incidents over recent weeks.

Western Drylaw Drive assault: Man arrested and charged

UPDATE 16th MARCH:

A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to this incident and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 17 March, 2021).

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said:  “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a black Dacia Sondero vehicle in the vicinity of Wester Drylaw Drive on the afternoon of Tuesday 9 March and in particular to the occupants of a small white VW Caddy van that was seen in the area at this time.

“I also urge motorists with dash cams to check their footage as they may have captured images which would assist our investigation.

“There will be additional patrols in the area and local residents are encouraged to speak to these officers if they have any information or concerns as it is vital that we trace everyone responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1880 of 9 March 2021.  Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

THE ORIGINAL STORY:

An investigation is under way after a man was found injured in Wester Drylaw.

At around 3.45pm on Tuesday (9 March 2021) a 35-year-old man was found injured by a member of the public in Wester Drylaw Drive. The man was seriously injured and was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment for head, leg and arm injuries.

Officers attended and carried out door-to-door enquiries to establish what had happened. The location of the attack is believed to be within a rear garden of one of the properties on Wester Drylaw Drive.

Detectives are also checking CCTV footage from in and around the surrounding areas for any additional information on the incident .At this stage, detectives do not know who is responsible, whether it was a single person attack or if a group of people attacked the man.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “The motive for this attack is unknown and we are still working to establish exactly what has happened.

It’s clear from the man’s injuries that he has been assaulted and we need to find out who is responsible and why. I am appealing to members of the public who were in the area around the time of the incident to contact us.

“I would also ask motorists with dash cams to check their footage as they may have captured images which would assist our investigation.”

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “I know there will be concerns around this incident and I would like to reassure local residents that we will have additional officers on patrol.

“It is imperative we trace whoever is responsible for this attack and we can do that with the support and co-operation of local people, so I would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1880 of 9 March 2021. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Richie’s back to support young people in North Edinburgh

‘HOMECOMING’ FOR FORMER COMMUNITY COP

FETLOR Youth Club has appointed a director to deepen the work the charity does to support young people. Richie Adams joins the Club with a wealth of leadership experience and a passion to support young people, helping them achieve their potential.

Dr Adams describes his appointment to the north Edinburgh charity as a ‘homecoming’, giving back to the community he has served across his career.

Having worked as a community police officer in Drylaw, Muirhouse and Pilton, he knows the north Edinburgh community well.

Richie’s passion for supporting the vulnerable is also evident through his voluntary work as chair of Edinburgh Community Food.

Richie retired from the Police Scotland as a superintendent having served in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and has led a number of significant strategic projects for policing.

He comes to FetLor following a successful term as Director of Education in the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service.

Andrew Barrie, FetLor’s chairman, said: “Richie’s appointment marks a real milestone for FetLor, at a time when young people need the charity’s services more than ever.

“The impact of the pandemic on young people has been profound. Richie is now working hard to get our resources to where young people need us most.

“It’s important that we develop partnerships across youth work in north Edinburgh and Richie is seeking to strengthen links with existing partners and forge new associations so we can reach the young people who really need us.

“Richie’s wealth of experience will drive this work forward. His collaborative approach will help build FetLor’s team so that we can continue to foster an environment where young people can build their confidence and go on to lead fulfilling lives.”

Prior to the pandemic, FetLor Youth Club was able to provide space for over 400 young people in the north of Edinburgh to feel safe, empowered and listened to.

The current restrictions have forced the Club’s youth outreach to be brought online.

Staff are continuing to work hard to ensure its children and young people are supported.

Work is also ongoing to make sure the charity can open the doors of its building on Crewe Road South as soon as possible.

Richie (51), said: “I’m really excited and proud to join the dedicated team at FetLor at this crucial time.

“FetLor has a long history of doing exceptional work to support young people in the north of Edinburgh. At this time, its services are needed more than ever.

“Many young people feel their mental health has suffered during lockdown and others have disengaged from school.  At FetLor we are working hard to support our young people during these difficult times.

“We have partnered with a local school to support children who have become disengaged. Our youth team is also hosting regular one to one Zoom calls with a number of young people, helping them get through these most challenging of times.

“As we look towards delivering our service in a post Covid environment there will be much to do. We are looking forward to working with partners and to the community to work out how best to serve our young people as restrictions lift.”

Community projects in the running for Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce awards

Community projects and third sector organisations have been short-listed for awards at next month’s Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business awards.

North Edinburgh’s COVID 19 Response and Recovery Group has been nominated for the Inspiring Partnership Award, with Citadel Youth Centre and Leith Rugby Club and Cyrenians and Natwest partnerships also in the running in that category.

The North Edinburgh COVID-19 Response and Recovery Group was formed at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic. Local projects and community organisations joined together in an informal coalition and have been working together ever since to ensure that the community’s most vulnerable people are being supported and protected during the pandemic.

Cyrenians is also nominated in the Local Business Hero, Employer of the Year and and Young Leader of the Year categories.

A Chamber spokesperson explained:Each year, the Edinburgh Chamber looks forward to hosting its much loved Business Awards ceremony to recognise the successes and achievements of our vibrant business community.

“2020 has been a tough year for all. However, despite the ongoing challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have watched businesses across the city come together to lead, innovate, collaborate and support those in need.

“We feel it is important to recognise the efforts and dedication shown by organisations over the past year, and so we’re delighted to announce the launch of our first ever virtual business awards.

“Our virtual awards will bring the business community together to showcase the resilience, adaptability and outstanding contribution of our local businesses and professionals, in the most challenging of years.”

Award Categories 2021:

  • Responsible Business – sponsored by City of Edinburgh Council
  • Innovation in Business – sponsored by CityFibre
  • Director of the Year – sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland
  • Developing the Young Workforce – sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce
  • Employer of the Year – sponsored by Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP
  • Young Leader of the Year – sponsored by Thorntons Law LLP
  • Inspiring Partnership Award – sponsored by Openreach
  • Excellence in Circular Economy – sponsored by Circular Edinburgh
  • Export Business of the Year – sponsored by Forth Ports
  • Service Excellence – sponsored by Heehaw
  • Local Business Hero – sponsored by TLT LLP
  • Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 

This event will take place virtually during the week of the Edinburgh’s Business Festival .

The virtual festival, taking place from 1-5th March, offers 18 events over the 5 days, ranging from keynote speakers and panel discussions to networking events and practical workshops. The Chamber will also host its annual Business Awards, to recognise and showcase the resilience, adaptability and outstanding contribution of local businesses and professionals, in the most challenging of years.

The headline sponsor for this year’s Business Festival is St James Quarter.

Martin Perry, Director of Development for St James Quarter, said: “At St James Quarter we’re passionate about doing our part to support the local Edinburgh community – and the businesses within it.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and look forward to connecting with our peers and neighbours throughout the event.”

 You can download the full programme here 

Edinburgh’s Business Festival is open to all and free to attend. For more information please click here.

If you have not booked a Festival ticket, you may book this event separately via ECC’s event page.

Police appeal following attempted robbery in Wester Drylaw

Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Wester Drylaw.The incident happened between 2pm and 2.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 23 February).

A 29-year-old man working as a delivery driver was approached by two unidentified people who assaulted him and attempted to take a set of van keys. They were subsequently disturbed by a local resident and the males fled without having taken anything.

Officers are working to identify the two men, both of whom are male:

  • One is described as being white, around 6ft 2in tall and wearing a grey hooded top and black gloves.
  • The second is white, around 5ft 10in and of medium build with very short hair or possibly bald. He was wearing a red hooded top, dark tracksuit bottoms and black gloves.

Detective Constable Zaira Marker, of the Edinburgh Division Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Our enquiries are ongoing into this attempted robbery and this includes establishing exactly where in the Wester Drylaw area this happened.

“This incident was disturbed by a local resident and we are particularly keen to speak to them.”If you recognise yourself or if you saw or heard a disturbance in the Wester Drylaw area between 1400 – 1415hrs on Tuesday I would urge you to get in touch.”

“Any information can be passed to police on 101, quoting incident 1854 of 21 February, or call anonymously Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”