Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a 38-year-old woman reported missing in Edinburgh.
Tara O’Donnell was last seen in the Haymarket area of Edinburgh around 12.15 pm on Wednesday 2nd December 2020 and there are concerns for her welfare.
It is thought that she may currently be in Edinburgh or have travelled to the Belfast area of Northern Ireland.
Tara is described as about 5 foot 3 inches, curly red/auburn hair, average build, wearing a waist length yellow rain coat.
Anyone who may have seen Tara since this time, or who has any information on her whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1698 of 03/12/2020.
POLICE are pleased to confirm that Tara O’Donnell has been traced safe and well. We would like to thank the public for their assistance.
A new Welcome Centre has opened its doors for the winter season, providing warm food and sleeping facilities, immediate housing advice and wellbeing support to anyone facing rough sleeping.
Edinburgh co-ordinates support for rough sleepers this winter at new Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre
Meals and a safe place to stay with social distancing in place
Multiple partner agencies working together to provide health, housing and advocacy support
Responding to the ongoing public health emergency with accommodation where social distancing and self-isolation can be practiced safely, the Welcome Centre shelter will provide up to 65 self-contained rooms every night until 3 May 2021.
It is being provided thanks to dedicated funding and support from the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government, plus anticipated charitable donations to Bethany Christian Trust including financial support from Social Bite.
A team of Council, public health, private and third sector workers will build on work which has taken place this year to tackle rough sleeping and move households from shared temporary accommodation like B&Bs into self-contained places to live. Edinburgh’s street-based outreach services, provided by StreetWork, will also help to identify individuals at risk during the colder months.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Councillor Kate Campbell said: “Throughout this pandemic our priority has been making sure no one has to sleep rough and that we have good quality accommodation available for anyone who needs it.
“This means working together as a city and it’s welcome that the Council, the Scottish Government and third sector partners are doing just that. It’s emblematic of how we’ve been working since March, and shows how much we can achieve when we work together.
“The Welcome Centre is a place where urgent help can be provided immediately, but beyond that critical point, partners will be on hand to provide coordinated health and housing support and help people take steps to resolve their homelessness over the longer term.
“We know from the work we’ve done already that building trust immediately and taking services to people who need them, rather than asking them to come to us to ask for help, has a positive, lasting impact. It’s incredibly important in building relationships that are helping people to move on from rough sleeping.
“All steps are being taken to protect against Covid-19 and I want to pass my thanks to Bethany, the incredible efforts of our housing officers and our partners for working together on this.
“Just last month we put a five-year plan in place to further strengthen our support and we remain committed to doing all that we can to prevent and tackle homelessness. The lessons learned during the pandemic will be embedded long term so that we are taking every possible action to end rough sleeping in our city.”
Vice Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Councillor Mandy Watt said: “We remain in a public health emergency so we need to take unprecedented steps to keep everyone as safe as we possibly can. We’re aiming to strengthen our support across all of our homelessness services and know this centre will be an important refuge for people who might otherwise sleep rough.
“A person facing a night on the streets during winter is already in a very vulnerable situation, but this is heightened by the pandemic. By opening this new welcome centre in an easily accessible venue where social distancing and self-isolation can more easily be practiced, we’re aiming to drastically reduce the risk of ill health to people in this position – and prevent the virus spreading throughout communities – at a time when the NHS will be under immense pressure.”
Edinburgh’s Bethany-run shelter ran from Church Halls last winter and the Old Waverley Hotel on Princes Street at the height of lockdown, benefitting 1,112 people. This year the centre will run from the Haymarket Hub Hotel located opposite Haymarket train station.
Alasdair Bennett, Chief Executive of Bethany Christian Trust, said: “We have a vision of ending homelessness in Scotland and over the years we have supported and prevented thousands of people from sleeping rough in Edinburgh with multi-agency support, health interventions, accommodation options and practical support, whilst also providing overnight shelter.
“The new Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre will continue to rapidly re-accommodate people safely from the streets with multi-disciplinary interventions on-site, and we will still provide bed spaces for anyone that cannot access any alternative that night and for whom the Welcome Centre is a last resort.”
Scotland’s Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I am clear that no one should be sleeping rough. Having the right support in place to ensure this isn’t the case is even more important during the harsher winter months and during the current pandemic.
“I am pleased we have been able to help fund this Rapid Rehousing Welcome Centre which provides accommodation and a support service, offering an important emergency safety net for anyone who finds themselves homeless.
“The pandemic has not changed our unwavering commitment to end homelessness, having allocated £32.5 million to support prioritising settled housing for all, and initiatives likes this are essential to protecting lives.”
Josh Littlejohn, Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “Throughout the pandemic we’ve been committed to providing help and support to those who need it most and as we move into the winter months, it’s vital that this support continues, giving those who need it a warm, safe place to sleep at night.
“The Haymarket Hub allows ample space for social distancing measures to be followed and will be a huge support to the most vulnerable in our society as we all continue to navigate through these unsure and challenging times.
“We’re proud to have worked together with partner organisations to support this potentially life-saving project and help further tackle homelessness in the city.”
The Council’s Homelessness and Housing Support team is also available to help anyone in crisis on 0131 529 7125 (8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 3.40pm on Fridays).
Police are appealing for information following the theft of four high valued pedal cycles. The bikes were stolen from a vehicle which was in a car park in the Haymarket area sometime between Tuesday 4 August 2020 and Thursday 6 August 2020.
They are described as:
1. Black and red Trek Rail 9.8 (2020) E-Bike, medium size carbon frame with ‘Trek’ in black writing. The motor within the bike is Bosch.
2. Lime coloured Whyte S150 bike, large sized carbon frame, with an oval golden chain ring. The bike has Magura MT8 branded brakes with 220mm discs, orange pedals and grips.
3. Blue and white Trek Fuel women’s specific design, small alloy frame, Sram Juicy RS branded brakes with red pedals and 26 inch wheels.
4. Brown Cheetah custom build, extra small alloy frame and 26 inch wheels. It has Whyte DT Rear Suspension which is unique with an adjustable seat post (which is adjustable from the handle bars). It has blue grips and blue pedals.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting incident 0942 of 6 August 2020. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
And, completely unrelated …
Get on your bike! Cycle sales skyrocket at Cash Converters
More active lockdown lifestyles have seen cycle sales skyrocket – almost doubling – at UK Cash Converters stores after they re-opened their doors to customers in June.
With lockdown restrictions slowly easing throughout the UK, Brits are now enjoying the great outdoors more than ever, and it looks like more and more families are gearing up to get on two wheels during the school holidays this summer.
New stats from the UK’s leading retailer of second-hand goods, Cash Converters, show bike sales have soared by 74 per cent since re-opening, as thousands turn to its booming high street bargain stores for their new bicycles.
The figures, which cover the initial three-week sales period after non-essential stores were reopened across the UK last month, show the huge spike in cycle sales after lockdown compared to the same period previously.
And it’s not just bikes. More savvy shoppers aiming to bag a bargain are turning to Cash Converters stores and its hugely popular online webshop, with sales of leisure equipment, phones, laptops and the latest tech all rising significantly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Peter Hall, CEO at Cash Converters UK said: “The past few months have been challenging for everyone across the country, with restrictions and limitations greatly impacting the ways we’re able to work, exercise and socialise.
“Now that we can get out and about more freely again, many people have turned to new hobbies and outdoor activities, and we’ve seen huge increases in the sale of so many second-hand goods in our stores – particularly bikes. We’ve also seen increases in other hobby items, such as musical instruments and fishing equipment.
“As a second-hand retailer our prices are always extremely competitive and more people are starting to look for used rather than new because the quality is still there, but it comes with a lower price tag. When it comes to gaming, jewellery, baking equipment, DIY tools and everything else in between, people are turning to Cash Converters more than ever.
“And it’s not just about buying from us, if people are keen to unlock the value of their unused goods, jewellery, tech and other household items – or they need to make space in their home – they’re able to sell those to us for cash there and then or use our buy back service.”
Cash Converters is a franchised retailer which buys and sells pre-owned goods in 196 stores throughout the country. For more information, visit https://www.cashconverters.co.uk/.
Maven Capital Partners, a leading UK property and private equity manager, has purchased a site at Murieston Crescent for the development of a purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) complex.
The site, which was acquired for £2.8 million, is situated in a prime location close to Haymarket in Edinburgh’s West End, and strategically placed for Heriot-Watt, Napier and Edinburgh universities. Situated only 1.1 miles from Princes Street, Murieston Crescent has all amenities within walking distance and benefits from strong transport links.
Maven has taken Murieston Crescent through the full planning process with permission now granted for a 120-bed PBSA development, comprising of 108 studio apartments and 12 ensuite cluster flats over six floors. The development is estimated to cost £15 million with a practical completion targeted for summer 2022.
Maven says there remains an acute shortage of purpose built accommodation for students in Edinburgh. It is estimated that around 60% of Edinburgh’s full-time student population are unable to access either university provided or private purpose built student accommodation.
Maven has extensive experience in the PBSA sector where it has developed, asset managed and operated properties across the UK, including Glasgow, Dundee, Durham, Liverpool and Birmingham.
It was also the asset manager for Mill Hill, a 257-bed student accommodation complex on Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, which was sold for £25.1 million in 2018. The Murieston Crescent transaction represents Maven’s 14th PBSA development, totalling over 2,000 beds.
Colin Anderson, Partner at Maven, said: “The PBSA sector has a history of low volatility and, despite the wider macro-economic issues which have resulted from the COVID-19 crisis, we are continuing to see strong student sentiment to continue their education with an increase in applications this year to UK universities and colleges according to UCAS data.
“We are confident that any uncertainties around academic start dates will only have a short-term impact while markets normalise and, once global travel restrictions lift, we will once again see the UK, and in particular Edinburgh, as one of the world’s most popular hotspots for overseas students.”
“Our design team is currently reviewing various Covid related augmentations such as contactless entry and filtered ventilation systems to ensure the building is a safe and secure environment for its residents.”
Will Scarlett of Scarlett Land and Development, who acted for the Seller, commented: “SLD are delighted to have completed this transaction on behalf of The Route Finance which has required patience and tenacity by both parties.
“This is one of several PBSA deals brokered by SLD at the current time that demonstrate that the Edinburgh market remains solid for the right site in the right location”.
AN EXCLUSIVE one-bedroom apartment has been released for sale at the capital’s most sought-after new development.
CALA Homes (East) has seen huge demand for properties at The Crescent at Donaldson’s, now releasing the final available homes in the west wing – including the ultimate pied-a-terre, 3/16 Donaldson Crescent.
On the market for £680,000, the elegant spilt-level first floor apartment enjoys a prime position in the development and boasts a generous master bedroom with an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe space.
The one bedroom apartment’s sweeping glass frontage stretches from the kitchen through to the dining and living space providing near uninterrupted views towards Edinburgh’s sublime skyline.
A unique feature of the property is the mezzanine office space which provides impeccable views of the iconic Donaldson’s estate.
What makes living at The Crescent truly unique within central Edinburgh, however, is the tranquil setting within the 18-acre Donaldson’s estate – the capital’s largest communal garden.
Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to set up home in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable locations.
“The one-bedroom apartment offers everything you could need for contemporary city living and more, being so closely situated to all of the attractions, landmarks, restaurants and bars in the capital.
“This elegant split-level apartment showcases the magnificent design and architecture displayed throughout this development, as well as the breath-taking views across the city.
“However, it also enjoys a peacefully secluded location within the Donaldson’s estate, with gardens and grounds on the doorstep and the treelined rear of the development. So you really have the best of both worlds.
“We’d urge those interested to act quickly as there are only two one-bedroom apartments in each wing and so far they have been a huge hit with buyers.”
CALA’s The Crescent has also achieved widespread industry acclaim and has been recognised with multiple awards for the ambitious design, cutting-edge architecture and premium showhomes since launch earlier this year.
With prices ranging from £595,000 to £1,750,000, the properties at The Crescent comprise some of the most prestigious new builds currently on offer in Edinburgh.
Designed by renowned architect, Richard Murphy OBE, the sweeping arc of 84 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses is a modern interpretation of Georgian architecture.
It is home to the most comprehensive electric vehicle charging provision in Scotland, where every apartment has access to a charging point and parking space in the private underground car park, accessible by lift access.
Just one mile west of Princes Street, The Crescent has a variety of amenities on the doorstep with excellent transport links both into and out of the city.
AN EDINBURGH project manager has won a top industry accolade at a prestigious national awards ceremony in London.
Mark Foley, of CALA Homes (East) took home the esteemed “Multi-Storey Building” award after representing Scotland at the National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster.
This year’s judging process began with the assessment of thousands of site and project managers from across the UK and culminated in only four Supreme Award winners.
Mark, 49, faced tough competition from projects in York, Poole and London but his work on the UNESCO-accredited site, The Crescent at Donaldson’s, stood out against his competitors.
This success follows Mark’s win in the qualifying heats of the NHBC ‘Pride in the Job’ Quality Awards in July and Regional Awards in October 2019, after impressing a team of inspectors during a series of rigorous and unscheduled visits to the development.
As well as undergoing spot checks of the day-to-day running of their sites, each Site Manager is assessed across 37 different areas of site management, including technical knowledge, quality and consistency.
Mark is CALA’s most decorated project manager with 13 Pride in the Job awards, alongside nine Seal of Excellences and two regional awards.
Mark said: “Delivering excellent quality for customers is what most site teams strive for and for our work at The Crescent to be recognised by the NHBC at the Supreme Awards is a real privilege and without doubt, the highlight of my career.
“Having the opportunity to work on such a prestigious site, with this level of architectural design, makes it all the more exciting.
“While my name is on the award, I want to make sure that it is appreciated how much of a team effort this is, and it couldn’t have been achieved without the amazing team I have working alongside me.
“I was immensely proud of the whole team at the Regional awards, but to make it to the Supreme Awards, and come out victorious, is a dream come true.”
Kevin Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer of CALA Homes, said: “The Pride in the Job awards recognise the industry’s best site managers and the exceptional contribution they make in creating homes of outstanding quality.
“The Supreme Award is the very highest accolade that a site manager can receive and we are extremely proud of Mark for this fantastic achievement.
“This award doesn’t just represent success for Mark, however, but for the entire team at CALA Homes East, who all play a vital role in ensuring that this unique and complex architectural design is delivered safely and to the highest quality standards for not only our customers, but also the wider Edinburgh community, on what is a very important site for the City.”
Steve Wood, NHBC Chief Executive, said: “Through Pride in the Job, NHBC has been celebrating the best of the best in house building for almost 40 years.
“There is no doubt that these awards have been instrumental in driving up the quality of new homes and results show that Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of customer satisfaction.
“The final stage of this competition is tough, so to earn the highest accolade of Supreme winner a site manager must have successfully managed a wide range of competing demands and challenges.
“Their determination and success in achieving excellence deserves recognition. More importantly, site managers like Mark are creating high quality outstanding homes that their customers can have confidence in – they are building the future. Congratulations, Mark.”
Designed by architect, Richard Murphy OBE, The Crescent mirrors the curve of the traditional New Town homes it finds itself inspired by.
Situated in the tranquil grounds of the iconic Donaldson’s estate, homes at The Crescent offer the convenience of capital living with an authentic rural feel with expansive views of the Pentland Hills.
The final remaining homes in the development’s west wing have not long been available and offer a range of sizes – from one-bedroom apartments to a deluxe penthouse – to cater for any potential buyers from £595,000 – £1,750,000.
For more information, or to register interest in the Crescent development visit: www.cala.co.uk/the-crescent or call 0131 341 2667.
THE MOST upmarket collection of new apartments to launch in Scotland’s recent history has become a fully-fledged community, with the first “core” fully sold and buyers moving in.
A £1.7m penthouse – the jewel in the crown of The Crescent by CALA Homes (East), a luxury development within Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – is now available to rent.
Point A Hotels has released rooms for sale in its newest hotel in Edinburgh, meaning that nearly 4000 hotel nights will be newly available over the busy Edinburgh Fringe period, August 2nd – August 25th.
The Point A Hotel Edinburgh, will open on Monday (8th July) and as a special offer upon opening, the hotel will be offering a 20% discount for direct bookings on PointAHotels.com*.
The latest addition to the Point A Hotels budget boutique brand, Point A Edinburgh, will bring low-priced stylish rooms to the centre of the Scottish capital – the most visited destination in the UK outside of London – in time for the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Point A Edinburgh is located close to Haymarket Station, with 149 guest rooms (including 8 accessible rooms) and some featuring breath-taking views over Edinburgh’s iconic buildings.
It will feature a spacious, 24-hour hosted reception and a lobby lounge, where Point A’s signature Brekkie will be served daily, and refreshments will be available 24/7. It will also have an extended food and beverage offering that includes pre-mixed alcoholic drinks and miniatures offered for sale at the bar and hot food in the lounge including a selection of pizzas and chicken wings.
Within the new Edinburgh property, there will be free, superfast WiFi throughout the public areas and the guest rooms, which also feature luxury Hypnos beds with fabric headboards and throws from the Isle of Bute, power showers, mood lighting and a 43-inch Samsung Smart TV, with Google Chromecast which allows customers to watch their own content on the hotel TV, providing a home from home experience.
“Our Edinburgh hotel will be beautifully designed offering our guests a sense of style without a huge price tag,” commented Nic Wenn, Managing Director, Point A Hotels. “It is located centrally and will give those wishing to attend the Edinburgh Fringe easy access to catch one of the many great performances across the city.”
Guests of Point A Edinburgh will be able to take advantage of extra-value offers and deals at local bars and restaurants through Point A Hotels’ free-to-join signature loyalty programme, the A-List. Guests can sign up to the A-List at pointahotels.com to also receive a permanent 10% off all future bookings at any Point A Hotel.
The newest hotel will join Point A Hotels’ existing portfolio of seven modern, centrally-located UK hotels offering guests exceptional service and comfort at affordable prices. Six of the Point A Hotels are in London – Shoreditch, Liverpool Street, King’s Cross St Pancras, Paddington, Westminster and Canary Wharf – and one is in Glasgow, Scotland. A further hotel in London is due to open this summer in Kensington, located on West Cromwell Road.
* 20% discount applies to bookings for stays in July and August 2019 at Point A Edinburgh only with the discount code LAUNCH and made viawww.PointAHotels.com
