A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place across Edinburgh on Friday (19 June, 2026).
A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course.
YESTERDAY (Friday, 19 June, 2026), police received multiple calls from members of the public about violent attacks including, threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh, with five people injured.
Five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39, sustained a range of injuries and three required hospital treatment, however none of the injuries are life threatening.
A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested and there is no further threat to the public.
Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is investigating, supported by other specialist colleagues and local policing officers.
The first report originated from around 8.50pm in the Sighthill area, where two men were injured. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance.
Over the following period, reports were received about incidents around retailers across the West and North of the city.
During this period, three other men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas, suffering differing injuries.
Around 9.30pm, local police officers equipped with Taser confronted a suspect and, although Taser was not discharged, the man was detained.
The individual remains in custody and enquiries continue. Local policing patrols will continue across the area and our communities will see a visible policing presence over coming days.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.
“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.
“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.
“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.
“I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police. We have established a major incident police portal.”
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist with enquiries to upload it using the online form here:
https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26X17-PO1
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.
“I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government.”
Prime Minister (at time of writing! – Ed.) Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law.
‘My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response.’
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added: “I am horrified by news of the attack in Edinburgh.
“I am grateful to the police and emergency services for their bravery in apprehending the suspect and for their speedy response in attending to the victims.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
“There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country.”
Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch said: “People should be free to worship, work and walk our streets without fear. The attack in Edinburgh is disturbing.
Violence in our streets is bad enough but reports indicate some of the victims were targeted because they were Muslim. This is abhorrent.
“I am glad police acted swiftly. The victims and their families deserve justice, and the public must have confidence that the law applies equally to everyone.”
Following a series of incidents across the city yesterday (Friday 19 June), Council Leader Jane Meagher has condemned the attacks and has paid tribute to the response of emergency services.
Councillor Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday.
“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.
“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.
“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.
“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.
“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”
THE EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION HAS ISSUED A STATEMENT:
The Muslim Council of Scotland remains deeply concerned by the violent incidents reported across Edinburgh yesterday, including the stabbing of two young Muslim students in Broomhouse and attacks on individuals perceived to be Muslim.
We welcome Police Scotland’s update confirming that a man has been arrested, there is no further threat to the public, and enquiries remain ongoing.
We have sought reassurance from Police Scotland, particularly as mosques and community organisations host family events this weekend and members of the Shia community prepare to mark Muharram in the coming days.
We encourage communities to remain calm, vigilant and mindful of their personal safety, and for organisers to review security arrangements where appropriate.
Our thoughts are with all those injured and affected. We thank Police Scotland and emergency services for their swift response and continued engagement.
Four people were attacked and hospitalised across West Edinburgh and Leith last night. Several are Muslims. Our prayers are with them – may Allah grant them healing and protection.
Police Scotland must treat this as what the evidence indicates: Islamophobic, far right terror. To investigate these attacks while ignoring a motive shouted aloud at the point of arrest would tell every Muslim in Scotland the law does not see the hatred aimed at them. We expect a hate crime investigation and prosecution, and we stand ready to support the families.
To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, report what you see. You are not alone.
Read Full Statement:
https://www.mend.org.uk/targeted-violence-in-edinburgh
STUC STATEMENT:
Football fans in Edinburgh need little encouragement to cheer on whoever are playing England. And one business owner on Easter Road has an extra incentive to roar on our Auld Enemy’s opponents at the World Cup this summer.
Ernestina Doku hails from Ghana, who face England on June 23 in Boston. Ernestina runs Dazzelustrous, an independent shop selling handmade jewellery, clothing and accessories from Ghana.
The mother-of-three moved to England from Accra as a child and spent many years down south before crossing the border. But despite the time spent there, she is in no doubt about who she will be supporting at the World Cup.
“It’s Ghana all the way for me,” she said. “We are a small nation but very proud and we have some excellent players.”
Ernestina, 46, started the business in 2015 and works closely with her sister in Ghana to select the items for sale.
“I previously worked for a well-known accessories company so that experience was a big help for me in my new venture,” she added. “I contacted my sister about my idea and together we decided to create hand-crafted jewellery and accessories which were taking Africa by storm.
“My sister started taking regular craftsmanship classes and the rest is history.
“All our products are crafted in Ghana with a selection of our jewellery created by me here in Scotland.”
Ernestina has been delighted with the support received from the Edinburgh public for her business – and she is sure this will extend to her country’s football team.
“I wasn’t aware how strong the rivalry was between England and Scotland before I got here,” she said. “But knowing what I do now I am sure that the whole city will be supporting Ghana on June 23!”
A special multicultural event celebrating the contributions of New Scots to Scotland’s cultural life, is set to take place in Edinburgh this weekend as part of Refugee Festival Scotland.
The New Scots Extravaganza, organised by Hibernian Community Foundation, will bring together performers from Scottish, Ukrainian, Crimean Tatar, African, Afghan and Indian communities through music, dance and storytelling.
Taking place on World Refugee Day, this Saturday 20 June, at Edinburgh’s Norton Park, the performances will celebrate community, art and culture, championing the diverse cultures that contribute to life in Scotland and exploring themes of roots, memory, displacement, resilience and belonging.
Combining authentic cultural expression with moments of artistic collaboration, the event highlights how diverse traditions continue to live, evolve and enrich the cultural life of Edinburgh.
The New Scots Extravaganza aims to create a space where communities are seen, heard and valued, and where Scotland is celebrated as a place shaped by many voices, stories and cultures.
Organiser Vitaliia Melnyk said: “For me, this event is important because it creates a space where people from different backgrounds can be seen, heard and valued. It is an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, and recognise the experiences, contributions and stories of people who have made Scotland their new home.
“As a Ukrainian living in Scotland, I have seen how culture can create connection, even when people come from very different places. New Scots Extravaganza is about building those connections and showing that Scotland is enriched by the people who have arrived here and become part of its communities.”
This year’s Refugee Festival Scotland sees hundreds of events staged across Scotland, all designed to put solidarity centre stage and bring people together in celebration of art, culture and community.
Run by Scottish Refugee Council, the annual festival showcases the music, dance, food, art, film, language and ideas that enrich communities.
Refugee Festival Scotland Manager, Mónica Laiseca said: “Refugee Festival Scotland is a festival for everyone. This year’s programme brings together artists, communities and audiences from across the country to share culture and time together in meaningful ways, with each event, artist and participant bringing their own perspective to the programme.
“We’re proud to showcase the creativity, resilience and hope that refugees bring to Scotland, and highlight the richness of culture that flourishes when everyone feels they belong. In a time when calls for unity and compassion are more important than ever, this festival is a reminder of what we can achieve together.”
New Scots Extravaganza takes place at Norton Park, Edinburgh at 2pm, Saturday 20 June and is free to attend.
POLICE are seeking your assistance in trying to locate a 37-year-old man missing from the Leith area.
Christopher Tatton is just over 6ft tall, with a medium build. He has green eyes and short, fair-coloured hair. Concerns were raised for Christopher on Thursday, 11 June, 2026.
He was last seen on CCTV footage in a shop in the Longniddry area of East Lothian around 6.30am on Monday, 15, June 2026.
Enquiries have also established he visited the North Berwick area between 11 and 15 June, 2026.
Inspector Grant McCulloch said: “Despite our enquiries and the CCTV sighting, Christopher is still to be traced and our concern is growing. We just want to know he is safe and well.
“If anyone has seen Christopher or has any information on where he may be, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101, quoting incident number 2150 of Thursday, 11 June, 2026
Inspiring local youngsters to become the next generation of eco-champions
Utilita is thrilled to announce the launch of its Summer Sustainability Club, a free programme of fun, hands-on activities for children and families, taking place across all 12 high street Energy Hubs during the school holidays.
Designed to inspire the next generation of eco-champions, the Summer Sustainability Club blends creativity, education and play to help children understand sustainability in an engaging and accessible way.
The initiative builds on Utilita’s award-winning High 5 campaign, which encourages households to adopt simple, everyday behaviours to save energy, reduce waste and lower bills.
On Thursday, 16 July (2pm to 3:30pm) and Friday, 31 July (10am to 11:30am) children visiting the Utilita Energy Hub (at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA) will be able to take part in a Build-a-Robot from Waste workshop.
Children will transform everyday rubbish into imaginative robot creations, learning how waste materials can be repurposed. Each participant will name their robot and explain how it can help their family and the planet.
Donna Hall, Partnerships Manager at Utilita, said: “We love to support our communities and regularly run child-friendly activities across holiday times. We strongly believe that children should have access to experiences that spark their imagination and creativity.
“Through our Summer Sustainability Club, we’re sharing what we’ve learned from our eco programme in a fun, interactive way to ignite children’s interest in sustainability and maybe even inspire them to consider green jobs of the future.”
A key part of the programme is the support and expertise provided by Utilita’s Energy Hub Eco Experts, who are on hand to guide families through each activity, offer practical advice and share simple ways to reduce energy use at home. These specialists play a vital role in helping communities build sustainable habits, ensuring that lessons learned during the workshops can be carried into everyday life.
The Summer Sustainability Club reinforces Utilita’s commitment to community engagement, education and environmental responsibility. By combining hands-on learning with real-world advice, the initiative aims to empower families to make small, meaningful changes that contribute to a more sustainable future.
All activities are free to attend and open to children of all ages. Families are encouraged to visit their local Energy Hub to get involved.
See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.
A Harbour Homes sheltered housing tenant said she had “no regrets” as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Betty Cowan marked her centenary surrounded by family and friends, with a week of visits, parties and celebrations. Fellow tenants and staff at Harbour Homes’ Hermitage Court sheltered housing development in Leith also joined in the festivities.
Born in Leith on 13 June 1926, Betty has remained close to her roots throughout her life. The second youngest of 10 children, her family moved to Restalrig in 1936.
During the Second World War, Betty was evacuated. She recalled: “I got the train at the bottom of Easter Road and we thought we were going miles away… it was Lasswade. We thought we were at the end of the world.”
Throughout her life, Betty has enjoyed socialising, going to clubs, dancing and the cinema.
Hard work has been a theme throughout Betty’s life. She started her working life when she was 14 at a rubber mill in Leith, before moving on to Gaudie’s Box Makers and Lamb’s.
Betty worked in Crawford’s the bakers in 1963, when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. She worked until she was 78 and enjoyed holidays abroad until she was in her early nineties.
Betty also worked in Marks and Spencer on Princes Street as a cleaner. She still has a 20% discount for the retailer and a pension.
She met her husband Jimmy at Gaudie’s when she was 22. Together they had four children: James, Michael, John and Janis. Sadly, John and James have since passed away.
Betty has four grandchildren and one great-grandson, though the family suffered a further loss last year with the death of her granddaughter Nicola.
Despite the hardships her family has faced over the years, Betty remains positive.
Betty said: “I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had a really good life, a good family, we’ve had our wee ups and downs, but everything is lovely now. I’ve got no regrets and I’ve never wanted for anything.”
Betty moved into Hermitage Court in 2009 and says it was one of the best decisions she has ever made, enjoying both the friendships and the wide range of social activities.
“I love being here — it’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” she added.
Having witnessed many changes in Leith and Edinburgh over the decades, Betty embraced a more recent development last year when she took a tram trip to St James Quarter, enjoying the view down Leith Walk.
Her secret to a long and happy life? Simple. “I believe in working hard. Looking after young children keeps you young — well, it’s obviously done that for me!”
Maureen Combe, who leads the Sheltered Housing team at Harbour Homes, said: “Betty is a much-loved member of our Hermitage Court community, and it has been a privilege to celebrate her birthday with her.
“Reaching 100 years old is an incredible milestone. Betty’s warmth, resilience and positive outlook are an inspiration to everyone around her. The whole community has enjoyed being part of her special celebrations.”
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre is set to give beloved toys a new lease of life this weekend (20 – 21 June), as it hosts the Leith Toy Hospital for the very first time. Offering free toy repairs for local families. Coinciding with the buzz around Toy Story 5, visitors can bring along their well-loved teddies and dolls for expert TLC.
Run by skilled toy surgeons, the Toy Hospital based in Musselburgh specialises in soft toy and doll repair and restoration, giving cherished toys a new lease of life.
Visitors are invited to bring along teddies or dolls in need of repair to OMNi on 20 and 21 June where the Leith Toy Hospital team will be on hand to carry out first aid style repairs, along with prescription cards for toys needing further work offsite.
The pop-up toy hospital service is free of charge and charity donations for OMNi’s charity partner Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) are welcome on the day.
Neil Mackie, OMNi Centre Manager, said: “We’re delighted to host Leith Toy Hospital’s expert team for the first time at OMNi.
“Offering free toy repairs is a fantastic way to give back to our community and bring families together around something truly special.”
Mari Jones, director of Leith Toy Hospital, added: “Favourite toys become part of the family, and just like Woody and Jessie, they each have a story to tell. It’s an honour to care for these treasured companions so that their stories can continue for many years to come.”
The free pop-up will take place from 10am-4pm on the 20th and 21st June, with no booking required. Free on-the-day repairs will include seam repairs, stuffing top ups, surface cleaning and sprucing up of fur.
The family fun doesn’t stop there… OMNi will continue its family entertainment into July, with money saving offers and a free craft station to keep little ones busy.
For full details, visit the OMNi website and join OMNi on its social channels for latest information and behind the scenes content: Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including Bank Holidays.
A group of sheltered housing tenants known as the ‘Leith Legends’ (aged 60-95) have reached the end of their 3,070-mile walking challenge. They walked their final mile starting at the top of the Royal Mile and ending at the Scottish Parliament Building yesterday (Thursday 11 June).
The group has been attempting to walk the distance from Edinburgh to Boston ahead of Scotland’s first match at the men’s FIFA World Cup this weekend. Their journey began in January with a walk around the pitch at Easter Road Stadium, adorned with Scotland flags and team T-shirts.
The ‘March to the Match’ will be the longest journey attempted by tenants who have previously walked the distance from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End (1,280 miles), from Alloway to Dumfries in the footsteps of Robert Burns (60 miles), and the North Coast 500 (500 miles).
Maureen Combe who leads the Sheltered Housing Team at Harbour Homes said: “The Leith Legends have come a long way since their first walk at Easter Road Stadium.
2They have been steadfast in their commitment to reaching their goal, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved. To have walked their final mile on the first day of the World Cup, when thousands of Scotland fans set off on their adventures, just adds to the excitement of it all.”
Leith Legend Anne McBrierty said: “The challenge has meant that I’ve been walking a lot more than I usually do and I’m hoping to keep it up after it’s over.
“I’ve enjoyed it all and my favourite group walk was around the grounds of Lauriston Castle.”
Leith Legend Betty Lewis said: “I’ve enjoyed all the different walks we’ve been on too, the Botanics, Portobello and Easter Road Stadium.
“For me Lauriston Castle was a favourite. I too hope to keep up with the walking now that the challenge is finished.”
The Leith Legends have been counting their steps walked, both as a group at locations around Edinburgh, and as individuals looking to keep fit.
They have successfully walked a combined distance of just over 3,070 miles in 140 days, at a pace of around 22 miles per day.
Port of Leith Open Day – come and see us this Sunday 7th June!
