Category: Leith

Around the world in 342 ways

Collection of renowned Leith-born interior designer Derek Parker and partner Peter Morris up for auction

An auction devoted entirely to an eclectic collection of items amassed over 60 years by renowned interior designers Derek Parker and Peter Wynne Morris will feature as part of Woolley & Wallis’s series of furniture, collections and works of arts sales this month.

Parker & Morris, The Art of Decorating, comprises 342 lots which represent a snapshot of the glamourous lives of the couple, their various homes in Scotland, England, France, Monte Carlo, Australia and the United States and their passion for collecting and antique dealing.

Presented in conjunction with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, one of today’s most famous firms of interior decorators that had a long and close association with Parker & Morris, the auction on Wednesday, April 17 will feature such diverse lots as a collection of rare Manus Island green tree snail shells, found only on the island in Papua New Guinea, porcelain figures and bowls, art works, furniture and furnishings and books.

In association with the auction, on April 10th, Hampshire interior designer, Charlotte Stuart, who has a long-standing association with Colefax and Fowler will give the 8th Tim Woolley Memorial Lecture, covering the firm’s history and its association with the collection of Parker & Morris.

Derek and Peter who spent their later years in Salisbury, were good friends with Tim Woolley and clients of Woolley & Wallis in Salisbury for many years.

Roger Jones, a director at Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler, met Derek and John when he joined the company in 1994 and said they were regular visitors to the showrooms whenever they were in London:

“They had a business connection with the company as well, as for a number of years they ran the Australian Colefax and Fowler showroom.

“The influence of Colefax and Fowler is evident in the way they decorated their various houses in the 1970s and 1980s, a sort of ‘full’ Colefax and Fowler look; busier and more exuberant than the way in which we work today. There are many pieces in the sale which historically relate to Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler.”

Born in Leith, Derek Parker first met Melbourne-born Peter Morris in 1959, the beginning of a professional and personal relationship which would last for the rest of their lives.

In his early years as an interior designer, Derek worked on some of the great houses of Scotland, including Lennoxlove in East Lothian, home of the Duke of Hamilton, Lennel in Berwickshire where he designed and decorated the ballroom and Eden Hall, home of the Earl and Countess of Dalkeith.

He also worked for the Queen and designed some of the cushions at Holyrood House.

One of their own homes was Yester House in East Lothian, former residence of the Marquess of Tweedale and family seat of the Hay family for many years.

In London, where they opened a showroom, they lived in Winston Churchill’s bachelors pad and were dubbed the “best dressed men in Mayfair” but their interior design business took them around the world.

One-time residents of Monte Carlo, they bought an apartment beneath Shirley Bassey’s and drove around in a powder blue convertible Rolls Royce, the same car as Princess Grace. They also bought a house in Roquebrune in France and leased Netherhampton House in Wiltshire, once home to Siegfried Sassoon. Many of the items in the auction were displayed at Netherhampton House.

They wintered in Australia and spent summer in Europe and wherever they lived and travelled they indulged in their passion for collecting unique and interesting pieces, furniture and works of art, decorating each of their homes, in what Derek described as “appropriate to the style of the house”.

“Interiors are governed greatly by what people own to what they aspire. Houses should, after all, be an expression of one’s personality and lifestyle,” he said.

The proceeds of the auction will be donated to the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, which already owns Peter’s collection of French 18th century white porcelain.

All ticket sales from the Tim Woolley memorial lecture will be donated to Salisbury Hospice.

Full details of the auction and lecture can be viewed at:

 https://www.woolleyandwallis.co.uk

‘Circle of good’ making a difference for Leith-based community bank

2023 has been a year of exceptional growth for Castle Community Bank headquartered in Leith. At the AGM it was reported that total membership has grown to over 46,000 at September 2023.

Chief Executive Adrian Sargent said: “I’m proud of our team, and the growth that we have achieved this year. We remain focussed on our social purpose of supporting communities, whilst helping our members to maximise their savings and manage debt as effectively as possible.

At the same time, our overall current Trustpilot rating of 4.8/5 shows we are getting the day-to-day experience right for our membership.”

Castle Community Bank aims to achieve sustainability through scale and is on track to do so with total assets now equal to £283m, making them one of the largest credit unions in the UK. Deposits have grown to £247m in 2023 and the loan book has increased to £225m in 2023.

Castle Community Bank Chair, Stephen Pearson said: “I like to think of our operating model as a ‘circle of good’.

“Savers like our top quartile interest rates and easy online joining process. Many of them also like the fact that we make their money go further by funding our affordable loan products, enabling people who struggle to access loans from mainstream banks to borrow what they need at affordable rates.

“In turn, prudent, commercial success enables us to grow our community programmes in Edinburgh and beyond: including providing debt advice support, sustainable food bank funding and ethical investment for charities and churches.

“Castle Community Bank is leading the way in expanding the credit union movement in the UK, delivering strong and sustainable growth, underpinned by sound risk management.”

The Scottish credit union was established in 2015 following the merger of two long established credit unions: Castle and North Edinburgh (above), along with the members of the Water of Leith Credit Union Study Group.

The study group was set up with the aim of establishing a Credit Union in Leith.

The difference between credit unions or mutuals and high street banks is they are owned and run by members, instead of shareholders, creating a shared financial community across the UK, which is accessible to everyone.

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter at Vue

A host of brand-new animated adventures and all-time family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the school holidays.  

For the first time in almost a decade, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master Po bounces back onto this big screen with a hilarious new chapter, in Kung Fu Panda 4 on 28 March.  

Facing his most fearsome foe yet in the many forms of the powerful sorceress The Chameleon, Po (voiced by the iconic Jack Black) must use his courageous Dragon Warrior martial arts skills to defend the Valley of Peace. However, he’s not alone, as he must team up with the crafty fox thief Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina) in this butt-kicking mission to ensure the world remains peaceful and at balance.  

This Easter break will also see some familiar heroes take up the call when Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire brings paranormal pranks and ghostly grins to Vue from 22 March. Returning to New York City, the Spengler Family from Ghostbusters: Afterlife must unite with the original Ghostbusters to take on an evil force that threatens the world with a second Ice Age.  

With a cast that includes newer names such as Paul Rudd and Finn Wolfhard and original ‘busters Bill Murray and Dan Akyroyd, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire looks to provide eerie thrills for the entire family this half term.  

Sweeter than a spoonful of sugar, both Mary Poppins and its recent sequel Mary Poppins Returns are heading back to the big screen at Vue this Easter, marking 60 years since the release of the iconic first film.     

Making its debut on the big screen after exclusively releasing on streaming platforms, Disney’s recent adventure Luca will be playing at Vue from the 5 April. Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, this animated adventure tells a coming-of-age story about one young boy’s unforgettable summer filled with gelato, scooters and his new best friend – who turns out to be a sea monster from a secret world below the ocean.  

Vue will also be bringing back some of the biggest family films from the past year, perfect for Easter viewing including the chocolatey charm of Wonka from 29 March and Disney’s Wish from 5 April as part of the Vue Mini Mornings series, shown every day across Half Term at 10am.  

Robert Lea, Head of Screen Content at Vue Entertainment, said ‘We’ve got a great selection of new films and big screen entertainment on show this Easter providing the perfect way to enjoy quality time with the family over the school break.  

‘With film screenings from just £4.99 online at selected venues the big screen experience at Vue is the perfect treat during the Easter holidays. 

‘Even better, our Vue Mini Mornings at 10am, will continue to show the latest kids’ films at just £2.49 a ticket if purchased online and £3.49 in venue. Parents and children can come along, switch off and immerse themselves in great stories.” 
 

Tickets are available now at www.myvue.com. 

Leith murder: Man arrested

A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of 65-year-old Nashir Ahmed on Sunday, 10 March, 2024.

Mr Ahmed died following an incident at a bus stop on Ferry Road, Edinburgh, near to its junction with Great Junction Street and Coburg Street, around 8.30pm.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Friday, 22 March).

A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Leith murder: Nashir Ahmed’s family pays tribute as hunt goes on

POLICE are continuing enquiries following the murder of 65-year-old Nashir Ahmed on Sunday, 10 March, 2024. 

Mr Ahmed was standing with a 48-year-old man at a bus stop on Ferry Road, Edinburgh, Leith Library, around 8.30pm when they were approached by another man who then attacked them.

Emergency services attended and both men were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Mr Ahmed later died in hospital on Friday, 15 March, 2024. 

Mr Ahmed’s family said: “Nashir was a loving husband and father. He was a big part of our family and we are devastated at losing him.

“He was heavily involved in Edinburgh’s Bangladeshi community and will be greatly missed. He loved life and cared for all his family and friends. We will always remember his warmth and his kindness.”

His attacker is described as black, around 30-years of age, with short, dark hair. He was wearing a red tartan scarf and a long, black jacket with a hood.

Man wearing white hat and shirt sitting on a boat with water and swans behind him.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “A family has been left feeling bereft as they come to terms with losing someone so integral to their lives. The circumstances are heart breaking, and I can’t possibly imagine the pain they are feeling during these difficult times. 

“We continue to follow up several lines of inquiry and I would reiterate my appeal to anyone who has any information about this crime or the person responsible to contact us. Any small piece of information could be crucial in our ongoing investigation, so please do pass it on. 

“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 2805 of 10 March. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Police operation in Leith sees 16 charged for drugs offences

Officers in Leith have seized drugs worth an estimated street value of £46,000 and charged 16 people with drugs offences as part of Operation Elate in Leith.

In response to community concerns, the operation running through March has seen and will see officers focus on tackling drug crime and drug-related harm in the area. This is a partnership initiative dedicated to disrupting the drugs trade while directing vulnerable adults, young people and children to the support they require.

Enforcement, where necessary, has been taking place with 16 people, aged between 15 and 50, charged in relation to drugs offences. Drugs, including Diamorphine and Cocaine have been seized. Intelligence led-searches have also been carried out under warrant at five addresses in the Edinburgh area.

Sergeant Marr of Leith Police Station said: “Removing illegal drugs and targeting criminals who seek to profit from other people’s misery continues to be a priority for us and our communities.

“People involved in the supply of drugs make money out of addiction and vulnerability. They risk people’s lives for their own financial gain, and often, use this to fund other forms of serious and organised crime.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling this type of criminality, officers are carrying out additional patrols in the Leith area and engaging with the community to identify local concerns so the appropriate action can be taken.

“We rely on the support of the public and we would urge anyone with any information regarding drugs in their communities to contact 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Ferry Road attack victim has died

LEITH MURDER: POLICE RENEW CALL FOR WITNESSES

A 65-year-old man has died in hospital after being seriously assaulted in Edinburgh on the evening of Sunday, 10 March, 2024.

Nashir Ahmed was standing with a 48-year-old man at a bus stop on Ferry Road near to its junction with Great Junction Street and Coburg Street, when they were approached by another man who then attacked them.

Emergency services attended and both men were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The 48-year-old victim was discharged after receiving treatment for serious leg and facial injuries however Mr Ahmed later died in hospital on Friday, 15 March, 2024. His family are aware.

Detectives are treating his death as murder and are renewing their appeal for any information which could assist their investigation.

From enquiries carried out so far, the suspect is described as black, around 30-years of age with short, dark hair. He was wearing a red tartan scarf and a long, black jacket with a hood.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr Ahmed’s family and the other victim and specialist officers are supporting them during this extremely difficult time.

“This was a completely random and unprovoked assault on Mr Ahmed and his friend and it is absolutely vital that we trace the individual responsible for this despicable and senseless crime.

“Ferry Road would have been busy around the time and we would continue to urge anyone who witnessed this attack as well as anyone with dash-cam or private CCVV footage of the area which could be of significance, to please get in touch.

“Incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern to the local community however we are following a number of positive lines of enquiry and there will continue to be additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance.

“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 2805 of 10 March. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Emergency services tackle high rise fire in Bonnington

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources are currently in attendance at a well-developed fire involving a high rise building in the Breadalbane area of Bonnington.

“We received the call at 4.10am following reports of a fire within a flat.

“The building has been evacuated and firefighting operations remain ongoing.

“There are no reported casualties at this time involving members of the public.

“One firefighter has sustained minor injuries and has received treatment from Scottish Ambulance Service at the scene.”

POLICE are in attendance at a fire at the block of flats in Breadalbane Road.. Approximately 100 local residents have been evacuated and a police cordon is in place.

UPDATE at 10am:

“Around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources are currently in attendance at a well-developed fire involving a high rise building in the Breadalbane area of Bonnington, City of Edinburgh.”

The Persimmon Homes building is understood to house 111 flats. Some are believed to have been destroyed in the blaze.

PICTURE: Local resident HARRY WILLIAMS

Police seek witnesses to Leith assaults

POLICE are appealing for information after two men were seriously assaulted in Leith on Sunday evening (10 March, 2024).

Around 8.30pm, the two men aged 48 and 65, were standing at a bus stop on Ferry Road near to its junction with Great Junction Street and Coburg Street, when they were approached by a man who then attacked them.

Police and ambulance attended and the men were both taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where they are receiving treatment.

The suspect is described as black, around 30 years of age with short, dark hair. He was wearing a red tartan scarf and a long, black jacket with a hood.

Detective Inspector Steven Gray of Gayfield Police Station said: “This is a busy area and I would urge anyone who witnessed this attack take place, or anyone with information that may assist us to come forward as soon as possible.

“I would also ask anyone driving in this area around the time of this incident to check their dash-cam footage and please contact us with anything relevant.

“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 2805 of 10 March. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Drugs operation sees man arrested and charged

As part of an operation to combat illegal substances in the north east area of Edinburgh a man has been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences.

Officers from Operation Elate arrested the 26-year-old man around 5.40pm yesterday (Wednesday, 6 March, 2024) in Elgin Street, Leith. Subsequently, class A drugs with a street value of £5,160 and over £700 in cash were recovered.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday 4th April.

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “Drugs cause miseries in our communities and officers continue to work to remove illegal substances from our streets.

“Information from the public has an important role and we ask anyone with concerns about drugs to contact Police Scotland via 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”