Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a food charity’s delivery van was stolen in Leith.
The white Ford Transit van, one of two main delivery vehicles belonging to social enterprise Edinburgh Community Food, was taken sometime between 1.30pm on Monday, 9 August, and 6am on Tuesday, 10 August, when it was parked on Tennant Street.
The van, registration number SH12 XVO, is distinctive with a large strawberry logo on the sides and rear with the words – edinburgh community food – clearly written on it. (van pictured below is not the stolen vehicle but shows the logo)
Sergeant Elaine McArthur Kerr, of Leith police station, said: “Edinburgh Community Food relies on its vans to deliver to people and businesses in the city and this theft is a shameful act given that it obviously belongs to a charity.
“Edinburgh Community Food delivers fresh fruit and vegetables to people on low incomes and sells it to staff, patients and visitors in city hospitals. This theft has left them seriously inconvenienced and having to hire a replacement.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to trace the van and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen it since it went missing to get in touch. If you can assist please contact us on 101, quoting incident 0689 of Tuesday, 8 August, 2021, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Edinburgh Community Food CEO Brenda Black, said: “We need the van to deliver essential fresh food supplies to isolated people throughout Edinburgh.
“We spent the pandemic making sure the most vulnerable people in Edinburgh got food and essentials to keep them going through the worst of times.
“We continue to deliver food to families, communities and other organisations who really need them but this theft has halved our capacity.”
Let’s hope this vehicle is returned to it’s owners without delay.
UPDATE: VAN FOUND – THURSDAY 12 AUGUST
Officers in Edinburgh can confirm that a food charity’s delivery van which was stolen in the Leith area of the city has been recovered.
The white Ford Transit van, one of two main delivery vehicles belonging to social enterprise Edinburgh Community Food, has been traced to the Newhaven area and enquiries are ongoing to find out how it got there.
Sergeant Elaine McArthur Kerr, of Leith police station, said: “Fortunately the van has been traced as a direct result of our appeal and I would like to thank everyone who responded to it.
“However, enquiries are ongoing to find out how it got there and we continue to appeal for information. I would ask anyone who saw the white Ford Transit with its distinctive large strawberry logo between 1.30pm on Monday, 9 August, and noon on Thursday, 12 August, to get in touch.
“If you can assist please contact us on 101, quoting incident 0689 of Tuesday, 8 August, 2021, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian football clubs have been granted dispensation by the Council to welcome back full capacity crowds at their upcoming home matches in the next few weeks.
The move follows the easing of Scottish Government Covid19 public health guidance.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’ve been working very closely and productively with both clubs on over the last few weeks and months to help ensure fans can safely attend home games within the parameters of the public safety guidance.
“It’s great that we’re now in a position to have both stadiums back at full capacity as Covid restrictions ease. I’m sure fans of both teams will be hugely looking forward to hearing the roar of their home crowds after such a long time and it’s bound to give a real boost to the players themselves too.
Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This is great news for Hearts and Hibs fans who can get back to enjoying the football they love.
“Fans’ safety remains our number one priority and we’re delighted that with the easing of restrictions it’s now possible to welcome back the crowds at Easter Road and Tynecastle once again. We’ll keep things under review, as you’d expect, given the unpredictable nature of this pandemic, but for now we wish both clubs all the best with their return to capacity attendance.
Ben Kensell, Hibernian Football Club Chief Executive, said: “We are all really delighted to be able to welcome back our supporters. It is what everyone has been waiting for.
“While those fans who have attended our recent games have created a terrific atmosphere to spur the team on, we are looking forward to hearing what a full stadium can do. We would like to thank City of Edinburgh Council for their support throughout these challenging times.
Andrew McKinlay, Heart of Midlothian Football Club Chief Executive, said:We are thrilled that full capacity has been restored and would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for their support.
“We really can’t wait to welcome our fantastic supporters back in numbers for the visit of Aberdeen on August 21st and look forward to hearing Tynecastle Park at full voice for the first time in 17 months.”
Three men, aged 23, 22 and 21-years-old, have been arrested and charged in connection with two alleged assaults and homophobic crime following an incident involving two men on Leith Street, which happened on Friday 30 July 2021.
The men have been released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
.Detective Inspector Mark McGraw said: “Any form of hate crime has a huge impact on those targeted.
“An attack on people because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race or beliefs, is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.”
Superdry has announced the opening of its first concept store in Scotland. The new 8219 sq ft store will open in St James Quarter on Monday, 9th August.
Superdry is built on style. Characterised by quality fabrics, authentic vintage washes, unique detailing, world leading hand-drawn graphics and tailored fits with diverse styling. The new concept store will host Superdry’s five style choice collections: Original & Vintage, Studios, CODE, Sport Performance and Superdry X – the only store in Scotland to house five all collections under one roof.
Superdry will join level two of the £1bn shopping district and will create over 20 new job opportunities in the capital. Superdry is the latest addition to the enviable list of world-renowned brands who have recently joined the St James Quarter family, including Aesop, Hamleys, The Kooples and Maki & Ramen.
To celebrate the opening, the first 100 customers who spend £50 or over will receive a free organic cotton gift and Superdry tote bag.
“The Superdry opening next week continues to underscore Edinburgh’s global appeal and further bolsters the St James Quarter retail offer. We’re excited to welcome guests to the new store next week.”
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer food, drinks or toilet facilities on site, but these can be found walking distance from the venue.
There are new, staffed public toilets 5 minutes’ walk away. We will be able to direct you to the closest establishments and Leith’s many eco-friendly businesses, including Earth and Commons’ market near the festival.
We ask you:
-Not to attend the event if you have COVID-19, have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.
-Wear a mask.
-Respect 2 meters social distancing.
We reserve the right to ask someone to leave if they don’t adhere to these rules.
The Edinburgh Climate Festival is organised by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), The Welcoming Association, Earth in Common, the Salisbury Centre, SHRUB Coop and the Edinburgh College Students Association.
The festival is supported by Net Zero Scotland, and The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland.
The open day is a public event and photographs and films will be taken for use for marketing uses.
Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery on Leith Street last Friday evening. The incident is being treated as a hate crime.
Detective Inspector Mark McGraw said: “The investigation into an assault and robbery against two men on Leith Street, Edinburgh on Friday 30 July is ongoing and being treated as a hate crime.
“We understand hate crimes can have a huge impact on those targeted, and an attack on people because of their sexual orientation, gender, race or beliefs, is not only abhorrent but will not be tolerated.
“Anyone who was in the Leith Street area of Edinburgh at around 9.20pm on Friday, 30 July, and may have information that could assist with our enquiry is urged to contact Police Scotland, quoting reference number 3663 of 30 July.”
RISE, a collaborative pilot programme designed to help people involved in crime to make positive life changes has been launched by Scottish convenience retailer Scotmid.
Scotmid’s Project RISE (Recovering In a Supported Environment) will be initially piloted in Leith. It has been designed to proactively intervene and support those living in the local community by encouraging them to avoid potential criminal situations, suggesting alternative choices and signposting individuals to support services.
Project RISE will work in partnership with several organisations including Cyrenians, Turning Point, Link-Up, Connecting Circles and Police Scotland.
As a ‘restorative practice intervention’, it will be used as an alternative engagement model to provide solutions to a recurring problem, which in many cases, tends to be crime.
If successful, Scotmid hopes that the programme will be rolled out across other areas of the city, where additional resources and support would help make a difference.
Nick McGuirk, Project RISE Project Manager at Scotmid, said: “As a retailer based in the heart of our communities, we are in a fortunate position to be able to identify and reach some of the most vulnerable people in our local areas.
“We’re pleased to work collaboratively with some fantastic charities to ensure we can support as many people as possible, helping them to make more positive life choices.”
Carmen McShane, Scotland Service Manager of Turning Point, said: “It has never been so important to make mainstream services more accessible for those who suffer from alcohol and other drug use.
“Accessing support and treatment can be a protective factor in reducing overdose, therefore, outreach work in Leith, and other local communities like this, is vital if we want to prevent drug-related deaths. I’m so pleased to work with Scotmid, Connecting Circles, Cyrenians and Link Up in this initiative to deliver the support to people in our community who need it.”
A Spokesperson at Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is looking forward to working alongside our partners in this pilot programme, designed to make positive changes for those who require support and help.
“We hope the programme will expand its work to other areas, so that people can avoid potentially dangerous circumstances, whilst flourishing in their communities.”
A Statement from Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh:
A praying priest was attacked by a man with a bottle in St Mary’s Cathedral in York Place yesterday. Edinburgh Police say enquiries are ongoing and urge anyone with information to contact them on 101.
Maciej Zurawski photography
In a statement, the Archdiocese of Edinburgh and St Andrew’s said:“Yesterday morning (Monday 26 July) a priest sitting alone praying in a pew at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh was subject to a violent and unprovoked assault by a man carrying a glass bottle.
“Just prior to the attack the man had asked him if he was a priest. When the priest replied that he was, the man attempted to hit him on the head with the bottle, before chasing him to the back of the cathedral.
“The bottle broke on the ground and the man continued using it in his assault. The priest managed to fend him off with a chair before the attacker ran out of the cathedral. The priest escaped without injury.
“Anyone with information is urged to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0823 of Monday 26 July.”
A police spokesperson confirmed: “Around 9.35am on Monday, 26 July, police were called to a report of a 35-year-old man being assaulted within a church in York Place, Edinburgh.
“Officers attended and the victim did not require hospital treatment.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0823 of Monday, 26 July, 2021.”
● With 100 days to go until the UN climate change summit COP26, 13 ambassadors are encouraging the country to follow their green footsteps and play their part in tackling climate change
● The first tranche of ‘One Step Greener’ ambassadors include Edinburgh’s Sara Thomson of The Leith Collective
● Nation to nominate everyday climate leaders to be part of the 26 ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors who symbolise the best in UK climate leadership and whose stories will be showcased at the crucial summit in November
People from across the country will have the chance to showcase their stories at the major climate summit COP26 in Glasgow, as a search for everyday climate leaders gets underway today (Saturday 24 July).
In the lead up to COP26 with less than 100 days to go, the UK Government is calling on people from all walks of life to join the ‘One Step Greener’ movement on social media by sharing how they are doing their bit for the environment, championing climate leaders in their communities, and inspiring others to follow their lead. Whether big or small, one or many, green steps around the country can culminate in a large collective impact in helping make Britain a more sustainable and greener place.
The nation will also be able to nominate people in their communities who they think are making a big difference in the fight against climate change. They will have the chance to become ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors and showcase their stories at COP26 this November – which aims to be the most inclusive COP ever.
Those nominated could be family members, friends, colleagues, community leaders or entrepreneurs: anyone who is taking action to tackle climate change and inspiring others to follow in their green footsteps.
Leading the charge are 13 inspiring people, announced today as the first ambassadors for the ‘One Step Greener’ initiative, who will be launching the search for another 13 extraordinary individuals ahead of COP26 – making 26 everyday climate leaders in the UK to mark the 26th climate summit of its kind.
The ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors will come from all walks of life in their pursuit of a greener future, as they come together with government, businesses, community groups, schools, and citizens in taking steps to tackle climate change.
Prime Minister Boris Johnsonsaid: “The UK has made huge strides towards a greener future, with new records in renewable energy and new targets for slashing emissions. But there are also thousands of people across the country doing their bit too, from embarking on green careers and building sustainable businesses to reducing their use of plastic and taking part in conservation projects.
“We can all do our bit to help tackle climate change. That’s why we’re challenging everyone to go one step greener in the next 100 days and win the chance to become an ambassador ahead of COP26 in Glasgow this November.”
COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said: “In my many meetings with ministers and governments around the world we discuss the big changes which urgently need to be made to tackle climate change.
“Setting ambitious emissions reductions targets, supporting developing nations, and protecting nature are all vital if we are to keep temperatures from rising above 1.5C.
“But there is a role in tackling climate change for everyone, and it is heartening to see all parts of society embracing their responsibility to safeguard our precious planet, no matter how big or small a step.”
The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said:“I couldn’t be more delighted to be named a One Step Greener Ambassador ahead of COP26. This is a great opportunity to tell us about what you, or someone you know, is doing to be one step greener. It could end up with you joining us to help tackle climate change at COP26.”
World leaders will meet in Glasgow with the aim of agreeing how to tackle the urgent threat of global climate change. The UK is working to prevent global temperatures rising above 1.5C and to protect the planet and people from the intensifying impacts of climate change, which unchecked will lead to further catastrophic flooding, bush fires, extreme weather, and the mass extinction of species. The UK has been leading the way and shown that green growth is possible. The UK was also the first country to commit to reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and is on course to be the fastest G7 country to decarbonise cars and vans by 2030.
British female racing driver Alice Powell has become one of the first ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors. Yesterday, Powell arrived in her ground-breaking Envision Virgin Racing Formula E Car racing car which is redefining the green future of motor sport.
There she met with the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson for COP26 Allegra Stratton to discuss her involvement as an Ambassador for the ‘One Step Greener’ initiative. Alice and the Envision Virgin Racing team will also host COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma at the London ePrix, an annual race of the single-seater, electrically powered Formula E championship.
The ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors have been announced today to cover all parts of the UK and include:
Dame Jackie Daniel – NHS Trust CEO
Dame Jackie began her NHS career as a nurse before moving into management and has been a Chief Executive Officer for 20 years leading a range of acute, mental health and specialist trusts.
She was appointed as Chief Executive of Newcastle Hospitals in March 2018 and since then, the Trust has retained its outstanding CQC status and became the first NHS organisation to pledge to reach Net Zero Carbon.
She was recently named as one of the top five chief executives of the year in the HSJ awards for 2021.
Dame Jackie Daniel said: “COP26 will be a defining moment in the global effort to tackle climate change and I am honoured to be named a One Step Greener Ambassador.
“Climate change poses a major threat to people’s and the planet’s health which is why the NHS in England has committed to become the world’s first carbon net zero national health system. I hope I can encourage the public to do their bit to protect our planet as well as nominating others who are going One Step Greener.”
Hugo Chambers – Sustainable Sourcing Manager and Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Sainsbury’s
Hugo’s job at Sainsbury’s is to help reduce the impact of our food on the planet, whether that’s lowering the carbon footprint of products such as coffee or cheese or ensuring the palm oil in their products do not contribute to the deforestation of tropical forests. Outside of work, Hugo also tries to make greener decisions where he can such as cycling to work and trying to eat a more healthy and sustainable diet.
Hugo Chambers said: “My passion for protecting the environment is central to the work that I do, which is to help reduce the impact of our food consumption on the planet, whether that’s by helping to reduce the carbon footprint of products, or ensuring that palm oil in our products doesn’t contribute to the deforestation of tropical forests.
“I hope that as a One Step Greener Ambassador, I can help inspire and encourage people up and down the country to lead healthier, more sustainable lives as the UK gets ready to host COP26 in November. Who are you going to nominate to be a One Step Greener Ambassador?”
The full list of 13 are Sara Thomson (The Leith Collective), Dame Jackie Daniel (NHS), Alice Powell (Envision Virgin Racing), Hugo Chambers (Sainsbury’s), Jasmine Allen (SSE), Toby McCartney (MacRebur), James Lloyd-Jones (Jones Food Company), Emer Rafferty (youth environmentalist), Ade Adepitan (Paralympic medalist and TV presenter) , Max La Manna (low-waste chef), Rob Thompson (Odyssey Innovation), Ash Dykes (adventurer and extreme athlete) and Buffy Buroughs (Green Gathering Festival).
Nominations will close on 1October and the final 26 ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors will be announced on 7 October, 26 days before the crucial summit begins.
A staff member at Leith Jobcentre has tested positive for Covid, raising yet more questions about the DWP drive to force claimants and workers back into the jobcentres, say Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty (ECAP) campaigners.
On 29 June the Jobcentre worker learnt that they were a close contact of someone who was Covid positive. They were rightly sent home to isolate.
However, the DWP went ahead with a Jobs Fair in the Jobcentre the next day, 30 June, on the first floor where this staff member had worked. And when it was learnt on 30 June that the staff member had indeed tested positive, the DWP still kept the Jobcentre open to the public for the rest of the week.
ECAP have raised the issue with MP Deidre Brock, MSP Ben Macpherson and local councillors.
The Jobcentre workers union the PCS have voted for possible industrial action in a Britain-wide consultative ballot on their concerns over covid safety in Jobcentres, following Covid outbreatks closing jobcentres in Glasgow and Wigan.
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