A man has been arrested and charged in connection with six sexual assaults in Stockbridge and the New Town.
Police received reports of three incidents on the evening of Friday, 12 December, 2025, in the Fettes Row, Inverleith Row and Saxe Coburg Street areas. Three further incidents were reported thereafter in the Dean Bank Lane and Royal Crescent areas.
Following extensive enquiries, a 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection. He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 22 December.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “We know these incidents caused concern in the local community and I would like to thank members of the public for their support during our enquiries.”
TODAY (Thursday 18 December), from 1.30pm to 2.00pm, join us and the Greater Pilton Singers for a performance of their specially penned song Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton, surrounded by the Resistance exhibition at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two!
Written collaboratively by members from North Edinburgh Arts Art For Grown Ups Project and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group – also with musician and activist Penny Stone – the choir created a gentle yet mighty protest song, evoking nostalgia and hope.
As well as their own anthem, they will perform a couple of classic soul and activism songs. The song has been developed as part of the Resistance outreach programme, which has culminated in the exhibition Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh at the Portrait Gallery until 30 April 2026.
POLICE are appealing for information following three sexual assaults in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh last Friday (12 December).
Around 5.20pm on Fettes Row, a woman was approached from behind by a man who sexually assaulted her and made sexual comments.
Around 5.30pm on Inverleith Row, a woman was walking her dog when a man approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her. He then walked down Inverleith Row towards Dundas Street.
A short time later, a woman was walking past Stockbridge church on Saxe Coburg Street when a man approached her, sexually assaulted her and exposed himself.
Officers believe the same man to have been involved in these incidents. He is described as being of Asian appearance, aged between 25 and mid-30s, of slim build, around 5ft 8in, with light facial hair.
He was wearing a khaki or brown coloured coat and carried a backpack.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “I understand incidents like these cause concern in the local community, but we are carrying out extensive enquiries and doing everything we can to trace the man responsible.
“I would ask anyone who was in those areas on Friday evening and who may have witnessed something to get in touch. If you remember seeing a man matching the description, contact us.”
Chief Inspector Ran MacDonald, Local Area Commander, said: “I want to reassure that there will be an increased visible police presence in the local area as officers carry out enquiries. Anyone with any concerns should approach officers without hesitation, as they are there to help.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident 2889 of 12 December.
Residents and visitors are invited to enter a photography competition, launched to celebrate Edinburgh’s 30 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The competition is being run by the partners who look after the site: Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH), Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and the City of Edinburgh Council.
Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.
The over-all winner will take price of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, where they were recognised as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world. With its division into Old and New Town, Edinburgh is a remarkable example of urban growth, showcasing two distinct but equally significant styles of city planning.
Photography enthusiasts will have until October 2026 to submit their work showcasing Edinburgh in all its glory across the seasons. The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, using any camera or device.
The entries will be judged by Tom Duffin, a professional photographer who specialises in showcasing Edinburgh’s heritage; Neil Hanna, a multi-award-winning photographer with over 35 years of experience; and Jane Bradley, celebrated Arts and Culture Correspondent at the Scotsman.
Terry Levinthal, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Edinburgh is a city of matchless qualities. It is a city of contrasts; of distant prospects and intimate details; a city of old and new; a place to be admired and be lived in.
“These very picturesque qualities make it the perfect subject for photography. To mark 30 years since inscription, we hope that everyone will be inspired to share their favourite views, details, buildings and places with us, so that we can share them with others.”
James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at HES, said: “When a place is inscribed on the World Heritage List, that is by no means the end of the story.
“Edinburgh is a living, breathing place, and we are excited to support this competition and give local photographers the chance to capture Edinburgh’s unique beauty and win a membership to visit historic sites across the country.”
Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “I’d encourage everyone with an interest in photography to help us celebrate this significant milestone for the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site by entering the competition for a chance to be part of this exciting calendar. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.
“It’s a huge accolade to hold World Heritage Status and it’s extra challenging for a living, breathing city. We look after the Site with our partners and it’s important to us to make sure our residents from across the city feel a sense of ownership and belonging to the Site.
“The competition and resulting calendar is a great opportunity for people to reflect on what the Site means for them through their art as well as what they find special or feel proud of in this internationally renowned part of the Capital.”
The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:
Medieval Old Town
Neo-classical New Town
Gardens and open spaces
Urban planning/street layout
Topography and skyline
Public and commercial monuments
Conservation
Layering of heritage
Architectural detail
Graveyards
Juxtaposition
The Living City
To learn more about the competition and prepare to take the perfect shot, visit this document.
Having lived at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two since the early 2000’s, a triumphant effort has seen the sculpture travel through the city to its new location at the National.
Dr Patricia Allerston, Deputy Director & Chief Curator of European & Scottish Art, National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘We wanted to bring the art outdoors and into the gardens at the National to spotlight that we are a gallery from the moment people arrive in the gardens.
“We wanted it to welcome people in and to show a snapshot of the incredible Scottish art on offer inside. Paolozzi seemed like a perfect choice for this spot, he was very much an artist who looked to the past as well as to the future, which is very much what we are about at the National Galleries of Scotland.
“He was also from Edinburgh, which seemed very fitting as he will now be looking out over the city and facing towards his hometown of Leith.’
Taking two days and extensive pre-planning to move the impressive one tonne sculpture, it called on expertise inside and outside the gallery to make it possible. Requiring the skills of curators, conservators, collections management, specialist movers with specialist kit including a crane and gimble to get the statue in position.
Master of the Universe is based on a famous drawing by William Blake, which shows the scientist Isaac Newton. Paolozzi used the same pose as in the Blake drawing but has mechanised the figure.
The artist also fashioned it to put himself in the picture, creating himself as the sculpture. Interested in the relationship between nature, science and the man made, Paolozzi brought all of this together to create Master of the Universe.
Visit National Galleries Scotland: National to see Master of the Universe and lots of other free art, including the greatest collection of Scottish art in the world.
Co-op Corner Café will open at Coffee Saints, 2a Little King St, Edinburgh EH1 3AR on Thursday 16th October 09.30 – 17.00
New YouGov research for the Co-op reveals:
76% of people in Scotland say that their local high street has declined over the last few years
4 in 5 believe their community “would lose part of its identity” without local shops
Co-op is bringing its special blend of co-operation and community to Edinburgh on Thursday 16th October with the pop up of the Co-op Corner Café.
Hosted at Coffee Saints on Little King Street, the event invites members and the wider public to discover how co-operation can help revitalise local high streets and strengthen community spirit.
Part of Co-op’s On Your Corner, In Your Corner campaign, the event will be packed with fun and engaging activities, designed to spark conversations about the benefits of co-operatives and the role of local businesses in creating thriving neighbourhoods and helping the people that live there thrive too.
Open to both members and non-members, there will be the opportunity to understand more about the wide-ranging social, economic and ownership benefits of membership and how it shapes the future of the Co-op.
Guests can enjoy free Fairtrade tea and coffee, sample and feedback on new food innovations and even enter to win tickets to a hamper.
The event will also spotlight local and community-owned businesses including Scotmid Co-op, West Granton Housing Co-op and West Calder and Harburn Community Development Trust, showing how businesses built on shared values can deliver positive change.
Co-op’s own team members will be in attendance, including Jess Clarke, Democratic Services & Engagement Manager. Jess said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting our members and the wider community in Edinburgh.
“Being at the heart of local life is a real privilege and we want to show how co-operation can help address some of the challenges facing high streets today. It’s sure to be a fun and thought-provoking day – and a great chance for members to tell us how we can do even more to support Edinburgh’s communities.”
On Your Corner, In Your Corner is part of Co-op’s Social Value Strategy – a commitment led by 6.9 million active member-owners to stand firm on climate, opportunity and community.
Since 2016, the Co-op Local Community Fund has shared over £480,000 with 216 community projects across the City of Edinburgh, supporting people to connect, access opportunities and thrive together.
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years. Its members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation.
Co-op is on track to its ambition of growing to eight million members by 2030.
Further information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available at coop.co.uk/membership
For more information about the pop-up cafés and to find local events, visit coopmemberevents.uk
More than 40 lawyers from across the globe traded boardrooms for wellies last week, teaming up with Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac) and the Water of Leith Conservation Trust (WOLCT) for a morning of hands-on volunteering.
Volunteers split into teams to carry out a range of task to look after the Water of Leith walkway, including cutting back overgrown vegetation, sweeping up leaves and litter picking locally to stop rubbish getting into the river.
The clean-up formed part of Interlaw’s Annual Global Meeting in Edinburgh, where senior lawyers from over 80 countries gathered for four days of knowledge-sharing and international collaboration.
This year marks the first time the conference has been hosted in Scotland for almost 40 years. Edinburgh headquartered MFMac – this year’s host – organised the clean-up event as a way to make a positive impact and help protect the natural environment that makes Edinburgh a beautiful and inspiring place to live and work.
Chris Harte, Chief Executive Officer at Morton Fraser MacRoberts: “Interlaw is a powerful network bringing hundreds of delegates to Edinburgh and this clean-up has been a great opportunity to give something back to our host city while they’re visiting.
“The Water of Leith is a landmark that flows through many of Edinburgh’s local communities, so it’s been a privilege to organise a meaningful activity to protect it. We know how packed our colleagues’ schedules are so we’re grateful to everyone who rolled up their sleeves!”
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Johnny Wells, Ranger from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, said:“The Water of Leith is an amazing green corridor for both people and wildlife in Edinburgh, support like this makes a real difference allowing us to care for it.
“We’re very grateful to MFMac for involving us in their programme and for highlighting the importance of looking after this special place.”
For over 15 years Lachlan Goudie has been drawing and painting in extraordinary industrial locations across the United Kingdom. From shipyards on the River Clyde, to blast furnaces in Wales and high-tech Satellite manufacturing laboratories in Portsmouth, he has found creative inspiration in the unlikeliest of studios.
Over the years these visits to engineering sites, factories, harboursides and mines have enabled him to produce hundreds of drawings, paintings and prints. When viewed together these images constitute an unusual archive; a picture history of modern British industry. A story of national achievement, pride and technological innovation.
Lachlan Goudie said: “I’ve always been fascinated by industry as a painting subject. Growing up in Glasgow in the 1980s, my father described the days when the River Clyde bustled with ships and shipbuilding.
“But when I went to see for myself, the River was all but silent. So I began to draw the archaeology of a dying industrial landscape along the Clyde, desperate to re-capture what I had missed.
“In time I managed to gain access to the BAE shipyards in Govan and Scotstoun, the last two major yards surviving on the Clyde and my first visits coincided with a resurgence of shipbuilding activity.
“I was the only artist permitted on site to document the construction of Britain’s vast naval flagships, the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, and the craftsmen and women involved in that project.”
Lachlan Goudie’s experiences on the Clyde motivated him to seek out other locations that might contribute to a portrait of working Britain.
He added: “Over the course of more than a decade I have made a painting pilgrimage to, amongst other places, the UK’s deepest mine in Yorkshire, one of the world’s largest slate quarries at Dinorwig in Wales, the country’s most important oil refinery and a steel furnace the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
“At each extraordinary site I have found myself drawing rarely documented manufacturing processes, intricately assembled products and a workforce who often identify closely with the history and the economic importance of the jobs they do.”
Goudie is not the first painter to find themselves enthralled by both British industry and the countryside. Over the centuries there have been many celebrated artists who saw no contradiction in taking their inspiration from nature as well as the country’s manufacturing landscape, the factories, forges and awesome engineering sites that built the modern nation.
Pastoral painters like JMW Turner, Stanley Spencer and Dame Laura Knight produced a range of responses to the story of British industry, from social critique to full blown celebrations of the industrial sublime.
Lachlan Goudie added: “Many of us treasure the idea that we are a pastoral nation, but modern industry and nature are portrayed as being in perennial conflict. The legacy of heavy industry and the environmental pressure this creates, has placed them at odds with one another.
“As an artist, however, I find both subjects equally compelling. And through the course of my work I have discovered that natural and industrial landscapes share certain characteristics.
“Sublime scale and intricacy are unexpected components of both environments. ‘From the Forest to the Forge’ will include many works inspired by woods, trees, and the wonders of natural engineering.”
In many cases, Goudie’s work has borne witness to the end of an industrial legacy and the environmental impact this represents.
His paintings document the last days of steel production at Port Talbot and Redcar, the changing skyline of Glasgow as ‘Titan’ cranes were demolished and replaced, whilst on the northeast coast at Hartlepool, he has charted the dismantling of immense offshore rigs, monumental structures that once defined the North Sea Oil boom.
On other occasions he has been able to record the resilience of steel rolling at Dalzell (the last surviving component of the immense Ravenscraig steel works) and the advance of innovative new technologies, at the Airbus space and satellite manufacturing labs in Portsmouth and Stevenage.
His creative relationship with British industry helped inform the making of two BBC documentaries; ‘The Colours of the Clyde’ (2014), which explored the work of Stanley Spencer in the shipyards at Port Glasgow during WWII, and ‘Awesome Beauty – The Art of Industrial Britain’ (2017), which investigated the legacy of British artists who, like Goudie, were inspired by industry.
This exhibition will, for the first time, bring together the complete range of works produced during his fifteen-year painting pilgrimage through Industrial Britain. The display will also include drawings and paintings produced in the woods of the Scottish Borders and in Dorset.
2 – 25 October 2025 | The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
This October, The Scottish Gallery is proud to present a landmark double exhibition: 50 Years of Naboland and The Behrens Family. Together, these parallel shows celebrate one of the most original artistic journeys of our time, while also revealing the extraordinary breadth of creativity across three generations of the Behrens family.
For half a century, Reinhard Behrens has constructed and voyaged through his mythical land of Naboland. With its submarine expeditions, dreamlike seascapes, and imaginative cartographies, Naboland has become both a place and an odyssey. It is an astonishing body of work that defies convention and redefines storytelling through art.
This immersive exhibition will transform two floors of The Scottish Gallery into Naboland itself, offering audiences the chance to step inside Behrens’ unique universe. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a new publication from The Scottish Gallery which will provide further insights into the mythology, imagery and enduring significance of Behren’s extraordinary creation.
50 Years of Naboland will position Reinhard Behrens rightly as one of the most original and visionary artists of his generation.
Alongside Naboland, The Scottish Gallery is delighted to present The Behrens Family, a showcase of creativity that spans painting, sculpture, music, film, automata and more.
This family exhibition includes works by:
Reinhard Behrens
With its submarines, strange coastlines, and dreamlike cartography, Reinhard’s work invites us to consider travel, place, and the persistence of wonder.
Margaret Behrens Smyth
Margaret Smyth, painter, brings a quiet lyricism to her work. Her paintings, often rooted in nature and memory, offer a meditative counterpoint to the narrative drama of Naboland. Together, Reinhard and Margaret’s artistic lives have formed a deeply generative partnership that has nurtured creativity across generations.
Kirstie Behrens
Kirstie Behrens is an accomplished printmaker specialising in etching and drawing. A graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee, her practice is grounded in careful observation and process, with a particular sensitivity to mark-making and material. Her work reflects her mother’s quietude and her father’s precision, offering a contemplative and refined perspective on the world.
David Behrens
David Behrens is a trained musician blending music, sculpture, and movement in his kinetic automata and mobiles. He channels a playful intelligence into his artistic practice, with each mobile or automata animated by a sense of narrative and mechanical poetry. While David’s art shares his father’s sense of invention, his speaks with a distinct voice shaped by sound, rhythm, and cinematic vision.
Together, these four voices offer a kaleidoscopic view of artistic inheritance, innovation and collaboration, demonstrating how creativity can flourish within and across generations.
Christina Jansen, Director of The Scottish Gallery, says: “It is time that Reinhard Behrens is recognised for his astonishing art odyssey.
“50 Years of Naboland is not just a retrospective, it is a journey into imagination itself. Alongside the wider Behrens family, this exhibition affirms their collective brilliance and unique contribution to contemporary art.”
Come and experience the magic of the Fringe at The Yard Edinburgh, this Saturday 26th July. There will be bubbles, magic, juggling, music and much more from our Fringe performers!
No need to book – all Yard members are welcome! Just come along to our regular drop in sessions to get involved.
Family Fringe Day at The Yard