Category: North Edinburgh News

Car Cloning Fraud on the Rise: Motorists at Risk of Fines for Crimes They Didn’t Commit

Motorists are being warned of the rise in car cloning crimes, amid a worrying increase in vehicle identity theft.

Car insurance comparison experts from Quotezone.co.uk have urged drivers to stay alert, avoid posting images of their car online and park in garages when possible to minimise the risk of car cloning.

This comes after an investigation revealed a 64% surge in car cloning in London alone.

The crime is a form of fraud and involves stealing or copying another person’s car registration plates, allowing criminals to run up fines for speeding, driving through low emission zones or to hide the identity of stolen or salvaged vehicles.

Number plates can be physically stolen or purchased through fraudulent suppliers.

Those who have fallen victim to car cloning will start to receive fines for crimes they have not committed, and proving innocence can be difficult, so it’s important to understand ways to prevent cloning.

The car insurance experts also say people can fall victim to car cloning through buying a used cloned vehicle, which can lead to significant legal and financial problems which could see motorists losing the car and the money they paid for it.

Motorists are not able to completely prevent car cloning, but there are some things which can help minimise the risk, including parking in a garage whenever possible, or using a car cover so your number plate is not easily visible.

The experts are advising motorists to be careful with what they post online, as images including number plates can make your vehicle more susceptible to criminals.

Those buying used cars must also be careful and make sure to check all car details beforehand. Make sure all VINs on the vehicle match each other and those in the logbook.

Anyone concerned they may be buying a cloned car should run the registration number, make and model of the car through the DVLAs vehicle enquiry service.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone said: “The sharp rise in car cloning across London is very worrying and highlights a need for more awareness around the crime, as all drivers are susceptible to this growing type of fraud.

“Car cloning is not just a minor inconvenience – it can have serious legal and financial consequences for victims, who often find themselves receiving fines or penalty points for offences they had no part in.

“In some cases, people have unknowingly bought cloned vehicles and lost both the car and the money they paid for it.  An increase in penalty points can also increase insurance premiums from 5-25%, depending on the number of points accrued. 

“Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent car cloning, but there are ways motorists can minimise the risk. It’s also not sensible to share pictures of your vehicle online where the number plate is clearly visible – social media can be a goldmine for those looking to illegally copy registration details.

“While insurance companies can’t prevent car cloning, some may offer advice and assistance with legal expenses – which may help if you’ve unknowingly purchased a cloned vehicle, just be sure to check the policy details to see what’s included.

“If you suspect your vehicle has been cloned it’s important to report it to the police, DVLA and your insurer immediately and consider getting a new registration number.”

Tickets on sale for exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Edinburgh – with fans in for an extra special treat to take home 

To mark the arrival of the highly anticipated relaunch of Superman, Vue is holding an extra special screening of the film – with those who book the slot taking home a very special piece of comic book history. 

Taking place during the film’s opening weekend, on Friday 11 July, there will be just one Superman Hero Screening at Vue venues in Edinburgh and every booking for the limited screening will come with a copy of All Star Superman No.1 – the comic that inspired James Gunn’s new take on the Man of Steel – to pick up on the day.  

Tickets for the screening are available to book now however the offer will only be available while stocks last. 

The film introduces David Corenswet as Clark Kent (Pearl and Hollywood) and Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) asLois Lane, alongside a whole new roster of DC characters.

The latest superhero outing has fans excited for what is expected bold new take on the franchise – with Superman as you’ve never seen him before. 

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “We know how excited audiences are for James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman.

“This exclusive screening gives fans the rare opportunity to take home a special piece of cinematic history – the very comic issue that helped shape the film’s story.” 

The All Star Superman No.1 giveaway is one comic per booking – not per ticket – and only applies to tickets purchased for the Superman Hero Screening on 11 July.

For the avoidance of doubt this does not apply to Superman screenings without the ‘Hero Screening’ tag.

For full Ts&Cs, take a look here. 

Father’s Day on call: Four Sutherlands, one lifeboat crew at RNLI Fraserburgh

While most families plan breakfast in bed or head out for Sunday brunch, the Sutherlands head out on a rescue.

At RNLI Fraserburgh, lifesaving has been part of the Sutherland family since 1978. Coxswain of almost 20 years, Vic Sutherland volunteers alongside his 21-year-old daughter Eilidh, his brother David and his nephew Declan. Together, the four family members make up part of the crew that helps save lives at sea.

Vic says: ‘It’s probably overwhelming for the rest of the crew having four Sutherlands aboard the boat – they probably feel like they can’t move for us, but I’m very proud of the family connection.’

He adds: ‘The fact I’m going to sea with David, along with my nephew Declan and now my daughter Eilidh – I’m really proud they’re carrying on the family tradition, just as we followed in our dad’s footsteps.’

The two brothers have half a century in the life-saving organisation between them, and the family’s RNLI connection goes back decades.

Vic says: ‘My dad was a fisherman and crew member. I remember the phone ringing and him dropping everything to go – there were no pagers then, just the house phone.

“You would know within a matter of seconds when it was the lifeboat calling, because my dad would drop the phone and run straight out of the house.

“It certainly set myself and David up with an itch to join the crew, it was a natural progression. I think it gave us a really good grounding, it’s great for any youngster coming in.

“It gives you a sense of responsibility, because obviously the level of commitment that’s going to be given is second to none. It also gives you a sense of pride, the fact that you’re involved with the station.’

Eilidh, who recently joined as crew, says it felt inevitable she would follow the same path. Eilidh says: ‘I grew up with the RNLI. My dad always says I’ve been going about with fundraising buckets since I could walk, and I always remember thinking I would love to be part of the crew.’

Despite their close bond, Eilidh says professionalism comes first on the boat. Eilidh says: ‘It’s definitely brought us closer, but when I’m at the station, he’s not my dad – he’s the Coxswain and I’m the crew.’

Father’s Day itself will be a working one for Vic. He says: ‘I’ll open my cards and get my socks or a bottle of whisky, but I’m on duty this weekend so it’s just like any other day. If the pager goes off, you’re getting on with it and doing what needs to be done. That’s been the way for the whole of Eilidh’s life.’

“My girls have experienced the pager going off at every kind of time over the years, whether it’s a Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, anniversaries – if the pager goes, you just respond.

“It wouldn’t be the first time they had been left sitting in a restaurant or abandoned sitting in Tesco’s with their mum because they’ve went in for the shopping, I’ve been sitting in the car and the pager’s gone and they understand I’ve had to go.’

For families considering volunteering together, Eilidh says: ‘Just go for it. It’s brought us closer being there for that part of each other’s lives, because it’s the biggest part of our lives. Working on the boat with my dad and going out to help people together is just an amazing feeling.’

Holyrood Committee seeks views on proposals to simplify and strengthen crofting legislation in Scotland

Holyrood’s Rural Affairs & Islands Committee has launched a call for views to ask people with knowledge of the crofting sector what they think about proposals set out in the Crofting and Scotland Land Court Bill.

The Scottish Government has committed to simplifying crofting law. This first phase of legislation seeks to “correct known anomalies” in the current legislation. The Scottish Government also acknowledges that a future conversation to consider more fundamental changes may be needed.

This phase 1 Bill would aim to:

  • help more people become crofters and better support existing crofters and their activities and businesses;
  • enable more and different activity to be undertaken on common grazings, including peatland restoration and other environmental initiatives;
  • empower the Crofting Commission to tackle breaches of duty through streamlined processes, and;
  • resolve crofting regulatory issues more quickly through new and revised powers for Crofting Commission.

The Bill would also merge the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland.

Launching the call for views, Committee Convener, Finlay Carson MSP, said: “The Scottish Government is clear that, although more fundamental reform of crofting legislation may be required in the future, this more tightly focused Bill would “correct known anomalies” in crofting legislation.

“Our inquiry will look at these proposed corrections and we’re asking for your views on whether they will address some of the current difficulties in crofting law. Will the proposals solve the problems they seek to address? What other changes are needed that are not included? And will merging the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland effect positive and necessary change?”

The Committee intends to take formal evidence on the Bill at Holyrood from September to November with a report to Parliament expected by the end of the year.

Members also hope to visit a crofting community as part of their scrutiny, to speak with crofters about how the Bill’s proposals would impact crofting communities.

The call for views will be open until Friday 5 September 2025.

Access the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill call for views

Police Scotland personnel recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

A former Assistant Chief Constable and Chief Human Resources Officer have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025 for their significant contribution to policing.

Recently retired Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie was awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM). Chief Officer of Human Resources Nicky Page received an MBE.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “I want to warmly congratulate Gary and Nicky on this well deserved recognition of their outstanding careers in public service, leadership and collaboration across sectors.

“Police officers, staff and volunteers work hard to deliver for our communities and these awards are an opportunity to thank them and celebrate their huge contributions to society.”

Gary Ritchie joined Strathclyde Police in 1991 and retired in April 2025 after 33 years’ police service.

He was appointed as an Assistant Chief Constable in 2019. Gary was instrumental in the roll-out of naloxone to all frontline police officers in 2020, making Police Scotland the first force globally to implement a nationwide roll out of the medication used to reverse the effect of opioids.

He was the Gold commander for the COP26 climate summit held in Glasgow in 2021. Gary was also the Gold Commander during COVID-19, actively engaging with partners across health, social care and government. He played a key role in facilitating information sharing and supporting the Independent Advisory Group to ensure the police response remained aligned with human rights requirements.

Gary had the responsibility to develop innovative approaches, based around the principles of embedding a public health approach to policing and leading public sector wide collaboration, to improve safety and wellbeing and achieve better outcomes for communities. In 2021, he significantly contributed to the creation, development and delivery of Police Scotland’s International Academy.

Gary Ritchie said: “I am both delighted and humbled that I have been awarded the King’s Police Medal. 

“Any personal achievements which have led to me receiving this award have only been made possible by the many people inside and outside the service who have contributed to the successful initiatives, projects and operations that we have undertaken over the years. 

“The award is much more a recognition of their contributions and, at times, wise counsel and advice.  I will be forever grateful and proud of what we achieved together.”

Nicky Page joined Strathclyde Police in 2010 and has provided strategic human resources leadership for over 22,000 people in Police Scotland.

This included playing a key role during the transition period that brought together eight legacy forces to form Police Scotland. She delivered a single national HR function achieving public sector savings of around £200 million annually since 2013.

She led the Staff Pay, Reward and Modernisation Project, aligning pay and conditions across the organisation. This contributed to a reduction in the gender pay gap. Since 2017, Nicky has also volunteered as a Community First Responder with the Scottish Ambulance Service, contributing over 1000 hours of service while balancing the demands of her role and family life.

Nicky Page said: “I am both grateful and surprised to receive this honour. I’m deeply appreciative of the support I have received from my colleagues in policing, the Ambulance Service and fellow responders within the Bathgate Group.

“This honour reflects the shared commitment and teamwork that have made my contribution possible.”

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Westminster Committee to hear evidence from Laura Bates on misogyny, the manosphere and AI

WESTMINSTER’s Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) will hear from activist, writer and speaker Laura Bates in Parliament on Wednesday, 18 June during the third evidence session of its inquiry into Misogyny: the manosphere and online content.

MPs on the cross-party committee chaired by Labour MP Sarah Owen will examine the rise of the manosphere and its influence on misogynistic behaviour and attitudes online and offline.

The session will also look at the emerging use of artificial intelligence (AI) and how this is facilitating misogyny, and the links between the misuse of AI and the manosphere. 

Discussion is expected to focus on non-consensual intimate image abuse (NCII) through deepfakes, linked to the Committee’s current and prior work on NCII abuse, and other aspects of Bates’ research, including bias in artificial intelligence.

WEC’s inquiry explores the prevalence and impact of misogynistic views, attitudes and behaviour among men and boys, particularly in schools and educational settings, and the reasons for this.

It examines ways that boys and young men are also being harmed and if better support, activities and services need to be available to them. 

Witness       

Starting at 2.20pm

Laura Bates, activist, writer and speaker

Barnardo’s Bridge adventure adds ‘Ultimate Experience’ for lucky few

‘Your View on the Forth Bridge is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for those lucky enough to secure a ticket’

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has brought joy to thousands and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Scotland’s leading children’s charity. And now, after a six-year hiatus, the famous Barnardo’s Scotland ‘Your View’ event atop the iconic Forth Bridge is bringing back its much-coveted ‘Ultimate Experience’.

Your View – now in its seventh year – affords members of the public one of the most sought after and unique experiences in Scotland; namely the chance to ascend 361 feet up the historic bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.

This memorable experience has brought joy to thousands and raised vital funds for the work of Barnardo’s Scotland.

In addition to the popular Your View event over three days in September, the reprised Ultimate Experience, which is limited to a lucky few ticket holders, provides an extended tour which affords visitors the chance to stand at track level of the legendary bridge for some amazing photo opportunities.

And that’s not all: Thereafter, visitors will descend another level for a bridge walk under the railway track on the pathway out on to the Forth.

This remarkable experience culminates with refreshments and a certificate during a further historic talk and exhibition of historical artifacts in the 1930s-listed Bothy which most people will have never even spotted even if they have crossed the bridge many times. This 2½-hour ultimate experience will be offered twice a day across the weekend.

Your View 2025, which is run in conjunction with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, will take place from Friday, 19th to Sunday, 21st September, with tickets going on sale at 10am tomorrow (Monday 16th June).

To date, more than 6,000 visitors have experienced the event and there have been around a dozen marriage proposals on the vertiginous viewing platform.

Best of all, though, the event has raised more than £375,000 to fund the work of Barnardo’s Scotland. To find out more, or to book tickets for the event, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.

This year’s Your View event also coincides with a celebration of 200th anniversary of the railway and the 10th anniversary of the Forth Bridge gaining World Heritage status.

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Your View is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for those lucky enough to secure a ticket. Not only is it a never-to-be-forgotten experience for those atop the iconic bridge, it is also a crucial fundraiser for Barnardo’s Scotland as we continue to support children, young people and their families throughout the country, notably in our fostering service.

“Right now, Scotland is facing a foster care crisis at an unprecedented rate, with too many children still entering the care system and an insufficient number of loving homes to accommodate them. The impact of the crisis is felt most by children in the care system. Without enough potential foster homes, children are already at risk of being placed in unsuitable situations as a last resort.

“As I am often reminded, tickets for Your View sell out very quickly indeed, so I would urge all of those keen to attend to sign up as quickly as possible. The return of the ‘Ultimate Experience’ this year is particularly exciting as it really does give one a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the bridge that only a precious view people will ever get to witness.

“Your View would not be possible without the generosity of Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, and I wish to thank both organisations and our wonderful volunteers for making this special weekend happen.”

Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s Director of Engineering and Asset Management, added: “Few landmarks are as instantly recognisable and deeply cherished as the Forth Bridge, and as proud custodians, we couldn’t be happier to open it up for such a unique and special event.

“It’s a rare privilege to experience the bridge up close, and even more meaningful knowing that every step to the top supports the incredible work Barnardo’s Scotland does for children and families. We’re delighted again to support this fantastic event and look forward to welcoming visitors up on to one of Scotland’s most iconic structures.”

Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve.

“The Your View event is one example of how we do just that, raising valuable funds to support disadvantaged children and families in Scotland.

“It has been an honour to work alongside Barnardo’s Scotland once again, to offer members of the public this memorable experience on one of the most iconic, unique and admired structures in the world – the Forth Bridge.”

Also featuring over the weekend will be the famous ‘Briggers’. The Briggers are a Forth Bridge research and presentation group of volunteers based in South Queensferry.

Named after the bridge workers, the group was formed to identify the names of the 73 men and boys who died constructing the Forth Bridge, they provide details on the history of the bridge and the people involved in its construction.

For more information on this year’s Your View event, please visit: 

www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.

For more information on becoming a foster carer with Barnardo’s in Scotland, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/foster, or call 08000 277 280. The charity’s friendly and supportive staff are available from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

At Barnardo’s, our purpose is clear: Changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful. Last year, we worked with thousands of children across Scotland through more than 150 services and partnerships.

Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK. This included 150-plus services in Scotland.

For more than 150 years, we’ve been here for the children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong.

Over the course of the financial year 2023-24, more than 16,000 people volunteered for Barnardo’s across the UK – a total of 1.7 million hours of their time. To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.

Scottish Ambulance Service staff to receive King’s Birthday Honours

THREE Scottish Ambulance Service staff members have been awarded prestigious accolades in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Sarah Stevenson, of Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, is the recipient of King’s Ambulance Service Medal (KAM). Anne Cadman, of Dalry, North Ayrshire, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and Keith Jensen, of Aberdeen, has received an Officer of the Order of the British (OBE).

Sarah joined the Service is 2005 and became SAS’s Risk Manager in 2008, a position she had held since.

Throughout the past two decades, she has embedded vital risk management arrangements and recently been instrumental in developing an internal programme (InPhase) across the Service for the reporting and management of adverse events, feedback and risks to ensure ongoing patient and staff safety.

Sarah said: “I was completely shocked and very honoured. I think it’s crucial that support staff are recognised for the work they do as they enable and support the frontline to deliver services for our patients.

“I’d like to thank Systems Administrator Jackie MacKay, who supports me and the wider service on a daily basis in not only InPhase but also the wider risk management agenda.”

Anne currently works as Business Support Administrator for SAS’s ScotSTAR Service, which provides specialist care to seriously ill babies, children and adults across Scotland using specialist response vehicles, ambulances, helicopters and planes.

She said: “I was totally shocked and couldn’t believe that anyone would think I was worthy of such an honour.  In my mind, I do the job I’m paid to do to the very best of my ability.

“Working for ScotSTAR has made me very proud to be part of a service whose staff work tirelessly to ensure their patients get the best possible treatment available.”

Keith Jensen, Area Service Manager for South and West Aberdeenshire, first joined the Service in June 1994, starting out as an ambulance care assistant.

He has been instrumental in leading multiple teams in the North region, including being at the forefront of the Service’s response to Covid, and has been invaluable in his support to the SAS Wildcat Cardiac Responders.

He said: “I feel truly honoured and humbled to receive this accolade but I’m just one of many ambulance personnel, both employed and voluntary, and I feel I’m sharing this honour with them all.” 

Deputy Chief Executive Paul Bassett said: “I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Sarah, Keith and Anne for their thoroughly deserved accolades.

“Sarah has worked tirelessly to embed robust and effective risk management arrangements and her passionate, energetic and infectious approach to risk has resulted in many staff and patient improvements.  

“Anne has played a crucial role in the development of the Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS) and wider ScotSTAR services and has always gone above and beyond to ensure their smooth running, working diligently through the initial set up of the team and through two subsequent base moves as EMRS became part of ScotSTAR.

“Keith is a tremendous ambassador for the entire Grampian area and his charity work and involvement with the SAS Wildcat Responders has been invaluable to the community.”

Patients left in the dark: MSP demands clarity on NHS waiting times

During the First Minister’s Questions on Thursday MSP Foysol Choudhury questioned the Scottish Government on the accuracy of the expected wait times given to patients seeking specialist treatment from the NHS.

He raised concerns about why patients are being left in the dark regarding NHS wait times after being referred to see a specialist. 

“Patients and families need to know what to expect. Right now, they’re left in limbo,” he said.

In the exchange, Mr Choudhury pressed the First Minister for a response: “How is the government working to ensure that patients are accurately informed of waiting times for NHS treatment following referrals to a specialist?”.

This question followed a distressing story shared by one of his constituents, whose referral to be seen by a specialist has far exceeded any acceptable limits, with no set date for an appointment after over a year of waiting since the initial referral.

Mr Choudhury also questioned whether the First Minister would acknowledge that his Government has lost control of escalating waiting times for specialist care, as these excessive delays leave patients experiencing prolonged periods of distress and uncertainty, significantly impacting their mental health.

This is not an isolated incident and is a genuine, growing concern across Scotland, with patients being told they are “on the list” without any clear indication as to when their appointment will be. This is illustrated by the following:  In NHS Lothian, the number of people waiting over 52 weeks to see a dermatologist has doubled in the last year.

Mr Choudhury hopes the First Minister will consider some steps to improve patient experience and restore trust in the system.

He has called for greater transparency so that every patient can receive a clear idea of how long they may have to wait before accessing specialist treatment. He also emphasised the need for greater certainty around whether and when patients will receive care, alongside improved visibility of waiting times and targets made publicly available.

“Patients cannot, and must not, be left in the dark. We need a system where every person knows when they will be seen and what care they can expect. Until then, I will continue pressing this Government to act.”