A 58-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences following a fatal crash on the M8 near junction 1.
The crash happened around 9.10am on Monday, 18 December, 2023 involving a HGV and a car.
The driver of the car, a 41-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Scotmid, one of Scotlandâs leading community retailers, has announced a new, year-long charity partnership with Maggieâs, an organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families living with cancer.
This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both Scotmid and Maggieâs to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Over the next 12 months, Scotmid and Maggieâs staff in Edinburgh will work hand-in-hand to raise awareness, fundraise, signpost and offer tangible support to those living with cancer.
As part of this collaboration, Maggieâs volunteers will be visiting Scotmid stores across the country, engaging directly with customers to raise awareness and funds. These in-store âpop-upâ events will offer customers the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to them and how they can contribute to the cause.
Scotmid stores have also introduced exclusive Maggieâs-branded merchandise, including limited edition pin badges and air fresheners, making it easier than ever for customers to show their support.
Additionally, Scotmid employees are being encouraged to get involved in local fundraising activities, bringing their own creative ideas to the table to enhance community engagement.
Beyond fundraising, a key focus of this partnership will be to educate communities about the diverse support services that Maggieâs offers to those living with cancer. From emotional support to practical advice, the Maggieâs centre in Edinburgh provides a lifeline to individuals and families during some of their most challenging times.
Anna Clarkson, Centre Co-Head, Maggieâs Edinburgh, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: âWe are delighted to be partnering with Scotmid, an organisation renowned for its dedication to Edinburgh community causes.
“Together, we aim to shine a light on the profound impact cancer has on lives and to remind those living with a diagnosis that they are not alone.
“It is wonderful to think that Scotmid stores will now help ensure people with cancer, as well as family and friends in Edinburgh, get the support they need at possibly the most difficult time of their lives.â
Karen Scott, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “Supporting our communities is at the heart of everything we do at Scotmid. We are excited to partner with Maggieâs to raise both awareness and vital funds for a cause that touches so many lives.
“The money we raise will help ensure that more people can access the care and support they need during such a critical time. We look forward to making a difference together.”
Scotmid has raised an impressive ÂŁ3.25 million across its last ten charity partnerships, establishing itself as a leading retail fundraiser.
This significant contribution is made possible through the hard work and dedication of staff, members, and customers, who participate in numerous fundraising activities and campaigns.
Find out more about Maggieâs: https://www.maggies.org/
Established independent funeral director, William Purves, is extending its support to grieving families across Edinburgh with a new branch in Barnton.
Located on 185 Whitehouse Road, William Purvesâ new premise will offer premium funeral facilities to be enjoyed by residents across EH4 and EH12 postcodes.
The refurbished space will include a comfortable reception room, an arranging room and a peaceful private viewing space for grieving friends and families to visit, providing locals with the highest level of funeral care.
Previously a hair salon, the new site will further strengthen William Purvesâ presence in Edinburgh, joining eight existing branches to bring the businessâs unrivalled funeral service to families in the north-west of the city. This central, convenient location to surrounding areas enables families to easily access support and every stage of the funeral process.
Leading the charge at the new Barnton branch will be accomplished funeral director, Jamie Reece, who has over a decade of experience in the sector. Jamie will work alongside the newly appointed Branch Administrator, Anne Ballantyne who recently celebrated five years with William Purves and is a local resident of Barnton.
James Morris, Managing Director at William Purves commented on the new opening: âWe are very pleased to be opening a new branch in the beautiful Barnton area of Edinburgh.
” Having undergone a complete refurbishment, the new space will ensure grieving families have access to the highest standard of funeral care, support and comfort when it is needed most.
“And, having established strong relationships with the local churches, celebrants and funeral service venues, we hope to provide a streamlined service to minimise any additional stress at an already difficult time.
âWe are looking forward to welcoming locals into the new branch – and encourage anyone with questions about funeral plans or arrangements to pop in and say hello.â
Tim Purves, chairman and great-great-grandson of founder William Purves, said: âThis is an exciting time for William Purves and the wider Barnton area, as our new branch will offer local families the dedicated support, community investment and first-class facilities William Purves is known for.
âWhen my great great grandfather first opened William Purves Funeral Directors in 1888, I canât imagine he envisioned I would be here today opening our 9th branch in Edinburgh and 29th nationwide. It is an honour to preserve his legacy and to continue serving the families of Edinburgh and beyond all these years later.â
William Purvesâ new branch can be found on 185 Whitehouse Road and is open between 9-5 (closed between 1 and 2 for lunch) on weekdays. However, our phone line is open 24/7 for anyone in need.
Curbing sky rocketing A&E waiting times must be the number one priority for the Scottish government with winter just around the corner.  Â
That is the call from The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) Scotland as A&E performance data for July represented the worst July since records began in 2011 for extended wait times in Emergency Departments.
Data released yesterday (Tuesday 3 September 2024) by Public Health Scotland shows in A&Es across Scotland in July, 5,593 patients waited 12 hours or longer before being seen, admitted, discharged, or transferred.
This is double the number of people who waited this long in July last year.Â
The data also shows long waits have increased significantly since the 2010s.
Since July 2017, for example, the numbers of people waiting four hours or more has increased by nearly seven times (5553 to 38,379), eight hours or more by 53 times (248 to 13,146), and 12 hours or more by 279 times (20 to 5,593). This was despite attendances only increasing by 0.9% in the same period.
Delays in discharging patients is a key reason that doctors cannot admit patients into hospitals from their Emergency Departments, therefore causing long waits. In July, there were 61,165 days spent in hospital by people who were well enough to be discharged but unable to be due to a lack of social care provisions. This is equivalent to 167 years.
Dr John-Paul Loughrey, RCEM Vice President for Scotland said: âThe Scottish government must take heed and put measures in place to end long wait times in our Emergency Departments.  Â
âThese staggering statistics are deeply worrying for the people of Scotland who are facing incredibly long and tiring waits despite it being summer. We have been dealing with âwinter levelsâ of pressure, which does not bode well as we start to head into the colder months. The first day of winter is just three months away, which will inevitably heap pressure on the health care system.
âContinuing to focus on diverting patients away from A&E rather than addressing the capacity problems will not avert the coming crisis. These statistics arenât just numbers. They are people who have come to our Emergency Departments needing emergency care. They deserve better. Our health care colleagues deserve better.â
A graphical representation of the data can be found here.
The full data set can be found on the RCEM website.
The Amazon Edinburgh team has collaborated with David Pollacchi, Managing Director of Lomax Sports to support Firrhill High School and the Kevin Thomson Academy with donations of over £3,000 worth of equipment.
The football coaching kits include embroidered sportswear, footballs and cones. The academy will use the equipment as part of a partnership with Firrhill High School, a secondary school based in south- west Edinburgh, which has received two sets of 11 aside school football kits as part of the donations.
The Kevin Thomson Academy (KTA) offers football coaching across the city through classes, private and team sessions. The Academy is run Kevin Thomson, a former Scottish professional footballer who played for clubs including Hibs, Middlesborough and Rangers.
David Pollacchi has a proven track record of making a tangible difference within communities in Edinburgh and has been formally recognised by Sportscotland, Scottish Football Association and the City of Edinburgh for driving sporting initiatives to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of children within the city.
To mark the donation, members of the Amazon team and the Kevin Thomson Academy visited staff and pupils from Firrhill High School to donate the items.
Ethan Smith from Amazon in Edinburgh said: âAs an avid football fan, Iâm so pleased Amazon has supported Firrhill High School and the Kevin Thomson Academy with these donations.
“It was a pleasure meeting pupils and members of the school and academy, and I hope this donation makes a lasting impact.â
Kevin Thomson added: âWe want to express our thanks to Ethan and the team at Amazon in Edinburgh for this donation.
“Football is our passion and with donations like this, we can continue to support young people across the city in developing their skills and keeping fit. Huge thanks to David Pollacchi for managing and facilitating the whole process end to end over a number of months.
” We look forward to our training with Firrhill High School.âÂ
Graham Hamilton, Headteacher at Firrhill High School, said: “Thank you to David Pollacchi and Kevin Thomson, generously supported by Amazon in Edinburgh, for this donation of equipment, which means so much to our pupils.
“It was great to meet David, Kevin and the team from Amazon and we look forward to the sessions run by the Kevin Thomson Academy and to many victories in these new strips.â
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.
Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 4 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.
Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charityâs iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over ÂŁ4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
LUCKY guests at Johnnie Walker Princes Streetâs 1820 Rooftop Bar were treated to a double rainbow which framed the venueâs perfect view of Edinburgh Castle yesterday after a small shower and sunny skies.
The Scottish Government has accepted the findings of a multi-disciplinary teamâs report on gender identity healthcare for young people.
Following the Chief Medical Officer establishing a multidisciplinary clinical team to consider, in the context of Scottish services, the recommendations of the NHS England commissioned Cass Review on gender identity services for young people; Public Health Minister Jenni Minto confirmed that the Scottish Government has accepted all the findings of the Cass Review: Implications for Scotland report, published in July, and that work is underway to implement its recommendations.
These recommendations include:
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Ms Minto outlined work that is underway to implement the recommendations, including the publication of new National Standards for Gender identity healthcare: Adults and young people by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
The Minister also highlighted the publication of a progress report on work to improve these services. The new standards are part of a suite of documents published today that also includes NHS Education for Scotlandâs Transgender Care Knowledge and Skills Framework and an updated Gender Identity Healthcare Protocol for adult services.
Progress report on work to improve gender identity services.
Ms Minto said: âThe Chief Medical Officerâs report underlines the need for development of these services with children, young people, and their families. I am determined the young people using these services, and their families, are our priority and will be at the heart of all our discussions about how this care is provided.
âThere is now a breadth of work underway to take forward the recommendations of the CMOâs report which illustrates our commitment to deliver improved gender identity healthcare for young people.
âIn addition, the suite of documents relating to gender identity healthcare provision published today, which were developed following extensive public consultation and targeted consultation with people with lived experience, will support clinicians and a wide range of professional bodies and help drive improvement in services.â
Progress report on work to improve gender identity services.
A masterplan to transform Seafield in north-east Edinburgh into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood, was published yesterday by the Council.
The masterplan will also connect its coastline to the surrounding communities in Leith, Portobello and Craigentinny.
Currently, the area is primarily made up of car showrooms, trades, light industry as well as Lothian Busesâ Marine Depot and the Councilâs Seafield Household Waste Recycling Centre. The draft âSeafield Place Briefâ and âDraft Seafield Masterplanâ have been produced to add detail to the allocation in the Councilâs local development plan, City Plan 2030, as one of 44 pieces of land across Edinburgh allocated as an âOpportunity Siteâ for development.
Planning Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: “Our draft plan focuses on the creation of a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood at Seafield to help address the cityâs housing emergency.
“Options for higher density flats, with the clear aim of 35% of homes on site being affordable, are being explored with stunning views across the Firth of Forth alongside excellent community facilities.
“Weâre estimating the site could potentially deliver as many as 2,700 homes with a range of other styles of housing such as colonies and townhouses. Weâll also make sure there are opportunities for employment and community uses.
“Our bold vision to transform this area would open up the Seafield section of Edinburghâs coastline creating an attractive and seamless promenade linking to the waterfront communities that already exist on either side.
“Iâd like to thank the local people and businesses whose views have helped get us to this stage and I look forward to receiving further feedback from the upcoming consultation to help us finalise our plans.”
A new primary school, GP surgery and plenty of green space are also proposed for Seafield as well as a Waterfront Park. Improved public transport, walking, cycling and wheeling routes linking to the wider area are also included. The provision of a heat network to help the city with its net zero target is planned. This would also help to keep utility bills down for future residents.
The area under consideration stretches from Seafield Street in the north to Kingâs Road in the south. The eastern boundary of the site is the Forth Estuary, while the western boundary is defined by a railway line and by Seafield Recreation Area. Seafield Road East, part of the A199, runs through much of the site. As Seafield is a coastal area, work is also ongoing with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to make sure we mitigate against any future flood risk.
If approved for consultation by the Planning Committee next week, residents, businesses and other organisations interested in the area will be asked to give their views on the âDraft Seafield Place Briefâ and âDraft Seafield Masterplanâ, developed following extensive consultation with local people and businesses.
You can watch next weekâs meeting on the council website. Â
Personal trainer James Beeson, 41, has decided to take on the mammoth challenge of cycling nearly 1,000 miles across nine days from the bottom of England to the top of Scotland to raise funds for a special cause.
As well as taking part in an incredible challenge that will see James cycle roughly 110 miles each day as he completes the huge 9-day cycle, the occasion will also mark Jamesâ first visit to Scotland! He says, âIâve never been to Scotland before so Iâm excited for that and Iâm looking forward to seeing different parts of the countryside. Cycling is a completely different experience and I know the views will make all the uphill worth it. The event is really well organised with a proper route and overnights in key location complete with hot food and conveniences.
With a fundraising target that has already raised thousands of pounds for Winstonâs Wish, the UKâs first children and young peopleâs charity as well as regional charity Simon Says, James is keen to raise awareness and funds for a cause that is close to his heart.
James explains, âI had just turned seven when I lost my dad in a car accident on the way home from his works Christmas party. Just five years later just as I started secondary school, I also lost my mum to cancer. I know from personal experience just how difficult it is to cope with grief, as a young child and especially as you get older.Â
âI was one of the fortunate ones in that my aunt and uncle took me in but there was no professional support easily available to kids in my situation.
âWhen I was younger, I was just quiet but as I grew older, I found myself getting more and more angry and found myself in lots of tough circumstances. How do you learn to become an adult when youâve lost two parents?â
James is very much looking forward to travelling to new parts of the country. He says that cycling is, âAlso really crucial for headspace too. Running a business and having a family means life is always busy and dealing with your own head can be tough. Iâm at peace on my bike, itâs my time to wind down and switch off and allow myself to have that headspace.â
James initially decided to undertake the Ride Across Britain challenge of cycling from Landâs End to John OâGroats when a friend asked for his support to train. He says, âI thought that if Iâm going to take part in the cycle then I wanted to do it for a charity that was making such a difference.
âSimon Says is a local charity and Winstonâs Wish supports grieving kids all over the UK and they continue to support bereaved young people right to the age of 25 which I think is a really critical stage, especially when youâve suffered bereavement. Youâre trying to navigate lots of circumstances. You are expected to be an adult and grow up, but you start questioning everything and struggle to fit into a normal world.â
Estimates suggest that each day more than 100 young people are bereaved of a parent and that figure doesnât equate how many are having to navigate the death of a friend, sibling, teacher or another significant person in their lives.
Established in 1992, Winstonâs Wish has been reaching and supporting bereaved young people and the adults around them when their worlds are turned upside down for more than 30 years. The charity provides support via online content, the Grief in Common Podcast series, as well as on-demand services such as live chat on the website, freephone and ask inbox as well as one-to-one sessions by referral.
James adds, âI am pleased to be raising funds to help support a charity that directs gives advice and support to grieving children and young people.
“I know just how important it is to get help. I still often struggle especially on memorable days or events but have much better systems in place due to years of working on myself with help from loved ones and many different experienced professionals over the years.
âI want to help children who are in a similar situation to me and give them a better chance of coming out it stronger.â
If you are interested in finding out more about James and his incredible journey or to support him in his venture, then please view his Just Giving page which includes updates on his progress.
Winstonâs Wish is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing ask@winstonswish.org or using the live chat at winstonswish.org.
Holyrood’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison has outlined the urgent action being taken to balance the 2024-25 Scottish Budget in the face of âenormous and growing pressure on the public financesâ. Â
Highlighting the continuing effects of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis, alongside UK Government spending decisions, Ms Robison said difficult decisions were required.
The total savings, worth up to ÂŁ500 million, include:
The Finance Secretary said she was also currently planning to use up to ÂŁ460 million of additional ScotWind revenue to address in-year pressures in 2024-25.
Ms Robison said: âThis Government has consistently warned of the significance of the financial challenge ahead.
Prolonged Westminster austerity, the economic damage of Brexit, a global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the cost of living crisis have all placed enormous and growing pressure on the public finances.
“In the last three years alone cumulative CPI inflation has seen prices increase by 18.9%, diminishing how far money will go for households and governments alike.
âIn the face of these challenges, the Scottish Government has stepped in to support people and services where it has been needed most: on social security, health and public services. But we have done so without equivalent action from the UK Government, which has repeatedly failed to properly review the adequacy of funding settlements.
âWe cannot ignore the severe financial pressures we face. We will continue to be a fiscally responsible government and balance the budget each year, as we have done every year for 17 years and as we will do again this year. But this will mean we must unfortunately take difficult decisions along the way.â
Responding to todayâs statement by Scottish Government Finance Secretary Shona Robison, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: âPeople in Scotland believe in justice and compassion. They know that we need a strong social foundation so we can look out for each other and help people build a life beyond the injustice of poverty.
âBut weâre now being left with holes in the fabric of Scottish society that will likely make life even harder for people on low incomes who are already being pushed towards debt, hunger, homelessness, and destitution. That is completely unjust, irresponsible and unnecessary.
âWe are a rich country, and our collective wealth has grown massively over the decades. Past generations used that wealth to plan and budget for the public good, and MSPs and Ministers must now urgently use their powers over tax and investment to build a better, fairer future for all of us â and especially those in poverty. Economic growth will not fix the holes in society, unless it comes along with increased social investment.
âWe are very concerned about the effect of cuts to mental health support and adult social care. We know that people in poverty are more likely to need that support, and data shows a growing risk of poverty for disabled people.
“We are deeply disappointed that plans to expand concessionary bus travel to people in the asylum system have been scrapped, along with a return to peak fares on ScotRail. We all need the freedom to travel, but too many of us simply canât afford the fares.
âOrganisations like the STUC and IPPR Scotland have published concrete plans that show how the Scottish Government can use powers over tax to invest billions of pounds every year in our shared society.
“We can build better budgets that give people the means to build a better future, to create a true wellbeing economy that supports fair work, and a just transition to the net zero future that we urgently need.â
Reacting to the Scottish Governmentâs Pre-Budget Fiscal Statement, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer: âWith every cut announced by the Scottish Government today, workers and communities across Scotland will be scarred for generations to come.
âFor over two years now, weâve told the Scottish Government they had almost ÂŁ3.7 billion worth of untapped revenue at their fingertips through increasing tax on the rich. They could have acted. They chose not to. We are in no doubt that brutal Tory austerity has had an undeniable impact on Scotlandâs finances. But the Scottish Government must take responsibility for their own cuts. They cannot be allowed to escape scrutiny.
âPublic sector workers have faced more than a decade of falling real wages, lagging far behind those in the private sector. Those workers not only have the right to demand above inflation pay rises, but, if our public services are to improve, improvements in pay are non-negotiable.
âAll eyes now turn to the Chancellor but itâs a shambles that weâre awaiting some form of salvation, if any is forthcoming, from the UK Government when our government in Holyrood could have done so much more.
âThe people of Scotland do not want a Scottish Government that administers cuts while annunciating the droopy mantra of âit wizny meâ. They want politicians that choose to govern â and that means taxing the rich to invest in the services that we all rely on.â
The Finance Secretary has outlined the savings in a letter to the Finance and Public Administration Committee (FPAC).
Ms Robison also proposed that the next Scottish Budget takes place on the 4th December, subject to the agreement of FPAC and the Scottish Fiscal Commission.
