Police Scotland have released an image of a man they believe may have information in connection with an assault which occurred on Friday 17 March 2023 at around 12.15pm at Portobello Promenade.
The man is described as aged 30 to 37, of a medium build and with brown hair. He is between 5ft 11ins to 6ft 2ins and was wearing a grey Nike hoodie, dark coloured jogging bottoms and white Adidas trainers.
Constable Erin Millar of Police Scotland said: “The man pictured or anyone who recognises the man pictured please contact officers via 101, quoting incident number 1687 of Friday 17 March 2023.
“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Homebuyers who’ve always dreamt of living by the sea can reserve now and move in in time for summer, with a range of new properties available near the coast in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – is encouraging first time buyers and downsizers to take advantage of the homebuilder’s cost-saving initiatives and find their new ideal home, located a stone’s throw away from a number of coastal walks and beaches.
An array of two and three-bed properties at Cammo Meadows in Edinburgh, The Strand in Portobello and St Clements Brae in Wallyford, East Lothian are now ready to be moved into ahead of the warm weather, with each development less than a ten-minute drive from golden sands.
Ideally located close to the City Bypass, the properties are perfect for first time buyers looking for work-life balance or those downsizing to quieter surroundings. According to Moneybox, the Edinburgh area is also the fifth most popular hotspot for first-time buyers.
Interior showhome photography of The Ashworth at David Wilson Homes Cammo Meadows development in Edinburgh
To make the move seamless, Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, is currently offering buyers £1,000 for every £20,000 spent, plus flooring included. This cash from the initiative can be used towards a deposit, mortgage repayments or moving costs. A number of selected homes also include upgraded options.
In addition to a high-quality finish, buyers can expect their home to be energy efficient. According to Barratt Developments’ Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis – 2023 Report, more than 55% of Scots are considering buying a new build home to save on energy bills.
The recent ‘Watt a Save’ report from the Home Buyers’ Federation (HBF) showed that around 84% of new builds have an energy efficiency rating of A or B, compared to just 4% of existing housing in the UK. Thanks to advanced systems and technologies, all Barratt homes are now up to 63% more energy efficient, which could save homeowners up to £3,100 per year on bills.
Anne Ross, sales director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said:“Location is key when we build our homes, so we’re proud to be able to offer a selection of ‘ready-to-move-into’ properties in some of the most popular areas in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“These homes are perfect for first time buyers or downsizers looking to mix the hubbub of the capital with suburban living.
“If people reserve now, they can be moved in in time for summer and the process is made even easier with our current incentives – which include mortgage repayments and flooring, in addition to improved energy efficiency. Homebuyers are urged to move quickly, as we expect these homes to be snapped up fast.”
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in the North and West of Scotland also have limited availability on homes ready to move into before summer.
New data from Surfers Against Sewage reveals the extent of anger at polluting water companies, as charity prepares to mobilise public in first ever mass paddle-out protest later this month.
· A mammoth 83% of residents in the Scotland support a ban on bonuses for CEOs who fail to adhere to minimum environmental standards.
· Trust in water companies is at rock bottom, with less than a fifth (16%) of adults confident that Scottish Water is using their money to improve services.
· In response to rising public anger, volunteers backed by Surfers Against Sewage will coordinate a paddle-out protest against sewage pollution at Portobello Beach, Edinburgh on May 20, one of multiple events occurring simultaneously across the UK.
· Surfers Against Sewage is demanding calling for an end to sewage discharges into UK bathing waters and a 90% reduction in sewage discharges by 2030.
New data from charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has revealed the extent of public distrust in Scottish Water amid ongoing outrage at the levels of pollution occurring in Scottish and UK waterways.
The UK Government and regulators have also come under fire, with 7 in 10 (69%) saying the UK Government should be doing more to tackle sewage pollution. An even bigger proportion (80%) think water company regulators need to do more to make sure water companies reduce sewage pollution.
The survey data also reveals the issues that are most likely to inform the public’s vote at the next election. A quarter (23%) of Scots report that environmental issues will be their most important factor for voting. Among these people, 6 in 10 (62%) said they cared about water pollution the most.
SAS are seeking to convert public outrage into action by staging a mass paddle-out protest against sewage pollution, featuring simultaneous events at beaches and rivers across the UK on Saturday 20 May.
Josh Harris, Head of Communications at Surfers Against Sewage, said: “Last year water companies paid out a combined £1 billion to their shareholders while dumping sewage into UK waterways almost 400,000 times.
“It’s time to put an end to this shameless profiteering. Water companies should not be allowed to profit from pollution, and our data shows that the public agree, with a huge majority calling for an end to industry fat cats pocketing bonuses whilst failing to meet minimum environmental standards.
“And it’s not just the water companies that need to clean up their act. The Government and regulators should be enforcing high standards and holding water companies to account, but it’s clear to the public that they’re not doing enough. We’ve suffered decades of broken sewers because of our broken system, and now the public have had enough and are demanding an to end this sewage scandal.”
The data also reveals the importance of river and sea spots for Scots’ physical and mental health.
Over half in Scotland (56%) say access to blue space is beneficial for their physical health, whilst nearly half (41%) go so far as to say that having limited access to blue space is detrimental for their mental health. Despite this, nearly two thirds (62%) say sewage pollution puts them off going in the sea and rivers in the UK.
Josh Harris, Head of Communications at Surfers Against Sewage, continued: “We’re urging anyone who feels passionately about protecting our blue spaces to join us on 20 May as we rise up against the polluters and stage a mass paddle-out protest across the UK. Water companies are wreaking havoc on our precious rivers and seas, and we refuse to stay silent. Head to your nearest protest and make your voice heard.”
At least 12 protests will take place across the UK on 20 May, at key locations covering each water company catchment. Swimmers, paddlers, surfers, canoers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, windsurfers and anyone who cares about the health of their local blue spaces will take to the water, beach or riverbank to make their demands heard. SAS are also urging the public to sign their ‘Dirty Money’ petition, which demands an end to water companies profiting from pollution.
Kim Travers, a volunteer who is organising the paddle-out protest in Edinburgh, said: “We are calling for year-round water monitoring and an end to sewage pollution by 2030.”
To mark the protests, SAS have worked with Niall Jones – a Cornwall-based product designer and owner of Benthos Surf – and creative agency Mr President to develop a surfboard to represent the extent of sewage pollution in UK seas and rivers.
Jones collected raw sewage from the sea and turned it into resin that soaked into the board, creating unexpected patterns. To maximise the impact of the design, he included two transparent windows in the top of the board that display the two litres of sewage water contained within.
Mr President have created a video highlighting the extent of the sewage scandal in the UK, and featuring interviews with and footage of Ben Skinner, 11x European Longboard Champion, and other surfers riding the waves on the Floater.
SAS’s new data comes just weeks after data from water companies and the Environment Agency revealed that sewage was dumped into UK rivers and seas in England, Scotland and Wales just under 400,000 times last year, despite 2022 being one of the driest years in decades.
Last year SAS found evidence of 143 ‘dry spills’ – sewage overflows that occurred when there had been no rain for two days – indicating potentially illegal activity by water companies.
The charity is calling for an end to sewage discharge into UK bathing waters and a 90% reduction in sewage discharges by 2030.
A six-week consultation is asking residents, businesses and other interested groups how they think Seafield could be transformed and regenerated into a vibrant new 20-minute neighbourhood.
The consultation is being run by the City of Edinburgh Council and Seafield: Connecting Coastal Communities*.
The local community is being invited to attend two events where they can give their views in person. Those attending will be asked what they like best about the area just now, what kind of housing they would like built there in the future and how the existing promenade could be improved.
The consultation is also seeking to get views from the local community on what other facilities they would like in the area such as health centres, schools and shops as well as how public transport could be improved.
Thursday, 27 April between 3pm – 8pm at The Ripple Project Cafe, 198 Restalrig Road South, Craigentinny.
Saturday, 29 April Between 12:30pm – 3:30pm Bellfield (Celebration Foyer) 16B Bellfield Street, Portobello.
Cllr James Dalgleish Planning Convener said: “This part of our precious coast in Edinburgh has been highlighted as an area which can be greatly improved and regenerated in our draft City Plan 2030, currently with Scottish Ministers for approval.
“We’re at an early stage looking at how we can use sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood principles at Seafield, a new way of thinking for us in Edinburgh. We want to make Seafield more sustainable, with improved access to quality services.
“This is the start of a conversation with the local community to empower them to help us to make this happen. A 20-minute neighbourhood in Edinburgh is about living well locally, giving residents the ability to meet most of their daily needs by walking, cycling, wheeling or taking public transport. Residents will be able to live, shop, work and travel more easily and enjoy well-connected spaces with and improved greener public transport.
“I’d encourage everyone with a link to Seafield to come along and tell us how what kind of homes and other facilities they would like to see built at Seafield for future generations to come. If you can’t make the events please do fill out our short survey as it’s really important we hear from as many people as possible about this important regeneration project for the city.
“The next stage is for the Council to share a draft vision for feedback before consulting on a draft masterplan for Seafield this summer. This will then be presented to the Council’s Planning Committee for approval.”
*Seafield: Connecting Coastal Communities is a group made up of the following community councils:
UNISON City of Edinburgh branch is calling on the council to cancel a ‘Schools and gender identity event’ to protect library staff and members of the trans community.
The event which its organisers say is “a group of concerned adults organised a public meeting in Portobello Community Centre to discuss the teaching of gender identity in schools” is due to be held at Portobello Library this evening (Tuesday 14 March) has already gathered national media attention and some community campaigners have also called for its cancellation.
UNISON City of Edinburgh branch has been in dialogue with the council to express safety-fears for library staff and local trans-individuals. UNISON argue that library staff are being placed at the centre of something that is going to impact their ability to provide a high quality public services to the local community, including the LGBT+ community.
UNISON City of Edinburgh branch is also concerned that the event indirectly endangers the wider safety of the UK trans community. Should the event be allowed to continue, the branch will peacefully protest with other community activist protesters and would ask other who feel the same to join them.
UNISON City of Edinburgh branch secretary, Tom Conolly said: “UNISON Edinburgh city branch represent library staff across the city and we do not want to see them placed at the centre of something which could impact on their ability to deliver high quality public services.
“We are concerned that this event has been granted permission to go ahead. UNISON Edinburgh city branch is clear in its commitment to trans and non-binary members. We recognise the importance of supporting trans members in our local communities.”
UNISON City of Edinburgh branch equalities officer, Elaine Wishart said: “UNISON supports trans rights and wants to be at the forefront of promoting an inclusive debate.
“You don’t have to be trans to fight for trans rights, you can be a trans ally. The national debate is very divisive and harms trans-people who need our compassion and support. UNISON have produced many campaign materials around combatting the gender critical narrative.
“Trans rights are human rights and making sure our trans members are able to go to work, and just be themselves in the wider community free of fear, harassment and bullying is paramount.”
Anne Dignan, an Edinburgh woman who is blind, will take part in a story-telling session in Portobello on Saturday, March 11th.
‘Tales of Gallus Women’ will feature six women telling anecdotes, chronicles and yarns ranging from the far north of Scotland to the shores of East Lothian – “Tales of real life, fantasy, intrigue and witchcraft,” says Anne (68).
“I’ve always loved telling stories to the children I taught at school before I had to take early medical retirement due to my sight loss,” says Anne. “I missed reading books, and being able to tell and to listen to stories again meant so much to me.”
A former primary-school teacher, Anne (68) joined a local group called the Burgh Blatherers three years ago after a friend told her about them.
“Through the Burgh Blatherers, I discovered the art of traditional oral story-telling,” she goes on. “This art has been going for centuries where stories, customs and traditions were handed down from generation to generation, as well as being a form of social interaction amongst people who couldn’t read or write.
“The Burgh Blatherers share a very keen interest in ensuring the skill of story-telling continues to enjoy its relatively recent revival over the last 20 or so years. There will be six of us taking part on Saturday evening. All are acclaimed storytellers in their own right, most with many professional years of experience – Rona Barbour, Beverley Casebow, Linda Portula, Elaine Robertson, Emilie Barr and myself.”
Anne, herself, has won one of the story-telling movement’s most prestigious awards, the Tall Tales Oscars. “I was up against several professional contenders who all had many, many years of experience. I am highly delighted, and proud of the award.
Her own tale this Saturday will be the true story of woman born into a Gaelic-speaking community on Skye in 1821. “My story is self-penned and extensively researched,” she enthuses. “It’s about Mairi Mohr Nan Oran, or ‘Great Mary of the Stories’ as she became famously known by her native Gaelic-speaking community. Her real name was Mairi MacPherson (nee MacDonald).
“She was instrumental in rallying people to effect a change in the legislation affecting crofters, the Crofters Holdings Act, which secured land tenure for crofters who had who had undergone the ravages of the later Highland Clearances. She wrote many songs and poems railing against landlords and persons of authority.
“She taught herself to speak and write English so she could help Gaelic-speaking emigrés who, like her, lived in slum conditions whilst they sought work in Glasgow. Her poems and stories were created when she was imprisoned.
“To this day, she has left an indelible mark and even Gaelic choirs are still named after her in the islands.”
* ‘Tales of Gallus Women’ will take place in Bellfield Community Hub in Portobello on Saturday, March 11th, from 6.30 to 8.30pm.
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and robbed by three youths in Seafield.
Around 5.30pm on Tuesday (24 January 2023) the man sustained minor injuries after three males struck him on the head with a weapon and stole his rucksack and laptop as he made his way along the cycle path between Seafield Street and Pirniefield.
The suspects are described as:
The first was around 14-years-old, with a Scottish accent, slim build, wearing a snood, dressed in black and riding a black scooter.
The second, with the weapon, was about 16/17-years-old, stocky build, 5ft 9, Scottish accent, wearing a dark hoodie with the hood tied tight, red snood, black jogging bottoms and black trainers.
The third was around 14/15-years-old, wearing dark clothing and silver trainers. Both were on electric bikes.
Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor, Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the people responsible, and we encourage anyone with information about this attack to contact police.
“Think back, did you see these three youths in the area around this time?
“We are also appealing for anyone who may have relevant dash-cam footage from the Seafield Road area around 5.30pm on Tuesday to get in touch.
“Please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3094 of Tuesday, 24 January, 2023.”
CELEBRATION EVENT AT PORTOBELLO WORKSHOP TOMORROWEVENING
The Edinburgh Tool Library is exactly what it sounds like: a library, but for tools. Instead of books, members can borrow a huge range of hand and power tools – from circular saws to sewing machines – all free of charge.
Inspiration for Edinburgh’s Tool Library came after Chris Hellawell, Founder and Director of Edinburgh Tool Library, visited the Toronto Tool Library during a family holiday. Chris not only saw the need for freely available tools in his own community, Leith, he had the vision of the wider environmental, financial and social value a tool library could bring.
Unlike his Canadian counterparts, Chris did not have a stock of tools, or premises to store and loan tools from, but his drive to help others inspired his next move:
“Giving people access to equipment means handing them the potential to better their living environment and potentially their lives” says Chris. “That could be as simple as putting up a shelf or hanging some pictures, or as life-changing as giving someone the tools and the chance of holding down a job. I just knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
Chris used his resourcefulness to collect donated tools and stored them in his living room. And instead of renting premises he created an online tool inventory and hired a police box on Leith Walk once a week from where tools could be collected!
Since then, Chris hasn’t looked back and has built Edinburgh Tool Library from the ground up into the thriving charity it is today. With a loan depot in Meadowbank, and workshops in Portobello and Leith, the library has grown to include more than 2,000 tools which are borrowed regularly by 1,400 members from all walks of life, saving members a collective £1.5m compared to the cost of buying those tools!
An overall reduction of around 180T CO2, the equivalent of driving a car around the world 180 times. And with the cost-of-living crisis becoming an escalating challenge, Edinburgh Tool Library is fast becoming a lifeline for many.
Not only has Chris’s environmental and economic vision become a reality, its social impact is undeniable.
Much like a book library, Edinburgh Tool Library is a hub around which the community gathers. The year-round community and outreach programme offers workshops designed to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing, champion diversity and most importantly provide opportunities for communities to come together to learn new life and employability skills.
Projects such as “Nailing It!” work with women’s support groups around the city teaching DIY skills, building confidence and encouraging women to participate in woodwork, often for the first time. Or ‘Tools for Life’ – a programme matching a young unemployed person with barriers to work, with an older, retired person, who has skills to pass on to the trainee, helping them to build confidence and learn new skills.
Run in large by its 50+ volunteers, the love and commitment of these volunteers was never more evident than during the pandemic. The Edinburgh Tool Library put it’s resources towards hot meal, and art pack delivery, as well as providing logistical support to the Edinburgh Mask Makers volunteer group, helping over 17,000 masks reach key workers across the central belt.
This kindness is also evident in the membership framework. The charity charges members £30 per year to borrow tools and to gain free access to their workshop programme, along with invites to community social events.
Members can also buy a ‘£40 pay it forward’ membership which includes a reduced £10 membership fee for those facing financial hardship. All membership income is ploughed back into supporting the charity’s environmental and social objectives.
For those interested in becoming a member or supporting their charitable work through their fun ‘Adopt a Tool’ scheme, visit edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk or email them on hello@edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk.
Or pop along to their celebration event at their Portobello Workshop (19 Windsor Place, EH15 2AJ) tomorrow – Thursday 27th October (5 – 8pm) – where they will welcome you in, show you their fantastic workshop facilities and introduce you to their friendly team!
UK’s largest independent retailer of nearly new cars and vans formally opens its new Edinburgh store on Baileyfield Road in Portobello.
Motorpoint Edinburgh is the automotive retailer’s second outlet in Scotland and 18th in the UK. There is a store in Glasgow and a preparation centre in Motherwell.
Opening ceremony ribbon cutting performed by talented five-year-old Scottish Highland dancer, Rosie, from the Dunedin Dance Academy.
Event kicked off store’s year-long commitment to fundraise for St Columba’s Hospice.
Attractions included the ‘live’ creation of a unique Edinburgh landscape on the side of a dirty van by renowned grime artist Ruddy Muddy.
A talented five-year-old dancer performed a ceremonial ribbon-cutting this week as Motorpoint – the UK’s largest independent retailer of nearly new cars and vans –strengthened its growing nationwide network with the official opening of its new store in Edinburgh.
Young Highland dancer Rosie did the honours after performing with fellow dancers from the Dunedin Dance Academy at an event celebrating the opening of the brand’s second retail outlet in Scotland and its 18th in the UK.
As well as dance performances, Motorpoint Edinburgh, which is located on Baileyfield Road in Portobello, also hosted a ‘live’ art installation with acclaimed grime artist Ruddy Muddy. Throughout the day, he created a stunning image of the world-famous Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Bobby in the mud on the side of a Mercedes Benz Vito van.
Visitors to the store were also treated to a stirring musical treat with a performance of piping from the Pipers of Edinburgh, while the store also announced that St Columba’s Hospice Care in Edinburgh is their nominated charity partner for the year.
Richard Start, Regional Retail Director at Motorpoint Edinburgh said: “We were delighted to be able to mark the opening of our latest store in such an inspirational and cultural way and having Rosie perform the ribbon-cutting made it extra special.
“The whole official opening event had a fabulous family feel and it was a joy to have the dancers from the Dunedin Dance Academy, grime van artist Ruddy Muddy, the Pipers of Edinburgh and Paw Patrol with us to provide some great entertainment for our customers.”
Richard added: “Despite a nationwide shortage of new and nearly new vehicles we have been able to ensure that Motorpoint Edinburgh has the widest possible range of the makes and models that local motorists want the most and all are available to drive away the same day.
“Motorpoint Edinburgh is also proud to bring the brand’s ‘never beaten on price’ promise to the city, helping to deliver market-leading value for car buyers at a time when every penny counts.”
CCTV appeal following a serious assault around 11pm on 18 July 2022 at Brighton Place, Portobello
Police in Edinburgh have issued images of a male they believe may have information that can assist them with their investigation into a serious assault that occurred around 11pm in Portobello on Monday the 18 July 2022.
The male is described as being white, around 40 years old, around 6ft2” tall, bald head, thin build. He is shown in the image as wearing a light coloured t-shirt with a design on the front and shorts.
Detective Constable Mark Walker of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the male, or anyone who has information relating to the male, depicted in these images to make contact with the Police.
“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via the 101 non-emergency telephone number quoting incident number 3631 of 22 July 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
