At the end of March the Council installed new numbered signs at Portobello Beach on top of the marker posts at the far end of the existing beach groyne structures.
A jointly produced information video of the signs is now being released as part of the projects continuing efforts.
The signs provide an immediate and visually prominent location reference, not just to members of the public but also to attending emergency services, lifeboats, coastguard rescue teams and search & rescue helicopters.
Numbered 1 to 6, these signs are plotted on all emergency service, call and mapping systems:
Marker 1 – Pipe Lane
Marker 2 – Bath Street
Marker 3 – Bellfield Street
Marker 4 – John Street
Marker 5 – Bedford Terrace
Marker 6 – End of promenade at Joppa Road.
Police will continue working with partners as the year continues at Portobello.
In a beach or coastal emergency, please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
GMB Scotland is pressing for proper employment status for more than 2,800 HM Coastguard rescue workers based at 310 rescue stations around the UK. About 900 of these workers are based in 116 rescue stations around the coast of mainland Scotland and the Islands.
The duties of HM Coastguard rescue workers include help rescue people trapped on the coast, for example on cliffs, stuck in mud or in the water, search for missing people, report and deal with pollution and other hazards and help emergency services and local authorities during emergencies, for example flooding.
These HM Coastguard rescue workers can be called out at any time of the day or night so they work irregular hours. They may have to work in hazardous situations for long hours and may have to carry out physically demanding tasks.
HM Coastguard rescue worker can have other employment. Required skills include: first aid, water rescue, map work, search techniques, communications and skills needed in for local area, for example rope rescue, mud rescue etc.
GMB Scotland is demanding that their status as workers is properly recognised and the work they do is properly valued and recognised.
Like for other recent high profile workers in irregular employment across the UK the union is prepared to litigate to obtain justice for these brave men and women.
Numbers of HM Coastguard rescue workers on irregular hours by Areas across the UK
Area 1 Scotland & Orkney Islands
137
Area 2 North Scotland
126
Area 3 East Scotland
97
Area 4 Inner Clyde to River Tay and East Scottish Border
134
Area 5 North East England
122
Area 6 East of England (Yorkshire, Humberside & Lincolnshire)
134
Area 7 East Anglia
155
Area 8 South East England
152
Area 9 : Southern England including Isle of Wight
202
Area 10 : South West England
175
Area 11 : Cornwall including Isles of Scilly
162
Area 12 : North Devon including Severn Estuary
176
Area 13 : South East Wales to Mid-Wales
203
Area 14 : North West Wales
162
Area 15 : Great Orme to West Scottish Border including the Lakes
152
Area 16 : Solway to Firth of Clyde including Northern Ireland
190
Area 17 : Kintyre to Mull, Isle of Arran and Inner Hebrides
159
Area 18 : Loch Linnhe to Outer Hebrides including Skye & the Small Isles
160
Gary Smith, GMB Scotland Secretary, said:“These 2,800 brave men and women who work in all weathers to rescue people and save lives are denied even the most basic rights of respect and recognition by their employer HM Coastguard.
“Staff with over 30 years experience are being axed without the basic right of being represented by their Union. The HM Coastguard rescue workers risk their lives to help and save others but are treated worse than any other Government worker. Urgent action needs to be taken to show respect for these unsung heroes.
“The union is prepared to litigate for these workers, so they can be properly recognised as part of the HM Coastguard rescue workforce and to ensure their basic employment rights are respected.”
Following an increase in antisocial behaviour in Portobello recently, local officers will be carrying out focused patrols this weekend.
Local community Sergeant Suzie Sandbach of Craigmillar Police Station said: “Officers responded to a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour involving groups of youths in Portobello last weekend.
“Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a policing priority in Edinburgh and I’d like to reassure residents, visitors and business owners in Portobello that there will be an increased police presence over the coming weekends to disrupt anyone intent on causing trouble.
“Our open spaces and beaches can now be enjoyed by the wider community and beyond, but sadly this can be ruined by the reckless behaviour of a small minority which is often fuelled by alcohol, and will not be tolerated.
“Local officers will continue to remain visible in the area, on mobile, foot or cycle patrol and I ask that if you see any criminality in the area help us hold offenders to account by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
Councillors yesterday gave the green light for £450K funding to install temporary public toilets in busy parks and other ‘hotspot’ areas in Edinburgh like the Meadows and Portobello.
Environment Convener Lesley Macinnes, said:“As the weather gets warmer and we ease out of lockdown our beautiful parks, beaches and other open spaces are going to be busier than ever.
“I’m really pleased Council agreed this funding today allowing us to respond so quickly to provide these much needed facilities over the summer months. We’ll publicise the list of temporary public toilets as soon as we have it.”
During your trip to Edinburgh you will no doubt be exploring the top attractions that this city has to offer. Edinburgh Castle for the one o’clock gun, the view from the top of Arthur’s Seat, the dark history of the Vaults and the Royal collection at the Queen’s Gallery.
However, these hidden gems are loved by locals and those lucky enough to stumble across them.
If you are planning a visit to Edinburgh, be sure to add our top 10 to your must-see list:
Edinburgh Farmers Market
Situated on Castle Terrace every Saturday with stunning views of the Castle and only a hop, skip and a jump from the Royal Mile you will find an award-winning market showcasing the very best of Scottish produce. If you’ve booked a self-catering apartment it is the perfect place to catch the highest quality, local ingredients to cook up for dinner. You can find fresh scallops, smoked salmon, venison, cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables from this renowned foodie haven.
Residents of Edinburgh’s New Town hold the keys to exclusive private gardens hidden amongst the town houses. There is none more desired than the splendid Queen Street Gardens, where Robert Louis Stevenson spent much of his childhood. Most visitors to Edinburgh must wait until the annual Open Door’s Day to venture inside but guests of 34a Abercromby Place, a new luxurious dog friendly self-catering apartment by the Royal Scots Club, receive a key to access this secret garden for the duration of their stay.
This marvellously modern milk bar in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket has been producing handmade gelato and chocolates since 2013 and its founder Mary is a graduate from an actual Gelato University in Italy. With weird and wonderful seasonal flavour combinations like Toast & Marmalade and Goats Cheese & Figs mixed with favourite staples like Salted Caramel and Milk, all ages will be pressing their noses against the window checking out the latest flavours.
Reopening in May, check out Mary’s Instagram for updates
If you are feeling bold, grab your swimming costume and head out for some wild swimming in the Forth. Don’t let the temperature put you off, wild swimming has been proven to boost your energy and happiness. The perfect way to start a day of sightseeing! Wardie Bay is within walking distance of the City Centre so enjoy a swim in this sheltered spot which is well cared for by the community and loved by locals.
Open every day of the year come rain or shine
Dunbar’s Close Gardens
Any Edinburgh visitor will be familiar with the Royal Mile which connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House. The network of Closes lead off the Royal Mile through the Old Town and are steeped in history. With over 70 Closes to explore don’t miss Dunbar’s Close, this beautiful garden sanctuary in the very centre of the City. You will find those in the know soaking up the sun or chatting with friends over lunch in this secluded spot.
Open from 07:00am, closing times vary throughout the year
Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio and centre for contemporary art, craft and design in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Tapestry Studio is in the former swimming pool that was once the old Infirmary Street Bathhouse and the original viewing gallery is open daily for visitors to observe the weavers create their masterpieces. Dovecot offers a programme of popular exhibitions and events with the likes of Grayson Perry and Mary Quant plus a shop full of beautiful hand-made gifts and a fantastic cafe ‘Pinks at Dovecot’.
Café Culture is thriving in Edinburgh with independent coffee shops showcasing the best roasters in Scotland and across the UK. If you are looking for exceptional coffee one of the local heroes is Little Fitzroy on Easter Road. Passionate about everything coffee, Little Fitzroy rotate their selection regularly, always making the perfect flat white. Not to mention their wonderful selection of cakes including one of the best vegan Cinnamon Buns in Edinburgh.
Open weekdays from 07:00am – 17:00pm and weekends from 08:00am – 17:00pm
The wonderful beach at Portobello (Porty to locals) is the perfect place to fill your lungs with sea air and go for a bracing walk along the sands or the fine promenade. Once you’ve finished building your sandcastles or taking a paddle, grab lunch at Edinburgh’s Little Chart Room on the Prom or take a stroll to the high street and visit the Montreal inspired Bross Bagel shop.
Open every day of the year come rain or shine
Alby’s
Not your average sandwich shop this is the home of the Big Hot Sandwich in Leith. Alby’s feature a rotating menu of inspired and delicious fillings sandwiched between a large wedge of soft focaccia. This is the perfect pick me up after a packed morning of sightseeing. Run by couple Natasha and Matt these sandwiches have cult status thanks to their strong Instagram following and adorable namesake Alby the Dachshund.
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00pm – 20:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm – 16:00pm
You may have heard of the Festival Theatre, the Playhouse or the Lyceum Theatre but there is another institution tucked away in Leith which was given as a gift to the Burgh from the people of Edinburgh in the 1920’s when Leith was incorporated into the capital city. This lively creative hub caters for all ages so be sure to check out their programme of what’s on during your visit.
Reopening in June, check out their website for more details
For many people, the lure of a new home and upgraded space has become all the more present during the pandemic – with our homes becoming our sanctuaries.
For South Edinburgh mum Pauline, who dreamed of a new-build home after facing issues in older properties, The City of Edinburgh Council’s Golden Share scheme was a chance to make it her reality.
Pauline said: “My past experience in old houses made me turn a corner on what I was after. I was getting fed up of the upkeep, and always struggled to heat the other properties without it costing a fortune.
“I’d always loved the cleanliness and ease of new build properties, they always felt like they were ready to live in when you walked in the door.”
Location, location, location
For Pauline, location was everything. The new home would have to be close to a school for her two sons, as well as being close to her workplace. Ample space and at least three bedrooms were also on her checklist.
After scoping out her ideal locations, Pauline discovered Barratt Homes @ Heritage Grange provided everything she was looking for, at a price she could afford.
She said: “I didn’t know the area was there when I visited the sales office, I sort of found it by accident! In comparison to a lot of the other houses nearby, the matter of being a couple of minutes down the road also made quite a big price difference, despite the Barratt houses offering a lot more.
“It was exciting seeing it go through the different stages, Ross [the sales adviser] kept me updated throughout. Seeing it from its first initial shell, to then having everything finished for moving in, was a really positive journey. They allowed me to move in as soon as it was finished and the builders even took away all of the leftover cardboard and boxes after I had finished un-packing! It was a fantastic buying experience”.
From dream to reality
After seeing it come to life, Pauline and her two sons moved into a three-bedroom, mid-terraced Bonnyton house-type.
“It was exactly what I was after; as soon as you step into the home it feels airy and open. You can also see all the way through into the garden, with a big living dining room area just off it. It is such a difference to the other places we had lived in.
“My favourite area of the house is definitely the back and garden. When you open up the living room patio doors onto the garden, it creates one huge space. The garden itself is a perfect size and has that TARDIS-effect. I’ve managed to build a summerhouse with decking, which I often work in, so there’s an extra room there too.”
“There’s also a great sense of community among the neighbours at the development. There’s groups to keep each other updated and when there has been heavy snowfall, we’ve organised shovelling clear outs.”
Barratt @ Heritage Grange is a development of three and four-bedroom homes on the south side of the capital. Located just 15 minutes away from the city centre, it is the perfect location to enjoy a combination of country and city living in a brand new home.
Why choose Golden Share?
Backed by The City of Edinburgh Council, Golden Share is an affordable housing scheme for eligible first time buyers and existing homeowners, which allows them to purchase a new home at only 80% of its market value.
When speaking about her experience with the Golden Share scheme, Pauline said: “It’s important to be organised as it’s quite a tough process, but very much worth it in the end. I am a part-time educator for the NHS, which met the criteria, and I was able to show that my children had to be in the area, with support for them too. It worked out really well for my situation. If not, I would have been stuck in a small flat, with two growing teenagers!”
“I’d recommend anyone thinking of purchasing through Golden Share to speak to the Barratt Sales team, they were really helpful clearing up any doubts I had. Also visiting the show home was a key part of my house-buying process; it really gave me a better idea of the sizing.”
A number of Barratt Homes developments in the east of Scotland feature properties available for Golden Share, including Barratt @ Heritage Grange and The Strand @ Portobello.
The Strand @ Portobello offers a collection of two and three-bedroom terraced houses and apartments close to the picturesque Portobello beach. With excellent transportation links to Edinburgh city centre and road links around the city, the development also benefits from a number of local amenities close by on Portobello high street.
The winners of a UK-wide amateur photography competition have been announced.
The #WalkingFromHome photography competition was organised by walking charity Living Streets to encourage people to keep walking locally during the recent lockdown.
Kim Kjaerside (Edinburgh) and Becki Cox (Glasgow) won for their photos for purple and pink week respectively.
The winners of a national amateur photography competition have been announced. The #WalkingFromHome photography competition was organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.
Entrants to the competition were asked to share photos of their daily walks during lockdown on social media. The competition ran for seven weeks during February and March, and each week had a different colour for inspiration.
Kim Kjaerside from Edinburgh won for his image taken on a family walk for purple week, whilst Becki Cox from Glasgow won for her street art picture taken in Glasgow. The rest of the winners hailed from Liverpool, London and Portsmouth.
Living Streets helped people stay active during lockdown by providing free walking resources and activities for all ages, along with advice on how to walk whilst following COVID-19 restrictions.
The charity launched the competition to help people keep their local walks interesting by taking the time to stop, look and connect with their surroundings.
Kim Kjaerside, Edinburgh (Purple week winner) said:“Myself, my wife and our two young kids live by Portobello, Edinburgh’s seaside. Here we are fortunate enough to have a local burn, fields and the beach to visit.
“During the last year we have got to know our local area so much better and been on many small adventures with the kids, exploring and learning about the local wildlife.
“My photograph of the crocuses was taken during one of many walks in our local National Trust for Scotland’s garden and forest. It’s one of our daughter’s favourite wildflowers and the setting seemed appropriate to showcase their beautiful purple colours.”
Becki Cox, Glasgow (Pink week winner said):“The graffiti in the picture I submitted says ‘cultivate radical softness’.
“As people walking, we are required to both look down at our feet but also up and out at the world around us. Walking connects us and enables those little moments of everyday humanity!”
Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:“Staying local has meant we have discovered new places, met new people and explored our local area as never before. These winning photographs are a celebration of the rich visual landscape which is right on our doorstep.
“As lockdown eases and we travel further afield, we hope these photographs act as a reminder of the quiet, everyday joy that a short walk can bring.”
May is Living Streets’ National Walking Month and the charity wants people to keep up their new walking habit and make a pledge to ‘Walk this May’.
Living Streets has launched an online pledge, asking people to swap a number of short car journeys to walking during May.
After completing the pledge, people will be shown the cash savings they have made from reduced fuel costs, the carbon dioxide reduction of fewer car journeys and the health benefits they’ve made from walking.
Police Scotland is working with the The City of Edinburgh Council and Maritime and Coastguard Agency to help make Portobello Beach safer for all.
This week, the Council will install new numbered signs on the top of the existing groyne beach defences at Portobello Beach.
In an emergency, direct experience tells us roads signs cannot be easily seen from the beach so the new signs will be much more visible, improving safety.
They measure approx. 600mm high and 450mm wide.
Numbered 1 to 6, the emergency services can use these numbered signs to plot your location in an emergency (see map).
Marker 1 – Pipe Lane Marker 2 – Bath Street Marker 3 – Bellfield Street Marker 4 – John Street Marker 5 – Bedford Terrace Marker 6 – End of promenade at Joppa Road
Police will continue working with our partners as the year continues at Portobello.
In a coastal emergency, please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Police in Edinburgh are appealing for the public’s help to trace a van which was stolen from the Portobello area.
The silver VW Transporter van, registration number VX66SYU, was stolen at about 11pm on Saturday 30 January 2021 while stored within a business address on Portobello Road.
The van is distinctive, with black wheel rims, tinted windows, black VW badge on front and rear, a black front grill, and a black roof box and a solar panel on roof.
Anyone who may have seen the van since it was stolen, or has information on its current whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 4425 of 30 January 2021 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Last weekend we saw large numbers of vehicles parking inconsiderately in and around certain areas in Edinburgh including Portobello, the Pentland Hills, Cramond Brig, Marine Drive and South Queensferry.
Chief Inspector Neil Wilson, from St Leonard’s Police Station, said: “We are fortunate to have so many wonderful parks and open spaces in the city, but please remember that several car parks which would usually accommodate these areas are currently closed to the public and some of our popular areas for exercising have limited parking available.
“I appreciate that people are keen to head out to exercise and enjoy what Edinburgh has to offer, but you should have a backup plan in the event that you can’t park your vehicle safely. Do not park irresponsibly, as you may restrict local residents and other road users or block access for emergency services.
“Parking your vehicle on a pavement or on a road in such a way as to cause an obstruction is not only an offence, but puts other road users and pedestrians at risk.
“We will be paying particular attention to key areas this coming weekend in response to the recent parking issues and officers will carry out enforcement action if necessary.
“People should also be mindful of the current guidelines in respect of meeting others outdoors.
“The Chief Constable has already made it clear that our approach throughout the pandemic has not changed. Police Scotland officers will continue to support people to follow the regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility.
“People should not leave their home unless for essential purposes. The best way to stay safe is to stay at home.”
For the latest guidelines from the Scottish Government, visit its website here:
Police are re-appealing for witnesses to come forward following a road crash on Portobello High Street in which a local 36-year-old woman died.
At around 2.45pm on Monday, 2 November, Heather Stronach (36), died after she and her bike were involved in a collision with a lorry on Portobello High Street at its junction with Sir Harry Lauder Road.
Sergeant Mark Banner, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said:”We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw the collision take place to come forward if they have not already done so.
“I am particularly keen to speak to two car drivers who may be able to assist. The first was in a car stationary at the junction of Sir Harry Lauder Road, and the other was in a small black car on Portobello High Street. They may have information that could prove very helpful to our enquiry.
“Also, we’d still appeal to any pedestrians who were there or to anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage from the street around 2.45pm to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1829 of 2 November.”
