Category: Trinity

Compassionate Gardeners

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES WITH ST COLUMBA’S

Did you know our team of Compassionate Gardeners make an immediate and heartwarming impact on the lives of those living at home with an end-of-life diagnosis who yearn to spend precious time in their much-loved gardens.

Coming alongside the garden owners, our green fingered volunteers offer a little deserved TLC to help restore the loveliness of the garden and by doing so often greatly add to the sense of wellbeing of the garden owner and often the volunteer too.

As one of our volunteers recently laughed ‘as I work in the garden, the garden works on me too!’

By offering two hours once a fortnight volunteers can really make the world of a difference to someone living with a palliative condition and also share the joy of gardening.

To find out more, email Maggie on myoung@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Nursing graduate recognised with palliative care award from St Columba’s Hospice

A new nursing graduate from Queen Margaret University (QMU) has gained recognition for her sensitive and compassionate care of people near end of life with an award from St Columba’s Hospice Care.  

Ailsa Timoney, who graduated with Master of Nursing from QMU in July this year, was presented with the St Columba’s Hospice Care Palliative Care Nursing Award. 

Twenty-six-year-old Ailsa from Edinburgh undertook a 10-week placement at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh, as part of her QMU degree course.

She was surprised how much she enjoyed the placement at the hospice, as she anticipated that it would be a really sad experience. However, she found the work really rewarding, so much so that she would consider moving into a palliative care position at some point during her career.  

Ailsa said: “Working at St Columba’s wasn’t what I had expected. It was really fulfilling to be able to provide a good level of person centred care to each individual patient, and I know this really helped the individual, as well as their families, in the journey towards end of life.” 

Discussing her university experience, she said: “I really enjoyed being a student at QMU – everyone is so supportive and friendly, and it’s such a welcoming community. The four-year undergraduate master’s course was both challenging and very worthwhile, and the academics and the degree prepared me well for entering the nursing workforce. I received great support from staff. There was always someone available to help and guide me through the course.   

“I’m thrilled to have received the award from St Columba’s Hospice Care – it’s such a special place and I learned so much on my placement with the team there. I’m now excited to be coming into the nursing profession and starting my role as a community nurse.” 

Georgios Tsigkas, Programme Leader for the Master of Nursing course at Queen Margaret University, said: “This award recognises the dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism that Ailsa demonstrated throughout the full four years on the course.

“She is a great ambassador for our nursing programme, and through her work and attitude she epitomises the values of QMU in wanting to make a difference to the lives of others.” 

Ruth Magowan, Head of The Division of Nursing at QMU, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with St Columba’s Hospice Care, which is the first University Hospice in the east of Scotland.

“Our partnership aims to enhance the delivery of person-centred palliative care through integrated research, teaching and clinical practice, and we are delighted that Ailsa has been able to benefit from her time with Hospice, and proud that her attitude and hard work have been recognised by the team there.  

“Ailsa has proved to be an exceptional student and we know that she will go out into the nursing workforce and make a very positive contribution to person-centred care. The Hospice award is the icing on the cake for Ailsa, and gets her career off to a flying start!” 

Four arrested after police chase

Around 1.15pm yesterday (Sunday, 28 July), two cars which had been stolen from the Trinity area were seen by officers on Maybury Road.

The occupants of the vehicles made off from the scene on foot and were traced nearby by officers a short time later in possession of a number of weapons.

Four males aged 16, 17, 19 and 20 have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.

Police would like to thank the public for their help with this investigation.

Edinburgh District Sea Cadets welcomed aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral in Rosyth

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have welcomed 24 Sea Cadets from the Edinburgh District Sea Cadets, in a chance to learn more about life at sea and step aboard a cruise ship.

Last Thursday (27th June), during Balmoral’s inaugural call of 2024 to the Port of Rosyth, the Sea Cadets were welcomed by members of Balmoral’s Bridge Team, including Captain Steffan Ravneng, Safety Officer Euan Ross and two deck cadets.

Following breakfast with Captain Ravneng and a talk about life at sea, the cadets were taken to the lower decks including the engine control room and toured the public areas of the ship followed by a lunch in the Ballindalloch restaurant.

 Edinburgh Trinity Unit, Leith Unit, Musselburgh Unit and Dunbar Unit

Ewan Galloway, District Officer for Edinburgh Sea Cadets, said: “Bringing together cadets from all across Edinburgh for a cruise ship experience was a remarkable opportunity to showcase and embrace the skills cultivated in the Sea Cadets.

“This visit not only highlighted the relevance of these skills in the maritime sector but also left every cadet feeling privileged and inspired.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful opportunity provided by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Seeing the cadets’ faces light up upon arriving at the beautiful ship, Balmoral, was truly delightful.”

Stuart Ferguson, Head of Quality and Resource at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“It’s always a real pleasure for us to welcome young people on board our ships to learn more about life at sea. As a business that places a huge amount of importance on supporting local communities, we are proud to have welcomed the Edinburgh District Sea Cadets aboard Balmoral.

“There are so many opportunities to grow, develop and lead fulfilling careers across the maritime sector and we hope to have inspired some of these bright young minds about what can be available in their own futures.”

Sea Cadets are a national youth charity founded in 1856, offering a variety of opportunities and adventures to young people aged from 10 – 18 years old following a rank structure similar to that of the Royal Navy.

For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ sailings from Rosyth, please visit: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/cruises-from-edinburgh-rosyth

Witness appeal following attempted armed robbery in Trinity

SUSPECT HAS ‘DISTINCTIVE GAIT‘

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Trinity.

Around 6.40pm yesterday (Saturday, 4 May, 2024) a man presented at the door of a home on Lomond Road with a knife and demanded money from the occupiers.

No one was injured.

Police are keen to trace a man described as being around 5ft 6ins tall, 40-50 years old, and of slight build. He was wearing a blue anorak, dark trousers, white trainers, white baseball cap and checked scarf covering face.

The man is also described as having a Scottish accent and walks with a distinctive gait.

Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp, of Edinburgh CID, said: “Our enquiries so far have established that this man attended at multiple properties along Lomond Road last night.

“We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area who saw or heard anything suspicious. Similarly, anyone with private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam of the area is urged to review the footage and bring anything significant to our attention.”

Anyone with any information can call 101, quoting incident 3144 of 4 May.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pedestrian injured in Trinity Crescent collision has died in hospital

A 58-year-old American man has died in hospital three weeks after a being hit by a van in Trinity.

The victim has been named by police as Doctor William Noel from Philadelphia. His family has asked for privacy.

Mr Noel was a pedestrian at the time of the collision, which happened on Trinity Crescent around 5.50pm on Wednesday 10 April, and also involved a white Citroen Relay van.

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died as a result of his injuries last night.

The driver of the van, a 40-year-old man, was arrested and released pending further enquiries.

Officers have previously appealed for a female nurse who came to Dr Noel’s aid but left prior to police arrival to come forward. She has since been identified and has assisted with enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2772 of 10 April.

Demystifying Death event at St Columba’s Hospice

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

💇‍♀️💈Calling all hairdressers and barbers!

We know that you hear people’s life stories, their triumphs, trials and tribulations pretty much all day every day, and that some of those conversations can be pretty tough.

Well, to help you navigate these chats, and to help you help those who might be experiencing grief, change or bereavement, we’d like to invite you to a FREE event!

As well as providing a delicious buffet, we will provide you with resources and opportunities to learn more about how to help those who are in need.

To sign up- call our Wellbeing team on 0131 551 1381.

*** Please note, this event is reserved for hairdressers & barbers only. ***

Trinity Crescent incident: Police urge nurse to come forward

NURSE WHO HELPED VICTIM MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Road Policing officers in Edinburgh are continuing their enquiries into a serious crash on Trinity Crescent and are appealing for a specific witness to come forward.

The incident, which happened around 5.50pm on Wednesday, 10 April, 2024, involved a white Citroen Relay van and a 59-year-old male pedestrian.

The man was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where his condition has been described as critical. The driver of the van, a 40-year-old man, was arrested and released pending further enquiries.

Police are keen to speak with a potential witness, a female nurse who came to the injured man’s assistance and left prior to police arrival.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our enquiries into this collision are ongoing and we are thankful to those members of the public who have spoken with officers to date.

“We are looking to speak to a nurse who we understand assisted at the scene, as she may be able to assist our enquiries further.

“If this was you, or you believe you can help identify her, please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2772 of 10 April.