POLICE are appealing for information following the serious assault of a teenager in Edinburgh last night .
Around 8pm on Monday, 2 December, 2024, a 14-year-old boy sustained serious injuries when he was assaulted by a group of youths at Slateford Green.
The group of youths involved seven males and three females, aged in their mid to late teens.
The boy was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, where he remains in a stable condition.
Detective Sergeant Kimberly Tennant said: “This incident saw a teenager sustain serious injuries in an unprovoked attack and it is vital we trace all the individuals responsible.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing for anyone with any information which may assist us to get in touch.
“We believe one of the suspects involved in the attack has also been injured, and has made his way to Westfield Road, Edinburgh, following the incident. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen this injured male in the Westfield Road area to get in touch with us.
“I would also ask anyone who was in the area at the time and may have dashcam or private CCTV footage to contact us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident 2315 of 2 December, 2024.
Best performance since national target was set – but charities say targets are still being missed
Almost 90% of children and young people accessing mental health services started treatment within 18 weeks of referral from July to September – the best performance since a national target was introduced a decade ago.
Latest Public Health statistics show 89.1% of those who were assessed as suitable for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks – the Scottish Government target is 90%.
The figure is up five percentage points on the previous quarter and 13.5 percentage points on the same quarter the previous year.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We are working hard to ensure that everyone gets the support they need, when they need it, so the continued improvement in CAMHS waiting times is very welcome.
“These positive figures are testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for. While the national standard applies only to each quarter, it is also encouraging that the highest ever monthly performance – 91.3% was recorded in September.
“However we know there is still more to do, which is why we have provided local authorities with more than £65 million, since 2020, to develop and deliver community-based mental health support for children, young people and their families. We have also invested £16 million a year to work towards ensuring every secondary school in Scotland has access to school counselling services.”
Children 1st Chief Executive, Mary Glasgow.
Responding to the latest CAMHS quarterly waiting list figures, Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “Today’s figures show thousands of children are still in desperate need of support.
“It’s a decade since the Scottish Government committed to 90 percent of CAMHS referrals being seen within 18 weeks. This target has still not been met.
“Our teams across Scotland are supporting young people who are frightened, worried, anxious and need help now. The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.
“Ahead of tomorrow’s budget, the Scottish Government must invest more in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.
“We want to see more funding so that families can quickly get support for their children when they need it.”
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, is calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a budget for mental health tomorrow (4th December).
The call comes as the latest waiting time figures from Public Health Scotland published today (3rd December), indicate that 115 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending September 2024.1
The figures also show that a total of 4,231 children and young people were still stuck on waiting lists to start treatment at the end of that quarter.
This comes against the background of an increasing level of violent incidents in the classroom, a result in part due to the current mental health emergency, exacerbated by the long shadow of the Covid lockdown and cost-of-living crisis.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support
However, it should be noted that despite this challenging situation, only 0.75 per cent of the total NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/23 financial year.2
Indeed, spend on mental health services generally has declined by 4.5 per cent in real terms over the past three years.
The SCSC is calling the Scottish Government to up its game in the budget and make the treatment of mental health issues a key national priority, prioritising spending and avoiding a potential lost generation of children and young people with mental health problems.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that more than 4,200 children and young people are still waiting for treatment from mental health services, with 115 waiting over a year, is extremely alarming.
“We are facing a mental health emergency and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living. This is also having a major effect on classroom behaviour, impacting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.
“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government to up its game and make the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people an absolute priority in the forthcoming budget.”
POLICE are are appealing for help to trace Gary Coyle, 65, who has been reported missing from Corstorphine.
Gary was last seen around 9.20am on Saturday, 30 November in the Parkgrove area.
He is described as around 5ft 4, of slim build and has long thinning grey hair. It is not known what clothing he is wearing.
Inspector Alison Lawrie said: “Concerns are growing for Gary’s welfare. I am appealing to anyone who might have seen him, knows where he may be, or if Gary himself sees this appeal, to please get in touch with officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 3163 of Sunday, 1 December 2024.
This year saw the charity deliver a staggering 495,207 meals to foodbanks
With operational costs continuing to rise and demand for services at an all-time high, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has launched its Winter Appeal to ensure no pet is left without care during the harsh months ahead.
This year has seen record-breaking pressures on the charity, with nearly 400 new admissions between September 2023 and August 2024. Over the same period, the Home distributed 44,960kg of pet food, more than the weight of a Boeing 737-800 airplane, to food banks across Central and East Scotland to help keep pets with their families.
Despite these challenges, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has rehomed 194 cats and dogs and served 487,352 meals to pets in need this year.
One of the many lives transformed this year is Mary’s. Found as a stray in September 2023, Mary arrived at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home frightened and vulnerable. During her intake, the team discovered she was also pregnant.
With the warmth and care of the Home, Mary gave birth to six healthy puppies just weeks later. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the staff and the generosity of supporters, her puppies had the best possible start in life and have since been rehomed with loving families.
Mary’s story doesn’t end there. After months of recovery and love, she too found her forever home with a family that will ensure her days are filled with the care and affection she deserves. Mary’s journey is a testament to the vital role of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home in providing second chances to pets in need and highlights the importance of community support to make these happy endings possible.
“The community’s support is more vital than ever,” said Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. “This winter, we are calling on individuals and businesses to help us continue providing life-saving services.
Every small action — from donating funds to organizing a pet food drive — contributes directly to ensuring no animal is left cold or hungry this winter.”
The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home aims to raise £134,500 from this year’s Winter Appeal. Staggering operational costs mean that every penny raised will ensure that the animals of the Home are well cared for this winter and will also help to ensure more happy stories like Mary and the 281 rehomed and reunited this year.
Over £22,000 will be spent on heating the Home over the next few months alone, and daily service costs amount to £7,000. Donations of as little as £10 can provide essential vaccinations for a cat, while £150 could keep all the Home’s dogs warm for the day.
Founded in 1883, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been a lifeline for the community for over 140 years, relying entirely on public donations to sustain its vital work.
Locals and visitors from across the country helped kickstart the celebrations in the capital as Castle of Light, the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, officially opened to the public.
This year, Castle of Light is helping to mark the city’s epic 900th anniversary with a showstopping celebration suitable for all ages. Getting the party started, pupils from the local Royal Mile Primary School joined Rex the lion on the esplanade to officially ‘switch on’ this year’s event for its seven-week run.
Electrifying Edinburgh’s iconic skyline for a fifth fantastic year, Castle of Light pulled out all the stops with an immersive after-dark trail, transforming the historic castle grounds with all-new light and sound displays celebrating 900 years of history and setting the festive season ablaze.
From mythical creatures to long-lost tales, visitors reveled in the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of Scotland’s most famous figures before dancing through the ages in Crown Square.
This year, the creators are also taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the lesser-known stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women, inspired by Edinburgh author, Sara Sheridan’s book ‘Where are the Women?’.
Illuminating the Lava Wall with stories of the tenacious women that history forgot, guests came face to face with figures spanning the 12th to the 21st century, including Scottish science pioneer Mary Sommerville, explorer, naturalist and photographer Isabella Bird, and Sophia Jex-Blake, one the ‘Edinburgh Seven’, with Sara joining the team on opening night to see her writing come to life on the Castle walls.
Emma Bowie, regional visitor & community manager at Edinburgh Castle, said: “Castle of Light has truly become a jewel in Edinburgh’s bustling winter schedule, and this year’s celebration is particularly special as we mark the city’s 900th anniversary.
“This year’s event is all about bringing people together to revel in the capital’s incredible history as it comes to life on the castle walls. From uncovering the inspiring stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women to soaking in the vibrant energy in Crown Square, Castle of Light showcases the incredible depth of Scotland’s past while creating unforgettable memories for the present. It’s a spectacular way to celebrate this milestone year with family and friends this festive season.”
Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light will run for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates until Saturday 4 January 2025. A special access night will also take place on Sunday 8 December.
Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.
For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required. Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.
A leading mountaineer and Army veteran, Mac Mackay is urging people of all ages to sign up for the Cateran Yomp 2025, one of the UK’s toughest endurance events held in the Cairngorms, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity.
Mac Mackay, originally from Dornoch, in the Scottish Highlands, is the new ambassador of the Yomp, Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event – a gruelling hike of up to 54 miles in the UK’s largest national park.
Backing Mac’s call to join the challenge is fellow adventurer and ABF supporter, Sir Brian Blessed. Sir Brian is leading the rallying cry – Get Your Yomp On! – for this year’s event, saying: “It’s the ultimate charity challenge – 24 hours hiking up to 54 miles in the wilds of Scotland, testing your fitness and endurance.”
Since its launch in 2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £4m for the Army Benevolent Fund’s support for soldiers, former soldiers and their families. Every year, hundreds of yompers gather in the Scottish wilderness to battle through the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, walking continuously for 22, 36, or 54 miles over 24 hours. The event is taking place from 7th to 8th June 2025 and, for the first time, teams of 4 can also sign up to complete the full distance as a relay.
Mac Mackay spent almost 30 years in the Army, in roles including Royal Physical Training Officer, and is a qualified mountain and ski guide.He completed his first Yomp in 2023 as part of a team of veterans with an average age of 71.
Mac is Chair of Climb 2 Recovery, which receives funding from the Army Benevolent Fund for its programme of climbing and mountaineering for wounded, injured, disabled and disadvantaged service people and veterans.
Mac said: “It is a great honour to be the ambassador for the Cateran Yomp 2025. I have taken on many tests of endurance but this event is different. The Yomp fosters incredible camaraderie and resilience amongst participants, and the ABF team provide you with excellent support.
“Thanks to events like this, the Army Benevolent Fund is able to support charities like Climb2Recovery, which is truly lifesaving. Many veterans we work with have been in dark places, and their experiences on our climbing courses are transformational. We help people to see their ability rather than their disability, and they go on to mentor and share this with other veterans.”
Major General Tim Hyams CB OBE, Chief Executive of the Army Benevolent Fund, added: “The support we receive from individual participants, and the organisations that not only sponsor the Yomp but also encourage their staff to take part, is vital.
“The Army Benevolent Fund relies on the generosity of our supporters to ensure that soldiers, former soldiers, and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.
“We look forward to welcoming more yompers to Scotland in June, when we will be joined by this year’s Ambassador, Mac Mackay. Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for veterans, and for their families, for life.”
Sir Brian Blessed, actor, adventurer and honorary Vice President of the Campaign for National Parks, was asked to lend his voice to inspire Yomp participants, because of his passion for outdoor adventure, and because his unique style conveys the spirit of the Yomp.
He said: “I am delighted to support the Army Benevolent Fund’s Cateran Yomp 2025. I’ve trekked to the North Pole so I know it takes teamwork, grit and determination to make it to the finish line. Most of all, the Cateran Yomp is fun, and it’s in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund which supports soldiers, veterans and families. So, get your Yomp on and sign up today!”
Nearly 1,000 people yomped the Scottish hills during the 2024 Cateran Yomp and the Army Benevolent Fund is hoping to attract more yompers in 2025. Early Bird Registration closes on 30th November.
To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh this festive season.
Providing a yuletide treat for film fans and families alike, this year marks milestone anniversaries for a variety of iconic Christmas films – all returning home to the big screen this November and December.
A festive animated adventure that everyone can get on board with, The Polar Express returns to Vue on 29 November after its initial release 20 years ago. Following the enchanting tale of a young boy who goes on a magical adventure to the North Pole, The Polar Express is a charming tale about believing in the magic of Christmas which has become a family favourite over the past two decades.
Christmas critter caper Gremlins is also celebrating an anniversary at Vue this year, marking 40 years since Gizmo and the gang made their debut on the big screen.
In the small town of Kingston Falls, teenager Billy Peltzer gets an unusual present that comes with a lot more responsibility than he ever expected – the fuzzy Mogwai, a creature he needs to follow a specific set of instructions for or else. This beloved holiday creature comedy returns to Vue on 6 December.
At Vue Edinburgh Omni, a true cinematic Christmas classic returns as this year also marks the 70-year anniversary of Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. This legendary festive favourite follows a group of singers who hope to plan a yuletide miracle to help a local country inn owner in a fun-filled musical extravaganza that is sure to put you in a jolly mood when it returns to Vue on 20 December.
Some more festive favourites heading to Vue include the heartfelt romantic comedy Love Actually, screening from 13 December, and the iconic It’s A Wonderful Life, screening on 20 December.
There’s also a handful of comedy crackers coming to Vue include Will Ferrell’s Elf, screening from 22 November, andJim Carrey’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas, screening from 6 December.
Family favourites such as Home Alone (from 22 November), The Muppet Christmas Carol (from 13 December) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (from 20 December)wrap up the schedule of winter classics, all of which can be enjoyed at Vue with the ultimate seat, screen and sound experience.
There’s also the opportunity to give the gift of big screen entertainment this year with a Vue Gift Card – the ultimate present for film lovers and for families looking to spend quality time together.
A Vue Gift Card can be redeemed towards film tickets, as well as all ticket upgrades, refreshments and snacks to share whilst enjoying the best that the big screen has to offer.
Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: ‘Christmas is all about spending quality time with friends and family, creating treasured moments to last a lifetime.
“We’re glad to be marking the merry occasion with a line-up of some of the most iconic Christmas classics, specially curated to for our customers to enjoy and help them get in the festive spirit ahead of the big day. There’s no better place to watch the likes of Home Alone and The Polar Express than the big screen.’
Tickets available from just £6.99 when booked online. To find out more visit:
Home Alone – From now Elf – From now The Polar Express (20th Anniversary) – From 29 November How The Grinch Stole Christmas – From 6 December Gremlins (40th Anniversary) – From 6 December The Muppets Christmas Carol – From 13 December Love Actually – From 13 December Home Alone 2: Lost In New York – From 20 December White Christmas (70th Anniversary) – From 20 December It’s a Wonderful Life – From 20 December
Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Disabled Workers’ Conference in Glasgow on 23 and 24 November.
Usdaw is calling for delegates to adopt a social model understanding of disability and to support action to end bullying and harassment of disabled people.
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary says:“We are deeply concerned that large numbers of disabled workers are exposed to bullying and harassment at work. Young workers, women, LGBT+ and Black disabled workers are disproportionately impacted because of their unique combination of protected characteristics.
“While bullying and harassment takes many forms and affects workers differently, it can have a profoundly damaging impact on mental and physical health, on an individual’s personal and working life and on workplace cultures. Stereotypes about disabled people fuel discrimination and less favourable treatment.
“They prevent disabled people getting into work, remaining in work and getting on in work. They also have broader implications and can limit how disabled workers behave in the workplace as they seek to avoid situations and people that might put them at further risk.
“Harassment and bullying at work are part of a larger pattern of discrimination experienced by disabled people. Disabled workers, disability organisations and trade unions need to be consulted about the design and implementation of effective and preventative workplace interventions.”
Usdaw is asking the STUC to lobby the Scottish and Westminster governments to:
Take positive action to change the way disabled people are viewed, valued and included in society.
Consult on extending the new preventative duty to sexual harassment to other forms of harassment including disability harassment.
Reinstate standalone protection from third-party harassment and enact Clause 14 of the Equality Act 2010 providing protection against discrimination that occurs for reasons related to a combination of protected characteristics.
Paddy Lillis continued:“The social model of disability is fundamental to eliminating discrimination and achieving equality and inclusion for disabled people. However, the medical model continues to dominate the law and the way in which employers understand and respond to disabled workers.
“This maintains and condones continued exclusion and inequality in the workplace. In Scotland, although the disability employment gap has reduced, disabled people still have a significantly lower employment rate than non-disabled people.
“Employers’ continued focus on ‘adjusting’ the worker – rarely the workplace –and removing barriers reinforces the widespread stereotype of disabled people as creating a ‘burden on business’.
“This shifts the onus onto the disabled worker to repeatedly demonstrate what they can’t do, rather than on employers to make workplaces accessible. Disabled workers are increasingly seeing adjustments removed, including adjustments to absence levels and performance targets, leading to disciplinary action and dismissal.
“Where this happens, the failure of employers to adopt a social model understanding ‘individualises’ disabled workers’ responses to discrimination and pushes them into seeking justice via internal grievance and legal procedures where the odds are stacked against them.”
Usdaw is asking the STUC,in consultation with the Disabled Workers’ Committee, to encourage unions to:
Make collective bargaining on disability equality a priority, including ensuring reps and officials are trained on the social model.
Regularly review employer policies, practices and publications, ensuring where possible that they are free of medical model approaches to disability.
Hold employers to account for failures in their duty to make reasonable adjustments.
Officers will be deployed over the weekend to support #WinterCity.
Whilst we want to welcome everyone and ensure a good time is had by all, your safety is our primary concern.
Please be aware of the YELLOW WEATHER WARNING issued by the Met Office which will see heavy rain and snow fall across most parts of Scotland throughout Saturday 23rd November.
Please only travel if it is safe to do so and consider postponing your visit to another date. There’s still plenty of time as #WinterCity will run until Saturday 4th January 2025.
In an online event, two former Members of the European Parliament (MEP) will debate whether Scottish independence or remaining in the UK is the best route to seeing Scotland regain its EU membership.
Entitled “Common Ground” the discussion, between former Labour MEP David Martin and Alyn Smith, who was an SNP MEP, will see the politicians analyse how best to achieve Scotland’s return to the EU. They will also talk about the importance of cross-party working and why each believes their own preferred constitutional route is best for the country.
In the 2016 referendum that resulted in the UK leaving the European Union, Scotland voted 62% Remain. Every local authority district in Scotland recorded a Remain majority. Polls since then have shown that Scotland continues to be strongly pro-EU membership.
The Common Ground online debate is on Tuesday 5th December at 7pm.
Tickets for the event, which is free, can be booked at Eventbrite:
Common Ground is being hosted by the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), the leading all-party group campaigning for a return to European Union membership. David Martin is president of EMiS and Alyn Smith a vice-president.
David Clarke, chair of EMiS says: “Alyn and David are passionate Europeans who share similar views about building an unstoppable momentum that sees us eventually rejoin the EU.
“They will discuss how that momentum is built and the competing claims of independence or union as the most likely route back to Europe.”
The European Movement is Scotland says the debate is “must see” event for everyone interested in Scotland’s European future and how pro-EU politicians from across the party divide can work together to achieve ever-stronger ties of trade, education, culture and friendship with our EU friends.
