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Recorded crime at 42 year low

Recorded crime in Scotland is at its lowest level since 1974 according to new figures released today. The statistics have been welcomed by local MSP Ben Macpherson.

In total, 246,243 crimes were recorded in 2015-16, compared to 256,350 in the previous year. Key highlights include:

Crimes of dishonesty including theft, housebreaking and shoplifting fell from 126,857 to 115,789
Non-sexual crimes of violence are at their second lowest level since 1974 despite a slight rise over the twelve months from 6,357 to 6,775
Fire-raising, vandalism etc. increased from 52,091 to 54,226, though this remains 58% lower than in 2006-07
Other crimes (mostly drug related or crimes against public justice) fell from 61,488 to 59,180.
Crimes of handling offensive weapons have fallen to their lowest level since 1984, down to 3,111
The number of offences recorded by the police in Scotland fell from 379,498 to 339,193. These include motor vehicle offences and breach of the peace
The overall police clear-up rate increased by 1.2 percentage points to 51.6%.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “I am very pleased that Scotland now has the lowest rate of recorded crime in 42 years, including reductions in drug crime, theft and handling offensive weapons over the last year.

“I am grateful for the excellent work of Scotland’s police officers and their specialist and other civilian colleagues in detecting, disrupting and deterring criminal activities. Each of us can contribute to keeping our communities, homes and businesses safe, including by minimising opportunities for criminals.

“Police continue to lead that preventative approach alongside partners in other public services and the private and third sectors – not least in addressing emerging threats online, including child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and cyber-fraud.

“While higher levels of recorded sexual crime are broadly in line with UK trends, include a significant number of historical cases and may reflect greater willingness by victims to come forward, such incidents are completely unacceptable. This is why we have taken tough action to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Since 2006-07 we have also invested more than £10.5 million in a range of violence reduction programmes during which time violent crime has more than halved (down 52%) and is at its second lowest level since 1974.

“Today’s report also indicates that female victims of common assault were far more likely than men to be assaulted by a partner or ex-partner – underlining why the Scottish Government has committed an additional £20 million over three years to tackle violence against women, alongside our plan to strengthen legislation against all forms of domestic abuse.”

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “The overall recorded crime picture remains largely positive with a 4% fall in overall recorded crime across our communities. This coupled with an increase in the detection rate of 1.2% reflects the hard work carried out by police officers and police staff throughout the country. The report also highlights the large demand on Police Scotland with 246,243 crimes recorded during 2015-16.

“The increase in the report of sexual crime is in part a reflection of the increased level of confidence the public has in reporting this type of crime to the police with the knowledge that every complaint will be handled sensitively and professionally. This equally applies to reports of historical abuse.

“We recognise the increase in crimes of violence and although this remains low in a historical context, we continue to work with partners in communities to tackle violence and address the influence that alcohol plays in many of these crimes. The recorded crime statistics are an important barometer on the level of service that the public get from Police Scotland, but they are only part of the picture.

“On a daily basis officers and staff provide help, advice and assistance on many different subjects ranging from anti-social behaviour, missing persons and mental health issues. In addition, we are developing a better understanding of the demands on modern policing in relation to issues such as cybercrime and online child exploitation which will be a focus for us in the future.

“Police Scotland will continue to engage with the public to identify issues in local communities across Scotland that will direct and inform the shape of policing for the future.”

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, has also welcomed the latest figures.Recorded crime in Edinburgh has fallen by 34% in the ten years between 2006/07 and 2015/16, part of a nationwide fall of 41% and the local MSP believes this shows the success of SNP policies in policing and justice.

Ben Macpherson said: “These are welcome figures that show a steep fall in recorded crime in the period since the SNP entered office in 2007 – and shows that SNP policies, such as having more police officers, have made our communities safer.

“It is excellent to see a decline in recorded crime of 34% across Edinburgh, part of a Scotland-wide picture that shows an overall fall of 41% since 2006/07.

“I am pleased to also see that the largest fall in recorded crime between 2014-15 and 2015-16 was in the City of Edinburgh, with a 11% decline. Having safe communities where everyone feels welcome are vital to creating the Scotland that we all want to see – and these figures show that, under the SNP, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal.”

crime-report

News from National Pensioners Convention

Older People campaign updates

MSPs turn pink to support breast cancer campaign

Edinburgh’s MSPs have shown support for women affected by breast cancer by dressing up in pink and encouraging everyone in Edinburgh to take part in the UK’s biggest, brightest and pinkest fundraiser, wear it pink, on Friday 21 October.

Wear it pink is back for its 15th year, calling on supporters across the country to add a flash of pink to their wardrobe for the day and raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving breast cancer research.

SNP MSPs Ben Macpherson (pictured), Ash Denham and Gordon MacDonald joined fellow parliamentarians in Holyrood to encourage people across Scotland to get involved and help support Breast Cancer Now’s efforts to ensure that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer lives – an ambition shared by the Scottish Government and all party leaders in Scotland.

Wear it pink raises close to £2 million each year for world-class research into breast cancer, and this year it’s going to be pinker and more fun than ever before. Anyone can take part, whether at work, at home or at school. All you have to do is wear something pink and donate what you can.

Ash Denham MSP said: “Breast cancer still claims the lives of too many women in Scotland leaving their families devastated. I’m glad to support the work of Breast Cancer Now in Scotland and the wear it pink campaign in order to highlight this important issue.”

Ben Macpherson MSP said: “It’s great to see all MSPs join forces to show their support for Breast Cancer Now. I am very proud to Wear It Pink to support the crucial work that Breast Cancer Now undertake and I hope everyone in the local community will join me by wearing it pink on Friday 21 October.”

Gordon MacDonald MSP added: “Every penny raised for research brings the day closer when we will have an effective treatment for breast cancer. By supporting the Wear it Pink campaign we can all play our part in making that aim a reality.”

Breast Cancer Now is the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, created in JUne last year by the merger of leading research charities Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is still the most common cancer in the UK. Nearly 700,000 people living in the UK have experienced a diagnosis and one in eight women will face it in their lifetime. This year alone, more than 50,000 women will be told they have the disease.

Mary Allison, Breast Cancer Now’s Director for Scotland said: “I’m delighted that MSPs are coming together again this year to support wear it pink. Their continued support means a lot.

“More Scots are being diagnosed with breast cancer than a decade ago and it remains the most common cancer among women. We also know that while huge progress has been made in improving survival, almost 1,000 people a year in Scotland still die from this devastating disease.

“That’s why we need to continue to support research and find better ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer.”

Alex Salmond to address Saltire Society

Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond will give a special lecture to celebrate the Saltire Society’s 80^th anniversary at the Royal Society of Edinburgh tonight.

Entitled ‘Inspiring Scotland – 80 years of the Saltire Society’, Mr Salmond’s lecture will focus on the history of the Saltire Society and its varied contribution to Scotland’s public life, culture and society since being set up in 1936. As part of the lecture, Mr. Salmond will also consider what Scotland’s future might hold and its changing place in the world.

The event is open to the public and tickets are free but must be booked by emailing saltire@saltiresociety.org.uk. Tickets can also be booked through the Saltire Society website, www.saltiresociety.org.uk.

Ahead of the lecture, Mr Salmond said: “The Saltire Society is a superb collective where Scottish culture is preserved, nurtured and most importantly, enjoyed, across the globe. As we approach a century of their great work, I am thrilled to be able to host this event and look back on eighty years of Comann Crann na h-Alba. Long may their work – and celebrating everything it means to be Scottish – continue.”

Alex Salmond was first elected as an SNP MP for Banff and Buchan in 1987 and first became leader of the SNP in 1990. He was elected First Minister of Scotland following the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections in which the SNP beat Labour into second place and became the largest single Parliamentary party. He then led a minority SNP administration until the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections, at which the SNP won an overall majority.

He led negotiations on the terms of the 2014 Referendum on Scottish Independence. On the day after the referendum vote, he announced his intention to resign as Leader of the SNP and as First Minister immediately following the SNP’s Annual Conference in November 2014, where he was succeeded as SNP Leader and First Minister by Nicola Sturgeon. He is currently MP for Gordon where he won 48% of the constituency vote at the 2015 UK General Election.

Jim Tough, Executive Director of the Saltire Society, said: “We are very excited to announce that former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond will be addressing the Saltire Society on its 80^th anniversary. We are enjoying an extremely busy year of events, awards, and lectures to celebrate 80 years of the Saltire Society and I believe this will be another great highlight.

“I am very much looking forward to what I’m sure will be a fascinating and thought-provoking lecture and would encourage anyone interested to come along and join the audience for what is bound to be a very popular event.”

The lecture will take place at 6.30pm tonight at The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street.

Community councillors: get your nomination papers in NOW!

The deadline is fast approaching for local people taking part in this year’s community council elections in Edinburgh – nominations close on Monday (26 September).

This year, nominations are being sought for 44 community councils. By becoming a member, local residents are given the opportunity to influence what happens in their area. Members can get involved in a wide range of activities, comment on planning and licensing applications, take part in community campaigns and work with others to improve the local area.

Community councils are made up of local residents and community groups such as youth forums, parent councils and student bodies. Each one is represented on the Neighbourhood Partnership for their area, where they work with local elected members, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Lothian and the voluntary sector to identify and deliver local priorities.

The first community councils were established in Edinburgh in 1980 in Merchiston and Longstone, and there are more than 500 community councillors across the city.

Cllr Maureen Child, Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee Convener, said: “Community councils are an ideal way to support communities to thrive. They allow people of all ages and from all backgrounds to meet and share ideas and to make change happen. They are a fantastic way of making public sector agencies aware of the needs of local areas, and can really help to make changes for the better.

“With only three days left until nominations close, I’d like to encourage anyone who’s interested in local democracy to get involved – be part of something great.”

People aged 16 years or older who are registered to vote can join. The nomination period for the community council elections runs until 4pm on Monday 26 September 2016. Elections, where required, will take place on Thursday 27 October 2016. Residents can apply as an individual or as a local interest group, such as a Parent Council, Friends of Parks or sports club.

Nomination forms are available on the City of Edinburgh Council’s website.

You can find information on each individual community council, including maps, on the Neighbourhood Partnership website, telephone 0131 469 3838 or email community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk

Karen Lloyd
0131 469 357

Uncover Edinburgh’s lost past on Doors Open Days

Public invited to see ‘the Edinburgh that never was’

Historic Environment Scotland is throwing open the doors of the National Record of Scotland this weekend to reveal the hidden gems of Edinburgh’s past. Leith’s Trinity House Maritime Museum will also open its doors as part of the Scottish Civic Trust’s popular Doors Open Days programme, assembled by the Cockburn Association.

Edinburgh residents are invited to John Sinclair House on Saturday to explore the national records of architecture, design, archaeology and industry. There they will have the chance to see Edinburgh as it has never been seen before with behind the scenes tours, talks and exhibitions.

Highlights include a never before seen exhibition of Edinburgh’s historic cemeteries taken by American art curator Robert Reinhardt, and an exclusive preview of HES’s new Paul Shillabeer collection, which captures Edinburgh in the 1950s and 1960s.

Exclusive talks include ‘Unbuilt Edinburgh’, an opportunity to see how an alternative Edinburgh may have looked. The talk will focus on unbuilt projects for central Edinburgh, starting with designs by Robert Adam in the 1780s’s and travelling through to the present day.

Neil Gregory, Architecture and Industry Operational Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’ve been curating the Scottish National Record of the Historic Environment for over a century, and it comprises over 5 million photographs, drawings and manuscripts. Doors Open Day is a great opportunity for members of the public to come and explore what we’ve got to offer. This year, we’re excited to be giving people a trip down memory lane to see photographs of how Edinburgh used to look, architectural models that have never before been on public display, as well as talks exploring plans for buildings that never made it from the drawing board to our streets.”

HES are also inviting members of the public to get hands on with history by using and adding to the National Record. Demonstrations of the Scotland’s Places and Scran websites will show visitors resources that they can use when conducting their own historical research, and the team from Scotland’s Urban Past will be on hand with information on how to become an Urban Detective.

Meanwhile in Leith, Trinity House Maritime Museum will also be opening its doors to the public. In its bicentenary year, visitors are invited to gain insight into the stories and voyages of Leith’s seafaring past with self-led tours, object handling sessions, quizzes and a free stained glass craft activity.

To mark the Year of Architecture, Innovation and Design, Trinity House will also have a temporary exhibition for visitors to enjoy, exploring 200 years of Leith’s nautical heritage. There will also be opportunities to meet painting conservators and find out more about the work they do to care for HES’s significant collection of paintings.

John Sinclair House is open on Saturday 24^th September, 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Trinity House Maritime Museum is open on Saturday 24 & Sunday 25^th September, 10am – 4pm.

For the full programme of buildings opening across Scotland, visit the Doors Open Days website http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

And here’s one that’s very close to home …

Ends

Get fashionABLE at Waverley Station tomorrow

COMING up tomorrow on the Scottish fashion scene this autumn: ‘fashionABLE‘ – a new fashion event demonstrating that diversity in life does not mean exclusion from the catwalk and designs.

The first fashionABLE event will be hosting a range of models from all walks of life and showcasing Asian, African and Scottish designers and models supported by Models of Diversity, lead model and founder Angel Sinclair; Tania Pramschufer from LocalMotive Markets and Network Rail.

Model line-up includes TV chef Tony Singh; comedian and TV personality Hardeep Singh Kohli; Stacy Paris from Face of Diversity; Raygan Bold from UpMo and Albert Mkony from Karibu Kilimanjaro.

Celebrity kilts specially hand-made by new-in-town design company, Braw Kilts. Local team UpMo has created a new range of stylish umbrellas, parasols and clothing specially for the event and many more designers involved.

The event will take place on a specially-created ‘accessible’ catwalk designed in ‘3D chalk’ at Platform 2 in Waverley Station in Edinburgh. The staging will have a distinct ‘jungle’ theme with bold colours, lively floral decoration and with sounds of Scottish pipes and African drum music to capture the lively mood.

Global founder of Models of Diversity, Angel Sinclair, who has championed diversity in fashion for many years, will be making a special appearance at the fashionABLE event and is giving her backing with a chance for one person to win and attend a photoshoot in London with a top stylist*.

Founder, Angel Sinclair, said: “It’s important that people with disabilities see themselves represented in fashion. Models of Diversity calls on all High Street fashion brands and retail outlets to employ models with disabilities.”

Running for the very first time in Scotland, this new fashion event is set to show how diverse styles and fashions reflecting the diversity in society in race, shape, age and ability with local, ethnic, ethical and international designs with a distinct catwalk range of Asian, African and Scottish styles.

Tania Pramschufer, director of LocalMotive Markets, said: “This event is all about inclusion and putting people at the heart of fashion making it about them and their identity – not solely the amazing fashions they will be wearing.

“The audience will see for themselves the confidence and energy that these dynamic people demonstrate as they showcase exciting and bold styles with panache.”

Giving her time and support to the fashionABLE event, Face of Diversity at A.C.E and Equal Fashion, Stacy Paris*, said: “Society is a beautiful melting pot of all different types of people, yet media and fashion doesn’t always represent the diversity we see walking down the street.

“What’s fantastic is that there seems to be a movement starting that sees more diversity across the board.

“Whether it’s disabilities, ethnicity, size or body art, these are becoming more celebrated and incorporated into mainstream marketing. This isn’t to say ‘out with the old and in with the new’, not at all!

“Inclusion and diversity is the key here! Seeing everyone represented and rubbishing taboos and the belief that people don’t want to see that is, I believe, such a massive step towards a fairer and more tolerant society on the whole and I am so excited and proud to be part of that, however big or small my role may be!”

Commenting on her involvement, Raygan Bold, UpMo, said: “I’ve got so many words about this event. It’s making me feel really positive about the future and hopefully I will get a career path out of this.”

Young business entrepreneur, Jack Hope, Braw Kilts, added: ““It was a real surprise to be asked to make the kilts for the celebrities Hardeep Singh Kohli and TV chef, Tony Singh, and we are totally delighted to be involved in this new and diverse fashion show.”

Also backing the event, Juliet Donnachie, manager of Waverley Station, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Models of Diversity to Edinburgh Waverley Station.

“The fashionABLE event on 23 September is being organised as part of our Friday Market activities as a new PLATFORM for fashion that promotes inclusivity and diversity.

“We are really looking forward to this positive, inspirational event developed through working with a number of great organisations, including Upward Mobility, an Edinburgh-based mobility support organisation.

Designers will include BRAW Kilts, Covet, Catherine Aitken, Kuma, Rachel Nutini, Selenite, UpMo, Karibu Kilimanjaro, Barakah Designer Collections, Bill Baber knitwear and make-up by Re Make Up – with more exciting designers and models to be announced.

Fashion events run at midday and 2pm

Storm brewing: Greens concern over future of mountain weather forecasts

Guarantees over the future of Scotland’s mountain weather forecasts were sought by Green MSP Andy Wightman at Holyrood yesterday.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting that SportScotland is to end funding of the Mountain Weather Information Service, and In spite of repeatedly asking the Minister for Public Health and Sport if SportScotland had told the Mountain Weather Information Service at a meeting on July 2016 that its funding would end, Ms Campbell was unable to provide an answer.

Andy Wightman MSP, the Scottish Greens’ housing & land reform spokesperson, said: “I’m glad that the minister shares my view that the forecast service is an essential service for climber and walker safety in Scotland and that conversations with the government and its agencies are ongoing. However, the public will be looking for more transparency over what the current funding set up is and how that has been communicated to the MWIS. I’ll continue to seek updates from the minister to guarantee the long-term future of mountain weather-forecasting.

“This is a service that has provided trusted detailed forecasting for mountain users for 13 years and SportScotland has funded it since 2007. It’s a service that is trusted and relied upon by hundreds of thousands of users of Scotland’s mountains every year and safety and enjoyment of those who use our mountains is dependent upon accurate reliable, and above all trusted sources of weather forecasts.”

Playing cat and mouse to support community project!

Mitie Mouse teams up with Polcat to help out The Ripple Project

Volunteers from PoLCAT and Mitie Painting, the UK’s largest painting contractor, pitched in to help repaint the hall. They included Mitie’s famous mascot Mitie Mouse, office staff, foreman painter and a new apprentice who had successfully completed Port of Leith’s TOiL trainee programme. Continue reading Playing cat and mouse to support community project!

Welcoming’s secret party is no secret anymore!

Dear colleagues and community members,

We are writing to invite you to join us on Saturday 10th September for an afternoon of climate change related activities with friends and family in the beautiful space of Saughton Rose Garden. The purpose of this FREE family friendly event is to raise awareness about climate change. The event will include vegetarian food, live music from local artists, kids’ activities and entertainments, information stalls, up-cycling and gardening stalls, bike rides around the park, smoothie bike and much more! A publicity poster is attached for more details.

Please register at:

www.secret-garden-party.eventbrite.co.uk

The park is easy to reach with public transport and there is a car park available. If you have any access requirement or any questions, please email: info@thewelcoming.org or phone us on 0131 346 8577.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Welcoming a Greener Future Team
The Welcoming Association

Adil Ibrahim

Community Development Practitioner

Welcoming a Greener Future Project

The Welcoming Association

0131 346 8577