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Police Scotland to offer Rider Refinement courses

A motorcyclist course that gives tips on better riding is now available across the country.

Police Scotland, along with road safety partners, are holding courses to help motorcyclists as part of a holistic approach which also includes educating other drivers to reduce the number of collisions.

Motorcyclist deaths are up 80 per cent (18) this year compared to the same period last year (10).

Rider Refinement East and West is a one-day course, with eight sessions between August 2024 and October 2024 in Glenrothes and Glasgow.

Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advance Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.

The course involves demonstration rides, observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.

Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result of attending Rider Refinement.


Inspector Ally Johnson, head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “The course is about engaging with motorcyclists and helping them make better decisions to improve their riding.

“This isn’t about taking the fun out of riding a bike. The course is run by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists.

“On a daily basis we also speak to other road users and highlight campaigns to encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists, especially at corners and junctions.

“The harsh reality is people are dying on Scotland’s roads and we need everyone to play their part to help us improve road safety.

“I would encourage people to come along, speak to us and try the course for yourself.”

The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist who hold a full cat A or A2 licence; however, priority will be given to those living in central belt of Scotland.

Police Scotland would like to specifically thank Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre and Motorcycle Law Scotland for their continued support with Rider Refinement East and West.

Rider Refinement originally started in the north in 2018, before extending to the East in 2023 and is now rolled out to the West in 2024.

The cost of the course is £40 per rider and includes lunch. Spaces are limited, so providing more than one date for attendance will increase your chances of being able to participate.

Anyone interested in attending the course can email:

operationriderrefinementeast@scotland.police.uk for courses in Glenrothes, or operationriderrefinementwest@scotland.police.uk for courses in the Glasgow area.

The dates the course will be running are:

East, Glenrothes Police Station
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 28th September
Sunday 20th October

West, Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood
Sunday 11th August
Monday 2nd September
Sunday 15th September
Saturday 5th October
Thursday 17th October

Police launch Operation Summer City 2024

Police in Edinburgh have today launched their annual campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival 2024.

Operation Summer City launches on Friday, 2 August, to coincide with the beginning of The Festival and will be in effect for the duration of the four-week event, which includes the Fringe, Book Festival, Art Festival and Film Festival.

Edinburgh’s population is expected to double to around one million people throughout August and an enhanced policing resource will be in place to engage with

As part of Operation Summer City, local officers from Edinburgh will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions. National and specialist departments within Police Scotland will also be deployed to provide additional support and assistance.

Throughout Operation Summer City, Edinburgh Division’s social media channels will be used to offer a range of advice and guidance aimed at keeping people safe. The public should follow Police Scotland Edinburgh Division on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter to view these messages.

Chief Inspector Paul Gillespie from Edinburgh Division said: “Edinburgh during the Festival is one of the most exciting places in the entire world and we want to ensure all of those enjoying the festivities remain safe throughout. 

“Over one million people will be within the Capital throughout August and those visiting the city-centre can expect to see a high-visibility police presence who are happy to speak with the public to address any issues they may have, as well as to respond to any reports of crime arising.

“To enhance our presence and ability to respond to any incidents occurring, we will have our mobile police station set up in Cockburn Street and anyone wishing to speak face-to-face with an officer is welcome to drop-in during the station’s opening hours.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable and safe Festival and rest assured, we are doing everything we can to maintain Edinburgh’s status as one of Europe’s safest cities to live, work and visit.”

Edinburgh pupil wins top prize in national competition

A P7 pupil from Trinity Primary School has won a national award from leading Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland.

Every year, Poppyscotland runs a competition for schools across Scotland, encouraging learners to explore a different theme. The challenge for this academic year was ‘The Path of the Poppy’, to design a leaflet or poster telling the unique story of the history of the Scottish poppy, from the establishment of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in 1926 to the development of the new plastic-free poppy.

Trinity’s winner in the Primary School category was Katla Longworth, whose colourful poster design was chosen from more than 140 entries to the competition, winning her school £250 in Amazon vouchers. The competition was judged by representatives from charities Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and Fares for Free.

Connor McKay, Katla’s class teacher, said: “All the children in Primary 7 were fascinated by the history of the poppy and loved having the opportunity to be creative by producing a visual representation of its path through time.

“Katla was very proud of her finished poster, blending an eye-catching design with informative facts about the poppy’s development over the years and she’s thrilled to have won this competition.”

The winning poster and leaflet designs have now been printed and are available at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, where the new plastic-free Scottish poppy is produced, and where disabled veterans make tens of thousands of Remembrance symbols every year.

For full details of the competition winners and more information about Poppyscotland’s resources for schools, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/learning

Countdown To Opening Night

Redford Barracks hosts final rehearsal for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cast from this year’s Show, Journeys, continue rehearsal week at Redford Barracks ahead of its official opening night on Friday (2 August).

Continuing until Saturday 24 August, the Show will honour the seafarers who courageously traverse the oceans to connect people and cultures across continents. Joined by the Royal Navy as the lead service, a wide array of talented performers are set to take crowds on an epic journey.

With over 800 performers from across the globe, the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade will be filled with a vibrant celebration of music, dance, visual artistry, and military traditions from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia and home-grown talent.

To witness these world-class acts, Journeys will run from 2 – 24 August 2024, with tickets available to purchase: edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or by calling +44 (0)131 225 1188.

Teen inspires autism awareness in new BBC ALBA documentary

17-year-old Nuala has spent much of her life fighting for the support she needs as someone on the autism spectrum. BBC ALBA followed Nuala on her mission to pave the way for change, starting in her hometown in the north-west Highlands of Scotland.

Nuala’s push for change was inspired by a trip to Canada’s first autism friendly town in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The simple changes adopted by the town to make life easier for people with autism inspired Nuala to help her own community in Ullapool, and the surrounding area, become autism friendly.

Produced by MacTV this new 30-minute documentary, Saoghal Nuala / Nuala’s World – #MyAutismFriendlyVillage, explores how autism impacts the way people communicate and process the world around them; and follows Nuala working with schools, businesses and organisations to implement small changes to improve the lives of people with autism.

Nuala said: “Initially, before my diagnosis, I thought that I was odd and stupid and couldn’t understand it… It was a relief to get the diagnosis. It was good to see that I wasn’t just… that I was still sane but just in a different way. This also opened a lot of doors for me.

“Everyone was more willing to help me. The teachers were given extra training. There was extra support there and that was so beneficial for me.”

More than one in 100 people in Scotland have autism – all with skills, talents and ambitions. However, many don’t understand autism which is why Nuala wants to create change so that other youngsters don’t face the same difficulties.

Encouraged by the pioneering work of Joan Chaisson – a retired special education teacher and co-founder of the support group Autism Involves Me (AIM) – with schools, hotels, shops, and the hairdresser in Channel-Port aux Basques’, Nuala’s mum said: “They had drawn attention to how people with autism feel and their daily life.

“It was fascinating … It was clear that the whole town supported her plans. Nuala was so inspired by this. We realised that the same could be done in Ullapool.”

Offering viewers a better understanding of the unique perspectives that she and others on the autistic spectrum experience, and in turn, learning what we can all do as a society to make our communities more inclusive, and accommodating for all, Nuala explains: “I want the local businesses to be better informed about autism and also for the community to be autism friendly.

“People with autism will feel more comfortable here and that includes me… You should be proud of yourself and your capabilities.”

Sharing an insight into her skills, from her photographic memory to her understanding of rhythm which helped her win a bronze medal at the 2022 St Ayles Skiff World Championships, she says: “Lots of people ask me if I would rather not have autism. I tell them that I like having autism because I have these superpowers now and I like that. I’m so proud of myself and of my superpowers.

“I would like people on the spectrum to walk with their head held high. That’s very important. I want to be like that and to create a new stereotype. I look forward to that.”

Saoghal Nuala / Nuala’s World – #MyAutismFriendlyVillage, premiers on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA and on Monday 5 August at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021swp

The Fascinating World of Fungi sheds new light on nature’s hardest worker

Fungi’s role in aiding plant life, conservation and much more revealed in new book

Fungi have long been the subject of stark misconceptions. At times they are labelled as dangerous killers to be avoided at all costs when, without fungi, almost all plant life would perish.

While much of our planet has been explored, it is believed that only 10% of Earth’s fungal species have been discovered. Perhaps the most misunderstood and misrepresented of all groups of organisms, fungi are essentially nature’s unsung heroes, silently shaping our ecosystems for the better.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will publish The Fascinating World of Fungi on 1st August 2024, providing an accessible introduction to these often-hidden life forms.

A revised edition of the 2010 title From Another Kingdom: The Amazing World of Fungi, this updated book features a new foreword, additional imagery and insightful explanations about fungi.

Fungi are constantly decomposing organic matter and forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots. They are the ultimate recyclers and soil enrichers. With their remarkable ability to break down pollutants and support plant growth, fungi are a crucial component of a thriving and balanced environment.

This new edition, The Fascinating World of Fungi, explores the incredibly diverse impact fungi have on life on Earth.

In the realm of modern medicine, fungi emerge as astonishing allies. From ancient traditions to cutting-edge research, fungi have been harnessed for their medicinal power, offering innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing health challenges. 

With compounds like penicillin leading the charge against bacterial infections, and recent breakthroughs uncovering the anticancer properties of compounds derived from mushrooms, fungi stand as beacons of hope in the quest for novel therapies.

As scientists delve deeper into the intricate world of fungal biology, the future holds promise for even more ground-breaking discoveries, paving the way for a new era of healing inspired by the wonders of the fungal kingdom.

As well as its insights into science and medicine, the book provides links to popular culture, and updated sections on foraging and conservation.

Commenting on the publication of The Fascinating World of Fungi, editor Max Coleman explained: “Fungi are massively misunderstood. While it’s true that some fungi can cause us problems, for the most part fungi play an integral role in the functioning of life on Earth.

“As root partners, they release the essential nutrients needed for plants to flourish. Gaining and recycling nutrients from dead plants and animals, fungi are essential for our survival and prosperity.”

With contributions from the diverse perspectives of 14 authors, the new release from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a fantastic gateway into all things fungi.

The Fascinating World of Fungi is published by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on 1st August 2024 and is available to pre-order now.  

Gorgie Farm Fire: Youth Charged

A 14-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with wilful fireraising in Edinburgh.

The incident happened at a stable at Gorgie City Farm, off Gorgie Road, shortly after 6.25pm on Wednesday, 24 July, 2024.

No one was injured.

Enquiries remain ongoing.

Appeal for further information following serious crash on M8

POLICE are appealing for further information following a serious crash on the M8, near to J13 Provan, in Glasgow on Wednesday (24 July, 2024).

Around 1.10pm, a Mercedes A45 collided with an unmarked Volvo S90 police car and a Mercedes CLS, which were on the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway.

Two male police officers and two men from the Mercedes CLS were taken to hospital following the crash.

A 48-year-old police officer and a 43-year-old man remain in a critical condition.

A 38-year-old police officer and a 31-year-old man have both been discharged from hospital following treatment. 

Three men, aged 27, 33 and 39, were travelling in the Mercedes A45 at the time of the collision. The 27-year-old and 39-year-old left the scene but were traced nearby following enquiries. All three were taken to hospital for treatment.

The 39-year-old remains in a critical condition. The 33-year-old is still being treated for serious injuries.

The 27-year-old was discharged from hospital and arrested in connection with road traffic offences. He was released pending further enquiries but has since been arrested and charged in connection with an unrelated matter. He is being held in custody and expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, 26 July, 2024.

The eastbound carriageway was closed for around 12 hours to allow enquiries to be carried out at the scene.

An online portal has been set up to enable the public to send information directly to the investigation team. Anyone doing so can choose to remain anonymous.

The link can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S06-PO1

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts remain with our colleagues and members of the public who were injured in this incident.

“The collision occurred on a busy part of the M8 during the middle of the day. I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened or has information, and has not already spoken to officers, to please come forward.

“Additionally, please contact us if you have any dash-cam or CCTV footage relating to this incident that could assist our investigation.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.”

Information can be passed to Police Scotland by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1672 of 24 July.

As is standard procedure following an incident of this nature, the matter has been referred to Police Investigation & Review Commissioner (PIRC) for review.

£30 million to reduce waiting times in Scotland

Significant activity is underway to clear the longest NHS waits following the allocation of £30 million of targeted funding.

The funding has been allocated to specialty areas where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits – this includes cancer, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, dermatology and diagnostics.

It is estimated the £30 million, initially announced in April, will help boards across the country deliver around; 12,000 additional procedures, 40,000 extra diagnostic procedures and 12,000 new outpatient appointments.

Activity levels will increase over the coming weeks and the Scottish Government will work closely with Boards to support delivery.

 Speaking on a visit to Ninewells Hospital’s ophthalmology ward in Dundee, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This initial investment of £30 million will target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic. This is all part of our programme to tackle waiting times, including waiting lists for orthopaedic treatment and diagnostics for cancer.

“Together, our actions will help Scotland’s NHS maximise capacity, build greater resilience and deliver year-on-year reductions in the number of patients who have waited too long for treatment. The number people waiting over two years for a new outpatient appointment is down by more than half in the last two years, and we want to build on that progress.

“As part of the £30 million, we have invested close to £2 million in ophthalmology helping to increase activity in the short term as we aim to deliver one cataract procedure every 30 minutes on standard lists.  This will allow a more resilient and sustainable service for the future.”