POLICE are appealing for information after the driver of a van failed to stop after colliding with a man standing on the verge off the A720 Edinburgh city bypass near the Sheriffhall roundabout.
The incident happened around 3pm yesterday (Sunday, 17 May), following a minor crash at the roundabout.
The occupants were exchanging details when a white van collided with the 29-year-old man at the side of the eastbound carriageway. He sustained an arm injury but did not require hospital treatment.
The driver of the vehicle, described as a Citroen Relay style van, did not stop and enquiries are ongoing to trace them.
Constable Stewart Logan said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to find the driver of this vehicle and we are asking anyone who saw the incident to get in touch.
“If you were driving in the area around this time please also check any dash-cam you have to see if it has captured what happened.
“I am also appealing to the driver to get in touch.”
Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1833 of Sunday, 17 May, 2026.
GOVERNMENT GIMMICK TO SHARE UP SUPPORT IN NORTH OF ENGLAND?
First Olympics in the North of England in government’s sights alongside stadium regeneration push
Initial strategic assessment commissioned into potential bid for Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England in the 2040s
Assessment will test if hosting could deliver transformational regeneration and growth in the North
Towns and cities across England also set to benefit from sports infrastructure accelerator programme, to remove barriers to major sports led regeneration
By-election looming in Greater Manchester – just a coincidence?
The Labour government has commissioned its expert arm’s-length body UK Sport to carry out an initial strategic assessment examining whether the UK could host an Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England during the 2040s, as part of an ambitious growth drive to use sports to power regeneration of towns and cities.
Initial work examining whether the UK could host the Games for the first time since London 2012 will assess key factors such as potential cost, socioeconomic benefit and any bid’s chance of success.
The Government ‘firmly sees major sporting events and sporting facilities as playing a key role in driving economic growth, regeneration, improving pride in place, and bolstering the UK’s global appeal’.
Culture Secretary (and coincidentally North of England MP) Lisa Nandy said: “London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.
“But while the North of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract – for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.
“Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came North and we showed what we can offer to the world. I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world. It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.
“That’s why we’re throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor. It’s also why we’re backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond.
The Government has also announced a wave of new work to use sport as a catalyst for local regeneration and economic growth. This includes:
A Stadium Regeneration Accelerator:In a further growth boost for towns and cities across England, a new cross-government programme will work with sporting bodies on priority sports infrastructure development projects – such as stadiums – that can help deliver local regeneration and commercial growth. Funding will not be used for the regeneration of these stadiums but the government will work with sports clubs and leagues to unlock opportunities for large-scale housing delivery, jobs, apprenticeships, transport improvement and community sports facilities. DCMS will work alongside the Office for Investment (OfI) HM Treasury and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government with sports bodies such as the Premier League, the English Football League and the WSL Football. Together they will identify, and unblock, barriers to development at both a national and local level – and will include projects across the sports sector. The OfI will act as the front door for potential investors to be involved in the programme. Planned projects across England include proposals in Greater Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and London that have the potential to regenerate their surrounding areas. The government will also look at how we can learn lessons and share best practice with counterparts from Europe and further afield.
A new Sporting Events Bill:Introduced to Parliament on Thursday, the new Bill will make it easier to bid for, secure and deliver major sporting events in future, including UEFA EURO 2028. It will also make the unauthorised resale of tickets for designated major events a criminal offence, ensuring more tickets reach real fans at face value rather than being snapped up by touts and resold.
UK Government Strategy for Major Events:The government will set out its plans to support and provide leadership to the nation’s wider major events sector, by delivering a cross-sector strategy within the coming year. The strategy will cover major events in all sectors – cultural, sporting and business – and will ensure that major events continue to drive economic growth, enhance the UK’s soft power across the globe, and strengthen social cohesion in our towns and cities. This will build on the UK’s outstanding track record — from the 80th commemorations of VE day and the billions of pounds generated every year from hosting business events, to the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup last year.
A Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events:The government has also appointed Lord McConnell as a Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events. Lord McConnell, who was central to bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2014, will support the government’s ambition to cement the UK’s position as the go-to destination for the world’s most prestigious sporting and cultural events, drawing on his experience in international affairs, public policy and supporting the delivery of major events.
The UK has a ‘phenomenal pipeline’ of major sporting events to look forward to.
This summer alone brings the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In 2027, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grands Départs will be the most accessible major sporting event ever held in Great Britain.
UEFA EURO 2028 is forecast to generate £3.2 billion in socioeconomic benefits – creating jobs, driving regional growth, and drawing a surge of international visitors to communities the length and breadth of the country.
The Government is already backing bids to host the World Athletics and Para-Athletics Championships in 2029, as well as the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as part of its commitment to driving a decade of change in women’s sport.
Alongside more than £500 million invested into the delivery of major sporting events, the Government is making a serious and sustained commitment to grassroots sport. At least £400 million is being invested in community facilities across the country, ensuring that the legacy of every major event is felt far and wide.
Chair of The Great North, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “From our great cities and towns to our coastlines and countryside, the North has the venues, the passion and the sporting pride to deliver a world-class Olympic and Paralympic Games that showcases the very best of Great Britain to the world.
“A Great North Olympics would be a global showcase, leaving a legacy of prosperity, unity and renewal. It’s an opportunity not to be missed, delivering transformational investment in transport, regeneration and public spaces across the North of England. This could become the most people-powered Games ever hosted: inspiring millions of people into sport, volunteering and community action.”
No quote from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, though. Funny that!
Join us for the Newhaven Maritime Festival 2026 — a celebration of the rich maritime history, culture, stories, crafts, and coastal ecology of Newhaven.
The Heart of Newhaven Community 4–6 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh
Saturday 16 May 2026 12 noon – 3pm
Step into the past and explore the people, traditions, and heritage that shaped Newhaven through music, storytelling, art, memories, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Festival Activities & Exhibits
Songs from Newhaven Traditional songs and music celebrating the harbour and its people.
Seascape Making and Story Telling with Tortoise in a Nutshell Creative seascape activities and imaginative coastal storytelling.
Married to the Sea – The Fishwives and Women of Newhaven Stories and history of the remarkable women who supported Newhaven’s fishing community.
Tales from the Harbour – Fishermen, Sailors and the Boats of Newhaven Hear fascinating stories from the harbour and the lives lived at sea.
The Newhaven Tapestry Discover the community tapestry celebrating local heritage and identity.
Wave after Wave – Word Chain A collaborative creative word and poetry activity inspired by the sea.
Traditional Knitting Explore maritime knitting traditions and techniques.
Newhaven Coastal Echo – Rephotography Then & Now See Newhaven through time with historical and contemporary photography comparisons.
Talking and Remembering – Reminiscences of Newhaven in Days Gone By Community memories and conversations about old Newhaven.
Newhaven Heritage Learn more about the history and development of the area.
Mapping Maritime Heritage with Wessex Archaeology Interactive exploration of maritime archaeology and local heritage mapping.
Exploring the Ecology of the Firth of Forth with Edinburgh Shoreline Discover the wildlife, coastline, and ecology of the Firth of Forth.
Bring family and friends and celebrate the heritage, creativity, and community spirit of Newhaven!
The Gretna Rail Disaster was a devastating blow to both the Battalion and the people of Leith. It was said at the time that there was scarcely a family in the town untouched by the tragedy.
In the hours after the disaster, the nearby city of Carlisle became the main centre for the wounded. Around 180 injured soldiers were taken there, overwhelming local hospitals, Red Cross facilities, and even hotels, which were requisitioned for beds.
On Sunday 23 May 1915, 107 coffins were returned to Edinburgh and placed in the Battalion’s Drill Hall in Dalmeny Street. The following day, 101 were borne in solemn procession to Rosebank Cemetery, Pilrig Street, for burial in a mass grave. Thousands lined the route; shops closed, blinds were drawn, and traffic halted as the city mourned.
The Drill Hall has been chosen for this exhibition due to its history of being the 7th Battalion’s Drill Hall and its association with the people of Leith.
Central to the exhibition will be the Tree of Life which contains the names of all 216 men who were killed in the disaster. This will be supported by display boards featuring the stories of local soldiers and their families.
Kenneth Gibson MSP has been elected as the Scottish Parliament’s seventh Presiding Officer.
Upon election, the new Presiding Officer said: “It is a huge privilege to be elected as the Parliament’s Presiding Officer, and I want to thank MSPs for placing their trust in me.
“As Presiding Officer I will be bold, innovative and imaginative and will work in the interests of all Members.
“It’s clear that Parliament needs to reform and to renew its relationship with the people. Scotland needs a Parliament that is vibrant, relevant and trusted.
“I will play my part in delivering that.”
In his acceptance speech, Kenneth Gibson MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament added: “I’m looking forward to working with every single Member in this Chamber to take this Parliament forward.
“I think there is so much more we can be as a Parliament than we have been in the past and I will certainly do my utmost in taking us forward.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Cunninghame North since 2007, having previously represented the Glasgow electoral region from 1999 to 2003, as a Scottish National Party MSP.
He was Convenor of the Finance and Public Administration Committee in the fourth and sixth sessions of Parliament and was the first MSP to lodge plans for a ban of smoking in public places.
The outgoing Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP, presided over the Presiding Officer election.
Queen Margaret University (QMU) will welcome local residents and the wider public to its annual Community Open Day on Saturday 30 May, inviting people to explore the campus, enjoy its facilities and take part in a fun, family-friendly afternoon.
Running from 12 noon to 3pm, the free event will feature a wide range of activities for all ages, including drumming workshops, bug hunting, den building, Therapets, face painting, and creative sessions celebrating books and music. Attractions such as a bouncy castle and the Cycling Without Age group from Musselburgh will add to a lively programme designed to offer something for everyone.
This year, the University is also delighted to host a landscape art competition run by Musselburgh Creates. Artists of all ages are invited to capture the University’s distinctive campus setting.
Taking place across the grounds from 11am – 3pm the competition offers a lovely, creative focal point for the day, with participants encouraged to respond to QMU’s architecture, landscaped gardens and natural surroundings. Anyone who would like to participate in the competition should register at 10am and bring their own materials and equipment (no need to book in advance).
Beyond the activities, the Community Open Day aims to showcase the facilities and services QMU makes available to the local community. While children enjoy the entertainment on offer, adults can explore the University’s range of spaces for hire, including meeting rooms, conference facilities, the Sports and Fitness Centre, and Maggie’s Bar and Café.
In addition to its specialist teaching facilities, QMU offers a wide variety of spaces suitable for community events and meetings. These range from small meeting rooms to an attractive conference suite with break-out spaces overlooking the pond, as well as a large lecture theatre seating up to 250 people. The University is keen for local residents, community groups and organisations to benefit from its flexible learning and social spaces.
Lynn Barclay Commercial Manager at Queen Margaret University, said: “Our gardens, Sports and Fitness Centre and Students’ Union bar are already well used by the community, but we want to ensure more people are aware of the full range of spaces and facilities available to local groups and organisations.
“We can support anything from seminars and conferences to voluntary group meetings, AGMs and corporate dinners. With everything from small classrooms and a piano bar to a conference suite overlooking the pond and large lecture theatres accommodating 150 to 250 people, we have something to suit almost every need.
QMU’s Community Open Day takes place on Saturday 30 May, from 12 noon to 3pm. Booking is not required for this free event.
Organisations involved in delivering activities on the day include: Cycling Without Age Musselburgh; Mansfield School of Music; Therapets East Lothian; Scottish Book Trust; Bouncy Castle Man; Event Buddies Scotland; East Lothian Council Arts Service; Seeds of Disruption SCIO; and Musselburgh Creates.
See more details on the landscape art competition by Musselburgh Creates at landscape event.
35 organisations and individuals in running for national awards
The finalists for this year’s Scottish Charity Awards have been revealed.
Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.
This year’s shortlist includes 35 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country.
A judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories following a rigorous shortlisting process.
Winners will be announced on 11 June 2026 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Raddison Blu in Glasgow.
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “Across Scotland and beyond, voluntary organisations are making an extraordinary difference, and the breadth and depth of their impact never fail to inspire. Our 2026 finalists epitomise this.
“Our voluntary sector is truly essential to Scottish society – we see the positive impact organisation and individuals make in communities across the country every single day.
“Best of luck to all of our finalists, and I look forward to celebrating with them in June as we highlight the phenomenal work each and every one of them contributes to.”
The full shortlist for 2026 is:
Campaign of the Year
Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust – Don’t Neglect The Night
Victim Support Scotland – It’s the final chance of getting to the truth
Who Cares? Scotland – Action on Advocacy
Scottish Environment LINK – Scotland Loves Nature
Volunteer of the Year
Men Matter Scotland – Jim Cassidy
Govan Housing Association – David Wright
Midlothian Community Action – McKenzie Rayner
Fife Pride – Jenny Black
Climate Impact
Crail Community Partnership – Turning Crail into a sustainable community
Letham Climate Challenge
Magpie (Part of Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action)
Social Flock
Employee of the Year
The Killie Community – Scott Montgomery
Reach Lanarkshire Autism – Keith Manson
Mark Williams Foundation – Sarah Peacock
Grey Matters Active Ageing – Alison Gildea
Partnership of the Year
Care4Calais Scotland & Passion4Fusion – Saturday Football
Space at The Broomhouse Hub & the Edinburgh International Festival – Edinburgh International Festival in Space
The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth & 6VT – Time to Talk
ATAP: Aberdeen Task and Activation Partnership
Dogs for Good & Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Community Dog Stroke Support Partnership
Trustee of the Year
Bedrule Church Future – Alan Bailey
Glenurquhart Rural Community Association – Susan Griffin
Newly elected MSPs will take part in their first formal meeting at the Scottish Parliament at 9.30am on Thursday 14 May.
All MSPs will start their work in the Parliament by making an oath or affirmation, which must happen before they can take part in any other parliamentary business at Holyrood.
John Swinney MSP, as leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, will be the first to be sworn in, followed by the other party leaders. Other MSPs will be called forward in alphabetical order.
This initial meeting will be chaired by current Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP.
In the afternoon MSPs will be asked to elect a new Presiding Officer, who will serve for the rest of the new parliamentary session. It is expected that two Deputy Presiding Officers will be elected later in the afternoon.
Ahead of their first meeting in the Chamber, MSPs will have taken part in the first part of an induction programme in the parliament building. The programme aims to welcome MSPs to their roles and will:
allow MSPs to establish a temporary office within the Parliament
help MSPs establish their constituency or regional offices
inform MSPs about what support is available to them to help their constituents
give MSPs information about how to take part in debates and votes in the Chamber
let MSPs know more about the parliamentary roles and responsibilities
Speaking ahead of the MSPs arriving at the Scottish Parliament, David McGill, the Parliament’s Clerk/Chief Executive, said:“It is great to be able to welcome new MSPs into the Parliament, where our dedicated staff team will be on hand to help them get acquainted with their roles and responsibilities.
“This Parliament’s first formal meeting, on Thursday 14 May, will be particularly significant for those performing their first duties as MSPs, and for those seeking to become Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officers.
“The first sitting day has an important role in formally introducing MSPs to the public, but the election of the Presiding Officer in particular starts to set the agenda for the session ahead.”
The first sitting day will be able to be view live on the Parliament’s website.
The Heart of Newhaven Community
Saturday 16 May 2026
12 noon – 3pm
Songs from Newhaven
Free entry
