Police have released an image of a male officers would like to speak to in connection with an assault and robbery which occurred on Sunday, 7 July, 2024 at around 11.30pm on Ferry Gait Drive.
Officers believe the man in the image could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the man himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The male (pictured) is described as aged in his 30s, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins in height, was seen to be wearing a suit, goggles over his eyes and a blue baseball cap with an ‘LA’ logo.
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3947 of 7 July, 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
Thousands of students across Scotland are at risk of homelessness unable to access the right housing in the country’s biggest cities, according to a new report for a cross party group of MSPs.
It says there is a severe student housing crisis in cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee and calls on the Scottish Government to take immediate action to tackle the issue.
The report for the Cross Party Group on Housing highlights significant shortfalls in student accommodation, including a shortfall of 13,852 bedspaces in Edinburgh, 6,093 in Glasgow, and 6,084 in Dundee.
An acute shortage of accommodation compounded by a lack of affordable and/or accessible options for students with additional support needs or mature students with families, has left many students facing precarious living situations.
“The Scottish Government declared a housing emergency earlier this year, but students are often left out of the conversation,” said Graham Simpson MSP, Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on Housing.
“We have come up with a set of recommendations for the government that are clear and challenging. These include the need for a collaborative approach to student housing, more robust data on student accommodation, and the integration of student housing into local housing strategies.”
The report, co-authored by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland, the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE), the University of Stirling, StudentCrowd, the Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative (ESHC) and Slurp Edinburgh (Students for Action on Homelessness), also stresses the importance of city-wide one-stop shops that would guide students to suitable and affordable accommodation, an initiative that could help alleviate some of the pressure on housing markets in major student cities.
“The issue of student housing can be contentious as developers compete for prized land and local residents may feel pushed out due to lack of affordable housing supply,” said Ashley Campbell, Policy and Practice Manager, Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland.
“The challenge for government, local authorities and universities is to work together more proactively to ensure that everyone can access a home to meet their needs and that students can find their place within existing communities.”
Lawrence Williams of Slurp Edinburgh added: “From hidden homelessness to unaffordable rents, students in Scotland face a range of housing issues that have long been overlooked by policy-makers and universities.
“This report is a promising first step towards recognising the crisis and identifying structural barriers to student housing security.
“We urgently need bold measures like rent controls, cooperative student housing, and guaranteed emergency accommodation for homeless students.”
The Great Glen Challenge, the annual fundraising event run by agricultural support charity, RSABI, has generated a record fundraising total in excess of £57,000.
RSABI is sending a message of thanks to the sponsors, teams, supporters and volunteers who made the team sporting event on Friday, August 30th such a huge success. The excellent total achieved in 2024 takes the amount raised since the event was launched 12 years ago to over £500,000.
The event, sponsored by Scottish legal firm, Gillespie Macandrew, received unprecedented interest this year with 27 teams across Scottish agriculture businesses taking part in a challenging day of outdoor sport, testing endurance and fitness, as well as offering a great opportunity for teambuilding and camaraderie.
Set against a picturesque backdrop between Fort Augustus and Fort William, teams taking part in the 90km race combining cycling, kayaking, running and walking to support the work of RSABI included: Agrovista, Azets, Bank of Scotland, Scotland, Begbies Traynor, Bidwells, Blackhall & Powis, Crofting Commission, Johnston Carmichael, MHA Edinburgh, Gillespie Macandrew, Muckle Media, NFU Scotland, NFU Mutual, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Royal Bank of Scotland, Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID), SAC Consulting, Scottish Woodlands Ltd, SP Energy Networks, Thomson Cooper, Virgin Money and Women in Agriculture Scotland.
RSABI staff members Harry Seran and Margo Wills led the planning and delivery of the event which is designed to raise awareness of the work of the charity as well as the importance of teamwork and fitness for mental and physical wellness.
A team of volunteer marshals also played a vital part in the success of the event with special thanks going to George Lawrie who stepped down, after 10 years of volunteering at the Great Glen.
In addition to training and competing, each team had an ambitious fundraising target with the aim to collectively raise £50,000 to help RSABI provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.
With this year’s total being exceeded by more than £7,000, Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI, expressed her gratitude: “We are immensely thankful to everyone who has contributed so far, and to our sponsors, Gillespie Macandrew and media partners The Scottish Farmer.”
“The dedication of our participants in both their fundraising and training efforts is truly inspiring, and our thanks also go to the many volunteers who assist us with the running of the event.”
“Our goal for the 2024 challenge was to surpass £50,000 which would take the total amount raised since the event was launched to over £500,000. This level of fundraising is incredibly important to support RSABI’s work to provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.”
Lois Newton, Partner of Land and Rural Business at Gillespie Macandrew and RSABI trustee, added: “We were delighted to support RSABI and the Great Glen Challenge for a second consecutive year.
“As longstanding advisors to the sector, we are familiar with the challenges facing people in Scottish agriculture and just how invaluable the work of RSABI is in providing support.
“It was an inspiring day to be a part of, a fantastic opportunity to catch up with familiar faces as well as make new connections, and we’re delighted to see such a positive fundraising total for RSABI.”
The overall team winner for the second year was Scottish Woodlands, with Johnston Carmichael taking second team place, followed by the NFU, Ninja Focused Union Sportspeople, in third.
Individual awards were made to David Hamilton (mountain biking) of SPEN – The Land Guys, Mark Donald (kayaking) of NFU – Ninja Focused Union Sportspeople, Lawrence O’Hara (running) of Begbies Traynor and walking David King, Scottish Woodlands.
RSABI’s freephone Helpline – 0808 1234 555 – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls won’t show up on phone bills. All enquires are treated as confidential by the organisation’s friendly, professional team.
You can make contact online on a range of social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and you can also reach RSABI via the webchat function on its website www.rsabi.org.uk 24 hours a day.
Edinburgh City Football Club (ECFC) of the Scottish Professional League (SPL) League 2, has partnered with Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest trading charity.
The partnership spotlights Nuffield Health’s comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing which spans physical and mental health — from personal training, health assessments, GP services, and physiotherapy to providing mental health support or hospital treatments for serious conditions.
The arrangement provides both health and wellbeing and traditional medical services to players and staff of ECFC and hopes to raise awareness for its network of services among Edinburgh community members and football fans.
In addition to working to promote the partnership through traditional and social media activations, Nuffield Health will be the ECFC First Team Jersey Sleeve sponsor and Headline sponsor of the ECFC Under 18 Academy Team for the 2024 / 2025 season.
“This is a momentous day for Edinburgh City Football Club as we work with one of the most recognized and respected names in healthcare in Scotland and the UK,” says John Dickson, Chairman of ECFC of the partnership.
“Giving our athletes access to Nuffield Health’s fitness and well-being will make the difference as we work toward a winning season in League 2.”
The Director of Wellbeing, Scotland of Nuffield Health, Naomi McMinn, believes “Edinburgh City FC is deeply entrenched in the local community and will serve to exemplify the value of a focus on wellbeing as it relates to health.
“We are confident that this partnership will help us positively impact the health outcomes for many more people in Edinburgh and Scotland.”
Edinburgh City Football Club is a semi-professional senior Scottish football club which plays in Scottish League Two, the fourth tier of the Scottish Professional Football League.
ECFC made SPFL history in 2016, by becoming the first team to progress to league football, via the pyramid system and becoming the first “third” senior football club in Edinburgh. ECFC currently plays its home games at Meadowbank Stadium.
It’s that time of the year again – crisp air and vibrant leaves! Come celebrate Harvest Festival at Granton Community Gardens, a family-friendly event full of fun, great food, and community spirit.
When: Tomorrow 14th of September 3-6pm
Where: Granton Community Gardens on Wardieburn Road
Come celebrate the harvest season with your friends, family, and neighbours. There’s something for everyone!
Today (Wed 11 Sep) with support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival launched its 35th festival programme.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (18 to 31 October 2024) is organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) and is the world’s largest celebration of storytelling.
Since it began in 1989, it has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling.
To mark its 35th anniversary, which coincides with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the festival has chosen ‘Bridges Between’ as its programming theme, which has been the inspiration for eight new story commissions premiering during this year’s festival.
It has also invited international storytellers from the Storytelling Arena in Berlin, from Ireland with the support of Culture Ireland, and from India to participate in this year’s event.
New Commissions supported by the Scottish Government Festivals Expo Fund:
● Mending Nets (Fri 18 Oct) – Palestinian poet and dancer Nada Shawa and Scottish storyteller Janis Mackay present stories of loss, friendship and hope, to help people attempt to retrieve an unravelled sense of identity.
● The Bouncy Billy Goats Gruff (Sat 19 Oct) – a sensory version of the traditional tale of Billy Goats Gruff suited to children with additional needs, their families and friends with storyteller Ailie Finlay and artist Kate Leiper.
● The Dream of Al-Andulus (19 Oct) Storytellers Sef Townsend and Inés Álvarez Villa accompanied by flamenco guitarist Danielo Olivera and Moroccan musician Omar Afif, transport audiences to mediaeval Spain.
● The Desperate Battle of the Birds (Mon 21 Oct) Scottish storyteller James MacDonald Reid presents his version of this classic Gaelic folk tale intertwined with live electric cello music by Scottish-Korean musician Ryan Williams. Performed in English and Gaelic throughout.
● Òran Mhòir (23 Oct) Costumes, films, field recordings, folk songs and electronic sounds come together in a multi-media performance exploring the Gaelic lore of the intertidal zone. With storyteller Eileen Budd and experimental folk duo Burd Ellen.
● Jack and Beggar’s Island (25 Oct) The most powerful freedom story of Scottish oral tradition recreated by storytellers Jimmy Williamson, Claire McNicol and Linda Williamson connected with music from Toby Shippey and friends.
● Kanpur: 1857! (26 Oct)Niall Moorjani and Jon Oldfield present a dilemma between a young Indian rebel strapped to a cannon and a British officer for the crimes of Kanpur. Are they a hero or villain?
● A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun (30 Oct) Weaving myth from the Celtic Isles, Scandinavia and Siberia, storyteller Douglas Mackay takes a deep dive into the history of our troubled relations with our oldest ally. With Jemima Thewes providing shadow puppet animation and original, dreamlike soundscape.
This year the Festival is also part of the city’s Edinburgh 900 programme, celebrating nine centuries of story and literature in Scotland’s capital city.
Festival Director Donald Smith, who is also author of the newly-published Edinburgh Our Storied Town, has programmed a series of events showcasing Edinburgh through the centuries and exploring different eras of its history.
These include talks on ‘chivalry’ and the knightly values of the crusades; Edinburgh’s theatres and the history of the festivals; Scotland’s golden age of literature; and a conference and ‘Lit Fandango’ with Michael Pedersen to celebrate 20 years since Edinburgh was crowned the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
There are also guided walks through the city to explore Edinburgh’s founding women with Claire McNicol; an after-hours tour of Surgeon’s Hall where tales of chloroform tea parties and grave robbing will be shared; and storytelling sessions at Bridgend Farmhouse, The Balm Well and Edinburgh’s Philosophy Cafe on the Southside.
For younger audiences and familiesthere is a packed programme of events over the October school holidays kicking off on Saturday 12 October, ahead of the festival’s main programme (18 to 31 Oct).
Family highlights include storytelling fun and adventures with Claire McNicol and Linda Williamson in Raven Jack and Lady Unicorn; dancing and stories with Moyra Banks and Fergus McNicol; tales of dragons and tunes from Lithuania and Scotland; and The Hairy Tale of Sam the Skull about a gallus Glasgow cat, told by storyteller Alastair McIver.
There is also a chance for young storytellers to learn new skills in the 3-day workshop series School of Storycraft and plenty of events outdoors including the return of the Botanics Storytelling Day and Macastory’s Caddie Capers.
Plus, the festival’s Global Lab strand returns with four online workshops exploring intangible cultural heritage; the war in Gaza through the voices of children and young people; stories from across India hosted by the Folklogue Team; and a discussion of Scotland as a slaver nation trading in Jamaica hosted by Kate Philips, author of Bought and Sold: Scotland, Jamaica and Slavery.
Work in progress, marked as ‘In the Making’ will be shared during the festival and will include stories from Norway created and performed by Svend-Erik Engh, Hafdís Huld and Neil Sutcliffe; adventures beyond the iron curtain told by Alice Fernbank through her dad’s memoirs; a coming of age story told in the spirit of the Griot storytelling traditions from West Africa by French-Cameroonian artist Fay Guiffo; and retellings of the work of Hamish Henderson.
This year the festival runs up until Halloween and includes events when storytellers, musicians and artists will join together to share dark tales and gather for Samhain. There will also be four Tree of Memory events celebrating and honouring some of our storytelling elders including Irish and Scots storyteller Audrey Parks; Shetland storyteller Lawrence Tulloch, and Edinburgh storytellers Jack Martin and John Fee.
Throughout the festival, audiences can also enjoy relaxed Open Hearth gatherings of storytellers and musicians in the evening at the Netherbow Theatre, and post-show Festival Nights at The Waverley Bar.
Go Local returns this year, with new voices from Angus, the Highlands, and Stirling joining storytellers from all over Scotland throughout October and November to celebrate 35 years of the festival.
From Orkney and the Western Isles, to the Scottish Borders, there will be nearly 50 Go Local events in this year’s programme, plus two of the festival’s commissions will tour to community halls, libraries and storytelling festivals in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Tobermory.
Finally, this year’s festival exhibition hosted at the Scottish Storytelling Centre will be Take Me To New Lands & Then Take Me Home, a series of paintings by Orcadian artist and musician Sarah McFadyen exploring the line between the worlds of fact and fable, and the place where land and sea meet.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:“The Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s 35th anniversary is a magnificent achievement and demonstrates what a successful and important event it is.
“That’s why the Scottish Government has provided £100,000 in EXPO funding this year to support the commissions of eight performances at the festival.
“This year’s programme is incredibly diverse and there is plenty there to appeal to people of all interests, and both young and old. I am really looking forward to hearing some of the amazing stories at the Festival.”
Donald Smith, Scottish International Storytelling Festival Director said: “In a world plagued by violence and division, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival offers bridges of imagination, fellow feeling and hope.
“And these qualities are inspired by a capital city that is celebrating 900 years of story, art and friendship.”
Performing at today’s launch storyteller Janis Mackay and poet and dancer Nada Shawa said: “We met on the dance floor fifteen years ago. Building bridges between is at the heart of our dance practise, 5 rhythms.
“Bridges between each other, between the heart and the body. Between the music and the dance. And with both of us there are many opportunities for exploring bridges between.
“Nada is from Gaza, Janis is from Edinburgh. Nada uses a wheelchair. Janis does not. Nada is a poet. Janis is a storyteller. So many rich differences that we weave into this show; Mending Nets.”
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival will take place from Friday, 18 October to Thursday 31 October.
Tickets to family events cost just £5 per ticket. For those planning on attending multiple events, the Festival Supporter Pass offers discounted tickets to many live festival events, online and at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, as well as a discount at the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s bookshop, Haggis Box Café and an invitation to the Festival launch event.
To purchase tickets and browse the full programme, visitsisf.org.uk
There were 792 deaths by probable suicide in Scotland in 2023. This World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us the importance of looking out for one another and seeking help if we need it.
Talking about suicide can be hard, but there is support and advice out there if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
NHS 24 has a range of services that can help with mental health and mental wellbeing. Please share for awareness!
NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub – Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health help.
Breathing Space – a free confidential listening service for people over 16 in Scotland who are experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Call 0800 83 85 87 or web chat at www.breathingspace.scot
Two men have been convicted following the death of a 59-year-old man in Leith.
The body of Garry O’Neill was found in a flat on Primrose Street on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023.
At the High Court in Edinburgh today – Monday, 9 September, 2024 – Jamie Boulton, aged 55, was found guilty of murder following the death of Mr O’Neill.
Nathan Boulton (above), aged 49, was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
They will be sentenced at a later date.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr O’Neill’s family and friends and we hope that the result in court brings them a degree of closure.
“This was a deliberate act that ended in a death and Jamie Boulton will now face the consequences of his actions that day.
“His brother Nathan Boulton, now faces justice after he tried to conceal what happened.
“We would like to thank the public for their assistance and support during our investigation.
“Violence is not acceptable in our society and Police Scotland will use all the tools it has to investigate and bring those intent on committing crime and harm in our communities to justice.”
First Minister: athletes at the top of their fields inspirational
As the 2024 Paralympic Games draws to a close, First Minister John Swinney has commended Scottish athletes for their world-class performances which will inspire future generations.
21 Scottish athletes took part individually or in team events, securing 11 gold medals, eight silver medals and one bronze medal – contributing to ParalympicsGB’s overall medals tally of 124 medals.
Athletes from Scotland broke records in pursuit of gold medals, including Stephen Clegg’s record-breaking S12 backstroke time, Jenny Holl’s effort as pilot for Sophie Unwin on her way to gold and a world record in the Women’s B 3,000m individual cycling pursuit, and Sammi Kinghorn achieving a gold medal while setting a new Paralympic Record for the Women’s T53 100m.
The First Minister said: “I want to pay tribute to and congratulate all of the ParalympicsGB squad, including the 21 Scots on the team, for your performances in Paris.
“You are all athletes at the top of your field, and Scotland has been cheering you on throughout these Games.
“Your performances will inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to take up sport, achieve their own goals and become more active in their own lives. The next generation will be inspired by where you are now, and the Scottish Government and partners will work to ensure there will be opportunities for them to follow suit.”
Forbes Dunlop, CEO of sportscotland, said: “On behalf of everyone at sportscotland I want to congratulate every single one of the Scottish athletes who have represented Paralympics GB in Paris over the last couple of weeks.
“There have been some extremely strong performances from our athletes, including personal bests, Paralympic and World records and a very impressive haul of medals, demonstrating the enormous level of commitment and talent across the team.
“All of this success is down to years of hard work from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport and we are proud to be part of the ‘team behind team’ supporting the athletes.”
Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, said: “Congratulations to all the Scottish Paralympians and their significant support networks in Paris.
“The performances are testimony to the inclusive approach Scottish Governing Bodies of sport are taking to ensuring para-athletes are supported.
“Not all of us will be able to reach the heights of these international high-performance athletes however, what we can do is commit to working in partnership to ensure that children, young people and adults can access quality PE, comprehensive sporting opportunities and the chance to move more every day.”
‘We’re not a nice-to-have sector. We’re an essential sector‘
It all feels a bit grim (writes SCVO Chief Exec ANNA FOWLIE).
A few weeks ago, the Chancellor revealed a “black hole” in public finances across the UK and announced the end to the universal winter fuel allowance. This week the Cabinet Secretary for Finance announced significant cuts to programmes this year to enable the Scottish Government to fund public sector pay deals.
On Wednesday, John Swinney took to the lectern in the Scottish Parliament to present his first Programme for Government, having watched them being delivered from different seats across the Scottish Parliament in the previous 24 years.
I’m sure that was a novel experience for him, but I’m left with a sense of déjà vu.
There is no doubt that parts of our public sector need reform. It’s been more than 13 years since the Christie Commission said that reform must empower individuals, integrate service provision, prioritise expenditure on prevention and increase shared services. But have we seen significant shifts, or have the deckchairs just been rearranged and repainted while pointing towards little ‘pilots’ as evidence of progress?
The voluntary sector is often closest to the most vulnerable people in our society and best placed to support them, including helping them to navigate the baffling complexity of some public services.
Hundreds of organisations are rooted in communities, supporting families to help address the First Minister’s top priority of tackling child poverty. Indeed, the sector will be key to achieving all four of the First Minister’s priorities.
However, with resources increasingly being pulled into the public sector, much of the voluntary sector is resigned to getting scraps from the table.
With years of static funding, an inability to keep pace with public sector pay and constant inability to plan because of a lack of Fair Funding, it does feel like we’ve reached a crisis point.
There is no doubt Government sometimes needs to make difficult choices, but they’re avoiding the hard ones. If we are to turn the rhetoric on addressing poverty and public service reform into reality, we can’t expect current systems and structures to deliver the radical change we need, and we can’t imagine that the public sector can do it all alone.
Public sector staff deserve to be paid fairly, but the voluntary sector deserves to be treated fairly. We deserve more than warm words.
We need to channel the limited resources we have to the experts. People are the experts in their own lives – and most know what they need.
Those at the front-line know how best to support them, but we need to challenge the practice that the public sector is prioritised without truly thinking about how ‘public services’ are best delivered, and by whom.
We’re not a nice-to-have sector. We’re an essential sector.
Harvest Festival at 
When: Tomorrow 14th of September 3-6pm
Where: Granton Community Gardens on Wardieburn Road
