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Edinburgh marks a year of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) enforcement

NHS Lothian, and Asthma + Lung UK have praised the benefits of the LEZ, following a year of enforcement.

Experts at the NHS and a leading charity have highlighted the ongoing impact of the LEZ enforcement on air quality and health. In addition, the new rules have incentivised active travel and greater use of public transport.

A LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health. Edinburgh began enforcement alongside Aberdeen on June 1, 2024. Dundee began enforcement on May 30, 2024, and Glasgow on June 1, 2023.

With Clean Air Day (19 June) just a few weeks away too this one-year anniversary is a timely reminder of the importance of the LEZ here in Edinburgh and beyond.

In recent years air quality in Edinburgh has improved, with our monitoring data showing reduced pollution levels, and people getting ready for the LEZ may have contributed to this.

Over the last year, the average amount of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for non-compliant vehicles entering the zone has been decreasing steadily.

Between June 2024 and January 2025 alone the total number decreased by 56%. There is also evidence of lower numbers of second contraventions. The vast majority of vehicles entering the LEZ are compliant, over 95%. Around 3% of vehicles entering the LEZ are exempted classed.

The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) has also published a study indicating that active travel and public transport use increased within the LEZ during the first six months after LEZ enforcement.

The first annual report on LEZ operation is expected to be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee later this year, including air quality trends and how the scheme contributes to our carbon reduction targets, as well as operational matters such as the number of PCNs issued, costs of maintaining and operating the scheme, gross and net revenue and other key issues.

The Council is working with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on data collection and analysis of the LEZ and will present a report in the Scottish Parliament that will help inform the national picture of LEZ impact.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson: “I’m proud that alongside Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow we took the bold step of implementing and enforcing a LEZ. We’re sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all. Fundamentally, the LEZs are about making our cities healthier for everyone. 

“As Scotland’s capital city, we have a duty to lead on the response to the climate and nature emergencies which will define our country for generations to come. Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health.

“Road traffic is one of the main sources of harmful emissions that are damaging people’s health and contributing to climate change, so we have a real responsibility to tackle this.

“The average decrease in PCNs here in Edinburgh show that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their habits accordingly. It’s also encouraging to see studies showing a positive shift towards greater use of active travel and public transport.

I look forward to seeing the annual report when it is considered by Committee.

“The LEZ is one important tool to help us achieve our ambitious climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2030.”

Flora Ogilvie, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian said: “It’s great to know that the LEZ enforcement has been in place for a year, helping to improve air quality in the city and protect the health of our most vulnerable residents.

“Improving air quality and reducing traffic levels are also an important way of encouraging more people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.

“Travelling sustainably can help improve individual physical activity levels and mental wellbeing, as well as supporting better environmental health for the whole population and planet.”

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “We are pleased that Edinburgh along with Dundee and Aberdeen made the bold move a year ago to ban the most polluting cars from their city and it is a step in the right direction to help improve the air that we all breathe.

“With air pollution cutting short thousands of lives a year, we want to see our cities become far healthier places, where people can walk and cycle and not be forced to breathe in dirty air.

“With 1 in 5 people in Scotland developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.

“Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.”

77% of all PCNs in the last year were served to light passenger vehicles (private cars) and 21% to light goods vehicles (panel vans) with the remaining 2% being divided among the other classes of vehicle. 62.4% of PCNs are paid within 14 days at the discounted rate.

The penalty charge structure for all of Scotland’s LEZs is set by the Scottish Government.

The city council publishes regular updates on PCN figures on their website.

Income from the LEZ will be used in the first instance to pay for the operation and maintenance of the scheme. Any surplus income will be contributed towards Council projects which contribute towards the wider goals of the LEZ, particularly improving air quality and climate change emission reduction.

All LEZ monitoring and evaluation information will be made available on our webpages.

Air pollution is associated with between 29,000 and 43,000 deaths a year in the UK.  The World Health Organization and the UK Government both recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental threat to our health.

Another key development is that the Low Emission Zone Support Fund has now resumed and is open to new applications. This is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by the Energy Saving Trust.

There are separate funds available for households, businesses and retrofitting vehicles.  All eligibility criteria and application details can be found on the Energy Saving Trust website

Study shows hearing intervention may reduce risk of falls among older adults

New paper led by ENU’s Dr Adele Goman is the first randomised control trial of this kind

Hearing interventions such as hearing aids and regular audiology appointments have been linked to a reduction in the number of falls among older adults, according to a new paper led by Dr Adele Goman of Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Health & Social Care.

This research, published today in the Lancet Public Health journal, showed that participants with hearing loss who were randomly assigned best practice hearing care reported an average of 27% fewer falls over the course of three years compared to a control group.

Falls are a leading cause of injury for older people and have rising mortality rates, while hearing loss is highly prevalent among those aged 70 and above. However, existing evidence on the effect of hearing aids on falls is mixed, and limited by the methodology of previous studies.

Goman and her colleagues analysed data from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study, a three-year, unmasked, randomised controlled trial of adults aged 70–84 years in the USA designed to study the effect of intervention on cognitive abilities and other health outcomes, such as falls.

The ACHIEVE study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.  It was conducted by a consortium of eight universities in the United States and led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

The 977 ACHIEVE study participants, all of whom had hearing loss, were randomly assigned to either receive a hearing intervention or to a health education control intervention. Those randomly assigned to the hearing intervention were offered regular one-to-one audiologist appointments, bilateral hearing aids, the option of additional hearing assistive devices, device use support and educational materials. The health education control intervention group received the same number of appointments with a health educator and more broad educational content on healthy aging.

For this paper, participants were asked to report the number of falls they had experienced over a period of three years. Data indicate that participants who received the hearing intervention reported an average of 27% fewer falls over the course of three years compared to a control group.

Dr Goman’s is the first known large-scale randomised control trial that has examined the effect of hearing intervention on falls.

The researchers believe the reduced number of falls among the hearing intervention group could be down to improved auditory input enhancing spatial awareness, or from having to devote less attention to processing auditory input allowing for more attention to be placed on maintaining postural control.

They are now working on a follow-up study with participants to examine the longer-term effects of hearing intervention on brain health, falls, and other health outcomes.

Dr Adele Goman said: “Hearing loss has previously been associated with a greater risk of falling among older adults, but few studies have directly investigated the connection.

“It is possible that the benefit of improved hearing may have enhanced the spatial environmental awareness of these participants, or that the lower demand on cognitive resources for hearing allowed them to focus more on their movement.

“As this is the first study of its kind, more research is needed to establish our conclusion that hearing intervention may reduce the overall average rate of falls. Our ongoing follow-up will also aim to tell us more about the effect over a longer period of time.

“We hope that these findings have the potential to inform researchers and health professionals, and address a leading cause of injury among older people.”

Scots need to make more time for the great outdoors

Survey data from People’s Postcode Lottery reveals Scottish attitudes to their connection with nature

While the British weather can be a bit of a lottery, this Spring Bank Holiday (May 26, 2025) is a great opportunity to spend much-needed moments reconnecting with parks, woodlands and open spaces. 

This comes after a recent UK survey by People’s Postcode Lottery, where 45% of respondents in Scotland said they do not have enough time to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature.  

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The survey highlights that more people would like to spend time outside enjoying nature, so I hope this bank holiday provides an opportunity for many to embrace the great outdoors in their local park or woodland. 

“The incredible plant species and wildlife in these areas offer a great way to reconnect with nature and enjoy its benefits.  

“Players of People’s Postcode Lottery raised more than £40 million in 2024 for charities working to protect wildlife and the natural world.” 

The UK-wide survey revealed attitudes, relationships and connections towards nature and the environment. Among these include attitudes towards lifestyle and environmental topics, including sustainability-focused practices.

Information from respondents living in Scottish postcodes found: 

  • 82% said they felt that spending time in nature was important to their overall wellbeing and mental health.
  • 49% said they only feel fairly connected to the environment around them. 
  • 17% spend intentional time outdoors once a month or less. 
  •  82% of respondents said spending time in nature is important to their overall wellbeing and mental health, and 45% said a lack of time was a key part of not being able to spend more time outside.  
  • 17% of people surveyed said they intentionally spend time outdoors in parks, forests or other natural spaces every day, while 35% said they spend time outdoors several times a week.
  • A staggering 17% of people saying they spend intentional time outdoors only once a month or less. 

Empowering people to get out more 

People’s Postcode Lottery supports a huge range of environmental charities, including  Woodland Trust, The Wildlife Trusts and Friends of the Earth. These organisations help protect and preserve nature so everyone can spend more time in green spaces, forests, parks and beaches across their own postcodes and beyond. 

You can get involved too; use this bank holiday to immerse yourself in nature, by taking on some nature trails with your family, organising a beach clean with your friends, or swapping your gym session for a run through your local park.

All of these are great ways to reconnect with the environment and benefit from the abundance of parks and open spaces available in your area. 

Veteran teams up with fellow soldier to complete LeJog – Lands End to John O’Groats – this weekend

Two retired Army veterans with over 75 years’ military service between them are set to finish their demanding 65-day walking challenge – LeJog – this weekend.

John McBride from Fife (65) and Barry Ince (70) from Shropshire set out on 23 March 2025 to walk the 1200-mile End to End trail from Land End to John O’ Groats. They are expecting to reach their destination on Sunday 25 May, passing through Lybster, Wick and Freswick along the way.

Accompanying the pair to the finish line is ‘honourary’ member of the LeJog team, Katie, 22. Katie was hoping to realise her lifelong dream of walking from Lands End to John O’Groats with her partner, until a serious foot injury cut short his hike.

When John and Barry heard about Katie’s plight, halfway through their walk, they welcomed her to the team. Katie’s father has followed her progress with the team from home and has helped support her along the way.

As John says: “In the Army we say, leave no man or woman behind and Katie has been an absolute star!”

John and Barry are long-time friends and Army veterans, who have taken on one of the world’s most famous walking challenges to raise money for four charities which are close to their hearts. Two are national charities – Cancer Research UK and the Army Benevolent Fund – and two are organisations working locally to each man’s hometown.

Fife resident, John, explains: “We have both been touched by cancer and by the loss of many dear friends and family. The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity and does great work supporting many of our veterans and their families in times of need.

“Barry’s chosen local charity is the incredible Midlands Air Ambulance service, which always needs funds, and mine is Include Me, which provides much-needed support to vulnerable adults in Northeast Fife, by matching them with Volunteer Citizen Advocates.”

The route from Cornwall to Northeast Scotland has taken in the best of British countryside including the scenic West Highland Way and Ben Nevis which Barry and John climbed together earlier this month. 

But the team has faced tough times during their journey. John has suffered with severe shin splints for prolonged periods and Barry injured himself falling off a badly maintained stile earlier this month, which is still causing him pain.

So far the LeJog challenge has raised almost £15,000 for the four charities and donations are still coming in. What has kept both veterans going is the support of the local communities they have passed through and their family and friends, some of whom have joined them for part of the walk and helped with free accommodation, meals, laundry and moral support. 

Barry says: “We set ourselves a goal to achieve this very difficult task, to walk 1200 miles in 65 days with no rest days, including climbing Ben Nevis. Our extensive military service, self-discipline and determination means neither would allow ourselves to fail.

“We wanted to raise awareness and much needed funds for charities we believe make a difference.”

Sunday will be the culmination of a challenge which has been over almost 18 months in the planning. As they approach John O’Groats, the pair admit to mixed emotions as fatigue and niggling injuries are starting to set in, but they are determined to push themselves to the limit after LeJog is over.

Barry and John hope to lace up their walking boots again just 2 weeks later by taking part in the Army Benevolent Fund’s gruelling 24-hour trek in the Cairngorms, the 54-mile Cateran Yomp on 7th-8th June.

Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund said: “We are so grateful for all the efforts made by Barry and John, and their team in taking on this epic 65-day challenge from Lands End to John O’Groats for the Army Benevolent Fund and other charities.

“It is only thanks to funds raised through events such as these that the ABF is able to offer a lifetime support to soldiers, veterans and their families. We look forward to welcoming both veterans to this year’s Cateran Yomp in June, after some well-deserved rest and recovery!”

The Army Benevolent Fundis here to support the Army community through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides.

Last year, the ABF supported over 75,000 veterans, soldiers and their families in the UK and 50 countries around the world.

Follow the team on https://www.instagram.com/barry_and_john_lejog_walk/ and to support LeJog visit at www.givewheel.com/fundraising/5787/lejog

Police release images of Gorgie robbery suspects

Police Scotland have released images of two males who may be able to assist with their enquiries following a robbery which occurred on Thursday 31 October 2024.

The incident occurred at around 2.40am at the Gorgie Road and Wardlaw Street junction in Edinburgh.

Officers believe the males could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for them or anyone who may recognise them or has information about this incident to get in touch.

The first male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 19-20 years old and approximately 5’8” in height. He has short, thick dark hair and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark zip-up jumper with a Fred Perry logo on the left chest, socks but no shoes.

The second male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 18-19 years old and between approximately 5’11” and 6ft in height. He has short brown hair styled up at the front.

He was seen to be wearing grey jogging bottoms, yellow and purple Nike Dunk style trainers and a black hooded jumper.

A Police Scotland representative said: “We urge the males pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible”.

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1439 of 31 October 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police make further arrests in organised crime feud

Detectives investigating a number of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland have arrested four men in connection with fire-raising at properties in Edinburgh and Lanarkshire.

Officers executed warrants at addresses in Edinburgh, Whitburn and Bathgate yesterday morning (Friday, 23 May, 2025).

The men, three aged 18 and one aged 31, have been arrested and charged in connection with fire-raising at a house on Pitcairn Grove on Thursday, 8 May.

One of the 18-year-olds, along with the 31-year-old man, have also been arrested and charged in connection with fire-raising at a business premises on Cumbernauld Road in Stepps on the same date.

They are all expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 26 May.

Also, in the past week a 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with two attempted murders and a fire-raising in Glasgow and Bishopbriggs in April.

These are being treated as part of a series of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland and a total of 41 people have now been arrested.

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and a dedicated team of officers from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, with support from local divisions across the country, continue to work together to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “I want to reiterate that violence will not be tolerated and we will not stop until we bring those responsible to justice.

“We continue to work tirelessly and are following a number of positive lines of enquiry

“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims. I want to again thank the public for their continued help and information so far.

“If you know anything about these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Man seriously assaulted in Greenbank

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted in Edinburgh. 

Around 9.20pm last night (Thursday, 22 May, 2025), police received a report a man had been attacked by a group of males on Pitcairn Grove. The 54-year-old man was taken to hospital where he remains. 

Four or five men, all dressed in dark coloured clothing and wearing balaclavas, got out a grey-coloured Land Rover Discovery and attacked the 54-year-old. 

Officers are treating the incident as attempted murder and linked to several incidents which have been ongoing in the east and west of the country. 

Enquiries carried out so far have established the Land Rover Discovery travelled eastbound along the M8 and officers are appealing to any road users on the M8 last night to contact them. 

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “This has been a targeted attack and we are continuing our enquiries to identify those responsible. 

“We know the Land Rover Discovery drove along the M8 eastbound last night. It may have been driven at speed or erratically so I would appeal to any motorists with dash cams to check their footage as the images could be significant to our investigation. 

“If anyone has any information regarding this crime, please contact us.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3866 of Thursday, 22 May, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can remain anonymous. 

Scottish Ambulance staff to compete in Edinburgh Marathon for charity wearing full kit and 10kg bags

TWO Scottish Ambulance Service emergency responders will compete in the Edinburgh Marathon wearing full uniform, including boots, and a 10kg ambulance response bag to raise money for The Ambulance Service Charity (TASC).

Jack Falconer, Technician of Wick Ambulance Station, and Dominic Ballisat, Technician of Edinburgh Ambulance Station, will run the event on May 25.

So far they have raised more than £2000 for TASC.

Dominic said: “We decided to do the marathon to help raise money for TASC as we are grateful for the amazing work they do in supporting our colleagues and their families in their time of need.”

Jack added: “We decided to run with the kit bag, uniform and boots in order to make it more challenging in the hope it will raise awareness and support for TASC.

“It also highlights the mental and physical stress that ambulance personnel undergo on a daily basis.”

While Dominic, who used to work at Thurso station, has run three marathons before, this will be Jack’s first.

Dominic said: “We have both been training with boots and trousers with a 10kg bag plus water.

“We expect it to be tough especially if it’s hot, but nothing worthwhile is easy.”

Jasmin Rana, TASC’s Head of Income Generation, said: “We’re so grateful to Jack and Dominic for taking on this incredible challenge for TASC!

“As a charity we receive no support from the NHS or ambulance trusts to provide our general services, which means we rely on our incredibly generous supporters to continue supporting our ambulance workers when they’re struggling with their mental, physical or financial wellbeing.

“Thanks to Jack, Dominic and everyone who has supported them, almost £2,500 (including GiftAid) has been raised already, the equivalent of 46 hours of mental health support or 172 financial guidance sessions.

“From everyone at TASC, thank you.”

Support their cause at Dom B is fundraising for The Ambulance Staff Charity

£26 million CashBack for Communities

Increased funding to help young people away from crime

Projects supporting young people at risk of being drawn into criminal activities are to receive up to £26 million over the next three years.

The Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme uses money recovered from seized criminal assets to provide crucial support to young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in offending or antisocial behaviour.

Successful projects in the programme’s next stage (2026-2029) will deliver a range of activities and support for those aged 10 to 25, to help tackle some of the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity. Projects will also provide access to trusted adults who young people can confide in.

Since 2008 CashBack for Communities has invested £156 million and supported around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local authorities in Scotland.

Visiting a project based at Glasgow’s Easterhouse Sports Centre, Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “CashBack for Communities is inspiring. It turns the proceeds of crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young people who take part in projects across Scotland every year.

“Over the course of the next three years of the programme, we are providing £26 million to organisations to deliver diversionary and support work with children and young people.

“By learning new skills and boosting their confidence, it helps young people in our communities who are at risk of becoming involved in crime be diverted from that path and realise their potential.

“Since its inception more than a million young people have received support to turn their lives around, with opportunities provided into employment, education or volunteering.

“CashBack’s success is also testament to the work of law enforcement partners in disrupting organised crime groups – bringing them to justice and seizing their ill-gotten gains, using them to deliver a successful programme across the country.”

CashBack for Communities is a Scottish Government initiative which takes funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and invests them back into communities. It supports delivery of Scottish Government’s Vision for Justice in Scotland.

More information on the CashBack for Communities programme.

Applications for funding open on 12 June 2025.