Category: West Pilton

Police appeal following another deliberate fire in Niddrie

Detectives are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Hay Drive in the early hours of this morning.

Around 1.20am on Friday, 4 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a fire, which also spread to a neighbouring property. Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished.

There were no reports of any injuries but substantial damage has been caused to both properties.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, officers believe this incident may be linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as soon as possible.

“While we believe this was a targeted attack, the fire has spread to a neighbouring property and the consequences could have been far more serious.

“Our enquiries suggest this incident is linked to groups who are actively targeting each other but we understand this will be concerning for the local community.

“Please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved. Our action this week demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.”

A motorbike carrying 2 individuals was seen in the area around the time of the fire and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

Detective Superintendent Grainger added: “We would urge anyone with information, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw this motorbike in the area.

“Please think back – did you see this vehicle? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?

“If you have any information at all, please contact us.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.

“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Two further arrests have been made after more warrants were executed this week in Edinburgh following this series of incidents.

On Thursday, 3 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at five addresses across Edinburgh and Musselburgh.

A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, were seized, along with drugs and cash.

Two men, aged 25 and 33, were arrested and charged with drugs offences. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A 38-year-old man was also reported to the Procurator Fiscal, and a 30-year-old man was given two recorded police warnings, for drugs offences.

Detectives, supported by firearms officers, also executed two additional firearms search warrants in the Leith area of Edinburgh this morning (Friday, 4 April). The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.

So far officers have arrested six people in total, checked around 1600 vehicles and recovered eight which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “These incidents could have had much more serious consequences and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity across the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.

“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”

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.

Edinburgh incidents: Four Arrests

Four people have been arrested after warrants were executed at five properties as part of a pre-planned operation following a series of incidents in Edinburgh.

Yesterday, Wednesday, 2 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at addresses across Edinburgh.

A number of items relevant to the investigation were seized at four of the five properties, including a stolen Range Rover.

A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with threatening and abusive behaviour following an incident on Thursday, 20 March, 2025. He is due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 3 April, 2025.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged for reset of a stolen motor vehicle. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Thursday, 3 April, 2025.

A 34-year-old woman was also arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle but was released pending further enquiries.

A 16-year-old man was arrested for reset of a stolen vehicle, various road traffic offences, and being in possession of an offensive weapon for incidents which occurred on Friday, 7 March, 2025. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.

So far officers have gathered intelligence around 1600 vehicles and recovered seven which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, we believe the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.

“I want to reassure the community that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our action today demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.

“This operation is a result of extensive investigatory work over a number of weeks and we will continue to utilise detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland as this continues.

“Disruption is just one area of our work and we will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to relentlessly pursue individuals who engage in violence within this city.

“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “These incidents could have had much more serious consequences and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity across the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.

“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”

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.

Community Council Elections 2025 – 2nd call for nominations

Community Council Elections 2025 – 2nd call for nominations

Nomination forms can be downloaded by clicking on the community council name above (an example completed nomination form is available here)

Local Interest Group Nomination Form are also available here (an example completed Local Interest Group nomination form is available here)

Completed nomination forms can be returned by:

  • email to community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk (see tips below).
  • post to the Governance Team, The City of Edinburgh Council, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG.
  • hand in to Waverley Court reception.

The quickest method to return completed nomination forms is by email to the Governance Team at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk 

If candidates choose to return by hand or by post please ensure sufficient time is allowed for the nomination form to be received before the deadline at 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.  

Nominations close at 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.

Our webpages have been updated with the Notice of Community Council Election 2025.

Please share with your networks to encourage nominations for the above 8 Community Councils.

Completing a nomination form

Please review the example Nomination Paper for Community Council Elected Representative and the example Local Interest Group Registration and Nomination Form.  All sections in yellow must be completed.

Declaration of Acceptance

If successful, candidates will be required to sign a Declaration of Acceptance at the first community council meeting declaring that, having been elected to the office of Community Councillor they

A copy of the Declaration of Acceptance can be viewed on our website.

Community Council election timescales (for the above 8 Community Councils)

Here is a breakdown of the important dates:

  • nomination period runs from 27 March 2025 until 17 April 2025. This is when candidates can nominate themselves to stand for election as a community councillor for one of the 8 community councils detailed above.
  • Poll date (if needed) will be 15 May 2025. A poll will only be held in a community council area if there are more people nominated than places on the community council.
  • new community council term will start on 28 March 2025. It will last four years.

Nominations are for the 8 community councils agreed in the new Scheme for Community Councils and new boundaries which were approved by Council on 26 September 2024. The Scheme and Boundaries agreed on 26 September 2024 took effect on 28 March 2025.

The other 39 community councils in Edinburgh received sufficient nominations to form during the previous nomination period and have had their election results published and will establish once the new terms starts on 28 March 2025.

CEC Governance Team

ECCAN: Heating North Edinburgh

ONLINE MEETING – MONDAY 31 MARCH 2 – 3.30pm

Calling all community activists in Newhaven / Trinity / Granton / West Pilton – can you share your ideas about how decisions should be made on heating system changes coming within 5-15 years?

– How to tackle fuel poverty? Stop energy leaking out of homes!

– After gas … what? Heat pumps or heat networks?

These are big technical options being discussed right now by the Scottish Government and the City Council.

– Do you want a say in the new arrangements the infrastructure needed?

– Share your views on what will happen when gas no longer heats homes / workplaces.

– Could a Local Place Plan / a Local Energy Plan help?

This online workshop is for community organisers and residents interested in the issues. It will inform future funding applications and support for community organisations looking to take control of their journey to a low carbon future.

Book you place: https://tinyurl.com/2vfp5kv8

#community

#newhaven

#trinity

#granton

#westpilton

#heating

#localenergyplan

Major investigation into criminal incidents in Edinburgh continues

POSSIBLE LINK TO THIRD INCIDENT NOW BEING INVESTIGATED

The major investigation into the discharge of firearms and associated criminal incidents in Edinburgh is continuing. 

A team of detectives, along with specialist and divisional officers, are working on this inquiry. Significant CCTV footage has also been collected which is being scrutinised and officers continue to gather additional information via door-to-door enquiries.

On Saturday afternoon, officers conducted road and vehicle checks in the Ferry Road, Niddrie and Pennywell areas. These road checks will continue as part of the ongoing investigation.

A report of a suspicious fire in Hay Drive today – Sunday, 23 March – is now also being investigated.  

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.

“We are taking strong action to disrupt this criminal activity and a lot of work, which may not always be visible, is ongoing. Additional officers are currently deployed to specifically target criminals and disrupt their activities.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into a number of incidents in Edinburgh. From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other. 

“The local division and senior management are being provided with support from our national Specialist Crime Division and Operational Support Division.

“We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers.

“We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

“Finding those who carried out these reckless acts is paramount. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police.”

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.

Police believe West Pilton incident was ‘targeted attack’

Detectives are appealing for information after a firearm was discharged at a property in Edinburgh.

Around 7.55am on Friday, 21 March 2025, officers received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged in West Pilton Bank.

Officers attended and there were no reports of any injuries.

From investigations carried out so far, officers believe this was a targeted attack and extensive enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for this dangerous act as soon as possible. I would urgently appeal to anyone with information to please get in contact with us.

“We believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other and extensive enquiries are ongoing into this line of investigation.

“We have a dedicated team who are trawling CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

“I would be keen to hear from anyone in area who has dash cam, private CCTV or doorbell footage from Thursday night into Friday morning.

“There will continue to be a police presence in the area while our investigation is ongoing.”

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “Thankfully no one was injured in this incident but I understand this will be very worrying for the people living in this community.

“Officers will remain the area and I would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“I want to reassure the local community we are fully committed to tracing the person responsible as soon as possible.

“If you have any information or footage that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Road closure following police incident in West Pilton Bank

Around 7.55am this morning (Friday, 21 March), Police received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged at a property in West Pilton Bank, Edinburgh.

Officers are in attendance and there are no reports of any injuries.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances and a significant police presence will remain in the area.

Road closures are in place at West Pilton Road and Pennywell Road and we are asking people to avoid the area.

Inspector Alan Healy said: “We understand this incident will be very worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“Enquiries are at an early stage and officers will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and I would urge anyone with questions or concerns to approach them – they are there to help.”

Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.

CREATE calm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on Friday

Join us for CREATE calm, an inclusive play sessions for children, this Friday 21st March at 2.45pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Experience the joy of play in a welcoming, supportive space! Our CREATE calm taster sessions are for local families with children aged 0-7 that might benefit from a smaller group and a calm, quieter experience.

This could include children with disabilities or health concerns; autism; neurodivergent; those struggling with school or other learning environments; challenging family or care circumstances; or other social or emotional support needs.

No diagnosis or referral needed – parents, carers, and siblings are welcome!

🌟 Safe, accessible play space

🎭 Activities tailored to sensory needs and interests

❤ Opportunities for family bonding and connection

👩‍👧 Families can explore and play at their own pace

☕ Tea, coffee & snacks provided

To find out more and register, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/neaevents

*By ‘local families’ we mean families living in the community surrounding North Edinburgh Arts, which includes areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Granton.

Book your Birthday Party at PYCP

To all local families in Edinburgh looking for a venue for your child’s birthday party we offer a fabulous package.

It’s easy to park and loads of space for children to run around and have fun. The full package for up to 25 children aged 0 -12 includes:

* Two hours party time (plus set up and close at end)

* Use of gym hall

* Bouncy castle with slide

* Modern soft play area and ball pit

* Cafe area for party food and kitchen area to set up

* Available on Saturdays and Sundays (daytime only)

To find out more get in touch with us or visit our website https://lnkd.in/ewKKpUhw

As a registered charity any profit made goes straight back in to the running of our clubs and groups throughout the year.

Please share with family and friends.

Thanks

PY Team

North Edinburgh Film Festival

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY from 11 – 5 at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

🎬 2025 North Edinburgh Film Festival – don’t miss this family-friendly celebration of film and community stories!

Presented by Screen Education Edinburgh and North Edinburgh Arts, this year’s NEFF brings a diverse programme of over 30 films – from powerful local stories to short animations and global perspectives.

📅 Saturday 22 February 2025, 11am-5pm

📍 West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

🎫Free event

Highlights include:

📽️Films from North Edinburgh – stories made by the community, for the community

🌍 Global shorts & animations, from near and far

🎭 Special performance by Curious Seed, featuring films by local artists and Craigroyston Community High School pupils

🎥 Workshops for aspiring filmmakers of all ages

The day also includes film installations and free food for attendees and wraps up with a screening of eight new locally made films. There’s plenty to explore so come and join us!