A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the recovery of drugs with an estimated street value in excess of £347,760, in South West Edinburgh.
Around 12pm on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, officers acting on information received searched a flat in Calder Road where they found a cannabis cultivation.
The man was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Post Office is proposing to relocate Wester Hailes Post Office to a new location – Plaza News, Unit 23-26 Upper Ground Floor Level, Westside Plaza, Edinburgh, EH14 2SW.
Wester Hailes Post Office, which is currently directly managed by Post Office, would be run by our new retail franchise partner at the new location within the same shopping centre.
Father and son, Mohammed and Aamir Arshad have run Plaza News, a hardware and convenience store, since 2016. Previously they ran Whitecraig Post Office and off-licence store in Musselburgh for six years.
Post Office Limited recently announced it is moving to a fully franchised network, as part of our wider commitment to deliver a “New Deal for Postmasters”. Over 99% of the Post Office network is already successfully operated on a franchise basis by carefully selected retail partners.
We are confident this would create a long-term, sustainable future for post offices in communities across the UK, including Wester Hailes.
The same range of services would still be available, including an internal ATM.
The opening hours would be Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm. This would be an extra 5 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office service a week including Saturday afternoon and earlier opening on a Tuesday morning than currently for the convenience of customers.
Wester Hailes Post Office would have two open plan serving positions at the retail counter.
There is a car park at the shopping center with dedicated disabled parking bays on upper level where the proposed branch would be located.
Current Post Office employees have the opportunity to TUPE across to continue to work at the relocated branch.
Consultation will close on 13 August. Customers can share their views during the consultation online at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 018824.
Submissions can also be made via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or by telephone 03452 66 01 15 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55.
Police Scotland has released CCTV images of a man officers believe may be able to assist with an ongoing investigation into an attempted robbery and serious assault in Edinburgh.
The incident happened at around 10.35am on Sunday, 13 April, 2025, at Murrayburn Place.
The man officers wish to speak to is described as South Asian in appearance, 25 to 30 years old, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 9ins with black hair and a black beard. He was wearing a black Puffa-style jacket, cream trousers and black footwear.
Detective Constable Beverley Burnside said: “We would appeal to the man in the images, or anyone who recognises him, to contact us as soon as possible.
“Anyone who has information that may assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1097 of Sunday, 13 April, 2025, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Kirsty Herriot, who was reported missing from Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, on Monday, 19 May, 2025 has now been traced.
Thank you to everyone that shared our appeal.
POLICE are appealing for help tracing Kirsty Herriot, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.
The 45-year-old was last seen on Harvesters Way, Wester Hailes, around 4.20pm yesterday (Monday, 19 May, 2025).
She is described as being around 5ft 8in in height, with long red hair, believed to be in a bun. She is wearing an all black outfit, with black fluffy sliders, black glasses and a cross body bag.
Inspector Alison Lawrie said: “Our enquiries to trace Kirsty are ongoing and I am appealing to anyone who has seen Kirsty or who has any information on her whereabouts to contact us.
“We know she was on Harvesters Way around 4.20pm and may have walked towards the Plaza Shopping Centre but her whereabouts after that are unknown.”
Anyone who thinks they may be able to help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 2301 of 19 May, 2025.
On Thursday 10th of April 2025, officers in South West recovered an estimated street value of £50,000 class A drugs from an address in Dumbeg Park.
This was in addition to an estimated street value of £3200 class A and class B drugs seized from an address in Stenhouse Drive earlier in the week.
Two males aged 29 and 31 have been arrested in connection with the enquiry which remains ongoing.
Please continue to report drug dealing in the area.
A brand-new, out-of-this-world experience will arrive at the Westside Centre (formerly the Westside Plaza), Wester Hailes, this Spring, as Galactic Carnival Edinburgh makes its debut between 2nd and 25th May 2025.
This family-friendly carnival promises an interstellar adventure packed with thrilling rides, delicious food, and fun for all ages. Featuring more than 20 rides including Ultra Buzz and Air Rado, as well as food stalls and carnival games, the Galactic Carnival will bring a universe of fun for all ages.
a range of rides suitable for both thrill-seekers and younger adventurers, age is no barrier to reaching the stars!
Running seven days a week, Galactic Carnival Edinburgh will offer Unlimited Ride Wristbands, allowing visitors to enjoy four hours of non-stop excitement. Tickets start from £13. Monday to Thursday are off-peak days, and Friday to Sunday are peak days.
A spokesperson for organiser, MT Attractions, said: “We are excited to bring Galactic Carnival to Edinburgh for the first time. The Carnival is an experience designed to bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
“With something for everyone, we can’t wait to welcome families, thrill-seekers, and the local community to enjoy the magic of the Carnival.”
For information on the Galactic Carnival Edinburgh, please visit:
www.galacticcarnivaledinburgh.co.uk
To buy tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/g/galacticcarnivaledinburgh/
Facebook: Galactic Carnival Edinburgh
Instagram: galacticcarnival.edinburgh
Granton Youth have partnered up with The Junction – Young People, Health and Wellbeing, 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Cafe, Canongate Youth & Wester Hailes Youth Agency to be apart of a project called ‘Time to Talk’ – to try and support more young people across Edinburgh.
If you are aged 12 – 25 and are looking for support then get in touch with ourselves or find the contact information for your area in the poster attached.
Gordon Macdonald SNP MSP has raised serious concerns regarding the upcoming closure of the Bank of Scotland branch in Wester Hailes, warning of the impact of this decision on members of the community who rely on these services.
Lloyds Banking Group have announced that they are closing their Wester Hailes branch on 27 May 2025. This branch provides a crucial service to local residents and its closure risks harming those in the local community who rely on face-to-face banking services.
Gordon Macdonald MSP is therefore seeking a meeting with Lloyds Banking Group to discuss the potential impacts of their decision and to obtain further details regarding support for those most affected.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald said: “This news will be very worrying for those who rely on the Bank of Scotland branch services at the Westside Plaza Shopping Centre in Wester Hailes.
“I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of this closure on members of the community who rely on these services particularly with the Post Office Branch in Wester Hailes also under review which would leave local customers with no means of face to face banking services.
“I am urgently seeking a meeting with the Bank of Scotland to understand the impact of this decision on my constituents, and my office is on hand to support constituents if needed.”
The locations affected:
· Alexandria (Banking Hub and Enhanced Deposit service to be introduced)
· Annan (Banking Hub to be introduced)
· Barrhead
· Bishopbriggs (Banking Hub to be introduced)
· Edinburgh Corstorphine West (Enhanced Deposit service to be introduced)
· Edinburgh Wester Hailes
· Helensburgh (Banking Hub to be introduced)
· Kirkintilloch (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Moffat (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Peebles (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Pitlochry (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Sanquhar (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Thornhill (Enhanced Deposit service and Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Uddingston
POLICE are appealing to trace 33-year-old Marius Thuemmler who is missing from Leith.
Marius was visiting relatives in Edinburgh and was due to travel from Leith to Wester Hailes yesterday. He did not arrive, however, and as a result police were contacted.
Marius is quite distinctive in that he is 6ft 4 in height, has long dark blond hair, a beard and moustache, and numerous tattoos of various designs on his arms.
He is believed to be wearing black jeans, a black hooded top with a t-shirt underneath, and white and green trainers.
Inspector Kenny Robertson, Police Scotland, said: “Marius lives in England and was up visiting relatives over Christmas and New Year. Although he is familiar with Edinburgh, as he doesn’t stay here, he doesn’t have places that he tends to visit regularly.
“We have been checking CCTV and liaising with local bus and taxi companies, as well with as colleagues in British Transport Police, but so far there has been no sightings of him.
“We’d ask anyone who may have seen him, or who knows where he may be to get in touch. We’d also say to Marius to give us a call or return to family. We all want to make sure he is safe and well.”
Information can be passed to police via 101. Please quote incident number 1603 of Saturday, 4 January 2025 when calling
FREE POP-UP DROP-IN EVENTS AT WESTER HAILES POST OFFICE
More than 30 per cent of Scots struggling with their energy bills have never asked for help, new research has revealed.
A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), has found 42 per cent have difficulty managing their energy bills, but 31 per cent have never sought assistance – whether that is by turning to loved ones or seeking professional advice.
It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and local community-based charities to offer free, drop-in events across the UK this winter.
The pop-up events offer 1-2-1 confidential practical support from trained specialists about budget planning, energy debt advice and energy efficiency measures, as well as help with accessing energy debt write-off grants including The Trust’s Individual and Families Fund, and Energy Support Fund.
The next pop-up events are taking place in Edinburgh and Glasgow on the following dates:
When it came to the reasons why Scots don’t seek support, almost half (40 per cent), thought they wouldn’t qualify, a third (34 per cent) cited stigma or embarrassment and a quarter (26 per cent) said that there’s a lack of information.
A fifth believe there isn’t enough energy advice support out there. And almost a third (31 per cent) are worried about how they are going to keep on top of things this winter.
Abi Robins, Director of Responsible Business at British Gas, said: “We know the colder months can be tough on a lot of people and there isn’t always advice readily available.
“Our British Gas advisors will be on hand to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges and access the range of support we offer – not only for our customers but also people who use other energy suppliers.
“The pop-ups are just one part of how we are supporting customers this winter. Grants, fund money and energy advice services are available through the Trust – with donations from British Gas topping £200m since 2004 – as well as providing direct support to struggling customers with matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit.”
The study also found rising costs, difficulty managing finances, and fear of disconnection were among the main concerns when it comes to paying energy bills this winter.
When speaking to someone about getting support, 21 per cent would want a face-to-face conversation. But 33 per cent admit they find it difficult to talk about the struggles they face when paying their energy bills.
Of those who have previously got help, 31 per cent used energy provider payment plans, 29 per cent turned to friends or family, 25 per cent used Government schemes, and 21 per cent sought financial advice or counselling.
Over 50 per cent of all respondents think there should be more support programmes to help people managing rising energy costs.
Jessica Taplin, chief executive of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know some consumers really want face to face advice, so these pop-ups are just one way we’re helping those already struggling with rising living costs this winter.
“These pop-ups, hosted at post offices across the country, provide free, confidential advice directly to communities to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges this winter.
“We offer energy debt write-off grants through our Individuals and Families Fund, and Energy Support Fund, both open now, to households facing fuel poverty, among other criteria.
“We’d encourage anyone needing support to come along and find out more at their local pop up.”
Since the partnership between British Gas Energy Trust and the Post Office was established in 2022, there have been 178 in-person pop-ups in 95 locations from Saint Leonards-on-Sea to the Scottish Isles.
Thousands of people have been provided with step-by-step money and energy advice, checking benefits entitlement, and providing energy saving tips as well as follow up appointments for more in depth conversations.
Simon Lambert, Commercial and Operations Director at Post Office, said: “Every week, more than a million energy customers visit our branches to pay bills or top up.
“These pop-ups – held in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Leeds, Newport and Stockport – are a fantastic way to connect customers with the additional support they may need this winter.”
Additional support available through British Gas Energy Trust includes the Individuals and Families Fund, which is available to British Gas and non-British Gas customers, with grant payments of up to £1,700 available to households in England, Scotland and Wales. This fund is open to applications now.
Additionally, the British Gas Energy Support Fund is available to British Gas customers only who have debts of £250 to £2,000 on their energy account. This fund opened to applications on 4th November.
