Two men have been convicted of the attempted murder of another man in Edinburgh in 2020.
Paul O’Docherty, 30 and Jake O’Docherty, 27, (pictured) were found guilty on Tuesday (1st March) following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
They attacked the man, who was 34-years-old at the time, in an alleyway off Panmure Place during the evening of Sunday, 13 September, 2020.
Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor said: “Both O’Dochertys subjected this man to a violent attack which has had lasting impact on the life of the victim.
“They will now face the consequences of their brutal behaviour following this guilty verdict.While it cannot change what happened, this will hopefully provide some closure for the victim.”
The two men are due to be sentenced on Monday, 28 March.
PM statement on the vote at the UN General Assembly: 2 March 2022
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We are united in our abhorrence to the evil actions of Putin’s regime and stand side-by-side on the international stage as we deplore its aggression in the strongest possible terms.
“Rarely has the contrast between right and wrong been so stark. 141 countries voted to condemn Putin’s war.
“Along with my almost daily conversations with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, I have engaged world leaders in our joint mission to denounce Russia’s actions and make clear – for the sake of innocent civilians – Russia should withdraw from Ukraine and Putin must fail.
“We are – and will continue to be – unified in our resounding admiration for the courage and bravery of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people.”
“International pressure will not relent until every Russian soldier is out of Ukraine”
UK statement after UN General Assembly vote on aggression against Ukraine
Thank you, Mr President, Colleagues,
The United Nations spoke clearly this morning.
141 countries voted in favour of this resolution and against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
It is a clear message:
that we condemn President Putin’s war;
that we support the Ukrainian people;
that we uphold the principles of the Charter.
Russia’s international isolation is clear for all to see.
The Russian people did not want this isolation. They did not want this war.
President Putin’s decision to start this war has made Russia a global pariah.
We will ensure President Putin’s war of choice comes at a heavy cost.
International pressure and isolation will not relent until every Russian soldier is out of Ukraine.
The free world stands with the people of Ukraine.
Our votes today are for the brave Ukrainians who are suffering the barbaric shelling of their cities and are besieged by Russian forces.
We must support the Ukrainian people with the diplomatic, economic, humanitarian and defensive military assistance they so desperately need.
And our votes today are for the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of every state.
We have stood up against those who seek to redraw the world’s borders by threat or use of force.
For if President Putin’s aggression against Ukraine goes unchecked, which country could be next?
Today we have shown that we will defend together the Charter and the rules we built together.
I thank you, Mr President.
Dame Barbara Woodward, the UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New Yorkyesterday
To find out how sentimental the country is, Ryman decided to find out which moments top the list for which Brits would relive, given the chance. And it turns out, Edinburgh residents are not always as sentimental as the rest of the nation.
The moment Edinburgh dwellers would most like to relive is the birth of their child. 35.29% of respondents said this is the moment they’d most like to experience again – slightly higher than the national average.
Second on the list was in fact their wedding day, with 29.41% of respondents, more than 10% higher than the national average!
Coming in third place is a less sentimental answer – highlighting the love Edinburgh dwellers have for getting away – with 25% voting to relive the holiday of a lifetime.
Despite being more sentimental to some key moments such as the birth of their child, fewer residents of Edinburgh would opt to relive the day they got their pet; less than 9% of respondents agreed this would be the day they’d hurry back given the chance. This compares to almost 15% nationally.
In fact, more people would relive their holiday of a lifetime (25%) over the day they got their beloved pet!
In other shocking news, Edinburgh residents were less interested in reminiscing about the day of their proposal, with only 2.94% of respondents selecting this moment, making this nearly 5% less than the national average – the second lowest score out of all of those quizzed!
See the full table of results below, while the national results can be found here.
What moment(s) or day(s), if any, would you most like to relive?
The birth of my child/children
35.29%
The holiday of a lifetime
25.00%
The time I first met my partner
19.12%
A family holiday from childhood
17.65%
My wedding day
29.41%
The day I got a pet (dog, cat, etc.)
8.82%
The day I found out I was having a baby
11.76%
There is no moment or day that I would like to relive
10.29%
The day I bought my first house
11.76%
Achieving a lifelong ambition or skill (winning an award, graduating, etc.)
11.76%
Eating the best meal I’ve ever had
4.41%
The day I left a job I didn’t like
5.88%
The day I was proposed to/proposed
2.94%
Ticking an activity off my bucket list (skydiving, charity work, etc.)
Popular Netflix series, The Crown, has boosted visitor numbers to Scotland’s East Cairngorms, the home to the royal family’s Scottish seat, Balmoral Castle, according to local tourism guides.
Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG) has attributed this, in part, to the interest the drama has sparked in the area’s local history and heritage.
Simon Blackett, who owns and runs Yellow Welly Tours, says that similar to the effect that other viral TV series have had on Scotland, the same is being experienced in the East Cairngorms.
“Hype around The Crown has definitely increased visitors’ interest in the area’s royal connection. It’s certainly worked in our favour as people want to know what we think and over the years I’ve been lucky to meet members of the royal family so I can give visitors a feel for the role they play and the fantastic interest they take in the local area.
“Interestingly though, visitors’ curiosity goes beyond our more recent royal history with most particularly intrigued by the Jacobite period with the 6th Earl of Mar raising the standard in Braemar to signify the start of the 2nd Jacobite Rising in 1715.”
To help visitors explore the area’s rich history – which includes clan wars, Queen Victoria’s role in establishing a strong royal tie and military occupations – the BBA and BTG have launched the Jacobite Whisky Trail as part of their Imagine More campaign.
The trail will combine whisky with the area’s unique history starting with the Jacobite period. Tourists in the area can explore the landmarks, and relive the experiences of bygone eras, by planning their visit through a new interactive site map produced by BTG and BBA.
The trail also takes you to important heritage locations such as Braemar Castle, the nearby graveyard, Braemar village and the monument commemorating the Raising of the Standard for the 1715 Jacobite Rising.
Further west the trail reaches the River Quoich Punchbowl where, the previous day, a huge gathering of Jacobite leaders and clansmen had toasted ‘the King over the Water’ from a large hollow in the flat rocks, filled with whisky and honey.
Maureen Kelly, who is a guide at Braemar Castle, says that although the East Cairngorms was similar to the ‘Wild West’ from the 16th to the 18th century, major historic moments have occurred there throughout the ages.
“Looking beyond the Jacobite period, there are so many stories and major events for visitors to immerse themselves in. During the Second World War the East Cairngorms was home to commandoes doing artic training; Canadian lumberjacks who established a camp near Mar Lodge to support the war effort harvesting wood from the Caledonian forest; and around 100 evacuated Belgian children were housed in the Invercauld Arms Hotel.”
The campaign, which includes a website, promotional video, digital trail map, and trip planner, is part of a series of five which aim to inspire visitors to explore the East Cairngorms as a year-round destination for outdoor activity.
Helping Your Community Grow initiative in Edinburgh
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is helping green spaces and indoor areas across Edinburgh and the Lothians blossom this spring with the return of its much-loved Helping Your Community Grow initiative, with an enhanced sustainability focus for 2022.
Launched in 2010, the initiative encourages people across Edinburgh to take care of their green spaces. For 2022, Dobbies is seeking local groups striving to help their community space flourish in a sustainable way.
Both the Dobbies and little dobbies stores are offering the opportunity to get involved. Whether it’s a community allotment project to get kids eating more fruit and vegetables, a wildflower garden with pollinating flowers for bees and insects or a calming outdoor space for boosting mental health, Dobbies wants to help communities transform their space.
Helping Your Community Grow is calling for local groups from all over the Lothians to get in touch through an application form via Dobbies’ website, showcasing their community space that needs some attention and what they plan to do if they receive Dobbies’ support.
Successful groups will be given advice, products and time to help transform their outdoor spaces using Dobbies’ sustainable products where possible.
This could include peat-free compost, recycled and recyclable pots, UK-sourced plants and safer pest control products. The team at the little dobbies store in Stockbridge are looking to transform an indoor space with air purifying houseplants that will breathe life into a community space.
Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies said: “Community is at the forefront of what we do at Dobbies and we’re proud to be relaunching our Helping Your Community Grow initiative in our Edinburgh stores this spring.
“We had a brilliant variety of applications last year and it was great to see local community spaces, school vegetable patches and memorial gardens benefit from our support.
“We are particularly keen to hear from projects in Edinburgh who have a sustainable focus to their work and our teams will share their knowledge of sustainable products and practices, to ensure a truly eco-friendly approach.”
In addition to the regional winners, one national winner will receive further support.
Claire Blowers from Noadswood PSA, the national winner from 2021 said: “We really benefitted from entering Helping Your Community Grow in 2021.
“We had invaluable support and advice from the team, along with products that enabled us to transform our space. I would highly recommend community projects submitting entries for this year’s initiative.”
Getting involved couldn’t be easier. Eligible projects must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh store or 5 miles of the little dobbies’ Stockbridge store.
Travelling too fast for the conditions or excessive speed reported in 21% of fatal collisions
The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland* is running a campaign to tackle the serious issue of speeding, delivering a clear message for drivers – ‘there’s no excuse for speeding, even if it’s just a little bit.’
Speeding is one of the riskiest driving behaviours, with travelling too fast for the conditions or excessive speed reported in 21% of fatal collisions, and in 10% of all reported accidents.1
Exceeding the speed limit on all road types is surprisingly common:
33% of people admit to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 30mph zones at least once in the past year.
31% admit to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 20mph areas in the last year.
8% admit to having driven at least once in the past year at 90mph on the motorway.
27% of drivers admit to having sped up through amber at least once in the past year.
13% admit they have exceeded the speed limit by 10 mph in a 30mph zone.2
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “Speeding remains a factor in a number of fatal and serious collisions every year. That’s why I welcome this campaign to tackle this serious issue and deliver a clear message to drivers.
“A collision involving speed can have far-reaching consequences, not only affecting the driver but also their family, the victim’s family, emergency services, and people who witness the incident.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re only slightly over the speed limit – however you try and justify it, there is no excuse for speeding.”
According to Police Scotland many drivers try and justify their speeding behaviour when they’re caught, with excuses including running out of petrol, the road being quiet, trying to beat the rush hour, knowing the road well, and other traffic also being perceived as exceeding the speed limit.
Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, head of road policing, said: “All too often police officers experience first-hand the tragic consequences of excessive speed on our roads.
“The dangers of speeding are well-known and the consequences can be devastating, life changing and long lasting. Excessive or inappropriate speed can cause serious harm to others, especially more vulnerable road users and it’s a risk not worth taking.
“If you’re caught speeding you will be fined, have your licence endorsed and could even lose your licence.”
Running across multiple platforms including radio and digital, the Scotland-wide campaign highlights some of the excuses commonly used by drivers to justify their speeding behaviours, while reminding those behind the wheel that, if they’re caught, they could face severe penalties.
By repeating the words ‘a little bit’ over and over, the ad creative emphasises that it doesn’t matter that you’re only slightly over the speed limit – you know there’s no excuse for speeding.
The RNIB See Differently Awards, alongside headline sponsor Amazon Alexa, recognise and celebrate outstanding work to support people with sight loss.
A campaigning group of people from Edinburgh have been shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of their work to keep eye care services for blind and partially sighted people in their area.
Keep Edinburgh Eye Pavilion (KEEP) has been shortlisted in the Team of the Year category. This award seeks to recognise a team that has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted.
The group was formed following news in late 2020 that the replacement for the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh, the main eye clinic serving the south-east of Scotland, would not go ahead as planned. The provision would instead be moved to the site of St John’s Hospital in Livingston, some 15 miles away from the current Eye Pavilion.
Chaired by Sylvia Paton from Corstophine, all members of KEEP have a visual impairment.
Sylvia, who has sight loss and attends the Eye Pavilion, was asked to comment on the announcement by a local journalist. She did so, outlining her objections which included poor transport links and a site that would be extremely difficult for blind and partially sighted people to navigate.
Sylvia was also worried that losing the Eye Pavilion, which is a teaching hospital, would set scientific research back.
After the interview, a number of people reached out to Sylvia. She said they told her: “We’ve all sat back for long enough.” Those conversations led to the establishment of the Keep Edinburgh Eye Pavilion (KEEP) campaign group.
After seeking advice and support from sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, KEEP began a campaign of letter writing. They wrote multiple letters to key decision makers, including members of the Scottish Government.
Their campaign has led to the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian agreeing that a new eye hospital in Edinburgh should be operational within five years.
There are now eight blind and partially sighted members of KEEP and the group meets at least once a month. Members join online or over the phone and all research, outcomes and other decisions are shared electronically so they are accessible to everyone.
Sylvia said: “I am so pleased for the KEEP team to be shortlisted and therefore recognised for the work they have done. Every member has their own skills, strengths, and experiences, helping the team work together with one objective, to KEEP and improve eye care services in Edinburgh. This recognition will strengthen the work we do.”
The RNIB See Differently Awards, which will be hosted by TV personality and entrepreneur Amar Latif will recognise and celebrate outstanding work to support people with sight loss. They aim to highlight the contributions being made to break down barriers and improve the world for people with sight loss.
RNIB chief executive Matt Stringer said: “The RNIB See Differently Awards celebrate people who are dedicated to making the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people. Our shortlisted National Finalists are all brilliant and we wish them the best of luck.”
The awards will recognise exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Community Contributor of the Year, Best Social Media Impact of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year and the Design for Everyone Award.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place on 29 March 2022.
Scotland sends £2.9 million of urgently needed items
Scotland is sending critical medical supplies and equipment to help Ukraine following the illegal invasion by Russia.
Over 500,000 emergency items valued at about £2.9 million, including hypodermic needles and oxygen masks are being donated by NHS Scotland.
An initial donation will be flown from Stansted Airport in Essex to Poland tomorrow (Thursday) for onward transport to Ukraine and includes wound dressings and bandages. These supplies are urgently needed by the Ukrainian Government.
The medical aid is in addition to £4 million of humanitarian assistance for Ukraine announced by the Scottish Government on Monday, which will help provide basic support such as shelter, water and sanitation.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the NHS equipment storage facility in Motherwell to see the supplies being loaded. She said: “Scotland stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and we are ready to provide whatever support we can in their hour of need.
“The Ukrainian Government has requested critical medical assistance and I am proud of our NHS and all those who have worked tirelessly in recent days to make this initial consignment possible. We will deliver the rest of the supplies as quickly as we can.
“Scotland has strong links with Ukraine – Edinburgh is twinned with Kyiv and many Ukrainians have chosen our country as their home – and we will continue to provide practical help as it faces Russia’s unprovoked and illegal aggression.”
NHS National Services Scotland Chief Executive Mary Morgan said: “We are all very saddened by what is happening in Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those affected.
“Colleagues across NHS National Services Scotland, quickly mobilised to compile this shipment of necessary medical equipment which will go towards supporting the people of Ukraine, and we as an organisation will do whatever we can to support this period of uncertainty.
“Time is of the essence in this these situations, and thanks goes to the NHS teams for a fantastic effort in the coordination of this effort to support the humanitarian effort of Ukraine.”
One in 10 women have endometriosis, but it takes an average of eight years to get a diagnosis.
Gynaecologist from intimate wellbeing brand INTIMINA shares advice for people living with endometriosis and treatment possibilities.
Ground-breaking film ‘The Wait’ sees eight-year-old children use their age to symbolise the eight-year delay and the campaign aims to empower and inform people experiencing similar painful symptoms, who also feel unheard or ignored –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6Rz9A6EyG8
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, affecting one in ten women worldwide.
Despite the seriousness of the disease, it takes an average of eight years just to get a diagnosis. That’s eight long years of enduring terrible pain and the feeling of not being heard.
To help people experiencing symptoms of endometriosis get the help they need sooner, intimate wellbeing brand INTIMINA UK’s gynaecologist Dr Shree Datta shares her advice and guidance:
How to recognise the symptoms
Endometriosis can present itself in different ways from person to person, so it can be very challenging for doctors to diagnose. Common symptoms which suggest endometriosis include cyclical pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, or pain leading up to and during periods. A change in bowel habit, tiredness, and difficulty conceiving can also be common symptoms, so it is important to seek medical advice early.
Keep a symptom diary
Keeping a pain and symptom diary is the best way to describe all of your symptoms before seeing a doctor. Specifically, note down when you experience symptoms concerning your periods, whether they are getting worse, and how they affect your daily activities.
Possible treatments
It may be worth trying to treat your symptoms initially with simple measures such as heat, gentle exercise, pain relief or hormonal medication, before considering more invasive options such as surgery. For some people, it may not be possible to cure endometriosis, and treatments depend on the type and location of endometriosis and how severe it is. Treatment can include medications such as the contraceptive pill, the Mirena coil and/or surgery. In some cases, a mixture of different treatments is needed.
Diet and exercise
Endometriosis is stimulated by oestrogen, so liver and digestive care through nutrition is important. Eating lots of green vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods, as well as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can have an impact on the symptoms of endometriosis. Fish oil supplements and Vitamin B12 can help endometriosis-associated pain. Also, exercising regularly can be beneficial.
Advice for people trying to get pregnant
For people who are trying to get pregnant and have endometriosis, we would advise you to consult your gynaecologist early. Start taking pregnancy supplements three months before you want to conceive and have unprotected sex regularly throughout your cycle when trying to conceive. Most people have no problems conceiving, but it’s worth seeking expert help early.
Don’t be afraid to speak up
Endometriosis symptoms vary from person to person. Sometimes it takes a lot of time for people to acknowledge they have a medical condition and seek professional help. It can be uncomfortable speaking to a doctor about intimate health issues for many, but an open and honest relationship is crucial for getting the correct diagnosis. Millions of people have endometriosis, so educating the public and fighting this taboo is the way to help them speak up and get diagnosed sooner.
Dr Shree Datta’s advice follows the release of INTIMINA’s powerful film, named ‘The Wait’, that gives a voice to those suffering from the condition by featuring eight-year-old children whose age symbolises the damning eight-year wait statistic – with each of the youngsters having been alive for as long as it takes to be diagnosed with endometriosis*.
The children speak the actual words of real adult women who spent years of their lives waiting and fighting for an endometriosis diagnosis.
INTIMINA created ‘The Wait’ film as part of its ongoing Seen + Heard period positivity campaign.
Seen + Heard aims to increase the visibility of menstrual wellbeing across the world, normalise conversations about menstrual health, tackle stigma and bias and raise awareness of conditions like endometriosis – which see millions of people suffering in pain while their voices go unheard.
The Wait follows ‘Period’: a collaboration in 2020 between INTIMINA and Pantone that saw the creation of a shade of red emblematic of a healthy menstrual flow.
Danela Žagar, Spokesperson for INTIMINA, commented: “Endometriosis isn’t a rare disease – it affects one in every 10 women. That’s hundreds of millions of people across the world potentially suffering for years.
“The fact the eight-year statistic hasn’t changed in over a decade is further proof, if it were needed, that we must end the wait for those with endometriosis.
“As a global society we have to be more aware of endometriosis, more sympathetic towards those that have it, to speak up and do everything in our collective power to close the gender health gap and to break the taboos and biases that are not just attached to endometriosis, but to menstrual wellbeing in general.”
Dr Shree Datta added: “Healthcare professionals may assume painful periods are normal if they are unclear on its severity and whether pain relief is required. What’s more, it can be especially difficult examining young teenagers for endometriosis as the findings are not specific and the disease presents differently from person-to-person.
“As such it may take longer to refer people to the correct specialist for further investigation and treatment. It’s heart-breaking to hear that people still suffer in silence when we can support them and provide them treatment to help them through their symptoms – so please come and see us if you have a problem.”
For those looking to find out more about endometriosis or get support, please visit www.endometriosis-uk.org.
FORMER team GB swimmer Mark Foster is calling on people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to take the plunge and sign up for Swimathon 2022.
The swimming hero is helping to highlight the annual fundraiser which raises money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.
He is urging people of all ages and abilities to enter the sponsored event taking place at pools across Scotland from 6-8 May.
With a variety of distances to choose from – from 400m up to 30.9k – Swimathon offers a challenge for swimmers young and old, new and experienced. People can participate individually or as part of a team.
Any swimmers who can’t make one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon, which takes place from 29 April-15 May, and choose a time and venue that suits them.
After another challenging year for the sport, following the impact of the pandemic, Mark is championing the positive power of swimming to help inspire people to get back to the pool.
He said: “Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise, with a wide range of benefits for both your physical and mental health and is accessible to people with varying abilities and needs.
“So, whether you’re a keen swimmer who is in the pool all the time, prefer to be in open water or if you are just dipping your toes in for the first time, Swimathon is the perfect challenge for everyone. That’s why I’m asking everyone to get involved and feel the benefits of this fantastic sport whilst raising money for two great charities in Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.”
Swimathon is the world’s largest annual swimming fundraiser. Since launching in 1986, more than 750,000 swimmers have taken part, raising over £55 million for charitable causes.
This year will also see the Swimathon Foundation donate £2.50 from the entry fee of everybody taking part at an official Swimathon venue to help protect these pools for the future.
Victoria Steven, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Scotland, said: “It really doesn’t matter if you’re not the fittest or the fastest, Swimathon is such a fun and simple way to encourage people to get swimming – all while supporting causes which are close to the hearts of so many.
“1 in 2 of us will get cancer*, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. From proving the link between smoking and cancer to laying the foundations for modern radiotherapy – our scientists have been at the forefront of cancer research for 120 years.
“And we’re not stopping now. That’s why we’re urging swimmers to dive in this spring, raise money and help us keep investing in science today to deliver the treatments of tomorrow. Together we will beat cancer.”
Marie Curie Nurse, Janet Lockheart, and Healthcare Assistant, Amy Chellew, will be undertaking Swimathon this year, after originally planning to do it in 2020.
Janet said: “We decided to do Swimathon to raise money to support the wonderful team at Marie Curie and the people that we care for. We’ve seen first-hand the difference fundraising can make to families that need our support, so to be able to do this for them, and for those supported by Cancer Research UK is amazing.
“Swimming is a great way to get fit and raise money, so we’re really excited – we’ve been waiting two years to say we’ve completed Swimathon.”
Not only will taking part help to raise money, moderate exercise such as swimming can help build stamina, burn calories and keep a healthy body weight, which reduces the risk of a range of diseases including cancer.
Swimming regularly is also gentle on the joints, canlower stress levels, reduce anxiety and depression, andimprove sleep patterns.
Sign up for Swimathon 2022 at swimathon.org. Between 8-16 March use code SPRINGSALE35 for a 35% discount off the registration fee.
