POLICE have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh.
The incident occurred around 2.30am on Sunday, 12 April, 2026, outside a nightclub in Niddry Street when a man was seriously assaulted.
Officers are keen to speak to the man in the image as he could hold vital information which could assist their enquiries. He is described as aged between 25 and 35 years old, with a medium build and short, dark hair. He was wearing a green-coloured long sleeve top and gilet, blue jeans and black and white trainers.
Detective Constable Mark Richmond said: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information about the incident or if you recognise the man in the image, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 4130 of 12 April, 2026. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given
The health of both Edinburgh’s residents and its economy continue to thrive, according to an annual statistical snapshot of the city.
Figures from the 19th yearly Edinburgh by Numbers show that people living in the Capital spend around 80% of their lives in good health – the largest proportion of any Scottish city – while Edinburgh has the highest employment rate (83.2%) of all major UK cities including London.
Edinburgh by Numbers is collated by the City of Edinburgh Council and is based on data from a variety of sources including the ONS, National Records of Scotland and the Scottish Household Survey.
Highlighting citizens’ wellbeing, the report reveals that Edinburgh has the highest life expectancy of all Scottish cities — 82 years for women and 78 for men – and that 86% of people participate in some kind of sport or fitness activity, including walking.
However, 17% of the city’s population continues to live in relative poverty, while property prices are rising – Edinburgh’s average property price is higher than the rest of the major UK cities outside London, except for Bristol.
Edinburgh’s population is growing, increasing by 9.4% in the decade leading up to 2024, compared to a national average of 4%. Overseas migration is attributed as the main driver behind the growth – with a net migratory effect over ten times greater than the net effect of births and deaths. Despite its growth, Edinburgh remains a relatively low-density city at 2,015 residents per km² which is well below comparable cities such as Manchester (5,099) and Sheffield (4,755).
Statistics published in Edinburgh by Numbers include:
Edinburgh attracted 5 million overnight visits in 2024, generating £2.57 billion in total visitor spend — a 14.3% increase on 2023
Renewable electricity generation rose from 27.3 GWh in 2019 to a peak of 39.7 GWh in 2023, before dipping to 35.5 GWh in 2024 due to reduced bioenergy output
The Capital’s median hourly pay is £20.49 – more than any comparable city other than London and over 50% above the UK Real Living Wage
17% of the city’s residents live in relative poverty (households whose income is below 60% of UK median income in the same year) though this is below the national average of 21%
Close to 23,000 new trees were planted in the council area as part of Edinburgh’s Million Tree City project
Around 60% of trips involve walking or public transport, 68% of short journeys under two miles are made on foot or by bike
86% of residents are satisfied with public transport, more than 20 percentage points above the Scottish average
Edinburgh has the second highest number of higher education students per 1,000 residents (140) of all major UK cities, behind Manchester (148)
The Capital has 36 Green Flag parks – over twice as many as Sheffield, the city with the next highest number of parks with the award
25% of people moving to Scotland from other countries outside the UK come to live in Edinburgh
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“There’s always so much to learn from Edinburgh by Numbers and this year it shows us just what the city has to offer in terms of quality of life, employment opportunities and environment.
“We have more outdoor space than other leading cities while sustainable transport is the norm, with two thirds of short journeys made by foot or bike and Scotland’s highest satisfaction rating for public transport.
“Our economic output exceeds comparable cities, employees here receive fair pay and we have a booming higher education sector, all of which are amongst the reasons our population continues to grow at speed, with overseas migration driving the growth.
“I am proud that so many people coming to Scotland choose to call the Capital home, demonstrating what an inclusive and welcoming place it is. We’ll be celebrating the positive contribution immigration makes to our city in our new campaign, ‘Edinburgh is our Home’.
“Of course, with this popularity comes challenges – housing is in real demand, 17% of the city’s residents still live in relative poverty and the impacts of climate change loom large.
“As we plan for the future, data from Edinburgh by Numbers will be invaluable to our response to these pressures, from our Net Zero ambitions to the implementation of the Visitor Levy and our ambitious housebuilding programme.”
Today (22nd May) marks the anniversary of the worst rail disaster in British history, the Quintinhsill Rail Disaster, which will be marked at an annual Memorial Service at Rosebank Cemetery in Edinburgh on Saturday.
Taking place on 22nd May, 1915, at the height of the First World War, the event occurred at the Quintinshill signal box near Gretna Green. A train packed with nearly 500 members of the Leith Battalion of the Royal Scots, travelling from Larbert, collided with a local passenger service at Quintinshill.
Straight afterwards, a Glasgow-bound express train smashed into the wreckage at Quintinshill, setting off a devastating fire which engulfed the troop train. In total, around 226 people were killed (215 of whom were soldiers) and a further 246 people were injured.
Some bodies were never recovered, having been wholly consumed by the fire, and when the bodies of the men of the Royal Scots were returned to Leith, they were buried together in a mass grave in Rosebank Cemetery.
As we mark the 111th anniversary of this disaster, it is heartening to see continued recognition of this event, which I suspect few are aware of.
Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers, has launched its earliest ever summer campaign across Scotland to help young people stay safe from the very start of the holidays.
Supported by Network Rail Scotland, the campaign launches today, weeks before schools break up – so young people hear these messages before summer reaches its peak. It focuses on making positive choices, staying safe online, violence prevention, looking out for each other and knowing how to speak up 100% anonymously if they are worried about crime.
It also comes ahead of key moments in the summer calendar, including the end of exams and major events and festivals across Scotland, when more young people are out and about, travelling and spending time in new places with friends.
Throughout the summer, Fearless will be out in communities, transport hubs and at major events including Youth Beatz and TRNSMT, speaking directly with young people. The campaign offers practical, non-judgemental support wherever young people spend their time. It will also run across TikTok and Snapchat, with content shaped by young people themselves and grounded in the reality of their lives.
Through fearless.org, young people can share information about crime 100% anonymously. No names. No contact details. No way of tracing where potentially lifesaving information came from.
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless National Manager for Scotland, said:“As a mum to teenagers, I’m very aware that children only get 18 summers before adulthood. I want this to be a great one for young people right across Scotland.
“I want all young people to enjoy themselves, get home safely every day and feel supported to make good choices. That’s what summer should be.
“That’s why we’re launching our campaign earlier than ever, with more visibility and more time spent where young people are, giving them the information and conversations they need to navigate the holidays.
“If you work with or look after young people, please tell them about our charity. They can follow us on our new Scotland TikTok @Fearless_Scot and use our website fearless.org to get the information they need to keep them safe.
“We all need to be there for young people this summer. We need to be present. We need to recognise that they belong in our communities and show them that we believe in them.”
Innis Keith, Health, Safety and Environment Director at Network Rail Scotland, said:“Thousands of journeys are made safely every day on Scotland’s Railway.
“The real risk comes from poor decisions like trespassing, taking shortcuts, or trying to take photos or videos near the tracks. Moments like these can have life‑changing or fatal consequences.
“Through Fearless, we want young people to understand that their choices in those moments really matter.
“The campaign gives them the confidence to look out for themselves and their friends, to speak up when something feels wrong, and to make better decisions around the railway.
“When they feel informed and supported, it’s more likely they’ll make choices that get them home safely.”
A family-run property developer has broken ground on a new residential development in the West of Edinburgh, supported by a £20m funding package from Bank of Scotland.
The New Village, led by Edinburgh-based S1 Developments, will form part of real estate investment group Parabola’s wider multi-million-pound regeneration of Edinburgh Park, creating a new urban neighbourhood alongside commercial and leisure space.
Bank of Scotland’s funding has enabled the commencement of the first phase of properties at The New Village, comprising 146 private homes for sale. The all-electric homes include studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments and mews houses, with views across either a landscaped courtyard or the Pentland Hills.
Residents will have access to the wider amenities and cultural attractions planned for Edinburgh Park, including a multi-sport recreation area, a square with cafes, a children’s play area, offices, an art trail featuring works by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, hotels and Edinburgh’s first indoor arena, the 8,500-capacity AEG Arena. The development is well connected to the city centre and airport by public transport, and is already home to leading independent bakery, Patina
Once complete, S1 Developments will deliver 397 new homes at The New Village, with a further 160 affordable units being delivered in tandem by social enterprise, Places for People. The development will supplement Edinburgh Park’s wider delivery of a further 864 rental properties, including more than 200 proposed mid-market rent homes.
Founded in 2007 by brothers Dan and Shane Teague, S1 Developments has led on several high-profile, mixed-use sites across Scotland’s central belt, including the Ropeworks, Ellersly Road and Temple Park Crescent in Edinburgh.
Dan Teague at S1 Developments, said: “The New Village will be a neighbourhood that places connectivity and quality of life at its heart.
“Every element, from the landscaped green spaces and access to amenities and cultrual attraction, has been carefully considered to create a place where people can feel part of a community.
“Breaking ground on the first homes marks an exciting moment in our collaboration with Parabola to create a vibrant new future for Edinburgh Park.”
Graeme Steel, Relationship Director at Bank of Scotland, added: “This is an important milestone in the transformation of Edinburgh Park.
“The New Village is shaping a new era of residential-led regeneration, delivering quality, sustainable homes alongside the amenities and public spaces needed to support building a thriving community where people want to put down roots.
“We look forward to continuing our support for S1 Developments on a project that will unlock and deliver significant long-term economic and social value for the city, contributing towards much needed housing stock and cementing our ambitions to unlock scalable financial models for regeneration and housing delivery.”
Dementia Action Week (18–24 May) is a time to focus on understanding dementia and supporting the people affected by it across Scotland.
Around 90,000 people in Scotland are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to grow in the years ahead. However, many people continue to live well with the right information, support and environment around them.
This week is about taking practical action. Small, everyday changes can make a positive difference – from learning more about dementia, to showing patience and understanding, and helping to create communities where people feel supported and included.
Across Scotland, organisations are working together to strengthen support. NHS 24 works in partnership with Dementia Friendly Communities and local groups, such as the Dementia Heroes, offering welcoming, accessible spaces for people living with dementia and their carers to connect and access support.
If you’d like to learn more about dementia, support someone, or find practical advice on living well, visit NHS inform for trusted information on:
A World Cup-themed blood donation event has brought together representatives from Scotland, Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in a show of solidarity, highlighting the urgent need for donors ahead of a busy summer.
Glasgow Blood Donor Centre saw supporters come together to donate blood side by side as Scotland prepares to face these nations on the world stage. The event used football’s global appeal to spotlight falling donor numbers and the importance of maintaining blood supplies during major national moments.
— SNBTS-Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (@givebloodscot) May 21, 2026
Pauline Stewart of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service said: “‘Today’s session had a fun theme but a serious message. Blood donation attendance fell by over 20% following Scotland’s World Cup qualification, and fewer than 2% of the population are active donors.
‘With demand expected to increase over the summer, we need people to step forward now. While these nations will meet on the pitch, today we’re coming together for something far more important – saving lives.
‘We hope this shows how football can unite communities in a different way – with a shared goal of helping others.’
Members of the band Scratchcard Wednesday lending their support
Among those taking part was Leilani Taneus-Miller (Haiti), an Edinburgh-based writer, who attended with her children Dashiell, a footballer, and Oceane, a nurse.
Leilani said: ‘The World Cup is a global reminder of the joy, passion and progress we can achieve when we come together. I encourage as many people in Scotland and Haiti to give blood.’
Fernanda Dal Piaz (Brazil), Deputy Consul at the Consulate General of Brazil in Edinburgh, also took part alongside Glasgow-based barber Allison Rodrigues.
Fernanda said: ‘I can’t wait for the World Cup. Football means so much to us Brazilians, and we know it means as much to the Scots too after 28 years of not being at the World Cup.
“Our two nations also have a proud belief in the importance of giving blood.’
Taoufik Mohdit (Morocco), a software engineer, joined the event and highlighted the importance of donation within his community.
Taoufik said: ‘Donating blood is something very important to the Moroccan community. I’m happy to join with my Scottish friends in saving lives, even though I will be supporting Morocco on the pitch!’
Duncan Sloan (Scotland), a taxi driver representing the Tartan Army, also attended alongside members of the band Scratchcard Wednesday, including Dexter Brady and Tyrese Ojo.
Duncan said: ‘This is a fantastic event. The Tartan Army have always been all about sticking together and looking after each other.
“I’m proud to donate blood with my new friends from Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.’
Scratchcard Wednesday member Dexter Brady said: ‘It’s really important that young people sign up as only two percent of Scotland currently donate. Blood donation is such an important cause. Mon out this summer and save lives!’
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is continuing to encourage anyone eligible to support Team Scotland by booking an appointment to give blood.
Scotland needs donations from 450 people every day to meet hospital demand, with fewer than 2% of the population currently active donors.
