‘Our message is simple: the best approach is NONE’

POLICE LAUNCH DRINK/DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN

Sadly, statistics show that this is the time of year when Scotland’s road users are at their highest risk of being killed or seriously injured because the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sometimes “just one drink” can push you over the legal limit and in turn have devastating consequences.

The video (below) from THINK road safety is a reminder that you should not succumb to peer pressure in social situations. Every life is worth more than any extra drink.

Speaking about the launch of a campaign to tackle this issue, our national Head of Road Policing Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston said: “As we head towards summer there are many additional social events for people to attend, such as barbecues with family and friends or larger organised events such as town shows or village galas. All are perfect opportunities to socialise in relaxed surroundings and many people will take the opportunity to have an alcoholic drink.

“Whatever the occasion, as responsible individuals, we all have a duty to consider the amount of alcohol we consume if we intend on driving. It is important to remember that the measures of alcoholic drinks consumed at social events can be significantly more than pub measures. Unfortunately, people can get caught up in the moment and unintentionally or otherwise over-indulge in alcohol.

“Drivers must consider that even if you make alternative arrangements to get home after an event, you could be over the limit the next day, depending upon the amount you have had to drink. The effects of alcohol do not wear off immediately and drivers must be aware of this if they intend driving the following morning. Make sure you do not get caught out.

“Over the next week our increased visibility and activity throughout the country aims to reassure the public that drink/drug driving is highly dangerous and publicly unacceptable. If you choose to drink and drive or drive whilst unfit due to the effects of drugs there is a high likelihood that you will be caught.

“Our message is simple – the best approach is none.”

Police Scotland is committed to achieving the Scottish Government’s 2020 casualty reduction targets by tackling the risks associated with drink/drug driving and the campaign supports the service’s efforts to reduce road casualties.

Anyone with information on drink/drug drivers can contact Police Scotland on 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call 101 or Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111

Make a will this May and help hearts near you

National charity Heart Research UK has partnered with McClure Solicitors in Edinburgh to promote the importance of making a Will or updating an existing Will. Throughout May 2017 McClure Solicitors in Edinburgh will join forces with Heart Research UK to provide a special Will writing service, waiving their usual fee but providing the same Will service and advice – in return for a donation to Heart Research UK. Continue reading Make a will this May and help hearts near you

Lettters: Brickbats and bouquets

Dear Editor

The outgoingCity of Ediburgh Council received many justified Brickbats for some policy decisions. They also deserve Bouquets for others, for example:-

Planting new trees in the spaces where very old trees have had to be removed all along the dual carriage
of Muirhouse & Silverknowes Parkway, for All of us now and future generations to see their beauty.

The second bouquet is for the decision to restrict vehicle speed in the City to a sensible limit for the benefit
of all who live and work here. The only people who are put out are those who think it is their right to drive as they wish regardless of the danger to others.

Well done the Council!

Tony Delahoy (by email)

 

Give a unique bird house a new home!

ROOST bird box auction this afternoon

Get along to the Custom Lane in Leith’s Commercial Street this afternoon, snap up a beautiful bird box and support a brilliant local charity into the bargain!

ROOST project’s bird boxes will go under the hammer this afternoon with all proceeds going to support the work of North Edinburgh Arts. Fun starts at 12.30with the live public auction at 2pm.

Artist Lindsday Perth, who dreamed up the ROOST idea, said: “Finally we are here, the ROOST Birdhouse Auction. Preparations are underway, getting the birdhouses ready, working with the awesome venue, Custom Lane, to make this one happening event! .

“So this what is happening and when on Sunday May 7:

12:30pm – Silent Bid closes for birdhouses 0-50, winning bids announced @ 1pm

2pm –  LIVE AUCTION starts for birdhouses 51 – 100.

Bids will start at £4 and increase £1. Cash  and cheques accepted. I fully expect a full on brawl between bidders!

“There will be several cases of Paolozzi beer, juice, sunshine and all for a good cause. Monies are going to North Edinburgh Arts maker and crafts groups, several of which have recently lost funding. These groups are vital in supporting the community and drawing people towards place, identity, creativity and a feeling of civic pride.”

Go on … you know you want one!

 

Still smokin’ after all those years: Fags’n’Matches back at the Maybury!

Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh, located on South Maybury, is set to host the return of legendary local band Fags ‘n’ Matches, over fifty years after their first performance at the venue, which was known then as the Maybury Roadhouse. Continue reading Still smokin’ after all those years: Fags’n’Matches back at the Maybury!

Give us a home!

Rehoming Week 8 – 14 MAY

The Scottish SPCA is encouraging animal lovers in Edinburgh and the Lothians to consider giving a rescue pet a second chance at happiness. Staff at the charity’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno are hoping to find new homes for 63 dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries, horses and other pets in their care this Rehoming Week, which runs from 8-14 May. Continue reading Give us a home!