A 25-year-old man has been arrested following an investigation into the discharge of a firearm.
The incident occurred at around 3.40pm on Thursday, 24 July, 2025 on Hailesland Gardens, Wester Hailes.
A 23-year-old man was treated in hospital for arm injuries sustained during the incident.
A 36-year-old man was also previously arrested in connection with the incident, but was subsequently released.
Enquiries are ongoing.
Josie from Alness and her sister Adeline have a rare and serious genetic condition. Adeline had a stem cell transplant, and now the family are searching for a stem cell donor for Josie, so she can also have a second chance at life.
DKMS will be at the Bridge of Allan Games on 3 August and Black Isle show on 7 August adding people to the stem cell register
Josie Davidson is 6 and her older sister Adeline is 8. Sadly, the two sisters from Alness in Ross and Cromarty share a rare and life-threatening diagnosis.
Both girls were born with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS), a rare genetic disorder that poses serious health challenges, including bone marrow failure. Both girls were told that they would need a stem cell transplant from a stranger to give them the best possible chance.
Their mother, Steph, explains, “Our eldest daughter, Adeline, was diagnosed in February 2019, and it was a huge shock. At that time, I was also 6 months pregnant with twins.
“It took almost two years for Adeline to have her life-saving transplant, and at times, we thought it was never going to happen. We thought it was over until a new person popped up on the register as a match for Addie – that person gave her a new life.
“In that long wait, of course, the twins were born. At around 6 months old, I had a strong feeling that Josie had the same condition. I just thought, ‘We have to go through it all again.’
“At the moment, there is no match for Josie on the register, so we’re still searching. Because she is so fragile and her condition is so rare, it is so important that we find a perfect match for her.
“It’s a waiting game really – we either wait for that perfect match or we need to wait until she gets poorly, which we don’t want, so the more people on the register, the more likely it is that she’ll get her second chance too.”
Josie’s illness currently requires weekly appointments with many different medical professionals. But a perfect stem cell match could give Josie the chance to enjoy a carefree childhood with her twin brother, Jude, and older sister Adeline.
“Josie is a sweet, loving little girl, strong-willed but a free spirit,” explains Steph. “She loves dressing up, playing games, and doing crafts and activities – the messier, the better for Josie!
“She adores her big sister, and they sing and dance together daily. She doesn’t let her condition stop her. She just loves life and people.”
The family is working closely with blood cancer charity, DKMS, to encourage more people to join the stem cell register. Joining the DKMS stem cell register is a quick and easy process involving some mouth swabs, which takes just a few minutes.
There’s an urgent need for more people to sign up as every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.
Anyone aged 17 – 55 years who is in general good health can register. Thousands of people have already joined the register in response to Josie and Adeline’s story, with some of them being called forward to give other patients a second chance at life. However, Josie is still waiting on her match.
The DKMS Scotland Volunteer Hub will be at the Bridge of Allan Games on 3 August and the Black Isle Show on 7 August and will be helping members of the public to join the stem cell register.
Chris Bain is a stem cell donor from Aberdeenshire and now leads the Scotland volunteer hub for DKMS. He says, “For patients like Josie, stem cell donors offer a crucial second chance.
“The fact that her sister is now doing so well shows the life-changing impact of the stem cell donor register, and having been through this process from the donor side, I know just how easy it is.
“Only a third of patients find a match in their family, so joining the register means that you could give someone more time with the people they love, and potentially save a life.
“We’ll be at the Bridge of Allan Games and the Black Isle Show signing people up to the register, so come say hello and get signed up! It just takes a few minutes – we’ll be there to answer any questions that you have”.
Things you didn’t know about blood cancer:
SUMMER BBQ THIS WEDS 30th JULY 2-5pm (or when the food runs out). FREE, at the community garden (10 Wardieburn Road).
With BBQ from Scran Academy, bread from Granton Garden Bakery, and salad from Lauriston Farm (Edinburgh Agroecology Coop). ALL WELCOME!
Wednesday gardening club is on as usual from 1pm.
Dr Bike will be in 2-4pm -Free bike safety checks (thanks to R2 and North Edinburgh Arts)
Please note, this event with the Scran Van is earlier than our usual 5pm for the last Wednesday of the month.
Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with The King’s Trust, is offering an exciting opportunity for young people aged 16-30 years to launch a career in lifeguarding through a comprehensive free training programme starting next month (August 2025).
To be eligible to apply, candidates must NOT be currently in full-time work or education (including school) and they must be aged between 16 and 30 years old.
Programme Highlights
The innovative ‘Get into Lifeguarding’ initiative provides a structured pathway to employment, featuring:
Programme Timeline
Week 1: King’s Trust Team Building & Employability Skills Workshops at King’s Trust Venue
Week 2: NPLQ course week at Edinburgh Leisure Venue.
Week 3: King’s Trust CV and Interview Preparation Workshops at King’s Trust Venue
Week 4: Work Placement Week at Edinburgh Leisure Venue.
Week 5: Guaranteed Interviews & Celebration Event with Edinburgh Leisure & King’s Trust
Franek Karwacki, 18, from Trinity, is one of a previous cohort’s success stories. He left Trinity High School in summer 2024 with outstanding A-grade Highers and had been working part-time in a fish and chip shop.
Unlike many of his peers who pursued immediate university education, Franek chose an alternative path. Encouraged by his father, he applied to the ‘Get Into Lifeguarding Course’ offered by the King’s Trust in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, viewing it as an opportunity for professional development and personal growth.
Unlike his university-bound friends who were burning through their savings, it was an opportunity for him to earn a steady income in his ‘gap year’. The shift work didn’t bother him either with him enthusing: “I quite enjoy the earlies, starting at 5:30am and ending at 2pm, as it gives me time to pursue my passion for basketball,” he says.
The programme opened a door he hadn’t even considered before. “I hadn’t necessarily thought about lifeguarding as a career path,” Franek admitted, “but now I’ve gained skills that were completely paid for and got a job. The support from both Edinburgh Leisure and the King’s Trust transformed what could have been an uncertain period into a real opportunity.”
A year on, having worked as a lifeguard at Leith Victoria, the qualifications have springboarded him into his next chapter. He has recently left Edinburgh Leisure to finally join his peers by heading to university in Sweden to study Economics and Society.
“I’m going to be looking into lifeguarding opportunities while I’m in Sweden to support my studies, so the qualifications have definitely come in handy.”
Karen West, Manger at Portobello Swim Centre emphasised the programme’s broader mission: “This initiative is a win-win. We’re providing young people with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially launch a career in the leisure industry.
“For many young people, like Franek, this could be life-changing for them.”
How to Apply
For Programme related enquiries and to apply, email by 7 August:
CentralSouthEastScotlandOperations@kingstrust.org.uk
Spaces are limited to 12 participants. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity!
Forever Edinburgh is calling on residents to help shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes who make the city a better place to live. This is part of a reimagination of its Resident Rewards programme “For Local Legends”, celebrating the residents and businesses of Edinburgh.
From friendly shopkeepers and inspiring artists to bus drivers, lollipop ladies, community champions and beyond, this new campaign invites locals to nominate Edinburgh’s Local Legends – the people who go above and beyond, often without recognition.
Nominees will be in with a chance of winning exclusive prizes from Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards partners – from afternoon teas, distillery tours and delicious meals, to unique local experiences.
Prizes have been provided by Resident Rewards partners Mimi’s Bakehouse, Malmaison, Port of Leith Distillery and the Edinburgh Marine Academy.
One especially celebrated individual will be treated to something even more special: a Legendary Local’s Day, featuring an itinerary of unforgettable Edinburgh experiences.
This will include a private tour of Lauriston Castle, where they will find out about the final private owners of Lauriston Castle – Mr and Mrs Reid and Mrs Reid’s brother, Mr Barton and see what it was like to live above and below stairs at Lauriston Castle in Edwardian times.
A nomination page has been launched on the Forever Edinburgh website, where residents can submit their nominations. Whether it’s a neighbour who runs a food bank, a youth worker changing lives or someone who simply brings joy to others, this is your chance to share their story. Nominations are open now and will close on 14 August 2025.
Submissions should include the nominee’s name and details, the nominator’s details and the reason for the nomination, with the option to allow Forever Edinburgh to share the nominee’s story on its social media channels.
All nominations will be hosted on the site, creating a growing list of the city’s everyday legends.
Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Local Legends is about celebrating the people who quietly shape all of the things which make our great city what it is today.
“These are the friendly faces and unsung heroes who make Edinburgh feel like home and this campaign is our way of saying thank you. We’re proud to share the new campaign for our Resident Rewards programme For Local Legends – and even prouder to give something back to the people who give so much.”
This is part of the launch of Forever Edinburgh’s new campaign for Resident Rewards – now reimagined as “For Local Legends”. It represents a refreshed commitment to recognising and rewarding residents and local businesses who together make the city such a wonderful place to live.
This is your chance to say thank you to the legends among us – and help them get the recognition they deserve. Edinburgh residents can now wear a badge of honour as a Local Legend, with a rewards programme that gives unique benefits back to them.
The Resident Rewards programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Forever Edinburgh is proud to recognise and reward the people who help make this city so vibrant, kind in spirit and unique. Now it’s over to you – who’s your local legend?
Nominate your Unsung Legend today at edinburgh.org/residentrewardscomp
Against the iconic backdrop of Calton Hill, performers from across the globe, strike heroic poses, capturing the essence of this year’s theme: The Heroes Who Made Us.
The milestone event promises to celebrate the past, while imagining the future of the Tattoo. Taking audiences back to where it all began in 1950, with the British Army taking on the prestigious role of the Lead Service, the Show will present music, dance and performance that make up the last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond.
Featured in the photography are The Massed Band of the British Army, The Orchestra of the Naval Forces of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, The Representative of the Polish Border Guard, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team and United States Old Guard Fife and Drums.
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.
TIKTOK LAUNCH IN-APP PROGRAMME #SUMMERSKILLS WITH BIG NAMES FROM WORLD OF SPORTS, SCIENCE AND MORE
TikTok has unveiled #SummerSkills: an in-app programme designed to support British parents this summer, where famous faces will be teaching useful skills to teenagers throughout the holidays.
The launch follows new research which reveals the stresses parents are under during the school break. Close to half (47%) struggle to find ways to keep their teenagers entertained and engaged over the holidays, but perhaps don’t realise that a solution is already at their disposal.
The same research shows that 88% of British teens already turn to TikTok for educational content, just under half (44%) use TikTok to discover new interests, and 40% are using TikTok to find how-to tutorials such as learning a sports skill.
That’s why TikTok developed the #SummerSkills programme. It is designed to alleviate some of the stresses parents feel by providing teens with a free and engaging way to learn new skills with their favourite creators, on a platform they are now regularly using for learning content, then trying it out in real life.
With over 1.3 million videos under the #STEM hashtag, 60 million under #BookTok, and more than 567,000 under #songwriting, TikTok is fast becoming a space where learning feels creative and fun.
The #SummerSkills Programme will run across the full five-weeks of the ENGLISH school holidays, inspiring creativity, discovery and skill-building.
From mastering trick-shots with Chelsea FC Women’s captain Millie Bright, to mastering the written word with @ChloeCarterwith2rs, teens can explore new skills and passions across five themed weeks by heading to #SummerSkills and #LearnOnTikTok in the app – where they can discover something new on their feed, then try it out in real life.
Each week features a standout line-up of creators and engaging TikTok LIVEs, including:
Sports Week, with @milliebright04, OBE, Chelsea FC Women’s captain and England international, beginning Wednesday, 23 July, who will be taking teens through the Do’s and Don’ts of defending 1v1 including tips on technique to help your team succeed, as well as footballing self-care recovery to keep yourself match fit. Sports Week also features TikTok LIVE with @RisingBallers.
STEM Week, with @big.manny1, author, science content creator and bio-med graduate, beginning Monday 4 August, who will demo how to test the pH of products at home including beverages and cosmetic products using only a red cabbage and some hot water. STEM week also features a TikTok LIVE with Particle physicist at CERN @particleclara.
Literature Week, with @chloecarterrwith2rs, spoken-word poet, beginning Monday 11 August, who is going to talk teens through how to write a poem to their future self and perfect their spoken word poetry skills. Literature Week also features @theRSC who will be hosted a hands-on creative skills workshop and TikTok live for teens at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ is currently playing.
Music Week, beginning Monday 18 August, artists will inspire young people to become songwriters
Well-being Week, with @fahima.therapy, therapist and well-being advocate, beginning Monday 25 August, who will teach teens to name and regulate their emotions using an emotion wheel, as well as how to self-sooth using their senses.
Sports Week kicked off with a special football masterclass in London led by Lioness legend Millie Bright, who helped teens build confidence, stay active, and develop football skills like speed and agility, passing and control and dribbling and shooting.Having risen through grassroots football to captain her country, Millie also shared the importance of resilience, teamwork and continuous learning.
Millie Bright OBE, Chelsea FC Women’s captain and Englandinternational said: “I’m delighted to have joined the TikTok #SummerSkills programme to inspire teens to learn new football skills over the Summer holidays.
“Anybody can learn a new skill as long as they are curious, so grab your friends and family, and challenge them to try something different – you might just surprise yourself.”
Throughout the campaign, TikTok remains committed to helping teens develop healthy digital habits and explore safely. All accounts for users under 18 have a default 60-minute daily screen time limit, and new tools, such as an in-app meditation feature, help encourage winding down after 10pm.
These measures are part of TikTok’s broader efforts to prioritise teen well-being, ensuring young users can confidently turn their positive online inspiration into real-world action.
Dominic Burns, TikTok’s Head of Operations, UK, Ireland and Nordics, said: “We know that TikTok is a place where teens come to discover and learn, particularly through our dedicated STEM feed and communities like #BookTok and #LearnonTikTok.
“We’re thrilled to bring the TikTok #SummerSkills programme to parents and teens to help them learn new skills together during the holidays, from football tricks to songwriting, poetry to science experiments, TikTok creators will bring these skills to life each week throughout the summer.
“This initiative complements our ongoing work to provide parents with tools and resources through our Family Pairing feature to ensure teens have a positive experience on our platform.”
#SummerSkills offers teens a creative and supportive space to make the most of their summer, while giving parents an easy, trusted way to add value to screen time.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or level up a skill you already love, here’s how to take part in #SummerSkills:
Search #SummerSkills or #LearnOnTikTok on TikTok to explore the latest videos
Follow @TikTok_UKto discover new skills each week
Join a #SummerSkills TikTok LIVE and learn a new skill with your favourite creator
Share your favourite #SummerSkills and help to inspire others along the way
A FREE preview show by a group of tellers from the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Come and listen to three tales of Scottish fairies and folklore, with puppetry and musical instruments adding to the magic.
You’re invited to take part in our interactive imagination exercise as well, perhaps you’ll walk away a storyteller too!
Book your free tickets on:
SCOTLAND’S RURAL COLLEGE TO LEAD RESEARCH
New, groundbreaking research to protect both animal and human health from antibiotic-resistant infections is underway to develop the world’s first dedicated surveillance system in healthy dogs and cats, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced.
Over half of UK adults own pets and live with them in a shared environment, meaning that bacteria, including resistant bacteria, can spread easily between animals and people. All animals and humans have bacteria in their bodies and in many cases these bugs do not cause any harm.
However, some bacteria can be resistant to antibiotics which can lead to serious human or animal health consequences if they cause an infection. Through this study, the VMD seek to understand more about the levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in household pets across the UK, to better protect public health and the health of our pets.
Pet owners across the UK will be contributing to the research programme; the study aims to identify the most reliable methods for understanding AMR in dogs and cats and will include outreach to households and veterinary practices to submit faecal samples from the animals they live with and look after.
These samples will generate AMR surveillance data in healthy companion animals for the first time.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will conduct the pilot study over 4 years and bring huge expertise in this field of work, having established surveillance programmes in other countries.
Abi Seager, VMD CEO said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious global health threats that we face.
“I am proud to launch this ground-breaking AMR surveillance project in healthy cats and dogs with SRUC, who have a proven track-record of establishing surveillance programmes from the ground-up, and this new study is a truly One Health intervention to tackle AMR.
“A recent report published by the Public Accounts Committee on AMR, highlighted the need to address surveillance gaps in animals and we are pleased the VMD is already driving progress in this area.”
John Berezowski, Professor in Disease Surveillance at SRUC’s Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) in Inverness, said: “This initiative is critical for a better understanding of the transmission and maintenance of AMR in our pets. Our experts have worked hard to develop a practical AMR surveillance system.
“We plan to follow a team approach, working with pet owners and their vets as we explore how best to collect samples for surveillance throughout the UK.”
This work will build on existing surveillance programmes in animals, coordinated by the VMD. Currently, in companion animals in the UK, surveillance for AMR only covers a limited number of clinically unwell animals and no country currently has representative national surveillance of AMR in healthy dogs and cats.
The work also follows a similar study recently carried out by UKHSA, looking at the levels of resistant bacteria in healthy people.
VMD are also working to address gaps in clinical surveillance data from companion animals under veterinary care, by addressing barriers to public-private AMR data sharing. This work is being funded by the Integrated Security Fund Biosecurity Portfolio and is being conducted in partnership with the University of Liverpool and private veterinary laboratories.
The Prime Minister met US President Donald Trump in Scotland yesterday.
The leaders began by discussing the appalling scenes in Gaza and agreed that urgent action was needed to bring an end to the suffering, which has reached new depths. Humanitarian aid had to be allowed in at scale and pace.
They committed to work together to bring an end to the misery and starvation and continue to press for the immediate release of the remaining hostages, who have been held so cruelly for so long.
They reiterated their calls for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for peace in the region and the Prime Minister welcomed the President’s efforts to secure this, and shared the plans he is working on with other European leaders to bring about a lasting peace.
Turning to Ukraine, the leaders agreed that they must maintain momentum to bring about an end to the war with Russia, including by putting economic pressure on Putin to come to the table without further delay.
On the landmark Economic Prosperity Deal, the leaders remarked on how beneficial the deal is for working people in the UK and the US and agreed to continue to work together to build further on their close and strong economic relationship.
The leaders discussed plans for the President’s upcoming State Visit in September, which they both looked forward to.
The Prime Minister will update the cabinet on the peace plan proposals at an emergency meeting later today.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney is scheduled to meet the US President this morning.
