Eight more arrests as police take action following spate of incidents

Detectives investigating a number of linked incidents in the East and West have arrested and charged eight people in the past week as officers take action across Scotland.

This brings the total number of arrests in connection with this investigation to 20.

On the evening of Wednesday, 23 April, 2025, a 16-year-old male youth and a 20-year-old man were arrested and charged in connection with five incidents of attempted murder and one of culpable and reckless fire-raising.

This follows a series of fire-raisings that have taken place across Glasgow in recent weeks. Both are due to appear in Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, 25 April.

On Thursday, 24 April, 2025, officers executed warrants at two properties in South Queensferry. Firearms were seized from both addresses. Two men, aged 36 and 38, have been arrested and charged in connection with firearms offences. Both men are due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 25 April.

These are in addition to four other arrests across the country in recent days.

Shortly after 2.35am on Saturday, 19 April, 2025, a vehicle failed to stop for officers in the Robroyston area of Glasgow following disruption activity. The car then left the scene before being abandoned on an offroad track near to Chryston a short time later.

Two men, aged 23 and 24, were arrested and charged in connection with conspiracy and a number of road traffic offences, all related to serious and organised crime. Both appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 22 April.

On Wednesday, 23 April, 2025, a 38-year-old man was arrested and charged in Edinburgh in connection with reset of a stolen vehicle, theft of fuel, road traffic offences, culpable and reckless behaviour and being in possession of weapons.

He was due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday – Thursday, 24 April.

A 16-year-old male was also arrested and charged with reset of a stolen vehicle and culpable and reckless behaviour.  He was due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Thursday, 24 April).

A dedicated team from our Specialist Crime Division is working alongside divisional officers to gather hundreds of pieces of evidence and build solid cases against those responsible for these targeted attacks.

Meanwhile, local officers have been carrying out intelligence-led patrols to disrupt the activities of criminals and build reassurance in our communities.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry said: “The arrests over the past week highlight the ongoing work that officers have been doing to target those responsible for these attacks.

“While we believe these incidents are linked to rival groups who are targeting each other, I want to make it clear this violence will not be tolerated.

“As well as carrying out these days of action and disruption activities, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes, including exploring forensic opportunities and analysis of digital devices.

“While this may not be as visible, please be assured we are working tirelessly to build cases and are following a number of significant lines of enquiry.

“We have had a good response to our appeals and I want to thank the public for their help and information so far.

“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims. Your information really can make a difference.

“If you know anything about who is responsible for these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

Anyone who can assist our enquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

North Edinburgh Arts reveals identity of tomorrow’s Surprise Film

We can now reveal the SURPRISE FILM selected by the North Edinburgh Arts Film Selection Group for the Folk Film Festival Opening Event this Saturday is… The Elephants’ Graveyard!

The Elephants’ Graveyard is a 1976 British drama television play. It was written by Peter McDougall for the BBC’s Play for Today. It stars Billy Connolly and Jon Morrison.

The event will also feature a special short film, Red Ash, as well as music and time for refreshments and discussions.

The event is FREE, book your ticket here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/folk-film-gathering…

Book Trust: The Benefits of Reading

Shared reading has lifelong benefits that every child should experience.

But our research shows that children whose parents or carers like reading themselves are more likely to develop a love of reading.

That’s why it’s so important we support all families to enjoy stories together!

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/…/reading-in-the-early…/…

Scotland must seize untapped opportunity to keep ‘promise’ to children in care through family group decision making

Scotland can speed up progress to keep its promise to care-experienced children by addressing the unequal provision of “family group decision making” according to authors of a new report from Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.  

Family Group Decision Making in Scotland found that while a majority of professionals who offer these services (60%) identified improving outcomes for children, including keeping children out of care, as a key strength, a third of local authorities have no family group decision making provision. Where services are in place provision is patchy, with an average of only two family group decision making coordinator posts per local authority. 

Children First’s research included an online survey of children’s services professionals across Scotland, a review of how family group decision making fits with Scottish law and policy and learning from other countries about the impact of the approach. The research identifies a strong commitment from a range of professionals to family group decision making but says the impact for children is limited by an unclear legislative and policy framework and a lack of sustainable funding. 

Earlier this year, the Promise Oversight Board warned that the Scottish Government’s ambition to make sure care-experienced children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected by 2030 is at risk of being missed.

At the time, the Oversight Board called for family group decision making to be consistently available across the country, saying: “there is a need to ensure it is available to everyone who would benefit from it wherever they live in Scotland, and that it is sustainably funded.” 

Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Families at Children First, said: “If, for any reason, you were unable to care for your own children, you would want them to have the opportunity to be cared for safely by loving members of your wider family or a close friend. Yet too many children in Scotland are still going into care without that chance being fully explored through family group decision making.  

“Our research shows there is a clear place for family group decision making within Scotland’s care and protection system and a strong commitment from a range of professionals to helping children and families benefit from it. But weaknesses in legislation, policy and funding arrangements create barriers which stop children that need family group decision making from accessing it. With the clock ticking closer to 2030 it’s time to seize this untapped opportunity to make faster progress towards keeping the Promise.  

“The forthcoming Promise Bill is a key vehicle for the Scottish Government to clarify the place of family group decision making in legislation by ensuring it is consistently offered before compulsory interventions, such as children’s hearings.”

Read the full report Family Group Decision Making in Scotland.

Building a Healthier Future: The growing demand for Occupational Therapists in Edinburgh

As the mental health crisis rages throughout our nation, the Scottish Government continues  to fail to address the crucial role of occupational therapy for our forgotten citizens (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP). 

As Scotland contends with an escalating mental health crisis, it is heartbreaking to see the  Scottish Government neglect the crucial role of occupational therapy in supporting our  citizens. This oversight leaves countless individuals without the essential care they need to  overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. We must urgently address this gap and  ensure that occupational therapy receives the recognition and support it deserves. 

The shortage of occupational therapists in Edinburgh and across Scotland is truly distasteful.  These professionals play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome physical, emotional,  and social challenges, allowing them to achieve their full potential. The growing demand for  occupational therapy services highlights the need for increased support and investment in this  vital field. 

Occupational therapists are essential in enhancing the quality of life for those with disabilities,  mental health issues, and other barriers to daily living. Their work improves individual well being and strengthens our community by encouraging independence and resilience. 

In Edinburgh, the need for occupational therapists is particularly severe. According to the  Scottish Health Survey, more than 1 in 3 people in Scotland are affected by mental health  problems each year. Furthermore, in a report conducted by the Scottish Action for Mental  Health, over 50,000 people were admitted to hospital with mental health conditions in  2023/24. 

These statistics underscore the urgent need for more occupational therapists to provide timely  and effective care. The impact of occupational therapy extends beyond individual patients. By  helping people regain their independence and participate in daily activities, occupational  therapists contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community. 

Occupational therapists operate in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and  community centres, providing support to individuals of all ages. In Edinburgh, iThrive’s mental  health and wellbeing strategy emphasises the importance of supporting and promoting  mental health in addition to addressing mental illness. 

Occupational therapists are at the forefront of these efforts, helping to create a more inclusive  and supportive environment for all. Despite the critical role of occupational therapists, there  is a significant shortage of these professionals in Scotland. The Mental Health Inpatient Census  2022 revealed that there were 2,959 mental health, addiction, and learning disability  inpatients in NHS Scotland at the time of the census.

This represents an 11% decrease compared with the 2019 Census and a 24% decrease since  the first Census in 2014. The number of available beds for mental health, addiction, and  learning disability patients has also been consistently decreasing, with a 12% decrease in  available beds from the 2019 Census. These trends highlight the growing need for  occupational therapists to provide essential care and support to those in need. 

In a recent conversation with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, I heard about the  ongoing shortage of occupational therapists having far-reaching consequences. It leads to  longer waiting times for patients, reduced access to services, and increased pressure on  existing healthcare providers.

This delay in care can have a detrimental impact on the mental  health and well-being of young people, making it even more critical to address the shortage  of occupational therapists. We also discussed the need to expand the therapy workforce and  improve early intervention, supporting people to be economically active. 

To address this urgent need, we must prioritise the recruitment and retention of occupational  therapists in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

This requires increased investment in education  and training programmes to ensure that we have enough qualified professionals to meet the  growing demand. Additionally, we must provide competitive salaries and benefits to attract  and retain skilled occupational therapists. By investing in these professionals, we are investing  in the future of our community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Furthermore, we must raise awareness about the importance of occupational therapy and the  critical role these professionals play in our healthcare system. Public campaigns and early  educational initiatives can help to highlight the value of occupational therapy and encourage  more individuals to pursue careers in this field. Through promoting the benefits of  occupational therapy, we can help to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system. 

The need for occupational therapists in Edinburgh and Scotland is urgent and cannot be  ignored. Here, we must value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. Let us work  together to address this critical issue and build a healthier and more inclusive future for all.

Everyone is invited to the LifeCare Spring Fair this Saturday

Everyone is invited to the LifeCare Spring Fair this Saturday 26 April, 1030-1330.

Come along to our fully accessible community hub on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge to enjoy a wander around our stalls, indulge in some delicious home baking, pick up some new plants or raffle tickets and help support our charity!  

FREE Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund 

Teas, coffees and morning rolls will be available from our cafe.  

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Scottish Secretary increases Scottish Government borrowing powers

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has laid the ‘The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025’ which increases the Scottish Government’s borrowing limits to a cumulative total of £3 billion for capital and £629 million for resource. 

The Scottish Government’s borrowing limits (both annual and cumulative) are uprated annually in line with inflation, as set out in the Fiscal Framework. As the cumulative limits are legislated for under the Scotland Act 1998, secondary legislation is required to make the annual changes. The annual limits are non-legislative so no legislative change is required to amend these. 

Speaking after laying the Order, Mr Murray said: “I’m very pleased to have laid this Scotland Act Order which increases the Scottish Government’s cumulative borrowing limits to a total of £3.6 billion.

“The Autumn Budget provided an additional £4.9 billion for the Scottish Government, ending austerity. These borrowing powers are on top of the Scottish Government’s record funding settlement of £47.7 billion this financial year.

“We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, and this order is a key part of our commitment to maintain the devolution settlement.”

The Order will take effect on 30 June 2025. There will be a debate in the House of Commons before then. 

The 2023 Fiscal Framework Agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments sets out the Scottish Government’s funding arrangements, including budget management tools such as borrowing powers. 

Officials in both the UK Government and the Scottish Government worked together to deliver the Order, as they do with all Scotland Act Orders.

Rent control consultation published

Views sought on exemptions from rent control and where rent could be increased above cap

A consultation has been published on potential for certain exemptions from rent controls or increases above the rent cap.

Last year, the Scottish Government set out its plans for long-term rent controls in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which will help create a fairer, better-regulated rented sector for tenants and landlords.

Tenants, landlords and others in the rented sector are being asked to share their views on possible exemptions to the rent cap, for example in connection with mid-market and Build to Rent properties.

The consultation also considers where landlords could be allowed to increase rents above the cap, for example where there have been improvements to their property or where rents have consistently been charged at a level below market rates.

Views are also being sought on how Ministers’ regulation-making powers could be used to clarify how private sector joint tenancies are ended.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The rent control proposals we have published as part of the Housing Bill are just some of the measures we are taking to improve lives and work towards achieving our goal of ending child poverty in Scotland.

“Our rent control proposals will help provide certainty for tenants by keeping them in their homes and ensure rents remain affordable during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Rental properties are a crucial element of our efforts to tackle the housing emergency and we want landlords to have the confidence to invest and continue to provide good quality, affordable homes.

“We have published this consultation as part of our ongoing engagement with those who will be affected by rent control.  The responses will help us strike the right balance between supporting tenants, whilst ensuring the rights of landlords are protected and we continue to support investment in the rented homes we need.”

Housing (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

Vintage Vibes organises Edinburgh’s first Cake Grab

We’re doing it! On Sunday 18th May, from 1pm to 3:30pm at Leonardo Hotel, Murrayfield we will be hosting Edinburgh’s first Cake Grab to raise funds to tackle local loneliness. 🍰

This unique event, hosted by Vintage Vibes, brings together 100 local people to create the ultimate cake-sharing experience.

HOW IT WORKS

🧁 100 brilliant bakers will each bring a homemade cake to share.

🧁 Our VIP judges, members of Vintage Vibes Community, will award prizes for the most exciting and unusual cakes.

🧁 Then, the fun begins! Each guest will receive a box and a set time limit to grab as many different slices as possible.

🧁 No cake left behind! Once time’s up, any remaining cake becomes a free-for-all—so pace yourself wisely!

But it’s not just about the thrill of dashing for cake. Throughout the afternoon, you can chat all things baking, enjoy eating your chosen treats, take part in fantastic raffles and games, and even grab a drink at the on-site bar. All whilst making a difference to Edinburgh’s most isolated older people.

🎟 DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND 🎟

We’ve had so much interest in this event and limited ticket numbers, so we are announcing the time and date that the tickets go on sale in ADVANCE!

Tickets will go on sale on our website https://vintagevibes.org.uk/support/ at 11am on Saturday 26th April.

Tickets will be first come, first served but you can book multiple tickets in one go. Add a reminder to your diary now!

🤩 Practical Bits and Bobs 🤩

✅ Yes, there is free parking and good bus connections

✅ Yes, bakers of all levels welcome

✅ Yes, if there are enough bakers we will have tables for Gluten Free and Vegan cakes

✅ Yes, it is a fully accessible venue

Please help us spread the word by sharing with friends and fellow cake lovers! 🥰