A 28-year-old man has been sentenced for three housebreakings, the theft of 14 motor vehicles and for a number of road traffic offences in Edinburgh which occurred between March 2021 and April 2022.
Jordan Skachill broke into people’s homes, stole personal and sentimental possessions which he used for his own financial gain. He is also responsible for the theft of several cars, mainly Range Rovers, selling them on for his own financial gain.
Following extensive enquiries and detailed investigation, Skachill was arrested in April 2022. He was charged with a number of housebreakings, car thefts and road traffic offences.
As part of ongoing enquiries, officers were able to recover some of the cars and stolen items. Skachill pleaded guilty on 18 November, 2022. Yesterday, he was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “Skachill cares little for the people he has stolen from. He cares little for the hurt and harm he has caused. All he is concerned about is himself and what he can get out of it. He will now serve time in prison for what he has done. I hope this offers some consolation to the people he has stolen from.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in this investigation and in particular those members of the public who assisted us in our enquiries. With the continued support and co-operation of the public, we can ensure justice is done.”
Welcome to your December Newsletter and Season’s Greetings from the Heart
It’s been a memorable year, has it not, and just look where we are now: the community is finally installed in the Heart, which is going from strength to strength; members of the community have been welcomed in to the first events as work progresses towards opening the whole site; several community groups are holding regular sessions at the Heart, while tenants and partners continue to prepare their various premises.
Coorie-In for winter
We held our Coorie-In event on Saturday 26th November, attended by around 300 people keen to see what was happening. Various partners and users took the opportunity to let people see what to expect as we move forward and the afternoon was voted a great success.
Asked what they had enjoyed about the event, a common answer was “Everything!” Particularly noted was the warm welcome, the variety of workshops and people, the Ukranian crafts, the Victorian Schoolroom and the heritage displays. One special reply was this: Seeing the school “come alive” with voices of all ages. On the negative side, several people felt there should have been more signage, so we’ll work on that for next time.
And talking about the next time, watch out for our next such event, already in the diary for Thursday 23rd February, to be held in the evening this time, from 7- 8.30pm.
Reminiscence
Trained Heart reminiscence volunteers were among the groups taking part in the Coorie-In and were kept busy all afternoon.
They hope to organise regular reminiscence events once the building is up and running and the stories and memories shared at these events will eventually be shared with the whole community.
In the meantime, they are happy to go out into the community and gather memories that way.
Before the Coorie-In, those who had signed up to volunteer had been invited to an introductory event on Saturday November 19th. It was the Heart’s first volunteer information session and had a tremendous turn out.
Prospective volunteers were given a tour around the building and a presentation on upcoming volunteer opportunities. It was a great opportunity for like-minded people to come together and there was a lot of friendly chat over a bowl of hot soup.
We hope to run these sessions regularly, so please register your interest by completing the volunteer form on the website
Bookings at the Heart have been increasing but if you have a one-off event you’re planning, or if you plan to hold regular meetings, then come along and see what we have to offer. If you’re interested in renting a space, whether by the hour or regularly, do fill in the form on the website. In particular we can offer evening spaces in the comfortable, modern Anchor Building or for larger events, perhaps the old school assembly hall might suit you. You only have to ask.
1) Do you know of anyone who would appreciate receiving our newsletters? Spread the word and let us know.
2) Is there anyone with an electric keyboard/piano who would donate it for the Anchor building?
3) We’re still on the hunt for someone with some HR experience who might be able to help us. If you would like to get involved, then get in touch via the admin@ address or contact our Chair, Judy Crabb at judy.crabb@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
Finally, in other news, the Heart is proud to report that It’s Your Neighbourhood, part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful charity has marked us up to Level 3, Advancing, so thank you to everyone who has helped plant bulbs and other plants both around the Heart itself and elsewhere in the neighbourhood.
Stop Press
Save Our Ponds You may be interested in this petition. The aim is to save wildlife habitat on unused building plots near Western Harbour, which are currently up for sale for further development. More information on the Community Council Website: https://lhncc.org.uk
LifeCare are providing a warm space at weekends, 3:30 – 6:30pm at CafeLife, 2 Cheyne St, Stockbridge, with free soup & hot drinks, board games, books & free wi-fi.
You may have seen in the news and online stories about Group A Strep.The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year.
Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that mostly affects young children. It’s easily treated with antibiotics.
The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children. It causes a distinctive pink-red rash.
The illness is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as Group A Streptococcus, which are found on the skin and in the throat.
Generally, scarlet fever is much less common than it used to be but in recent years there have been a number of significant outbreaks.
This year we have seen higher than usual numbers of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections in Scotland and persistently high numbers of cases of scarlet fever among children.
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever so that early treatment with antibiotics can be given.
Scarlet fever symptoms
Scarlet fever usually follows a sore throat or a skin infection, like impetigo, caused by particular strains of Streptococcus bacteria.
The symptoms of scarlet fever usually develop 2 to 5 days after infection. However, the incubation period (the period between exposure to the infection and symptoms appearing) can be as short as one day or as long as 7 days.
Non-urgent advice:Speak to your GP if:
You or your child has symptoms of scarlet fever like:
a pinkish, rough textured rash
a sore throat
a headache
a high temperature (38.3C/101F or above)
flushed cheeks
a swollen tongue, known as strawberry tongue
Rash
The distinctive pink-red rash caused by scarlet fever develops 12 to 48 hours after symptoms like a sore throat or headache.
Red blotches are the first sign of the rash. These turn into a fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch and looks like sunburn. It may also be itchy.
On darker skin the rash may be more difficult to see although its rough texture should be apparent.
The rash usually starts on the chest and stomach, but soon spreads to other parts of the body, like the:
ears
neck
elbows
inner thighs
groin
The rash doesn’t usually spread to the face. However, the cheeks become flushed and the area just around the mouth stays quite pale. The rash will turn white if you press a glass on it.
The rash usually fades after about a week, but the outer layers of skin, usually on the hands and feet, may peel for several weeks afterwards.
In milder cases, sometimes called scarlatina, the rash may be the only symptom.
red lines in the folds of the body, such as the armpit, which may last a couple of days after the rash has gone
a white coating on the tongue, which peels a few days later leaving the tongue red and swollen (this is known as strawberry tongue)
a general feeling of being unwell
When to seek medical advice
If you think you or your child may have scarlet fever, see your GP for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It usually clears up after about a week
Your GP should be able to diagnose scarlet fever by examining the distinctive rash and asking about other symptoms. They may also decide to take a sample of saliva from the back of the throat so it can be tested in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
There’s no evidence to suggest that catching scarlet fever when pregnant will put your baby at risk. However, if you’re heavily pregnant, tell the doctors and midwives in charge of your care if you’ve been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever.
How scarlet fever spreads
Scarlet fever is very infectious and can be caught by:
breathing in bacteria in airborne droplets from an infected person’s coughs and sneezes
touching the skin of a person with a Streptococcal skin infection, such as impetigo
sharing contaminated towels, baths, clothes or bed linen
It can also be caught from people who have the bacteria in their throat or on their skin but don’t have any symptoms.
Who’s affected by scarlet fever
Most cases of scarlet fever occur in children under 10 (usually between 2 and 8 years of age). However, people of any age can get the illness.
As it’s easily spread, scarlet fever is likely to affect someone in close contact with a person with a sore throat or skin infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Outbreaks can occur in nurseries and schools where children are in close contact with one another.
The symptoms of scarlet fever will only develop in people susceptible to toxins produced by the Streptococcus bacteria. Most children over 10 years of age will have developed immunity to these toxins.
It’s possible to have scarlet fever more than once, but this is rare.
Treating scarlet fever
Most cases of scarlet fever clear up after about a week without treatment. However, your GP may recommend treatment as it:
reduces the length of time you’re infectious
speeds up recovery
lowers the risk of complications of scarlet fever
With treatment, most people recover in about 4 to 5 days and can return to nursery, school or work 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Without treatment, you’ll be infectious for 1 to 2 weeks after symptoms appear.
Antibiotics
Scarlet fever is usually treated with a 10-day course of antibiotics. This is often in the form of penicillin or amoxicillin tablets, although liquid may be used for young children.
For people who are allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics like erythromycin can be used instead.
The symptoms usually improve within 24 hours of starting antibiotics, with the other symptoms disappearing within a few days. However, it’s important that the whole course of treatment is completed to ensure the infection is fully cleared and reduce the potential for antibiotic resistance.
Keep your child away from nursery or school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Adults with scarlet fever should also stay off work for at least 24 hours after starting treatment.
Self care
Many of the symptoms of scarlet fever can be relieved using some simple self care measures.
Do
drink plenty of cool fluids
eat soft foods (if your throat is painful)
take paracetamol to bring down a high temperature
use calamine lotion or antihistamines to relieve itching
Complications of scarlet fever
Most cases of scarlet fever don’t cause complications, particularly if the condition is properly treated.
However, there’s a small risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body and causing more serious infections, like:
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them away from nursery or school for at least 24 hours after starting treatment with antibiotics. Adults with the illness should also stay off work for at least 24 hours after starting treatment.
GPs, schools and nurseries should be aware of the current high levels of scarlet fever and inform local health protection teams if they become aware of cases, particularly if more than one child is affected.
Do
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
wash your hands with soap and water after using or disposing of tissues.
Don’t
do not share contaminated utensils, cups and glasses, clothes, baths, bed linen or towels
Police Scotland’s national rollout of the opioid reversal treatment, Naloxone, is reaching officers the length and breadth of the country.
Around 3,000 kits have been issued throughout Edinburgh, Highland and Islands, Dundee and Forth Valley divisions in recent weeks, where operational officers are now being trained and equipped.
The deliveries mark the completion of roll-outs to operational officers up to and including the rank of Inspector in both Highland & Islands and Forth Valley, while officers in Edinburgh, Ayrshire and North East divisions will be supplied with kits for the first time.
Police Scotland successfully piloted the carriage and use of Naloxone by its officers last year as part of a public health approach to addressing the country’s drug death rates, which are the highest in Europe.
Officers in four areas (Falkirk, Grangemouth & Stirling; Dundee City; Glasgow East, Caithness, and local custody suites) began carrying the single use intra-nasal sprays in March 2021.
Since then it has been used in at least 95 incidents by officers, with positive outcomes on all but four occasions. In three of the four incidents, officers suspected the individual was already deceased, however, they administered Naloxone to give the casualty every possible chance at recovery. In the fourth instance the individual did not regain consciousness and later died in hospital.
Nearly 4,000 officers are now both trained and equipped with Naloxone, or are due to undertake online training in the coming weeks.
All operational officers are expected to receive personal issue kits in early 2023. Probationary constables will also be trained in the use of Naloxone during their initial training at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie (Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing) said: “The national roll-out of Naloxone comes following a robust, independent evaluation of our test of change. As our officers are so often the first on the scene of a critical incident, it is right we equip them with this additional first aid resource, which can be used safely and with no adverse effects.
“We are working closely with partners to ensure adequate expertise is accessible to people who have received Naloxone from our officers. This includes the ambulance service as well as health colleagues who are best placed to provide additional support.
“Our approach to drugs in Scotland remains twofold. We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable people in society in times of crisis, and Naloxone helps us to do this. However, we remain resolutely determined to do all we can to stop illegal drugs reaching our villages, towns and cities in the first place. We continue to use all available resources to bring those involved in serious and organised crime to justice, and to safeguard Scotland’s communities.”
The circumstances in which Naloxone has been administered by Police Scotland officers have included incidents where officers have discovered unconscious casualties while on patrol, or been alerted to an overdose by a member of the public. Other incidents have involved people in police custody, during police public order incidents and the execution of a search warrant. Naloxone has also been administered to people intending to complete suicide.
More information about the carriage of Naloxone by Police Scotland officers can be found here.
Brits are being urged to prepare for their Christmas drive home, with experts advising how motorists can travel safely this December.
Road safety experts at Road Angel have offered six tips for those driving home this Christmas to help them travel safely and keep their cars prepared for winter conditions.
Winter driving requires extra care and caution at all times because of potentially adverse conditions so it’s important to get vehicles ready for the cold and plan out a route home in advance.
Although it may ruin Christmas day plans, the Highway Code instructs motorists to stay safe and only drive in icy or snowy conditions if the journey is essential.
For those travelling in adverse conditions, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack an emergency breakdown kit just in case.
Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel said: “Christmas is a time when lots of us are making long car journeys to get back and see our loved ones yet the roads at this time of year can be treacherous.
“We want to make sure everyone gets to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas celebration and there are several things drivers can do before setting off to make sure their journey goes as smoothly as possible.
“Planning a route out in advance and travelling early on a Saturday morning will help you get home for Christmas as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare an emergency breakdown kit, just in case.
“No one wants to break down at the best of times, never mind on Christmas Day – that’s why it’s important to prepare your car for the cold and drive safely with care and caution at all times – you’ll be sure to home for a wonderful Christmas time spent with loved ones.”
Driving home for Christmas – Road Angel’s winter car tips for motorists:
Plan route in advance
One of the most important things you can do before travelling in winter is to plan the route home in advance. Although drivers may think they know where they’re going, it’s always best to double check directions to avoid driving around unknown roads in the dark and harsh weather. It’s also a good idea to plan route alternatives in case the original is not accessible because of the harsh weather.
Try to avoid traffic
Remember that lots of other households will be driving home for Christmas, so it’s best to leave plenty of time in advance to avoid getting stuck in traffic and delays to Christmas parties and gatherings. If possible avoid travelling at rush-hour to steer away from the commuter traffic – the best time of the week to drive is early morning or evening on a Saturday.
Get the car ready for the cold
Get the car ready for the cold weather of winter by checking the vehicle over before making long distances when visiting loved ones this Christmas. Check the tyre pressure, heating and oil, as well as making sure that the car battery doesn’t stall by turning on the car before setting off, and most importantly, ensure that all the bulbs on the car are working fully.
Check the weather forecast
The weather has a massive impact on how motorists should drive over wintertime. Check the forecast before setting off to avoid driving in any adverse conditions – and be prepared to cancel or amend plans if the weather is too dangerous to drive in. The Highway Code says drivers should not travel in snowy and icy conditions unless the journey is essential, and before setting off drivers MUST be able to see. Clear all snow and ice from all of the windows and keep them demisted, ensure mirrors are clear, the number plate is visible and lights are fully functioning.
Pack an emergency breakdown kit
Breaking down in the winter can be very dangerous, because of the extreme weather and darkness. It’s a good idea to pack an emergency breakdown kit in the car just in case any accidents happen. Pack a foil blanket, spare clothes and shoes to keep warm. Food, water and a phone charger are also good essentials to pack. A torch, jump leads, shovel and de-icer are again good emergency breakdown kit ideas for winter.
Driving safely
There are also several driving tips motorists can follow to get back home safely for Christmas. The Highway Code recommends to avoid overtaking and keep further back from the car ahead as stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer in adverse conditions. When it’s icy on the roads drivers should use a high gear and slow speed, accelerating and braking gently and drive especially slow around bends when it’s much more likely to lose control of the car. Other tips include driving with care and caution at all times, and keeping updated on the latest travel and weather news.
The Christmas driving tips are just one of several road safety initiatives the team at Road Angel are currently working on.
Christmas is a time when many of us look forward to being with our loved ones, making lifelong memories while getting into the festive spirit of caring for each other.
For the majority of us the festive period will be full of joy and an occasion to look forward to. However, for families whose children will be seriously ill in hospital, this Christmas will be a time full of worry. Hospital can be a lonely and scary place for anyone, but especially a child. We want to make sure no child faces hospital alone and like all charities we are in desperate need of support to do this.
Without a place to stay close to the hospital our families will have to travel, on average, 90 minutes to be with their seriously ill child. The alternative is paying out for expensive hotels, sleeping on a chair in the hospital or even sleeping in their cars. Neither are viable options, worsened further by the current cost of living crisis. These extra expenses are another burden that families shouldn’t have to shoulder at a time when all they want is to be with their child.
Our ‘Homes from Home’ are free for families who need them and it currently costs us approximately £40 to support one family for one night, but this cost is rapidly rising.
By donating £40 to our appeal your readers will give families all the precious gifts of Christmas; care, wellbeing, warmth, rest and most precious of all, time together in our ‘Homes from Home’.
Our ten ‘Homes from Home’ are located at specialist children’s hospitals and support families from across the UK. They are completely free of charge to all the families that stay with us, but as a charity we rely on the generosity of our supporters to make sure every child can be with their family this Christmas.
We want to make sure that no child faces hospital alone and that all families can be together this Christmas, making special festive memories rather than travelling in their car or sleeping in uncomfortable waiting room chairs.
Every £40 donated will give another family the precious gift of togetherness, ensuring that they can always be just minutes away from their ill child’s hospital bedside.
Pupils at Lasswade Primary School in Bonnyrigg are all set for their summer camping adventure thanks to donation from local homebuilder, Walker Group.
The primary 7’s are fundraising for their two night summer camping trip in Ford Castle, Northumberland where they’ll enjoy archery, kayaking and orienteering as well as a silent disco and toasted marshmallows around the fire.
The pupils have already been exploring ways to fundraise for the trip from bag packing in supermarkets, car boot sales, Grow a Pound and bucket collections at local sports clubs.
Walker Group, part of the Springfield Group, has agreed to match the schools fundraising efforts up to £1,000.
Alison Malcolm, Mum of one of Lasswade Primary’s P7 pupils, said: “The pupils have been working so hard to raise money for the trip to cover the cost of the coach and to also to bring the overall cost down for families so that it is as inclusive as possible.
“Through our own fundraising, we’ve raised £1,100. It’s hugely generous of Walker to offer to match our fundraising pot up to £1,000 bringing our total so far to over £2,000. It’s made the children all the more determined to keep going!”
The developers are building high-quality and energy efficient homes at One Dalhousie, within walking distance of the school.
Development Consultant, Luca Tropea, selling the 3- and 4-bedroom homes at One Dalhousie, said: “A key part of our ethos at Walker, and indeed across all the homebuilding brands within the Springfield Group, is to support local schools, charities and groups wherever possible.
“It’s great we’re able to offer support to the pupils at Lasswade Primary so all the children that want to go, can enjoy their summer camping trip.
“We’re especially pleased to see the children working so hard to do their own fundraising to make their trip possible and delighted to match their activities.”
The pupils have already organised a bucket collection and tombola to be held at a local supermarket in the new year and have carried out bucket collections at the Bonnyrigg Rose game on Sat 15th of October where almost £500 was generously donated by supporters (pictured).
Know how to stay on top of prescriptions – festive advice from NHS 24.
NHS 24 are advising people in Scotland to check their prescription medication and ensure they have enough to last throughout the festive holidays.
Dr John McAnaw, a pharmacist and NHS 24’s Associate Clinical Director, explains why it’s essential that people put health at the top of their festive ‘to-do’ list,
‘Over the holidays every year, NHS 24 receives thousands of calls from the public who have run out of essential prescribed medication. This can obviously be a very stressful situation for most people, however, by being organised and ordering any required prescriptions in advance, this would avoid this scenario and ensure that the 111 service can help more people who require urgent healthcare advice.
‘Due to both Christmas and Hogmanay falling on a weekend this year, many pharmacies and healthcare providers will be closed for a period of four days on each occasion. Therefore it is so important that people plan ahead, order only what they need and pick it up in plenty of time before these holidays.
‘To ensure you have all medication you require, please check what medication you already have and order any additional supplies you need by Friday 16th December. This will give both your GP practice and pharmacy time to process requests at what is already a very busy time of year for them.’
Dr McAnaw’s advice is part of a NHS Scotland national health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The campaign provides advice on how to stay well and enjoy the festivities, avoiding the need to get medical help over the holidays.
Tips include:
Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and pick them up in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
Know how to be prepared for common illnesses. Ensure you have some remedies in the house.
Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online.
Know how to get the right care, in the right place. Further medical advice can be found during the week by contacting your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optometrist. For out of hours or during holiday closures call NHS 24 on 111.
More details on the Healthy Know How campaign can be found here –
